Mobs in the north.-Lawless violence and outrage by rebel
     sympathizers.-The clash of arms.-Battle of the chaparral
     between gen.  Silent and gen.  Laws.

     “One day thou wilt be blest,
     So still obey the guiding hand that fends
     Thee safely through these wonders for sweet ends.” 
     -Keats.

“After the battle of Middleton’s Ridge some rest for Papson’s troops was indispensable.  As soon, how-ever, as it could be done consistently with the condition of things, Gen. Silent issued orders from his headquarters, then at Nashua, to Papson and Sherwood for a disposition of the troops to be made so as to protect the lines of communication between Louis City, Nashua and Chatteraugus north, and from Chatteraugus to Bridgeton, Huntersville and De Kalb west.  This distribution was speedily made.  The enemy was in no condition for serious offensive movements, and contented himself during the Winter with a continuous harassing of our troops whenever found in squads or small commands not sufficiently strong to make effective resistance.

“Near Huntersville a man by the name of John Cotton, with somewhere between fifty and one hundred men, was constantly raiding small corrals where only a few guards were left to watch them.  His business seemed to be to steal mules and wagons, being one of the parties operating under a contract to plunder for fifty per cent, of the property so taken.  He had the same authority and character of commission from the authorities at Richmond as Blackman and Beall, of whom I have heretofore spoken.  During the Winter this man crossed the Little Combination River near Painter’s Rock, and made a raid on Gen. Chas. Ward’s corrals.  Ward had been notified of the intention of John Cotton by a Union man named Harris, who resided near Huntersville.  Gen. Ward had a company of infantry under cover near the corral, and about midnight Cotton made his appearance.  The men who were watching for him remained quiet until he was near the corral, and then fired a volley into his raiders, killing three and wounding ten.  They then rushed at Cotton, and he, with nine of his men, were taken prisoners.  The wounded were cared for and the dead buried.  The next day Gen. Ward organized a drumhead court-martial and tried those captured who were not wounded.  The nine men claimed to have been forced into the service by Cotton, and were sent to Nashua and put to work, under sentence.  John Cotton was treated differently.  He was not troublesome again during the time that our troops remained at Painter’s Rock.  The understanding South and North among the friends of the rebellion was that raids were again to commence whenever they could be made at all advantageous to our enemies.

“The Knights of the Golden Circle, or ‘Sons of Liberty,’ began to be open and bold in their utterances and their villainous work.  In New York they aroused their friends and got up mobs of such magnitude that they could only be suppressed by withdrawing troops from the field to operate against them.  The recruiting offices were mobbed, offices and papers burned, and the officers brutally beaten; houses were set on fire in great numbers and destroyed.  Many large stores were broken open and plundered by the mob.  All helped themselves to dry goods, clothing, jewelry, watches, and whatever they discovered.  Innocent men were brutally murdered in the streets.  Women were driven from their houses and insulted in every possible way.  Hospitals and asylums for orphans were plundered and burned, and the poor, helpless inmates driven into the streets.  Children were clubbed and brained by brutes for no other reason than that they were colored.  Wounded and sick soldiers were thrown on the sidewalks and left without aid or assistance of any kind.  Poor negro men were taken from hacks and wagons and hanged to lampposts.  In one instance a poor man was cut into halves as if he were a slaughtered beast.  Men were sent from Canada, employed by Thomlinson and his co-conspirators, to come to New York and aid in this inhuman butchery.”

“My God!  What brutality and inhuman cruelty!  It does seem impossible that such things could have transpired in a civilized community!” said Dr. Adams.

“Yes,” continued Uncle Daniel, “it would really seem so.  Yet these things did not only take place, but were carried on here in the North by the anti-war party, and were well known by all who were old enough at the time to understand matters; but they are now forgotten.  Why, sir, mob violence was resorted to in many places.  Inflammatory speeches were made in every community where they would be tolerated.  Our people were alarmed everywhere in the North, and were preparing for great trouble at home in the absence of the army.  Indiana was stirred up to white heat.  Many outrages were perpetrated on the State soldiers who returned home on a furlough, and in many instances they were murdered.  One old man by the name of Banty, who had two sons in an Illinois regiment-they being residents of that State at the outbreak of the rebellion-was tied to a tree in the woods some distance from home, and remained in this condition till rescued by his wife.  It became so intolerable that troops were held at Indianapolis for protection to the city and country.  The Governor, as well as other citizens, were threatened: 

“In Ohio the same condition of things existed.  Camp Chase was about to be attacked.  Troops had, of necessity, to be sent for the safe keeping of the prisoners.

“At Coleston, Ill., the Knights of the Golden Circle attacked a squad of Union soldiers, who had just returned home from the army on furlough, and killed seven of them.  In one county further south in Illinois, the name of which I have forgotten, there were quite a number of soldiers killed in secret.  A man by the name of Geo. Akers, who had once been Sheriff of the County, but at the time of which I am speaking was the Head Center of the Golden Circle in that part of the country, was so strongly suspected of having soldiers quietly ‘put out of the way,’ that a search of his premises was made by a Provost Marshal, and in his mill, which was on his place, were found many suits of Union soldiers’ uniforms, evidently taken from dead bodies.  He was put in prison, but was aided to escape by his brother conspirators.  In the same County a soldier by the name of Stacks, while home on a furlough, was called to his own door in the night and shot by one Honeycliff.  I give these instances merely to have you understand the feeling and determination of the men in the North who sympathized with the rebellion, to aid it in all ways and by any means, no matter how foul or vile.”

“Uncle Daniel,” said Col.  Bush, “I know about Akers and the cases you mention in Illinois, as I was sent there at that time with a battalion to look after those fellows, and you do not tell one-half the trouble there was in that part of the country.”

“No, I presume not; I only remember these facts in regard to matters in that State that fastened themselves irrevocably upon my mind.”

Said Dr. Adams:  “It seems incredible that such things could have happened in the North, where the same men now claim to have been loyal then.”

“But, Doctor,” said Col.  Bush, “all these things did occur, though they are now forgotten by many, and our young people, who know very little about the war, except such things as they may gather from imperfect and distorted histories, doubt the truthfulness of these facts, being unable to understand why traitors should go unpunished.  Why, Doctor, many of the men who were harassing and alarming the people then as Knights of the Golden Circle, are now the leading men in the communities where they were then the most offensive to Union people and disloyal to their Government.  They have so managed as to be at the front politically, and if affairs continue as they are now, and seem tending, very soon the same men will claim that they put down the rebellion.  They have already deceived many by their self-assertion.  You see, Doctor, the policy of not allowing ourselves to speak of the war nor any of its concomitants, leaves the young people in ignorance of what we suffered during its existence.”

“That is true, I am sorry to say,” replied Dr. Adams; “but we who do know all about it should teach the present and coming generations these very important facts.  The difficulty is, however, that when you undertake it many people insist that they wish to forget all about it, and that they do not want their children to know anything of its horrors.  But, Uncle Daniel, please continue what you were telling us.”

“The Richmond authorities,” said Uncle Daniel, “had detached a portion of Biggs’s command under Gen. Brice, some 20,000 strong, and sent them into Missouri, where they had made the homes of many Union people desolate, and spread terror throughout that State and a portion of Kansas.  Brice had organized bands of marauders and bushwhackers, as they were termed, in the same way and under the same character of agreements as made with Blackman and others.  Quartel’s and Stringfinder’s bands were the most destructive to life and property, murdering Union men as they moved, and making the country a desolate waste through which they passed.  The smoke rising from houses, barns, etc., could be seen in every direction.  It could well have been termed ’a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.’

“At the same time the rebel cruisers were a terror on the high seas.  The Alabama, the Florida, and the Shenandoah were a dreaded scourge among our merchantmen.  Our commerce was being driven from the seas and passing under the flags of other countries.

“’All these things were very discouraging to the loyal people of our country, and at the same time greatly encouraged the rebels and their allies and friends in the North.  The demagogues of the anti-war party traversed the whole country, haranguing the people, preaching peace and crying high taxes, and insisting that the war had so far been a total failure, and that it would not be any better in the future.  In fact, they were carrying out to the letter that which had been suggested by Valamburg and his friends at St. Catharines, in Canada, at the meeting about which I have heretofore spoken.  Many of our best men had to return home from the army for a brief period and canvass as stump orators before the people, in order to quiet their apprehensions and fears as to the chances of our ultimate success.”

“Yes,” said Capt.  Inglesby, “I well remember the very great anxiety then amongst our people.  I returned home about the time mentioned, and the question was constantly asked me if I thought we could ever suppress the rebellion.  All our successes during the Summer and Fall before seemed to have had only a temporary effect upon our people.  In fact, they were easily discouraged during the whole period through which the war was continued.”

“Yes, Col.  Bush, that is easily accounted for.  We left behind us an element nearly or quite a majority; certainly so in many parts of our country North, which was constantly decrying the war and the means which were being used against the rebellion.  Their constant talk in the same direction could not help having a great influence, especially on the minds of weak men, aud in many instances on those whose nearest and dearest relatives were in the army taking the chances of their lives; and, as you all well know, these pretended friends to our faces were in their hearts wishing and praying for the success of our enemies.”

“Yes, that is true; and it was strange and hard to understand at the time, as these same people could have gained nothing by the success of the rebellion.  They lived North, and would have been equally despised by the rebels (if they had succeeded) as a part of the Yankee Nation.”

“Doubtless that would have been so, but it was not particularly the love that they had for the rebels or their cause, but their hatred for the party in power.  They had been in power so long, that being ousted by the voice of the people made a number of the leaders who had lost in the political contest feel a desire to see the people who had beaten them lose in the contest against the rebellion.  They had said so many bitter things against Mr. Lincoln and prophesied war and final separation between the slave and free States, that they were willing to see the country destroyed in order to be considered among the people as wise oracles and political prophets; so that they made it their interest politically that the rebellion should succeed.  Many people were followers of these men in all the States North.  Out of this feeling grew and prospered the Knights of the Golden Circle, or Sons of Liberty.”

“Well, gentlemen,” said Dr. Adams, “I agree with all you have said; but I am growing somewhat impatient to again hear Uncle Daniel.”

All were again listeners, and Uncle Daniel proceeded: 

“I was speaking of the alarming condition of the country and the dangers that were menacing peaceful citizens, as well as their property.  I became very much alarmed for the safety of the two families left in my charge.  I sent a letter to Henry to come with his wife and make my house his home for the present.  He and Seraine came at once, and were willing as well as happy in remaining with us for a while, Seraine feeling satisfied that, as her parents were two such quiet people, no harm could come to them.  After the excitement and confusion created by the delight in the household over their arrival subsided, Henry took me aside and related his experience since leaving home.

“He said that he remained quietly in Detroit for some time at his wife’s home.  Then he went to Windsor, and there learned that the people of the Confederacy were very much disheartened, but were making a desperate effort to harass the armies of the Union, without fighting great battles, until their armies were recuperated and filled up with new recruits; that the plan was for their friends to confuse and excite the Northern people, just as they were doing.  He stated Jacob Thomlinson’s plans just as they were being literally carried out.  After these plans were well on the way in the direction of being fully executed, C. C. Carey left for Richmond, and Jacob Thomlinson for London, accompanied by Mr. Wintergreen, who was to act as his private secretary.  On separating from Carey the understanding was that they would remain away from Canada until the political canvass for President had well advanced and until after the nominations by both parties had been made.  During their absence they were to ascertain what new plans were being executed and what new schemes could be put into operation during the Fall and Winter following.  Henry said the one mentioned was the only one matured, and that was being carried out.

“Gen. Silent had now been promoted and ordered East, and Gen. Sherwood put in command of the Center, with orders to make a campaign South, pushing and pressing the enemy at every point possible.  This movement was to and did commence at the earliest possible moment in the Spring following.  Simultaneously with this a movement was made in the East against the capital of the Confederacy.

“One evening, a few days prior to Gen. Silent’s departure for the East in pursuance of his orders, while walking out on the bank of the Combination River a short distance from Nashua, as the shadows of night were quietly gathering about him, a form seemed to stand before him, which, from its appearance and the flowing white robes in which it was arrayed, he at once recognized as the strange specter that had appeared to him while sitting on a stone beneath a tree at Chatteraugus.  Gen. Silent was startled for a moment, but stood still with eyes fixed upon the apparition.  Finally a light, beautiful and dazzling, shone around the figure.  He did not move.  It approached him, saying in a subdued, soft and melodious voice: 

“’Gen. Silent, you have been selected to forever wipe out the crime of slavery.  This can only be done by suppressing the rebellion now in progress against your Government, which must be completed within fourteen months from this day or all will be lost.  Start East at once; take no rest with either of your great armies until this is accomplished.  All is with you.  The matter is exclusively in your hands.’

“After speaking thus, the specter disappeared and all was still.  He stood for a moment, bewildered.  When he had collected his thoughts he turned and walked rapidly to his quarters, which were at the Nashua House.  He entered his room and sat for some time in deep meditation.  While at Victor’s Hill he had thought of moving his army across to Mobile, and thence to Savannah and North to the rear of Richmond.  He was not a superstitious man, but at the same time was forced by what he had seen and heard that night to consider well that which seemed to be before him.  The condition of the armies of the Union, and also that of the rebels, was taken in at one grasp of the mind.  The East and West were carefully considered, and a plan seemed to be placed before him that would certainly be successful.  The whole question of the suppression of the rebellion seemed to be disclosed to his mind, and indelibly photographed thereon, as if in a vision from on high.  He could see his Army of the West and Center combined under one commander, making their way against obstinate resistance to the sea; and then coming north to the rear of Richmond, breaking the shell of the Confederacy as it marched.  At the same time he saw the great rebel army of the East, under Laws, in Virginia, melt away before him, driven, demoralized, and finally captured.  This all seemed to be a dream, and yet it was the true method to pursue in order to put down the rebellion.  These things were at once firmly fixed in his mind, and thus he would undertake to bring success, should he be selected as the commander of all the armies of the Union, as had just been indicated to him.

“Just then a rap was head at his door.  ‘Come in,’ was the response, and Gen. Anderson entered.  Gen. Silent met him with great cordiality and asked him to be seated.  They conversed for some time on the subject of the war and the probabilities of success.

“Finally Gen. Anderson said:  ’General, this war can be concluded in but one way, and that is by desperate fighting.  The armies on both sides are made up of Americans, each believing they are right, and numbers and endurance will finally determine the contest, provided our people do not become alarmed at the constant cry for peace by the Northern Golden Circles and other sympathizers with the South.’

“‘That is true,’ said Gen. Silent; ’I feel more bitterness towards those Northern croakers and sympathizers than I do toward the rebels in the South, who take their lives and put them in chance for what they believe to be right.  Wrong as they are, they are better men than those who are behind us trying to discourage us, and to encourage the rebels, without the nerve to fight on either side.’

“‘Yes,’ said Anderson; ’I fully agree with you.  Allow me to ask at about what time will our Spring campaign begin?’

“’At the very first moment that we can move on the roads in safety.  I am now sending Sherwood with what troops are within his call from Victor’s Hill east to Meredith, breaking railroads, destroying bridges, etc., so that when we commence our movements in the Spring, Biggs will have no line save the one due south or east.  We will then force him into the extreme South or cause him to make a junction with the army in the East, under Laws, where our Army of the West and Center must pursue him.  The destruction of the two great rebel armies must be our task.  This done, the rebellion will be at an end.  This must be accomplished within the next fourteen months; sooner if we can, but within that time we must succeed, if at all, and I have no doubt whatever of a final triumph.  The Almighty is only permitting the continuation of this struggle in order that the people shall become thoroughly satisfied with the destruction of slavery.  Whenever that time comes He will give our enemies over into our hands.’

“‘Gen. Silent, your faith is certainly very strong.’

“’Yes; I am now thoroughly convinced in my own mind that within the time mentioned our enemies will be at our feet.  I am going East, where I am ordered by the President for some purpose.  I intend to lay my whole plan before him and urge its adoption, believing that if followed the rebellion will end as I have stated.  Would you like to go East, Gen. Anderson, if I should wish you to do so?’

“’I would certainly not disobey your orders, Gen. Silent, but I have a good command, and one with which I am well acquainted, and perhaps I would be of more service by remaining with it than by taking a new one.  I did have a great desire to be ordered East when I was sent here, but the reasons for that desire do not now exist.’

“Gen. Anderson then, in confidence, related to Gen. Silent what had transpired at McGregor’s headquarters the evening after the battle at Antler’s Run, which astonished Gen. Silent.  He sat for some time without making any remark.  Finally he asked if the President and the Secretary of War had this information.

“Gen. Anderson replied that they had.

“Gen. Silent smiled, but said not a word.  The conversation on this subject then dropped.  Gen. Silent inquired if he believed in dreams.

“Gen. Anderson answered in the negative; at the same time he said he had heard on one or two occasions of very strange dreams, and one especially that he was watching closely to see if it would turn out in accordance with an interpretation given to it by a person whom he well knew.

“Gen. Silent then asked him if he had ever seen anything that he could not understand or account for.

“‘No, sir,’ replied Gen. Anderson.

“Gen. Silent said no more, and it then being quite late they separated.  Gen. Silent left early next morning for the East.  As soon as he could reach Washington he appeared at the Executive Mansion and had an interview with the President, when he was informed that he had been ordered East with a view of putting him in command of all the armies of the United States.  He did not exhibit the least surprise at this, but at once proceeded to lay his plans before the President and Secretary of War.  The plans were the same as suggested by him to Gen. Anderson.  After careful consideration they were approved.

“The President told Gen. Silent he now should have the full support of the Government, with supreme command, and that the President would hold him responsible for the suppression of the rebellion, and expect that the enemy would be dispersed at an early day.

“Gen. Silent replied that the rebellion would end within fourteen months.

“‘Why fourteen months?  Could you not say twelve?’

“‘No, sir,’ replied Silent; ’I put it fourteen.  I hope to see it accomplished at an earlier date, but within this time it will be done.’

“‘Gen. Silent, I have a strange reason for saying twelve months,’ and the President laughed at the idea of having a superstition about dreams, ’but, General last night I had such a curious dream that I must tell it to you.  I thought a strange man appeared in the presence of the Armies of the West, riding upon a large brown horse, and that where-ever and whenever he appeared the armies were successful; that this strange man would disappear without uttering a word.  This same strange man had appeared at the East, and at his appearance the rebel armies laid down their arms and sued for peace.  In my dream peace was restored, but it lasted for only a short time; the citizens of Maryland and Virginia conspired together and swept down upon Washington, captured the city, burned the Government records, and murdered many of our leading men, amongst whom was yourself.  What do you say to this, General?  Can you interpret it?’

“’No, Mr. President, I cannot.  I do not allow myself to think but very little about dreams.  They certainly can be nothing more than the wanderings of the mind during sleep.  But, Mr. President, since you have taken me into your confidence I must confess that I am sometimes startled by what seems to be an unfolding of events in the future.’

“Saying this much he relapsed into his wonted silence.  After some further conversation they separated.  The next morning Gen. Silent left for the Army of the East.  He was received on his arrival in a manner that showed their confidence in him as a great commander.  He established his headquarters in the field near Meador, and at once commenced giving directions in his quiet way for reorganizing the troops and preparing in every way for an early advance.  His army was soon organized into three corps,-Second, Fifth and Sixth,-commanded respectively by Gen. Hanscom, Gen. Sedgewear and Gen. Warner; the Ninth (Independent) Corps, under Broomneld, with the cavalry under Sher-lin, who had been ordered to the East from the Army of the Center.

“My son Jackson, having been spoken of very highly to Gen. Silent by Gen. Anderson, had also been ordered to the East and placed in command of a brigade under Gen. Hanscom.

“The armies both in the East and the West being reorganized and in good condition, Gen. Silent began his arrangements for an immediate movement.  The Armies of the West and Center now being combined under the command of Sherwood were to move from Chatteraugus directly down the railroad against Biggs,-or rather Jones, the new commander of the rebel forces.  The movement of the combined armies, East and West, against the enemy, was to take place on the same day.  The rebel army East was admirably posted for defensive operations, provided they were to be attacked in their position.  Laws had his army divided into three corps, commanded respectively by Ewelling on the right, A. P. Hiller on the left, and Longpath (who had come from Biggs) as reserve in the rear; his cavalry by J. E. Seward.  His army was on the south bank of the Rapidan, and in rear of Mine Run, and extending east to the spurs of the Blue Ridge, on the west and left flank, protected by heavy earthworks.  His forces and his movements were covered by streams, forests, hills, and by a very heavy chaparral or copse for miles in extent.

“Silent would not attack in his front, as Laws expected, but concluded to plunge immediately into the chaparral and threaten Laws’s right.  This would compel the enemy to give battle at once or retreat.  So orders were issued for the Army of the East to move at midnight, cross the Rapidan, and march into the dense woods by the roads nearest the rebel lines.  The troops moved, and by dawn the next morning had possession of the crossings and were passing over the river.  By night of that day the army had crossed with most of their trains.  The cavalry had pushed forward and camped near Sedgewear, who had gone into bivouac on the hill after crossing the Rapidan.  During the day our signal corps had read the signals of the enemy, which were that Laws had discovered Silent’s movements and was making preparations to meet them.

“Silent had ordered Broomfield to move at once and make night marches so as to be up in time.  Sherlin was to move forward and attack the rebel cavalry at Chancellor’s City.  Three times this army had crossed the Rapidan before and as many times had been driven back.  The question in the minds of all was, ’Will Silent go on, or will he be forced to recross the stream?’ Laws was very confident that he would force him back.

“That night Silent received a telegram from Sherwood at Chatteraugus, saying that his army had moved out that day and was near the enemy; also, from Crooker and Boutler; all had moved.  Thus Silent had all the armies of the Republic, wherever they might be, at the same hour moving against the enemy aggressively.  No such movements had a parallel in history.  The enemy were menaced in every front, so that no portion could give aid or re-enforcements to the other.

“Laws, when he saw the situation, determined to attack, believing that he could assault Warner and drive him back before Hanscom (who had crossed some miles from Warner) could come up to join on Warner’s right.  That night Warner and Ewelling lay facing each other, nearly together.  They might easily have divided rations, though hidden from each other by the dense forest.  Yet, like the knowledge we all have by instinct of our near approach to danger, they were each aware of the other’s presence.

“Gen. Silent ordered a change, so as to move his head of column direct for the right flank of Laws’s new position.  Warner moved, with cavalry in advance, to Craig’s Meeting House, his left resting at Chaparral Tavern.  Sedge-wear was to join on his right, Hanscom to move from Chancellor City to his support, and Sherlin on the left and in rear of Hanscom.

“Early in the morning the enemy appeared in Warner’s front.  One regiment of cavalry had already been hurled back.  Meador had made his disposition in accordance with Silent’s instructions.  Broomfleld was now crossing the river, and Silent waiting at the ford to see him; but learning of Laws’s movement, he went forward at once to Chaparral Tavern.  This tavern was in a low place, densely surrounded with trees and underbrush.  Here Silent placed his headquarters in the rear of Warner’s Corps.  The woods and chaparral were so dense in all directions that neither army could distinguish the line of the other.

“By 9 o’clock an occasional shot could be heard, and then the rattle of musketry, as though a company or so had discharged their pieces.  Presently a few skirmishers would come back to the main line, asserting that the enemy were in force in our front.  Then orders would be given to advance the skirmish-line and feel for the enemy.

“About 10 o’clock a shot from the artillery of the enemy announced the fact that he was posting for resistance.  Our line at once advanced as best it could in the direction of the enemy.  The musketry opened and continued to increase until one whole division of our troops were engaged.  The artillery opened on both sides and roared as the mighty thunders.  Musketry rattled like hail on the housetops.  The enemy in our front, Ewelling commanding, was driven in great disorder for some distance by Griffith’s division, but the underbrush was so dense that no alignment could be made with the troops.  Regiments and brigades could not find each other.  It became impossible to have any unity of action.  This same cause prevented Sedgewear from joining on Warner’s right or connecting with Griffith.  This left Griffith’s flank exposed, and the rebels at once taking advantage of this, forced him back again with the loss of some of his guns and quite a number of prisoners.  The rebels made no attempt to follow up their advantage, but began at once erecting earthworks.

“Laws was attacked before he anticipated, although making a show of readiness; but he was resting on ground familiar to him and wholly unknown to our troops.  Silent was notified of our repulse.  It was apparent that Laws’s whole army was on the field, and meditated an attack before our army could be brought into action.  Sedgewear’s troops were not all up; Broomfield had not arrived, and Hanscom was not yet on the ground.  This was not quite what Gen. Silent had been accustomed to.  His commands heretofore were always at the spot on time when ordered, and generally before the time appointed.

“He at once mounted his horse and rode in person to the front, in order to get a view of the situation.  He followed Warner on a narrow road, which was thronged with troops in great disorder.  Slight works thrown up by both sides, in intervals of the fight, were very close together.  He at once saw from the nature of the surrounding country the importance of maintaining Warner’s position.  On his return to his headquarters he dispatched officers to hasten Sedgewear’s and Broomfield’s troops with all possible speed.  His wish now was to bring to bear as largo a force as possible against Laws’s left, in order to prevent the discovery of the great space between Warner and Hanscom.  Laws, however, had detected this gap, and was forming Hiller’s Corps to move through it.

“Geddis was now ordered to move at once and hold this part of the line with his division of Warner’s Corps against all force that might come against him.  This was the breathless time during the day.  Geddis took the position.  Hiller moved against him, but Geddis held the point.  Hanscom came up, but his corps was far away to his rear.  It was nearly two o’clock before his troops came in sight, certainly none too soon.  He at once formed on Geddis’s left.  There was but one spot, on account of the density of the forest, where artillery could be put in battery or used to any advantage.  Here Hanscom put all his artillery.  At 2:30 he received orders to attack Hiller at once in conjunction with Geddis, which he did.  This compelled Hanscom to move two of his divisions in support of Geddis, Burns and Motley.  The two lines had both approached until they were exceedingly close together.

“The battle now commenced in great earnest on both sides, and was of a most destructive and deadly character.  The musketry firing was continuous along the whole line.  The remainder of Hanscom’s Corps was ordered up and went into action, having no time for protecting themselves.  Several desperate assaults were made by Hanscom and Geddis, but the enemy, having the cover of the chaparral, were able to inflict great damage on our forces.

“Silent, learning that our forces could not dislodge the enemy, sent a force from Warner’s left to relieve the troops who were so hotly engaged.  Accordingly one division under Gen. Walworth and one brigade under Roberts were sent through the woods to the sound of battle.  But they could not see fifty yards before them on account of the underbrush.  The roar of the battle was like a continuous peal of thunder.  Gen. Walworth tried to penetrate the thick woods to relieve his comrades, but did not arrive until nightfall.

“Sedgewear had now taken position on the right of Warner, and both of their corps had been engaged during the afternoon.  Sherlin had struck the rebel cavalry near Ford’s House and driven them back.  He now held the country to the left of Hanscom on the road to Spottsyl-vania.  The night had closed in and the two armies rested facing each other.  The killed, wounded and dying were strewn between the lines like leaves.

“Gen. Meador and others came to Silent’s Headquarters that night.  One corps in each army had not been engaged during the day, and so the battle had but fairly commenced.  Silent gave orders to assault the enemy the next morning at five o’clock.  Longpath on the side of the enemy, who had not been engaged during the day, was moving that night to the support of Hiller, evidently intending to crush our left.  Geddis was ordered to remain with Hanscom; Walworth was to assault Hiller’s left, while Hanscom made a front attack.  Broomfield was to move to the gap between Walworth and Warner’s left.  But Laws was preparing also for an attack, and made his assault on our right a little before Hanscom made the attack contemplated by Silent.

“The battle commenced by Ewelling assailing Wight.  The fighting became furious along Sedgewear’s entire front and over and along Warner’s line.  Burns and Motley, of Hanscom’s Corps, advanced upon the enemy and assaulted him with very great energy.  Walworth now assaulted where he was directed.  The contest was a desperate one.  The smoke rose through the woods like a dense cloud.  The artillery was brought to where it could be used, and from both sides it belched forth its iron hail and sounded as if the earth was breaking into a thousand fragments.  The musketry rattled and showered the leaden missiles of death in every direction.  The yells and shrieks of the wounded were enough to strike terror to the souls of the strongest, during the whole time of this great battle of blood and death.

“The enemy were driven at every point, and retreated in great confusion.  Our troops undertook to pursue them through the thick woods and became broken up and confused.  Sherlin was now engaged with Seward’s cavalry, near the Todd House, in a terrible contest, The firing and shouting could be heard by Hanscom’s troops.  Sherlin was victorious and Seward retreated.

“Up to this time Longpath had not taken the position assigned him, but now moved rapidly against Hanscom’s left.  The contest was renewed.  Silent and Meador rode out to the front and looked over the ground.  Silent never lost confidence in the result for a moment.

“Longpath now assaulted with great vehemence; our advance brigade was swept like chaff before the wind.  The density of the brush was such that H an scorn could not make his proper formation, and therefore had to fall back to his position held early in the day.  Walworth was driven back, and in trying to rally his men was shot through the head and instantly killed.  Sedgewear’s right was assailed and turned, losing many prisoners.  He rallied, however, and drove the enemy back again.  Longpath being now severely wounded, Laws led his corps in person.

“A simultaneous attack was now made by our forces.  Broomfield assaulted for the first time during the day, and the enemy were forced back.  In this assault my son Jackson, leading his brigade, was wounded and taken to the rear.  This was late in the afternoon.  The woods had been on fire several times during the day, but at this time the breastworks of some of our men having been constructed of wood were fired by the musketry and blazed up, catching the timber and leaves with which the ground was covered.  The fire became general and drove men in every direction, both Union and rebel.  The shrieks and screams of the poor wounded men who could not escape the flames were heartrending.

“Darkness came on and the contest ceased.  During the night Laws withdrew the rebel army to his old line of works and gave up the idea of driving Silent back across the Rapidan.  Gen. Silent repaired to his headquarters, where he received the reports of the commanding officers.  Some were sure that Laws would attack again the next morning.  Some thought that we had better retire across the Rapidan.  At this Silent said not a word, but smiled.  He finally gave orders to be ready to meet the enemy the next morning, and to attack him if he had not withdrawn.  When he spoke of the enemy withdrawing a look of surprise was on the faces of many.

“After they had all repaired to their respective quarters he went out to look around, and while listening under a tree in order to hear any movements that might be making in the enemy’s lines, he was again startled by the same spectral form that had appeared to him twice before.  It pointed in the direction of Richmond and spoke these words, ‘Move on to-morrow,’ and disappeared.  He was strangely affected by this, and became quite nervous for a man of his stoicism.

“He returned to his tent and inquired for his Adjutant-General.  When he reported, he asked if any further reports had come in, and was told that a messenger had just arrived with dispatches announcing that Boutler had moved on City Point, capturing it; that Sherwood expected to attack Jones at Rocky Head on that day.  Silent then went to bed and slept soundly.

“The next morning there was no enemy in sight.  Gen. Silent advanced his troops well to the front until satisfied that Laws had withdrawn.  He gave orders for taking care of the wounded and burying the dead.  The wounded of both armies were thickly strewn all over the battlefield.  Many had perished from the smoke and fire in the woods.  It was a sight I do not wish to describe if I could.

“That day Silent issued his orders for the army to make a night march by the left flank in the direction of Spottsyl-vania.  He and Meador started, with the cavalry in advance, late in the afternoon, and as they passed along the line going in that direction the boys understood it and cried out, ’Good! good!  No going back this time; we are going to Richmond,’ and they made the woods resound with shouts of joy.

“The next day about noon Sherlin was directed to move with his cavalry to the rear of the enemy, cut the railroads, and destroy all the enemy’s supplies he could find.  He moved at once.  Silent notified Broomfield of the resistance being made to our further advance, and ordered him to move up as rapidly as possible.  Skirmishing and sharp fighting between isolated divisions and brigades occurred.  Many officers and men were killed.  Gen. Sedgewear was among the killed on this morning, and Gen. H. G. Wight was assigned to the command of his corps.  This was the 9th day of the month, and the armies had been marching and fighting five days.

“Silent’s lines were now formed and ready to attack or resist.  Thus they lay during the fifth night.  On the next morning orders were issued to assault the enemy’s center at 10 o’clock.  Some movement of the enemy delayed the assault, and about 1 o’clock the enemy pressed forward to attack, which they did with great vigor.  They were repulsed with great loss and fell back in confusion.  They reformed and came forward again.  The contest now became fierce and even terrific.  They made their way close up to Hanscom’s front and delivered their fire in the very faces of our men.  Our line did not waver, but now opened such a terrible fire of musketry on them that they broke in great disorder.

“In the very heat of the contest the woods had taken fire again, and the flames were leaping along with frightful rapidity, destroying nearly everything in their pathway.  Our troops on this part of the line were compelled to fall’ back, leaving many poor fellows of both sides to perish.  Soon, however, the skirmishers were re-enforced and drove the enemy for a mile into their entrenchments.

“It was now determined to make the assault contemplated in the morning.  So about 4 p.m.  Silent ordered the assault.  Warner and Wight were to move simultaneously with Warner’s and Gibbs’s divisions, Motley to advance on the left of Wight’s Corps.  Our troops had to advance up a densely-wooded hill.  Silent and Meador took position on an elevated point, but could see little of the field, it was so overgrown with bushes.

“The battle had again commenced, our troops assaulting.  A cloud of smoke hung heavily over the field, lighted up occasionally by flashes from artillery.  The shouts of the commanders giving their orders, the yells of the soldiers on both sides, as well as the groans of the wounded and dying, could be distinctly heard in every direction.  Across an open field, then through heavy woods, across a soft morass in front of one division of the enemy near the stream, went our lines, struggling forward under a most galling fire until lost to view in a copse of wood and the smoke of battle.  Only our wounded now came staggering and crawling out from under the cloud of smoke to the rear.  These few moments of suspense were terrible.  Looking, listening and waiting, our troops at this moment ascended the hill and stormed the enemy’s works, but could not hold them against the destructive fire.  They fell back to their original line.

“On our left, at that moment, a great victory was being accomplished.  Col.  Upson and Gen. Motley formed a storming party of some twelve regiments, and drove right against the flank of the enemy.  They rushed with such impetuosity against the rebels that they could not withstand the assault.  Our forces captured an entire brigade and one battery of the enemy.  Hanscom now assaulted and broke the enemy’s line, capturing many prisoners.  At six p.m.  Broomfield attacked.  Night closed with our columns within one mile of Spottsylvania Court-house.  The fighting of this day was desperate, and the loss on both sides terrible.  The suffering was great; many were burned who had fallen wounded on the field.

“This was the sixth day of blood and death.  Our forces held some 4,000 prisoners, while the enemy had taken none from us save a few stragglers.  That night Boutler reported great success.  Sherlin had got in the rear of the enemy, destroyed ten miles of his railroad and nearly all of his supplies of food and medical stores.  Silent now ordered rest and reconnoitering for the next day.

“So, on the following day, our lines were adjusted and reconnoissances made, with full preparations for the ending of the great contest.  Hanscom was to move in the night so as to join Broomfield, and they were to attack at 4 A. M. of the 12th.  They moved into line not more than two-thirds of a mile from the enemy.  The ground was heavily wooded and ascended sharply towards the enemy.  In the morning a heavy fog lay close to the ground, but at 4:35 the order to move forward was given.  Burns and Barrow moved in advance.  The soldiers seemed to be urged forward by some kind of inspiration, and finally broke into a double-quick, and with irresistible force over the earthworks of the enemy they went.  Both divisions entered about the same time, and a most desperate battle here ensued.  Muskets were clubbed and bayonets and swords pierced many bodies on both sides.  The struggle was short, however, and resulted in our forces capturing some 5,000 prisoners, twenty pieces of artillery, and thirty colors, with two General officers.  The rebels broke to the rear in great disorder, our men pursuing them through the woods.  Shouts of victory rent the air.

“Silent was now by a small fire, which was sputtering and spitting, the rain coming down in uncomfortable quantities.  Hanscom had taken and was now holding the center of their line.  He reported:  ’Have just finished up Jones and am going into Ewelling; many prisoners and guns.’

“The enemy made six assaults on Hanscom, which were repulsed.  Broomfield now reported that he had lost connection with Hanscom.  Silent wrote him:  ‘Push the enemy; that is the best way to make connection.’

“Desultory fighting continued until midnight, when the enemy gave up the task of re-taking their lost line and retreated.  Thus ended the eighth day of marching and most desperate fighting ever known.

“The next morning an assault was made in order to take possession of high ground near the court-house, which was a success, without any considerable resistance.  The rain was now falling in torrents.  The roads became so muddy that they were impassable, which prevented any further movement for the present.  The collecting of the wounded and burying the dead was a sight to behold.  The whole country back for miles was one continuous hospital.  Our losses were over 20,000, and no one could ever ascertain the loss of the enemy; but it could not have been less than 30,000-including prisoners.

“The howl that was set up by the Sons of Liberty and Copperheads excelled anything that had ever been heard.  Silent was a ‘murderer,’ a ‘butcher,’ a ‘brute,’ an ‘inhuman monster.’  The enemy, however, were all right.  They were ‘humane friends,’ ‘good Christians,’ etc.  The hypocrisy of this world is perfectly amazing.

“At this time take a glance at the rebel capital.  Boutler was within ten miles; Sherlin’s troopers were, many of them, inside the works on the north side of Richmond.  Sherwood was forcing the rebel Army of the Center.  Gen. Crookerhad cut all railroads between Tennessee and Richmond.  All lines of communication with Richmond were severed, and confusion and terror reigned in the rebel capital.  Jeff Davis contemplated flight, but was prevented by those surrounding him.  With all these evidences of our final success and failure on their part, the anti-war party in the North could find no words of contumely too severe for our successful commanders.

“Henry and I left for Washington, and in the confusion of everything I finally found a surgeon by the name of Bliss, who informed me where I could find my son Jackson.  He had been brought to Washington and placed in the Stone Mansion Hospital, on Meridian Hill.  We lost no time in visiting that place, and by permission of the surgeon in charge visited Jackson.  We found him with a high fever and some evidence of erysipelas.  His wound was in the right groin-a very dangerous wound.  He talked quite freely, and gave all kinds of messages for his mother, the family, and Gen. Anderson, but said to us that he could live but a few days.

“‘The fates are against our family,’ said he.  ’We will all go down sooner or later.  Mother is right.’

“We remained in Washington and gave Jackson all the attention we could.  We merely paid our respects to the President.  He was so busy we could not interrupt him.  Joy was in the hearts of all loyal people, while curses were upon the lips of every disloyal and anti-war Democrat in the whole country.

“Jackson died from erysipelas on the sixth day after our arrival.  This shock almost broke me down.  Henry was nearly frantic.  Jackson was his favorite brother.  They had both been wanderers alike from home.  We took his remains to our home, had his funeral services in the church to which his mother and I belonged, and buried him by the side of my son David, in the Allentown Cemetery.

“You must imagine this blow to our family; I will not undertake to describe our distress.  His mother almost lost her mind, and for several days she talked incessantly about Peter.  She seemed to lose sight of all else.  Seraine was deeply affected.  She thought very much of Jackson, he being the one who brought about her union with Henry much sooner than, perhaps, it would have occurred.”

Just then Mrs. Wilson came in.  We could see that she kept a close watch over Uncle Daniel.  He took her in his arms and said: 

“My darling, I was just speaking of the death of your Uncle Jackson.”

“Yes, Grandpa; I well remember when you and Uncle Henry came home from Washington with his remains; how we were all distressed; how Grandma’s mind was affected; and how poor old Aunt Martha cried and spoke of him.  I remember also that he was buried by the side of my poor father.”

She ceased speaking and wept and sobbed, and finally she took her grandpa by the hand and led him to his room.