November, 1861.

CHAPTER II.

MARYLAND.

T

HROUGHOUT the State of Maryland at this time, the same spirit of hostility to the general government that was so publicly manifested during the march of the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment through Baltimore on the 19th of April previous, was being duly exercised in an attempt to place the state on the side of the Confederacy, and to prevent those who were inclined to remain faithful to the principles of our forefathers from expressing their opinion at the polls on the occasion of the annual state election. It was openly declared that force would be used, if necessary, to prevent known Union men from casting their vote, thereby paving the way for an abrupt withdrawal of the state from the Union.

In consideration of these facts, and to protect the right of free and independent suffrage, it was considered necessary to station a force of troops at each of the more rebellious portions of the state, to prevent, if possible, any unlawful proceedings or attempt at dictation on the part of the emissaries of the Confederate States at this election, which was to occur on Tuesday, November 5th.

Consequently, on Sunday morning, November 3d, our brigade received marching orders. Blankets were rolled,

three days' cooked rations packed in our haversacks, forty rounds of ball cartridge provided for each man, and thus armed and equipped in light marching order, we left our camp at 10 o'clock in the morning, and started on the road. to Lower Marlboro, situated about fifty miles away, and noted for its rebel proclivities.

The roads were in bad condition on account of the recent heavy rains, and the long line dragged along mile after mile until dark, when, filing into the woods near a place called Centreville, we halted for the night, having made about eighteen miles. The surrounding gloom of the forest was quickly made luminous by the numerous campfires, and an hour was spent in cooking, eating, and smoking, and discussing the events of the day's march, when the bugles sounded tattoo, the roll was called, and soon the whole force, but those on guard duty, were abed and asleep, with the forest trees for a covering and the star-lit canopy of heaven for a tent.

Before sunrise the next morning we were up, breakfast cooked and eaten, and just at sunrise took up our line of march. The roads were in much better condition, only an occasional mud hole to bother us, and these were a bother. They would extend from one side of the road to the other, . and quite a distance in length. There was only room on each side to walk single file. Now, when the head of the column reached these mud holes, they branched off on either side from four ranks to single file, consequently delaying the crossing of those behind them. After getting over on solid ground again, they would march right along at the usual rate of speed, and, of course, gain considerable upon the rear of the line which would be obliged to run quite a distance to catch up, and thus oftentimes the line would be strung out a mile in length, because the officer in command neglected to halt the head of the column at regi

mental distance after crossing these mud holes, and give the rear a chance to "close up" without running a mile or two to do so. But all these things were learned after a while.

So we trudged along that day at "route step," hour after hour, and mile upon mile, halting now and then for a few minutes' rest, and then "Forward!" would start us up again, and on through the woods, across the fields, until our aching limbs almost refused duty, and the question was passed along, "How much farther to Lower Marlboro?" At last we observed the head of the column turning off the road and filing into the fields and woods for a bivouac. "By right of companies to the rear into column." "Company halt." Front." "Right dress." "Front." "Stack arms." 66 Right face." "Break ranks." "March." The above were the most welcome orders we had received that day. One of our mess takes the canteens and goes to hunt up some fresh water; another one brings wood and builds the fire, while the other two are fixing up a place for all four to sleep comfortably. Small boughs of the pine form our bed, over which is put a rubber and a woolen blanket to lie on, and the other three woolen blankets to cover us, with the other rubbers fixed to keep the rain off. By this time the coffee is boiling, haversacks are brought out, and diving into them we fetch up a piece of pork or bacon, and impaling it upon the end of a stick, toast it over the fire, and our supper is ready. After supper, which we enjoy with an appetite sharpened by our march and constant out-door life, we light our pipes and sit around the fire in pleasant conversation until tattoo, and after rollcall crawl in between the blankets with all our clothes on except shoes, and lying spoon-fashion, four of us together, are soon asleep. During the night one of us may wake up, and, tired of lying on one side, want to turn over, but

There is no need

it can't be done unless all turn at once. of waking up the rest in order to do this. Long practice has got us pretty well drilled in this respect, and all that is necessary is to sing out "About face!" and immediately all the sleepers turn over on the other side, together, without disturbing the blankets or bed. This is done several times in the night without more than one being awake.

We had marched about twenty-seven miles that day and were very tired, consequently our sleep was sound until the drums beat the reveille the next morning.

We were now within three miles of our destination, and after breakfast moved forward to a position near the town of Lower Marlboro. A detail was sent into the village to patrol the streets and prevent lawlessness or rioting. The remainder of the regiment made themselves comfortable brush huts, and remained within call of headquarters all day, in readiness for an alarm, should we be needed in force. But no trouble occurred other than a few pugilistic encounters, which were quickly suppressed, and the day passed off quietly.

Our object in this direction being accomplished, Thursday morning at 8 o'clock we formed line and started back toward camp. Colonel Rodman led off on his fast stepping horse, the line of men stretched their legs far and fast to keep up with him, and mile after mile was passed without halting. For the first ten miles or so the boys kept together very well, but nevertheless showing the effects of their march. Ahead of us were a few houses composing a small village. We should probably stop this side of it but we kept on; then we should stop the other side of it but the colonel kept his horse's nose to the front, and we plodded on. We were now going into camp a mile or two ahead: but we still kept on past that place. The boys were now pretty well "tuckered," and began

shouting "Halt. give us a rest!" "Give the horse a rest, never mind the men," etc. Over twelve miles had been passed, but our colonel still ambled over the road as if he was bound for a country fair. Seeing no signs of a halt the men began to give out, and straggle along the road in the rear. Adjutant Curtis, with his rear guard, had his hands full to keep them moving.

Comrade Whitehead, myself, and one or two others. watching our opportunity, left the line while passing through a piece of woods, and hid ourselves away from the prying eyes of the rear guard.

After resting an hour or so we started on, and espying a house over across the fields, went over to see what we could find in the way of food, etc. We knocked on the door and a frowzy-headed woman appeared, when the following conversation took place:

"How far is it to Centreville?" "'Bout nine mile, I reckon."

"Is your husband at home? We would like to see him." "He's done gone to Marlboro, but the dogs is hyar." "Will you give us something to eat?"

"Aint got a thing in the house. You uns has done cleaned us all out."

"What will you take for that roast chicken on the table in there?"

"'Clar' to goodness, I done forgot that chicken. Gen'lemen, that's all there is. If I give you uns that, I shan't have no mo' tell ole man gits home.”

"Well, we will give you two dozen soda crackers for the chicken," and it was passed out and we left the house and its mistress, and amidst the barking of the dogs, who did not molest us, however, made our way down the road, and finding a spring of water, sat down and devoured the chicken.