Chapter I: Preface

FOR thirty-four years I have waited patiently for some one to write a history of the 19th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, but fearing that it may never be accomplished, I have concluded to send out this story. I do not dignify it by calling it a history. It is simply a soldier’s story, told by one of the “boys.” Most of it is written from memory. The account of prison life is taken from an imperfect diary, kept by the writer while a prisoner of war.

I sincerely hope the publication of this volume will inspire other comrades, and that from the memories thus evoked some one may gather further material whereby the deeds of the men who so bravely followed the flags of the State and Nation for four long, weary years may be preserved.

JOHN G. B. ADAMS.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

CHAPTER I.

THE CALL TO ARMS, 1

CHAPTER II.

OUR JOURNEY SOUTH, 7

CHAPTER III.

BATTLES OF BALL’S BLUFF AND EDWARD’S FERRY.—EXPERIENCES
AT DARNESTOWN AND ROCKVILLE, 12

CHAPTER IV.

OUR FIRST CAMPAIGN.—BATTLE OF FAIR OAKS, 23

CHAPTER V.

BATTLES AT PEACH ORCHARD, GLENDALE AND MALVERN HILL, 32

CHAPTER VI.

BATTLES OF FAIRFAX COURT HOUSE, FLINT HILL AND ANTIETAM, 41

CHAPTER VII.

BATTLES OF FREDERICKSBURG AND MARYE’S HEIGHTS, 49

CHAPTER VIII.

BATTLES OF CHANCELLORSVILLE, THOROUGHFARE GAP AND
GETTYSBURG.—WOUNDED AT GETTYSBURG AND ORDERED
HOME, 63

CHAPTER IX.

REGIMENT ORDERED HOME.—RECEPTIONS.—MY FIRST CALL
UPON GOVERNOR ANDREW.—RETURN TO THE FRONT, 78

CHAPTER X.

BATTLES OF THE WILDERNESS, TODD’S TAVERN AND LAUREL
HILL.—ENGAGEMENT AT THE BLOODY ANGLE, 87

CHAPTER XI.

BATTLES AT TOTOPOTOMOY CREEK AND COLD HARBOR, 95

CHAPTER XII.

EXPERIENCES IN REBEL PRISONS.—LIBBY, MACON, 104

CHAPTER XIII.

MACON (CONTINUED), CHARLESTON.—UNDER FIRE OF OUR
BATTERIES ON MORRIS ISLAND, 116

CHAPTER XIV.

COLUMBIA.—PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, 132

CHAPTER XV.

THE ESCAPE, 138

CHAPTER XVI.

THE CAPTURE AND RETURN TO COLUMBIA, 161

CHAPTER XVII.

THE EXCHANGE AND RETURN NORTH, 174

Nineteenth Massachusetts Regiment.