Chapter LIV: Return to Virginia

A few days after their bloody repulse from Fort Lamar the Highlanders paraded in front of General Stevens's headquarters and presented him with a beautiful sword, together with a sash, belt, and spurs, in the following feeling address. The address was inscribed upon a large sheet of parchment by one of the skillful penmen in the regiment, in characters as clear and distinct as copperplate engraving, and in the middle of the sheet was an excellent photograph of the general in uniform. The sword was the gift of the non-commissioned officers and privates exclusively, for they had refused to permit the officers to contribute a cent towards or bear any part in the testimonial, although the latter were anxious to do their share. It was common talk among the men that the officers never amounted to anything until General Stevens took them in hand; that he had saved and redeemed the regiment after they had well-nigh ruined it; and that they should not have any part in the sword, which was the tribute of the rank and file. The presentation was a great surprise to General Stevens, and was the more gratifying as showing the undiminished regard of the regiment immediately after the recent severe battle and loss:--

BRIGADIER-GENERAL ISAAC I. STEVENS.

_Sir_,--A unanimous feeling of gratitude and respect pervading the
non-commissioned officers and privates of the Seventy Ninth Regiment
(Highland Guard) New York State Militia, and wishing to give that
feeling a humble and appropriate expression, we have determined
to-day to present for your acceptance this sword, feeling assured
that by you it will be worthily worn, and never drawn but in defense
of human rights and their political guaranties. Your recent
connection with us as our colonel, our friend, and our counselor has
fitted us in a peculiar manner to judge of and appreciate your
virtues in each of these capacities. Coming amongst us at a critical
period in our history as a regiment, when our fair fame was
eclipsed, and demoralization was fast hurrying us to the vortex of
anarchy, you listened to the story of our wrongs, tempered your
decisions against the erring ones with the high attribute of mercy,
and bade us hope. We did hope, and ere long we found ourselves
recuperated and in Camp Advance. There our confidence in you was
perfected, and our esteem became affection. When it was announced
that your distinguished military services had brought you higher and
greener laurels, we were glad and proud; but sorrow, deep and
profound, pervaded our ranks when it was made known that your
services were demanded in another sphere, and that we must separate.
The exclamation of "Tak' us wi' ye!" which greeted you upon that
day's parade was heartfelt and sincere, and your intervention in our
behalf has enabled us to preserve our connection, if not as close,
not the less fondly. That your valuable and beneficent life may long
be spared to the service and to mankind, and that the blessing of
God may rest upon you and upon your family, is the sincere prayer of
the non-commissioned officers and privates of the

SEVENTY-NINTH, HIGHLAND GUARD.

GENERAL STEVENS'S RESPONSE.

FELLOW-SOLDIERS OF THE HIGHLAND GUARD,--I have no words to express
my gratitude for this unexpected and unmerited mark of your
confidence and affection. We came together not only at a critical
period of your own history as a regiment, but at a critical period
of our beloved country's history, when its armies had been stricken
down, and dismay and discouragement spread over the length and
breadth of the land. It was the time for the true and the strong to
come to the work, and by a firm stand in our country's cause again
to cause hope and faith to spring up in the hearts of men. You
recollect we moved from our camp of "Hope" on the beautiful heights
in the rear of Washington to the camp of the "Advance" across the
Potomac. Then I spoke to you words of encouragement, and together,
in the glorious light of day, we won back our colors. We had soon
become acquainted. As your colonel, I ever found you brave and true.
The pathos of your address, its living expressions, touch me. When I
was ordered South, and rode through your ranks to say farewell, and
saw the tear glisten in every manly eye, and heard the words, "Tak'
us wi' ye!" from every lip, I thought we could not part; so, on
reaching Annapolis, I said to our late able and respected commander,
General Sherman, "Send for the Highlanders; they want to come, and
you can depend upon them." Here you have come, and here you are
to-day. Have you not always done well? Who ever finds the
Highlanders behind? I know not which feeling of my heart is stronger
in regard to you,--my pride or my affection. Your firm step, your
manly countenances, cold steel for your enemies, and the open hand
and heart for your friend,--such are you, beloved comrades. In the
late sad, glorious fight where were you? Laggards, or seeking the
front on the double-quick to succor your friends, the 8th Michigan,
led on by your gallant lieutenant-colonel there, David Morrison? You
gained that front and parapet, and some of your noblest and your
best there found a soldier's grave. It was indeed a sad but glorious
field. Not a laggard, not a fugitive,--all the regiment in
line,--all by their colors and in order of battle, but many dead and
wounded men. I am profoundly affected by the circumstance that you
have seized such an occasion to show your regard for me. Yes,
beloved comrades, we are ready to expose and, if need be, to lay
down our lives for our country. We will keep steadfastly to the work
till this sad, terrible war is ended, and peace smiles again upon
the land. My friends, I shall endeavor to be deserving of your
magnificent testimonial of respect and affection. I accept it, not
as my right, but as your free gift. I accept it most gratefully. God
willing, that sword shall ever be borne by me in defense of my
country's rights, and in the cause of God and humanity. The spurs,
too, from my friends of the drum corps,--the boys who scour the
battlefield and bring off the dead and wounded men,--I will wear in
memory of your mission, and perhaps some day they may urge the fleet
steed to your relief and assistance. Friends, the thistle of your
native land has stung our enemies, and been an omen of hope to our
friends. It has been planted here, and glorious properties has it
shown in this palmetto soil. In conclusion, permit me again to
express my deep gratitude for these marks of your affection and
esteem.

The sword was an exceedingly handsome one. The blade was richly inlaid with gold, representing a Highlander bearing the American flag, an ancient Scottish soldier, and many Scottish and patriotic devices and mottoes. The hilt represented the Goddess of Liberty; the guard was formed of the thistle, the emblem of Scotland, and was studded with a large topaz surrounded by thirteen diamonds. The hilt and scabbard were heavily gilded, and the latter terminated in a tiger's head. There was also a plain steel scabbard bronzed, a general's yellow sash, and a red-and-gold belt. The spurs were also richly gilded, the shank and rowel representing the thistle, and were the gift of the drummer-boys.

JAMES ISLAND, June 26, 1862.

MY DEAREST WIFE,--General Wright called down at my quarters last
evening and took a look at my sword. He thought it a very splendid
thing, and advises me to send it home as soon as possible. I hope
those beautiful testimonials will reach you speedily and safely. I
want my friends to see them. The sword is the most beautiful I ever
saw.

I have already sent you my reply to the address. It is thought here
to be very appropriate. It was wholly unstudied, as I had not the
least idea of what the address would be.

Hazard has worked very hard of late. Did I write you that his
conduct on the battlefield was witnessed by the rebels with great
admiration? So say the rebel officers whom my officers met under a
recent flag of truce. These officers say a great many shots were
fired directly at him. Every one in the division knows the officer
they refer to, from the description of the officer and his horse, to
be Hazard. The boy did most nobly, and every one speaks in the
highest terms of his conduct on the field of battle. Was not his
life wonderfully preserved? My own staff is considered a very
excellent one. Cottrell was not killed, but was wounded, and a
prisoner in the hands of the enemy. Lyons is getting on well with
his wound. Lyman Arnold is dead. I particularly interested his
brigade commander, Colonel Williams, and the surgeon, in his case,
and I cannot doubt that every attention was paid to him.

Daniel Lyman Arnold, who has already been mentioned as a member of the Northern Pacific Railroad exploration, with his brother, General Richard Arnold, was a cousin of Mrs. Stevens. He was a private in the 3d Rhode Island, and was mortally wounded in the battle, where he had shown great bravery. General Stevens, with his son, visited the dying man soon after the battle, and did all in his power to make him comfortable.

June 30. I wrote you three days ago that General Hunter had given
orders to evacuate this place. It is a large operation. The cavalry
were got on board yesterday and last night, and started this morning
for Hilton Head. We expect the transports back to-morrow, when
General Williams's division will be embarked. My own division will
be embarked last.

Raymond Rodgers came here to-day from the squadron at Hilton Head.
He talked considerably about the 16th. He assured me that my conduct
and management on that day is universally commended. Indeed, I have
good reason to believe that here in this department, both with the
army and navy, it has very much increased my military reputation. No
one but Benham calls in question my perfect fidelity to my orders,
and that the course I actually pursued alone gave, under his orders,
the least promise of success. I moved with exceeding rapidity,
without stopping to fire, and pushed in everything without reserve.
The statement of the enemy shows how near the work came to falling
into our hands. I know I could have seized that work with but little
loss of life, and on that very day, had the entire management been
mine.

My own course with him after the battle was stern and determined. I
_compelled_ him to modify his report so as to do my division full
justice. I warned him that the entire responsibility of bringing on
that fight was his, that I had opposed it, and that I should take no
part of the responsibility. He wilted and quailed under my eye and
speech. He made a second attempt to falsify the truth with me, and I
made him quail again, and this was in the presence of witnesses.

There has been a real comfort and satisfaction in serving under
Wright, which I have not had for a long time. He has shown very
sound judgment in all his arrangements since he has been in command.
Williams, who commands the second division, is a very agreeable and
sensible man, and is highly esteemed throughout the command.

On Benham's arrest General Wright succeeded to the command as next in rank, and field-works to protect the camps were commenced, and considerable work done upon them, when General Hunter wisely decided to withdraw from James Island. General Stevens brought off the last of the troops on July 4. He was first ordered to Beaufort with his division, except the 7th Connecticut and Rockwell's battery, which were detached and landed at Hilton Head; but scarcely had they reached Beaufort when--including the 50th Pennsylvania, which rejoined the command--they were brought back to Hilton Head and debarked July 5, then reëmbarked July 9, and sent back to Beaufort; then, without leaving the transports, they were dropped four miles down the Beaufort River, and landed on Smith's plantation, where the whole division was to be encamped. In the absence of wharves, all the baggage had to be put ashore in small boats. By great exertions this was accomplished, and the tents were up before dark, when orders were received to reëmbark immediately and proceed to Hilton Head, there to take ocean steamers for Virginia. After a brief rest the harassed and wornout soldiers toiled the balance of the night, reëmbarking the camp equipage, baggage, and supplies. The troops were transferred to ocean steamers at Hilton Head on July 10 and 11, and on the 12th were borne away northward, rejoiced to leave a command marked by incompetence and disaster, and to rest after the useless toil to which they had been subjected.

The point on Beaufort River where General Stevens's division landed is of especial interest as the site of the first European settlement in the United States, made by Jean Ribaut and a party of French Huguenots in 1562, just three centuries before; and the walls of a small fort, constructed by him of coquina, a very hard and durable concrete of oyster-shells, were visible on the shore of and partly in the river, which had considerably undermined them.

STEAMER VANDERBILT, July 14, 1862.

MY DEAR WIFE,--We left Hilton Head at eight o'clock, yesterday
morning. I was utterly worn out, and was very glad to go to bed. I
slept twenty hours the first twenty-four I was on board, and to-day
I have been very well rested.

It is supposed our destination will be McClellan's army. McClellan
has unquestionably met with a very serious check. Indeed, it is
nothing less than a disaster. His loss in men and material of war
must have been immense. The plan of campaign of the Potomac (army)
has been a monstrous folly, and disaster is its legitimate fruit.
The army should never have been divided, and the route should not
have been by Fortress Monroe. I doubt whether any adequate plan will
be hit upon to make the most of the present condition of things. I
am afraid the Confederates will by a rapid countermarch fall upon
Pope with overwhelming force. I think, so far as I can gather the
facts, that Pope should be largely reinforced, and that he should
wage the campaign. It has also occurred to me that the wisest plan
would be to withdraw McClellan from his present position, send
him to the Potomac, unite him with Pope, and commence anew. But it
is useless to speculate. We shall reach Fortress Monroe to-morrow,
where we will receive additional orders.

The transfer to Virginia was the very movement that General Stevens recommended to the President in a letter dated July 8, in which he wrote:--

"In the district formerly commanded by Sherman are some twenty-three
regiments. Eleven of these regiments are ample for the purpose I
have mentioned. This will leave a full division of twelve regiments
to reinforce our columns at points where the enemy is fighting with
the energy of despair, and where its timely aid may bring to our
arms the crowning victory of the war.

"I earnestly desire this war to be prosecuted to a signal and speedy
success. This department can well afford to wait. It is not the
proper base for operations. We are, moreover, much too small for an
advance, and much too large for simply holding the points we now
occupy. Let us simply hold these points. The crisis of the war is in
Virginia. There throw your troops. There signally defeat and destroy
the enemy. You strike Charleston and Savannah by striking Richmond.

"Send us, therefore, and send twelve of our regiments to Virginia.
Let us have the satisfaction of sharing there the dangers, the
privations, and the sacrifices of our companions in arms. Let us
feel that we are doing good service for our country, that we are
really helping in the gravest contest of the war."

After a smooth and pleasant voyage the command reached Fortress Monroe on the 16th, debarked at Newport News, and went into camp on the level plain overlooking the broad expanse of water where James River enters Hampton Roads. General Burnside had just arrived here with eight thousand troops from North Carolina, and the ninth corps was organized from the two commands, General Stevens's division forming the first and the North Carolina troops the second and third divisions under Generals Jesse L. Reno and John G. Parke respectively, General Burnside commanding the corps.

General Cullum, Halleck's chief of staff, was at Fortress Monroe when General Stevens arrived there, and had a long and confidential talk with his former brother officer and old friend in regard to the military situation. It is noteworthy that the very movements he mentioned as best in his letter to his wife were precisely the ones adopted immediately afterwards, viz., the withdrawal of McClellan and reinforcement of Pope. Halleck, whose voice was then controlling in military councils in Washington, was undoubtedly led to adopt, or strengthened in his own ideas by, the views of his former classmate and rival, whose ability and sound military judgment he fully appreciated.

NEWPORT NEWS, August 2, 1862.

MY DEAR WIFE,--I send by this mail sketches with brief letters to
each of the girls. We go on board ship to-morrow. I am now satisfied
there will be marked improvement in the general management of army
matters. Probably the moves now being made will take the country
somewhat by surprise, but they are wise and absolutely necessary.
Before this reaches you our destination will be known, but I am not
at liberty to speak of it. Reno sets off about sundown this evening,
Parke will be off to-morrow, and myself the next day.