Introduction
I collected the following letter transcriptions from a
now defunct web site called “Letters of the Civil War.” Between
the years 1994 and 2006, a gentleman named Tom Hayes maintained the
site, which featured letters and war news culled from several Boston
area newspapers. These included the Transcript, the Courier, the
Herald, the Traveller and more. Tom, with some volunteer help, would
transcribe articles from
microfilm obtained at the Boston Public Library, then post them on the
internet, indexed by year, month, date and subject. Soldiers in
the field often acted as correspondents for these newspapers.
“Azof” was one such correspondent. Under this
pen-name, he wrote letters for the Roxbury City Gazette which
chronicled the affairs of Company E, 13th Massachusetts Volunteers.
Company E
was organized in Roxbury. “Azof’s” correspondence ends in
May, 1863, then resumes a year later with the veteran regiment, 59th
Massachusetts, Colonel J.P. Gould, commanding. A bit of research
revealed the identity of correspondent “Azof” to be Priv. George
Seaver Cheney, of the 13th Massachusetts Infantry. Cheney was 36
years old
and very well spoken at the time these letters were written. The essay
“Who Is
“Azof?” presented later, goes into more detail about Cheney, his life,
and the
discovery of his identity.
The 9 letters on this page tell an important story
which is
divided into 3 parts. The first 2 letters narrate “Azof's”
journey
from Hall’s Hill, to Fairfax Seminary Hospital. They describe
hospital
conditions there,
where he received good
care for two months.
Map of Washington and some of its Environs
Many of the places indicated on this
area map are mentioned in the letters on this page.
The next 4 letters make up the 2nd part of this
narrative. They tell the mostly unknown story of “Camp
Convalescent.”
After a brief recovery at Fairfax Seminary hospital, Cheney is
removed to “Post Camp,” Alexandria, a miserable holding pen, for men
too
well to be
in a hospital, yet too sick to be returned to their regiments. It
took some time before government authorities realized something needed
to be done to improve the living conditions of this camp.
In
Part 3, Cheney is moved a 3rd time, when the Secretary of War
realized the need to create a more permanent place to care for these
men. Cheney's
letters describe living conditions while the new barracks were built,
and after they were completed.
The private soldiers always suffered at the
Government’s unpreparedness. These letters document a lesser
known tragedy of the war.
An official full history of Camp Convalescent, published
in the
first two editions of “The Soldiers Journal,” the camp's own newspaper,
is presented on this page in its entirety.
A brief biography of Private Cheney ends the page.
PICTURE CREDITS:
All images are from
the Library of
Congress digital images collection. ALL
IMAGES HAVE BEEN EDITED IN PHOTOSHOP.
Acknowledgements
The following sites proved invaluable in
researching this page.
City of Alexandria, Virginia
blog; “Camp Convalescent” April 24, 2017.
[https://www.alexandriava.gov/historic/civilwar/default.aspx?id=73457]
Old Town Crier Blog; “Fort
Ellsworth” by Doug Coleman, posted June 1, 2017.
[https://oldtowncrier.com/2017/06/01/fort-ellsworth]
Return to Table of Contents
Letters
from “AZOF”; PART I; Fairfax Seminary Hospital
This initial part of Cheney's odyssey is
rather pleasant. The first letter describes his journey from
Halls Hill, Virginia, to Fairfax Seminary Hospital.
Pictured is the Aqueduct Bridge with
Georgetown in the background. Correspondent “Azof” passed
over this bridge on his way into
the city of Washington
before continuing on to Fairfax Seminary Hospital in Alexandria, VA.
Fairfax Seminary
Hospital; September 8,
1862
The remnants of the 13th Mass. Vols.
retreated to Hall's Hill & the defenses of Washington September 2nd
1862, after the battle of Chantilly. It was the end of the demoralizing
Summer Campaign of Major-General John Pope. The soldiers
rested here a few days, then
marched north on the night of the 4th day, to counter the Confederate
Army's advance into Maryland. Correspondent “Azof” [Private
George
S. Cheney, Company E] stayed behind, too weakened to go with the
men.
Fairfax Seminary Hospital,
Near Alexandria, Va., Sept. 8, 1862.
Editor of Roxbury City
Gazette:
Our
brigade left Hall’s Hill on the evening of the 6th inst., several of us
being left behind until the next day. I hear the brigade is at
Leesboro, 10 miles from Washington. If so, they are at least
eighteen miles from this place. An ambulance was sent after us
yesterday, by which means we have reached this place. The day was
pleasant, but owing to so long a continuance of dry weather, the roads
were full of dust. Trees, grass, corn — everything presenting a
dirty appearance.
Georgetown is a larger city than I had imagined. The buildings
are principally of brick. It is situated upon the shore of the
Potomac, whose banks at this point are quite steep. We crossed
the Aqueduct Bridge, which is anything but a pretty piece of mechanical
work. Everything was quiet in the streets, as we passed through
the city into Washington. Reaching Brown’s Hotel, where at
present Col. Leonard is stopping, he being quite seriously sick, from
thence we went to the Surgeon General’s office, in order to get into
some hospital. We drove through a portion of the city of
Washington. Casting our eyes about for some of the principal
points of interest, saw the Treasury Building, Post-Office, Patent
Office, Capitol Buildings, statues of Washington and Jackson, principal
hotels, &c. The White House is certainly a modest building,
exceedingly tasty in all its arrangements; nestling, as it does, among
the trees and shrubbery by which it is surrounded, the pure white of
its exterior showing to excellent advantage.  One can hardly
imagine this to be the residence of the chief ruler of the Republic of
the West. The Washington Monument looks to me like a huge chimney
whitewashed. When will that monument be finished?
We passed
out of the city by the way of Long Bridge. While on the bridge we
were detained over an hour, on account of a large supply train which
completely blocked up the road. We reached the Virginia shore
about sundown. Continuing our way toward the hospital, we passed
many very fine fortifications – all showing great engineering
skill. To all appearance these forts are impregnable. On
one of the hills, over which we passed, a fine view of Washington was
obtained. The Capitol, the Monument, and the principal buildings
standing out in bold relief. A valley ranging along the river
bank is dotted with tents, while the softly flowing river reminds one
of molten silver, so purely bright its surface — all is
beautiful. God grant that the demon War, may not visit these
scenes; the thing is possible, for even while writing, the heavy
booming of artillery is wafted to our ears — a battle is going on
somewhere in the vicinity of Chain Bridge, so says report.
Excuse errors, for my mind is little disposed towards writing. As
I passed through Washington, getting a glimpse once more of civilized
life, a sickening, saddening sensation passed over me. It may be
because I am not well, but how earnest was the desire, that the war
might soon end, which took possession of me. I must close or my
writing will become too much tinctured with the feeling that consumes
me, and the whole will be rendered unpalatable to the friends at
home. I will soon give you an account of hospital life — its bill
of fare, description of Seminary buildings, &c.
Respectfully
Yours,
Azof.
(Roxbury City Gazette; September 18, 1862; pg. 2, col.
3.)
[Digital Transcription by
James Burton.]
View of Long Bridge
Pictured is Long Bridge, looking towards
the city of Washington. The Capitol building is on the right, the
unfinished Washington Monument can be seen at the left edge of the
image. Cheney's party left the city and traveled over this bridge
to Fairfax Seminary.
Fairfax Seminary, Used as a
hospital.
Fairfax Seminary
Hospital; September 8,
1862
Private Cheney was wounded early in the
war when he was struck in the leg with a ball during a skirmish at Sir
John's Run, near Hancock, Maryland, on November 30, 1861. The
hard rapid marches of Pope's campaign must have aggravated his early
wound.
Fairfax Seminary Hospital,
Near Alexandria, Va., Sept. 8, 1862.
In
my last letter I promised to give you a description of our bill of
fare, but a description for one day will suffice for all the
rest.
Breakfast — cup of poor coffee and two slices bread. Dinner — two
slices bread, occasionally a piece of boiled beef. Supper — same
as breakfast. We don’t expect to gain much strength on the above
substantial food. To rest we seek; ’tis rest we need.
I
suppose you would like to know what kind of place the Seminary
is. Originally it must have been a place of great beauty.
Its position is still attractive, but war, with its attendant
destructiveness, mars the general beauty. The Seminary buildings
are situated about two miles from Alexandria on a gentle slope,
commanding a fine unbroken view of the latter city, as well as that of
Washington and the Potomac. The main building is built of highly
polished brick. The exterior is chaste and beautiful in
style. On the centre of the front is a cupola, surmounted by a
cross. On either hand are two wings, they being joined to the
centre or main building by two narrow bands of fancy brick work.
A little to the right is a cunning little church built in the Gothic
style. On the left is another quaint looking building with
spires. Several other good sized, substantial buildings are
near. Opposite the principal building is a most beautiful grove
of forest trees. From appearance I should judge the seminary to
have been conducted under the auspices of the Roman Church. The
whole reflects great credit upon the taste of its originators. We
do not know what course of studies was pursued by its former
pupils. We have adopted one study which we consider very
necessary to our well being, viz: “Natural History.” Others
of
vital importance may be attended to should we remain here long. A
portion of the buildings are used for the medical department. The
sick also find a lodgment here. Everything about the premises is
kept in the nicest order. The buildings are new, some parts, and
unfinished.
At
or near the place where I am stopping are several buildings of more
ancient date. One large three story building built of brick,
formerly used as the teaching department, has been converted into a
dining saloon and cook house — the upper stories devoted to the
sick. A dwelling house adjoins the school. While waiting
for my supper in the hall, I looked up and “lo,” my mind ran back with
the quickness of thought to my school boy days — there before me were
the hooks on which of old I hung my cap, as dancing gladly along I
entered the school room in search of knowledge. For a few moments
I was a boy again. Life, with its shadows, its troublous clouds
of darkness and sorrow, “its future of sin,” almost despair, were
forgotten. A moment, and back the swift winged messenger hurries
us to present troubles.
There are at the present time fully a thousand broken down soldiers at
the hospital. Many are prostrate, but the majority are worn out
by exposure, long marches, want of rest and nourishing food. All
the arrangements are as perfect as possible. A greater part of
those here occupy fly tents; having good matrasses to lie upon.
This I look upon as much better for the men than cooping them up in ill
ventilated rooms. Our meals are served regularly, a bell calling
us to the table. The meals are served in two large halls, capable
of seating at least 400 at once. Breakfast at six A. M., dinner
at twelve M, and supper at five P. M. The men fall into line, and
at the word are marched into the hall, by the right face, file
left. There is but little noise or confusion about the
arrangement.
At
nine o’clock A. M. is the doctor’s call. He occupies a tent in
front of the dwelling house, and very patiently attends to the calls
made upon him, which are very numerous. He is what the ladies
would call a handsome man. He fully understands his
business. I should call him a kind of considerate man.
We
have a miniature post-office in the seminary buildings; also a library
under the charge of the chaplain. We avail ourselves of this book
privilege. I am getting rested, but my lame leg pains me
considerably. I hope my marching days are nearly over. I
wish I could get where I could be freed from this tramp, tramp, tramp —
could only be freed from traveling too and fro.
Quite a number of wounded were brought here from the late battle field
at Bull Run. Many of them were in a terrible situation, their
wounds actually swarming with maggots. ’Tis horrid to think
of. They were without food or water for six days, with the
exception of what they received from a stray rebel. To-day, Sept.
11th, it is raining heavily. Should the Potomac rise what will
become of the rebel army at present in Maryland? God grant this
was may soon end.
Respectfully
Yours,
Azof.
(Roxbury City Gazette.)
Another view of the Fairfax Seminary
Grounds, showing the three buildings described in Cheney's
letter. Click to view much larger.
Return to Top of Page
PART II -
The First Camp Convalescent
Two months after writing the last
letter, George S. Cheney is at
Post
Hospital, a holding camp attached to Fort Ellsworth where Albert Liscom
and
others went in early September. The camp was established in
August, 1862, without clear orders as to what it should be.
The first convalescent camp was attached
to Fort Ellsworth, pictured above. The fort sat on a
prominent hill west of the town of Alexandria. Construction of
the fort began
in late May 1861, immediately after Union troops occupied the
town. The works were nearly completed a month later. The
large fort overlooked
the Orange & Alexandria railway and commanded the roads approaching
Alexandria from the south.
Letter, November
8, 1862
After
a long rest following the Battle of Antietam, The Army of the Potomac
is on a hard march south in bitter weather toward Fredericksburg.
General McClellan is removed from command on November 7, probably
unknown to correspondent “Azof” who comments on the constant movement
of troop trains from Alexandria.
Post Hospital, Alexandria, Va.,
Nov. 8, 1862.
Editor of the Gazette:
There is but little worthy of note going on in our
vicinity.
Troops are constantly on the move to the front; the shrill whistle of
the Locomotive as it passes with its living freight to the scene of
present operations, echoes among the hills night and day, through cold
and heat does this creation of man’s creative power pass thundering
along its iron track. Rapid as is its course, it scarcely keeps
pace with the wants of those whose daily existence depends upon it for
supplies. Our army is fast advancing into the valley of Virginia,
and should all things work together for good to our cause, we may soon
hear of a decisive battle. God grant that no more defeats may
attend our arms.
Yesterday we were favored with a good old fashioned snow
storm.
It commenced snowing in the morning, continuing into the night; about
four inches of snow is the result of this operation of nature.
The air is chilly and disagreeable.
9th inst. The snow is fast disappearing, “Mud”
taking its
place. Before night the white mantle will have passed away.
There is considerable grumbling among the convalescents, many who have
never Wintered in this State, pronouncing the “Sunny South” a humbug.
Quite a squad took a trip up to Washington a few days
since in search
of Pay Masters. No use; came back as wise as they went, minus
their money. All endeavor to be patient, but with some ’tis hard
work. The trip is a short but pleasant one. The river bank
presents a scene of beauty peculiar to the season; the woods changing
their summer dress, have donned the frost tint, whose ever changing
hues bespeak a swift decay. We reach Washington early in the
forenoon; many express themselves disappointed with the present
appearance of the city. I can see much to interest the
stranger. The public buildings, the Capitol; even the hospitals
cannot but bespeak attention. Many have a horror of Hospitals;
the associations connected with them are not pleasant; but could they
but look at some of our hospitals here this feeling would be
removed. Everything conducive to the well being of the patient is
supplied, neatness and a general attention to order is manifest.
The Trinity Hospital, through which I passed in search of a friend,
looked really tempting; so neat and orderly were all its
arrangements. The stained glass of the windows contrasting
beautifully with the pure white of the bed spreads. All appeared
happy and contented.
The Mass. Soldiers Relief Association is proving a great
blessing to
our troops. Its agent, Gardiner Tufts, Esq., is just the man for
the position a better man could not have been selected; his kindness of
heart will win him hosts of friends among the soldiers who call upon
him. All connected with the Agency seem to belong to that
considerate class of men who delight in doing good.
A large number of men are discharged from the service at
this
hospital. About twenty men belonging to the 35th Mass. have been
sent home, — rather a short term of service.
Azof
[Digital Transcription by James Burton]
Old Camp Convalescent
The next three letters give a good account of the
miserable conditions in “Old Camp Convalescent,” typical of other
soldiers’ letters, written at this time. They called the place
“Camp Misery.”
Soldiers wrote about its
insufficient food and poor living conditions. When Clara Barton visited
in October 1862, she referred to it as “a sort of pen into which all
who could limp, all deserters and stragglers, were driven
promiscuously. The troops had insufficient fuel wood and
food; in fact, they were often required to forage on their own.
“Tents had no ground
covering or bedding; Julia Wheelock, a Michigan relief agent,
described the men pacing back and forth to keep warm at night, then
trying to sleep when it was a little warmer the next day.” 1
The commander of
Fort Ellsworth “complained that he could not maintain the fort’s
abatis (interwoven tree branches which served as a perimeter
barrier like modern barb-wire) because troops were stealing it for
firewood.” 2
Numerous complaints to the War Department, and
politicians caused a re-organization and the old camp which held,
recruits, stragglers, and convalescents was broken up and moved.
The complete history of the old and the new camp is presented in the
next
section, “History of Camp Convalescent.”
Pictured above, is Robert Knox Sneden's
sketch of Union
Fortifications around Alexandria. Fort Ellsworth atop Shuter's
Hill, is
pictured at the top center-left of the drawing. The first Camp
Convalescent, “Post Camp” was located next to the
fort.
Footnote 1.
City of Alexandria, Virginia; April 24, 2017; "HISTORY OF CAMP
CONVALESCENT NEAR SHUTER'S HILL"
[https://www.alexandriava.gov/historic/civilwar/default.aspx?id=73457]
Footnote 2.
Old Town Crier, "FORT ELLSWORTH" by Doug Coleman; June 1, 2017;
[https://oldtowncrier.com/2017/06/01/fort-ellsworth/]
Convalescents
Camp, Alexandria, November
19, 1862
Convalescents
Camp, Alexandria, Va.,
Nov. 19, 1862.
Editor of the Gazette:
I
wish you could only step into this camp one moment and see for yourself
the beauties which dwell within. Mud slippery as glass, tents
filthy in the entrance. Many of the men without blankets sleeping
on the cold wet ground. Others — many of whom arrive in the
afternoon from other hospitals, are obliged to sleep in the open
air. This the accommodation for convalescents, men just
recovering from wounds or sickness of a variety of kinds, whose systems
reduced by disease are fully alive to the deadly malaria which is known
to exist in the vicinity of rivers and swamps. The wonder to
those who have visited this place is, that men manage to live at
all. Perhaps everything is done that circumstances will permit of
being done. I do not doubt but that this is so, still cannot some
other arrangement be made by which in the future those here and the
thousands who will yet arrive can be better accommodated. To say
nothing of the wounded, the present campaign will be deadly to the
health of thousands at present in the field.
The number of
hospitals is very numerous, still they will be found insufficient to
accommodate the increasing number of sick. After a battle the
convalescents in the hospitals are turned over to this camp to give
place to the wounded. Of what use is it to care for a man for two
or three weeks, give him hope of recovery and then place him where the
same disease, or even one of a worse character may seize upon him,
completing the work of suffering and death. I myself have seen a
man so crippled with rheumatism as to be scarcely able to move, obliged
to sleep out of a tent, and that too when a well man would receive no
especial benefit from said exposure. Could those of our friends
who in the quiet and comfort of the home circle, sit and read of the
suffering and distress of the sick of the army, only realize the whole
thing as it really is, their hands would readily move towards the
accomplishment of the prompting of awakened sympathy, and great good
would be the result. No State has done more towards the relief of
her sick soldiers than has Massachusetts. Her Relief Association
is a great help. Still there is room for Philanthropy to develop
itself. Keep the position of the soldier in the field — in the
hospital — ever before the mind. Let the sympathies be kept alive
and prompt and continued exertion in their behalf would be the
result. Roxbury has fully met the demands made upon her for men
and money, the remains of her citizens slain in battle repose beneath
their native soil, see to it that those hearts made desolate are not
left to break under the consciousness of neglect in their time by
sorrow and of need.
We
have many visitors from different parts of New England, Massachusetts
in particular. Boston, Cambridge, and other towns have sent their
citizens to look after the unfortunate victims of war’s
destructiveness, the beaming eye of the sick soldier, tells of the joy
such visitings inspire, of hearts gladened, of spirits elevated.
Rev.
Mr. Rockwood passed through our camp a few days since distributing
books and papers. The want of reading matter is severely felt by
the men. Such visits have a healthy and cheering effect upon all.
Regiments of infantry, batteries and supply trains are moving rapidly
to the front over the Alexandria Road.
Yours respectfully,
Azof.
[Digital Transcription by James Burton.]
 Pictured is the interior of Fort
Ellsworth. The first Camp Convalescent was attached to this fort.
Convalescents
Camp, Alexandria, November
23, 1862
Nov. 23d. 1862.
Rainy, windy, disagreeable weather; had one good rain storm; fastened
down the tents to keep from floating down hill. Tent overflowed,
tin pans, dishes, bread, &c., swimming about in glorious
confusion. In one of my last scribbles I mentioned that Roxbury
had not sent men to look after the sick and in trouble who enlisted in
the good old city. I take that back, ignorance of facts causing
me to err. It seems that Mr. Rufus Wyman has been engaged in the
good work of caring for the sick and wounded for some time. I had
the pleasure of conversing with him this morning; he came into camp
bearing a large bundle of shirts, socks, -------- , distributed among
the Roxbury boys, — were truly thankful for the gift. The
articles given out were loaned to Mr. Wyman by Miss Din, she hearing
him remark that he should have to send to Sharpsburg for the supply,
generously supplied him. Mr. Wyman is well adapted to the work in
which he is engaged, just the kind of a gentleman to give entire
satisfaction to all with whom he is brought in contact. One thing
I wish to impress upon the mind of all our Roxbury friends viz.:
If
you wish Mr. Wyman to call upon your husband, brother, or son, send him
(Mr Wyman,) the address of said son, otherwise he will find it
impossible to ascertain his whereabouts. Remember that hospitals
are very numerous and at great distances from each other, that changes
are continually taking place. By giving him the address you will
greatly lighten his labor which is severe, and at the same time afford
your own friends the satisfaction of seeing him.
The
weather here to-day is clear, windy and cold.
Excuse these hasty lines mistakes and all, as I am in a
great hurry.
Azof.
(Roxbury City Gazette; December 6, 1862; pg. 2, col. 4.)
[Digital Transcription by
James Burton]
Convalescents
Camp, Alexandria, December
5, 1862
Numerous complaints about conditions in
the camp caused politicians to investigate. In this letter the
hopeful writer says Senator Henry Wilson, of Natick, Mass. had visited
the camp.
CONVALESCENTS CAMP, Alexandria, VA
Dec. 5, 1862.
Editor of the Gazette:
Dec. 5 – Sky overcast. The soft falling rain turns to snow, which on
the following morning remains on the ground to the depth of several
inches. Cold, wintry, freezing weather. Trees loaded with snow present
a beautiful appearance, the frost gem sparkling with undimmed
luster. Fortunately we have plenty of straw and hay. Still
we are half frozen. Kindled a fire in our ? pan. Came near
getting
smothered in our attempt to get warm. Came to the conclusion
“Sunny
South” all in your eyes. Teeth getting loose from continual chattering.
Glorious to suffer for one’s country.
Mr. Wyman has again visited the boys, giving them shirts, socks,
&c. How thankful the boys are for these favors.
Dec. 6 – Clear sky. B itter cold. Water, meat — everything freezing in
the tent. Report says several died from exposure in this camp last
night. Am afraid such was the case.
Senator Henry Wilson visited the camp yesterday. What will be the
result? My opinion is that the camp will be broken up, some of the
occupants sent to different hospitals, others to their regiments — a
few may be discharged.
Monday — As I anticipated, here are the M. D’s, think as you
please.
The examinations must be rather slack. How, under the
circumstances,
anything like a correct opinion can be formed, is a mystery to me. A
row of men, standing in front of their tents; doctor asks “what ails
you?” of course forming his own opinion. A through examination is
almost out of the question. Many men will be sent to their regiment who
will after a few days suffering, end their career on earth. It
will be
little better than murder. Many men have been discharged who were
as
well able to do duty at the time of their discharge as they were when
they enrolled their names in the army record, while at the same time,
many who really deserve a discharge, still remain in the service,
unable for some reason or other to get away. One thing is certain; let
them place the convalescents in whatever position they may, they can’t
find a meaner or more wicked place than this. The day pleasant,
somewhat milder than the two preceding days. Hope we shall have no more
storms until things become a little more settled. I will endeavor to
keep you posted as to matters and things in this camp for the reason
that those who have friends here will probably like to know when they
leave and what becomes of them. Heart-sick and almost weary of
life, longing
“Once more
to tired
The pathway of the past.”
Respect. Yours,
Azof.
[Roxbury City Gazette; December 18, 1862; pg. 2, col. 5]
Return to Table of Contents
History
of Camp Convalescent
In February 1864, residents of the new
Camp Convalescent (soldiers/patients and staff) began to publish the
weekly paper, The
Soldiers’
Journal; one of the first publications for troops that President
Lincoln is said to have read. Proceeds (more than $2,000 by war’s
end) went to the orphans of those who died at the camp. The
papers included poetry and descriptions of life in the camp, as well as
in the old “Camp Misery.”*
This detailed article from the first
issue, February 17, 1864, gives the history of the original camp near
Fort Ellsworth, and the history of the new camp after it was moved to
build a more
permanent establishment with barracks.
*City of Alexandria, Virginia;
April 24,
2017; "HISTORY OF CAMP
CONVALESCENT NEAR SHUTER'S HILL"
[https://www.alexandriava.gov/historic/civilwar/default.aspx?id=73457]
The
Soldier’s Journal.
Dedicated to the Soldiers’
Children
VOL. 1.} RENDEZVOUS OF
DISTRIBUTION, VA., FEB. 17,
1864.
{NO. 1.
History of Convalescent Camp, Va.
BY H. J. WINTERS.
Dedicated to SAMUEL McKELVY, Lieut.
Col. Commanding, as a token
of the high appreciation and regard entertained for him as a commanding
officer.
CONVALESCENT CAMP “AS
IT
WAS.”
My first introduction to Convalescent Camp, Va.,
was on the 20th
day of September, 1862, having been ordered to report to the commanding
officer with a squad of men of the regiment,
to which I had the honor of being a member, viz: — 14th New York State
Militia, of Brooklyn.
Convalescent Camp was situated on Shuster’s [sp.
Shuter's]
Hill, adjoining Fort Ellsworth, just outside of Alexandria, Va.
On the 28th day of September, ’62, I was asked by the
commanding
officer of the camp to accept a detail, and assist in endeavoring to
create an organization. After entering upon my duties, at first I
found little or no discipline in the camp.
The camp was organized under orders of Major General
Banks, commanding
the Defenses of Washington, dated August, 1862. The general
supervision of the camp was under charge of Brig. Gen. Slough, Military
Governor of Alexandria, Va.
Pictured is
Brigadier-General John Potts Slough, Military Governor of Alexandria,
Virginia.
The commandant selected for the camp was J. S. Belknap,
Colonel of the
85th N.Y. Vols. After some few days at Headquarters, in reading
over the general orders establishing the camp, I found there was no
provision made who should be placed on detail for the proper management
thereof, and I have to this day entertained the idea that it was a
serious mistake, “for reason:” Officers ordered to report to that
camp, not knowing whether they would remain there one, or twenty days,
did not interest themselves, or use that exertion requisite to create
discipline, and effect an organization amongst so large a body of men,
representing every branch of the service, and a large amount of
regiments in the field.
The command was divided into three sections, viz: — 1st,
convalescents;
2nd, stragglers; 3rd, recruits. Each section was under command of
an officer with assistants.
It seemed to me (with but a few exceptions,) that when a
Lieutenant was
ordered on duty, he seemed embarrassed to attempt to control or take
charge of more than one hundred men, or that of a company.
Amongst those who assumed a large amount of responsibility, and
conducted the general routine of the business in an officer-like
manner, and had a large command, was Capt. Thomas H. Marston, of the
82nd Reg. Pa. Vol’s. Ever ready to lend a helping hand,
his council was sought by many a poor and suffering soldier.
Independent of his command, every second day he acted in the capacity
officer of the day.
There being no provision made for a guard, Col. Belknap,
with the
consent of the Military Governor of Alexandria, detailed three men of
each regiment represented in the camp, and formed them into companies
for a guard, each company being under charge of a lieutenant.
Convalescent Camp, or Section No. 1, was composed of
wedge and sibley
tents. In October, ’62, there was some ten thousand men in the
camp, unfit for duty in the field. The tents were unfloored, and with
no fires.
Over the major portion of the above number of men were
sent from the
hospitals to the camp, and were fit and proper subjects for return to
hospitals. In many cases their wounds were still fresh, and
disease contracted in the field “yet clearly visible.” There
seemed to be either a misunderstanding as regarded the nature of the
camp, and the accommodations for men yet unfit for active service in
the field, or a gross negligence on the part of surgeons of hospitals
in forwarding such a class of men to camp, who were fit and proper
subjects for the tender mercies of a surgeon in a comfortable hospital.
The medical department of the camp was under charge of
Dr. Pooley,
Asst. Surg. U.S.A., assisted by some eight or nine Acting Assistant
Surgeons. Three of the Acting Assistant Surgeons constituted a
Board of Examiners, for the purpose of discharging disabled soldiers.
Dr. Pooley had not the experience sufficient to meet the
demands and
attend to the wants of a camp of that magnitude, and his removal was
recommended by Thomas F. Perley, Medical Inspector General, in his
report to Surgeon General Hammond, October, 1862.
Ferris Jacobs, Surgeon U.S. Vols., relieved Assistant
Surgeon Pooley,
October 27, ’62. About that time a Board of three Surgeons were
ordered to camp, for the purpose of examining disabled and debilitated
soldiers with a view “for discharge the service.”
In December, ’62, the severity of the weather upon
wounded and disabled
soldiers, caused many complaints to be made to officials and
congressmen in Washington on account of the scarcity of wood — no
floors in the tents and no fires. Immediately afterwards Major
General Heintzleman ordered that all the wood in sloops at Alexandria,
and in and around the country, be seized and delivered at Convalescent
Camp. — Lieut. R.P. Crawford, A.D.C., conveyed the order to
Brigadier General Slough at midnight, (the thermometer being that night
a zero.) The day following the Committee on the Conduct of the
War visited the camp, and through their influence, together with Major
General Heintzleman, over fifteen hundred men were removed from camp
and placed in comfortable hospitals, in and about Washington, for
medical treatment. Surgeon General Hammond also visited the camp,
in order to investigate and remedy existing evils belonging to his
department.
Surgeon General William A.
Hammond, pictured.
2nd Section, or Stragglers’ Camp, was composed of men
fit for duty,
stragglers and deserters. This camp was under the command of
Lieut. Balk, 6th U.S. Cav. The Camp was situated in the rear of
Convalescent Camp.
The mode of sending men to join their regiments in the
field, was as
follows: — A weekly report was made out at Headquarters, stating the
number of men in camp “fit for duty and unfit,” belonging to each
brigade in the field. — This report was forwarded to the
commanding officers of brigades by General Slough, notifying them of
the fact, with a request to send an officer or officers for the
men. By that means much time
was lost in transmitting the information by mail, the detailing of
officers by brigade commanders, and the arrival of said officers in the
camp, for the purpose of receiving said men. — About November, ’62, the
Provost Marshal General sent one of his Assistants to locate himself in
Alexandria, for the purpose of receiving and forwarding men to their
regiments by army corps.
3rd Section — Recruit Camp — was under charge of Lieut.
Col.
Prescott. It was for the reception of recruits, who were
forwarded to their regiments in the manner indicated above.
Towards the latter part of November, ’62, Major General
McClellan (then
commanding the Army of the Potomac,) sent General Patrick, Provost
Marshal General of the army, [pictured]
to inspect the camp, with a view to have
men forwarded to their regiments more promptly. Some few days
after said inspection, General McClellan issued a general order
regulating the details of camp, and empowering the Major General
commanding the Defenses of Washington, to present suitable details of
officers and men, unfit for duty, for the proper conduct and discipline
of the men at Convalescent Camp. Said order limited the number of
officers to not more than one from a brigade; also instructing the
Major General commanding the Defenses of Washington, not to press
unequally on details with regiments in the field. The order also
contained instructions that a list of such details be forwarded by the
Major General commanding the Defenses of Washington, to the
Headquarters of the army, in order that such details be published in
general orders, for the guidance of regimental commanders. — Said list
was made out and forwarded to the Major General, but was never
published in general orders.
Captain C. C. Moses was temporarily detailed as
Quartermaster of
camp. Not having any experience in that department, (the
department was poorly managed, ) he had only nine wagons to some
fifteen to eighteen thousand men. Some time in December, ’62,
from the large amount of complaints forwarded to Washington, the
Secretary of War ordered Convalescent Camp to be broken up. Those
who were unfit for duty were to be sent to hospitals; those fit for
duty to their respective regiments. Some few days afterward the
order was countermanded, and the removal of camp ordered to its present
location, near the Louden & Hampshire railroad, near Fort Bernard,
Va.
On December 12, ’62, details were made for the policing
of the new
camp, and the erection of barracks. Said details reported to
Captain Joshua Norton, A.Q.M., of Major General Heintzleman’s staff,
who was entrusted with the laying out and erection of barracks of New
Convalescent Camp.
Before finishing with my remarks on Old Convalescent
Camp, I would
state, on the 26th of December, ’62, all men of Old Convalescent Camp
were quartered in tents near the barracks of this camp, until such time
as they were ready for occupation. The Stragglers’ and Recruits’
Camp were detached from Convalescent Camp, and removed some five
hundred yards from its old site.
Colonel J. S. Belknap, commandant of the camp, used his
best endeavors
for the best interests of the service while in command of said
camp;
always in his company, I am positive his intentions were good,
although he was not possessed of that executive ability sufficient to
meet the demands of the service.
CONVALESCENT CAMP, 1863.
On the 3d day of January, 1863, in compliance with
orders from Major
General Heintzleman, Samuel McKelvy, Lieutenant
Colonel and Chief Commissary Department of Washington, assumed command
of Convalescent Camp, Virginia. At that time the barracks of the
camp
were in course of erection, and the men quartered in tents near by.
On the morning of January 3d, ’63, the morning report
showed
eighty-three hundred and fifty-eight men (Convalescent Camp alone,)
over the majority needed speedy examinations by Surgeons, to decide
relative to their final disposition. One Medical Examining Board
was in session at that time examining men sent before them by the
acting Assistant Surgeons in camp. Surgeon Josiah Curtis, was at
this time in charge of the Medical Department of the camp, but was soon
after relieved and assigned to the charge of the Germantown
Hospital. He was succeeded by Surgeon Charles Page, January,
’63. Surgeon Page [pictured]
finding one Board of Examiners not sufficient
for the number of men requiring examinations, made requisition, when
two more Boards in addition to the one in season were ordered to this
camp. Through the exertions of Col. McKelvy, the Medical Director
of Washington and Col. Conrad returned promptly to camp such
certificates of disability, forwarded to them, as in their opinion the
candidates were fit and proper subjects for discharge from the
service. Through the experience and ability of Surgeon Charles
Page, in charge, the medical Department of the camp was placed in good
working order. Sanford B. Hunt, Surgeon U.S. Vol., relieved
Surgeon Charles Page, U.S.A., in charge of the Medical Department of
camp.
Dr. Hunt, as President of one of the Medical Examining
Boards of camp,
in January ’63, displayed the qualifications of a thorough medical
officer. His services as such, relieved may who were in a
suffering condition, by discharge the service, transferred to General
Hospital and furlough, to experience a change of climate. Surgeon
Hunt still continues as Surgeon in charge of the camp.
Surgeon Hunt having reported to headquarters of camp,
that from
one-third to one-fourth of the men discharged at that time, (January
and February,) although totally unfit for active service in the field,
would prove of great value to the Government, by having them placed in
battalions, known as garrison battalions, to perform light duties in
and around the different departments, where they could secure good
shelter, &c., Col. McKelvy at once made out a report based upon
said suggestions, and forwarded it to Headquarters Department of
Washington, for consideration and action. I have no doubt, had
the suggestions contained in said report received favorable
consideration and action, the garrison or invalid corps would have
relieved all the garrison troops in and around the different
departments, including provost guards, fortifications &c.
In February, 1862, fifty barracks, capable of
accommodating five
thousand men, with dining rooms and cook houses, together with
hospitals for five hundred men, were turned over to Col. McKelvy by
Capt. Joshua Norton, A.Q.M., of Major General Heintzleman’s staff, who
had the erecting of said buildings. In the erection of the
buildings Capt. Norton earned for himself, in the discharge of his
duties, the reputation of an experienced quartermaster and a thorough
architect. The labor on the buildings was performed by soldiers
temporarily detailed.
March 15th, 1863, Camp of Distribution, formerly known
as Stragglers
Camp and Recruit Camp, were removed within the lines of Convalescent
Camp. Both of the above mentioned camps of this command were
under the charge of Captain J. J. Upham, 6th U.S. Inf. While in
charge, Capt. Upham discharged the duties of his position in a manner
highly creditable to himself and the service, and left with the regrets
of the officers.
Pictured: Major-General
Heintzleman at Camp Convalescent, click to view larger.
CONVALESCENT CAMP, VIRGINIA,
DEC. 1863.
Convalescent Camp is situated between Fairfax Seminary
and Long
Bridge. It contains fifty barracks, capable of accommodating five
thousand men. The Medical Department has buildings for five hundred
patients. The following are the officers of camp headquarters:
SAMUEL
McKELVY, Lieut. Col. and C.S., commanding.
R.P. Crawford, Capt. and A.A. Gen’l.
Sanford B. Hunt, Surgeon in Charge.
F.T. Stewart, Lieut. commanding Camp Distribution.
The camps are divided off as follows:
1st Division —Commanded by Capt. H.B. Paxton, 5th
P.R.V.C.,
comprising men of regiments from Penn’a. State and U.S. regulars.
2d Division — Commanded by Capt. H.B. Paxton, 5th
P.R.V.C. comprising
men of regiments from New York State.
3rd Division — Commanded by Capt. J.N.P. Bird, 7th
Wisconsin Vol.,
comprising men of regiments from the Eastern States.
4th Division—Commanded by ————, comprising men of
regiments from
Western and Southern States and N.J.
The workings of Divisions are as follows: The men
are divided off
into barracks of one hundred men each; a non-commissioned officer is in
charge of a barrack. These non-commissioned officers are
designated as ward masters. They are held responsible for the
proper conduct and dicipline of the men — to have roll-call, note
the arrivals and departures of the men, and report the fact to division
commanders daily or oftener.
Attached to each division is an acting Assistant
Surgeon, whose duties
are to examine the men of their division daily. Those whom they
think fit subjects for the Invalid Corps, for discharge the service, or
fit for duty, are sent to Camp Distribution, to be forwarded to their
regiments in the manner indicated hereafter. Those for the
Invalid Corps or discharge the service, are sent before the Examining
Board, and from these to the Surgeon in Charge, who's decision is final
in their cases.
Commanders of divisions have on every occasion proved
themselves to be
fully competent to take charge of from five hundred to fifteen hundred
men. The cleanliness of the barracks, neatness of the men, and
the good order and discipline of the camp is due to the exertions of
those officers in rigidly enforcing the order of camp.
The Medical Department of the camp, under charge of
Surgeon Sanford B.
Hunt, can compare safely with any institution of its nature attached to
the service. The amount of responsibility on Dr. Hunt, is large,
always strict and attentive to his duties. His natural executive
qualifications has won him many warm friends. Characteristic to
the Doctor, he has a word of comfort always for the sick and disabled
soldiers.
The Quartermasters Department, under charge of Captain
John A. Elison,
A.Q.M., has suitable buildings for the protection of public property
and stores; its stabling is large and
commodious. The
means of transportation are amply sufficient for the calls of the
service. The demands of division commanders are promptly
responded to by Capt. Elison. Captain Elison is a prompt and efficient
Quartermaster.
The Commissary Department under charge of Captain Chas.
F. Hoyt, C.S.
Vol’s., has always on hand an abundant supply of commissary stores,
giving as the rations all the regulations allows. Cattle are
slaughtered in camp and fresh beef at all times delivered as part of
the ration. Attached to the department is a large bakery, where
fresh bread is issued daily. The bakery is capable of turning out
sixteen thousand rations of bread daily, when called upon. Capt.
Charles F. Hoyt cannot only keep a hotel but is fully aware of its
wants. In no case has his department failed to honor its
requisitions.
[CONCLUSION NEXT WEEK.]
Return to Table of Contents
Letters
of Azof, PART III
The next three letters describe the
building of the new camp which was located near the Louden &
Hampshire railroad, near Fort Bernard,
Virginia.
December 22,
1862; The camp has moved
George Cheney turned a year older on
Dec. 12, and was now 37.
Post Hospital, 4 miles from
Washington
December 22, 1862.
Editor of the Gazette:
I have yet to learn the exact position of the new
camp. One thing
I know, that we are environed by hills on whose tops the glistening
bayonets are seen, while ponderous guns of heavy calibre look frowning
down upon us. Last Sunday the Massachusetts convalescents were
ordered to strike tents, and prepare to move. The day was
pleasant but decidedly cool, a sharp cutting breeze prevailing during
the day. After loitering about for several hours we marched to
this place, which is, they say, three miles from the old camp. On
our arrival things looked a little gloomy. As we had no tents the
prospect was good for a night’s rest in the open air, which was
verified as most the boys were obliged to bivouac in the woods. A
few managed to find spare tents.
The next day, a camp ground having been selected, began
to feel a
little more at home. The boys who had been scattered, as the
Captain remarked, all over Virginia, fast arriving at the new
ground. The old wedge tents were again called in use, and all are
as comfortable as circumstances will allow. Wood and water are to
be found in abundance, and this morning you may see the men busily
engaged washing and boiling their garments endeavoring to destroy the
“traveling humor,” which has of late troubled them by walking with its
cold feet over their bodies. Pass by the tents at any hour of the
day and you will see the men doing picket duty with a zeal worthy of a
better cause. We are still on a line of Railroad, the cars of
which run to Leesburg, also to Washington.
On the other side of a dense pine woods which skirts our
camp, barracks
are being built for the better accommodation of the sick, Report
says, fifty buildings of the dimensions say 75 feet long and 20 wide,
capable each of accommodating 105 persons, are to be put up.
Another report is that one hundred is the number. Be this as it
may, at present there are but three finished, although the prospect is
good for any number less than a hundred. Tents are unfit at this
season of the year for convalescents. Their removal into better
quarters should have commenced at least a month sooner. Had such
been the case no doubt several lives would have been saved. When
all things again assume the “square,” we hope to see regularity the
order of the day, the latter being an article much needed at present.
There are about 850 Massachusetts men here at
present. Other
States are fully represented. Before entering the barracks a
general sifting may be looked for, there being many exchanged prisoners
here.
To-day the weather is mild and pleasant. To-morrow
it may be as
cold as at the North. Queer weather out this way — can’t get the
hang of it.
Fredericksburg news seemed to send an extra shiver
through the
nerves. What was the feeling at the North? Reverses we have
met, “more may be in store for us,” and yet we firmly believe in the
future and final success of our cause. The Rebs must be in a
suffering condition, for “observe,” our dead were stripped – left naked
on the field. What better proof is wanted?
As our post office has not yet arrived in camp I don’t
know when you
will get this.
Azof.
(Roxbury City Gazette; January 16, 1863; pg. 2, col. 8.)
Christmas Day,
1862
Convalescent’s Camp, near Fort Banard
December 25, 1862.
Editor of the Gazette:
Since writing my last another change of camp has taken place.
From the hill-side we have moved to the valley or swamp, and taken
possession of some Sibley tents. The ground is soft and bids fair
to be rather damp, should a rain storm which is pending, overtake us.
Great preparations are being made to give the boys a
Christmas
Dinner. Three tables, at least one hundred feet long, have been
laid between the tents, and numerous are the questions as to what will
be served out in the way of delicacies. Each one is enjoying
himself in anticipation of the good things in store for him.
4 P.M. The whole matter of the dinner is a perfect
failure.
Owing to bad management on the part of some one, or all concerned,
nothing could be given out until late in the day. The men many of
whom had been on short rations for a day or two, became impatient,
upset the tables, making a grand rush for the eatables. Confusion
was the order of the day. Did Massachusetts contribute of her
fullness of plenty. If so, in future when she wishes to joy the
hearts of her tired soldiers, may those be sent to look after the gift
who will see that each receives his share. As to the dinner of
yesterday officers and ward masters must have been highly delighted at
the good cheer set before them. To show you how sumptuous the
private fared, I will give you the amount received in our tent, which
numbers seventeen men: one five cent loaf of bread, four oysters,
one very small pie, one-half chicken, five table spoons full of apple
sauce, six apples, about the same number of potatoes. Divide this
among seventeen men. Take nothing from nothing and how much
remains?
To make the men still more angry, if possible, their
rations were not
given out — some have not received theirs as yet. Last night
things looked squally enough, a large extra guard being needed to quell
the turbulent spirits. An attack was made upon one of the
sutlers’ buildings, but he came off unharmed. I do not pretend to
say that whiskey had anything to do with this trouble, but it is, and
always has been, a mystery to me why officers should be allowed to use
it freely, while for the private to meddle is almost guard-house
offence. Cast oil into the fire and not expect mischief.
Temperance is commendable in all things, not more so to the private
than to the officer. And yet as we look around for example, what
meets the eye?
When are the men to be paid off, is the all prevailing
thought.
No wonder at the desertions from the army. Men become tired and
heart-sick at the delay. Is the government really bankrupt? is
the question asked by many, some of whom really believe such to be the
case. Whatever may be the resources of this country, a war as
stupendous as the present war, must finally drain it if carried on much
longer. The question to be answered is, which side will be
exhausted first: you will say a question easily answered.
Perhaps so — time will soon settle this question, it mattering little
which way we decide.
We expect Col. Belknap will resume his old position
to-morrow, as
Colonel in charge, when this chaotic mass will be reduced to
order. Hoping the next dinner sent to us will meet with better
success, I remain yours,
Azof.
(Roxbury City Gazette; January 16, 1863; pg. 2, col. 8.)
[Digital Transcription by
James Burton]
January 13, 1863
CONVALESCENT’S CAMP, NEAR FORT
BANARD,
January 13, 1863.
Editor of the Gazette:
The last two letters sent you by some means never
reached their
destination. Perhaps some friends of the convalescent camp,
thought
them too hard, and, never mind that, you have not received them.
Did I tell you that the camp had been removed? It has, and like
everything else in those quarters, the advance has been
backwards. Our present camp is beautifully situated in the middle
of a swamp, the soil being dry and dusty, at the expiration of a long
drought, of perhaps twelve months’ duration. Not having been here
that
period of time I have not seen the depth of dust, but from a few weeks’
experience should suppose it might measure one half an inch. We have
been divided into wards, and as Massachusetts men of ability are
scarce, we have Pennsylvania blackguards appointed to take charge of us.
There are no commissioned officers
hailing from the Old bay State to
care for us. New York and Pennsylvania is fully represented; why
they
are not at the front is best known to themselves. Bogus
examinations are the order of the day. To wit, what does a
surgeon know
of a man’s condition simply looking at him? I say nothing.
A man may
suffer from heart disease, pain in the side, across the kidneys,
&c., and the doctor will sneeringly remark, or think, at least,
“playing off.” Why don’t they thoroughly examine their
patients? Stand
men in front of their tents, and pass from one to another with the
question “What ails you?” Answer given; to his regiment is
the
result of this truly humane examination. No wonder the soldier
curses the government, the army, and the war in general.
Disappointed
in not receiving their pay leads them to mistrust the “Powers that be.”
Cruelty, for by what other name can it be called, is treating them
worse than you who are at home would treat a dog, leads them to curse
their foolishness in placing themselves in such a strait.
The
soldier from Massachusetts would be treated as a man; they fight like
men
they behave like men, why when wore out in the service, should they not
be treated like men. Simply because they have no body to look
after
them. The idea of detailing convalescents to do manual labor, to
tramp
through the soft mud, doing the duty of the common laborer. I
care not
what others say to the contrary, the story is a true one, and a lasting
disgrace to any army or organization in the world. The time is
coming
when the present state of things will be overturned, and justice done
those who cheerfully yield comfort, health and strength to a distracted
country. Massachusetts seems to interest themselves in their
soldiers.
No doubt many feel to-day that they can do no more for them; but when
they visit this camp everything is smoothed over to them by the officer
in charge, and in my opinion they are blinded as to the true position
of things.
This morning there was a row
about rations. They will not let us cook,
or cook themselves. ? is a great object and that can be made by selling
buttons. Never mind the poor dog of a soldier.
[Roxbury City Gazette; January 22, 1863; pg. 2, col. 5]
Picture: New Camp Convalescent Head
Quarters
Pictured is the new barracks and camp,
completed, as described in Azof's next letter.
February 6,
1862; Terrible train
accident
By early February the new camp was
nearly completed and things seemed to have settled down to some sort of
order.
CAMP NEAR FORT BANARD, VA,
Feb. 6, 1863.
Editor Roxbury City Gazette: -
The only thing stirring in this vicinity is mud and water a large
supply of which article may be found in and about the camp. Snow and
rain have been administered in doses to suit the most fastidious. The
camp is fast becoming a habitable place and the convalescent is made as
comfortable as possible. Most of the barracks are finished and
ready
for their occupants. All our Massachusetts troops are in good
quarters. Looking out in front of my quarters you would almost
think you were in a thriving little town. Carpenters are busy at work,
large piles of lumber are lying around, and buildings are being
selected for the officers, many of whom have their wives and children
with them. When all is finished and the rubbish cleaned up this will be
one of the prettiest camps in the vicinity of Washington.
There is at
present time four examining boards in full play, most of whom discharge
at least fifty men per day; the number of men in camp is gradually
diminishing in spite of the number of arrivals from the Hospitals,
coming and going is the order of the day. Most of the troops
appear to
be well satisfied with present arrangements. If evil exist they
simply
say they are caused by war and look for no improvement while the
struggle for mastery is going on. Should this war continue for
years,
and we must allow, the prospect is good, would it not be well for us to
adopt the idea of Miss. Muloch which may be true in our case, that
Perhaps war is but heaven’s great
ploughshare,
Driven
Over the barren, fallow earthly
fields
Preparing them for harvest, rooting up
Grass, weeds and flowers which
necessary fall,
That is these furrows the wise
husbandman
May drop celestial seed.
There is a sunny
side generally found if sought for, to all the seeming ills, which
beset us. The dark tempest heavy cloud which scatters and destroys all
lying in its track, has still a sunny side, and having spent its fury,
may still present to view a hidden beauty. The storm cloud of war
which
for years has been gathering is at present sweeping over our
land.
Gloom and darkest are around us, yet who are they that doubt the
ultimate success and triumph of our arms, that those principles for
which our fathers fought will be triumphant, and will stand forth
clearer and purer than ever, and no dark spot shall be left to mar
their beauty.
Have I mentioned
an accident that happened on the Rail Road near our camp last
week.
Four men who had been to Alexandria on duty were ran over by the cars,
one man had his skull broke, and as I looked at him it reminded me of a
broken pitcher with the pieces lying by its side; of course he was
killed instantly. Another was all cut to pieces, while a third
had both
legs cut off; the fourth was not seriously injured. Even old soldiers
shuttered as they looked at the mangled remains, and I heard one
remark, “worst than the battle field.”
The weather to
day has been beautiful, very spring like, but the “mud!” Oh dear
its
awful.
To-morrow being
Sunday we may expect quite a number of visitors from Washington,
perhaps I can gather a few items of interest from them.
Azof.
[Roxbury City Gazette; February 19, 1863; pg. 2, col. 7]
Return to Top of Page
History
of Camp Convalescent Part 2
Although the second part of H.J. Winters
history of Camp Convalescent is a bit superfluous to this page, I
include it for completeness. The officer Major W. H. Wood,
Assistant Provost Marshal General, is referred to in the letters of
William H. H. Rideout on the next page of this section.
The
Soldier’s Journal.
Dedicated to the Soldiers’
Children
VOL. 1.} RENDEZVOUS OF
DISTRIBUTION, VA., FEB. 24,
1864.
{NO. 2.
History of Convalescent Camp, Va.
BY H. J. WINTERS.
Dedicated to Samuel
McKelvy, Lieut. Col. Commanding, as a token of the high
appreciation and regard entertained for him as a commanding officer.
(CONCLUDED FROM LAST WEEK.)
Attached to the camp are two are kitchens and dining
rooms. The kitchens are capable of cooking rations, thoroughly,
for ten to fifteen thousand men. The dining rooms are fitted up
with cups, plates, knives and forks, which are retained in the
rooms. The men eat their rations in the dining rooms — marched
thereto in two ranks under the care of their yardmaster. No
cooking is allowed outside of the kitchens— cooks being detailed for
that purpose. By that means good and substantial rations are
given
the soldier and much labor saved the men.
The mode of receiving men in camp — as
follows:
Men arrive in camp daily from the Soldiers’ Rest, Washington, by
railroad — a branch of the track having been laid inside the lines of
camp. The men are drawn up in line in front of the receiving
office, under charge of the Sergeant major; they are surrounded by a
guard, when a Surgeon examines each man. Those whom he thinks yet
unfit for service are retained in Convalescent Camp, their names
recorded in the Sergeant Major’s book, and then distributed to the
various divisions according the regiments which they represent, or
hospitals, as the case may be. Those fit for duty — their names
are recorded in the duty book and then forwarded to the Camp of
Distribution, to await transportation to their respective regiments in
the manner indicated hereafter.
The post-office of camp, under the charge of Captain
Thomas H. Marsten, 82d Penn’a. Vol’s. receives and delivers on an
average, each week, fifteen thousand letters for the soldiers — many of
the letters containing money received and forwarded to families and
friends of the soldiers. The amount of uncalled for letters sent
to the Dead Letter Office, is, on an average, three hundred and fifty
per week. The mail is sent out of camp daily at 8 o’clock each
morning, and received at 11 o’clock the same day. The
arrangements of said office are so complete that a mail of from two to
five thousand letters can be delivered to their rightful owners inside
of two hours. I think the postal arrangements can compare safely
with many post-offices in large cities.
Adams’ Express Company has established an agency in camp
of the delivery of all packages addressed to soldiers in camp, and for
the forwarding of monies to the families of soldiers. A vast
amount of money is sent per express monthly from this camp.
A neat building has been erected by the Barber of camp,
whose place is thronged daily by the soldiers.
The Photograph Gallery of camp under charge of Mr.
Jones, an old and experienced hand at the business, is visited daily by
the soldiers, having their bronzed faces taken to send to families and
friends. The pictures taken in that establishment can compete
with any in our principal cities, and the charges as moderate.
Mr. Jones always obliging to the soldier, allows no room for complaint
on the part of his work. He is a regular “E pluribus Erin ga
brath.”
The 3d and 4th regiments Penna. Res. Vol. Corps — the
detachment under command of Col. Woolworth — perform the guard duty of
camp. Col. Wolworth [sp] has always been found prompt and
efficient in the discharge of the duties of his command. Ten barracks
of the guard are nearly finished (just outside the camp,) capable of
accommodating one thousand men.
The Sanitary Commission has established a branch in this
camp, their agent being Miss Amy M. Bradley. Miss A. M. Bradley
is one
of the noble ladies of the country whose voluntary services has done
much good to the soldiers having connection with Convalescent
Camp. Articles of clothing not allowed by the government can
always be obtained from Miss. A.M. Bradley. In many cases where
soldiers were unable to draw their long due pay, on account of
wrongfully being accounted for as absent without leave, through the
exertions of this kind-hearted lady, the sufferings of soldiers;
families were greatly relieved by the remittances of their back
pay. To the discharged soldier, in saving him from the hands of
scheming agents in Washington, this lady’s name will ever be
remembered. Miss A.M. Bradley can be truly styled the “soldiers
friend.”
Pictured is the Sanitary Commission
Building at Camp Convalescent. Perhaps Miss Amy M. Bradley is the woman
standing center?
THE SOLDIERS’ LIBRARY.
A Soldiers’ Library has been established in camp, the
building being large and well adapted for its use. From twelve to
fifteen hundred volumes of reading matter are issued to the soldiers
daily. The Library is under charge of Mr. Mellon, of Mass.
The Camp Chapel is a neat building with steeple and
bell, and capable of accommodating one thousand soldiers with
seats. Services are held three times per day, under the
supervisor of the Christian Commission.
The Soldiers’ Cemetery, in rear of the hospital, is
neatly laid out — sufficient for one thousand graves. It is
enclosed with a neat and substantial fence. Each grave having a
head-board with the name, company and regiment of the deceased soldier.
The great curiosities of the camp are two
reservoirs. In rear of the camp two reservoirs have been built
with good sound bottoms and enclosed. The water is collected from
springs, by runs depositing into the reservoirs. One is used for
the kitchens and dining rooms, the other for the hospitals. The water
is passed through earthen pipes laid under the ground to the kitchens
and hospitals. The reservoir supplying the kitchens and dining
rooms has a force of over forty feet, and can supply forty thousand
gallons of water per day. It also supplies the barracks with
water in case of fire or accident in camp.
CAMP OF DISTRIBUTION
Camp of Distribution (a section of Convalescent Camp,)
is situated a short distance from Convalescent Barracks, and inside the
lines of the command. The camp is composed of Sibley tents — each tent
having a Sibley stove. The camp is for the reception of men found
fit for duty in Convalescent Camp, duty men arriving form Washington
depots. Provost Marshals, deserters arrested by Provost Marshals,
&c. The arrangements of camp are as follows: The
streets of divisions of camp are divided off into Army Corps,
viz: “The regiments that are serving in the various corps of the
army.” Each corps street is under charge of anon-commissioned
officer. As fast as men arrive in camp and their names recorded
by the Sergeant Major they are distributed to the corps in which their
regiments are serving. The deserters are in a separate camp from
the duty men, under charge of a commissioned officer.
Major W. H. Wood, 17th U.S. Inf., Assistant Provost
Marshal General, Army of the Potomac, send to camp almost daily for the
men of the various corps — who has the forwarding of said men to the
Provost Marshal General, Army of the Potomac, for distribution to their
respective regiments, and to army corps in said army. A roll
accompanies the men, stating the name, company and regiment of each
man, made out separately by brigades. By this means the
Provost Marshal General has little or no trouble, after receiving said
men, in their distribution to brigades of the army.
I think over ten thousand deserters were received at
this camp and forwarded to regimental commanders for disposition.
The machinery of this camp is in such working order that if called
upon, from two to four thousand men can be forwarded to their regiments
in one day, with the proper rolls.
Lieut. F. T. Stewart, 29th Ohio Vols., the commandant of
the camp, has displayed the qualifications of an officer fully
competent to meet the demands of the service, always vigilant and
active in the discharge of his many duties. He is eminently
entitled to the consideration of the government for promotion.
Annexed will be found a report of this camp. In
conclusion, Colonel, I would state from experience, having had the
honor of being associated with Capt. R. P. Crawford, your Assistant
Adjutant General, with his natural business qualifications, and his
executive military talent, he has aided and assisted you greatly in the
formation and organization of Convalescent Camp. He has
many
warm and steadfast friends.
To you, Colonel, the service owes the formation of one
of
the best disciplined and organized camps in the country. As the
Department is fully aware of your services as an officer, I trust a
speedy promotion may follow.
As over the major portion of this history is taken from
memory, it is with pleasure I offer it to yours the doings of a boy.
With high regards, &c., I am,
Sir,
Your most obedient
servant,
H .J. WINTERS,
Citizen Clerk, Commissary Dep’t.
CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF
CONVALESCENT CAMP,
From September, 1862, to December 31, 1863.
Number of
convalescents admitted, - - - - - - - -
|
117,460 |
Number of
convalescents sent to join
their regiments, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
|
98,293 |
Number of
convalescents transferred
to general hospitals, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
|
5,505 |
Number of
convalescents discharged
the service on Surgeon’s certificate
of disability, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
|
9,781 |
Number of
convalescents furloughed, - - - - - - -
|
1,993 |
Number of
convalescents died, - - - - - - - - - - -
|
266 |
Rejected
conscripts
and substitutes received
in this camp, having been
pronounced unfit for active
service, about - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
|
600 |
Number of men
assigned to the Invalid
Corps at this camp, from August
1, 1863, to November 30, 1863, - - - - - - - - - - -
|
4,027 |
Number of
paroled
prisoners in camp
from May, 1863, to August, 1863, - - - - - - - - -
|
3,084 |
Number of
officers
ordered to report to
Convalescent Camp by the Military
Governors of Washington
and Alexandria, who were
forwarded to their regiments,
August 20, ’62, to September 30, ’63, - - - - - - -
|
512 |
|
Pictured is a plan of Camp
Convalescent. A connection to the 13th Mass was discovered in learning
that the camp was surveyed and the map drawn up by Lauriman H. Russell
of Company I, a civil engineer from Marlboro, Mass. Russell's two
brothers died while serving with the 13th Mass regiment. Click Here to
view a
very large version.
|
CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CAMP
OF DISTRIBUTION
From May, 1863, to December 21, 1863.
Number of men
received, - - - - - - - - - - - - -
|
33,436 |
Number of men sent
to join their
regiments, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
|
31,071 |
| The balance are
awaiting transportation to their
regiments. |
|
Amount of savings in
rations to the
Government, in Convalescent
Camp (alone,) from June to
December 1, ’63, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
|
$16,604.20 |
| The above amount was
not drawn in money but is due the
camp. |
|
Return To Table of Contents
Who Is
AZOF?
Several dispatches from Correspondent ‘AZOF’ were
printed in the Roxbury City Gazette, between 1861 and 1864. The
weekly newspaper was owned by publisher William H. Hutchinson.
It seems it would be fairly simple to deduce the
identity of War Correspondent “AZOF” if two assumptions are made.
First, that he was a member of Company E, 13th Mass, organized in
Roxbury, because AZOF reported exclusively from this company to the
hometown newspaper, and second, that he later enlisted in Colonel J.P.
Gould’s veteran regiment, the 59th Mass., because his dispatches from
the field continued with that unit in 1864. I analyzed the
rosters from both regiments in “Massachusetts Soldiers & Sailors in
the Civil War” and narrowed down his probable identity to 4 soldiers
who met this criteria. They are:
Captain
Joseph E. Colburn, Company E, 13th MA, later Lt.-Col.
Colburn, 59th MA.
Private John W. Green, Company E, 13th MA., later 2nd Lt. in the 59th
MA.
1st Sergeant Henry Dove, age 26, Company E, 13th MA., later private in
the 59th MA.
Private George S. Cheney, age 35, Company E, 13th MA, later 1st
Sergeant, 59th MA.
Based on his own correspondence, AZOF’s record can be
outlined as follows. He participated in General John Pope’s 1862
summer campaign; then chronicled time spent at Camp Convalescent in
Alexandria, between September ’62 & January ‘63. In May, 1863
he was home at Roxbury. In May 1864, the Roxbury City Gazette is
again printing correspondence from “AZOF” who is then reporting from
the 59th Mass. in the field. He is in Company A of that regiment,
and he is slightly wounded in the foot at the Battle of North Ana,
where the 59th was heavily engaged on May 24, 1864.
Process of Elimination
The record of the 4 likely candidates follows.
Captain Joseph Colburn’s record might meet this
criteria, but it seems unlikely and out of character that he would
write about himself in such glowing terms as “AZOF” frequently
did. Also, Colburn’s writing style, doesn’t match that of
“AZOF” as evidenced in a couple of letter samples in my
collection. More importantly there is no record of him being
wounded in the foot at North Anna.
Private John W. Green was discharged from the service in
March 1863 according to the 13th MA roster, but the Soldiers and
Sailors report says he was discharged March 1862, before Pope’s summer
campaign begins.
So far I haven’t resolved this discrepancy. But, Green was born
in England, and though this information doesn’t rule him out, “AZOF’
writes as if he grew up in Roxbury. Sergeant Henry Dove
participated in the Gettysburg Campaign, with the 13th MA, and was
captured July 1, 1863. “AZOF” was home in May, 1863, which
rules out Sgt. Dove. The record of George S. Cheney
however, is a perfect match.
Cheney was wounded in the leg early in the war,
November 30, 1861, when Company E was picketing the Potomac River at
Sir John’s Run, just beyond Hancock, Maryland. A letter he
wrote to the Gazette, describing the affair, published under his own
name, matches “AZOF’s” writing style and subject matter. From
September 1862 through January 1863, “Azof” sent home the
dispatches posted on this page from Camp Convalescent in
Alexandria. Cheney’s record states he was mustered out of the
13th Mass. on May 25, 1863. That same month the Roxbury Gazette
printed
a letter from “AZOF” titled “Passing Away,” describing changes the
returning soldier encountered in his hometown. The next week, the
Gazette published the
following:
Private Cheney
Returns Home
PERSONAL
George S. Cheney of the 13th is among the “honorably
discharged” from the U. S. service. When the rebellion broke out
private Cheney was among the first to respond to the call for
volunteers, enlisting purely from patriotic motives. He did his duty
faithfully, and was seriously wounded at Sir John’s Run, in November,
1861. He has continued in the army assisting to keep us a nation to the
present time, and for some months past making himself useful in the
convalescent camp at Alexandria, as a clerk in the medical department.
He is now at home looking for some kind of light employment. If any of
our readers are in want of an accountant, collector, or salesman, we
trust a more allusion to excite an interest in his behalf.
[Roxbury
City Gazette; May 28, 1863; pg. 2, col. 3]
Further evidence comes from Cheney’s record with the
59th
Mass. in 1864.
Captain Joseph Colburn, enlisted George S. Cheney into
Company A of the 59th Mass. on November
20, 1863 in Roxbury. Cheney was promoted sergeant on May 1,
1864. He was wounded in the right foot at North Anna River on
May 24, 1864, where the regiment was heavily engaged.
Correspondent “AZOF” wrote a long letter detailing Company A’s exploits
in diary form, which was published in the Roxbury Gazette, [date
unknown]. I have the following [poor] transcription excerpts for
May 24 & 28, 1864:
Tuesday, 24th. - …As was expected, during the afternoon
we became
hotly engaged with the enemy. It was hot, hotter, hottest. Grape and
canister were plentifully used by the rebels, to say nothing about
shell and shot; the battle lasted several hours; 6 or 7 of Co. A were
wounded. Your humble servant received a ba? [ball?] on the top of his foot,
which will disable him for a short time. I can hobble about and ? 90
day with the regiment. Shall be well in a week or two. It is merely a
severe ?….
…May, 28th. — Seeing I marched 20 miles yesterday, you
will infer that
my wound is not a very bad one. I suffered a great deal, but mastered
the pain. Have a pass to ride in the ambulance to-day, if I choose to
so
do.
As unfortunate as it is that crucial words are missing
from this transcription (I have no access to the original) it is clear
correspondent “Azof” was wounded the foot at the same place & date
as Sergeant George S. Cheney.
Return to Top of Page
Private Cheney Returns Home
A week before the announcement of
Private Cheney's return home, the following article was printed in the
Roxbury City Gazette. It is written with a nostalgic look
at the many changes in the village since the days of
Cheney's youth. That would be the mid 1830's to the early 1840's.
I could not find any picture references
for the specific places described but they are detailed in the book
“The town of
Roxbury: its memorable persons and places, its history and antiquities,
with numerous illustrations of its old landmarks and noted personages,”
by Francis S. Drake, published in 1878.
Letter,
May 19, 1863
From the now defunct website “Letters of
the Civil War”
THIRTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS
MAY 19, 1863.
PASSING AWAY.
How swiftly roll the wheels of time! In our infancy we
prattle all
unconscious of aught save the enjoyment of the hour. Our youth is
devoted to pleasure untrammeled by fear of future evil. Steadily
on
moves time. Those pleasures, which once afforded us the richest
enjoyment, fail to satisfy the mind, and we launch upon the broad sea
of experience, almost, in fact, totally unconscious of what awaits us
in the future. Changes in the material, as well as in the mental
and
physical world meet our gaze at every turn. Where are those who
once
trod our streets, or roamed the meadows and woodlands of our
city?
Where is the tenant of what we once called “White Farm?” The old
horse
remains — but the orchard by which it was surrounded, together with the
gate, which marked its entrance, have long since disappeared. Streets,
beautiful dwellings, gardens whose beauties might almost vie
with Eden, fill the air with fragrance. As we mark the change
which
time has wrought, we whisper to each other, “Passing Away.”
Who would have supposed that
the Welds Farm would have so changed as to be scarcely
recognized? That
the ground shaded by that ancient apple tree — the richness of whose
fruit tempted the school boy to stray, would have been dedicated to the
Most High by the erection of a church to his worship? That those “White
Hearts” and “Black Hearts,” those bushes blushing under their load of
luscious fruit would have given place to curb stones and gravel
walks?
That the old Farm House would have been supplanted — a dwelling with
modern improvements taking its place, leaving nothing to mark the spot
where once it stood? Those willows too have disappeared.
That
little streamlet, flowing near the road is buried from our sight.
How
changed the scene in that large field where “Turnips did abound.”
At this
point cross the street, and look with reverence upon one landmark of
the past. That noble elm still lives. The old “Swift” house, over which
in times gone by it cast its shadow, has given place to buildings of
more modern style. Are there those still living whose memory will go
back to that old gent, who, double bent could chuck a pebble with
unerring skill — whose greatest pleasure seemed to be to drive us from
our foot-ball game, and thus preserve those fields of “living Green.”
The time has
been, when in imagination we could see the patriot Warren leave his
home for scenes of strife, to battle for his country. But even here the
scene has changed. We glance across the way and Tommy’s Rocks may still
be seen, but wearing little of the look of old. Once rough, uneven and
unsightly to all save those who love a landscape view — now graced by
dwellings, which do honors to their builders. The Lemist lands have
also changed, at least, in outward form, but few remaining at present
day, who knew the old location. The “High School,” Roxbury’s best
at
one time, is now shut in by brick and mortar, — the old decaying
building opposite is numbered with the things that were.
A land mark of the
past, to those whose youth dates back a quarter of a century, presents
it self to view. The City Hotel still remains untouched. Changes have
taken place; its stables have been burned, destruction has been busy
all around her, but she stills lives. How few there are remaining who
now can recollect the little “Fisher” who once gave life and jollity to
the worn out traveler, whose hand was ever open, and whose “Bar”
teaming with smiles, stood open to the weary. As then, so now —
inducements are held out to tempt the lover of good sport. Its
ten pin
alleys are unsurpassed, and Mr. Thom as well knows how to please his
callers. To all who love good exercise, who love a healthy game, a
better place cannot be found in Roxbury.
We ramble
onwards to Sumner’s Hill. How strangely changed are all things here.
Those little ponds whose surface in mid-winter resembles glass to
smoothness, have passed away. Those swamps, where knee deep in the mud
we sought the budding flag root, have become to us as dreams, mere
visions of the past. No more will light limb’d boys or merry hearted
girls roam o’er those slopes of green, and in the freely flowing
merriment of hearts all free from care, cast forth from summer’s breeze
their notes of joy.
The
Norfolk Bank has still its guardian angels. They look as prim to-day as
of the morn which first they climbed that giddy height. The
storms of years have howled around them – yet calm, serene, they look
abroad over nature, and mark its changes with as ? an eye, and full as
much discernment, as many favored mortals.
The Old Town School is
changed in some respects. No more the school boy with his merry laugh
will greet us as we pass. No more those walls will echo of the crash of
the ferrule,* laid on with hearty will by Mr. Frost, surnamed by many
“Jack Frost.” Tall Parker with his sandy whiskers long since passed
away. Good bye, Town School, fraught full as much with memories of a
painful nature as with the joys of childhood. Henceforth thy doom will
be to listen to the notes of discord.
Azof.
Roxbury, May 19, 1863. [Roxbury City Gazette; May 21,
1863; pg. 2, col.
6]
*ferrule: 1. a metal ring or cap put
arond the end of a stick, tool, cane, etc. to prevent splitting or to
give added strength. 2. in mechanics, a short tube or
bushing for tightning a joint.
Boston, Charleston, & Bunker Hill as
seen from the fort at Roxbury, 1828.
Artist John Rubens Smith (11175-1849)
sketched this view of Boston and vicinity in 1828, showing a distant
view of
Beacon Hill and the Massachusetts State House from a hillside in
Roxbury. The following brief biography was compiled by one of
Cheney's descendants.
George Seaver Cheney
by David W. Kaczka
George Seaver Cheney was born on 12 Dec 1825, in
Roxbury, Massachusetts, to William Cheney and Rebecca (Richards)
Cheney. He was a tinsmith by trade. He married Lucy Anna
Sprague at the Baldwin Place Baptist Church in Roxbury on 23 Apr 1848.
George enlisted in Company E of the Massachusetts 13th
Infantry on 16 Jul 1861, at the relatively mature age of 35. He
was wounded on 30 Nov 1861 at a skirmish near Sir John's Run, West
Virginia. Per surgeon's report, location of the wound was the
popliteal fossa (behind the knee). Surprisingly, he did not lose
his leg.
He participated in the campaigns of the 13th
Massachusetts Volunteers through the battle of Chantilly, 01 Sept. 1862.
He subsequently served as a clerk in the medical
department at Camp Convalescent in Alexandria, Virginia. He was
honorably discharged from the 13th on 25 May 1863, at the rank of
Private.
George returned to Roxbury for a few months, before
re-enlisting in Company A of the 59th Massachusetts Infantry on 05 Dec
1863. He was promoted to Sergeant on 01 May 1864, and soon after
was wounded in his right foot at the Battle of North Anna in Virginia,
on 24
May 1864. He was promoted to 1st Sergeant on 01 Sept 1864.
He mustered out of the 59th on 13 Jun 1865.
George returned to Roxbury after the war, and continued
his trade as a tinsmith. He relocated to Taunton, Massachusetts
by 1876. He died on 21 Jun 1886, in Taunton, at the age of
60. His cause of death was ‘hemorrhagic hemoptysis’ -- probably
pulmonary tuberculosis, given that his wife Lucy Anna died soon after
on 14 Nov 1886, of ‘consumption’.
Known children of George and Lucy Anna were:
Emily Jane
Cheney (1849-1879)
Sarah B. Cheney (1852-1924)
George E. Cheney (1853-1854)
Lucy Anna Cheney (1856-1880)
Georgianna F. Cheney (1859-1879)
William Cheney (1866-1870)
The burial locations of George and Lucy Anna are unknown
at this time.
Next Up: Good Times With Company B
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