The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-03-23
HISTORY OF THE HATH ALA.
 BAMA REGIMENT.
By M. B. Hurst.

By M. B. Hurst.
 (The following sketch was first pub ished In part In a small pamphlet print Id at Richmond, Va, in 1S6S. The author
 who now resides at Stroud, Ala, has brought the narrative down to the close pf the war. This little pamphlet is one of the rarest pieces of war literature, and tut few copies are in existence The Department has copy presented by ]. A. Bingham. Esq. of Talladega. The Department has also copy of group photograph of the field and stan officers or the Regiment. Of the seven officers represented, but two survive, Dr. J. E. Gaston of Montgomery, Regimental Sur Atlanta. Ga., the last commander of the Regiment.) E
 On the 7th of August. 1861. this Regi- ment was mustered into service by Major Calhoun, c. s. A. For some reason un- known to the author, the Regiment did not move immediately to the seat of war. They remained in camp at Auburn. Ala. and were partially initiated into the hardships of a soldiers life. On the 9th of October. 1861. they left for Hunts vile. Ala. at which place they arrived October Sth. They remained Gt Hunts vile until November 4th. The Regiment was ordered to report at Richmond, Va. This move was very injurious to the health of the men composing the Regi- recovering from measles. They arrived at Richmond November 7th. and camped on the old Fair Ground. west of the city. Here the Regiment first received pay from the Government. On the l4th Of November the Regiment was ordered to Transport, Va. They arrived there on the 17th. Here the men began to expe- rience in truth the hardships of sol diers life; having been raised in Ala bama, and the other Cotton States the exposure which necessarily attends a soldiers life. on the bleak shores of the could stand. Hundreds were sick. great majority of whom died. So fatal was their sickness. that by the first of Jan uary, 1862. little over a month. not onel Judge, then in command. asked to be moved, but his petition was unnoticed by the commanding General. T. Holmes. The Colonel then applied and got leave tions and influence. had the Regiment ordered by the Secretary of War to Richmond. The Regiment arrived at Richmond. January 3. 1863. and was quar- known as Camp Winder. Every effort was made by the commanders of the Regiment to restore the health or the men. Here it remained in garrison life until the 27th of March. when the enemy were threatening Yorktown from Fort ress Monroe. The health of the Regiment was partially restored. We were ordered to Yorktown; w landed there on the
 
 morning we marched out some four miles west of the town and camped near Wdnn's Mill Nothing here disturbed the regular routine of camp duty; save an advancing. On the 9th day of April, early in the morning, couriers were riding rapidly in every direction. from whom we learned that 1t was supposed that the enemy were advancing in force on Dam No. 1. situated about three-fourths or mile below our camp. The long roll was beaten, the Regiment formed and march, ed down to the dam above named; we marched forward to the waters edge and here we remained four days ana nights. It was while the Regiment was to Company G. viz: - Allen. Allen, - Allen and Lindsey, were posted across the river to watch and give intimatlon of the advance of the enemy; but not being properly instructed, and by tneir negligence, they were captured. Tho morning or the 9th of April we were marched back to our old camp: the whoie regiment was put to work building breast works in full view and range Of the enemy's guns-the men worked night ana day. It was raining almost all the time. At night the enemy amused and inter ested our men with their rockets: in day time their shells kept continuous whiz, whiz whiz over our heads. Few men, however. were wounded by the explosion of shells, and one or two killed py the Rh2rDSnOOIeTS Johnston, at that time in command of the Army of the Peninsula, ordered re. treat; consequently, on the 3d day or May. we had to leave our fortifled po- stion, which had cost us so much iaoor. amidst danger. We took the road Tor Williamsburg, leaving all our tents, cooking utensils, together with great many rations We had on hand. The road 10 Williamsburg was almost impassable for artillery and baggage wagons Ine men, who were nearly exnausted rom exposure want of sleep ana naVins been at work night and day Tor over two weeks, marched slowly: and many, who attempted to save their clothing and blankets, by packing them, were. soon exhausted, consequently. thousands or blankets overcoats. shirts. drawers and pants were thrown away. We arrived at Williamsburg in the evening; the next day the enemy's cavalry were pursuing us closely We marched through the town of Williamsburg, and halted about two miles north of town Late III the evening" the roar of musketry, anout three miles below Williamsburg, gave us gnfcrration that the advance guar" of the enemy had attacked our ret,. Soon we W ere in line, and marched bark through the town, and posted a redouht near Fort Magruder. Every man lay down that night with his musket by ms side expecting that the coming nay night the rain began falling in torrents much to the discomfture of boys without tents. Every one seemed to care only for his gun and ammunition, as he ex- pected to have use for 1t the next oaE' At length the grey streak in the eastern horizon gave warning tnaI aaE |s S, proaching. Every man was up ana r.ady for any emergency The cloud hung heavily. casting a gloom over me piace'