Living on the Line: Trench life at Petersburg

[bAcK88]

I would like to announce a living history at Petersburg in October. As many of you know, many members of this forum worked on the reconstructed earthworks at Tour Stop 3 in May, and did a fabulous job. Now we should take full advantage of these works.

What: Immersion living history/ picket post at Petersburg National Battlefield.

When: October 16-17, 2010

Who: Bill Backus wbackus1864@yahoo.com

The scenario is life in the trenches of Petersburg between Grant’s Fifth and Sixth Offensives. In late September 1864 Grant moves the majority of the AoP to the west, to sever the South Side Railroad, Lee’s most important communication and supply line. The Federals capture Fort Archer, but fail in reaching the South Side and the 9th Corps is eventually thrown back to Archer after the Battle of Peeble’s Farm. However Lee cannot recapture his old lines so both sides frantically build fortifications to connect their new holdings back to the main line. By October 15, after 2 weeks of work, the Federals have constructed a new six-mile line with eleven forts. Part of the force manning these new lines is the battle-worn 57th Massachusetts of the 9th Corps.

Unit portrayal: Company F, 57th Massachusetts. In October this was the regiment’s largest company with 23 men.

Guidelines:

The 57th was issued new clothing on October 10 and thus most of the clothing would be clean.

Coats:
1.) Fatigue blouse (issued on Oct. 10 so this is the preferred garment)
2.) Private purchase blouse
3.) Private purchase jacket (very few would be seen in the ranks however)

Trousers:
1.) Regulation issue infantry trousers

Shirts:
1.) Issue shirts
2.) Civilian shirts (keep in mind that the 9th Corps had been on the Western end of the line and so Adam’s Express packages would have been very difficult to reach the men)

Headgear:
1.) Forage cap with 1st Division, 9th Corps badge (there is documentation that some men wore 57 on their caps as well)
2.) Civilian hats (one or two in the ranks)

Greatcoats:
1.) 57th was issued infantrymen greatcoats on Oct. 10.

Weapons:
1.) The 57th was issued 1863 Springfields in Massachusetts. Seeing how not many people will have them, 1861 rifles will suffice.
2.) Enfield
3.) In October the 57th was issued a number of Spencer repeating rifles (a perfect opportunity to bust out these guns from Bummers)

Accouterments:
1.) Standard accouterments

More information to follow. Hopefully I can get a website up. If you have any questions feel free to contact me!

[Shockoe Hill Cats]

Re: Living on the Line: Trench life at Petersburg

Sounds like an interesting impression, I'm game for it. Of course, being from RNBP, I can't forget how coordinated Grant's attacks were at this time, with Chaffin's Farm and New Market Heights occurring simultaneously with the events down at Petersburg. From Civil War Regiments From Massachusetts, 1861-1865, looks like the 57th endured 44 casualties in the June 17th assault -- "carrying the works at the point of the bayonet." And two of their majors were killed at the Crater and Fort Stedman, the regiment losing 51 men at the Crater as well.

I'd be curious to see if any photographs were taken of them at Petersburg...

[bAcK88]

Re: Living on the Line: Trench life at Petersburg

I agree with you Jason! People seem to forget that the 64-65 siege involved both Petersburg AND Richmond.

Here's some stats for everyone on how shot up the 57th was...

Wilderness:
Engaged: 548
Lost: 262
Remaining: 286

Spotsylvania:
Engaged: 333
Lost: 78
Remaining: 255

North Anna:
Engaged: 237
Lost: 38
Remaining: 199

Opening Assaults on Petersburg:
Engaged: 184
Lost: 52
Remaining: 132

Crater:
Engaged: 98
Lost: 51
Remaining: 47

Weldon Railroad:
Engaged: 45
Lost: 15
Remaining: 30

Peeble's Farm:
Engaged: 93
Lost: 9
Remaining: 84

Poplar Grove Church:
Engaged: 90
Lost: 14
Remaining: 76

Fort Stedman:
Engaged: 212
Lost: 93
Remaining: 119

Source: Mother, May You Never See the Sights I Have Seen: The Fifthy-Seventh Massachusetts Veteran Volunteers in the Last Year of the Civil War

[roundshot]

Re: Living on the Line: Trench life at Petersburg

Here's a great view of the 57th NCOs at muster-out in 1865. At least one likes a baseball brim.

[bAcK88]

Re: Living on the Line: Trench life at Petersburg

Thanks Bob for posting that photo!

However we need to be a little weary about using that photo for documentation for this event. That photo was taken in June of 1865 when the 57th was mustered out back home in Massachusetts. Much of the clothing that they are wearing, specifically the frock coats with shoulder scales, was placed in regimental storage when they were shipped South in the spring of 1864.

BB

[roundshot]

Re: Living on the Line: Trench life at Petersburg

Agree 100%. I was just throwing it out there as a good view of some tough veterans of the 57th. Your guidelines above are on the money.

[Shockoe Hill Cats]

Re: Living on the Line: Trench life at Petersburg

Here are some additional images I found online:

1) First Lieutenant Henry C. Ward of the 15th and 57th Massachusetts Infantry

2) Sergeant Major Charles H. Pinkham, awarded the Medal of Honor on March 25, 1865 at Fort Stedman, Va.

3) Colonel William F. Barlett of the 49th and 57th Massachusetts Infantry

4) Colonel Napoleon Bonaparte McLaughlen of the 57th Massachusetts Infantry

[bAcK88]

Re: Living on the Line: Trench life at Petersburg

FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT
MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
THREE YEARS
The 57 Regt. Mass. Vol. Inf., the Second Veteran Regiment,
was raised under the same circumstances and conditions as the
56th. A majority of its members must have had at least nine
months service in some other unit. It was recruited at Camp
Wool, Worcester, Mass., in the fall and winter of 1863, and
William Francis Bartlett, had who been a captain in the 20th
Regiment and colonel of the 49th, and had been twice severely
wounded in action, was commissioned colonel.

The recruits came largely from the western part of the
State, and the companies were mustered in on various dates
between Dec., 1863, and Mar., 1864. On April 18, 1864, the
regiment started for the seat of war, arriving at Annapolis,
Md., two days later. Here it became a part of Carruth's (1st)
Brigade, Stevenson's (1st) Division, Burnside's (9th) Corps.

On April 23 the 9th Corps started for Washington,
Carruth's Brigade being with the advance. Arriving the
afternoon of the 25th, it was reviewed by the President and
General Burnside, crossed the Potomac, and encamped near
Arlington.

On the 27th the corps started for the Rappahannock River,
following the line of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. The
57th arrived at Rappahannock Station May 3, and on the
following day crossed the river and marched for Germanna Ford
on the Rapidan. Crossing at this point on the morning of May
5, the corps remained in bivouac until the morning of the 6th,
the ears of the men being deafened with the continuous roar of
the battle which was already in progress.

On the morning of the 6th Stevenson's Division was sent
to the support of Hancock's (2d) Corps on the Plank road, and
in the severe contest which followed the 57th lost 47 killed,
161 wounded, and 43 missing. Among the killed were Captain
Gird and Lieutenant Childs, and among the wounded was Colonel
Bartlett, who was soon after promoted to brigadier general and
never returned to the command of the regiment.

Under Lieut. Colonel Chandler the 57th joined in the dank
movement to Spottsylvania. Here on the 12th it was engaged
not far from Spottsylvania C. H., losing 13 killed, 55
wounded, and four missing. In the assault on the 18th it
suffered a further loss of three killed and 14 wounded. Moving
with the army to the North Anna River, the 57th crossed near
Quarles' Mill, then advanced down the river in an attempt to
clear the crossing at Ox Ford. Here it was outflanked and
driven back with a loss of 10 killed, 13 wounded, and 14
missing, among the killed being Lieut. Colonel Chandler.
Captain Tucker now took command of the regiment.

In the operations near Cold Harbor the 9th Corps was on
the extreme right near Bethesda Church and was not heavily
engaged, its loss being slight. It remained on the lines near
Cold Harbor until the 13th of June, when it withdrew toward the
James. This river was crossed June 15, and on the evening of
the 17th the 1st Division made an assault on the lines east of
Petersburg in which the 57th lost 11 killed, 30 wounded, and
three missing, among the wounded being Captain Tucker. For
some time after this assault Captain Prescott commanded the
regiment.

During the last two weeks of June and through the month of
July the 57th did duty in the trenches, losing during that
time Lieutenant Cheney and five men killed, and 23 officers
and men wounded, Lieutenant Bowman mortally. Belonging now,
through change in commanders, to Bartlett's Brigade, Ledlie's
Division, the 57th was one of the first regiments to enter the
"Crater", near Petersburg, on the morning of July 30, 1864.
The regiment at this time was a mere skeleton, mustering less
than 100 officers and men. Here General Bartlett, the brigade
commander, was taken prisoner, Major Prescott and Captains Howe
and Dresser of the 57th and one enlisted man were killed, 16
officers and men were wounded, 28 were missing, and the colors
were lost. Only Lieutenant Doty and 46 men were left of this
veteran regiment.

From this time until the 18th of August the command was on
duty in the trenches, losing one killed, and four wounded by
sharpshooters. At the Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19, the 57th lost
a third of its numbers. Lieutenant Doty and 29 men were now
all that were left of the regiment. Convalescents and men on
detached duty returned during September, so that at Poplar
Grove Church, Sept. 30, the 57th carried into action about 60
men. Here it lost one killed, seven wounded, and one prisoner.
On the 8th of October the regiment was again engaged near
Poplar Grove Church, losing two killed and 12 wounded.

During the remainder of the fall and the succeeding winter
and early spring the 57th was occupied in trench duty with few
casualties. While so occupied the numbers of the regiment were
increased by recruits, returned convalescents, etc., until in
the latter part of March, 1865, it numbered 11 officers and 206
enlisted men. This was the number engaged March 25, 1865, at
the battle of Fort Stedman. Here just before daylight a heavy
Confederate force under Gen. John B. Gordon captured and for a
time held the fort. The 57th was at this time posted just in
the rear and a little to the right of the fort, and being
attacked in force it was driven back for some distance. Later
it joined in the counter attack in which the fort was retaken.
In this action the regiment lost Lieutenant Murdock and five
men killed, Major Doherty and 25 officers and men wounded, and
50 missing. Major Doherty died of his wounds next day. This
was the last severe engagement of the regiment.

In the general assault on the Confederate lines April 2,
the 57th was not engaged. On the morning of April 3, when
definite news came of the evacuation of Petersburg, the
57th was one of the first regiments to enter the abandoned
city. It was now assigned to guard the Southside Railroad, and
it had proceeded as far as Wilson's Station when the news of
Lee's surrender came and five days later that of the
assassination of President Lincoln.

The 9th Corps was now ordered to Washington and encamped
for a time near Tennallytown. There on June 20 it received the
remnant of the 59th Regiment the order for the consolidation to
be effective as of June 1, the 57th retaining its regimental
designation. The combined organizations were mustered out July
30, 1865, and at once set out for Massachusetts. After a few
days of rest at Readville, on the 9th of August the members of
the regiment were paid off and discharged.

Source: Massachusetts Soldiers, Sailors & Marines in the Civil War

[bAcK88]

Re: Living on the Line: Trench life at Petersburg

This is the AAR for the Battle of Fort Stedman (which happened after this living history) but its a good account of the heavy fighting that the 57th usually found itself in.

Report of Lieut. Col. Julius M. Tucker,
Fifty-seventh Massachusetts Infantry, of operations March 25.

CAMP OF FIFTY-SEVENTH MASSACHUSETTS VOL. INFTY,
Before Petersburg, Va., March 27, 1865.
CAPT.: I have the honor to submit the following report of the
operations of my command in the engagement with the enemy on the 25th:

At the sound of unusually heavy musketry the command formed line of
battle near its camp about 4 a.m. Escaped pickets reported the enemy
in heavy force in possession of the line of works in our front, and
Companies G and K were deployed forward as skirmishers, the regiment
advancing to the attack, the enemy advancing simultaneously and in the
darkness effecting the capture of a portion of right wing of skirmish
line. Information having been received of the lodgment made by the
enemy in Fort Stedman, the skirmishers were withdrawn, and the
regiment moved to the rear of the fort, with intention of attempting its
recapture by assault, but the appearance of the enemy on both flanks
forced a retirement, which was conducted in good order. The enemy's
advance was checked by the regiment in four positions successively
taken up while in line of retreat, but from all of which it was compelled
to retire by repeated demonstrations on its flanks. The crest overlooking
the plain now presented the best possible defensive position, and the
battery at its summit, the possession of which was evidently the enemy's
object, and which would have given him an incalculable advantage, was
entirely without support. The regiment accordingly took up position in
its rear; subsequently was deployed as skirmishers to cover advance of
portion of Third Division, Ninth Army Corps, and moved forward, the
enemy's skirmishers precipitately withdrawing. Successive charges were
made to recover the camp of the regiment, the third of which was
rewarded by most complete success, the enemy fleeing in helpless
disorganization or surrendering as prisoners of war.

The numerical and nominal casualty lists have already been forwarded
you, but the irreparable loss to the regiment and the service in the
death of Capt. James Doherty, acting field officer, and under whose
immediate supervision the operations of the regiment were mainly
conducted, deserves more particular mention in this report. By most
conspicuous bravery invariably displayed, by the complete subordination
of his every regard for his personal safety in action to his efforts to
secure victory, by his remarkable executive ability and tactical skill, he
had long since achieved a reputation as a most reliable, brilliant, and
invaluable officer, and in consideration of the pre-eminent
display of these qualities on the 25th, and of the large contribution to the
gratifying result made by his efforts, I earnestly recommend that
promotion by brevet or otherwise be awarded his name.

First. Lieut. Albert M. Murdock, killed with the colors of the
regiment in his hand, which he had grasped to lead a charge, deserves
especial mention for gallantry.

To every officer of the command present in the action I know that
honorable mention for distinguished services is due; but as they as a unit
co-operated in the execution of the movements resulting so successfully,
so to them collectively do I confess my obligations.

The following enlisted men were observed as conducting themselves
bravely and performing specific acts of gallantry, enumerated below, viz:

Sergt. Maj. Charles H. Pinkham-captured battle-flag of Fifty-seventh
North Carolina (rebel); saved colors of his regiment from capture,
seizing them from a tent after the enemy's had entered the regimental camp.

First Sergt. George Adams, Company G- conspicuous bravery on
skirmish line, receiving his fifteenth wound, continuing with regiment
after being wounded.

First Sergt. Charles S. Chase, Company H, acting color-sergeant-general
good conduct.

Sergt. John O'Donnell, Company A--rallying and encouraging his men;
has participated in every engagement with his company and regiment
since its entry into service.

Sergt. William F. Oakes, Company K (missing in action, and acting
lieutenant)--gallantry while in command of portion of skirmish line;
carried Capt. Doherty to rear; resisted attempt of enemy to kill him
(Doherty) after being taken prisoner.

First Sergt. William Magner, Company B- general bravery.

Sergt. R. Wesley Williams, Company I (wounded)-general bravery.

Corpl. Frederick S. Cheney, Company C (killed), color corporal-general
bravery.

I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. M. TUCKER,
Lieut. Col. Fifty-seventh Massachusetts Vol. Infty., Cmdg. Regt.

Capt. THOMAS W. CLARKE,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Brig., First Div., 9th Army Corps.


Source: Official Records
PAGE 339-95 N. AND SE. VA., N. C., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII.
[Series I. Vol. 46. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 95.]

[bAcK88]

Re: Living on the Line: Trench life at Petersburg

Here's a little more info on the men in the ranks of the 57th Massachusetts:
1,038 officers and men ultimately serviced in the regiment.
446 were from Massachusetts
Approximately 225 men came from the other New England states and New York
358 were immigrants (5% of the regiment was from Quebec and another 5% were from the other Canadian provinces. However the largest minority were the 197 Irish immigrants, which made up 18% of the regiment)
The rest of the regiment was made up of recruits from Virginia, Louisiana, Arkansas, Kentucky, Utah Territory, Turkey, Hungary, Germany, and New South Wales, Australia.

Occupations (4 largest groups):
230 farmers
158 laborers
156 boot and shoemakers
43 clerks

245 members of the 57th were veterans of pervious service but the vast majority of these veterans saw garrison duty in North Carolina or Louisiana.

Dynamics of Company F:
Enlisted:

Occupation:
laborer: 21
farmer: 16
shoemaker: 8
mechanic: 6
carpenter: 3
machinist: 2
papermaker: 2
weaver: 2
bootmaker: 1
shoe cutter: 1
gunsmith:1
jobber:1
brush maker: 1
grocer: 1
cooper: 1
wiredrawer: 1
porter: 1
physician: 1
painter: 1
currier:1
painter: 1
blacksmith: 1
clerk: 1

Place of origin:
USA: 43
Ireland: 23
Quebec: 4
Canada: 3
England: 2
Germany: 1

NCO:

Occupation:
machinist: 5
mechanic: 3
farmer: 3
laborer: 2
shoemaker: 1
bootmaker: 1
carpenter: 1
clerk: 1

Place of Origin:
USA: 11
Ireland: 3
England: 2
Spain: 1

Commissioned:

Occupation:
carpenter: 2
fireman: 1
clerk: 1
Medical student: 1
teacher: 1

Place of Origin:
USA: 5
Ireland: 1

Veterans in Company F:
Commissioned: 5 (83% of the officer corps)
NCO: 7 (41% of NCOs)
Enlisted: 6 (7% of enlisted)

More info coming soon.....

[33rdfoot]

Re: Living on the Line: Trench life at Petersburg

Bill,
Sounds like a great event.
Please keep me informed.
Thanks!
Scott Douglas

[lhsnj]

Re: Living on the Line: Trench life at Petersburg

Any updated information on this?

Thanks
Greg

[bAcK88]

Re: Living on the Line: Trench life at Petersburg

I have been on a quick trip through the Carolinas and just got back. I have up-loaded the registration form. Registration is $15 to cover rations and any extra money will be donated to CWPT for the purchase of land at Ream's Station, Glendale, and Davis Bridge: http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields...lefields-2010/

Next week I plan on posting more historical info on the 57th Massahusetts

BB

[cpinkhaminsc]

Re: Living on the Line: Trench life at Petersburg

Looks like it will be a cool event. I attended the July 2004 event at the Park, had just returned from overseas and it was a blast. We were allowed to dig in the trench (a little) and James Owens wrote a nice article for the CW Historian magazine. Chris Caulkins and the Park staff gave us nice support but public attendance was not so great. Hopefully it will get more public attention and visitation. Yes, I'm related to Charles H. Pinkham.

Lincoln, Lovejoy, and Abolition!
(no apologies to traitorous Secesh scum /grin!/)

Charles M. Pinkham
Company D, First Minnesota

[Mark Susnis]

Re: Living on the Line: Trench life at Petersburg

Bill:
One of my favorite reads is "Mother May You Never See the Sights I Have Seen: The Fifty-Seventh Massachusetts in the Army of the Potomac: 1864-1865 by Warren Wilkenson on the 57th MA. This is one of those unit histories that is hard to put down! Amazon has a few at a decent price!

Mark Susnis

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_14?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=mother+may+you+never+see+the+sights+i+have+seen&sprefix=Mother+may+you