"The Irish Ninth in Bivouac and Battle"
by Michael H. Macnamara
CHAPTER II.
Long Island, Description of. -- Arranging our Camp. -- Rapid Acquisition of Military Discipline. -- A Sunday at Long Island. -- Reflections.
AMONG the many pleasing memories associated with the formation of the Ninth Regiment, there are none so delightful as those connected with its sojourn on Long Island.
The local reader is well acquainted with the geographical position of that pleasant and healthy military rendezvous; but a few words for the benefit of those unacquainted with that lovely island may not be amiss. It is situated in Boston harbor, and distant about four miles from Boston proper, and from South and East Boston distant about one mile and a half; elongated in form, about a mile from point to point. A large public house stands upon the island, which has always been a favorite summer resort. The island, as I remember, was, upon the south side, thickly studded with trees; a beautiful verdure clothed the miniature valleys, and of a summer morning, when the sea was calm and the red glory of a summer sunrise looked down upon the dotted camp ground, the scene was inexpressibly beautiful.
It was a good thought, the selection of Long Island for a military rendezvous, not only for its sanitary merits, but for the security it afforded against desertions. It boasts many fine parade grounds, walks, and lounges, while beautiful views of sea and land greet the eye in every direction. It is of easy communication with the city. I repeat, its selection was a wise idea -- a happy accident in the councils of our city Solons. Our removal from Faneuil Hall to Long Island was a glorious change. The close, cramped quarters at the hall, with the natural accumulation of filth incidental to the garrisoning of a large number of recruits, rendered still more so by the crowds of visitors who were continually besieging the doors for admittance to see their gallant friends before their departure for the seat of war, from this to the bright sunshine, green fields, and an unimpeded view from the lofty rising ground over an uninterrupted expanse of sea, with capital places for sea-bathing, rendered the change one of special congratulation.
We stated from Faneuil Hall early in May, 1861, having previously despatched engineers to lay out the camp, which, at that time, seemed a formidable arrangement; though now it is scarcely five minutes work, then it was five hours. The regiment was there quartered in wall tents, and even with those comfortable accommodations they were not well satisfied (though they have since been glad of the shelter of a few boards, and the lucky possessor of an overcoat, or rubber blanket, thought himself extremely well protected). Having taken possession of their new quarters, the Ninth Regiment, for the first time, considered themselves soldiers.
Immediately upon the arrival of the regiment at Long Island, Colonel Cass assumed control, and it soon became evident to him and his officers, that to make the regiment a good one, and worthy of its distinctive character, a large amount of work must be gone through, and the strictest system of discipline maintained. More than any other man, Colonel Cass knew this. He thoroughly understood the elements of the organization of the men he had to command, and with this knowledge he used the best method of control and instruction. The men were at once instructed in the formula of guard and picket duties, whilst regimental lines were formed, through which none could pass without the countersign or other proper authority. A picket was thrown out around the island, to prevent desertion by boats, or the advent on the island of pleasure parties, without proper authority to land. The strictest surveillance was then maintained over the men, and in a short time the island presented the appearance of a regular military post.
Colonel Cass, though not then proficient in military science, gave, thus early in his military career, evidence of fine soldierly qualities, which, with cultivation, promised noble fruit. The regimental discipline experienced by the men, was also felt by the officers, until at length the spirit which animated the commander extended itself throughout the entire regiment, and soon all joined in the various duties apportioned to them with a hearty good will and spirit, which prognosticated a glorious future -- a promise which has since been nobly and gallantly fulfilled.
Company drills took place at stated hours, and in the afternoon battalion drills, under the supervision of Colonel Cass, gradually, yet surely, developed the soldierly qualities of the men. In no camp in the State of Massachusetts could there be found a more hearty desire, or a regiment who worked more strenuously to achieve military perfection than the Ninth. This is vouched for by the citizens of Boston, who on many occasions assembled to witness our drills, when they often expressed themselves greatly gratified and astonished at the extraordinary proficiency of the men, and the rapidity with which they acquired, in so short a time, knowledge of the manual of arms.
Sunday was always a gala day with us at Long Island, visitors being allowed free access, thronged the grounds, seeking among the quarters for husbands, sons, brothers, sweethearts, and friends; bearing with them refreshments and edibles of all kinds, and vying with each other how to express the deep love they bore their gallant defenders, from whom they were soon to be separated, and many of whom were destined to lay down their lives in defence of the nation. On these days would fathers and mothers seek their sons; wives their husbands; sisters their brothers; while, leaning on the arm of some stalwart lover might be seen on of the daughters of Erin's Isle, with blushing cheeks, fit representatives of that loveliness of which authors have written and poets sung, -- planning their future after his return, or walking silently with tearful eyes, her heart swelling with love, yet smothering with care the agony she feels at his departure, fearful, lest her despair should cause him a moment's regret.
But the self-sacrificing mother, with a glow of matronly pride upon her cheeks, gazed with unspeakable affection upon her son, or smiled upon him, though her heart shed silent tears, brave in her self-abnegation, for, though language could not tell the strength of her affection, she would not have him stay when her adopted country called him forth to the defence of its honor and its flag ! This was a picture that could be witnessed in almost every group. The Irish mother, in the time of the Union's danger, exemplified the glorious spirit which animated the mothers of Limerick, when their valor hurled back the legions of Prince William, as he vainly strove to destroy the dearly-prized liberty of its people.
It is a proud reflection of the Irishman of this generation, that, when the fidelity of his people was tested, their allegiance was as good a guarantee as birth and native blood to the nation which had trusted in and protected them.
We cannot revert to the delightful reunions of that island camp, the introductory step to the glory which has since crowned our arms, without feelings of deep regret -- regret that its companionships and pleasures, its meetings and its partings, may never again be renewed; that we may never again hear the fervent utterings of love from the fond mother and sister; from the cherished wife, and the dear girl whose life was in her love; from the stern father, who feared he would never again grasp the hand of his son; from the brother, undemonstrative in his affection, but with a great wealth of feeling in his heart, -- such earnest love is only expressed once in a lifetime, and is born of the peculiar circumstances by which the loved ones are surrounded.
This brief sketch of our island camp may be sufficient to revive, in the minds of those who have visited it, many of the pleasant scenes which transpired there, and the associations connected therewith. Many a brave man has bid it farewell forever ! A southern sun blazes down upon his unburied bones; and bleaching skeletons of many of the "Old Ninth" alone remain of those who were once the life of our circle and the brave companions of our battles. To the bereaved ones we would say, for their consolation, Faithful to the cause they joined, they fell; your honor they nobly defended; the country's cause and liberty they valiantly asserted, and died true men and soldiers !
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