Slike strani
PDF
ePub

case such acts must be sufficient to discredit the witness among mili. tary men.

DECEMBER 5, 1862.

IRVIN MCDOWELL,

Major-General.

FOURTEENTH DAY.

COURT-ROOM, No. 467 SOUTH FOURTEENTH STREET,
Washington, D. C., December 6, 1862.

HAUPT,

Brig. Gen. HERMAN HAUPT, U. 8. Volunteers, a witness, was duly

sworn.

Question by General MCDOWELL. What official connection had you with the late Department of the Rappahannock!

Answer. I held the position of chief of construction and transportation on the military railroads.

Question by General MCDOWELL. What was the principal work you performed in connection with the construction and management of the railroads in the late Department of the Rappahannock ?

Answer. The reconstruction of the wharf and buildings at Aquia Creek; the reconstruction of about 3 miles of railroad which had been torn up and the iron removed by the enemy, and the bridges across Accokeek and Rappahannock Rivers and Potomac Creek. In addition to this, the reconstruction of seven bridges on the Manassas Gap road, the relaying of a portion of the track on that road, and the forwarding of supplies to the army by both roads.

Question by General MCDOWELL. What is your present position with respect to the railroads in Virginia? Have you again had to rebuild some of the Aquia Creek Railroad!

Answer. I have at present the general charge of the construction and transportation of the railroads in Virginia and Maryland, with other duties prescribed in Special Orders, 248, Adjutant-General's Office, and I have again rebuilt a portion of the Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad.

Question by General McDowELL. Look at the statement herewith in the New York Tribune, comparing the time required to rebuild the Aquia and Fredericksburg Railroad under General McDowell's administration and the time taken under the present commander in Virginia, and state if the contrast is a just one; if not, wherein is it not so.

The statement, as embraced between the words "a ride" and "inspiration," is as follows:

A ride upon the cars to Aquia Creek to-day gave me a view of what General Haupt has accomplished within the past ten days in repairing the road from the Potomac to Falmouth. What it took nearly ten months last spring to reconstruct has been accomplished in about one-sixth of that time. Nearly all the labor then was performed by soldiers, this time by contrabands; or, to call them by a better name, loyal blacks have performed nearly all the hard labor. I saw hundreds of them at work to-day all along the line of the road, at the depots, upon the wharves, on the boats, or wherever there was anything to be lifted, carried, driven, or raised. They were working, too, with a will, not with one arm slowly following the other up and down, or one leg moving after the other as if they were on their way to the gallows, but with a rapid swing and a quick step, giving one to see in every blow and every movement that fifty cents a day, food and rations, and individual freedom are the sources of inspiration."

Answer. The statements in the Tribune are correct in several particulars. The work was not commenced on the Aquia Creek and Fredericksburg road before the 1st day of May, 1862, and before the 1st day of June we were operating on the Manassas Gap

road; consequently the time required to reconstruct that road was less than one month. instead of requiring ten days, as has been stated. The difficulties at that time in performing the work were much greater than at present. The weather was rainy, the roads excessively muddy, the nights very dark, and rails were laid at night by the use of lanterns; whereas in the recent reconstruction the night work was done by the light of the moon; the amount to be reconstructed was not so large as at first, and the destruction of the wharf was not as complete as in the first place, and no portion of the track had been torn up. This would be sufficient to account for the difference in time, the exertions in both cases being equal. When first reconstructed General McDowell was daily upon the work, giving it his personal attention and urging it forward with all possible celerity. There was less bridge work during the last recon struction than on the former occasion, part of the bridges being found standing.

Question by General MCDOWELL. Were colored fugitives employed by General McDowell's orders in the construction and management of the railroads in the departments under his command? If so, to what extent

Answer. They were employed, and to the extent of all that could possibly be pro cured. I will remark, informally, that at that time it was very difficult to keep mer on the road. They were all bound for Washington, as they said, to see "Massa Lin coln."

Question by General MCDOWELL. Under what regulations as to food pay, &c., were they so employed!

Answer. The amount of pay was prescribed in a printed order, I believe, issued by General McDowell, giving them, I believe, one ration and a certain price per day The amount now I do not recollect. I think it was 40 cents, but I am not positively

certain.

Question by General MCDOWELL. Was the amount of pay graduated according to industry or capacity!

Answer. I don't remember any special orders on that subject; but those who would not work were promptly discharged.

Question by General MCDOWELL. What rule did General McDowell establish as to the property of the inhabitants of the country required for the use of the troops under his command ?

Answer. That it should be taken whenever necessary for the use of the army, but always by proper requisition. General McDowell claimed the privilege, as he frequently said, of being the only plunderer in the Army of the Rappahannock. He would take what he needed for the use of the army, but would not permit his men to plunder on private account. When property was taken, receipts were given as evidence of the fact. Orders were given to leave subsistence sufficient to keep fami lies from starvation.

Question by General MCDOWELL. To what extent was the property of the inhabitants taken for the reconstruction of the railroad and the bridges over the Rappahannock, Potomac Creek, &c., and for the management of the road in Fredericksburg?

Answer. Lumber was taken wherever it could be found. Nearly all the timber suitable for bridging was exhausted in the vicinity of Potomac Creek, and all of the timber of suitable dimensions that could be found in Fredericksburg was used in reconstructing the bridge across the Rappahannock. A large machine shop and foundery, with all the machinery and tools pertaining thereto and the materials on hand, were appropriated for the use of the road in Fredericksburg.

Question by General MCDOWELL. What attention did General McDowell give to the preparation of his command and the improvement of the means of communication with his forces and preparations for their advance beyond Fredericksburg?

Answer. The attention given by General McDowell to the details of the work frequently excited my surprise. He was almost constantly upon the road, and sometimes anticipated wants before I had thought of them myself. This was particularly illus trated in ordering a large number of oxen to haul timber at Potomac Creek before any workmen were upon the ground. He was daily engaged in discussing with me plans to secure the earlier completion of the communications, and was very impatient te

advance beyond Fredericksburg, with a view to co-operate with General McClellan in his movements against Richmond.

Question by General MCDOWELL. What arrangements were made by General McDowell for the reconstruction of the bridge over the Massaponax, south of Fredericksburg, at the time it was in the possession of the enemy!

Answer. That the enemy had prepared combustibles and placed them in position for the purpose of burning the bridge across the Massaponax, 6 miles south of Fredericksburg; that the reconstruction of this bridge would give him 25 continuous miles of railroad over which supplies could be thrown. He asked me if it were not possible to have a bridge ready, and what time would be required to reconstruct it. I replied that I could have a bridge framed and loaded on cars and put it up in half a day. The arrangement then was to move forward on the following Monday, leaving me to reconstruct the communications and forward the supplies, until which time he would rely upon his wagons. It was on Monday, 26th of May, that the forward movement was to take place, this time having been arranged a day or two previous-I do not recollect how long, but it was on the occasion of a visit from the President. I recollect that General McDowell was anxious to march on Sunday. General McDowell used expressions to this effect to the President in my presence: "I will not be quite ready to move on Saturday, as Shields' command is badly off for supplies, which will be re ceived on that day, but by Sunday morning I will be ready." The President re marked, “Take a good ready, and move on Monday morning," or words to that effect Question by General MoDoWELL. What means of communication had General McDowell established over the Rappahannock at Fredericksburg for the passage of his army!

Answer. A very substantial bridge of barges and a pontoon bridge, previous to the construction of the railroad bridge. By his direction the railroad bridge was also planked to admit of the transportation of artillery, infantry, and wagons; subsequently a wire-suspension bridge was constructed; also a trestle bridge; in all, four bridges.

Question by General MCDOWELL. Had you an opportunity of seeing General McDowell's forces at Fredericksburg? If so, state what was their state as to discipline and efficiency, and how supplied and equipped at the time they were about to leave for Richmond.

Answer. I merely saw a portion of the forces in passing to and from headquarters. I know that they were well supplied, but can give no information in regard to other particulars.

Question by General MCDOWELL. What was the effect of the murder of Robert E. Scott on the inhabitants of the country? Did you mention this to General McDowell!

Answer. The effect was to excite a very strong feeling of indignation throughout the community, and the fact was used against us with great effect. Robert E. Scott was represented as a very influential man, opposed to secession, and so strongly in favor of the Union as to gain the ill-will of many of his friends and neighbors. He was shot down, as I understood, by our men when in the performance of some friendly mission. The case was frequently referred to by residents along the line of the road as an evidence of the character of the Union forces. I believe that I did repeat to General McDowell the representation that had been made to me on this subject.

Question by General McDowell. What acts of violence on the women of the country came to your knowledge near Fredericksburg? Did you report anything of this to General McDowell!

Answer. I reported one case, which occurred within 3 miles of Potomac Bridge. A rape was committed upon the daughter of a farmer who had rendered me material assistance in searching for timber through the woods. I inquired of the parents in regard to the facts, and found that the act had been perpetrated by one of the numerous stragglers who were continually passing through the country in every direction, and from whose ravages not a single farm-house in the vicinity of the road was exempt, except when guarded, and not always even then. While searching for timber I met these stragglers in every direction, often miles from the road. I reported these facts to General McDowell previous to the issue of his order on the subject of rape.

Question by General McDoWELL. What discrimination did General McDowell make in paying for property taken by his order; whom did he pay and whom not?

Answer. I am not familiar with that subject. I only recollect in general that he directed receipts to be given, payable on the termination of the war, on proof of loyalty. I am not even certain that this is the precise condition on which receipts were given, but it was something to that effect.

Question by General McDowELL. What do you know of General McDowell's conduct at Rectortown, when he first arrived there on his way to Front Royal last May, with respect to the men left sick at that place by the advance divisions?

Answer. All I recollect about it is the use of some very strong expressions of indignation against some surgeon who had not properly attended to the sick under his charge.

Question by the COURT. Do you know any matter or thing tending to show that General McDowell has been treacherous, incompetent, or inefficient as a general officer, or that he has failed in the employment of his forces to co-operate with other commanders as far as he had any discretionary power?

Answer. No facts have ever come to my knowledge tending to show that such wa the case. All that I have seen or heard from reliable sources would tend to conve the contrary impression.

Question by the COURT. Have you personal knowledge that his treat ment of his officers or men was the occasion of any complaint agains him by them or any of them?

Answer. I have some knowledge of that subject. I have heard complaints by mem bers of his staff that he worked them to death; and on one occasion, at which I was personally present, three officers of his staff were sent to Piedmont through a drench ing rain, and required to remain all night, to superintend personally the unloading of cars. This was a subject of some complaint at the time. No facts have come to my knowledge in regard to the treatment of the men.

Question by the COURT. Have you knowledge of any complaint made by his officers or men as to his conduct in battle or of his arrangement of troops in battle?

Answer. I have no knowledge of any complaints. I have heard members of his staff speak highly of his conduct in battle and of the personal courage he had exhibited on several occasions. I have heard no criticism on the subject of his arrangements of troops from either his officers or men.

Question by the COURT. Have you seen anything in his conduct or management of troops showing indecision, indiscretion, or want of proper qualities for the command of a division, corps, or department? If so, state fully and particularly what you have seen?

Answer. My answer is, I have not.

Question by the COURT. When did you first enter the military serv ice and how long have you been in it?

Answer. I entered as a cadet at West Point in 1831; resigned from the Army in the fall of 1835, and was not again engaged in the military service until last spring, when telegraphed by the Secretary of War to come to Washington.

Question by General MCDOWELL. What were the circumstances or exigencies of the service at the time you refer, of complaints on the part of certain officers of their being required to superintend the unloading of cars in the rain!

Answer. A necessity existed for a prompt unloading of the cars in order to return them for additional supplies I don't recollect any other exigency at this time.

Question by General MCDOWELL. Had you not great difficulty in getting cars unloaded at this time, and were we not on a forced march to reach Front Royal by a given time for an important purpose?

Answer. Such is the fact.

Question by General MCDOWELL. Was not General McDowell himself actively engaged during that same night, directing the operations for opening the road, unloading the cars at Rectortown?

Answer. I can't tell whether it was the same night or the preceding night he was so engaged. It was one or the other; and either the same night or the next night he rode to Front Royal on horseback.

Maj. DAVIS TILLSON, Maine Artillery, a witness, was recalled.

Question by General MCDOWELL. You have testified in your previous examination that you were in command of a battery at Belle Plain, Va., in May, 1862. State, as far as you know, the position of Belle Plain as respects the military operations then going on at Fredericksburg.

Answer. Belle Plain is 8 miles, I think, below Aquia Creek. Upon my arrival there there were no wharves, bridges, or preparations of any kind for landing troops or supplies. It was immediately made a depot by the erection of the necessary works. Lieutenant Ross was placed in command, and large amounts of stores of different kinds were landed, from whence they were taken to Fredericksburg.

Question by General MCDOWELL. What personal attention, if any, did Major-General McDowell give to this station, the works progressing, and the troops stationed there!

Answer. General McDowell went from Aquia Creek with the troops under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Leech, Ninetieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, the first, I think, that was sent there. My own battery arrived soon after. Before the troops were landed General McDowell went up to the place selected for landing, and personally superintended the construction of a small bridge from the bank to one or more canal-boats that were fastened conveniently for that purpose. Soon after, on the same day or the next, the men of my own battery were landed, and under the immediate supervision of General McDowell cut down the lumber and built a new bridge, over which horses, mules, and a battery of artillery, and a heavily loaded train of pontoon wagons were disembarked. I recollect this bridge occupied in its construction between three and four hours. I afterward had the curiosity to measure it, and found it to be a little over 70 feet in length. I saw General McDowell repeatedly after this at this station, and received from him orders to do everything possible to forward supplies with the greatest rapidity. I know that he gave similar orders to a Lieutenant Ross and other officers.

Question by General MCDOWELL. What supplies, if any, for your command did you take from the neighborhood, under what orders, and through what forms?

Answer. I took, I think, just 41 bushels of corn for the use of my battery horses. I did this in compliance with orders from Lieutenant-Colonel Myers, General McDowell's chief quartermaster. The form was in substance this: It stated the place and person to whom the property belonged, the amount taken, and that it would be paid by the United States at the expiration of the war should the owner there.f be able to prove satisfactorily that he had been a true and loyal man from the date of the certificate. My own certificate given in this instance may have varied somewhat from this.

Question by General MCDOWELL. What orders, if any, did you receive, as chief of artillery, as to the employment of colored men as drivers of battery wagons, &c. On what basis was the rate of pay established, if you know?

Answer. While at Falmouth, and having already employed several negroes as drivers of army transportation wagons, I received an order from the division headquarters to which I was attached-an order stating, in substance, that contrabands would no longer be employed as drivers, they having shown themselves unfit to have the care of public animals. As the batteries could not well dispense with the services of these negroes, or contrabands, I went to the department headquarters and inquired

« PrejšnjaNaprej »