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MEMOIR
OF
ULRIC DAH LGREN.
BY HIS FATHER,
REAR-ADMIRAL DAHLGREN.
"Pure from all stain, save that of human clay,
Which Christ's atoning blood hath washed away;
By mortal sufferings now no more oppressed,
Mount, sinless spirit, to thy destined rest!
While I, reversed our nature's kindlier doom,
Pour forth a father's sorrows on thy tomb."
PHILADELPHIA:
J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO.
I872.




Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year I871, by
MRS. M. V. DAHLGREN,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.




THIS MEMOIR
jt 1thdtlttedl
TO THOSE
UNION PRISONERS HELD AT RICHMOND,
FOR WHOSE LIBERATION FROM A CAPTIVITY
WORSE THAN DEATH,
ULRIC  DAHLGREN
FREELY GAVE HIS OWN LIFE.
(iii)








THE death of Admiral Dahlgren prevented the
realization of his earnest desire to contribute to
the historic vindication of his heroic son Ulric, by
the publication of this memoir. Consequently, this
sad yet pleasing duty devolves upon his widow.
I*             (v)








INTRODUCTION.
THE following sketch is designed to preserve
the memory of one whose light was -extinguished before the first year of manhood was completed, and whose ray glittered amid the noontide
splendor with which the warriors of the Union
emblazoned the standard of their glorious cause.
He laid down his young life, with all its bright
promise, in a fruitless but noble effort to rescue
his fellow-soldiers from the loathsome dungeons
of the rebel capital.
So young!-and yet it seemed that riper years,
even if extended to the utmost limit of the mortal
term, were not needed to complete the evidences
of honor, valor, purity, and devoted patriotism
that irradiated the dawn of life.
The materials for this memoir have been found,
partly in the personal recollection of the family,
partly in his letters and little memoranda which he
( vii )




viii          INTR OD UCTION.
made occasionally; sometimes in the correspondence of the press, and in official documents. Much
is unavoidably wanting that would have been of
great interest, and so far this sketch is incomplete,
though enough remains to establish fully the character and conduct of this youthful soldier.
While endeavoring to give some idea of the part
that fell to his share in the great events of the
time, it has been indispensable to sketch those
events sufficiently to show his connection therewith. But in doing so, it has not been intended
to trench on the province of history, or to take
part in any of the professional questions that have
arisen in regard to the conduct of military operations.




CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
PAGE
Early Life                                                   I I
CHAPTER II.
The Rebellion........      3
CHAPTER III.
HIarper's Ferry...                                  53
CHAPTER IV.
Campaign with the Army of Virginia, July to November,
I862.........        72
CHAPTER V.
The Ride into Fredericksburg, November 9, I862               92
CHAPTER VI.
Campaign of General Burnside, November 7, I862, to 26th
January, I863.. 117
(ix)




X                       COlNTENTS.
CHAPTER VII.
PAGE
Campaign of General Hooker, December 13 to June 28,
IS63, including the Battle of Chancellorsville and the
Combat at Beverly Ford....                24
CHAPTER VIII.
Eight Days of the Gettysburg Campaign.                   156
CHAPTER IX.
Wounded and at Ihome..                  173
CHAPTER X.
Off Charleston                                              I85
CHAPTER XI.
Attempt to rescue the Union Soldiers from Captivity at Libby
and Belle Isle, in Richmond.204
CHAPTER XII.
"The Beauty of Israel is slain upon thy High Places". 224
CHAPTER XIII.
Conclusion-Recovery of the Remains-Funeral Discourses
and Obsequies.262
APPENDIX.291




MEMOIR
OF
ULRIC DAHLGREN.
CHAPTER I.
EARLY LIFE.
U   LRIC DAHLGREN, the second son of RearAdmiral and Mary Dahlgren, was born April
3d, 1842, at a rural home near the Neshamony, in
Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where he received
the first rites of the church from the hands of the
Rev. J. P. Wilson, who little thought at the time
that it would become his duty afterwards to bestow
the last tribute of a friend and a Christian minister
upon the mortal remains of this infant, then ripened
to manhood and to a place in his country's remembrance.
When little more than a year old, his parents
removed to Wilmington, Delaware, where he passed
five years of happy childhood under the eye of a
lovely and affectionate mother, upon whom the
( I )




I 2         ULRIC DAHLGREIN.
sole charge not unfrequently rested during the
absence of her husband in the discharge of his
professional duties.
He is well remembered as a laughing, sprightly
little fellow, brimming with health and high spirits.
In due course of time he passed from the white
slip of infancy to the coveted honors of jacket and
trousers.  Memory recalls him  seemingly very
thoughtful in the grave contemplation of such an
event, being one of the few moments, perhaps,
when his merry features yielded to serious impressions.
Every accessory to the fullest indulgence of his
juvenile activity might be found in the snug, cosy
home, which was just fitted for the high place and
holiday of children; their happiness unmarred by
the fear of spoiling carpets or furniture. And there,
at any time in the day, might be seen and heard
little Ully, with his rosy, laughing face,-chirping
and galloping around, whip in hand, making terrible commotion among imaginary horses and wagons in the shape of stools and chairs; while near
by sat a fond mother, glancing now and then from
needle and work towards her boy thus engaged;
or, perhaps, when sorely worsted by the sport,
demurely poring over his slate, with pencil in hand,
limning uncouth but violently active figures, which,
to his eye, took the shape of living animals of
every description.




EARL Y LIFE.               13
Thus rolled on the course of time, gradually
developing both body and mind.
When six years of such life had been completed,
the scene shifted,-for the duties in which the
father was then engaged withdrew him so much
from home that it became imperative to remove
the family to a more convenient location.
So the happy little flock was gathered up, with
as much of the home as was portable, and borne
to Washington, which, from that time, became the
residence of the family, —this was in May, 1848.
And thus little Ully was transplanted to the national capital, where the remainder of his short but
glorious life was to be passed, and to receive its
future form and direction.
Two or three years were permitted to go by
before the trammels of school-life were imposed,
and these were uncheckered by events, save those
which ordinarily pertain to juvenile life.
But the instincts of his nature, as subsequently
recognized, were beginning to crop out,-particularly that fond attachment to horses which remained
to the last. It is remembered that when taken to
gratify his childish wonder by a sight of a new
President, but an old warrior,* his quick response
to the questions of the general was, "Where is
Whitey?" for in his boyish estimation the horse
* General Taylor.
2




I4           ULRIC DAHLGREN.
was as great as the rider that he had carried to
battle, and most happy was he made by permission
to see the illustrious quadruped.
At last came the school; and under the faithful
teaching of that able scholar, Mr. O. C. Wight,
Ully was initiated into the mysteries of Latin
grammar, and the usual course of other branches.
Meanwhile many surrounding influences were
at work, silently, gradually moulding the character.
At home, there was regularity and comfort, without ostentation; at school, steady, firm, conscientious instruction; while at both home and school,
all due regard was paid to the religious training.
The intervals of study were spent with his father
at the "ordnance department" of the Navy Yard,
-where might be seen material of war in every
variety, from its first inception to the finished cannon. Each nook of workshop and magazine was
known to the boy, —he witnessed the silent labors
of thought in his father's study, and their development in design; afterwards the elaborate finish of
the accomplished draughtsman;* the arrangement
of each part for the lathe or the vice by the busy,
skillful foreman;t the glowing glories of the furnace, and the never-ceasing hum of the machinery,
as the industrious and unrivaled workmen reduced
the metal to its just proportions and finish. At
* Mr. Cluss.      t Mr. Halroyd.




EARLY LIFE.                15
the battery, he gazed with deep interest on the
hardy seamen, as they whirled onward the light
howitzers with well-trained arms, or manned the
ponderous cannon; then the stunning blast, the
whir of the missile, and its quick flash as it burst
far away, aimed at the distant mark. Around him
was every contribution that invention or labor
could give to the subject,-he heard discussed and
saw tried every species of cannon and small arms,
shot, shell, fuses, etc. that disciplined thought or
wild fancy could devise; while his keen eye and
sober thought were noting all and working out
their own conclusions, so that, when afterwards
launched upon the field of action, his judgment
and experience in artillery were perceived and duly
estimated by his superior officers.
His fondness for athletic exercises also found
ample opportunity at the Navy Yard, where much
of his leisure was passed in swimming and rowing,
under the instruction of some of the ordnance seamen,-veterans these,.fine specimens of a manly
calling, who had been selected to serve there by
reason of their experience or intelligence,- true
lovers of boyhood, and ever ready to join in its
pursuits or its pleasures. Under such tuition, Ulric
became an expert swimmer and boatman.
Other influences, too, were at hand. Under the
lofty domes of the Capitol, the school-boy often
lingered to look upon the deliberations of the peo



I6          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
ple's representatives. There he listened to the
massive sentences of Webster and the graceful
oratory of Clay, with bursts of eloquence and of
thought from other powerful speakers.
The picture was filled in with occasional glimpses
of Scott and other veteran warriors, whose achievements were recorded in his school-books, while
the navy was represented by Morris, and Warrington, and Shubrick, and Smith, the relics of I812.
Such mighty lights and shadows were not lost
on the young intelligence, but were keenly regarded
and well appreciated,-they could not but expand
and elevate the mind, the heart, and the soul of the
American youth.
He was only a little playful urchin when the
events of I850 had wellnigh ripened into catastrophe and hurried to fierce action those elements
which, some ten years later, were to menace the
existence of the Union, and to light the flame of a
civil war in which he himself was destined to play
his part and to close his earthly career.
Sorely puzzled were the boy and his brother to
comprehend how professed friends to the country
could approach its destruction so nearly; for the
wild declamation of disloyal men, and an unreasoning portion of the press, were inflaming the common mind to madness, and it was no easy task for
the master-spirits to rule the tempest.
The Whig leaders seemed to him identified with




EARL Y LIFE.               I7
the true doctrine, whilst his brother was inclined to
the Democratic faith,-so the notions of the two
school-boys often came into controversial collision.
On one occasion, having exhausted their arguments
and their breath, appeal was made to the father,
who told them that both creeds were designed for
the common good, dissimilar as they seemed; but,
as disunion was now openly proposed as the only
possible remedy, they were earnestly cautioned to
beware of any political dogmas that tolerated such
an idea, and to withdraw from all who countenanced
it. This injunction, often repeated, is supposed by
the father to have exercised a lasting influence on
his son's convictions.
About this time, a very striking characteristic
was the intense earnestness with which he pursued
an object when once engaged in it; if he studied,
it was not so much with the abstraction of a student as with the resolution to accomplish a set
purpose,-while mixing in boyish sports he was
just as intent,-nor was he less steadfast in adhering to a friend. It seemed as if he obeyed by instinct the scriptural injunction, " Whatever thy hand
findetli to do, do it with all thy might."
Ulric had entered upon his thirteenth year when
the first pang of bitter sorrow was brought home
to his young heart,-the mother that loved him
so fondly, and had watched so tenderly over his
early life, departed. She was one who, to every
2*




I 8          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
charm of rare beauty and a lovely presence, added
the attractive graces of refined social life, and a
Christian piety that never failed to win the admiration of her friends and the affectionate attachment
of her family.
On this sad occasion, it was observed that he
never left his father, who chose constantly to
continue near the remains of one so cherished.
There sat the dear boy, bowed in silent grief, utterly
regardless of all passing objects. He felt there
was good reason for sorrow, for he had lost a devoted mother, who had been faithful to every want,
-in sickness or trouble her own hand ministering
to his necessities, while by her precept and example the child knew what it was to pray, and to fail
not in Sunday-school or in church. Her parting
words deepened these impressions, and her last
bequest to him was a Bible.
Thus life was rolling on in successive years, and
the youth was growing into the form and thought of
after-life, while the cultivation of his mind was not
neglected, but was properly cared for. Yet it was
plain that the bent and scope of the lad's nature
found their end in ACTION. Where others thought,
he seemed to think and act concurrently.
When about fourteen years of age, he and his
elder brother accompanied their father on a trip on
board the Merrimac, the first of a new class of
steam-frigates, which had been completed, and




EARLY LIFE.               I9
which became so famous afterwards as the converted rebel iron-clad.
The armament was new, like the ship, and after
the plans of his father, whose purpose it was to
witness the first operation of the battery, and to
offer such suggestions as might be needed. It was
just such an occasion as boys would enjoy to the
utmost, welcomed as they were in every part of the
great ship, from forepeak to cabin, with that kindly
heartiness which every sailor, whether officer or
man, extends to a true boy; and no one of them
all gave a more cordial greeting than the honest
and gallant gentleman who commanded the ship,
-Commodore Pendergrast.
The course of Ulric's life, as just sketched, underwent no change, save in the absence of his
father, who went to sea in command of the United
States ship Plymouth, and was agreeably surprised,
while ascending the Potomac on his return, by an
unexpected visit from Ulric. He had heard that
the ship was in the river, and had lost no time in
persuading some of his friends (the ordnance tars)
to row him down, in order to meet the Plymouth,
which he succeeded in doing not far from Mount
Vernon. And when, a few months later, the ship
put to sea to assist in checking the ill-judged interference of the British cruisers with our merchant
vessels in the West Indies, Ulric accompanied his
-father, as far as he was allowed, down the river.




20           ULRIC DAHLGREN.
In the summer of I858 his last term of schooling was completed. He was now well grounded
in Latin and mathematics, as well as other branches
usually taught,-and was a very promising draughtsman. Not that his father would have had his
studies terminate at so early an age, but he discerned such unmistakable symptoms of distaste
to further confinement to scholastic pursuits, and
such eagerness to put in practice results already
acquired, that he yielded to the boy's wishes, and
consented that he should begin to fit himself for
the vocation he was to follow. Upon full consideration of his son's tendencies, it was decided
that this vocation was to be civil engineering and
the law; and the Northwest was to be chosen for
the exercise of these pursuits.
As a preparatory step, the rest of I858 was
passed in reviewing previous studies in field surveying, during which Ulric received practical instruction from his father in the use of the theodolite
and plane-table.
With a view to further practice, he accepted an
invitation from his uncle to visit the Southwest,
where some tracts of wild land, which the latter
possessed, afforded excellent opportunity to the
student for a better acquaintance with his vocation.
In January, I859, the lad set out from home,
with a merry party of young cousins, the course




EARL Y LIFE.               2I
of travel taking them through Richmond, where
they arrived in the afternoon.. His letter announcing this now lies before the writer of these lines.
It is dated from the Exchange Hotel, and describes
what he saw in walking around the town, —the
State capitol, its senate-chamber, the statue of
Washington, and other prominent objects. Little
did the brave boy dream, as he traversed the streets
of the Virginia capital, that a few short years would
see him reappear on that scene, bringing with his
charging squadrons hope to imprisoned comrades
and terror to rebel councils,-then his own lifeless
body would be borne along, perchance just where
he trod, with every mark of indignity that panicstricken traitors could offer, and destined by them
to be forgotten in some nameless spot.
Yet events were rapidly hurrying the terrible
drama into action.
A few more days of travel carried the party to
the end of their journey.
For more than a year young Ulric gratified his
ardent love for a life less trammeled by conventionalities than that of a city, and enjoyed the
privilege of passing his leisure time in the solitudes
of the forest and the plain; every faculty braced
by breathing the free air of heaven, and by gazing
upon the unstinted luxuriance of Nature in her
most gorgeous display. At such times his horse
and rifle were often his sole companions,-distances




22          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
were spanned by the fleet hoofs of the one, while
the other, wielded by a ready hand and a quick
eye, found fitting mark as the nimble deer bounded
by.
Here the youth found the school for the scout
and the bivouac, that trained him in after-life to
encounter Nature in her roughest as in her more
pleasant moods.
In such pursuits he became familiar with the
noble animal that so often bore him over every
obstacle, and acquired such proficiency in his management as to make him one of the best riders of
the day.
In looking over the simple events of this life, as
disclosed by his own letters, it will be seen that he
did not give himself up solely to the pleasures of
the chase, but that he participated in the more
plodding but useful labors of the plantation. At
one time he is engaged in running lines, or laying
out tracts of land, or repairing levees, or arranging
papers for his uncle; then he has his studies, also,
among which he appears much interested in improving himself in French.
Perhaps the plantations are remote from each
other, and a ride of fifty miles and back makes a
pleasant change to vary the drudgery. Perhaps a
deer or a bear strays across the path, and agreeably puts an end to the thought that has lasted just
long enough, or a stream may intersect the road to




EARL Y LIFE.               23
give interest to the journey. On one occasion he
writes, "I tried to cross a bayou two hours ago,
on Charley's horse, and when I had got half-way
over he sank right down from under me, so I had
to strike out and swim for shore," etc.
Then he inquires of his father in regard to ordnance matters, and is anxious to know something
of each question as it arises,-of the gun of Armstrong, or of any other prominent inventor. He
notices that a sixty-four pounder had burst and
killed two of his old sailor friends; which grieves
him. Sometimes he ventures an opinion on events
elsewhere, such as the war in Italy, etc.
But the season wears around when more or less
sickness prevails, and he is obliged to leave with
the family for better air. He amuses himself with
fencing, and French, and ten-pins; but so much
relaxation does not comport with his earnest nature and industrious habits. He is soon to "return
to the hard work again which lze prefers to all the
rest."  He writes, " When I have nothing to occupy
mzy mind, I always feel dissatisfied until Ifind myself
busy again."  And he contrives to find some employment even in this season, when exemption from
exertion is considered admissible on account of the
excessive heat: "I have been busy the last week
surveying a large avenue Ewhich will run through the
woods."
Soon afterwards he returns to the plantation, and




24           ULRIC DAHLGREN.
writes in his usual cheerful and straightforward
style. He is engrossed as before, running lines,
surveying, etc.; goes at some length into details
of a technical difficulty which he desires to know
more of. Then he is engaged in hunting with his
cousin.  And so the year I859 closes upon the
young lad.
The next year opens with the glad notes of a
wedding near his uncle's residence, in the pleasure
of which he joins with his accustomed heartiness;
but forgets not to send wishes to his own home
that the coming year may be happy to all.
Again he is following the chase, and writes that
the party "killed four deer,-.his cousin two, and
he two." Then he has a little adventure. In
crossing a small lake his mare seemed to fail at the
bank, and floundered in the soft mud. The moment
was critical. Promptly the lad swung himself into
the branches of an overhanging tree, and with one
hand fired his piece close over the animal's head.
Relieved of the rider's weight, and terrified by the
sudden discharge, the animal bounded with desperate leap from the dangerous situation, cleared
the bank, and made for home.
At this time he says that he is five feet ten and
a half inches high, and weighs one hundred and
thirty-six pounds.*
* Seventeen years and nine months old.




EARLY LIFE.                25
And now the youth, conscious of some ability to
meet the vicissitudes of active life, makes known
to his father his desire to try his own way in the
world. He writes that he is conversant with the
theory and practice of surveying, and is "devoted
to it." He expresses his confidence in such a vocation, as opening a field to any one who will follow
it industriously. In a subsequent letter these views
are reiterated, with the further suggestion that
he may not find the opportunity he seeks among
the great cotton estates where he is,-for to do
that, capital is needed,-but he looks to newer
countries, such as Texas, or Kansas, or Arizona,
where "a man's a man for a' that.". Not that he
feels the return which he makes to be less than he
receives; but, as he writes, "The whole of it is, I
want to earn my living, which I am doing nfow, but
in a very indefinite way."
And yet these earnest wishes are carefully subordinated to the judgment of his parent; so that
when he receives the unexpected summons to turn
his steps homeward, in order that all the details of
a question so important to himself may be fully
understood and properly determined, he responds
at once, "As you know what is best for me, dear
father, I will cheerfully and willingly follow your
advice."
Accordingly, early in April, I86o, he finds himself once more amid the well-known scenes of his
3




26           ULRIC DAHLGREN.
boyhood,-the happy little home that recalls so
much, and the busy school, and so many comrades.
Upon full conversation and comprehension of
Ulric's views and capabilities, his father consents to
his return for the present; and by the middle of
May he is once more on the banks of the Mississippi, actively engaged as before. The summer
wears on, and events are transpiring which did not
enter into consideration when he left the North.
The contest for the Presidency seems to involve
more than the ordinary course of an election: the
preference of the free States is plainly for Mr. Lincoln, and for a policy manifestly opposed to slavery,
or rather to its extension. The South is more than
indignant, even at such an avowal, and denounces
it fiercely, yet will not agree on a single name in
opposition, but permits the nomination of two candidates, divides its vote, and thus allows the choice
to go adversely, which it could have determined
otherwise. As the period of the election drew near,
the symptoms of trouble became more portentous, and Ulric was recalled to his home; for his
father was unwilling that one so much loved should
be separated from the hearth-stone of the family
at such a crisis.
He obeyed the call with his usual alacrity, took
leave of his Southern friends, and returned to Washington in the latter part of September, I860.
The moment seemed opportune for pursuing the




EARL Y LIFE.                27
contemplated study of the law; and on the 22d of
September he went to Philadelphia, to enter the
office of his uncle, Mr. Jas. W. Paul, a prominent
and highly-respected lawyer of that city.
To this new vocation Ulric applied himself with
his habitual earnestness and diligence.
And thus the destiny of the youth reverted to
the association where it truly belonged. It was a
sore struggle to forsake a mode of life so well suited
to his instincts,-the free, fresh air of the forest for
the confined atmosphere of a large city, the wild
excitement of the chase for the quiet avocation of
the office, the untrammeled freedom of rural life for
the guarded conventionalities of polite society.
And yet this active and fearless spirit cheerfully
gave up his chosen pursuits, like a dutiful son, as
he was, and set about his new calling with all the
earnestness of an exalted nature.
It was hard to believe that the bold woodsman,
who had so lately roved over hill and plain, forest
and river, should be transformed so quickly into
the quiet lad who now so tranquilly threaded the
thronged streets, or bent him so intently over the
desk. The hand, so used to the rifle and rein, was
now given to the lighter task of pressing carefully
the black-lettered page, and the eye that had
beamed with delight at Nature in her wildest magnificence, now rested in calm contemplation of the
mysteries of digests and commentaries. Throb on,




28           ULRIC DAHLGREN.
brave young heart, in peace while you may, soon
shall you be awakened to the thrilling sounds of
battle, and be inspired by the holiest sentiments of
our nature. Thez, be hushed forever!
The remainder of I860 was given to the business
of the office, followed, after hours, by exercise at
the gymnasium, and in the evening, by attendance
atthe Franklin Institute, for which he had great
admiration. His time, as he writes, being divided
thus: up at seven (November); at the office from
eight to one; dinner, one to two; again at the
office from two to half-past four P.M.; the gymnasiumi until six, then supper, ending with the Institute, where he remained until bedtime, at nine or
ten o'clock.
Occasionally he speaks of friends whom he visits,
particularly Captain Percival Drayton (of the navy),
his father's well-tried and old comrade. He also
meets his elder brother, Charles, who is engaged in
steam engineering, and happens to be at Wilmington in the course of business.
At times, his letters report progress in the law,
and satisfactory results of examinations.
But at no time is his attention diverted from the
various phases of the great issues that are looming
up about him like mighty shadows, threatening to
involve in gloom the fairest future ever promised to
a nation. The meeting of Congress is at hand,
when the already well-known decision of the people




EARLY LIFE.               29
will be formally announced. He writes, "I hope
that pleasant relations will soon be restored between
the North and South." Soon after, he mentions
a grand Union meeting, which he hopes will serve
as the initiative in restoring peace; looks on the
present State of affairs as deplorable, etc.
And in his Christmas greeting, says, "I have
been waiting anxiously to see something done by
some party, and at last it has come in the shape of
Fort Moultrie being abandoned, which will, no
doubt, precipitate Southern action."
The considerate and temperate views of this mere
lad were only those of the North, even at this time,
when one star had shot madly from its place in the
constitutional firmament, and had thus begun the
work of dissolution, to which its policy for years
had been pledged.
The public mind was deeply impressed with the
nature of the crisis, but by no means to the extent
competent to avert the evil; and the uncertainty as
to the proper remedy which pervaded the masses
who sustained the Union, confused opinion: President Buchanan openly announced that he had no
power to coerce, and no right, if he had the power.
Whilst so many older and more experienced men
hesitated, Ulric writes, about New Year's (I86I),
" I hope they will take some definite action." And
a few days later, "Everything seems worked up to
the highest pitch of excitement on account of politi3*




30        ULRIC DAHLGREN.
cal affairs generally."  Still, his resolute, pleasant
nature is not disturbed, nor driven to the advocacy
of violent measures.
Before the first month of the new year ends, five
States have withdrawn from the Union, and the last
Southern man in the Cabinet has resigned. Ulric
briefly remarks, "I would like much to belong to
a military company;," for he fails not to notice some
feeble move towards arihament, and remarks on
the quality of some military supplies that passed
through the city to Fort Delaware.
During February he is still occupied with the law
by day, and studies geology in the evening, not
forgetting mathematics; anxiously concerned, however, about the pending troubles,-the rebellion
having taken shape by the election of Mr. Jeff.
Davis as its leader.
Military and naval officers, too, are resigning to
follow their States.
About this time his brief letters, when referring
to the state of affairs at Charleston, contain such
remarks as, "The American flag should never have
been insulted; there was no necessity for it. Anderson is a Southern man, yet he remains true to his
duty, both to God and man."




CHAPTER II.
THE REBELLION.
AT this crisis Mr. Lincoln succeeded to the
Presidency of the Union.
It may be said truly that history does not record
an instance where a greater responsibility was devolved upon one man. The whole Southern section
of the country had revolted from its sworn allegiance, and organized an independent government,
that received from the State governments upon
which it was based all that was needed to insure
stability, as well as the capacity for instant and
regular action in its operations. It was not the
sudden and unprepared act of the moment, but had
been previously concerted by the ablest leaders of
the South, many of them with the advantage of
official position in the Cabinet and Congress, as well
as in the army and navy. Nor was the movement
limited to measures merely civil; for secession
was followed promptly by the seizure of the United
States forts, navy-yards, arsenals, treasure, etc., while
most of the Southern officers belonging to the seceding States joined the latter as rapidly as possible.
(3' )




32           ULRIC DAHLGREN.
All this occurred before President Lincoln took
the chair; so that, at the first moment of his accession, he found himself confronted by a powerful
rebellion, ready, in every respect, to make good its
defiance of the lawful government.
The free States, unprepared for this sudden and
violent outrage, had not even agreed upon the
remedy which the constitutional compact permitted
in such a case. Opinions differed almost to opposition. While the great middle States that bordered
on the South did not attempt to disguise their intention of joining the rebellion if the United States
government ventured to coerce the seceding States,
yet they barely abstained from action during the
time that their senators and representatives retained
their seats in Congress, and contributed to paralyze
any measures which that body might be disposed
to adopt to meet the emergency.
In truth, the loyal States had not reached the
conclusion that force was expedient even if lawful.
President Buchanan had openly declared against
the doctrine of coercion; and, although the course
of the South outraged the good sense and good
feeling of Northern patriots, yet they hesitated to
plunge the country into a civil war, which no humah
judgment could appreciate in duration or consequences.
To President Lincoln belonged the solution of
this great problem. With all the sound sense and




THE REBELLION.              33
kindly feeling that so eminently distinguished this
lamented statesman, he entered earnestly upon the
appointed task, favoring any peaceful resort, but
firmly maintaining the rights of the Constitution,
while he abstained from all military measures that
could aggravate the pending difficulties. Under
his sagacious guidance peace and unity might have
been restored to the land once more without bloodshed. But the desperate leaders of the slave power
divined the probability of such a result, and hastened to avoid it by one fatal blow that should
precipitate the impending struggle. Sumter was
attacked, and its little garrison compelled to surrender to the forces of South Carolina.
The President immediately issued his proclamation for troops to regain possession of the United
States property that had been seized by the insurgents from the first. The loyal States hesitated no
longer,' but wheeled promptly into line and responded to the call. The first levies were, however, necessarily directed to the preservation of the
capital, which was now subjected to imminent peril
by the sudden secession of the border States, and
was actually brought into contact with Virginia, the
most powerful of them. From this State, Washington was only separated by the Potomac, and was
even controlled by the range of heights on its
southern bank.
Disaffection had also been strongly manifested




34           ULRIC DAHLGREN.
in Maryland upon the first attempt to forward
troops to Washington by the ordinary railroad
route through that State. They were assailed by
a mob in Baltimore, and only a single regiment,
besides a few detached companies, succeeded in
passing through the city.
The situation of the national government was
thus rendered very precarious. With a mere handful of troops, not exceeding two thousand men,
confronted by Virginia, cut off from the loyal States
by Maryland, no communication open to reinforcements save by the Potomac,-a long and winding
river flowing through insurrectionary territory, and
therefore liable to obstruction,-it became a question whether the disloyal States should be first to
the capture of Washington, or the loyal States to
the rescue.
If the government of the United States had failed
in the first instance to use its lawful power in checking the march of the rebellion at the outset, the
latter proved to be quite as incapable of realizing
the full advantage of its own prompt decision.
With that preparation which a foreknowledge of
its purpose permitted, it would have been easy to
seize the capital by striking a rapid blow. As a
consequence of such a step, Maryland would have
been released from the Northern grip,-no small
military gain, for the resolves of Mr. Davis and his
coadjutors would have been very differently esti



THE REBELLION              35
mated by foreign powers if they had been issued
from the halls which law and custom had consecrated to national legislation. It might even have
been reasonably expected that the intense and ill
concealed desire of England and France for the
division of the great and growing power of the
United States would, in such a case, have been fully
expressed by an open recognition of the seceding
States,-consequences which, collectively, the firmest believer in the power of the legitimate government might well hesitate to add to existing difficulties.
Amid this rush of events, which thus gathered
about the capital, Ulric beheld his father involved.
For quickly, upon the secession of the border
States, the officers of the Washington Navy Yard,
who happened to belong to them, abandoned their
duty, to join the standards of what they considered
their paramount allegiance; and the command of
this most important position thereby devolved upon
Captain Dahlgren, who alone remained faithful to
his trust. He was aided by the gallant Wainwright,
who afterwards fell a victim to the malaria of the
Mississippi. The Navy Yard was not only valuable
on account of the large quantities of cannon and ammunition which it contained, but it was also the key
of our defenses on the left, controlling the bridge
and the approaches by water from the eastern shore,
and overawing the disaffected in that vicinity.




36          ULRIC DAHLGREA.
Whilst these and other incidents of the great
drama were hastening into action, the youth looked
on with as much calmness as the interest they inspired would permit. Unable at last to control his
impulse, he seized the first opportunity that presented of being with his father, and left Philadelphia for Washington, on the 6th May, with his
uncle, Mr. Abbott Lawrence. Along the whole
route his observant eye encountered troops and
trains. Arriving at the capital next day, he rambled over the Navy Yard, alive with the array of
war and preparation. Passing into the city, he
mingled with the crowd, gazed admiringly on the
regiments arriving hourly, on the strong garrisons
in the public buildings, and accompanied his uncle
when he called on Major Anderson, fresh from
Sumter. On Wednesday he walked over the
Georgetown Heights, then the southern limit of
the Union lines, and next day was at the Navy Yard
near his father when he received President Lincoln.
He was present at the various hospitalities extended
to the chief magistrate,-at the concert and the
review of that fine regiment, the New York 71st,
then forming part of the garrison of the yard;
and he witnessed the practice with the heavy navy
cannon and howitzers, etc. In the evening Ulric
was one of the throng that filled the rooms of the
White House during the levee.
Next day (I Ith May) he returned to Philadelphia,




THE REBELLION.               37
in order to remove thither his young brother and
sister.
Meanwhile the preparation for enforcing the
national authority, and for resistance, was proceeding actively, By the latter part of May the new
levies had arrived in sufficient numbers to warrant
measures for occupying the high ground near the
capital, which constitutes its best natural defense
to the southward; and, accordingly, a colunm
was advanced from the city before daylight of the
24th of May, crossing the Long Bridge into Virginia;
and thus, for the first time in our history, the troops
of the Federal government entered upon armed
occupation of the territory of a sovereign State in
actual rebellion. At the same time a regiment of
Zouaves, commanded by Colonel Ellsworth, and
forming the left wing, was transported by water, in
two Navy Yard steamers. Captain Dahlgren, as
commandant of the yard, superintended this move
in person, which was also covered at Alexandria
by the guns of the Pawnee. The rebel troops, entirely unable to cope with this force, abandoned
the town after a few musket-shots, and the Union
colors were again hoisted in place of the flag that
the insurgents had too long flaunted in sight of the
capital. That cost the life of the gallant Colonel
Ellsworth, who fell just after the event by the hand
of an assassin. His body was borne back to the
Navy Yard by Captain Dahlogren, on board the
4




38          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
same steamboat on which he had but a few hours
before conveyed this young officer to his last
service.
A company of Virginia cavalry, under Captain
Ball, became prisoners, and were transferred to the
Navy'Yard, where they were treated by Captain
Dahlgren with a kindness that was acknowledged
at the time, but not reciprocated at a later and a
sadder day.
By this move General Scott secured the range of
heights which commanded the capital in one direction, and all approaches to it from the other; together with the communication by water from our
left to the city of Alexandria.
The month of June was spent in mutual preparation for decisive conflict. Regiments from loyal
States accumulated rapidly in Washington, which,
as they arrived, were advanced to the lines in front
that the engineers were now establishing along
the heights recently occupied.  A  considerable
part of the force was conveyed by water, in the
steamboats of the Navy Yard, directed by Captain Dahlgren; but the main body passed over
the Long Bridge. About the middle of the
month the rebels were obliged to evacuate Harper's Ferry, by reason of one of our columns
advancing in that direction.
The North beheld with full confidence these
measures for vindicating the supremacy of the




THE REBELLON.               39
Union, and little doubt appeared to exist of their
sufficiency to crush out the insurrection. Never
before had.a military array so imposing been collected under the national flag as'that whose tents
now whitened the hills of the Potomac; and perhaps such material as that composing it had never
before gathered under any banner.
Desirous of gratifying the intense yearning of
his son to look on such a spectacle, his father gave
him leave to return home for awhile; and on the
first day of July Ulric reached Washington. To
him it seemed like a vast camp. Every train was
freighted with new regiments, which found temporary abode in the public buildings or were transferred to the camp near the lines. The avenues:
were thronged with columns of infantry and artillery, gayly moving to the crash of numerous bands,
while the townspeople looked on in wonder. The
Navy Yard, too, was alive with preparation,steamers arriving and departing freighted with
troops and stores.  Ordnance and ammunition
were being accumulated and dispatched, whilst all
the buildings that could be spared were occupied
by a strong garrison, chiefly composed of the New
York 7Ist. Their drills and those of the Naval
Howitzer Companies, under Captain Parker, drew
the attention of the crowds who daily visited the
Yard.
The effect of such scenes upon the earnest nature




40           ULRIC DA HLGREN.
of the lad may well be imagined. He interested
himself in all the proceedings, and everywhere had
a hearty welcome from old friends or new.
By the middle of July the force about the capital
had been swelled, by steady accessions, to an extent which seemed capable of meeting the general
desire that one decisive blow should be struck, and
it was generally understood that the hour of trial
was at hand.
Those in insurrection had not been idle, however, and their determination to resist was as
little understood as their ability to do so.  It
required an experience of four years to demonstrate both.
On the I6th July our army, about fifty thousand
strong, was in motion; and on the I8th a collision
occurred between its advanced detachments and
some works held by the rebels, which our men
assaulted, but were repulsed.
The 2 st July, I86I, will ever be memorable as
initiating the armed struggle which was to be prolonged until the section in rebellion was entirely
exhausted.
The rebel army now held a well-chosen position
at Manassas Junction, naturally of great strength,
and that improved by careful engineering,-its advance resting on a small stream in the front, which
gave its name to the battle.
Upon this the new levies of the republic were




THE REBELLION.              4
launched under circumstances that would have
tried older troops. The ground, broken by ravine
and entangled by forest, permitted but a partial
development of the whole force, a large portion of
which was exhausted by marching and by want of
food, a deprivation to which, as yet, the men were
not accustomed. Still, most of the regiments which
were actually engaged showed the best disposition,
and, for awhile, the rebels were pressed so hard
that, but for the timely arrival of Johnston on our
right flank, the result might have been doubtful.
This reinforcement, however, turned the scale, and
produced so much confusion among our men that
the retreat soon became a rout.  Many of the
brigades were entirely disorganized; cannon, ammunition, and baggage were abandoned by the
way, and a large body of fugitives carried alarm to
the capital itself, filling the streets with a panicstricken and disorderly crowd. The whole army
finally fell back until it rested on the Alexandria
lines. The'city seemed to be in imminent peril,
more so, indeed, than it. really was; for if the rebel
leaders had followed up their success they would
have experienced the difference between attacking
and defending intrenched positions, especially with
new troops. But they wisely forbore from a measure which would have stripped their victory of half
its value; for, though our works were incomplete,
and our men dispirited by the late reverse, they
4*




42           ULRIC DAHLGREN.
would have been found fully competent to retort
severely if assaulted by the rebels.
The news of the disaster soon reached the Navy
Yard. The commandant knew that the battle was
going on, but the tidings which were received from
time to time were favorable. Late in the afternoon
the President drove down, and, to that hour, no
adverse accounts had arrived. But it was hardly
sunset when a telegram from the War Department
to Captain Dahlgren requested the presence of " an
armed vessel at Alexandria to commarnd as mzuchl as
possible the approaches there," which was met by
sending the Perry, the only vessel of force at the
Yard. This was sufficiently significant of a reverse,
and the apprehension thus created was confirmed
about an hour later by word that our army had
been defeated and was in retreat.
On the following day and the succeeding, various
requisitions were made on the Navy Yard for assistance and supplies, which were readily met by the
commandant; and on the 24th he replied to a telegram from the Navy Department, by dispatching
to the lines three heavy cannon (nine-inch) and five
howitzers, with a prime body of trained seamen,
under Captain Parker and other navy officers.
With this detachment went Ulric Dahlgren as
aide to the commanding officer. And thus began
that career in the service of his country which, for.a short season only, was to be distinguished by the




THE REBELLIO.                43
most unselfish devotion, by deeds of daring, by
battle, by loss of limb, and, lastly, loss of life. He
had shared deeply in the feelings of humiliation that
pervaded the community at the recent defeat, unmixed with any lack of confidence in the ability,of our soldiers to retrieve the disaster; and, with
~the permission of his father, he now joined the naval
detachment about to be sent to the front.
The range of hills upon which were to be based
the defenses of Washington to the southwest, includes the space formed by the bend of the Potomac at the Long Bridge, and sweeps from Alexandria in a curved line to the river above Georgetown.
At this time the system of works was incomplete;
and the demoralization consequent on the late
check rendered it important that the defects should
be looked to at once. The ridge did not extend
entirely to Alexandria, but terminated a short distance from its outskirts, leaving an interval of
low ground between its extremity and the river,
by which a force might pass, seize the town, and
turn the whole position on the heights by marching along its rear. Fort Ellsworth guarded the
extreme left of the ridge, but could not check such
a flank move, and would itself first be taken in reverse. To close this gap, the navy guns, under
Lieutenant Parker, were posted on the brow of
the crest looking towards the river, and so swept
not only the approach but the passage, and effect



44          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
ually guarded the position from being taken in
reverse.
It was half-past two P.M. on the 24th July, when
the whole detachment left the Navy Yard, each
nine-inch gun slung under a pair of wheels, drawn
by a yoke of oxen. In about half an hour the party
landed at Alexandria, and the heavy guns were
put in motion at once, while the seamen drew the
howitzers; the whole carefully equipped with tents,
provisions, ammunition, etc. The subsequent events
are thus briefly told by Ulric himself, in the official
diary forwarded by Lieutenant Parker to Captain
Dahlgren:
"NAVAL EXPEDITION  FROM  THE WASHINGTON
NAVY YARD TO ASSIST IN THE DEFENSE OF
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA.
Lieutenant Commanding, F. A. PARKER;
Lieutenant, W. N. ALLEN; Master, D. C. WooD;
Assistant Surgeon, A. B. JUDSON; Marine Officer, Lieut. CARTER;
Mr. ULRIC DAHLGREN.
" Wednlesday,.f7iy 24, I86 I.-Left the Navy Yard
at half-past two P.M., with three nine-inch guns,
four smooth twelve-pound howitzers, one rifled
howitzer, and seventy seamen. Three P.M., landed
at Alexandria, and proceeded to Fort Ellsworth, to
remain there until a position for the battery could




THE REBELLION.              45
be determined by the engineer officer. Two nineinch guns, and all the howitzers, ammunition, etc.,
were in the fort by midnight (the other gun would
have been in also, but for an accident to the wheels
by which it was slung); the men were assigned
their places at the howitzers, and everything prepared to resist an attack. Lieutenant McCrea, with
twenty seamen from the Pawnee, reported for duty;
also Lieutenant Miller, with twenty seamen from
the brig Perry. In the streets of Alexandria, and
on the road to Fort Ellsworth, the volunteer soldiery were met in disorganized masses.
"Thzursday, 7zuly 25.-The remaining nine-inch
gun was brought into the fort at eight A.M. The
position for the battery was determined by Colonel
Franklin at eleven A.M. Two platforms were finished
and the breastworks commenced by dark. The men
and carpenters at work until midnight, after which
all hands returned to Fort Ellsworth. Midnzic/zt.
-Davenport, of the brig Perry, relieved Lieutenant
Miller. Commandant Dahlgren visited the battery,
accompanied by Colonel Franklin and Captain
Rowan of the Pawnee. Great disorganization observed among the volunteers in the neighboring
camps.
"Friday, 7zldy 26.-Tents pitched and guns
mounted by night. Eight more men from the brig
Perry reported. Soldiers visited the camp in large
numbers during the day; they expressed great




46            ULRIC DAHLGREN.
surprise at the rapidity with which the guns were
mounted and prepared for action, and also a determination to stand by the'boys' to the last. Hoisted
our flag amid the cheers of the men, and gave the
name of' Fort Dalilgren' to the work.
"Saturday, rz1uly 27. —Shell-pit dug out and
magazine finished. Marines increased to forty men
and a lieutenant. The volunteers seem to be reorganizing.
"Suznday, _7Yzy 28.-No work done. Men and
arms inspected. General McClellan and General
McDowell, with staff, visited the battery in the
afternoon; also Captain Rowan of the Pawnee,
accompanied by several other officers of the
navy.
"Monday, _7ztly 29.-Shell-pit covered, and the
men working in the trenches. Commandant Dahlgren visited the battery; also Senator Rice (Minnesota).
"Tuzesday, 7z/ly 30.-All hands working in
trenches. Lieutenant McCrea detached, together
with Pawnee's men. Men at quarters in the evening. Various volunteer regiments drilling; their
condition seems greatly improved.
" Wednesday, Yzdy 3 I.-Men working in trenches.
Rest after dinner; at quarters, and a howitzer drill
in the evening. Volunteers drilling also.
"Ttursday, Aug. I.-Men unable to work, on
account of rain.  At quarters, and drill at the




THE  REBELLION.             47
heavy guns in the evening.  Dress-parade of
volunteers in the neighboring camps during the
afternoon.
"Friday, Aug.' 2.-Men working in the trenches.
Flag of truce arrived near here. Men ordered to
Fort Ellsworth to witness an execution. At quarters in the evening, and a drill at the heavy guns.
Dress-parade of volunteers in the neighboring
camps.
" Saturdaiy, Aug. 3. —Men working in the trenches
this morning. Exercise at great guns and howitzer
battery. Lieutenant Carter (marines) detached, and
Lieutenant Huntingdon reported for duty.
"(Signed)     FOXHALL A. PARKER,
"Lieut. U. S. Navy."
The perfect order with which the whole operation
was conducted, the celerity of movement, the completeness of equipment, the discipline and thorough
training of the seamen, under such good officers,
was a lesson to the young beginner which answered
as well as a longer schooling would have done in
a less urgent state of things; of this he reaped the
full benefit.
General McClellan arrived on the 27th July, and
took command of the Army of-the Potomac. Confidence and a better feeling returned with order;
and as new levies began to come in, the desire to
move onward revived. It was assented to, however,




48           ULRIC DAHLGREN.
on all sides, that in order to do this we needed a
larger force than had been contemplated before, as
well as a higher condition of discipline.
The rebels, finding that the Union forces adhered
to the lines of the capital, occupied with detachments the ground thus left vacant in front, and
closed their skirmishers to the Union positions,
particularly at Munson's Hill, an eminence contiguous to our advanced posts.
It required but a few days for the experienced
officer in command of the naval battery to get it into
perfect condition; the platforms were laid, the cannon mounted, the magazines for powder and shell
provided, the men properly camped, fed, and drilled,
sentries posted, etc., and then nothing remained but
to await whatever demand might arise for real service. This period of inaction was used by Ulric in
exploring the neighboring camps, and gathering
instruction from the continual process of organization by which the armed multitude was to be converted into a military body. For the public were
now convinced that more was needed than numbers
to do the work required; in which conviction our
men concurred fully, and, with hearty good will,
submitted to all the severity and exactness of routine
which the occasion demanded. Ulric saw daily
brigades and divisions being created and wrought,
by drill and discipline, into effective shape, and
witnessed the accumulation of war material in such




THE REBELLION.              49
quantities and excellency as perhaps no other army
had ever been so well equipped with.
In thus passing time, he often encountered many
who had served in the navy and were friends of
his father; for this mighty host had been volunteered from the nation without regard to classes
or previous vocation, and the military movement
by water was not unfrequently accelerated by
the handicraft of the sailor-soldiers in its ranks.
One of the regiments was commanded by an officer (Colonel McC. Murphy) who had served in
the same ship with Captain Dahlgren. The lad
also made friends for himself, and before long he
was led by this association among the skirmish
lines thrown out to feel and annoy the rebel outposts. One of these outposts was Munson's Hill,
a prominent elevation, where floated a rebel standard that was seen distinctly from the Navy Yard,
and where the practice of good marksmen made
adventure quite as dangerous as interesting. Here
the young aide might often be seen, with his keen
eye glancing over the sights of a delicate and beautiful Maynard rifle. He writes on the 5th September:
" I am in the midst of very exciting and interesting events. Last Friday and Saturday I was in
two skirmishes near Munson's Hill, in which we
lost several killed and wounded, and they lost some
also. It is regular Indian-fighting that we do every
5




50          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
day near here, and I have a Maynard rifle, with
which I send a telegram south occasionally. At
present, my knees are so sore from crawling in the
bushes, and fighting them in their own style, that
I can hardly walk."
For this life in camp and of adventure much of
previous habits and training fitted him admirably.
Though very slim and light in flesh, he was capable
of any endurance, and still delighted in the pursuits
which had their place in the open air.
Occasionally he visited his father, at the Navy
Yard, and witnessed passing events there. Sometimes the presence of a foreigner of distinction
lent an interest to the occasion, and testified the
friendly feelings felt in our progress. Among these,
no one was more prominent than the excellent
Prince de Joinville, who never failed to evince his
solicitude for the re-establishment of the Union, and
at last shared in the perils of the battle-field. With
him were his two nephews, the Count of Paris and
the Duke de Chartres, both of whom wore the
Union uniform as captains on the staff of the general.
Prince Napoleon also visited the Navy Yard
early in August, and, to his honor, was known to
have entertained and expressed friendly sentiments
to the Union cause, though such were by no means
fashionable at the Imperial Court.
By the middle of September it became evident
that it would be impossible to organize so large an




7711E  REBELLION.            5'
army for active operations before the advent of the
winter; therefore no movement of any consequence
could be anticipated before the spring. To this
delay even the general impatience was forced to
submit.
Ulric was therefore dispatched to Philadelphia
in order to resume his studies during this period
of inaction. The remarkable facility with which
he yielded his own wishes to those of his father
was never more strikingly exemplified than in this
instance. Putting aside his rifle, and all the "pride,
pomp, and circumstance of glorious war," he departed for Philadelphia, and again took his place at
the desk, as cheerfully as if his earnest nature had
never been absorbed in the great events of the
passing struggle, nor burned with intense desire to
bear any part, however humble, in the cause of his
country.
He was assured, however, that when the appointed hour of action should come, he would be
recalled to share in the first opportunity for service that might offer; and he felt consoled in that
knowledge.
The study of the law was varied, as before, by
exercise and by a quiet evening with some friend.
Other objects also presented themselves to his attention. It was at this time that his father gave
him the copyright of a formula for the drill of his
own eleven-inch gun, and Ulric had it printed and




52           ULRIC DAHLGREN.
published as afterwards circulated in the navy by
the order of the Bureau of Ordnance.
A number of patriotic young gentlemen of the
city also associated to form a light-artillery company; and Ulric, as one of the members, entered
with his wonted zeal and activity into the practical
execution of the project. His letters to his father
interested the latter, so that four navy howitzers
were loaned to the company for its use. In one
letter he narrates an interview, in relation to this
purpose, with the commandant of the Navy Yard
(Philadelphia), Commodore Pendergrast, who had
commanded the Merrimac when Ulric was on
board, some years past, during the trip to Annapolis. The gallant veteran had not forgotten his
young guest, and taking him aside, after business
with the captain of the howitzer company, he
doffed his official bearing, and indulged in a
hearty laugh with the lad.
Among the events of the day, he does not forget
the navy, but exults in the capture of Port Royal
by Admiral Dupont, and remarks, " The war-s/zips
showed their teeth, and how deep they could bite."
The period was at hand when the scene was
to open on the soldier-life of the young patriot,
and when, freed from every trammel, he was to
take the part he so well sustained under many
trials,-never ceasing from that solemn duty until
death released him forever.




CHAPTER  III.
HARPER S FERRY.
T HE Union had at last an army in the field that
seemed capable of realizing every wish of the
country. It was numerous, well appointed, and as
well trained as the efforts of able officers, unceasingly exerted for nine months, could make it. At
its head was a leader in whom the troops and the
President had full confidence.
The spring was advancing, and the miry roads
of Virginia were beginning to harden sufficiently
for the movements of the army and its heavy
trains.
The whole nation was expectant, for our great
host was about to move, and we were evidently at
the threshold of important events. The ardent
nature of the young student was stirred to its inmost depths. He could brook inactivity no longer,
nor fix his thoughts on the quiet pursuits of the
law-office when the din of arms resounded throughout the land, and every loyal heart was bent on
the coming struggle, which again it was fondly
hoped would crush the rebellion at a blow.
(53)




54           ULRIC DAHLGREN.
In his gentle but earnest manner, Ulric made
known his' wishes to his father, who yielded to
them without hesitation.
And so, not hastily, but carefully, and almost
reverentially, the youth laid down the reasonings of
the great expounders of the law, that he might take
his place in the ranks; for he felt that the argument
had been closed forever in the great council of the
nation, and that the decision lay with the sword.
The thoroughness with which he fulfilled every
duty or purpose was never more strikingly exemplified than in the closely-written memoranda of his
legal studies. The lectures of Judge Sharswood,
which he attended at the law school, are faithfully
minuted to the last, in a clear, regular hand, without
a single blemish. The last is, "Examination, Feb.
24, I862."
It was about the middle of April that he repaired
to Washington, and took his place near his father
to assist in the labors of the naval ordnance, for
which his previous training so admirably qualified
him. In former days it had been a pastime, now
it was to be a duty as well as a pleasure; and in
the discharge of that duty he felt himself to be no
privileged incumbent. With the quiet, unassuming
manner that always marked his deportment, he was
to be seen, early and late, industriously occupied
with such writing, or drafting, or other duty, as
might be assigned him.




HARPER'S FEER  Y,              55
It was this never-failing integrity of purpose that
won him the perfect confidence of his father; for it
was not a mere habit,-it was part and parcel of
his nature; he could not do otherwise.
Ulric had now just completed his first score of
years. The healthy hue previously acquired in the
playground of the schoolboy, and deepened almost
to bronzing by Western life, was lost in the seclusion of a student; and he had also run up to a
stature of six feet, too rapidly for the close knitting
of his frame.
Still, he was active, well practiced in the training
of the gymnasium, capable of any fatigue, in perfect
health, and fully endowed with that elasticity of
mind and body which youth and health alone can
confer.
The hours that remained from the labors of his
office were mostly passed in the stately but quaint
old mansion which his father inhabited as commandant of the Navy Yard. There Hull and other wellknown sea-commanders had lived, and some had
died;* and in its long galleries, late in the day,
young Ulric might be seen, seated in thoughtful
repose near the door, his eye wandering over the
singularly contrasted view of green trees and shrubbery, from which rose here and there the tall chim* The author of this memoir, Admiral Dahlgren, died at this
residence, July I 2, I870.




56          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
neys of busy forges and glowing furnaces. Or in the
quiet dining-room, father and son might be found
over the daily meal, in happy companionship.
And thus passed the hours and the days of the
young man,-brightly, joyously, with duty before
him; yet he was not unobservant of passing events,
and was only biding his time.
On special occasions he had opportunities of
seeing some of the great actors in the national
drama, and of being near them. In one instance
he was invited aboard the Miami, when the President went down the Potomac, with his Secretaries
of War and Treasury, to have personal cognizance
of affairs at Acquia, which had just then been occupied by our forces under General McDowell, who
came on board the Miami to pay his respects to
the President as soon as he heard of his arrival.
Ulric listened with no little zest to the recital of
the operation from the commanding officer, and to
what he had to say of Bayard's cavalry exploits;
and he saw the name of that gallant officer penciled down by the Secretary of War for promotion
to the rank of brigadier-general, little thinking in
his freest fancy that the same hand would sign his
commission as colonel in scarcely more than a
year, when he would be told that intermediate
grades had been passed over because of his distinguished service.
Even so, brave boy, and before the year is




HARPER'S FERR Y.             57
ended, the hills you now look on will behold you
spurring fresh from daring deeds at Fredericksburg.
Events now come hastening thickly on. McClellan is in Yorktown, has pushed by Williamsburg, and is approaching Richmond with the eagles
of the republic. McDowell's force has been swelled
by additions to a goodly army, and he is soon to
advance and join McClellan.
The President wishes to look on this array before it departs on its appointed task. So, with the
Secretary of War, he descends the Potomac, traverses the short rail-track from Acquia, and is
gladly welcomed by the generals and their battalions.
It is one of the bright days of latter May, when
he enters a spacious old Virginia mansion built on
a terraced hill, looking down upon the rushing
Rappahannock, and almost into the streets of the
ancient city of Fredericksburg on the opposite
shore, - its ample halls and fair gardens very
suggestive of a former state of things, but now
abandoned by its misguided owner to the tread of
strangers.
Presently the streets resound to the tramp of
chargers bearing the chief of the republic, and the
generals and officers of all grades who surround
him. He surveys the massive columns of brave
men, who move by with measured tread to the




58           ULRIC DAHLGREN.
strains of martial music. The pageant is over, the
President departs, the soldier returns to his tent,
and the old town to its, slumbers, not to be disturbed again by the unlooked-for apparition of
Union troops until young Ulric charges through
its avenues, saber in hand, and scatters its chivalry
like sea-drift before the gale.. But before that hour
shall come, the glorious boy shall witness other
sights, and shall see the tide of war recoil to the
very portals of our capital, after treading many a
battle-field himself.
On Saturday, the 24th of May, long before daylight, Captain Dahlgren's steamer, bearing the
President, reached the Navy Yard at Washington.  Just as he was stepping ashore, a messenger handed him a telegraphic dispatch.  No
one near surmised its importance.  The President passed to the carriage in waiting, and was
driven off.
The information was startling: the rebels, eluding Fremont, had suddenly concentrated a strong
force upon General Banks's little column, severed
his communications, and were moving towards
Harper's Ferry.
We know now that the object was to divert the
army of McDowell from joining that of McClellan,
and that the rebels had learned the exposed condition of Harper's Ferry, and the lack of concentration along its approaches.




HARPER'S FERRY.             59
Banks was surprised, and barely able to effect the
escape of his small force across the Potomac at
Williamsport; while Jackson, foiled in this respect,
turned his advance towards Harper's Ferry. The
proposed object was speedily effected, and McDowell, who was to march south on the following
Monday, received orders to move towards the
valley, whilst Fremont converged towards the
same quarter, in the hope of cutting off Jackson's
retreat.
During these movements, the alarm at Harper's
Ferry was increased to a panic, for the place was
totally unprepared to meet the emergency. The
War Department, however, sent forward strong
reinforcements and abundant supplies. The Navy
Department also contributed its aid, in the shape
of some heavy cannon, and a battery of navy
howitzers manned by a body of select seamen
and in charge of two very young men: one
was Acting Master Daniels; the other, UiYic
Deilizgren.
The calm of a quiet Sabbath rested on the busy
workshops of the Navy Yard; and it was only about
its ordnance department that a few lingered to meet
some pressing demands which would brook no
delay. Unusual tranquillity reigned in the city,
for the tide of war had been rolled far away, until
it came in view of the spires of Richmond itself.




60           ULRIC DAHLGREN.
Ulric and his father had both left the Navy Yard, to
spend the day peacefully at the sanctuary and at
home.
Suddenly comes the brief query by telegraph to
the commandant of the Yard,-" Can you send any
kzowitzers to Harpe's Ferry?" To which was returned
the prompt reply,-" Yes; and some heavy cannon."
Forth goes the order, and, without the least delay,
the artillery, large and small, with all their appliances, are dragged through the quaint old gateway,
accompanied by a party-not large, but choice-of
veteran seamen. Like the Guard, they are only
summoned into active service upon great emergencies,-for their labors are needed in the work of
preparation.
By the evening the whole detachment, cannon,
howitzers, and ammunition, and men, young and
old, are borne swiftly on the rail-cars towards Harper's Ferry, which they reach early on Monday
morning, just as several regiments are arriving.
General Saxton is in command.
The cannon and the seamen have the air of service, and as they pass along are cheered by parties
of soldiers. But it will be no child's play to drag
the ponderous nine-inch gun away up that mountainside, so as to command the approaches far and near.
Much hard toil will it need, and some wit, too; but
it is done at last, and the labor is almost forgotten
in the pride of seeing the huge pieces ready for




HA RPER'S FERRY                     6i
action, and perched some two thousand feet* above
the level of the sea.
Those rugged tars know what they can do, and
how to do it; they have a pride, too, in that earnest,
active lad, young Ulric, for they know him, he is
one of them, and has almost grown up among them.
That hearty veteran has taught him  to swim,another, to handle the oar,-and all have seen him
over and over again looking at some passage in their
daily toil, and as deeply interested as themselves
in its success; now steering the cutter which their
well-strung sinews are driving swiftly over the
placid stream, or intently watching them handling
the heavy cannon, or the light howitzer, his steady
nerves unstartled by the crashing din that jars all
around as the shot issues forth in living flame.
Nor is his own hand wanting where it can serve.
There is not a gun, old or new, smooth or rifled,
that he has not seen tried in every quality, and
*" U. S. Military Telegraph, from Harper's Ferry,
II A.M. May 27, 1862.
"< To CAPTAIN DAHLGREN.
c" SIR,-I have arrived and reported in obedience to orders.
The nine-inch gun is stationed on the heights opposite Harper's
Ferry, and over two thousand feet above the level of the sea. The
howitzer battery has not, as yet, been assigned to any place, but
expect it to move with the army.
" Very respectfully,
"C. H. DANIELS,
"Commandibzg Naval Battery."
6




62           ULRIC DAHLGREN.
adjudged; and so, also, with shot, and shell, and
fuses, in every variety that genius or caprice can
conceive. This is the sailor's vocation, with which
he is so familiar, while they are strangers to much
that he is gleaning in silent study from blacklettered books, rich with the knowledge of others.
They know, too, that he is a brave boy, who
never falters at anything, and yet no braggart, but
modest and gentle as a girl; with never an unkind
word for the humblest of them, but always their fast
friend. Happily, they see not into the future, and
therefore are unconscious that other duties to their
young companion are to be rendered. They will
carry him some day on his weary litter, wounded,
from the battle-field, will look on his mutilated form,
will give kind and gentle aid to the sufferer during
the vigils of many a long night, and bear witness
in their own hearts to the unvarying nobleness of
his young nature. So the rough old seamen love
the boy whom they have seen shoot up almost to
manhood, and have that feeling for him which none
but such as they can have for a young comrade.
And thus the little band, though suddenly
brought together, contained all the elements of
strength and ready assimilation. The naval battery did good work when called upon, and every
man was proud of it, and knew that the general
only did them justice when he recognized their
labors in his official report.




HARPER'S FERR Y.            63
For two days General Saxton was engaged feeling in every direction for the enemy, and his skirmishers did not go far without having assurance
that the position was surrounded by a strong force,
which peeped out only at times from the cover of
the underwood. Occasionally the rebel skirmishers
advanced, and then firing occurred.
Late on the 29th, Ulric Dahlgren was sent down
to Washington to obtain additional supplies of ammunition. The evening was far advanced when he
arrived, and found his father at the War Department, in the private office of the Secretary, where
was also the President, occupied with the information arriving by telegraph from the armies. What
the lad had to say was of interest, and was clearly
narrated, both to the President and to Secretary
Stanton.
As he was passing out, the latter, in his brief and
emphatic manner, tendered Ulric an appointment
as additional aide-de-camp, with the rank of captain.
The unexpected favor was promptly received, with
every mark of satisfaction and gratitude. Late as
it was, the indefatigable Adjutant-General was still
at his post in another part of the building; so the
necessary documents were made out at once, and the
delighted Ulric was duly sworn, and left the War
Department with all the newly-acquired honors of
a captain,-more valued, perhaps, at his age (just
twenty), than those of any rank afterwards attained.




64           ULRIC DAHLGREN.
The next morning he was early on his way back,
in the full uniform of his new position; which he
had obtained at the no small discomfort of some
unlucky tailor, whose hours of rest had been broken
to meet the sudden demand of one who always went
earnestly and promptly to his end, whatever it might
be. He arrived just in time to take part in the final
repulse of the rebels from Harper's Ferry.
General Saxton, anticipating an attempt to outflank him, had drawn in his force on Bolivar
Heights, and concentrated it about the Maryland
Heights, where his heavy guns were posted. The
skirmishers on both sides were frequently engaged,
and once the rebels came on so persistently that
Saxton drew in even his pickets, so as to let his
guns have fair sweep.  Captain Ulric was out
gathering in our skirmishers, when the rebels
opened with shell, some of which burst quite near
enough to him, but without disturbing his composure, which was too natural to need even the
baptism of battle.
The day closed, and our weary men had lain
down to rest near their arms, with little expectation of being disturbed; for the heavy storm
which had been looming up was now abroad in its
fury. The mountains were shaken by the crashing
thunder, the sight was dazzled by the vivid lightning, and the very sluices of the heavens seemed
opened. Regardless of the violence of the tempest,




HARPER'S FERR Y.            65
the rebels advanced to carry our position. Just at
the right moment the navy nine-inch guns on the
Maryland Heights opened fire, and their bursting
shells announced our readiness for the attack.
Little expecting such a warm reception from that
quarter, the astonished rebels fell back, after an
effort of an hour's duration.
About midnight, some Louisiana and Mississippi
regiments were hurled at our lines, but in vain;
and they quickly withdrew. The next morning it
was found that the enemy had retreated by way of
Charlestown. They were gone, indeed, but they
had accomplished their main purpose; for they
had compelled McDowell to abandon his advance
towards Richmond and to turn off in their pursuit
to Front Royal.
And so, suddenly and without warning, Ulric
passed from civil life to the field, and rejoiced in all
that belonged to his new calling. He was once
more, as he loved to be, in the free air of heaven,
his frame invigorated and his spirit buoyant with
its freshness. Around him nature displayed her
grandest scenery in wild sublimity. For here the
river wound its way among the rocky bases of the
great mountains that rose towering to the heavens,
just as they appeared of old, from the first foundations of the earth; clad in the primeval forest, and
seamed by ravines into whose deep shadows the
light of day goes not; while from every peak and
6*




66           ULRIC DA HLGREN.
cliff the sunlight glitters in fullest blaze,-mountain after mountain crowding in every variety of
tint and outline, until their distant blue nearly
blends with that of the heavens.
Who can tell the rapture that filled the swelling
heart of the noble youth as his steed bore him
swiftly over the winding road, or toiled with sure
foot up the steep ascent, whence the delighted eye
wandered over every form of hill and dale? Well
might he say, as he gazed, that " beautzful"failed to
convey the idea, —that it was the "sublime" that held
his soul enrapt.
General Saxton, having so creditably acquitted
himself of the duty assigned him, took leave for
another field, and handed over his charge to General Sigel. Captain Ulric, preferring to remain,
found himself on the staff of the newly-arrived
commander, who quickly put his forces in motion
to follow the footsteps of the retreating rebels.
The thick clouds that had been gathering in the
mountains broke at length into heavy rain, flooding the roads and swelling the rills into torrents.
But Sigel knew that no time was to be lost if
pursuit was to be of any avail; and so, amid all
the discomfort of deep mud and drenched garments, his columns pushed on; the young captain
heeding as little as the hardiest the pelting storm
and the scanty fare, —nights without sleep, or even




HARPER'S FERR Y.              67
a spot of dry earth on which to stretch his wearied
limbs. He had often gone through more inconvenience for mere pastime, and what was it to his
elastic sinews now that so noble and patriotic an
object was in view? So he patiently marches on,
content with the first friendly hearthstone where he
may wring the moisture from his soaked clothing,
and feel as light and as satisfied as if rain and wind
had not touched him.
He is in his element, and begins as hze will end,
ahead with his troopers,-now searching Smithfield
for a rebel flag, and then, with willing spirits ready
for any adventure, in quest of some rebel officers.
But pursuit has its termination as well as battle,
and when Winchester is reached, Sigel's corps, reduced in number and in ill condition, must pause
and act as a reserve.
For, on the 6th of June, Fremont, in trying to
stop Jackson, has reached Harrisonburg, and on
the 8th has overtaken his rear at Cross Keys, and
handled it roughly; but the next day, Shields,
anxious to have a hand in the fray, besets the
retreating enemy with too little force, and suffers
severely.
On the I2th, Fremont has got as far down the
valley as Mount Jackson; but the rebel force is
now out of reach; and so ends for the present the
advance of our own divided columns. The march
of the First Corps is arrested, therefore, at Win



68           ULRIC DAHLGREN.
chester, where Sigel is to put it into good condition for the campaign.
Meanwhile his aide rides around the neighborhood, and explores every road and pass, which is
soon done, and he is threatened with idle time. To
avoid this, he bethinks him of the ordnance of the
corps, and interests himself in- finding out what it
is and what it needs. The general, who is an
artillerist, is not unwilling that the spare time of
Captain Ulric should be given in this direction.
The guns are soon put through an inspection,
every detail is carefully examined, and then they
are dragged out to try the ammunition, and the
shells, and the fuses; a practice-ground is improvised, and the ranges are determined by an off-hand
imitation of what the captain was so familiar with
in his father's department. Next comes a lengthy
and critical report, which is appreciated by the
general.
On the 23d June the First Corps was marched
to Middletown by way of Front Royal; and here
Ulric writes his father that he thinks the horse
which he has just bought for him, and which he
admires very much, may prove too young to stand
all his riding, which requires two or three horses;
that it needs some training, too, which he proposes
to enter upon at once, as he has pretty fully disposed of all his ordnance cares.
Ulric was a graceful and skillful rider, and had a




HA RPER'S FERRY.             69
perfect passion for horses from his early childhood.
If he had been given to many words, he might
perhaps have said as much for the horse as did the
emperor's esquire, Pughliano, in his stable, of whom
Sir Philip Sidney writes (I573): "Then would he
adde certaine praises, by telling what a peerless
beast the horse was, the only serviceable courtier
without flattery, the beast of most beauty, faithfulnesse, courage, and such more, that if I had not
bin a peece of a logician before I came to him, I
think he would have perswaded me to have wished
myself a horse."
It was interesting to observe his wonderful tact
in managing horses. There was none of the ostentatious parade of a jockey, but a quiet way of
bringing himself in contact with the animal by
passing his hand kindly and softly about the head
and neck and shoulders, and carefully avoiding
whatever was sensitive; so that the horse seemed
to recognize the friendly touch, and the most
restive found him mounted before there was a
chance for rebelling.
Captain Ulric was not merely a graceful horseman, but could also withstand any amount of hard
riding, and had wonderful endurance, as he proved
on many occasions, such as his ride from Falmouth
with orders to Sigel, then at Dumfries; a distance,
by the road, of nearly twenty miles, which he accomplished in about two hours, and returned by




70           ULRIC DAHLGREN.
five o'clock next morning, traveling more than
fifty miles, after having been in the battle the preceding day.
In his last service to Richmond he was almost
continuously in the saddle for three days and nights,
showing less fatigue than most of those around
him, though he had lost a leg and was still reduced in strength from the effects of the wound.
Captain Ulric was thus fitting himself for service
at hand, while the forces of Fremont, Banks, and
McDowell were consolidating into one army under
General Pope, styled the Army of Virginia,-a
very necessary measure, for the division of commands had worked badly, and was justly considered as chargeable with the ill success of the
attempt to repel Jackson's raid through the valley.
June 29, he writes that he is still busy with
artillery matters, adding, " We are between Middletown and Strasburg, and are looking for Jackson
in every direction, but cannot find him."  He
concludes with the remark, "There will soon be
something heard from him, either here or at Richmond."
Well judged, young captain! At that very time
he was heard from, and where it was least convenient,-on McClellan's right flank at Richmond.
During the month of July, the Army of Virginia
was chiefly occupied in getting into good condition,
though there were several small affairs between




HARPER'S FERRY.             71
advanced parties on both sides,-at Culpepper,
Gordonsville, Orange Court House, and North
Anna. But all attention was drawn to the vicinity
of Richmond, where the rebels had succeeded in
forcing McClellan back on James River and were
then employed in watching his movements.
On the 26th July, Sigel occupied Madison Court
House, with the First Connecticut Cavalry. Once
only during this month (on the 17th) was Ulric
in Washington, and then in order to procure ammunition for the corps. He was now in fine health
and spirits; for the life he led was well adapted to
the development of both,-ever active, sleeping
and eating wherever the night f6und him, and
invigorated by the bracing mountain air.




CHAPTER IV.
CAMPAIGN WITH THE ARMY OF VIRGINIA, JULY TO
NOVEMBER, I862.
T HE month of July, I862, seemed to be a
period of inaction with both parties; whereas
it was, in fact, a season in which each was preparing for a decisive blow, and vigilantly observing the
movements of the other, in order to regulate thereby
his own. The rebels had the advantage of a united
army on a single interior line, while the Union
forces were divided into two armies, separated by a
considerable distance,-not in communication, and
not to be connected, except by a circuitous route
involving delay and danger.
So long as McClellan actively menaced Richmond from the James River, Pope was undisturbed
in the concentration and reorganization of the scattered columns in Northern Virginia. But as soon
as McClellan seemed unable to advance, the rebels
were felt by Pope to be in force in his front; and
the withdrawal of the Union army from the James
River was the signal for the rebels to move forward
promptly and in full force upon Washington.
(72)




WITH THE ARMY OF VIRGINIA.    73
On the 29th of July, General Pope left Washington and arrived at Warrenton. A few days
previously, Sigel had advanced the Ist Connecticut
Cavalry to Madison Court House.
On the 3d of August, General McClellan was
ordered to withdraw from the James River.
And on the 9th of August, Jackson again struck
at Banks, on Cedar Mountain.
There had been some premonitions through the
day of the coming blow, but the evening drew
on without decided appearances, until about five
o'clock, when the rebel infantry advanced in force.
Our men resisted gallantly, being encouraged by
the presence and example of their general (Banks),
but were gradually forced back by superior numbers.
Sigel, with his corps (First), was at Sperryville on
the evening of the 8th August (Friday), when an
orderly rode in at full speed, with orders to march
in an hour by way of Culpepper, as the rebel troops
were approaching.
It was late, however, in the following evening
before Sigel reached the ground, when his corps
was pushed to the front, and that of Banks with-.
drawn, much weakened by its severe losses.
About this time, the enemy, finding that fresh
troops were coming against him, drew off in the
obscurity of the night. Captain Dahlgren had been
able to precede the march of the wearied infantry
of the corps by a few hours, and reached the scene
7




74          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
of action, as he writes, "in time to go through
the battle. During the night, a rebel battery having
moved out against us, I asked permission to drive
it away, which was most effectually done. General
Sigel complimented me on the battle-field next
morning."
In a subsequent letter, he makes more particular
mention of this little incident, in the following
words:
"The annexed sketch will show the nature of
the country, and relative position of our batteries
with theirs.
" The battle was fought near the mountain, the
position of General Banks's corps being very nearly
as marked on the sketch a, a, a, etc. About dark,
they fell back behind the line of woods marked b,
and still later, behind the ridge marked c, c', leaving
nothing between this ridge, which was occupied by
our artillery, and the woods b.  General Sigel's
corps had come up and occupied the ground d, d',
General McDowell's being near that marked e, e.
Captain Reynolds's battery was at f, and a New
York battery at g.
"General Sigel, with his staff, rode down the
road towards the woods b, and when within four or
five hundred yards of it, a battery, which the rebels
had advanced on the road through the woods,
commenced firing from a small hill, marked m,
at General McDowell's batteries c', c', which was




WITH THE ARMY OF VIRGINIA.  75
CEDOAR Mr.
a  a  a   a a a
"3       _
<11le~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1
S1~j14 g
~~~~~7 ~~~~~~~e
__ _  _-I~~~~~ + + +++e
gS Ace+++ 8I
n~~~i       q~~~
+,3r,! 
cI t Jt




76           ULRIC DAIILGREN.
briskly replied to by them (the line of fire being
represented by m —c'); I should judge the distance
to have been about thirteen or fourteen hundred
yards at least.
"I immediately asked permission to bring one
of our batteries to the point c, where, at a distance
of seven or eight hundred yards, we could enfilade
the rebels. The request being granted, I could not
find any of our batteries near enough, and therefore
placed the battery g at c, and then sighted each gun
myself, and gave the order to fire by section; which
being done, the rebel battery ceased firing and retreated through the woods, leaving the captain, a
lieutenant, and fourteen horses dead on the hill.
On examination in the morning, all the shots were
proved, by the wounds of men and horses, to have
come from the direction n —c, and were those of
rifled three-inch guns. Many twelve-pound shot
and shell were found in the neighborhood; but all
those persons who examined the spot agreed on
this point: that the battery g did all the damage
that was done, and forced the rebels to leave their
position. Those who observed the relative position of the batteries came to the same conclusion.
On the i6th of August, the last of our men left
James River; and Richmond being thus relieved
of all fear, the rebel leaders lost no time in turning
their entire army on Pope. He lay along the
Rapidan, in position, about the I2th of August,




WITH THE ARMY OF VIRGINIA.   77
with his left, under Reno, at Raccoon Ford; the
center, under McDowell, occupying both flanks of
Cedar Mountain; and Sigel's corps, as his extreme
right, at Robertson's Run. Information from many
sources began to reach him that Jackson was being
largely reinforced from Richmond.
On the I6th, his cavalry captured Stuart's adjutant-general, with a letter on his person from General Lee, showing the force of the rebels, and the
intention to overwhelm General Pope before the
army of McClellan could reinforce him.. On the
i8th of August, Pope was satisfied by several indications that the entire rebel army was in front of
him, and only separated by the river. He wisely
judged his position too advanced for his inferior
force, and decided to withdraw behind the Rappahannock with all possible speed; which was effected,
without molestation, on the I8th and I9gth, —Sigel
crossing at Sulphur Springs. Our army now lay
behind the Rappahannock, with Sigel on the right,
about three miles above Rappahannock Station,
and the left at Kelly's Ford.*
The enemy advanced to the river, and felt the
several fords. During the whole of the 2Ist and
22d, there was an incessant blaze of artillery from
both sides of the river along a distance of seven or
eight miles; during which, vigorous efforts were
* Swinton, 176.
7*




78          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
made by the enemy to cross. But they were as
often driven back; and General Sigel even took the
offensive at Freeman's Ford, and followed with
the division of Schurz. The rebels concentrated
in force, when an obstinate action ensued; and our
men were finally pushed back, losing General Bohlen. On this occasion Captain Dahlgren was useful in assisting to cover the repassage of the river
by our troops, under an annoying artillery fire.
He so placed a battery, and cut a line through the
woods for its fire, as to enfilade the guns of the
enemy, and, opening from this unexpected quarter,
compelled them to retire.
Finding it impossible to force the passage of the
Rappahannock, the enemy left a portion of his
army in our front, and moved the remainder up the
river, intending to outflank our right. But this
was prevented for the time by a corresponding
move on the part of General Sigel, who advanced
towards Sulphur Springs, and encountered the
rebels about two miles from that place, at Great
Run, driving them back over it. He then crossed
the run, and occupied Sulphur Springs under a
heavy fire of artillery. In the course of these
operations, General Sigel put Captain Dahlgren in
charge of a regiment of infantry and two guns,
with directions to harass the enemy's left, and outflank it if possible. The young aide, after a hard
and rapid march, succeeded in coming into contact




WITH THE ARMY OF VIR GNIA.              79
with the enemy, whom he attacked, and silenced
their battery; but the night coming on, they took
advantage of it to retreat over the run. The movement had the desired effect, and was "executed to
the full satisfaction of the general;"* who adds,
" Captain Dahlgren's services, generally, on the line
of the Rappahannock, where lhe was continuously
engaged in meeting the ernemy's batteries with our
own, to facilitate thereby the nmarch of our troops and
trains alongside of the river, were most valuable."
The enemy continued to manceuvre around our
right, and gradually accomplished his purpose of
outflanking in that direction. On the 25th, he
reached Salem by a forced march of thirty-five
miles, and next day passed through Thoroughfare
Gap, reaching Bristow Station of the railroad by
sunset.
The quick perception of the commander of the
First Corps kept him fully alive to the design of
the enemy, as his official report shows. On the
27th, the Union army was swinging round to meet
the new position of the enemy, and battle was
evidently becoming imminent.
But these seemingly interminable and fruitless
efforts to intercept the enemy's advance were beginning to wear heavily on the moral and physical
condition of our men. The commanding general
* General Sigel,-private letter.




80           ULRIC DIAHLGREN.
states that from the I8th to the 27th, they "had
been continuously marching and fighting, night
and day; and during the whole of that time there
was scarcely an interval of an hour without the
roar of artillery. The men had had little sleep,
were greatly worn down with fatigue, had had little
time to get proper food or to eat it, had been engaged in constant battles and skirmishes, and had
performed services laborious, dangerous, and excessive beyond any previous experience in this
country."*
Ulric Dahlgren no doubt shared in the fatiguing
effects of such service; but however severely it
must have taxed his physical powers, his elastic
spirit was unquelled.  Writing on the 26th, he
says, "I am nearly zorn out,-going day and nizhit."
But he adds subsequently, "I am determined to see
the matter throughz,-7ackson or ourselves whipped;
and if they can keep us supplied with ammunition,
we will fight him forever."  And those who knew
the young soldier would understand that this was
no vain vaunting, but only the expression of that
earnestness which gave such emphasis to his character. Indeed, he could contribute but little towards the great end,-no more than could be
compassed by the indomitable spirit of a youth of
twenty; and what was that where such a host of
* Report of General Pope (I7).




WITH THE ARMY OF VIRGINIA.   8 l
distinguished generals and brave men were met to
stake every life, if need be, for the capital? Truly
very little, save to bear an honored, and not altogether forgotten place, in that grand concourse of
heroic patriots. But the painful truth is not to be
disguised,-at last our gallant army is outflanked,
and falls back just in time to escape its own ruin,
and the loss of Washington. In the course of incessant battle that ensued, this narrative naturally
follows the fortunes of its subject, who belongs to
the First Corps.
On the 28th, being near Bull Run, General Sigel
was ordered to "attack the enemy vigorously"
next morning, which he did accordingly; and a
desperate battle took place, which raged with violence for four hours, Sigel maintaining his ground
stubbornly, until nearly outflanked by superior
forces. Just at the critical moment arrived the
gallant Kearney, with Reno and Stevens, followed
by Reynolds,-noble leaders,-all of whom shortly
sealed their loyalty with their lives. Then the
enemy renewed the combat furiously as before,
and Hooker reached the field,-about 2 P.M. Towards the end-of the day, King's division came
on the ground, and soon after the battle of Bull
Run ended, seemingly in our favor.
Next day (Saturday, August 30), the conflict was
renewed on Sigel's left, on "Bald-headed Hill."
After some severe fighting, the enemy, in over



82           ULRIC DAHLGREN.
whelming numbers, broke in on our left, pressing
the First Corps heavily. Desperate was the contest everywhere, for our men, though worn and
wearied, stood their ground. All was in vain; and
after dark a retreat was ordered as necessary.
On Sunday, Sigel reached Centreville, and took
position near the village. Next day came the
battle of Chantilly, where we lost Kearney and
Stevens; and finally, on Tuesday, the 2d of September, General Pope fell back to Fairfax, his advance being in sight of Munson's Hill; and the
army was safely within the lines, where the enemy
dared not venture.
In all this meilee of operations, Ulric Dahlgren
did the part assigned him with his wonted zeal and
gallantry. He had the honor of standing up manfully among as heroic a host as ever sustained the
cause of a country, with whom to be present in
the brunt of battle was honor enough.  Speaking of him, General Sigel says, "At the battles of
Bull Run and Groveton, on thie 29gt1 and 30th of
August, he was, almost without interruption, eengaged
in planting or relieving our batteries, under the most
galling fire of the enemy."
And thus passed away, for the time, the danger
that menaced the Union seat of government. Its
quiet had been rudely broken as soon as it was
known that Pope was retreating before the rebel
army; for, through some of the mysterious and un



WITH THE ARMY OF VIRGINIA.   83
detected agencies by which intelligence was communicated, it was felt that Lee was striking at
Washington. But soon came the gathering levies
by every train from the North, and the streets of
Washington resounded with the clangor of the
bands and the tramp of regiments.
As the army began to draw near in its retreat,
the wounded arrived in crowds, and at last help
was demanded for them on the field itself, as the
unhurt soldiers were only just able to provide for
themselves. Anxiety prevailed everywhere for the
stricken and suffering wounded, and even such
clerks as could be spared from the government
offices were sent to assist them.
As no tidings of Captain Dahlgren had been
received, his elder brother repaired to the field to
render him aid in case he was wounded; but the
time of the young soldier had not come. Everywhere on the field of battle, no bullet had reached
him yet; and he was soon heard of in various ways,
active as ever, and unscarred.




84          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
INTERVAL BETWEEN POPE'S CAMPAIGN AND THE
RAID INTO FREDERICKSBURG.
As soon as the Union army had gained the lines
of Washington, immediate relief from the pressure
of the rebel forces was experienced, though the
reason of it was not so quickly understood. Two
days later (3d September), the enemy had disappeared from before Washington, and then it was
ascertained from various sources that he was about
to cross the upper Potomac into Maryland.
It was on this day that Captain Ulric first revisited his home, after the late severe and disastrous
campaign. His father was made happy by seeing
his gallant son unexpectedly enter his office in the
Bureau of Ordnance. He was thinned indeed by
hardship and exposure, soiled with the dust of the
march, and bronzed by the fervent rays of an
August sun; but unhurt and in vigorous health.
Of course there was much to tell that was sad and
unwelcome, yet the hopes of the youth were unshaken, and his spirit unquelled.
As father and son were leaving the Navy Department by the rear door, they came full on the
President, who was passing from the War Department to the White House. He drew them aside
into the entrance of the War Department, and
eagerly questioned Ulric in relation to the events
of the recent battles. Mr. Lincoln seemed satisfied




WITH THE ARMY OF VIRGINIA.   85
with the statements thus received, as less saddening
than others which were current; for, as yet, the
details of recent operations were but imperfectly
known even at headquarters.
As soon as it was certain that the enemy was in
motion for Maryland, various corps of our army
were marched in that direction. General Sigel's
command, much reduced by battle and by subsequent detachments, was retained in position near
Fairfax, to guard the capital and the roads in that
direction, which afforded a good opportunity for
recruiting and reorganizing the exhausted corps.
On the 7th, General McClellan left Washington
for the field. On the I3th and I4th of September,
he came into contact with the rebel army at South
Mountain, in Maryland, and the dull booming of
cannon, which reached even to the capital, gave
sure token of fiercely-contested battle, though the
apprehension seems to have existed in Washington
that the rebels really designed to attack the city.
The enemy fell back from South Mountain immediately after the battle, and took post at Antietam,
where they were again defeated by General McClellan on the I7th of September, and compelled to
recross the Potomac, which they effected on the
night of the I8th.
It was at this juncture that our patriotic President, with that intuitive wisdom that marked his
character' and his measures, announced to the8




86           ULRIC DAILGREN.
rebellious States the terms on which their resistance to lawful authority was to be further prosecuted: Freedom to all slaves in the States ewhich
continued in rebellion after the end of the year.
This was no vindictive or unlawful proceeding;
it was a military measure adopted by the constitutional Commander-in-Chief, in order to deprive an
unprovoked insurrection of the principal means to
be used in destroying the national integrity. And
it was only resorted to after the painful experience
that nothing else would so effectually serve as this
blow at the cause and instrument of the rebellion.
It was not a resolve hastily taken, but only after a
sanguinary struggle of more than a year; nor was
it to be immediate in operation, but prospective and
contingent upon the conduct of those who were
most concerned. The resistance to lawful rule was
therefore.continued by the leaders and people of
the South, with a full knowledge of what they
staked on the issue, and thus in effect they accepted
the measure and its consequences.
The resolution of the President was wisely taken
in relation to events, and evinced a determination
to affix the responsibility where it belonged; exhibiting a consciousness of right, and of power to
maintain that right, unshaken by the reverses that
had so lately attended our arms.
The proclamation rang with clarion tone throughout the land; it appealed to the consciences of all




WITrH THE AR MY OF VIRGINIA.   87
men, at home and abroad, and to their right judgment against an unjust and needless rebellion, begun and continued to sustain a monstrous social
evil; while it bespoke favor for our resolve to strike
down and abolish, not only the rebellion, but its
cause.
Finally, it pledged the Union to a righteous
policy, and was responded to; as usual, the extremes caviled at it,-on one hand, that it went not
far enough; and, on the other, that it went too far.
Corresponding with the advance of the main
army, the remnant of General Sigel's corps was
pushed to Centreville on the 22d of September.
During this period, Ulric was occasionally sent
to Washington on military business, chiefly in regard to ordnance supplies for the division, as he
had been temporarily charged with that detail. On
one occasion he came into the naval Bureau of
Ordnance, while General Mansfield was conversing
with his father, and replied to some queries which
he put to him. A few days afterwards, this gallant
veteran fell at Antietam.
No further prospect of active service for Sigel's
corps appeared for the present, as it was now considerably reduced by the detachment of Milroy's
brigade to Western Virginia.
General Sigel, himself an artillerist of European
reputation, had so often occasion to notice Captain




88          JULRIC DAHLGREN.
Ulric's capability in the management and care of
his batteries, that he desired to make him chief of
artillery of the corps (now the Eleventh). But, for
this purpose, it was necessary he should be a major
of artillery, while the rank he held was only that of
captain. General Sigel therefore addressed a note
to the Governor of Pennsylvania, requesting that
such an appointment might be made in one of the
regiments from that State, then in the Eleventh
Corps. He spoke of his aide as a "young officer of
merit and usefulness, who has already distinguished
himsef; and reflected mzuch credit on the service." The
application was indorsed by two eminent officers,
who had known him well, Admiral Smith and Admiral Foote. It was further indorsed, and strongly,
by another who had watched his career with interest,-President Lincoln. But some difficulties of
routine interposed, and the appointment was not
made.
During the month of October there was a lull
in the active operations of the field; but about the
close of the month our army began to cross into
Virginia, and during- the first week in November
was advanced and massed near Warrenton, looking
towards Culpepper, holding several gaps of the
mountain-passes, such as Thoroughfare, Snicker's,
Hopewell's, etc.
The Eleventh Corps was retained in position
about the front of Washington, while parties were




WITH THE ARMY OF VIRGINIA.   89
thrown out from time to time to check the rebel
skirmishers and control the communications. With
these the young soldier most commonly went, not
being particular as to the exact position that fell to
him, provided he could be of service. Sometimes
he was with General Stahl, scouring the country
in every direction, hunting out the roving marauders who were bent on pillage and plunder, or among
the mountain-gaps, or down Bull Run Valley.
Then, again, he was heard of skirmishing at Aldie
and Upperville, then in combat at Warrenton;
another time at Berryville, breaking up some camp
of the enemy, or fighting at Gum Creek Church-.
On one occasion, it is related that, riding along a
solitary road, the whizzing of bullets near his person
intimated his being marked by some predatory
rifles, and slight puffs of smoke pointed to the ambush of these assassins. At such times it is dangerous to pause; quick as thought he went charging
to the spot, sword in hand, followed by his two
orderlies, and visited prompt retribution on the
dastardly miscreants. It was, no doubt, by such
hands as these that the lamented Lieutenant Meigs
afterwards fell.
This course of Ulric Dahlgren's service is thus
mentioned by his general:
"When the First (now Eleventh) Corps, Army
of the Potomac, was acting as a corps of observation before the defenses of Washington, Captain
8*




go90        ULRIC DAHLGREN.
Dahlgren was principally active in outpost duty,
and with the scouting-parties of our cavalry. To
enumerate the great distances he rode by day and
by night, the engagements in which he participated,
the valuable information he brought in from his
expeditions, would, of itself, fill a volume. This
outpost and scouting service were the most excellent school for him; they awakened in him  an
almost adventurous spirit of enterprise, and prepared
him for more conspicuous and important deeds."
On the last day of October, Captain Ulric Dahlgren left for Albany with a request from his general
in regard to the filling up of the New York regiments of the corps; and in transit encountered his
father in New York, traveling upon some ordnance
business.
On the 5th of November he reached Washington, and next day returned to the camp.
At this time the main army was massed near
Warrenton, with the van of the enemy immediately
in front, near Culpepper; and the Eleventh Corps
was distributed at New Baltimore, Gainesville, and
Thoroughfare Gap, "to cover the left flank and
the rear of the advancing army of the Potomac"
(Sigel).
On the 7th of November, General Burnside received command of the Army of the Potomac, and
decided to move it directly by way of Fredericksburg.




WITH THE ARMY OF VIRGINIA.   g 
A reconnoissance was ordered, by General Sigel,
of the railroads, and of the hostile force in that
vicinity; but whether it originated from the general headquarters or had connection with the previous or subsequent plan of movement, does not
appear.
Ulric Dahlgren had returned from the North, to
the headquarters of the Eleventh Corps, on Thursday, the 6th of November, and had but little time
to look around him. Then were to follow three
days replete with activity, daring, and brilliant
deeds. They were to mark the career, and to fix
the standing, of one of the most youthful soldiers
of the Union.




CHAPTER V.
THE RIDE INTO FREDERICKSBURG, NOVEMBER
9, I 862.
IT was early on a bleak November morning that
Captain Ulric Dahlgren was apprised by the
chief of staff, that General Sigel desired him to
ascertain what force the rebels then had in Fredericksburg; and to examine the condition of the
railroad from that place to Acquia Creek, as well as
that of the bridges over the Potomac and Accakeck
Creeks.
For the performance of this duty, the available
force of the general's body-guard was put under
Captain Dahlgren's orders. This force amounted
to only sixty men, from two companies. But they
were good men and true, of the I st Indiana Cavalry, officered by Captain Sherra and Lieutenants
Carr and Miller. He was also authorized to take
one hundred men from the 6th Ohio Cavalry.
By nine o'clock the little command, with Mr.
Brown as a guide, was in motion, and took the
road for Bristow Station; but the 6th Ohio had
moved to Catlett's, and there the reinforcement
(92)




RIDE INTO FREDERICKSB URG.        93
was obtained. Leaving Warrenton Junction late
in the afternoon, the captain proceeded with the
Ist Indiana to strike the Fredericksburg road,
directing the 6th Ohio to feed and overtake him.
The party passed through Weaversville, and about
ten o'clock at night stopped at Dr. Hooe's for an
hour or two to feed the horses. Before leaving, the
road was barricaded, in order to inform the Ohio
cavalry where the command had turned off from
it, and the former soon after came up.
With the view of escaping notice, Captain Dahlgren avoided the main road as much as possible,
and, in consequence, lost the right direction; and,
as if to increase still further the difficulty of a
winter night's journey through a wild and wooded
country, the lowering clouds broke into a heavy
fall of snow, which lasted until daybreak, and
severely tried the endurance of men and horses.
The road lay through Bristerburg and Master's
Mill, but being hidden by the snow, was lost in
the obscurity of the night; and no alternative remained but to follow a bridle-path through the
forest, which seemed to take the required direction,
and which finally led the party to Garrisonville,
and thence on to Stafford Court House, which
was reached about that time before sunrise when
the night is coldest. It bore most heavily on the
jaded troopers and their horses. Owing to this,
and to repeatedly missing the road, it was half-past




94           ULRIC'DAHLGREAI.
seven when Captain Dahlgren came in sight of
Falmouth, instead of four hours sooner as he
hoped, which would have enabled him to capture
the cars known to be there at that time. But the
men had been twenty-four hours in the saddle with
little intermission, and with their wearied horses
had borne up bravely against a ride of nearly fifty
miles during the most inclement weather; and he
felt that he had done his best.
The light of the rising sun was just dimly visible
through the murky snow-clouds that slowly yielded
to its influence as the little band of horsemen, in
close array, approached the village. An officer
suddenly spurred from its ranks, followed by an
orderly, and, galloping along the descending streets,
drew rein on the bank of the river. His quick eye
seemed to comprehend the situation at a glance as
it rested upon the stream, swollen by recent rains
and snow, and dashing in mimic waves over the
customary ford, so as to render it impracticable.
Some shivering straggler replied to his hasty demand, that the only mode of crossing then was by
a flat-boat, which would contain but sixteen men.
Such a course was hardly to be thought of, for the
division of this small party, far away in a hostile
country, with scarcely a chance for retreat, seemed
to assure its destruction.  The youthful leader
paused thoughtfully, as if pondering upon the failure
of some bright hope, then summoned the guide to




RIDE INTO FREDERICKSBURG.    95
a brief consultation. The prompt and intelligent
scrutiny which followed soon detected a spot above
the burned bridge where, upon examination, it was
found that, by using great care, a passage could
possibly be effected.
Just at the moment came the rumor that some
rebel infantry were crossing near the railroad
bridge in boats, and Captain Dahlgren ordered a
party of the 6th Ohio to prevent them; but the
rumor proved to be false. He now made trial of
the supposed ford by crossing himself with four
carbineers, and posted them to guard the passage,
which, proving just practicable, he ordered the Ist
Indiana to cross, which was done promptly.
More than an hour had thus been spent, and it
was nearly nine o'clock; and though all was as yet
well, it was very necessary that the Union soldiers
should do quickly whatever they had to do; for
the rebels had become aware of their presence, and
were gathering in the town, whilst some cavalry
was assembling on its outskirts.
The evening previous, a detachment of the I5th
Virginia Cavalry, amounting to one hundred and
fifty men, under Captain Simpson, had arrived;
thus increasing the force already in Fredericksburg,
under Colonel Crichton, and vastly augmenting
the odds against the small body of Union cavalry
under Ulric Dahlgren. He says in a private memorandum:




96           ULRIC DAHLGREN.
"I could plainly see the rebels gathering in large
crowds in the city, and not wishing to lose time,
as delay was dangerous should we give them a
chance to collect, I ordered Captain Sherra to move
forward, which he did at a walk, not wishing to
use up our already tired horses, but sending Lieutenant Carr with eight men ahead, to gallop on and
see where the enemy were mostly concentrating;
he had not gone more than two blocks, when he
discovered a company* formed in the street, at
right angles to that up which we were passing
(Main Street), ready to assail our flank as we passed.
Lieutenant Carr immediately attacked the enemy
with his men, and was engaging them at close quarters, when I ordered the whole Indiana cavalry to
charge, which they did most gallantly, not a man
wavering, driving the enemy before them through
the town and back to the depot, where another
company was discovered in the yard, just mounting.
Here we halted and engaged them with our revolvers, they using shot-guns. Finally, we captured
some thirty of this party, and fifty horses, with a
rebel flag, which we gathered together and put
under a guard.
" Just at this moment I saw a line of the enemy
formed in a field adjoining the town, and on
* Supposed to belong to Captain Simpson's command (I5th
Virginia).




RIDE INTO FREDERICKSBURG.   97
the road leading directly back.  We immediately
started for this last party, which was routed, with
several killed and some thirty prisoners taken, after
chasing them some distance out of the town.*
" I regret to say that at this time Bob Gapen was
killed; he had previously captured the rebel flag and
several prisoners. His conduct was most gallant.
" I now discovered that the rebels had collected
another large detachment in the town, and rescued
the thirty prisoners and fifty horses which had been
left there under guard. It was also reported that
the ford was in their possession, and that another
squadron was coming to the town from below,
which was plainly visible."
Captain Dahlgren therefore ordered the command
to be drawn up in a field back of the town, and sent
a party to examine into the condition of things at
the ford.
He had now pretty effectually carried out the
orders given him, to ascertain what rebel force was
in Fredericksburg; and it remained for him to
proceed in execution of the rest, which was to
reconnoitre the state of the railroad from  Fredericksburg to Acquia.
* This was believed to belong to the regiment which, Mr.
Herndon writes, Colonel Crichton " tried very hard to rally, but
without success." A portion of it afterwards added to its renown
by assisting in the midnight ambush which waylaid Colonel Dahlgren and so atrociously treated his remains.
9




98           ULRIC DAHLGREN.
The memorandum goes on to say, "After
considering the matter with Captain Sherra, I determined to force a passage by the way we had
come, which I was confident the Indiana cavalry
could do, so exultant were they after having driven
greatly superior numbers in a hand-to-hand contest.
"We then started for the ford, but, on reaching
the end of the town, found the rebels in a large
manufactory on the side of the road, ready to fire
upon us as we passed. Halting here, I gave them
to understand that we would burn the place if fired
upon from the building, and then quickly passed
without receiving a shot. Having reached the
crossing, we passed over safely, Lieutenant Carr
covering with a detachment. The town was in
great excitement, and was filled with rebels, who
could be seen running from every house and
stable, etc.
"So desperate was the fight, that our men were,
in several instances, knocked over with the butts
of their guns by the' rebels." On starting for the
ford, he observes, "We had thirty-five prisoners,
twenty-six horses, and two wagon-loads of gray
cloth needed for the rebel army, after guarding
which, we could only show twenty fighting-men."
It was about noon when Ulric regained the
northern bank with his party. He then reserved a
few men to complete the reconnoissance, and directed
the remainder of his command to return to head



RIDE INTO FREDERICKSBURG.    99
quarters with the prisoners. Following the railroad to Acquia, he came suddenly upon the rebel
pickets at Brook's Station, and made them prisoners. They had been thrown out by the force
at Fredericksburg, and were not expecting such
visitors from that direction.
Having thoroughly examined the road, and the
bridges over Potomac Creek and the Accakeck,
which he found burned, Captain Dahlgren retraced
his steps, and arrived at headquarters on the evening
of the ioth, having traveled one hundred miles since
he started, on the 8th, not including the movements in Fredericksburg. He was received by all,
from the general down, with that hearty welcome
to which his skillful and daring conduct so well
entitled him.
There are three different accounts of this exploit,
which it may be of interest to have just as they were
written. The first is the official report of Ulric
Dahlgren, differing in no material respect from the
preceding narrative, but a fair sample of his simple,
straightforward style.  It was published in the
New York Herald, and other newspapers, soon after
the occurrence to which it refers.
The second is a brilliant sketch by Carleton,
the correspondent of the Boston 7ournzal, from
which Mr. Darley conceived his fine picture of the
raid.




I00          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
The third is part of a letter from a resident of
Fredericksburg to a relative. When Burnside's
troops entered the town, a month later, it was found
in a deserted tenement, and was transmitted for
perusal.
OFFICIAL REPORT.
" HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
GAINESVILLE, VA., Nov. IO, I862.
"MAJOR-GENERAL F. SIGEL, commanding Eleventh
Army Corps.
"GENERAL,-Agreeably to your orders, I started
from Gainesville, on the morning of the 8th inst., to
Fredericksburg, to ascertain the force of the enemy
at that place, and then to examine the Acquia
Creek and Fredericksburg Railroad on the return.
I left Gainesville with sixty men of the Ist Indiana
Cavalry, General Sigel's body-guard, and went to
Bristow Station to obtain an additional force of one
hundred men from the 6th Ohio Cavalry; but, finding they had moved to Catlett's Station, I went to
that point, where we found them. After a slight
delay in preparing, we moved, and traveled all night,
stopping once an hour or so to feed and water our
horses. We arrived at Fredericksburg at half-past
seven A.M. Although our object was to be there
before daylight, it was impossible to do so, the distance being too great and the roads and weather
unfavorable. At Fredericksburg I found the river
too high to ford at the regular fording-places, and,




RIDE INTO FREDERICKSBURG. - Io0
not wishing to expose my men by crossing them
in small detachments in a ferry-boat, I sent
your scout, to find some place where we could
cross, which he soon discovered above the bridge,
among the rocks, to all appearances impassable;
but at which place we managed to cross, one man
at a time. My intention was to send the Ist Indiana
Cavalry through the town, while the 6th Ohio
would guard the crossing-place and secure our
retreat. After crossing with the Indiana cavalry
under Captain Sherra, I could plainly see the rebels
gathering together in great haste to meet us, and,
not wishing to give them time to collect, started
after them before the 6th Ohio wire over, leaving
directions for them, and supposing that they would
be over by the time I would fall back, if necessary.
" We found the city full of soldiers, who were almost entirely surprised, and made many prisoners,
whom we sent to the ford, where I supposed the
6th Ohio to be. It being nearly a mile from Falmouth through Fredericksburg, and not wishing
to run my horses so far, I sent Lieutenant Carr
ahead with a detachment, to dash through the town
and see where the enemy were concentrated. Lieutenant Carr gallantly drove several detachments
before him until they reached the main body.
Having now found where the enemy were posted,
I ordered Captain Sherra to drive them away, which
he did in the most effectual and gallant manner,
9*




I 02        ULRIC DAHLGREN.
charging a much larger force and driving them
wherever they stood.  The fighting was of the
most desperate nature; our men using their sabers,
and the enemy, in several instances, clubbing our
men with their carbines. While the fight was
going on, it was reported to me that the enemy
had possession of the ford, the 6th Ohio not having
crossed to hold it. On hearing this, I ordered our
men to fall back, and, after a few moments' consultation with Captain Sherra, decided to force a passage;
but upon reaching the ford I found they had also
left, not wishing to stand another charge. After
seeing the command all over and on the road home,
I started, with twelve men, for Acquia Creek to examine the railroad to that point, which we found in
tolerable condition, excepting the bridges over the
Potomac and Accakeck Creeks, which were burned.
AtAccakeck Creek we captured the enemy's pickets
of four men, our surprise having been so effectually
accomplished that not one of the pickets was aware
of our entering Fredericksburg.
" The enemy's loss was considerable, but it is
impossible to state the exact number. I know of
three being killed, several wounded, and thirty-nine
prisoners. Our loss, one killed and four missing.
We also captured four wagon-loads of gray cloth,
about to be sent South. The enemy's force consisted of five companies of the I5th Virginia, and
three companies of the 9th Virginia.




RIDE INTO FREDERICKSBURG.   103
"I have the honor to be, with great respect,
general,
"Your most obedient servant,
"ULRIC DAHLGREN,
" Captain and Aide-de- Camp."
CARLETON'S ACCOUNT. FROM THE ARMY OF THE
POTOMAC. THE UNION DASH INTO FREDERICKSBURG, NOVEMBER 9, i862. A BRILLIANT CAVALRY
EXPLOIT.
" GAINESVILLE, November II,  862.
"To THE EDITOR OF THE BOSTON JOURNAL:
"I am sitting in Colonel Ashboth's tent, at General Sigel's headquarters, listening to a plain statement of what occurred, narrated by a modest,
unassuming sergeant. I will give it briefly.
"General Burnside had requested that a cavalry
reconnoissance of Fredericksburg should be made.
General Sigel selected his body-guard, commanded
by Captain Dahlgren, with fifty-seven of the Ist
Indiana Cavalry. It was no light task to ride forty
miles, keep the movement concealed from the
enemy, cross the river, and dash through the town,
— especially as it was known that the rebels occupied it in force; it was an enterprise calculated to
dampen the ardor of most men, but which was
hailed almost as a holiday excursion by the Indianians. They left Gainesville Saturday morning,
took a circuitous route, rode till night, rested




I04         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
awhile, and then, under the light of the full moon,
rode rapidly over the worn-out fields of the Old
Dominion, through by-roads, intending to dash
into the town at daybreak. They arrived opposite
the place at dawn, and found to their chagrin that
one element in their calculation had been omitted,
-the tide.
" The bridge had been burned when we evacuated
the place last summer, and they had nothing to do
but wait till the water ebbed. Concealing themselves in the woods, they waited impatiently.
Meanwhile, two of the Indianians rode along the
river-bank below the town to the ferry. They
hailed the ferryman, who was on the opposite
shore, representing themselves to be rebel officers.
The ferryman pulled to the northern bank, and
was detained till he gave information of the rebel
force, which, he said, numbered eight companies,five or six hundred men all told.
"The tide ebbed, and Captain Dahlgren left his
hiding-place with his fifty-seven Indianians. They
crossed the river in single file at a slow walk, the
bottom being exceedingly rocky. Reaching the
opposite shore, he started at a slow trot towards
the town, hoping to take the enemy by surprise.
But his advance had been discovered. The enemy
was partly in saddle. There was a hurrying to and
fro, mounting of steeds, confusion, and fright among
the people. The rebel cavalry were in every street.




RIDE INTO FREDERICKSBURG.   I05
Captain Dahlgren resolved to fall upon them like
a thunderbolt. Increasing his trot to a gallop, the
fifty-seven dauntless men dashed into town, cheering, with sabers glittering in the sun,-riding recklessly upon the enemy, who waited but a moment
in the main street, then ignominiously fled. Having cleared the main thoroughfare, Captain Dahlgren swept through a cross-street upon another
squadron with the same success. There was a
trampling of hoofs, a clattering of scabbards, and
the sharp ringing cut of the sabers, the pistol-flash,
the going down of horse and rider, the gory gashes
of the saber-stroke, a cheering and hurrahing, and
screaming of firightened women and children, a
short, sharp, decisive contest, and the town was in
the possession of the gallant men. Once the rebels
attempted to recover what they had lost, but a
second impetuous charge drove them back again,
and Captain Dahlgren gathered the fruits of the
victory, -thirty-one prisoners, horses, accouterments, sabers,-held possession of the town for
three hours, and retired, losing but one of his glorious band killed, and two wounded; leaving a
dozen of the enemy killed and wounded. I would
like to give the names of these heroes if I had
them. The one brave fellow who lost his life had
fought through all the conflict, but seeing a large
rebel flag waving from a building, he secured it,
wrapped it around his body, and was returning to




io6          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
his command, when a fatal shot was fired from a
window, probably by a citizen. He was brought
to the northern shore, and there buried by his
fellow-soldiers beneath the forest-pines.
"It thrills one to look at it,-to hear the story, —
to picture the encounter; the wild dash, the sweep
like a whirlwind, the cheers, the rout of the enemy,
their confusion, the victory! Victory, not for personal glory, nor for ambition, but for a beloved
country,-for that which is dearer than life,-the
thanks of the living, the gratitude of unnumbered
millions yet to be! Brave sons of the West, this
is your glory; this your reward! No exploit of
the war equals it. It will go down to history as
one of the bravest achievements on record."
EXTRACT FROM A LETTER WRITTEN BY A RESIDENT OF FREDERICKSBURG.
C" FREDERICKSBURG, November 9, I862.
"DEAR SETH, —
" We have had a most exciting day out-of-doors.
Last evening, about dusk, a company of the Isth
Cavalry, under Captain Simpson, one hundred and
fifty strong, arrived here, and took quarters in the
lot in rear of the Citizens' Hall. This morning,
about half-past eight o'clock, I observed a stir
among them, and a few moments afterwards a body
of Yankee cavalry dashed up the street by Adam's




RIDE INTO FREDERICKSBURG.   I07
stable and charged upon a few of our cavalry, who
had mounted and got out of the lot in front of the
hall. They of course retreated, and were pursued
by the Yankees down towards the depot, leaving
the largest portion of our men still in the lot.
They commenced firing upon our men soon after
they passed my house, but did no damage till they
got down to Thos. J. Berry's corner, where they
killed a member of Simpson's company, named
Walter D. Thompson, from Princess Anne County,
who is stated to have been a very promising young
man. As soon as the remaining portion of Simpson's company could get out of the lot, they were
formed, and dashed down towards the depot in
pursuit, and a few moments afterwards we saw
them dashing up Main Street, in close chase of
some half-dozen Yankees who had been detached
from the main body, —all of whom, I believe, they
captured, wounding one pretty severely.  One
Yankee was killed near Thos. J. Berry's, receiving
a shot through the head. Queen and the children
went down to see the body.
"The main body of the Yankees, about sixty or
seventy strong, went down Main Street to the
depot, and came upon Colonel Crichton's command
at the old hospital, wholly unprepared, taking some
twenty or thirty prisoners, and scattering the rest,
who fled in all directions. Colonel Crichton tried
very hard to rally them, but without success. They




io8         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
(the Yankees) were formed in line of battle in the
field beyond Clark's shop, and remained there for
about fifteen or twenty minutes, when they marched
towards the old turnpike, and came into town
through Sandy Bottom, and drew up again opposite Hugh Scott's, where they remained some time,
and then recrossed the river without interruption,
carrying with them two cart-loads of cloth which
they met as they were going towards the factory.
Colonel Crichton's pickets must have been extremely negligent of their duty, or our men would
not have been so completely surprised.
" It seems to be a pity that we could not have
captured the force that came over, as they did not
exceed seventy-five or a hundred, and ours numbered in all upwards of two hundred. Simpson's
company, after capturing the Yankees who fled
towards Falmouth, retired down the Richmond
road across Hazel Run, and did not return until
after the main body of the enemy had crossed the
river again.
"I understand that the whole force that came
to Falmouth consisted of a detachment of the Ist
Indiana and 6th Ohio Cavalry, numbering in all
about two hundred men, under a major of the Ist
Indiana. The company that crossed the river was
commanded by Captain Dahlgren, who is said to
be on General Sigel's staff. The detachment came
from Gaines Cross Roads, and I think was nothing




.RIDE INTO FREDERICKSBURG.   I09
more than a reconnoitering party. They behaved
very well. Aleck Green, whom they took prisoner
and discharged, told me that they were the most
respectable set he had seen of all the Yankees.
"I think it not unlikely that we shall have the
enemy, in greater or less force, with us again.
"Yours truly,
"(Signed)            J. M. HERNDON."
These three papers, being penned without connection between the writers, and from different
standpoints, establish beyond question the main
facts of this brilliant exploit, —the great superiority
of the rebel force, their complete surprise by Ulric
Dahlgren, and the prompt attack and overthrow of
the rebels in successive charges, driving them out
of the town, so that it was actually in possession
of Captain Dahlgren until he chose to leave it.
The testimony of the citizen's letter is quite as
conclusive in regard to these particulars as the
report of Ulric Dahlgren, for he speaks chiefly of
what he saw.
The information in regard to the numbers of the
rebels is clear enough as to their superiority, but
not as to the extent of that superiority,-the Fiedericksburg letter estimating the force at two hundred, while the lowest figure in any of the reports
which reached Captain Dahlgren placed the rebel
I0




I I0        ULRIC DAJHLGREN.
total at not less than two hundred and fifty men.
And as his numbers did not exceed sixty, each one
of his men had to contend with three or four rebels.
This great odds had been overbalanced by the
rapidity of his movements, and by the intrepid and
instant use of the advantage thus obtained. He
hesitated not for a moment in charging superior
forces, and was well and bravely sustained by the
little band of troopers and its officers.
The rebels appear to have resisted with stubbornness, but were so well whipped that they fled
the town incontinently, and would not renew the
fight. The Fredericksburg letter says that the 15th
Virginia did not return until after the departure of
their young antagonist, nor could all the efforts of
Colonel Crichton rally the 9th Virginia. That experience of Ulric Dahlgren in a fair field probably
led the men of the same regiment, at a later date,
to prefer firing at him from the midnight ambush.
The tidings that first reached Washington were
well calculated to excite solicitude in the family,
and some anxious hearts were for awhile kept in
painful suspense as to the fate of the young soldier.
About four o'clock on Monday afternoon, November
Ioth, his father, still detained at the Naval Ordnance
Office by business, received the following telegram:




RIDE INTO FREDERICKSB UR G.    I I
"GAINESVILLE, November IO, 1862.
"To CAPTAIN JOHN A. DAHLGREN:
"Captain Ulric Dahlgren, sent yesterday to reconnoiter the Fredericksburg and Acquia Railroad,
has been captured, with forty men, in making a dash
on Fredericksburg; the particulars not known yet.
"F. SIGEL, Major-General."
The effect of this unpleasant news was relieved
by another telegram late in the evening:
"GAINESVILLE, November Io, I862.
"To CAPTAIN JOHN A. DAHLGREN, U.S.N.:
"Allow me to congratulate you upon the brilliant success and gallant behavior of your son,
Captain U. Dahlgren.
"F. SIGEL, Major-General."
No explanation of these conflicting dispatches
came until next day, when the following was received:
" GAINESVILLE, November 1o, I862.
"To CAPTAIN JOHN A. DAHLGREN:
"Information has been received that your son is
not captured, but will be here to-night. Our reconnoitering party made, under command of your son,
a gallant charge into Fredericksburg, and routed
the rebels. Shall send you more particulars when
Captain Ulric arrives.
"C. W. ASMUSSEN,
"Lieutenant-Colonel, A.. C."




I 112        ULRIC DAHLGREN.
Then came his own simple and brief greeting:
" GAINESVILLE, November IO, I862.
"To JOHN A. DAHLGREN, Chief Ordnance:
"I have just returned from Fredericksburg,-all
right.
ULRIc DAHLGREN."
The tardy mail finally brought the following
note from General Sigel, which fully explained
what had occurred:
"X HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
GAINESVILLE, VA., November Io, I862.
"COMMODORE J. A. DAHLGREN, Washington, D.C.:
"DEAR SIR,-It affords me pleasure to say that
your son Ulric Dahlgren, on my staff, has returned
from Fredericksburg, after executing one of the
most brilliant and daring expeditions since the
breaking out of the war, the particulars of which
you will learn from the newspapers, and from a
copy of his report to me, which I inclose to you.
His modesty is as commendable as his skill and
bravery. I esteem his soldierly and manly qualities very highly, and think you have much to be
gratified at in him.
"I am very respectfully,
" F. SIGEL,
"MJajor-General, U. S. V."




RIDE INTO FREDERICKSBURG.    I! 3
Three years later, General Sigel writes thus:
"This'raid' to Fredericksburg was, according to
my opinion, one of the most daring and most effective of the whole war, and clearly demonstrated
the principle which I always tried to impress on the
minds of our cavalry,-that in an attack the sword
is mightier than the carbine and the pistol. The
object of this expedition was attained to the letter."
The opinion of a gallant and experienced warrior
like Sigel, who so well understood this exploit in
all its bearings, is well worth having.
Ulric Dahlgren was no privileged witness of the
perils of that day, but bore his part in the rapid
succession of personal combats which ensued, with
all the earnestness of his nature, tokens of which
were evident in the loss of his cap and sword-scabbard, the straightening out of a spur, and other
consequences of close and rough collision in handto-hand fight.
Yet he seemed almost to forget his own share in
the fray when he reverted to the occasion, and to
remember only the Spartan valor and unshaken
constancy of the little band that he led, with Sherra,
and Miller, and Carr.
Old memories kindled in his eye, when he reverted to the fine temper exhibited by the men, on
hearing the order to charge back through the town
and regain the ford; they had formed with the
precision of a parade, and as the sabers rang out,
IO*




I4        ULRIC DAHLGREN.
almost with one sound, from the steel scabbards,
every glittering blade went aloft, as if by common
consent, with loud and joyous acclaim from the
whole band, "so exultant were they."
This was the inspiration from victory, and he
shared in it; but, while yet all the future lay be-fore him in doubt, and hung upon the untried
chances of conflict with superior numbers, the admirable balance of his own spirit was noted by some
lookers-on whom he heeded not.
A lady, then residing in the town, says that the
clattering hoofs of some cavalry had drawn most
of the people to their windows, herself among them.
The new-comers had not the appearance of their
own soldiers, and yet, the easy pace at which they
moved, and their very composed manner,betokened
no hostile errand. The neighbors looked on, much
puzzled. At last, a woman cried out to an officer
riding near the advance, " Who are you?-friends
or enemies?"  The young leader smiled goodhumoredly, as he replied, "You'll see presently,"which was quickly verified; for soon the genuine
gray-backs came in view, and the fight began immediately.
The lady afterwards learned that the officer thus
addressed was Ulric Dahlgren, just as serene and
unshaken as when in sight of Richmond, at a later
day, he rode along the lines of his men under a
shower of bullets.




RIDE INTO FREDERICKSB URG.   I I 5
He had now fairly won his spurs, and established
his right to the honor of the uniform which he wore.
Previously, he could hardly have been singled out
from the throng of gallant young men who pressed
around the banner of their country. Now, he had
shown by the ride into Fredericksburg his manner
of executing an order, "to ascertain the rebelforce in
that place," displaying a capacity for command
which belonged to riper years, and gave rich
promise to the glowing courage of youth. He
was then but a few months over twenty years of age.
The exploit was duly chronicled by the public
press throughout the country, and was also made
the subject of a picture by Mr. Darley, one of the
most gifted artists in our country.
It is a most beautiful and spirited delineation of
the event.*
In the course of the inquiry ordered by Congress
"into the facts relating to the battle of Fredericksburg," fought by General Burnside, December I3,
I862, about a month after the city was entered by
Captain Ulric, the latter event was mentioned,
incidentally, by two distinguished officers who appeared as evidence.
General Hooker testified, " Only a few dayes be* Inscribed as the " Cavalry Charge into Fredericksburg, November 9, I862." Published by J. McClure, 772 Broadway, New
York.




I I6          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
fore, Lieutenant Da/zigren, of the Cavalry, wit/h fiftyfive men, crossed the river and took possession of the
towzn."
General Meigs, Quartermaster-General, testified,
"Captain Dahzlgren, of General Sigel's staff, had
made a dash into Fredericksburg, a few days before,
and had driven out what little force was there."




CHAPTER  VI.
CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL BURNSIDE, NOVEMBER 7, i862,
TO 26TH JANUARY, I863.
ON the 7th of November, late at night, General
-  McClellan received the order to transfer to
General Burnside the command of the army, then
massed about Warrenton; several corps having
been advanced more to the front, with the design
of moving by way of Culpepper.
On the 15th, Burnside, having decided to change
the plan of operations, moved towards Fredericksburg, and on the I8th the advance, under Sumner,
occupied Falmouth.
Sigel's corps, being still held as a reserve, remained near Fairfax.
The whole movement of the army was so undisguised, and performed so leisurely, that the enemy
had full notice of what was intended, and time for
whatever preparation they thought fit to make. So
they were already in force at Fredericksburg.
Washington was now alive with the passage of
troops, moving hourly along its streets to the front.
December had set in with more rigor than is
(II7)




II 8         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
usual in this mild climate. On the 5th, there was
a fall of wet snow, which covered the ground for
several inches. It was quite cold afterwards, with
high winds; the weather was freezing and wintry.
Captain Ulric occasionally visits the home he
loves so well, and in its quiet finds a pleasing contrast with the bustle of camp-life.
The day of battle is now approaching; our fine
army stretches in grand array along the Rappahannock, which the general intends to cross, and
carry the enemy's position by main force.
Lee, apparently, thinks it useless to attempt
holding the south bank in order to dispute the
passage in force, as our artillery commands it with
full sweep from the heights on the northern bank;
so he draws up his army on the high ground in the
rear of Fredericksburg, and completes the natural
strength of the position by improvised works. A
little farther back is the bulk of his force in reserve.
Skirmishers are thrown out along the river-bank,
so as not to allow our crossing entirely at ease.
The air is frosty, and the ground hard, and so
our numerous artillery is readily moved to the
various positions.
On the I Ith December, General Sigel, who now
commands the grand reserve division of the army,
moves from Fairfax by the river-road towards
Dumfries, having previously dispatched Captain
Ulric in advance to General Burnside for-further




CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL B URNSIDE. I 19
instructions. On arriving at headquarters, he beholds with deep interest the splendid array of our
army, and the preparation for a mighty effort. The
general may not have forgotten the exploit of the
young officer, who now rides up to report, for it is
only a month since he rode into that town opposite,
with a handful of cavalry, and actually held it for
several hours; or perhaps his wishes to be present
at the coming struggle may have found expression;
but certain it is that the special order No. 349
placed him temporarily on the staff of the commanding general, and thus enabled him to participate in the battle.
Before dawn the engineers are at work to bridge
the river at three points. There is no difficulty
with the left or center, but the right bridge is to be
placed opposite the city, and has only been run
two-thirds of the distance across the river, when
the fire' of the riflemen, concealed in the buildings
and other cover, becomes so deadly that the engineers can work no longer. The cannon now
pour in their volleys in rapid succession, but fail to
dislodge the hidden enemy,-and the day is waning
rapidly, when some regiments* are selected to cross
and drive away these sharpshooters. Quick as
thought they enter the pontoon-boats and row
across. Among them is Captain Ulric. The land* 7th Michigan, g9th and 2oth Massachusetts.




120          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
ing is effected; sharp firing is maintained; the
enemy resists stiffly; some of our men fall, among
them the Rev. Chaplain Fuller, close to Captain
Dahlgren. Our men pause not, but sweep on, and
in brief space are masters of the ground; then the
bridge is quickly completed.
The next day our forces were leisurely marched
over, and occupied the city and the level ground
that stretches below it. Upon the wooded ridge that
overlooks this plain are posted, silent and unseen,
the legions of rebeldom, well assured of victory
in their impregnable position, and almost doubtful
whether we will venture to attack.
On the other hand, Halleck, sitting quietly in
the office at Washington, thinks the rebels will not
fight, while Burnside, looking on, knows that they
will.
And so on Saturday, the I3th of December, as
fine an army, and as well led as men ever were,
fearlessly marched up to the enemy's intrenchments. Forth came the fatal volleys, strewing the
hillsides with our dead. The ranks are reformed
again and again, but without hope, for they wilt
away before those consuming sheets of flame, from
unseen hands, as chaff in a fiery furnace.
Night closes upon the conflict,-the rebels do
not dare to come from their covert and face those
men, wearied and decimated though they are.
As the day wore on, and the unwelcome result




CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL BURNSIDE. I21
was becoming apparent, the general had deemed it
advisable to have his reserve well in hand to meet
any unforeseen contingency; and who more fit or
willing to convey the orders to General Sigel than
his own aide whom he had sent for instructions?
The wish is hardly intimated when Captain Ulric
announces himself as ready. A few minutes suffice
for preparation. The way lies through an unfriendly country, and it is most important that the
order shall not fail to reach. So he exchanges his
uniform as an officer for the less noticeable garb of
a private soldier, replaces the wearied horse that
has borne him all day through the battle, and with
a single orderly turns rein northward at full speed.
It is just four o'clock, and by six he delivers the order
to General Sigel, who had reached Dumfries. The
distance thus traveled is said to be twenty miles by
the. road taken, the time, two hours,-a task of no
small endurance, even if he had not been previously
in the saddle or afoot from early light.
The general had been wondering what had become of his aide, and was looking for him in another
direction; but he was here at last. There was, of
course, much to tell, so, with a hasty morsel of
food and an hour's sleep, the indefatigable young
soldier was again mounted, and on the way back.
The night was too dark for rapid riding, nor was
there the same reason for extreme haste, and it was
five o'clock the next morning when Captain Ulric
II




I22         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
announced, at headquarters, that his mission had
been accomplished.
And now weary nature would no more. Twenty
hours in the saddle, with little food and less sleep,
had entirely exhausted the hardy rider. His eyes
were almost closed as he alighted from his horse.
Acceptably for him, the whole of the day following,
the battle was intermitted. It was a Sabbath for
both armies. So his wearied frame had an opportunity for undisturbed repose.
On Monday, as soon as darkness obscured our
motions, the river was recrossed, and by dawn of
the next day the army was in place on the north
side of the river, except the many thousands who
were never to fight again.
It was while our troops were in Fredericksburg
that the letter of Mr. Herndon, already quoted
from, was found.
On the Ig9th of December, Captain Ulric came to
Washington with General Sigel, both having been
summoned as witnesses in the case of General
McDowell, who had asked for a Court of Inquiry.
This detained the wanderer for some ten days, and
allowed him the pleasure of "a merry Christmas
and a happy New Year" at the home where he had
spent so many in former days, but where he was
never to spend another.  How little was that
dreamed of in those joyous hours!
Burnside, not willing to relinquish the hope of




CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL B URNSIDE. I23
retrieving his fortune, was preparing another move,
and had actually commenced, when the continuance
of wretched weather interrupted his plans, and
arrested operations for the winter.
Whereupon the general asked to be relieved
from the command of the army, and was succeeded
by Hooker, about the 26th of January, i863.




CHAPTER VII.
CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL HOOKER, DECEMBER I3 TO
JUNE 28, I 863, INCLUDING THE BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE AND THE COMBAT AT BEVERLY FORD.
URNSIDE had hurled his living masses
against the intrenched rebels, and had been
repulsed with terrible loss. Many were killed outright, some were left, wounded and prisoners, at the
mercy of a vindictive enemy, although the greater
number were happily removed by friendly hands.
In mere numbers, our army had been lessened by
twelve thousand men,-a small army of itself.
Another effort was in embryo, but the winterstorms came in their might, and the general's
wishes to be relieved from the command of the
Army of the Potomac were gratified.
As it was, no battle was again fought by this
army, after that of Fredericksburg, until the winter
and nearly the entire spring had passed away.
What was left of December was expended in that
most unprofitable, but with us too common, occurrence of military life, —a Court of Inquiry. It had
been sought by General McDowell, in regard to
(I24)




CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL HOOKER. 125
his share of the last summer campaign; and as
General Sigel's corps had been closely associated
with that of McDowell, he was to be a prominent
witness. His staff, and among them Captain Ulric,
were to testify, and this duty detained him in Washington from the Ig9th to the 3Ist December.
In this way the young soldier was allowed the
privilege of a Christmas and a -New Year's day at
home. Many had been spent there happily in
younger days, but where were the warm hearts and
smiling faces of some that had then greeted him
and lent their kind influences to the hour?  What
a fragment of a once happy family! Little did the
brave fellow think that he too should never pass
another Christmas in that once joyous home.
General Hooker took command of the Army of
the Potomac on the 26th January, I863. His first
task was to restore confidence and raise the hopes
of his men, which care and attention and good
order performed in due season.
Meanwhile, the diminished numbers of Sigel's
corps required but slight service from his staff, so
Ulric employed his leisure on some device in ordnance which should meet certain unsupplied necessities of cavalry, his previous opportunities about
the ordnance department of his father having well
trailied him in such matters.
Whenever he happened to be in Washington, his
evenings were generally spent at home. Once
-  Il




126         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
only did he allow himself to participate in any gay
assemblage, and then simply as a mark of respect
for the request of a lady, whose exalted worth
and refined taste had rendered her friendship,
during a long period of time, much prized by his
parents.
Few would have observed the rather diffident
and very young man (for he had not yet attained
his majority), who, in the customary suit of black,
was quietly but pleasantly looking upon that brilliant scene, and standing aside among the throng
of spectators. Fastidiously averse to becoming the
object of even passing remark, he had abstained
on this occasion from the justifiable display of a
uniform which might attract notice, and yet one
which he had so often worn with honor on the
battle-field.
Presently he is once more at the camp; and
writes from Stafford Court House (February 20),
mentioning incidentally that he has seen General
Hooker. His letter also inquires after the progress
that has been made with his new cavalry piece, and
hopes it may reach him in season. He is much
pleased, too, at having observed that his brother,
who is serving in the Western waters, has been
handsomely spoken of by Admiral Porter.
General Sigel being about to retire from his
command, which he has filled with so much honor,
Captain Ulric is transferred by General Hooker to




CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL HOOKER. 127
his own staff, and on the 2ISt March writes that he
has reported accordingly.
General Hooker, as already stated, assumed
command of the Army of the Potomac on the 26th
January. The troops had been unavoidably much
dispirited by defeat and by heavy losses, aggravated by the inclemency of winter-weather, and
by the discomforts that arose from the defective
communications, so difficult to remedy at that
season. These evils were to be cured, and discipline restored, before the army could be put in
motion.
Ulric Dahlgren reported about the 2ISt March,
and his active nature was soon engrossed with the
labor that fell to his share. His genial and manly
qualities were appreciated by his new comrades,
and he found himself on the most friendly terms
with the whole staff.
By the middle of April, the general had brought
his army of one hundred thousand men into good
working order; and the approach of active operations began to be signified by incidents in the daily
business.
On the I3th April, a strong force was sent to
hold Kelley's and other fords, preparatory to a
general move,-the object of which was to pass
the cavalry around so as to intercept the rebel
communications with Richmond, while the infantry




I28          ULRIC DAILGREN.
would cross below Fredericksburg and attack Lee.
But shortly after the cavalry started, a heavy rainstorm set in, which rendered the river impassable,
and further operations were necessarily suspended
for awhile.
Ulric's memoranda, about this time, run thus
(at headquarters near Falmouth):
"* Friday, April I o, I863.-The President and lady
returned to Washington, having reviewed the whole
army by corps, all of which were in excellent condition.
"Sunday, April 12. —Stoneman's cavalry corps
ordered to prepare for a move, and a brigade of
infantry from the Eleventh Corps, towards Kelley's
Ford. Rained slightly about evening.
"Monday, April I 3. -- Cavalry -corps moved;
weather cooler.
"Tuesday, April I4. —Army provided with eight
days' rations, and ready to move.
"Wednesday, April I5.-Raining hard. Orderly
arrived at noon, and reported Stoneman at Rappahannock Station. River rising several feet.
"Friday, April I7. —Made balloon ascension,think it does not assist us much as used at present,
being too far off, and does not extend the view
much.
"Saturday, April I 8. —..  Eleventh Corps'
pontoon arrived.
"Sunday, April i 9.-Stoneman at Bealton. Cav



CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL HOOKER. I29
alry from Rappahannock Station to White Sulphur
Springs; river too high to cross; the enemy had
artillery on opposite bank. Provisions sent Stoneman. General Hooker met the President at Acquia
Creek. Raining. My mare came down. Indications of our crossing below. Large fire in the
rebel camp. Reynolds's corps moved from BellePlain....  It is said that Stoneman got some
men over, and, finding the rain was coming down,
came back.
"Wednesday, April 22.-Clear and pleasant.
Several major-generals at headquarters. A move
expected to-morrow.
"Thursday, April 23.-Raining hard,-slackened
off towards night.... Two regiments crossed
this morning in pontoon-boats at Port Royal, remained there five hours, when the rebels appeared
in force. A small fort was entered half a mile
back of the town, but there was nothing in it.
"Saturday, April 25. —Windy,-no rain. Several
corps commanders were with General Hooker today. Eight hundred men repairing roads near
Hartwood.
"Sunday, April 26.-Clear and beautiful. Rode
down the river-bank,-signs of a move among the
enemy. Eleventh and Twelfth Corps ordered to
move to-morrow morning.
"Monday, April 27.-Clear and warm. Secretary




130 3ULRIC DAHLGREN.
Seward reviewed Third Corps. Aides ordered to
be ready to move in the morning at nine o'clock.
The Second, Fifth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Corps
moved to-day."
It will be seen from these memoranda, that while
events were proceeding to another act in the drama,
the young soldier was not idle. These and his
letters show him sometimes traversing the country,
carefully observing all that might by any possibility
concern the headquarters.  On more than one
occasion he ascended in the balloon, but seemed
disappointed in not finding verified the expectations
the uninitiated attach to this seemingly complete
survey of the scene below; for the view was too
distant to be distinct, and very little experience
served to make manifest that no important assistance was to be derived from the use of such means,
-a conclusion entertained, no doubt, by experts,
which explains the limited use of the balloon for
military purposes.
Some discontent, about this time, became apparent in a few regiments, owing to the construction
given to the terms regulating the expiration of their
service; but this was arranged without serious
difficulty.
As the season advanced, and the roads became
firm, General Hooker determined to strike more
decisively at the enemy. His plan was to cross




CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL HOOKER. 13I
above Fredericksburg by an upper ford, march
down, and flank and rout Iee, hoping also to intercept his retreat. Simultaneously with this move
on the right, Fredericksburg was to be menaced by
our left.
The move began on the 27th April. The general himself went to Morrisville, on the 28th, to
superintend the passage of the Rappahannock by
three corps,-the Fifth, Eleventh, and Twelfth,which was effected on the night of the 28th, and
early on the 29th. Moving down, the Rapidan
was crossed at Ely's Ford on the 29th, and on the
3oth our line of battle was established near Chancellorsville, within eleven miles of the main body
of the enemy.
On the 29th, the left, composed of three corps,
First, Third, and Sixth, were to go over the river
at Franklin's Crossing, which was executed with
precision and dispatch. On the 3oth, the Third
Corps joined the force at Chancellorsville. Deserters now reported troops coming from Richmond.
During these movements, Ulric Dahlgren was
actively employed, as usual,-at one time communicating some order to a division, in one instance
having to swim a river to do so; or accompanying
a chief of staff in another direction; or near the
general himself, conveying to him the report of a
distant proceeding; but always a keen and zealous




I32         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
observer of passing events. The brief memoranda
which he made at this time run as follows:
"Thesday, April 28.-Raining. General Hooker
started up the river..... First, Third, and Sixth
Corps moved to Franklin's Crossing, ready to go
over at midnight, and be ready in line of battle at
three o'clock A.M.
" Wednesday, April 29.-... The bridges
were not over until ten o'clock, and the lower
bridge at noon. Newton's division crossed in boats.
Wadsworth's brigade was roughly handled below,
-the enemy were surprised, and caught in their
rifle-pits on the bank. General Hooker returned
at noon. First and Second Corps over, Third Corps
supporting on this side.
"Z Thursday, April 3o.-Raining in the morning.
Twelfth Corps over Germania Ford. The rebels
were completely surprised. Fifth, Eleventh, and
Twelfth Corps at Chancellorsville by noon. Went
to Chancellorsville and returned at night. Met
General Hooker and made report. Second Corps
crossing at United States Ford in the evening, —
Third Corps at Hammett's house. Deserters reported troops coming up from Richmond and
towards Chancellorsville. To-day I swam the
river and communicated with General Meade.
General Couch then at United States Ford, —Warren working on the bridges."




CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL HOOKER. I33
BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE.
On the Ist May (Friday) our columns (Fifth,
Eleventh, and Twelfth Corps) were moved out on
the plank road and the river road, and were on the
point of coming into contact with the enemy, but,
finding no ground suitable for the development of
the force, were drawn back into position, where an
attempt was made on the Second and Twelfth Corps,
which was easily repulsed.
Next day (2d May) the First Corps was ordered
from the left to Chancellorsville. It is said that
mysterious sounds had been heard in the dense
forest during the night, on our extreme right, by
the Eleventh Corps. In fact, a heavy column of
the enemy, twenty-five thousand strong, had been
moved with celerity and massed on our right, a
movement unperceived until almost executed.
General Hooker himself had observed some
evidences of this in the morning. Captain Dahlgren had also ridden in that direction, and perceived
that the enemy were passing: he could even hear
orders given among them. General Sickles orderd
a battery to open, which was done with good effect
seemingly. He then received permission to push
forward a division, and felt the rear of the rebel
column severely, taking many prisoners, from
whom he ascertained that this was Jackson's corps.
Sickles was proceeding to enforce his attack seri12




I34         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
ously, when his progress was arrested by other
tidings: the catastrophe was in fact at hand.
The day was far advanced, when a rattling musketry-fire announced the rebel attack. In an instant their heavy masses broke in on the Eleventh
Corps and swept it from the ground.  Captain
Ulric had ridden to the front in observation, and
quickly found himself among the discomfited Eleventh, hard pressed flank and rear by overwhelming
numbers of rebels. He spurred quickly to report to
the general. Sickles was resisting gallantly. General Pleasonton, by a skillful use of some guns, was
giving valuable aid. Berry was ordered up with the
veteran Second, and nobly was that order obeyed.
Our lines were drawn in finally, and the efforts of
the enemy against them were repulsed with great
loss,-among the fatally wounded was their general, Stonewall Jackson.
There was no rest the next day, though it was
the Sabbath. Long before daylight, Hooker had
reformed his position; and none too soon, for it
was scarcely light when the attack was fiercely renewed. Again it came right on the noble Third,
near the Fairview House. The conflict was fierce
and sanguinary. The gallant Berry fell; and even
the impetuous Sickles was obliged to give ground,
but very gradually, and only to a firmer support;
for a little farther towards Chancellorsville our
men stood firm, their lines drawn in compactly.




CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL HOOIKER. 135
It was nearly noon when the assailants drew off
and the battle ceased.
Almost at the critical instant General Hooker had
been knocked down and stunned by the explosion
of a howitzer shell, but rallied in time to attend to the
dispositions which were demanded by the occasion.
In the afternoon the rebel leader renewed the
assault, but was obliged to draw off with loss.
Meanwhile, General Sedgwick had carried the
heights of Fredericksburg, and it was hoped that
he might be advancing towards the main army,
which he did in fact, but could not get farther than
some three miles. Captain Ulric rode in that direction about dark.
Next day, nothing was done by the main army
except to send a reconnoissance, in the evening,
towards Chancellorsville; but the enemy were there
in force, seemingly indisposed to advance; they
were too busy endeavoring to dislodge Sedgwick
from position, which attempt was so far successful
as to compel him to recross the river on the 5th.
On Tuesday, the corps commanders were at headquarters in consultation, and it was decided to recross the river, as it was rising, under the influence
of the rain which had set in.
So, in the course of the night, this measure began,
and next morning, by nine o'clock, all the men
were over, unmnolested, save by the rain, which was
now coming down heavily.




136         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
The following night brought repose to men and
officers alike, and perhaps no one in that great host
needed it more than Ulric Dahlgren, when he laid
him down to rest on the floor of the telegraph
office.
His own impressions of events will be best understood from the brief and hasty memoranda which
the occasion allowed him to make.
"Fida.y, May I, I863.-Light rain in the morning; afterwards clear and warm. The Second, Fifth,
Eleventh, and Twelfth Corps at Chancellorsville by
noon; firing towards Fredericksburg, I 2.50; enemy
reported falling back a mile. Deserters report that
Pickett was expected at Rapidan Station. Sykes
heavily engaged; drove the enemy and then fell
back. Meade on river road. Slocum returned,
about three o'clock, to Chancellorsville; enemy
followed and drove in the pickets within half a mile
of Chancellorsville, and made a heavy attack between turnpike and plank roads. Considerable
excitement and confusion in getting our troops to
position, but we repulsed the enemy late in the
evening. They attacked our line at every point in
succession, beginning on our right, but found us too
strong everywhere. The intention was to shorten
our line during the night, with our flanks on the
river....  The Eleventh and Twelfth Corps
were moved on the plank road, ordered as far as




CAMPF4IG.N OF GENERAL HOOKER.' 137
the Tabernacle Church; Fifth Corps on river road,
and Couch's Second Corps supporting Fifth and
Sykes; Third Corps in reserve at Chancellorsville,
I was sent to Meade, and found him where the roadforks approach the river, and told him that Couch
would support him; he said he had plenty of men
there, and that Couch had better support Sykes.
Soon after, all were ordered back to
Chancellorsville.          The enemy immediately followed us, and I so reported to General
Hooker.... Warren insisted that they would
attack us; and he was right; they soon drove us into
our works, and threatened to whip us; everything
was in confusion.... When this was all over,
we thought that it would result in our success next
day. The general was brave and determined...
" Saturday, May 2.-Clear and warm. Five A.M.,
column of enemy attempted to move up the plank
road; eight A.M., artillery fight from Chancellorsville, with a battle on turnpike towards Fredericksburg. A rebel limber blew up, and they left, after
an hour's fight. The whole rebel force but one
division (in Fredericksburg) said to be here. It
was reported several times during the day that the
enemy were moving to our right. I went down
the turnpike and watched their movements; saw
that they were passing us, and could hear their
orders. The artillery opened on them.
General Berry having made the same report,
I 2*




138         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
Sickles was ordered to move out to the front and
cut their column. Pleasonton was sent out on the
right. In the mean time a sharp fight was going on
at the plank road, by Slocum, who had pushed
forward,.... when I reported the affair to
the general.. The enemy did not seem
disposed to: push us here. In a few moments
Sickles became engaged, and was doing admirably,
-had cut their column, taken seven hundred prisoners and many colors, and would have hurt them
more, which I had just reported to the general,
-when there arose tremendous firing on our right.
I went there, and found the Eleventh Corps running
and the enemy pressing them on the flank and rear,
which I reported to General Hooker, and Berry
was ordered to the right to check them, which he
did handsomely. In the mean time the enemy
were nearly up with us, near the Fairview House,
and Sickles cut off: after night, he cut his way out
and joined us. General Reynolds came up about
nine P.M.
"Su nday, May 3. —Clear and warm. Six A.M.,
fight began on left of plank road, and near Fairview House; General Berry killed. Third Corps
fought finely.      The enemy attacked us
fiercely here; their artillery not used as much as
ours; whenever they took position, our artillery
would drive them off, blowing up several caissons.
Ammunition giving out, and great call




CAM1PAIGN OF GENERAL HOOKER. I39
for it. After a severe fight near Fairview House,
we dropped back half a mile to Chancellorsville
House, and this no longer tenable, being a mere
point, on both sides of which were the enemy. It
was abandoned, but not until we had planned an
attack from it with the bayonet by Sickles, which
was given up, and then our lines shortened. General Hooker was knocked over at the Chancellorsville House, and seemed somewhat hurt, upon
which Couch assumed command..    The
enemy now shelled our new headquarters, and we
fell back a little. Soon after we left Chancellorsville House the fighting ceased for awhile (this was
about noon). The enemy made vigorous attacks
at several points. General Sedgwick expected upon
the river road. Towards evening the enemy moved
up towards Banks' Ford.  Howard continued
on the lookout. A reconnoitering party on the
left soon returned; skirmishing around the line.
Sedgwick took the heights of Fredericksburg, and
advanced three and a half miles up the road; heavy
firing heard before dark; rode to the left and to the
telegraphic station.
"]Monday, May 4.-Clear and pleasant.
General Whipple shot by sharpshooters while riding
along the front. Firing at noon up the river, supposed to be cavalry on our rear bridges.
About five or six P.M., Griffin made a reconnoissance to feel the enemy near our center and the




140         ULRIC DA HLGREN.
Chancellorsville House, but was soon forced back.
Heavy firing in the direction of Sedgwick, which
ceased at dark, but recommenced with great
fury.
"Tuesday, MaIry 5.-Clear in the morning. Reported that Sedgwick had recrossed during the
night. Warren working on second line of defense,
which was given up afterwards, as being too much
to finish in time. Enemy moving towards Fredericksburg.... The corps commanders met.
I went after General Warren and brought
him up.... Began to rain; ceased about five
P.M., and commenced again in the evening; rained
very hard.
" Wednesday, Ma.y 6.-Raining. Army crossed
during the night. Eleventh Corps crossing at six
A.M.; not all over till nine o'clock. Nothing in
sight; singular that the enemy did not follow us.
A battery began to shell us from down the river,
but was driven off: The general slept in a house
near United States Ford, over the river.
The river rose very rapidly. Slept in telegraph
office."
And thus the battle of Chancellorsville ended in
our withdrawal and return to the previous position.
The loss was heavy, but probably no greater than
that of the rebels. The operation was skillfully
planned, and admirably executed in attaining the




CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL HOOKER. 14I
desired position. It deserved success; and if this
went no further than it did, the causes are to be
found in those accidents constantly occurring in war,
which can neither be foreseen nor provided against,
-as on this occasion, in the personal injury sustained by the general at a critical moment.
Amid this mighty host that stood up to do
battle for the Union, it would be impossible that a
youth just entering upon manhood could have conspicuous place. The duties that belonged to him
would necessarily be humble in this great shock of
arms, where distinguished commanders and veteran
troops faced every peril and strained every nerve
to grasp victory, and where an army of dead and
wounded attested how earnestly the good fight
had been fought. Still, it is something to say,
that Ulric Dahlgren offered his mite with that
earnest devotion and disregard of danger which
always marked his action. Vigilant, brave, never
tiring, his memoranda made on the spot, and
letters written soon after, will show howv accurately he noted what he saw, and how truly he
judged of things seen and unseen; for when compared with what has been disclosed by the subsequent testimony of the actors, no material error will
be found in them. He seems to have kept himself
constantly near to the scenes of the great events
of the battle, perfectly free from all personal con



142         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
siderations, and unchecked by obstacles. If the
shortest path lies across a river, he swims it; if our
banner goes forward in battle, he exults; if it recedes, he is not despondent. His aspirations mount
as he looks with admiration on generals sharing
every danger with their men; and when our right
advance is rolled up, almost as a scroll, by the
sudden, sharp, and overpowering rush of rebel
masses, he is on the spot; the loss of a horse,
killed, betokens that his duties have not been without peril.
General Hooker, nothing daunted by the result,
still contemplated further operations, but was restrained from the attempt by the untoward expiration of the terms of large numbers of his men,
which, with the loss of some seventeen thousand
by the recent battles, reduced the force too low to
give effect to a great movement.
Some time passed, therefore, in inaction, during
which Captain Dahlgren employed himself in such
duties as presented. The tedium was relieved by
good news from General Grant, in the valley of the
Mississippi; which naturally suggested the hope of
being able to do something in that quarter.
On the 26th May, General Hooker visited Washington, bringing Ulric with him,-being his first
appearance at home for two months; a home ever
cherished in his memory with the happy hours of




CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL HOOKER. I43
earlier days, and where he never failed to be welcomed with every token of deep affection.
One brief respite, one fleeting day from the sum
of an existence itself so brief, yet all devoted to
the glorious cause of humanity, and the noble
youth once more departs from his father's door, to
abide whatever chances coming battle may bring.
No idle duty this; for the legions of the republic,
defeated and reduced in numbers by two great
battles, are barely competent to assure the defense of the capital, and to prevent another raid
from being pushed nearer home than that of last
summer.
This time, however, the rebel leaders will not
waste their strength in battle on their own soil, but
with unweakened ranks will avoid the Union army,
and advance by a flank movement up the valleys
into Maryland, and even into the rich fields of
Pennsylvania, where they will replenish their scanty
stores, and, after a terrible conflict with our enmbattled host, will recoil with severe loss from
Northern soil.
The probability of such a campaign was not disregarded by the general; but there was still another
plan open to the enemy's offensive operations, and,
as the initiatory movements for either were alike,
some time must elapse before it would be possible
to decide which object was in view. The general
had, therefore, the difficult task of providing for




144          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
either contingency with a single force, so that it
behooved him not to reduce his strength by division, and yet to await the gradual unfolding of
the rebel design upon one of the two very different
routes.
On the 27th May, Ulric Dahlgren returns to
headquarters, and the next day notices some little
departure from the daily routine of camp-life. A
division is sent to watch the various fords of the
river,- Banks', United States, Richard's, and Kelley's; field-works, too, are in progress about our
position, indicating the suspicion of an aggressive
move by the enemy, but uncertainty as to the
direction it may take, whether a flank march north,
or a direct attack on the capital.'On the 29th, he notes in his diary having observed unusual activity among the rebels across the
river,-something seems to be on hand. There is
a review of about twenty-five regiments and four
batteries, by some notability from Richmond, who
afterwards leaves in the cars: "the artillery is ins excellent order, but too many zwhite horses."
June 4, our spies cross the river; the rebel camp
opposite has been moved.
Some days previous, an alarm had arisen at
Harper's Ferry, caused by the rumor that the
enemy was on the move for Maryland; but, as with
many such reports, it was difficult to decide whether
it was an unfounded apprehension, or one of those




CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL HOOKER.  i45
mysterious warnings that sometimes herald important blows.
Finally, the general determined to feel the rebel
positions roughly, and thus know for himself something of the enemy's force and designs. So, on the
5th of June, some pontoons were sent to Franklin's
Crossing; our men pushed over and cleared the
rifle-pits with slight loss, which demonstration
drew the rebels in force. Ulric seems to have been
present on this occasion.
Though the rebel leaders had actually begun
that move on the 3d of June, which, a month later,
was to be terminated by a battle in Pennsylvania,
yet nothing had at this time reached our camp which
justified the abandonment of the line of the Rappahannock. Captain Dahlgren notes that the enemy's
movements are mysterious, and some prisoners report that Longstreet is marching for Culpepper.
Meanwhile the general finds that a force of cavalry
is collecting at Rappahannock Station, and, supposing that the raid is to be confined to this column,
determines to take the initiative, and strike a blow
that shall damage this plan.
General Pleasonton is to play this move; and on
Captain Dahlgren's becoming aware of it, he
obtains permission to be of the party. His diary
(6th June) briefly records, "Pleasonton preparing
for a move. I zeuilljoiz jzilm in the mzZorning."
I3




I46         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
COMBAT OF BEVERLEY FORD, JUNE 9, I863.
Late in the afternoon of June 7, Captain Dahlgren left headquarters with instructions for General
Pleasonton, and reached him late next day. Our
force was to consist of all the cavalry that could
be spared, with two picked brigades of infantry,
under Generals Ames and Russell, and a battery
to each brigade.
General Buford was to cross at Beverley Ford,
and General Gregg at Kelley's Ford, each supported by a brigade of infantry and its battery.
They were to converge towards Brandy Station
upon the rebel flank.
No precaution was omitted to prevent the enemy
from having intelligence of the approach of this
force. It advanced towards the fords only after
night, and no fires were allowed. All of these
measures were perfectly successful, and the rebel
cavalry officer seemed to be entirely unaware of
the proximity of such neighbors. Indeed, it was
reported that he was. absent just at the moment.
The morning of the 9th of June was beautiful, and pleasantly cool, with a slight mist curling
over the river-banks. At early dawn Buford's
cavalry dashed over, and were quickly upon the
advance of the astonished rebels, who broke at
once, and made for a woods close at hand. Colonel
Davis, who led the New York 8th, followed, and




CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL HOOKER.
soon encountered a superior force, which compelled
his regiment to give ground. In a gallant effort to
rally the men, this brave officer fell mortally
wounded; but the 8th Illinois, coming up, retrieved
the fight and drove the rebels on their main body,
which was busily endeavoring to form some two
miles from the river.
Pleasonton ordered this to be charged in flank,
while the infantry and artillery engaged the front.
For this purpose the 6th Pennsylvania was
brought up,-a splendid body of Lancer cavalry.
Near the head of the column, Ulric Dahlgren, who
had been acting as aide to General Pleasonton,
placed himself. His own words, in a letter to his
father, written just after the event, will best convey
his impressions of this gallant charge:
"We charged General F. H. Lee's brigade up to
General Stuart's headquarters, and within one hundred yards of their artillery.... This brigade
was drawn up in mass in a beautiful field one-third
of a mile across, —woods on each hand. On their
side was a ridge, upon which was posted the artillery, and near a house in which Stuart had his
headquarters. We charged in column of companies. When we came out of our woods they
rained shell into us, and as we approached nearer,
driving them like sheep before us, they threw two
rounds of grape and canister, killing as many of
their men as ours; upon which they stopped firing




I48         ULRIC DAIILGREN.
and advanced their carabineers.  All this time
we were dashing through them, killing and being
killed; some were tracznped to death in trying
to jump the ditches which intervened, and, falling in, were crushed by others who did not get
over.
"Major Morris commanded the regiment, and I
was riding very near him, when, just as we were
jumping a ditch, some canister came along, and I
saw his horse fall over him, but could not tell
whether he was killed or not, for at the same instant my horse was shot in three places. He fell,
and threw me, so that I could see nothing for a
few moments. Just then the column turned to go
back,-finding that the enemy had surrounded us.
I saw the rear passing me, and about to leave me
behind, so I gave my horse a tremendous kick and
got him on his legs again. Finding he could still
move, I mounted and made after the rest,-just
escaping being taken.
" I got a heavy blow over the arm from the back
of a saber, which bruised me somewhat, and nearly
unhorsed me.         After that, Buford made
five successive charges against their line before he
could break them, losing two hundred and fifty
men.
"So we fought fourteen hours, finally driving
the enemy four or five miles off. Night coming
on, and the enemy whipped, we crossed the river...




CA4MPA41GN OF GENERAL HOOKER. I49
"We are all delighted.... I have just had
the balls extracted from my horse.... He
was my best horse, and the bone in his foreleg is
so shattered that I am afraid he must be killed."
An eye —witness* of the combat writes:
"In this charge we lost about the only prisoners
captured by the enemy during the day. Major
Morris was seen to fall from his horse, and is probably wounded and a prisoner. Captain Davis, of
the same regiment, was killed, Captain Leiper was
wounded, and Major Hazeltine's horse shot under
him.
"Captain Dahlgren, of General Hooker's staff,
a model of cool and dauntless bravery, charged
with the regiment, and his horse was shot in two
places."
The conflict continued with varying success
until noon, soon after which the enemy began to
exhibit the effect of General Gregg's presence in
his rear, coming up from Kelley's Ford. The
rebels fell back; the Union troops reached their
camp, and General Pleasonton the headquarters.
The enemy was pushed back steadily for three
miles from the river, until they reached strong infantry supports. It was now late in the afternoon,
and Pleasonton, picking up his wounded, withdrew
* Mr. Crounse, of the New York Times.
I3*




I 50        ULRZC DAHLGREN.
across the river, unmolested by the discomfited
rebels.
This well-conceived and brilliantly-executed blow
was some solace for the reverses so recently experienced, and dissipated a few of the unpleasant misgivings which ill fortune is apt to engender. Ulric
Dahlgren had that day given another earnest of
fervent and unabated devotion to the Union cause.
To have ridden, as he did,near the head of that proud
array of horsemen, breast to breast with its leading
files, when it dashed like a thunderbolt on the foe,
was a memory worth preserving. How narrowly
he escaped in limb, perhaps in life, is best seen from
the wounds which his horse received; a little higher
sped, and he would have been left on the field, a
wounded captive, perhaps to wear out the remains
of life in one of those horrible dungeons where perished some of the gallant men near whom he rode
that day,-among them Major Morris, whom he
saw fall with his horse. And what a captivity!
Was not even death preferable to the sufferings to
which our men were there doomed? Some, indeed,
did survive, and were at last permitted to return
home; but only to die. Others were denied even
that poor boon until too late, and gave up life by
the way. Who shall record all the dark horrors of
that captivity?
Ulric Dahlgren had surely earned the privilege
of undisturbed repose for that night; but he remem



CA MPAIGN OF GENERAtL HOOIKER. I 5
bered that the tidings would be welcome to the
general, so by ten o'clock at night he was mounted,
and on the road to headquarters, which he reached
next morning.
The welcome tale told, the young soldier resigned
himself to rest; and deep must have been the slumbers that fell on his wearied frame.
The blow had been well aimed and stricken
home, but it did not arrest the march of the
rebel army; for on the 3d it was in motion, and
on the 8th was at Culpepper, not to be diverted
from its purpose of despoiling the fields and flocks
of Pennsylvania. A week later, and its advance,
under Ewell, was at Winchester.
On the I6th of June, Captain Ulric arrived at
Washington, with a communication for the President, looking in fine health, but well rid of superfluous flesh. The errand was so pressing that he
remained but an hour, and was not able even to
revisit his home. A few weeks more of great
events, of fierce and sanguinary strife, of gallant exploit, and he will be borne from the battle-field, to
that home, a weary sufferer, destined only to leave
it again maimed of his fair proportions.
There he shall lie and wear away the tardy hours,
and hear the trumpet-sounds around him, and not
respond, compelled to look calmly on that death
which he has so often faced in stern battle. Glorious
boy! he proved that he could suffer as well as dare.




152          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
Some days after his hurried visit to Washington,
it was rumored that he had been taken prisoner
in one of the cavalry combats near the mountainpasses; but that was never to be. Whatever ill
fate might betide, his brave spirit was never to
undergo the torture that was reserved by rebel
jailers for the Union soldiers who fell into their
hands; their savage bonds were never to gall his
free limbs. Such a doom he dreaded more than
death, and afterwards, in speaking of the fate of
some of his comrades, he said, "Father, tzey shzall
never take me alive."  He was as good as his word.
But the crisis of the grand drama is hastening to
its consummation. Great armies are rushing to
encounter each other, and the tramp of their mighty
hosts shakes the solid earth.
Rebeldom feels that its grip on the valley of the
Mississippi is loosening. One hold after another has
been wrenched away. Grant, from above, and Farragut, from below, beleaguer their last intrenchment. When that shall have been gained, the great
river of the West will again be free, and the pentup resources of the people that border its upper
waters will be unlocked. If that blow can be
parried by one as great at the national capital,
or at the hitherto untouched fields and cities of the
North, then is there still hope for rebeldom.
The moment is favorable for this counterblow;
for the heavy losses sustained by our Army of the




CAM. PA IGN OF GENERAL HOOKER. 153
Potomac in two reverses, followed by the release
of even greater numbers whose terms have expired,
offer an opportunity that is not to be neglected. So
the insurgent leader will sweep North, and risk the
fortunes of his cause in Pennsylvania.
The preparation of the rebels has been so favored
by circumstances, however, that it is still difficult
to -divine their purposes. Hooker, calm and unshaken, with a reduced force, is compelled to await
the events that will disclose by which of two lines
the attack will proceed, —whether directly against
the capital by the front, or by a flank march up the
valley into Maryland and Pennsylvania. He cannot divide his force, or even much separate it. It
may seem like hesitancy, but it is a necessity to be
sure of the road they take, before he abandons the
position that leads in either direction.
On the I5th of June he informs the President,
"I now feel that invasion is his settled purpose," but
there is doubt elsewhere.
On the ISth, there can be no longer any doubt.
The enemy is fully committed to invasion by way of
the valley, and Hooker swings round the corps of his
army, spreading them like radii from Fairfax, so as
to command the upper Potomac and the passes near
Leesburg, with the cavalry feeling the flanking force
of the enemy. This brings Pleasonton in contact
with his former antagonist, Stuart, just as he is
about to penetrate the gap at Aldie; and our men




I54          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
drive the rebels back to Middleburg after some
hard fighting; which is repeated next day by
Gregg, and further enforced on the 2Ist by the
cavalry, supported by infantry, so that the rebels
are pushed off the ground entirely.
Ulric's diary notes in one place, " Greogg had a
fine fight," and two days afterwards, "Pleasonzton
f/igh/tizg;," but he missed both, having gone, as his
notes show, "wit/i Stahl."
On the 22d of June, Captain Dahlgren was sent
down to examine the vicinity of Warrenton, in
order, probably, to make sure that no rebel force
of importance had been left behind. He found
only a brigade of cavalry.
By the 24th, there is no doubt that the whole
rebel army is across the Potomac; and Hooker
moves accordingly.
Events now follow quickly. Lee is in Chambersburg, Hooker has followed him over the river,
the President has called for an additional levy of
one hundred thousand men,* and a great collision
is impending. It seems a rash measure in the rebel
leader to precipitate his army into our midst, cut
loose from its base, save by the attenuated thread
that leads through the valley, and retreat, should
such a movement become necessary, embarrassed
by having to cross a large river. Hooker is rightly
* June ioth.




CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL HOOKER.  I55
placed for a decisive result, if he had the force;
but it is the whole of the rebel army, and not a part,
that he has to deal with; and it is no slight matter
to destroy such a force, so long as it is kept together. Still, if Hooker can control the numbers
with which he began at Chancellorsville, it is not
probable that rebeldom will have much of an army
left to rely on.
At this critical moment, just when the eyes of
the country are fixed upon the coming shock of the
two great armies, General Hooker is relieved, and
the command given to General Meade.
The brief and fragmentary memoranda of the
young soldier evince his usual intentness on the
work in hand; he is in the saddle constantly, and,
by following the scout of General Stahl's cavalry,
loses the opportunity of being in the combats about
Aldie.
Speaking of him about this time, General Hooker
writes, "I cannot too highly commend the zeal,
efficiency, and gallantry which have characterized
the performance of his duties while a member of
my staff."




CHAPTER  VII T I.
EIGHT DAYS OF THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
FEW commanders have ever found themselves
so suddenly confronted with responsibilities
as grave as those which devolved on General
Meade when he was called to assume the command of our army, on the 28th of June, I863.
The best army of rebeldom, estimated at one
hundred thousand strong, under a general of high
reputation, in whom both officers and men placed
implicit confidence, had, by rapid marches, made
its way into Pennsylvania, whence it menaced
the capital of that State, as well as Washington,
Baltimore, and Philadelphia, while it commanded
abundant supplies from the ample resources of the
surrounding country.
Our own army had been compelled to delay its
movement until the enemy was known to be committed to his plan of campaign, and was now, by
forced marches, moving up to give battle on the
first convenient ground; but where this might be
was as yet a question. The unpremeditated col(I56 )




THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.   157
lision of advanced detachments finally determined
it at Gettysburg.
On the Ist of July, our cavalry under Buford,
being posted to the westward of that town, was
attacked by a division of rebel infantry, and, though
much pressed, succeeded in holding the ground
until General Reynolds arrived with two corps.
Meanwhile the van of the rebel army was coming
into action, and a severe engagement ensued. The
Union troops, after a stubborn conflict, were compelled to recede before overpowering numbers,
and fell back in good order through the town to
the Cemetery Ridge,  a position so strong that
the enemy relinquished further attack for the day.
Among the noble slain was the truly gallant
Reynolds.
On hearing the first tidings of the movement, General Meade ordered his advancing corps
rapidly to the support of those in front; and by
the next day the Union army was in position
on the Cemetery Ridge, near Gettysburg. About
half-past three o'clock in the afternoon the enemy
vigorously attacked our left under Sickles. After
some severe fighting, this corps was obliged to
yield to the heavy pressure of greater numbers,
and to take ground a little rearward of the first
position; but the general result was, in fact, a repulse of the enemy.
The grand effort of the rebel army was reserved
14




158          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
for the 3d of July. It began about noon, and was
made along our whole line, preceded by a tremendous artillery fire from more than a hundred pieces.
The rebel'columns rushedto the assault, but were
met with such steadiness and valor that they finally
recoiled, and withdrew from the battle.
Thus ended the invasion of Union soil by the
rebel hordes, and, as an immediate consequence of
defeat, they were obliged to fall back. On the
4th, they drew in their left as a preliminary measure, and on the 5th were in full retreat by the
Fairfield and Cashtown roads.
The only clue to the part which fell to Ulric
Dahlgren during the great struggle at Gettysburg
is to be found in the few lines which he hastily
penciled in the small memorandum-book that he
usually carried for noting orders or items in relation to staff business, and in the letters of correspondents of the press, whose notice was attracted
to him, as he came within their sphere of observation. It is impossible, therefore, to give more than
a bare outline of his connection with the varying
events of those memorable days.
It would appear that General Meade made no
changes.in the staff of his predecessor, and that
Captain Dahlgren continued to occupy the same
position which he had held with General Hooker.
But, instead of the ordinary routine of staff-duty,




THE GETTYSBURG  CAMi~PAIGN.         I59
he had been permitted to follow his own suggestions in observing the rear and flank of the enemy,
intercepting dispatches, cutting off trains, and
harassing communications with such detachments
as he was able to procure from different commanding officers.
While the great army of the Union is gathering
up for the strife, and its leaders, with calmness and
deliberation, are about to place it right in the path
of the invader, the young captain notes with quick
eye the lengthened lines by which the enemy holds
to his base in Virginia. Like attenuated threads,
they stretch over hill and dale, flood and field, each
one, in all its parts, vital to the existence of the
rebel army.  The least blow  struck there will
vibrate to the very heart of that host; so he loses
no time in asking for a squad of cavalry; but few
can now be spared from the struggle that is impending, and he departs on his adventurous mission with scarcely enough men to assure the safety
of a dispatch.
His own memorandum, about this time, runs
thus: "At M.,* proposed to General  -  to take
some men and operate on the rebel rear. He, theln
anxious about thle movements of the army, did not
give the matter much attention.  Then applied to
General P., zuho ordered a sergeant andfifteen men* Middleburg.




i6o         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
to report,-only ten came. With these andfour scouts,
under Sergoeant Cline, zwe started out."
With such scanty force, nothing of importance
could have been expected; but in this, as in other
instances, it is noteworthy that no seeming lack of
means ever discouraged the young soldier, or
wrung from him the slightest token of dissatisfaction. He accepted without demur whatever was
offered, and proceeded in his enterprise with alacrity
and cheerfulness.
So far as it is possible to obtain any particulars
from the scanty information which we have in regard to the course taken by Ulric Dahlgren with
this party on the 3oth of June and Ist of July, it
would seem that he went directly to the rear of the
rebel army, seeking for an opportunity to strike at
some weak or unguarded point of its communications.
For some days prior to the 3oth of June, the
enemy's headquarters had been at Chambersburg,
having one corps thrown out northward, ransacking
the country as far as Carlisle and York; and on
the 3oth (Tuesday), the whole army reunited on
the road to Gettysburg, so that on the Ist of July
(Wednesday) its advance came into contact, as
already stated, with our advance near that village.
The accumulation of their masses on this line
must have limited the enemy's communication with
Williamsport to detached posts of no great strength,




THE GETTYSBUR G CAMPA4IGN.   i6 I
thus restricting their action very much, and leaving
the roads open to our light cavalry.
The course pursued by Captain Dahlgren seems
to indicate that he surmised this to be the case, and
acted accordingly; for it would appear that, keeping to the southward of the rebel army, he struck
for Greencastle, a small town on the road from
Chambersburg to Williamsport, and about halfway between the two places. Probably without
entering it, but only hovering about its outskirts,
he learned in some way that the opposing armies
were in collision on the Ist of July, for his notebook is penciled as follows:
" Wednesday, Fily I, I 863.-Reynolds killed near
Gettysburg; fell back."
On the 2d of July (Thursday), whilst the rebel
commander was preparing for the onslaught upon
our advanced left, under General Sickles, Captain
Dahlgren, still watching Greencastle, entered thattown and captured some dispatches, which he must
have had reason to believe were important, as he
took the road himself, forthwith, for our headquarters.
The distance from Greencastle to Gettysburg is
not less than thirty miles by the nearest road (Fairfield), and the sagacity of the young soldier is said
to have been strikingly displayed in the precautions
which he used to avoid the scattered parties of
rebels that were likely to be encountered.
I4*




I62          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
His note-book is penciled thus:
"Thursday, 7uily 2.- Captured dispatches in Greencastle. Reached the battle-field near Gettysburg at
night. Hard figting. "
A ride of thirty miles over mountain roads,
through a country covered by the enemy, must
have been no insignificant addition to a day's work.
No doubt, too, it was late in the night when he
reached the battle-field, for the last assault of the
rebels had been made about dark.  His remark
"hard fitghting" probably applied to the terrible
results of battle that strewed the ground so thickly
in every direction, and speaks more emphatically
than the most labored description of what that
hardy soldier saw.  For at this time our losses
amounted to twenty thousand men,*-an army in
itself.
The rebels had fallen in force upon our left about
half-past three P.M., and a most sanguinary struggle
had continued until seven o'clock in the evening;
they still held to their position, as if meditating
further assault.
A council of war had been called after darkness
set in, and met before the last signs of battle had
entirely ceased.
The results which Captain Dahlgren was able to
present, as well as the information he had obtained
* General Meade, p. 350.




THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.   163
of the condition of the rebel communications, seem
to have had the effect of procuring for him a larger
force to operate with; and he left the camp early
the next morning (Friday, July 3d), in order to return to Greencastle, which he seemed to consider
the preferable point for his operations. A ride of
ten miles brought him to Emmittsburg, where was
a brigade of cavalry under General Merritt, who
kindly let him have one hundred men of the 6th
Pennsylvania Cavalry. With this force he rode
some fifteen miles farther, and halted near Waynesboro' for the night. His note-book says:
" Friday,.71dy 3.-Started ot earlyfor Greencastle.
Got one hundred men at Emmittsburg from General
Merritt. Stopped at night near Waynesboro'."
Meanwhile, events were transpiring which justified the young soldier's selection of a field for his
operations.
Whilst he was rapidly moving along the road to
Waynesboro', the rebel leader had flung his entire
army against our position at Gettysburg, with a
desperation that showed how fully he felt committed to some result. He himself beheld from a
rising ground the reckless efforts of his battalions,
and saw the open space between the positions covered with his men, slowly and sullenly returning in
broken parties under the heavy fire of our artillery,
leaving many behind who would never rise again.
Well might -he exclaim to his English friend who




I 64         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
stood by,* " T/his has been a sad day for us, colonel,
-a sad day!"
The conflict lasted for two hours, and at five
o'clock in the afternoon ceased.
Nothing of this could have been known to Ulric
Dahlgren when he summoned his little band from
their rough bivouac, long before the break of day,
on the morning of the 4th of July; though he no
doubt anticipated the retreat of the rebel army from
what he had seen and heard on the field of battle
during the night of the 2d.
He has about ten miles to ride to reach Greencastle, and some of Jenkins's cavalry are harboring
there; but they will not be allowed much warning
of his approach. The ride into Fredericksburg
will be repeated, and with like success.
About two o'clock in the morning, while the
birds are still quiet in the trees, his troopers are
in the saddle and ride forward  The east is but
red with the coming morn, when Ulric Dahlgren
breaks into the town and attacks the enemy, who
little dream of what is at hand. A severe conflict
ensues, but the rebels are finally routed, and driven
out with such loss that they make no effort to
disturb their young antagonist in his possession.
And thus he wins the town as he won Fredericksburg, and can even hold it long enough to await
* Colonel Freemantle.




THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 165
the further retrograde movement of the rebel
army.
The record of the day is very briefly set down:
"Saturday, Y3uiy 4.-Started at two A.M. Attacked Yenkins's cavalry in Greencastle.  W/ziteford
captured Paymaster."
There must have been much of incident in the
exploit that was gladdening to the gallant youth,
for the feeling peeps out in a desultory note, thus:
"Passed the 4th in Greencastle. The enemy's
communications entirely destroyed. Remained in
the town all day, feeling proud of our work. Citizens very uneasy about our being there."
Assuredly a very fitting celebration of our national anniversary, and well calculated to awaken
emotions of pride in the hearts of this American
band.
It was one ray of that triumph which, on that
day, renewed the hopes of our great republic, and
gave assurance that it should not be divided, nor
its glory depart from it. One rebel army surrendered at Vicksburg, and the West was disenthralled;
another army had just met with retributive disaster
at Gettysburg, and was about to seek safety in
flight.
A glance at the situation discloses the miserable
prospects of the great host of the insurrection at
this moment.  Its retreat had been decided on
early in the morning. The main body of our




I66         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
cavalry had reached Emmittsburg about noon to
harass the retreat; heavy rain was falling,/2and the
immense train of ill-gotten plunder, filched from
the Pennsylvania farmers by General Ewell, was
slowly wending its way along the Fairfield road to
Hagerstown.
That night the rebels commenced their retrograde march.
July 5th, though Sunday, was to be no day of rest
either for victors or vanquished. It was no doubt
early when Ulric Dahlgren was again on the road
from Greencastle; and it is more than probable
that he moved directly towards Waynesboro', for
the line which the retreat might be expected to
follow. His calculation was just, and he was not
long in falling in with a column of the enemy; but
its force was far beyond that of his small command,
and no little management was required to avoid
disaster. There was a train of six hundred wagons,
but with them were two regiments, one of infantry
and one of cavalry, with a battery of artillery.
Allowing the advance and part of the train to pass,
Captain Dahlgren dashed in upon the rebels while
in a defile, and, dividing his force, worked to front
and rear. One hundred and seventy-six wagons
were destroyed, and two hundred prisoners captured, with three hundred horses, and one piece of
artillery. But the alarm soon spread, and the
enemy came rapidly on the daring little band in




THE GETTYSBURG CAMPA4;GN.   I67
such overwhelming numbers that escape was difficult, and barely possible. Captain Dahlgren's horse
was killed, and it was only by dispersing his men
in different directions amid the deep forest, that he
avoided close pursuit, and contrived to reach the
vicinity of Boonsboro'.
The memorandum says:
"Sunday, Yiuly 5.-Attacked and destroyed one
hundred and seventy-six wag-ons.  Captured two
hundred prisoners, and three hundred horses, and one
piece of artillery, which was retaken. Mlade our way
to near Boonsboro'. KTdpatrick fighzting near Smithbzrg."
In the mean time, General Kilpatrick was approaching from another direction, and had fallen
upon other trains in the mountain-passes, reaching Smithburg about nine o'clock, where he was
soon attacked by a large force of the enemy, but
held to the town until dark, when he drew off and
marched for Boonsboro'.
Meanwhile, the rebel army was undergoing some
of the consequences which their cause so well deserved. After leaving a small army of their comrades on the field of battle, they are now seeking to
escape into Virginia; and a glance at their condition
is thus given by the sympathizing English friend
who just then was meditating a leave-taking of
them and their troubles:
" The night was very bad, thunder and lightning,




i68         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
torrents of rain, the road knee-deep in mud and
water, and often blocked up with wagons'come to
grief.' I pitied the wretched plight of the unfortunate soldiers who were to follow us. Our progress
was naturally very slow indeed, and we took eight
hours to go as many miles.
"At eight A.M. we halted a little beyond the
village of Fairfield, near the entrance to a mountainpass. No sooner had we done so and lit a fire,
than an alarm was spread that Yankee cavalry were
upon us. Several shots flew over our heads, but
we never could discover from whence they came.
News also arrived of the capture of the whole of
Ewell's beautiful wagons. These reports created a
regular stampede among the wagoners," etc.
July 6th, Monday,-the last day of service that
Ulric Dahlgren shall render to his country for a
long while.  Entering Boonsboro' early in the
morning, he found General Kilpatrick, then preparing to move out in search of the enemy. Believing
that his trains would be met about HFagerstown, the
road was taken to that place, distant about ten miles.
Reaching the town, the pickets were quickly driven
in, and the attack began. Among the foremost
was a squadron of the I8th Pennsylvania Cavalry,
under Captain Lindsay; with it were also Lieutenant-Colonel Brinley, and Captains Chauncey,
Russell, and Snyder. Captain Dahlgren, and what
was left of his command, rode with this party,




THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.   i69
The general had just made his dispositions for
attack, and was, indeed, about to carry them into
execution, when it was discovered that the head of
a rebel column was entering the town, composed of
infantry, cavalry, and artillery, in such force as to
render any attempt useless. It was decided, therefore, to select some other place for attack; but the
recall was too late for the leading detachment, which
was already committed to the perilous adventure.
Mr. Paul, the correspondent of a leading paper,
thus describes what followed:
"The party charged into the town, up the first
street to where it enters Potomac Street. The main
portion of the party turned to the right, up Potomac
Street. Captains Dahlgren and Lindsay turned to
the left, in pursuit of five men who took the first
street to the right, and were closely followed. One
took deliberate aim at Captain Lindsay and killed
him. Captain Dahlgren immediately cut down the
man with his saber, and so the fight was kept up
for some time."
Meanwhile, showers of bullets came on the devoted party from every direction,-from streets,
alleys, and houses. Several of our men were killed,
others were wounded and left behind, and it only
remained to get out of the town as quickly as possible. Captain Dahlgren was already wounded;
the sensation was so slight, that he thought it
was nothing more than a glancing ball, and little
15




I70          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
dreamed that his heavy boot and foot had been
pierced. But he must now turn with the remnant
of his party and ride for life. His good steed once
more bears him from captivity or death, and then
he falls from the saddle, exhausted by loss of blood.
Friendly hands are near to receive the wounded
soldier and bear him to an ambulance.
And thus, by the mysterious decrees of Providence, the gallant youth is not permitted to witness
the better fortunes of the cause for which he has
striven so hard through good and ill report, nor to
look upon the remnant of that mighty army that
has desolated so much of his native State and struck
terror to its homes, but which is now receding,
with shattered ranks, and seeking the friendly
shelter of its own soil, leaving one-fourth of its
number on the battle-field or captive,-the path of
its retreat marked by every evidence of the signal
disaster that has befallen it. It would be some
compensation for what he has seen in previous reverses, if he could now advance with the victorious
Eagles of the Republic and join in the triumph.
But that was not to be.
It would appear that the large force which had
been encountered entering Hagerstown was, in
reality, the escort of the rebel leader himself, if we
may judge from the narrative of the English Colo



THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.          7 I
nel Freemantle, who says, "A short time before we
reached Hagerstown there was some firing in front,
together with an alarm that the Yankee cavalry
was upon us. The ambulances were sent back.
After a good deal of desultory skirmishing, we
seated ourselves upon a hill overlooking Hagerstown, and saw the enemy's cavalry driven through
the town, pursued by yelling Confederates. A good
many Yankee prisoners now passed us.
" About seven P.M. we rode through Hagerstown,
in the streets of which were several dead horses,
and a few dead men."
The alarm and excitement which had been created amidst the rebel host may be conceived from
the following off-hand sketch by the same writer,
who was an eye-witness, and certainly not disposed
to throw ridicule on his rebel friends: "After proceeding about a mile beyond the town, we halted,
and General Longstreet sent four cavalrymen up
a lane, with directions to report everything they
saw. We then dismounted and lay down. About
ten minutes later (being nearly dark), we heard a
sudden rush, a pause, and then a regular stampede
commenced, in the midst of which I descried our
four cavalry heroes crossing a field as fast as they
could gallop. All was now complete confusion;
officers mounting their horses and pursuing those
which had got loose, and soldiers climbing over
fences for protection against the supposed advanc



172.        ULRIC D,4AHLGREN.
ing Yankees. In the middle of the din, I heard an
artillery officer shouting to his cannoneers to stand
by him and plant the guns in a proper position
for enfilading the lane. I also distinguished Longstreet walking about, hustled by the excited crowd,
and remarking in angry tones which could scarcely
be heard, and to which no attention was paid.
Whilst the row and confusion were at their height,
the object of all this alarm at length emerged from
the dark lane, in the shape of a domestic fourwheeled carriage with a harmless load of females.
The stampede had, however, spread, increased in
the rear, and caused much harm and delay."




CHAPTER IX.
WOUNDED AND AT HOME.
A FTER being lifted from his saddle, Ulric
Dahlgren was conveyed to an ambulance,
where he remained all night. The wound had not
yet become painful, but his ears were still filled
with the shouts of the combatants, the clash of
sabers, the ring of pistol-shots, and the cries of
the wounded, until sleep settled upon the tired
frame, so little accustomed of late to its undisturbed indulgence, and snatched the thoughts of
the weary soldier from present pain and future
misgivings. His note-book only records, —"Foot
not very painful. Slept well."
The next day his journey homeward was begun,
and he reached Boonsboro'; but how changed in
condition since yesterday, when he left it, flushed
with health and hope, among the foremost horsemen in that retributive tide which menaced the
retreating rebels with repayment of their miisdeeds!
Then the speed of his fleetest horse failed to meet
his eager wishes; now he is the helpless tenant of
15*          (I73)




174          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
an ambulance that tardily wends its way over the
dusty and weary miles.
At this place the surgeon removed several pieces
of fractured bone from the wound; and he notes,
-" Foot easy and comfortable. Slept well."
Next day the journey was continued to Frederick; and the patient must have been still free from
pain,- for his note-book says, "Foot easy, - no
fever;" but the premonition of coming trouble
reached him in the opinion expressed within hearing that "the foot had better come off."
It is some time after dark on Thursday (9th July)
when the car which bears the youthful officer
reaches the Washington depot, and his eyes are
gladdened by resting on the faces of cherished
friends, who have come to tender their kind offices.
The litter is carried along the streets by a few
soldiers, and so'on arrives at the well-known door
of his father's house; then they carefully lift the
sufferer along that stairway up which his lithe foot
had hitherto ever bounded at full spring, and lay
him in the chamber of early days.
Loss of blood, and pain, and discomfort have
made sad inroads already on his hardy frame; but
the sight of old familiar faces recalls something
of the past, and his eye once more beams with
pleasure as it ranges over the objects that revive
past memories.
An examination of the wound is made by a




WOUNDED A ND ArT HOME.    175
skillful surgeon; and then the young soldier turns
to the rest which service and suffering have made
so grateful. The last waking thought is no longer
given to the midnight call which is to arouse him
and his men to new enterprise on the morrow. His
utmost has been done, without reckoning cost or
consequence, and now, for the time at least, he
can do no more.
Next day, even the change from the litter to a
bed fatigues the stout nature which, till then, has
been equal to demands that few could have sustained so well; and the sounds of the battle which
he has left still ring in his ears, He cannot shut
them out, though several days have elapsed since
they were heard.
Friends crowd around him to offer soothing
sympathy in every form. Among the first to sit
by his bedside, with kindly words of heart-felt
sympathy, is Mr. Lincoln. As he looks upon the
youth in whom he has ever evinced so much interest, now tortured with agony which no words
can describe, tears unbidden come. Well for both
is it, that the misty veil that hides the future is
impenetrable to mortal eye!
Hardly a week at home, and the strength is failing fast. The heat of July, too, is taxing heavily the
remaining powers. Every attention that the most
anxious solicitude can suggest is constantly given.
Of the many who inquire, he can see but few,




I 76         ULRIC ~DArILGREN.
among them his old commander, General Hooker:
and the Secretary of War comes in person to tell
him of his promotion, but the youthful hero is too
ill to hear of it.
Then his kind uncle, Mr. S. Abbott Lawrence,true-hearted gentleman and patriot,-leaves his
pleasant summer retreat in Newport to visit his
nephew,-his own failing health scarcely equal to
endure fatigue. Before another year rolls round,
both he and the object of his care will be numbered with the dead. About this time, too, comes
a letter from his father off Charleston, which tells
of the capture of the Southern defenses on Morris
Island. How his eye rekindles with its old luster
at the tidings! But that father little dreamed of
the dangerous condition of his son.
The period at length arrives when amputation
can no longer be delayed with any hope of saving
life. The announcement of the surgeons is received with his usual fortitude. But, as if so great
a misfortune were not trouble sufficient for the
nonce, a letter comes saying that his brother is
lying very ill in Cincinnati, and unable to travel
farther, in consequence of disease contracted at the
siege of Vicksburg.
Such tidings the patient must not hear. The
*nerves that could listen to the roar of cannon as
music, and face unmoved the shock of charging
squadrons, will not now brook the sound of a foot



WOUNDED AND AT HOME.              177
fall. The passage of vehicles by that silent house
is suspended, and a cavalry picket is placed near
the door to enforce the order. Even the tinkling
bell that gives notice of kind inquiries must now
be mute. Nor may he be told of his promotion to
a rank which his best hopes looked not to, as yet.
In full health it would drive wild his calmest pulse,
— now it might snap the thread of life; so the paper
that carries the tidings lies quietly within reach, its
tale untold.
Well, there is no help for it; the young soldier
must be mutilated of his fair proportions, or else
himself pass away out of life. So the operation
goes on, science interposes its aid, and when the
brave youth awakes once more, it is to the consciousness of his great loss.
That night, and the next day, the sands of life
run to their lowest. Another day, and Death still
seems to hover over his prey; if hope yet lingers,
that is barely all. The mind of the sufferer wanders,-the roar of the battle still fills his ears. He
is again leading his men. The word is given, the
horsemen charge,-alas! there is no shout, only
the low moan of prostrate nature.
The third day a strong constitution asserts its
power, and hope revives. He is now out of danger,
yet not fully so. The next day brings better news;
the young soldier is more himself. But, oh! how
wasted and unlike the former self, that felt equal to




178          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
meet any ill of life! He is cautiously apprised of the
order making him a colonel. It must have sounded
like the trumpet-call to action. New hopes break
in upon his future vision, and he seems to feel as
if he should soon be ready for the field again. A
magistrate is summoned, and then, almost recalled
from the grave, he raises his true right hand to
heaven in pledge of renewed fealty to his country
and her cause,-"So lelp me God! Amien."  That
solemn oath has been registered, and in a few short
months the noble heart will be called on to answer
for its faithful keeping. There were fears that the
feeble frame might be exhausted under such excitement, but it may have been the stay that bore
him safely through the further trial.
The Sabbath arrives, and with it the brother who,
wasted by the malaria and summer sun of the Mississippi Valley, has had just sufficient strength
to crawl homeward for care and cure under his
father's roof. Both are but wrecks of the active,
care-free lads who went out from their home and
offered their mite to the great cause. One is wasted
by disease, the other by wounds; but they have
been repaid by looking upon grand events. One
has just seen the great valley of the Mississippi
unlocked by the capture of Vicksburg and of a
rebel army, and the other has seen the greatest
host of the insurrection recoil, with terrible loss,
before the Union army at Gettysburg. Both had




WOUNVDED AiND A T HOME.   179
their parts in these important events,-not great,
perhaps hardly noticeable, for they were but atoms
in the mighty mass; but they gave all they had to
give, and with cheerfulness. One had served on
the seaboard, as far round as the mouths of the Mississippi; then, being transferred to the squadron
moving with Grant, he participated in its action,
and at last found place behind a naval battery of
his father's nine-inch guns, which did its share
on the rebel batteries. The other had witnessed
great battles at Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg,-alternate defeat and victory;
had charged at Beverley Ford, and flashed into
Fredericksburg, and brought out captive rebels to
attest the deed; had harried the rebel retreat from
Gettysburg, and, during a desperate charge into a
stronghold, had been wounded in its very streets.
In the retrospect there was nothing to regret.
So the communion of the brothers, though sad, has
its consolation; and the quiet of the day lends its
influence to soothe the hours of sickness.
The young colonel is not unmindful of the higher
Power which has carried him  safely through so
many perils, and has recalled him to life. He desires
to see the pastor to whose eloquent and earnest
teachings he owes so much. The solemn interview is thus mentioned by Dr. Sunderland himself:*
* Sermon in Memory of Colonel Ulric Dahlgren, delivered in the
First Presbyterian Church, Washington, April 24, 1864, p. 25.




I 80        ULRIC DAHLGREN.
"Alive, as never before, to the gentle memories
and cherished tokens of other days, he called back
from the sea of reminiscence every floating waif,
and held communion with familiar forms and
visions, that came before him in his prostration,
and silently ministered a solace and a strength like
the descending dew. Who can tell what angels of
mercy, in mingled pity and admiration, then hovered around his bed, or if the glorified spirit of his
departed mother were not present, watching over
the son,of her affection, and kindling afresh in him
the flame of the early devotion? Certain it is, that
he alone, of all who came and went in that chamber, displayed the calmness of a great serenity,
himself unmoved, save when some finger pointed
to the cause of the afflicted country, and then he
roused into a startling energy.  But otherwise
he lay quietly in his consuming weakness, frequently seeking to lull the bodily pain he felt in
the sound of sacred songs, hymning to himself the
strains of younger days, that had often borne up
his mind to heaven in the worship of the family.
Low upon his back, sometimes agonized, and always helpless, he looked, hour by hour, steadily
upon death, his nature rapidly ripening in a full
measure of resignation to the will of Heaven, and
gathering an unshaken confidence in the mercy of
the Redeemer. Nobler and better thoughts filled
him with composure, and all the tenderness of his




WOUNDED AND A T HOME.            I8I
being came gushing forth again, like the fragrance
of mangled flowers. He now turned with strong
desire and unaffected satisfaction to the volume of
inspiration as to a high tower of refuge. On its
great and loving promise he reposed his aching
heart. The fourteenth chapter of John became
especially as a pillow to his weary mind. In its
assurance he cast the whole substance of his destiny
on the fatherhood of God, and daily grew purer
and greater in the new-found fraternity of Jesus, on
whose propitiation alone he began to take reliance
for the certainty of his present and final salvation.
"So, when the Sabbath came round, and through
open windows looking towards the church he could
hear the lofty melodies of the sanctuary floating out
upon the stillness of the consecrated air, he would
often pause and call the family to listen, and there,
hushed into rapt attention, he caught again the
old refrains of Zion, so long resounding from her
glorious hills, and on those snatches and broken
notes that drifted to his ear in fragments, his exulting spirit rose aloft towards the realms of the
blessed and immortal! On one of these Sabbath
days he sent for me, and then, for the first time, I
looked upon the wounded soldier. Oh, how beautiful and brave and grand he seemed, as in his
waste and woe-worn plight of fleshly torture at
length I beheld him stretched out, and saw the
signals of that fearful maiming! In spite of all, my
i6




I82         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
tears ran down as he lifted up to my salutation one
sweet smile of greeting from that couch of physical
agony. That moment is one of the living junctures
of duration that will never perish till reason shall
be dethroned, for I felt myself in the presence of
one far higher and holier than myself, on whom
the mystic unction of God had passed, and made
him a prince and a king forever.
"Nor can we doubt that there, in the hour of
his deepest trouble, he entered into the spiritual
rest of Christ's chosen people; and there, in the
gloom of his sorest darkness, the covenant of his
eternal salvation was accomplished."
The month of July wears on, hot and oppressive,
-therefore bears severely on the enfeebled patient;
but the young and hitherto untouched resources
of health are daily renovating the wasted form,
and by the ist of August his skillful medical attendants pronounce him out of danger. He has
triumphed again. In good season, too, comes a
letter to him from his father, who has heard of the
wound, and speaks comfort to his beloved son,telling him to be of good cheer. And soon after
arrives, from the South Atlantic Squadron, that
gallant officer, Lieutenant Preston, who has been
serving as flag-lieutenant to the admiral, and can
therefore give full and exact account of the proceedings there. Such an interview must have been
full of interest,-two young Americans, each of




WO UNVDED AND Ai  T HOME.        183
whom was to close a glorious career in the cause
to which both were so devoted.
Every day adds to the returning strength, and
the congratulations of friends are tendered continually. By the I3th of August it is deemed possible to travel, and, to avoid the oppressive heat,
Colonel Dahlgren is permitted to try the journey
to Newport. Some of his old sailor comrades
bear him on a litter to the cars, and on the I 5th he
reaches the home of his uncle, Mr. S. Abbott
Lawrence. Thus ends a month of severe trial.
The climate was favorable to returning. health,
but a new trial awaits him here. Tears that his
own afflictions could not excite were to flow freely
over the sudden death of his beloved uncle, whose
guest he now was. The death-blow was instant,
and in a few hours the earthly career of one of
the truest of loyal citizens was closed. No one
had given more freely, in word and influence and
means, to the Union cause than Mr. S. Abbott
Lawrence.
Having rendered the last tribute to this excellent relative, Colonel Dahlgren turned homeward
once more, where he arrived on the 2ISt September, after passing a week with his old friends in
Philadelphia. Two days afterwards, his younger
brother, Paul, returned home from his first cruise
as a midshipman in the frigate Macedonian. He
had not heard of the wound received by his brother,




g184        ULRIC DAHLGREN.
and was naturally much shocked to behold the
great change which it had occasioned.
During October, Colonel Dahlgren spent a week
with some of his friends in Harrisburg, and then
returned to Washington.




CHAPTER X.
OFF CHARLESTON.
H   IS wound was not yet healed, nor his strength
sufficiently restored for service.  Colonel
Dahlgren, therefore, concluded to visit his father,
who was then in command of the South Atlantic
Blockading Squadron. He left home on Thursday,
i9th of November, I863, and took passage in the
steamer that carried supplies for the squadron,
which departed from Philadelphia on Saturday the
2Ist, and, after a passage of sixty-five hours, appeared off Charleston bar about eight o'clock on
the morning of the 24th.
His observant eye quickly took in the prominent
features of the scene. Outside lay the war steamers
that constituted the first line of blockade,-the
Wabash looming up grandly among them; a noble
screw-frigate of several thousand tons, which had
been used by Admiral Dupont as his flagship, and
enacted the chief part in the reduction of Port
Royal (November, I86I), two years previously,
but, being of too great draft, could not cross the
I6*         ( I85 )




I86          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
Charleston bar, and therefore no longer carried the
flag.
Passing this seaward guard, the Massachusetts
crossed the bar, and mingled with the inshore
squadron, composed of iron-clads, far less imposing
in appearance but much more formidable in action
than the outer squadron. Among them fluttered
the admiral's flag, hoisted on the Philadelphia, a
plain river steamer, whose sole merit consisted in
the capacity to accommodate the large staff of
officers that was required by a command of seventy
vessels.
The general appearance of the land was uninviting, presenting long, low strips of sand,-beach
and hillock, partially covered by a growth of small
pine, though the nearest shore was denuded even
of this. This deficiency, however, was more than
compensated by the presence of objects of greater
interest. Formidable earth-works crowned the
rising ground: prominent among them was Wagner; and the tents of our soldiers dotted the
intervening space. Beyond was to be seen Fort
Johnson, and to the right of it appeared the spires
and dwellings of Charleston, some four miles distant. Off the northern point of Morris Island a
mass of ruins rose from the water. This was Sumter,
quite as capable as ever of harboring its garrison
of rebels. Its flag-staff displayed the rebel banner,
within fair gunshot ofthe Union flag on Cummings's




OFF CHARLESTON.               187
Point. Right across from Sumter, and seemingly
barring farther progress in that direction, was Sullivan's Island, lined for a mile and a half with formidable batteries, central amid which Moultrie was
distinguishable. No grand or striking features,
natural or artificial, met the eye, but there was
significance in every sand hillock or graded outline,
for each marked the site of a battery or that of
protracted conflict. And beyond all was the City
by the sea, which had been the very focus of the
rebellion, and still abated nothing of its hostility to
the Union.
The Massachusetts drops anchor at convenient
distance, and the commanding officer's gig repairs
to the flagship. Colonel Dahlgren is seated therein.
The boat reaches the side, and, tossed by the toppling waves, offers but a precarious footing for the
crippled soldier. As he rises, kindly hands are
instinctively extended to steady him, but he seizes
the man-ropes with a firm grasp, and lifts himself
into the low gangway.
His father and elder brother are there to receive
him. It is six months since the father and son had
parted; but how that brief space has been crowded
with events! Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Morris Island,
tell of the service of each. After a brief review
of the most interesting incidents in family matters,
the barge is manned and pulled up to the advance,
the father carefully pointing out to his son the




88         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
objects most noteworthy. At last they reach the
monitor (the Weehawken) whose tour of duty it
was, that day, to lie nearest the rebel batteries.
From this position is to be had a clear view of the
city and the inner harbor; to the right, and nearest,
are the rebel works on Sullivan's Island; directly
in front, the city, Castle Pinckney, and Fort Ripley;
to the left, grim Sumter; and a little beyond, Fort
Johnson, marked by the huge mound of its bombproof. The landscape is not without the tokens of
war, for the flash and booming of cannon come
from our battery on Cummings's Point, at measured
intervals, and the columns of dust that rise from
Sumter disclose the object of fire, and the result.
The Weehawken itself is an object of no ordinary interest, having been engaged with the rebel
batteries thirteen times in the recent operations
here, on four of which occasions she bore the admiral's flag, and once grounded under the heavy
fire of Sullivan's Island, where, being left partially
bare by the falling tide, she might have been fatally
damaged had not the admiral ordered all the other
iron-clads present to engage the batteries, and thus
give their guns other work.
Captain Colhoun, who had so handsomely carried
the Weehawken through all this service, now gratified the natural curiosity of the young soldier by
pointing out some of the effects of the hard battering it had undergone. The turret was marked by




OFF CHARLESTON.             I89
the deep dints of the rebel shot, but the side armor,
not equally enduring, was started off several inches
in some places. Some two weeks later this veteran
iron-clad is fated to founder, and find a resting-place
in the slimy ooze of this unfriendly anchorage,
where now she rides so gallantly and defiantly,
Ulric's note-book gives his first ideas of these
strange crafts very tersely:-" The impression made
by first seeing a monitor is that of a vessel nearly
submerged, the water washing over the deck and
looking as uncomfortable as one can imagine.
The men show their service. The monitors have
been well battered, and look leaky from some tremendous hits about the water-line."
After a full view of the scene, the barge returns
to the flagship, and the traveler finds himself snugly
established in his father's spacious cabin on board
the Philadelphia.
A few days later he accompanies the admiral to
a review of the marine battalion of the fleet, which
is about to return home. This force had been
landed and encamped at a convenient spot on Folly
Island, near Stono, in order to train the men more
thoroughly together, for landing when required.
Ulric, resting on his crutches, watched with attention the evolutions, which were performed admirably, from the most deliberate time to a double-quick,
which, in the heavy sand, was less amusing than
might be supposed. This work was followed by




19go        ULRIC DAHLGREN.
a neat collation in proper service style, attended by
all the officers present, and a pleasant half-hour
was thus passed, in the course of which Ulric toasted
his former commander, General Hooker.
The following week was variously employed.
On one day he makes his first essay in the saddle
since he was lifted from it, wounded, at Hagerstown. As he moved slowly on his crutches to the
side of the horse, and was then sustained with care
until his foot was in the stirrup, it seemed hardly
possible that the experiment could succeed; but
there the doubt ceased. He rose with ease to his
place, and sat as assuredly as if he lacked no limb,
and quickly gathering up the reins, put his horse to a
canter and rode out of sight. Arriving at FortWagner, some three miles distant, he saw as much of it
as possible without dismounting; but found the approaches that had been made by our troops nearly
obliterated by sand and wind. From this fort he
had a better view of the city and Fort Johnson.
The next day, the vessels were dressed gayly in
flags, and a salute was fired from the Ironsides, in
compliment to Grant's victory at Missionary Ridge.
On the 2d December, the flagship left the inlet and
anchored in the Roads. The colonel says he spent
the day watching the movements. Our battel'y, at
the north end of Morris Island, was firing upon
Sumter, and was answered from Johnson. Next
day he went in the barge to look at the wreck of




OFF CHARLESTON.             I 9
the Keokuk, a lightly-armored vessel, which was
so severely handled in Dupont's attack on Sumter
that she sank near the entrance of the inlet. At
this time the tops of her casemates were barely
visible.
On Saturday (5th December), being desirous of
seeing Port Royal, his father took him on board
the Sonoma, a double-ender, which was going
thither; she steamed out late in the day, and,
during the night, was helped along by a stiff northeaster. His note-book says, "Heavy sea and blowing hard. Schooner in tow; had to cast her off
early next morning, on account of the weather.
Had a very pleasant trip."
Port Royal is probably the finest harbor on our
Southern coast. Like all the rest of them, its entrance is bordered by ranges of shoals, extending
several miles seaward; but there are three channels among these shoals, which are well marked,
and permit vessels of twenty-one to twenty-three
feet to cross at low water; so that those of the
largest class have no difficulty at any time in entering. The shore-line is low and wooded, with no
feature distinguishable by the ordinary observer.
The Sonoma passed in soon after daylight, and
anchored near the Vermont, among the numerous
vessels of the squadron that clustered about the
naval depot on the northern shore, either for repair
or supplies. Colonel Ulric soon afterwards made




I92          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
his way to the Vermont, where he found the senior
officer, Captain Reynolds, an old shipmate of his
father's, who had had the misfortune to lose his
brother, General Reynolds, at Gettysburg. The
next day he crossed to Hilton Head, the military
depot on the southern shore of the bay, where he
dined with a friend, and started for Beaufort, which
he reached in the evening. The following day he
drove about the country, and in the afternoon rode
on horseback with some friends. Among other
places he visited the Smith plantation, where the
party looked at, and speculated on, the remains of
the old fort, which, some three hundred years since,
served to protect the first European comers. Near
it, too, might be seen an unfinished wharf, as left
by our own engineers, and thus met the labors of
different centuries. More interesting than either
was the old plantation-house, now occupied by
some clever and most estimable Northern women,
who, regardless of all difficulties, had left their
homes to carry instruction to the negro. All praise
to their noble sympathies! Tuesday Colonel Dahlgren seems to have spent with friends in Beaufort,
where some of the black regiments and their good
marching attracted his notice. He also visited
Captain Badger, then there under hospital treatment, who had been his father's fleet-captain, and
was badly wounded in an attack by the iron-clads
on the Sullivan Island batteries (September Ist).




OFF CHI4RLESTON.            I93
He was with the admiral, on board the Weehawken,
and was struck by an iron splinter, driven from the
turret by a heavy shot, which fractured his thigh.
That very evening the news reached Beaufort of
the loss of the Weehawken, which foundered in a
gale, off Charleston, on the 6th.
The next day, Colonel Dahlgren returned to
Port Royal, and, after visiting the Vermont, took a
ride on shore with several naval officers, and saw
some of his military friends.
Having thus acquired a good idea of Port Royal
and its vicinity, by personal observation, on Thursday morning early (Ioth December) the colonel
embarked on board the Paul Jones (a double-ender
gunboat), which was bound for Charleston. Towards evening it came on to blow freshly from the
northeast, bringing the usual heavy sea, which
necessarily reduced the speed of the steamer, so
that it was dark when it reached the Wabash, off
the bar, and anchored outside.
The next morning rose upon a genuine northeaster; and none but those who have actually
undergone such an affliction can fully appreciate
the discomforts of riding out a gale, at anchor,
either inside or outside of Charleston bar. The
Paul Jones crossed it early, before the sea had risen
on the bar, and Ulric got back to the flagship as
soon as possible. The note-book gives his own
impressions in a few words, thus:
17




I94         ULRIC DAZ-LGREN.
"Friday, December i i. —Blew hard during the
night; heavy sea on; foggy. Went on board the
Philadelphia; rough getting from one steamer to
another.  Thought the small boat would be
swamped.  Looked'blue' in the Philadelphia;
rudder broken, and she would go to pieces if the
gale continued. Weehawken a great loss; being
investigated. Large fire in Sumter. Very heavy
sea, etc."
This state of things is thus explained: The
Philadelphia was nothing more than an ordinary
river steamboat, and used to ply on the mail line
between Washington and Acquia. When the rebellion began to show head, in April, I86I, this
boat, with others of like description, had been seized
by General Scott, and transferred to the navy.
Captain Dahlgren, then commanding the Navy
Yard, armed and equipped them all, in order to
keep open the communication by the Potomac,
none other remaining after the Baltimore mob had
cut off that by railroad. The Philadelphia was, in
many respects, well suited for the flagship of the
South Atlantic; indeed, no other vessel in the squadron had proper accommodation for the large staff
which such a command required. But in a roadstead so exposed as is that of Charleston, and where
an ugly cross sea so generally prevails, the vessel
suffered severely, and was much racked in heavy
weather by the sea striking under her wide and low




OFF CHA4RLESTON.            195
guards. On the 6th of December, the admiral
lay within a few hundred yards of the Weehawken,
the most advanced of the vessels, except the picket.
The Philadelphia was not only much strained by
the heavy sea, but her rudder was disabled, and it
was reported afterwards that the vessel had been
held to the mooring-buoy by lashing the streamcable with a few parts of rope; so, if that had given
way, the steam would not have kept the Philadelphia from going ashore, as it was impossible to
steer. It was to this state of things that the remarks of Colonel Dahlgren referred, and it was
with no pleasant anticipations that the admiral saw
his son return just at that time, as his crippled
condition and unhealed wound would. render the
steamer very uncomfortable to him. On the day
previous, an effort had been made to run the Philadelphia into the inlet, so as to repair the rudder, but
there was not water enough on its bar.
On the I2th, the vessel labored so much in the
sea that another attempt was made to enter the
inlet, but the sea broke on its bar. On renewing
the effort a few days afterwards, the temporary fixtures of the rudder gave way, right off the bar, and
a part of the port wheel-house was carried away.
It was now evident that the Philadelphia could not
be got into the inlet by its proper entrance, so a
gunboat was ordered to tow her down to Stono.
Just as she was on the point of leaving the road



I96          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
stead, General Gillmore came on board, and, breakfast being served, he sat down with the colonel and
his father. The conversation turned on operations,
and the general made known a project for Savannah, to which the admiral readily assented. Views
on other subjects were expressed, which it is not
necessary to mention here. Meanwhile, the voyage
was proceeding. By noon, the Philadelphia was off
Stono, and entered; once in these smooth waters,
the rudder was refitted timporarily, and the vessel
steamed up Folly River, until she reached the narrow passages by which a water-communication is
established with the inlet,-a great convenience,
had it not been more or less exposed, at some
points, to the fire of the rebel batteries. The
streamlet now became so narrow and so crooked
that hawsers were indispensable for the remaining
distance, to cant the vessel's head at the numerous
sharp bends, the guards often touching the morass
on both sides. It was midnight when the Philadelphia emerged from this curious navigation and
entered the inlet.
The young soldier was, as usual, a constant and
attentive observer of all that was passing, and was
regularly domiciled with his brother in one of the
large apartments attached to the cabin. Sometimes he rode up the island on horseback, noticing
whatever was of interest, as the firing from the
batteries, the appearance of the city, the new iron



OFF CHARLESTON.              I97
clads building there, the guard-boats, etc. And in
this way Christmas wears around; a season so
crowded, when at home, with the innocent merriment of boys and girls, and so suggestive of the
past, as we grow away from the active participation
and become mere lookers-on. It is, in truth, a
home festival only,-without the family circle it
cannot be enjoyed with real zest. The father and
son had spent many together; Dozw this was their
last, though neither felt that such was to be, but
enjoyed the dinner-hour in quiet and pleasant conversation.
The day was not entirely barren of incident, for
the rebels, perhaps to contribute to the pleasures of
the day, opened very suddenly from some concealed
batteries upon the gunboat Marblehead, then lying
in the Stono River in an exposed position, near the
row of piles that had been driven across the stream
to obstruct our ascent. Captain Meade promptly
dropped his vessel to a point where his guns would
bear to most advantage, and returned the fire with
spirit. The din soon came to that cold veteran, the
Pawnee, and Captain Balch steamed as soon as
possible to the spot, so as to take his part in the
fray. Selecting a position in the Kiawah, which
would rake the rebel batteries, he let loose his
broadside of nine-inch guns with such effect that
the rebels fled precipitately, leaving their heavy
artillery behind. The next day a force was landed
17*




I98          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
which took possession of these guns: two of them
were fine siege eight-inch howitzers. One was
assigned to the Marblehead, and the other to the
Pawnee, as trophies.
On the 29th December, an expedition started
for Murrill's Inlet, a small arm of the sea near the
northern extremity of South Carolina, only admitting small coasting-craft of the lightest draft at high
water. A little sailing-vessel was usually stationed
here to prevent the egress of turpentine and other
produce. By some indiscretion, one of our boat's
crews had been captured on landing, and a larger
vessel was therefore sent, with a view of retrieving
the mistake when a proper opportunity should
offer; but, instead of profiting by experience, another landing-party was surprised, while attempting to capture a small vessel in the inlet, and lost
twelve men with three officers. The admiral determined, therefore, to abate the nuisance, and the
satisfaction of the rebels at this double mishap, by
sending a suitable force to do the work. Two
gunboats (Nipsic and Sanford), with two very lightdraft steamers, and two sailing-vessels, were directed
to prepare for the expedition; four howitzers and
one hundred marines were added, the whole under
Captain Joseph Green.
As soon as Colonel Dahlgren perceived that the
measure was contemplated, he became desirous to
join it, and to command the landing force. This




OFF CHARLESTON.             199
was not possible, however, as he was an army
officer, and, besides, his crippled condition would
interfere with the personal exertion required to
land on an open sea-beach; but, to quiet his anxiety, his father permitted him to embark as a volunteer. So, on the afternoon of the 29th, he repaired to the Nipsic, and late in the day the little
squadron steamed off in a northerly direction.
His own account of the operation is thus briefly
recorded:
"Wednesday, December 3o.-Beautiful weather,
wind northwestward. Arrived in the afternoon off
Murrill's Inlet. Ethan Allen and Maugham came
up. Wind shifting to northeast. Clouding over.
Good fishing. Preparations for landing complete.
Everybody eager to take part. The pilot, Prince,
quite a character. Went to bed. In the night
heavy sea arose. Ship rolled a great deal.
" Tzursday, December 3.- Rough and rainy,wind northeast.  Heavy sea during last night.
Moved off Georgetown. Wind coming to southwest. During the gale, last night, a boat got adrift,
and the tug was much strained. Guns, etc. taken
out of boats. Refugees report that the rebels expected us, and had reinforcements from Savannah
and Georgetown waiting for us.
"Friday, YCanuary I, I864.-High wind southwest. Sandford started home. Nipsic went to
Murrill's Inlet,-opened fire on the schooner. Four




200          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
boats landed with marines. Very pretty as the
boats shoved off, -hard pulling,-landed successfully. Schooner in flames,-very black smoke
from one hundred and nineteen barrels of turpentine. Two hundred cavalry came down,-a happy
New Year doubtless to them."
Having thus accomplished the purpose, the
Nipsic (Captain Spotts) returned to Charleston, and
Ulric resumed his place in his father's cabin. Here
he passed part of the time in reading, or in observing surrounding objects from the cabin windows:
sometimes in exercising outside in the open air, or
in spending an hour with the officers of the staff.
If the weather was suitable, a ride on horseback
varied the occupation of the passing hours, or a
pull in the fine, roomy barge, which the stout arms
of more than a dozen seamen drove swiftly over
the toppling seas. The subject always present to
him, however, was the pending military and naval
prospect, of which there was no closer observer
there. His eye never failed to notice any changes
that might occur, and, notwithstanding his disability and as yet unconfirmed health, he even joined
the scouting-parties that went up at night to reconnoiter the rebel movements at the front. As the
Philadelphia was still in a disabled condition, the
admiral generally left that vessel before sundown,
and passed the night in one of the gunboats, among
the iron-clads, that were anchored well up the roads




OFF CH'ARLESTON.            20 I
on blockade, and in readiness also to support the
picket-monitors if attacked. Being detained later
than usual by business, one evening, it was quite
dark before he got over the inlet bar, and pulled
alongside a tug in order to steam up with more
facility. It was a stormy-looking January night,
the sea was rough, and a light rain was falling.
Scrambling over the side of the little steamer as
well as the motion permitted, the admiral unexpectedly encountered his son, very composedly
steadying himself on his crutches against the cabin
bulkhead. He was bound up to the front with the
scouting officer, to pass part of that inclement
night in watching the enemy's movements.
On the I2th, he attended a flag-raising at Fort
Wagner, when the Union banner was displayed from
a pole of very commanding height. Speeches
were made, etc., and it was supposed that the rebels
would join in celebrating the occasion by opening
fire, but they did not.
On the I6th of January, General Gillmore visited
the admiral, and Colonel Dahlgren notes some of
the conversation that passed, which happened to be
of more than usual interest.
On the 20th, he mentions a review by General
Gordon, of the troops under his command, and remarks their good appearance.
And now the hour drew near when father and




202         ULRIC DAZLGIREN.
son were to part for the last time. Ulric's wound
was healing rapidly, and his crippled limb becoming
firm enough to bear artificial assistance, which was
best to be obtained by returning North. It was
therefore decided on, with the understanding that
when the new monitors should arrive Colonel
Dahlgren would return, and be allowed to accompany the fleet into the harbor.
The supply-ship had come in early from the
southward, and anchored off the inlet for more
convenient access to the flagship. About four
o'clock, Ulric Dahlgren stood in the gangway of
the Philadelphia, resting on his crutches, and bade
adieu to many friends who had met there for that
purpose. In his hand was a small box, containing
a valued memorial of hard service. As he grasps
the man-rope to descend into the unsteady boat,
many kind hands are stretched forth to aid the
crippled soldier. The oars are dropped into the
water, and, as the barge glides away, the young
officer raises his cap in friendly farewell to his naval
comrades.
The sun of the short day is rapidly descending
to the horizon, the tide swells full on the bar, and
the anchor of the steamer is nearly atrip. On the
quarter-deck the admiral is exchanging some parting words with his beloved son, little thinking that
they are to be the last on this side of eternity, and
unheeding the impatience of the captain, who is most




OFF CHARLESTON.             203
anxious that he shall have sufficient daylight and
water to get into the open sea. But the last moment together has been spent. Father and son
exchange the farewell greeting, and are separated
forever.
As the barge glides away from the departing
steamer, the admiral turns and waves his cap to
his son in affectionate adieu, until the forms of both
become indistinct in the distance.
The steamer rapidly crosses the bar, and is soon
on the broad ocean.
And thus concludes another of the few chapters,
in the life of Ulric Dahlgren.




CHAPTER XI.
ATTEMPT TO RESCUE THE UNION SOLDIERS FROM CAPTIVITY AT LIBBY AND BELLE ISLE, IN RICHMOND.
AFTER a pleasant run of fifty hours, the steamer
reached Fortress Monroe about dark of January 24th (Sunday).
Many lights were glittering ashore, and on board
the fleet of vessels at anchor in the roads. The
moon was rising in all the majesty of a full orb,
and disclosed the dim outlines of objects on land
and water. Upon this mingled scene of loveliness,
the young man stood gazing and rapt in contemplation, until the anchor was dropped and the
steamer swung round to the tide; then he hastened
to the flagship and paid his respects to Admiral
Lee. During the night the voyage was resumed,
and next day the steamer entered the Delaware,
arriving at the Philadelphia Navy Yard about midnight.
On Tuesday (26th June, I864) Colonel Dahlgren
took the train for Washington, and that evening
he reached home once more.
During the three weeks that followed, he occu(204)




A TTEMPT TO RESCUE PRISONERS. 205
pied himself in returning the calls and acknowledging the attentions of friends who had been so
kind while he was the inmate of a sick-chamber;
he also paid his respects to the principal officers of
the government, —and wherever he went was received with the warmest welcome. He was constantly the object of flattering notice, and the
impression he made on all who met him was that
of an unobtrusive and modest young man, whose
thoughts were earnestly and enthusiastically bent
on the future of his country.
The project of an expedition to rescue the Union
soldiers from the horrible dungeons of Richmond,
where they were immured, reached him about
this time.
"The idea originated with General Kilpatrick,
and, on being submitted in all its details, met the
approbation of the Secretary of War, and of the
President of the United States."*
The cruel usage to which our brave men were
subjected in these prisons had attracted much attention at the North, arousing the warmest feelings
for their sufferings, and the deepest indignation
against those who inflicted them. All this is now
a matter of history, not to be denied or extenuated,
for the stamp of judicial decision has given certainty to the strongest allegations; and at least one
* Memoir of General Kilpatrick, by Dr. Moore.
IS




206          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
of the infamous jailers has found a fitting end at
the hands of the hangman for his share in these
atrocities.
This state of things had existed at Richmond
from an early period of the rebellion, and had conferred a notoriety on its Bastilles which will never
pass away. There was not the least attempt to
disguise the fact. On the contrary, the existence
of Libby and Belle Isle, and the wretched condition
of our men who were confined there, were as well
known outside as to the unfortunate victims themselves, who, in filth, and want, and disease, were
suffering all that neglect or vengeance could inflict.
Neither the entreaties nor the denunciations of
the Union government or people could shake the
fell purpose of those who perpetrated or permitted
the enormity. It went on increasing and extending until the infamous pens of Salisbury, and Florence, and Andersonville became as abhorrent as
the dungeons of Richmond; but with this difference, that at Richmond the rebel authorities
themselves could not fail to be witnesses of these
atrocities. That city supplied high places for
these officials, as well as dungeons for Union
soldiers, and graves for the victims. Within its
fortifications were gathered the first dignitaries
of rebeldom, as well as the gallant sons of the
North whose sad fate it had been to become
their captives. The inhuman treatment to which




A TTEMPT TO RESCUE PRISONERS: 207
the latter were subjected could not by any possibility have been unknown to the former, for it
occurred almost in their presence; and the anguish
it inflicted on loyal hearts was wafted to Southern
ears on every breeze. The cry of parents, wives,
and children was mingled with the wail of the
widow and the orphan. But all in vain. If the
leaders did not of themselves deny food and clothing and space to the wants of existence, they
permitted their wretched subordinates to do so,
and lived in view of the dungeons where the
sad wrecks of humanity that had escaped rebel
steel and bullet were being slowly consumed by
equally fatal but more terrible means. They could
hardly avoid seeing the prison-bars, which our
men dared not approach, if only for a breath of
the pure air of heaven, except at the risk of being
shot down. The tidings of such horrid barbarity
were carried to the North daily, and entered our
homes as if the first-born had been marked by the
destroying angel.
Among our youth, no one had been more painfully impressed with a keen sense of this revolting
atrocity than Ulric Dahlgren. It awakened his
deepest indignation. War in its mildest form is
cruel enough to sate a tiger, and he had ever
been most careful to avoid aggravating these sorrows by inflicting needless pain on any. Little
was there of the country between the capital and




208         ULRIC DALHLGREN.
the Rappahannock that he had not traversed by
day and by night as a soldier of the Union,-along
its roads and lanes, over mountain, hill, and dale,
through forest, and field, and villages, and past the
farm-houses of a people avowedly hostile to tze
cause, who never hesitated to exhibit their feelings
and their resentment upon every occasion. In the
succession of fierce battles that pushed the army
under Pope back to the very lines of Washington,
he had done his part as a good soldier. At Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg,
he was among the foremost who thronged around
our banner in its hour of greatest danger. His own
exploits at Fredericksburg, and Greencastle, and
Hagerstown will not soon be forgotten. He knew,
too, what it was to face the bullet of the assassin
as well as the shock of open war, and had been
marked for death more than once by the murderous marauders that infested the solitary paths of
the country. But none of these had ever provoked
him to vengeance on defenseless prisoners, or rendered him unmindful of the claims of women and
children. He was ever kind and gentle to their
-helplessness, and in no single instance did they or
their little property ever suffer at his hands. An
undrawn month's pay was all of this world's goods
that the noble youth left behind him.
But his kindly nature was agitated beyond
bounds by the unprovoked and persistent barbar



A TTEMPT TO RESCUE PRISONERS. 209
ities inflicted in the cells of Richmond. When
visiting his father off Charleston, he often adverted
to them in unsparing terms. He looked upon
them as violations of all law, human and divine,
and liable to punishment by the same merciless
code that they invoked.
On his return North, he was no sooner apprised
that the object of the contemplated expedition was
to release the Union soldiers confined at Richmond,
than he eagerly sought to join it.
It was well known that he was in no condition
to take the field just then; for, the maimed limb
not being yet healed, he moved on crutches, and his
emaciated frame gave token of unrestored vigor;
wherefore his friends strove to dissuade him from
the undertaking. But the remembrance of comrades pining in loathsome dungeons, and a painful
conviction of the sufferings of men with whom he
had shared the privation of the camp and the danger of the scout and the skirmish, and with whom
he had ridden side by side in the daring charge at
Beverley Ford, and other well-fought fields, animated every pulse of his gallant heart. He felt that
duty called him to some effort in their behalf, and,
disregardingevery consideration of self, he hesitated
not to incur any hardship or danger for their relief.
Of him it may be truly said, as it was of another,
that " Never did Christian knight of old ride forth to
battle with the fierce infidel on the plains of PalesIi8*




2IO         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
tine, with purer, holier purpose, unmixed with self
or self-interest, than did he, who risked life, liberty,
and fame to give freedom to others."
On the I 8th February, I864, Ulric Dahlgren
left Washington, and, taking the Alexandria cars,
reached Brandy Station. There he mounted his
horse and rode to General Kilpatrick's headquarters, at Stevensburg, some five miles farther. Here
he found himself amid scenes very suggestive of
past events in the campaigns of Generals Pope
and Hooker; and not far to the northward was
Beverley Ford, where he had escaped so narrowly
from death or captivity in the previous year.
Ten days were passed in -arranging and completing details, during which time Colonel Dahlgren was in daily consultation with the general
upon all that concerned the expedition.
The entire force was to be composed of cavalry,
amounting to about four thousand men, of which
Ulric Dahlgren was to command an independent
column of five hundred men, selected from all the
regiments. With this column he was to diverge
from the route of the main body, and, after effecting
certain purposes, rejoin it at or near Richmond,
all entering the city together.
On the 28th of February (Sunday) the expedition moved on its destination.
But before committing himself to the desperate
chances of the task, the young soldier did not forget




A TTEMPT TO RESCUE PRISONERS. 211  I
his duty to his remaining parent, in which he had
never failed during his whole life; and now that he
was about to risk that life so calmly for a solemn
purpose, he felt that it behooved him to leave behind a farewell to his father, in case the worst
should befall him.
He wrote as follows:
"HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION CAVALRY CORPS,
STEVENSBURG, Feb. 26, I864.
"DEAR FATHER,-I have not returned to the fleet,
because there is a grand raid to be made, and I am
to have a very important command. If successful,
it will be the grandest thing on record; and if it
fails, many of us will'go up.' I may be captured,
or I may be'tumbled over;' but it is an undertaking that if I were not in, I should be ashamed to
show my face again. With such an important command, I am afraid to mention it, for fear this letter
might fall into wrong hands before reaching you.
I find that I can stand the service perfectly well
without my leg. I think we will be successful,
although a desperate undertaking.
"Aunt Patty can tell you, when you return. I will
write you more fully when we return. If we do
not return, there is no better place to'give up tze
ghost.'
" Your affectionate son,
"ULRIC DAHLGREN."




212          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
Ulric Dahlgren took the advance with his column,
just as the night was closing in. The route lay
across the Rapidan, by Ely's Ford, where it was
known that the rebels had a strong picket; this it
was indispensable to capture without giving alarm
to a superior force of the enemy, not far distant.
And it was accomplished by a detachment under
the guidance of Mr. Hogan, the skillful and daring
scout, well known to Colonel Dahlgren, and whom
he had selected to pioneer the march. The Union
column was thus enabled to cross the ford unperceived.
Through the night the sky was dark and the
weather unsettled, but it did not rain, and the
column traveled onward rapidly, halting next morning at a stream for the ambulances, which, after
crossing, ascended slowly the steep bank.
Ulric Dahlgren made use of the opportunity to
look at his men, so they were formed for this  purpose, and he rode twice along the line. An officer
who was present writes, " Many had never seen him
before. His appearance, however, gave general satisfaction, and expressions of confidence were heard all
around."
After this brief halt, the march was resumed, and
continued steadily, with the exception of one stoppage, in the morning, to feed.
About two or three o'clock in the afternoon,
Colonel Dahlgren struck the railroad (Virginia




ATTEMPT TO RESCUE PRISONERS. 213
Central) about a mile below Fredericshall Station,
to which, he rode. A party of rebel officers who
were crossing the woods, little suspecting the
presence of Union soldiers, were all captured;
some were released and a few retained, among
the latter Captain Dement.
The column now proceeded some five miles along
the road, and tore up half a mile of the rails, cut
the telegraphic wire, and, quitting the track, turned
off southerly, crossing the South Anna an hour before dark.
About ten o'clock in the evening the rain, which
had been threatening all day, came down heavily,
continuing through the night. Such protracted
marching and severe exposure might well tax the
endurance of even the hardy troopers; but, as one
who shared in it writes, " Who could complain of
zweariness when Ale looked at thze colonel, still weak
from his wound, riding along quietly, uncomplainingly,
ever vigilantly watching every incident of the march?"
It was nearly midnight when the jaded column
reached a small grocery-store that stood near the
roadside. Drenched with rain, but unquelled in
spirit, and as cheerful as if not exposed to the inclemency of a February night, the young soldier
was assisted to alight from his horse. In reply to
a kind inquiry whether he was not fatigued, he said,
"We'll have some supper and two hours' sleep, then
you'll see how bright I am."




21I4        ULRIC DAIL/LGREN.
So the weary men and horses betook themselves
to such fare and repose as the time allowed.
Next morning (Tuesday, March I) every man
was in the saddle by daylight, and moved forward,
notwithstanding the dismal weather, for the rain
was still coming down; but about seven o'clock it
ceased, and the sky showed signs of clearing off.
About ten o'clock the column reached the canal,
and, after cutting it, followed its general direction
for some distance. At Mannakin Town, an effort
was made to cross the James River by fording,
under the guidance of a negro, but it was too
deep, and the design to approach Richmond by
the southern bank failed.
Colonel Dahlgren struck the plank road about
one o'clock in the afternoon, and followed it until
three o'clock, when some rebel pickets were encountered, and driven back after some sharp firing.
Diverging here from the plank road, he began to
approach the city more directly.
By this time, both men and horses stood in need
of some respite. A halt was therefore ordered
when nearly dark, and such a meal taken as the
circumstances permitted; this occurred about eight
miles from Richmond.
The thoughts of the youthful leader were, however, intent on a graver matter. Not a token yet
greeted eye or ear of the presence of the main body,
though he was quite near enough to the scene of




A TTEMPT TO RESCUE PRISONERS. 215
action to detect either, if Kilpatrick were at hand.
Should the junction fail, then was he left to his own
resources, with a mere handful of wearied men, in
the midst of a hostile country, and so near the
chief rebel stronghold that even to extricate his
command from such a critical situation would become difficult as soon as it was discovered. It was
evident that he felt assured at this time of the failure
to connect with the main force, and, therefore, that
the expedition was not to succeed; for at the scanty
meal just taken, he expressed his disappointment
at not having some sign of the presence of the
general; but, "so quietly was this said," writes an
officer, "that, but for a sad glance from his eye, one
would not have known hozw much he felt it."
It behooved Ulric Dahlgren, therefore, to take
such measures as might look solely to a reliance
on himself and the force which he had, and he
proceeded on this assumption with his usual spirit
and promptness. It might have been possible to
withdraw and retrace his steps with comparative
security; but this course ill suited with his temper
or judgment. Moreover, he felt bound in honor
to ascertain beyond peradventure that the main
body was not somewhere in the vicinity of the city.
The order was therefore given to move on, and
about dark the little band of Union horsemen was
riding forward directly upon Richmond.
As a friend assisted him to mount, he remarked,




216          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
with his accustomed cheerfulness, on the awkwardness of his crippled limb, and added, " We are going
on,' and Zf zue succeed, I'd gladly lose the other."
Our cavalry was soon so close to Richmond as
to come in contact with some rebel infantry posted
in the advanced works; for Kilpatrick had appeared in the morning, and caused the wildest
alarm throughout the whole city.
At this moment, far away from all succor, with
only a small force of troopers, and hardly more
than a gunshot from the stronghold of rebeldom,
the splendid courage of the young leader had never
blazed forth more brightly.
One who was near him says, " The skirmishing
was heavy, the enemy's fire very annoying-; but I
stopped, in admiration of the colonel's coolness. He
rode along the line, speaking lo the men, so calim, so
quiet, so brave, that it seemed to me the veriest coward.must needs fight, zf never before."
Then came the charge, Ulric Dahlgren among
the foremost, scattering the enemy and driving them
into their works.
Nothing more remained to be done except to
ride on and endeavor to gain the Union lines below.
The night was dark, the rain fell in torrents, the
storm beat into the faces of the wearied troopers,
and even their cloaks were stiffened with sleet.
They had been in their saddles, with little intermission, for three days. Ulric Dahlgren himself




A TTEMPT TO RESCUE PRISONAERS. 217
rode with the advance, about one hundred strong,
leaving at intervals pickets on white horses to mark
the course taken;* but, notwithstanding this precaution, the main body became separated from the
advance, and thus the gallant youth was left to his
fate. At what time the separation occurred seems
to have been entirely unknown, owing to the
severity of the storm.
Through the whole dreary night, rapidly onward
rode the little Union party.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, THE LAST DAY OF A
GLORIOUS LIFE.
The heavy clouds of the night were fast breaking
in the east, and the pelting rain, which had drenched
and chilled the men and horses all night, was now
ceasing. It was a wintry morning, and the genial
influence of the sun was yet unfelt. The situation
might well test the stoutest heart. The devoted
band counted less than a hundred men,-wearied
to the extreme by continued travel, with little
intermission for sixty hours, over unfrequented
roads and through forests, scantily and ill fed,
drenched with heavy and repeated rain, chilled by
cold and beating winds, in the midst of a hostile
and vindictive population, away from all help, and
dispirited by failure. But their indomitable leader
* Mr. Hogan's account.
IN




2 I 8        ULRIC DAHLGREN.
still rose superior to all the difficulties that encompassed him, as well as to his own bodily
infirmities. As usual, he rode in the front: that
had always been his post, and so it was to remain
to the last breath of life.
The sun had not risen far above the horizon
when the advance reached the banks of the swollen
and rapid Pamunkey. With celerity the men dismounted, crowded into the ferry-boat with their
horses, and pushed across.
Having thus reached the farther bank, a halt was
ordered, to feed the jaded horses and their riders.
The scanty fare was eagerly devoured, and as much
time given to rest as the circumstances permitted,
after which the party once more took to the saddle.
The route lay along the river-bank for three or four
miles, and then away to the left for the main road.
Presently a rebel soldier started from some
hiding-place, not, however, without discharging
his piece at our men, which provoked a return
that was fatal to him.
As the little command proceeds, and the day
advances, the severity of the weather relaxes; the
sun has passed the meridian, and is more than an
hour on the descent, when the Mattapony is
reached.
Meanwhile, the country is up and gathering
about the way of the devoted band; every step of
its march has been dogged.




ATTEMPT TO RESCUE PRISONERS.  2 I 9
No evidence of this appears at the ferry, which
is now at hand, but still the ordinary precautions
are observed, of posting a few vedettes to hold the
bank while the men descend, and are ferried over
in squads as numerous as the scow permits. The
horses must swim.
Presently comes the crack of a rifle, then another
and another; the enemy is evidently on the track.
Our vedettes unsling their carbines and return the
fire, until the main force is safely over the river;
then, at the word, the rear-guard dashes down the
bank, and are soon in safety with their comrades.
Colonel Dahlgren had dismounted, and placed
himself by the river-side, watching and directing
the passage of his men. In vain was he importuned to cross the river. He remained there, resting on his crutches, until every man and horse had
passed over. When this was accomplished, he
stood alone and erect, disregarding the bullets
which struck near him on all sides, and calmly
awaiting the return of the ferry-boat. It must have
been as plain to the rebels that he, whom they made
the target for their rifles, was crippled-for he
needed the support of crutches-as it was that the
river rolled between him and his men, separating
him from all assistance. Any resolute man of their
number could have rushed forward and borne
away, by main force, the enfeebled frame of the
young soldier. In contempt of such miserable




220          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
pusillanimity, Ulric Dahlgren turned occasionally
towards the bushes that sheltered these birave men
and fired his revolver defiantly, calling on them
to come out from their hiding-place.
But'the gallant'youth was not yet to close his
glorious career; the ferry-boat bore him over unharmed, and he was once more in the saddle, riding
forward with his little party.
This was about two o'clock in the afternoon, and
the road they pursued led them through the woods.
It is stated that about this time the rebels took
the opportunity of ascertaining exactly the number
of this small force, and thus made sure that it was
less than one hundred men; so they contrived to
collect various scattered parties from the neighborhood, until three or four times the force of our
retreating cavalry was obtained.
Even with this superiority, no effort was made to
face Ulric Dahlgren and his handful of troopers, so
as to bring about a fair, manly conflict in open day.
Some of those who gathered about their prey had
met him in Fredericksburg, and, though in far
greater numbers, had been driven before him
through the streets, until they fled ignominiously
out of the town, and were beyond pursuit; they
had no taste now for a repetition. So they fired
from the bushes at our passing men, and hung on
the rear; to relieve which Colonel Dahlgren assigned a small party to Mr. Hogan, who, for some




ATTEMPT TO RESCUE PRISONERS. 221
time, performed this duty handsomely, losing but
one of his men,-a result which he attributes mainly
to the good conduct of his followers, conspicuous
among whom was a sergeant named Scholefield.
This lasted until dark, when a bridge was reached
and crossed; half a mile farther on, Colonel Dahlgren ordered a halt, in order to feed and rest his
exhausted party.
The colored attendant drew a few rails from the
fence near by, and spread a blanket over them;
upon this rude couch the noble young soldier took
his last repose. In a brief half-hour he was again
awake, and once more put his men in motion.
The night was obscure, but it did not rain, and
the road led chiefly among wooded land. No molestation seems to have been experienced until the
final catastrophe.
With the abundant precaution that marked the
whole conduct of the pursuit, an ambush had been
prepared a few miles farther.
Ulric Dahlgren was, as usual, riding with the
leading files. It was about midnight, and the darkness lent additional obscurity to the growth of
bushes and trees through which the road lay. It
is impossible to describe with accuracy the rapid
succession of events that were crowded into the
minute. Some rustling of leaves or branches gave
token, to the keen senses of the leader, of a skulking
foe. Instantly his weapon was in his hand. Words
19*




222         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
passed, but what they were, or by whom uttered,
no one can say with precision,-doubtless they
were not more than a peremptory challenge and
reply; then came the sharp rattling volley, startling
the echoes of the forest and lighting up its deepest
recesses.
In that sad moment fell the horse and his heroic
rider. Ulric Dahlgren was no more. Never again
should he lift in defense of his country that hand,
which he had raised on a sick-bed in solemn fealty
to the Union cause.
All was now confusion in the ranks of that exhausted little band. The men dispersed or surrendered without resistance, and with few exceptions
became captives.
It is certain now, that not a single ball struck
the gallant boy in front. Four entered the left side
and back, exhibiting in the most marked manner
the respect felt for his martial virtues by the horde
who, aided by some of that cavalry which fled in
abject fear before him at Fredericksburg, sought
the shelter of a midnight ambush to do their cowardly work.
Thus perished Colonel Ulric Dahlgren, before he
had completed the twenty-first year of his age. He
fell, as became a good soldier, at the head of his
men, as a patriot and a lover of humanity; for his
heart was filled with sorrow at the wretchedness
of his captive comrades, and his mission was to




ATTEMPT TO RESCUE PRISONERS. 223
rescue them from the cruel dungeons in which
they were wasting away.
That he fell not in battle was the choice of the
infamous crew that dogged his steps with greater
numbers, and dared not assail him by the light of
day; whose lasting shame it will be, that they made
an ambush sure, by resorting to the darkest hour
of night.
To the fantastic vagaries of the code that affected
the borrowed plumes of a past age, he subscribed
not; but as a true son of the North, a fair type of
her noble youth, he followed those maxims which
taught him to "love mercy, deal justly, and walk
humbly with his God."
To the foe, even though he confronted him as a
traitor, and a bitter enemy to the Union, he always
offered fair, open battle, such as one brave man
might offer to another. To strike him down by the
midnight bullet from the lonely ambush, as he fell
himself, had no place in the rule by which he was
guided. And history will not fail to write down
such an act as assassination.
" Almost alone, without the trump and blazonry of war,
In darkness,hand to hand with death, thou wert death's conqueror."




CHAPTER XII.
"THE BEAUTY OF ISRAEL IS SLAIN UPON THY
HIGH PLACES."
EVERY sentiment of civilization limits war and
its dread scourges to the grave. Beyond its
solemn confines human vengeance may not venture
to pursue; to do otherwise is to violate every precept, Christian and humane.
Heathen moralists go even further, and proscribe
ill speaking of the dead: "de mortuis nihil nisi
bonum."  Shall the milder virtues of the gospel
inculcate less?
But to insult the dead, and offer indignity to the
remains of the bitterest foe, will be tolerated nowhere by the common feeling; it can only be the
work of cowardly ruffians, in defiance alike of decency and law. Savages may glut their hate and
fear upon a fallen or expiring enemy, but that alone
is accepted everywhere as the best evidence of their
brutish nature and low degree in the human family.
The ferocity which so often stained the slavery
cause was in no instance more disgracefully ex( 224)




INDIGNITIES OFFERED HIS REMAINS. 225
hibited than in the treatment to which the remains
of Ulric Dahlgren were subjected.
His fall had been the signal for the surrender or
dispersion of the little party that remained with him.
Some betook themselves to the first friendly covert,
while the greater part, hopeless of escape, collected
in a field near by, and there awaited the captivity
that seemed inevitable.
Here itwould be supposed the bitterest hate
might pause and be sated. Not so. What ensued
was well in accord with the atrocity that doomed
captives to worse than death.
The light of the following morning fell on a
spectacle that might have shamed the most ferocious nature that ever disgraced humanity. Upon
the bare ground, near the roadside, was stretched
the lifeless body of Ulric Dahlgren; not as he fell,
but stripped of every vestige of garment. The absent limb told of battle, and proud achievement,
and patriotic sacrifice; the severed finger was the
work of the midnight thief.
The villainous act was not perpetrated by the
wretched creatures who follow the camp, and flit
like vultures about the battle-field, but by the men
of the surrounding country, in arms for their cause;
"the farmers by day, and the felons by night," so indignantly denounced by the preacher in his tribute
to the heroic dead.
Truly, such was a fitting consummation of the




226         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
midnight ambush and the dishonest blow of the
assassin's bullet.
Presently came the sad train of captive Union
soldiers, on their way to the very dungeons from
which they had hoped to release their comrades.
It is said that they were marched by the spot
where, thus inhumanly exposed, lay the body of
their noble young leader, all insensible to the outrage.
Be it remembered that these infamous acts were
committed before the rebel authorities had thought
fit to fashion the objects of the expedition after their
own views; they were done with unheated blood,
and merely followed the instincts of the perpetrators.
After the news had reached Richmond that
Colonel Dahlgren had fallen, and that the handful
of men with him had been dispersed or captured,
it was bruited about that the purpose of the expedition was solely to destroy Richmond, and to slay
the chiefs of the rebellion, —a statement well calculated to inflame the population, not yet recovered
from the abject dread into which they had been
thrown by the appearance of the Union cavalry so
near the city, and justly apprehensive of the consequences that might ensue from the sudden release
of the Union soldiers immured in the cells of Libby
and Belle Isle: to them no mercy had been shown,
what, therefore, could be expected from them?
A mob is proverbially cruel and cowardly; no



INDIGNITIES OFFERED HIS REMAINS. 227
thing, therefore, was so likely to work upon their
passions as such a rumor. The publication of
orders asserted to have been found on the person
of Colonel Dahlgren followed in a few days, and
on Monday the body of the gallant youth was disinterred, and brought to Richmond, where it was
exposed to public view, at the depot of the York
River Railroad.
Nothing better was permitted to the precious
remains than a common pine box, the coarse shirt
and pantaloons of a rebel soldier, with an ordinary
camp-blanket for a shroud.
The once perfect proportions had been sadly
mutilated. The limb that was gone suggested remembrance of an event most abhorrent to rebeldom,
-when at Gettysburg its best army recoiled before
the men of the Union, and Ulric Dahlgren, leading
a desperate charge into Hagerstown, hesitated not
to peril his life in an effort to destroy the trains
of the retreating host. The missing finger told
another story, one of utter and infamous turpitude.
It had borne a ring,-a plain gold ring,-of little
worth if counted in mere dross, but inestimable as
the memorial of a dearly-loved, deceased sister.
To secure this, the assassins who waylaid his steps
and did midnight murder from the shelter of a
hedge, hesitated not to violate the sanctity of death,
and mutilate the noble hand which had so often
been raised against their armed treason, in behalf




228         ULRIC DAILGREN.
of his bleeding country; it was a deed truly in
keeping with the events that went before and followed.
Were there none in that crowd who looked with
loathing upon the spectacle, and were touched at
the sight of his extreme youth, and felt how utterly
fiendish and cowardly it was, thus to desecrate the
dead?
The mob gazed, no doubt, as mobs always do,
with exultation that their fear was at an end. They
little dreamed that the avenger was not far off, that,
before the year had expired, their unholy rebellion
would be withering, as a scroll, before the blazing
banner of the republic, Grant at the very portals
of Richmond, and Sherman looming up from the
south, like a rising storm, branding in terrible
characters the doom of treason. Their very city
would be consuming with desolating fires, kindled, not by the hands of Union soldiers, but by
the orders of their own authorities. They saw not
the writing on the wall, but yet it was before them.
So there lay the maimed but noble relics of the
Union martyr, entirely heedless of all that the hate
and fear of his enemies could bestow: the ignominy
was theirs.
When the gaze of thetiger-horde had been sated,
the body disappeared from public view; it was
doomed to concealment in some nameless spot.
How vain!




HONORS PAID HIS REMAINS.    229
It was to justify these ruthless acts that the announcement, already mentioned, had been spread
about in regard to the orders alleged to have been
found on Colonel Dahlgren after he fell, which were
said to have directed the death of the insurgent
President and the destruction of Richmond.
But the unrighteous purpose of the rebel authorities was defeated in the fullness of time, and the remains of Ulric Dahlgren, which had been so brutally
insulted in Richmond, were received with every
mark of respect and sorrow in the capital of the
nation and in the principal cities of the two States
through which they passed. In Washington, they
reposed in the Council-chamber of the city, and,
after an eloquent discourse by one of our most
eminent divines, which was listened to by the
President, several members of the Cabinet, and a
throng of sympathizing citizens, they were conveyed, through Baltimore, to Philadelplhia, were
laid in the time-honored Hall of Independence,
where another touching address was delivered, and
were then attended to the grave with every military
honor.
And thus, as always, violence and injustice fell
short of the aim intended; nay, more, they recoiled
on their perpetrators in the end with tenfold more
effect than upon the object of their ferocious and
unrelenting hate. The barbarity of the proceedings just mentioned operated to the detriment of
20




230          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
the cause that it was designed to serve, for it proved
by deed more conclusively than could be done by
words that the rebellion disgraced the most sacred
instincts of humanity in waging war against the
lawful government. It showed to the whole world
that the spirit that animated it was utterly at variance with every principle of civilized life. The evils
of war have too often been aggravated by disgraceful
excesses, but never under the avowed sanction of
high authority, and they seldom admit of extenuation, except under the plea of hot blood and sanguinary battle. Here, with calm pulse, and with
deliberate design, we have a set of men assuming to
be a government, giving their sanction, if not direction, to the most heartless and disgraceful desecration of a dead body. It justified the avenging sword
which, they alleged, had been leveled at their own
lives, and invoked a retribution, without appeal, on
their own heads, unless, indeed, it could have been
urged as an exception to their general conduct of
the war, as a solitary departure from a kind and
merciful treatment of those whom the fortune of
battle had made their prisoners. Wast/zisso? Far
from it. It was only one more dark spot on the
blood-stained blazonry of disloyal war; the very
object to which Ulric Dahlgren had devoted his
life was the rescue of his comrades from a captivity
unparalleled in horrors. Thousands of our men
were perishing, by slow and cruel death, in the




REBEL TREATMENT OF UNION MEN7J 23I
dungeons of Richmond,-by hunger and thirst, by
the heat of summer and the chill of winter, by slow,
wasting disease, and filth, and vermin, or, attimes,
by a welcome bullet from the jailer-guard. In this
association come the memory of Fort Pillow, and
the massacre of our unresisting soldiers; the incarceration of fifty Union officers, at Charleston,
placed where our artillery fire was heaviest,-the
purpose not to be mistaken or disavowed, for it
was officially notified; the pursuit of escaping
prisoners by bloodhounds; the  disinterment, at
Charleston, of the body of an officer * of the Union
fleet, who had been mortally wounded on the ruined
walls of Sumter, while gallantly leading his men to
the assault. There was no pretext to justify the
least slight to this brave officer; and yet, when, by
the pious care of a friendly hand, t his mortal remains had been consigned to the grave, they were
not permitted to rest there undisturbed, but were
rudely dragged thence, and ejected from Magnolia Cemetery, as if the dust of the Union soldier
were not worthy to mingle with the best of the
land.t
* Lieutenant Bradford, United States marines, September, I863.
t Dr. Mackey, of Charleston.
4 March I6, I865. Admiral Dahlgren caused the remains of
this brave man to be transferred from the potters' field, and interred, with military honors and Christian rites, in the finest site of
Magnolia Cemetery.




232           ULRIC DAHLGREN.
Such a catalogue was fitly concluded with the
murder of our beloved President, not in the fray of
the field by the sword of the soldier, but by the
bullet of a base assassin, who, stealing upon the
hour of innocent recreation, took a noble life from
the country, and, in the exultant utterance of the
instant thought, fully proclaimed to what counsels
he owed his inspiration. Nor was it intended that
the design should be limited to this great sacrifice.
Another, high in state, had been marked, but the
hand of the sneaking wretch who stole into the
sick-chamber of his victim failed him at the moment
when he would have taken life.
Such was the bitter and remorseless spirit that
unholy rebellion called to its aid, and which spread
over its confines, until it became the practice, if not
the principle, of disloyalty.
What right had those who invoked it, to cry out
against the just consequences of their own ruthless
system, or to ask for mercy when the chief conspirators were in the hands of justice, to answer for
the treason which has blighted this fair land with
all the horrors of civil war, and brought death and
desolation to so many hearth-stones? Why did
they not proclaim the rule of action /uzen, as nozw,
to be, that
"There is a time in the affairs of men zhen narrow*minded prejudice and vituperation should cease. It is
only the bloodhound that will hunt his victim dozen,








THE TRUE SIGNATURE.
THE FORGED SIGNATURE.




ALLEGED ORDERS-A FORGER Y.  233
as it zewere, to the very tomb, and there bay at the dead
victim.'"*
Why should this sentiment, so true under all
circumstances, have been discarded from the memory of rebeldom, until the lives of its leaders had
been brought into jeopardy, and they were arraigned at the bar of justice?
But, as often happens when bad passions control
action, the conduct of the rebel authorities was not
excused even by the plea which they set up as
sufficient. The document alleged to have been
found upon the person of Colonel Dahlgren is
utterly discredited by the fact that the signature
attached to it cannot possibly be his own, because
it is not his name,-a letter is misplaced, and the
real name Dahigren is spelled Dalhgren; hence it
is undeniable that the paper is not only spurious,
but is a forgery. Evidence, almost as positive, is
to be found in the writing of the Christian prefix
of the signature. The document is signed " U.
Dalhgren," whereas Colonel Dahlgren invariably
signed himself " Ulric Dahlgren," never with the bare
initial of the first name. Among all the letters of
his writing which can be collected, not an instance
to the contrary occurs, down to the last that he
ever wrote, just before starting for Richmond.
Columbus Times.
20*




234         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
It is entirely certain that no such orders were
ever issued by Colonel Dahlgren. All that he gave
were verbal, as might have been expected under the
circumstances, and in no case intimated, in the least
degree, the intention conveyed by the obnoxious
passages of the spurious order. Nothing of the
kind was received by the officers or privates of the
command, even to the time when Richmond was in
view; and it is highly improbable that they would
have been uninformed of any important purpose of
the expedition when they were supposed to. be on
the verge of action. Lieutenant Bartley, the signalofficer of the column, in a published letter,* after
giving an account of the treatment received when
a prisoner, says:
"All this brutal punishment was inflicted upon
us, according to the statement of the Confederate
prison officials, on account of those papers said to
have been found on the body of Colonel Dahlgren at
the time he was killed. But the name of Colonel
Dahlgren can never be injured by any slander or
forgery that can be concocted by all the enemies of
our country. His deeds speak for themselves. His
career with Sigel, Burnside, Hooker, Meade, and
Kilpatrick, together with his exploits at Fredericksburg, Beverley Ford, Chambersburg, and in front
* December 29, I864.




STATEIMENT OF LIEUT. BARTLEY.  235
of Richmond, will live when the name of the last
traitor in the land is forgotten.
"I pronounce those papers a base forgery, and
will give some of my reasons for so doing. I was
with the expedition in the capacity of signal-officer,
and was the only staff-officer with him. I had
charge of all the material for destroying bridges,
blowing up locks, aqueducts, etc. I knew all his
plans, what he intended to do and how he intended
doing it, and I know that I never received any such
instructions as those papers are said to contain. I
also heard all the orders and instructions given to
the balance of the officers of the command. Men
cannot carry out orders they know nothing of.
The colonel's instructions were, that if we were successful in entering the city, to take no hfe except in
combat; to keep all prisoners safely guarded, but to
treat them withz respect; liberate all the Union prisoners, destroy the public buildings and government
stores, and leave the city by way of the Peninsula."
It is, of course, entirely superfluous to analyze a
document as to chirography, or other details, so
long as the signature is an unquestioned forgery,
for that determines all; and, failing as a vindication,
it becomes an aggravation of the infamous treatment
inflicted upon the remains of a true and undaunted
son of the country.
The expedition to Richmond was undertaken




236          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
solely to release the captive Union soldiers, who
were penned by thousands in its wretched prisons,
suffering and dying from want of food and the most
ordinary necessaries of life. Bitt for that object, it
would never have been thought of.
The orders of Colonel Dahlgren to his column
were in accordance with this purpose: the prisons
were also to be destroyed, and all public property,
and stores of a military character. If prisoners
were taken, they were to be well guarded, but not
ill treated, and no life was to be taken except in
conflict.
It is certain, from the testimony of a competent
living-witness, that such were the orders, and the
only orders, given to him by Colonel Dahlgren, or
that he heard given to others; and as the duties of
this officer were confidential, and kept him near the
colonel until his death, his evidence is conclusive
in the matter.
It is not to be supposed that the execution of the
project would be unattended with more or less
danger to the lives and property of the people and
their families.
The prisons in which our men were huddled had
been located within the limits of the city, and to
burst open the doors of their dungeons would have
been to strike but the first blow for their liberty;
for, though numbering thousands, they were unarmed in the midst of the best army of rebeldom,




MINE UNDER LIBBY PRISOIN.   237
and far away from the nearest Union lines. It was
but reasonable to suppose that instant and persistent efforts would be made to recapture them,
regardless of the destruction that might ensue; and
it was certain that our men, already driven to desperation by the most iniquitous treatment, would
resist to the death, rather than return to the horrid
dungeons from which they had just escaped.
The character of such a struggle can hardly be
conceived. What the rebel authorities had determined upon in such a contingency, was well understood to be the instant and wholesale extermination
of all these captives,-blowing up them and their
prisons by mines placed for the purpose. It is hard
to imagine that the intent to commit such a massacre would be admitted, but the committee of the
rebel Congress had the hardihood to avow and to
justify it:
" Your committee proceed next to notice the
allegation, that the Confederate authorities had prepared a mine under the Libby Prison, and placed
in it a quantity of gunpowder, for the purpose of
blowing up the buildings with their inmates, in case
of an attempt to rescue them.
"A mine was prepared under the Libby Prison,
a sufficient quantity of gunpowder was put into it,
and pains was taken to inform the prisoners that
any attempt at escape made by them would be
effectually defeated. The plan succeeded perfectly.




238         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
The prisoners were awed and kept quiet. Dahlgren
and his party were defeated and scattered," etc.*
Who shall be held answerable for such atrocity,the comrades of these unfortunate men, who only
sought to rescue theIn, or they who, violating every
instinct of humanity and the law by which war
seeks to restrain its own terrors, degraded the high
place of their power into a city of dungeons, and
there accumulated upon their prisoners horrors
equaled only by the protracted agonies of the stake?
Even if the treatment of our men had been in
all respects conformable to usage, there was no
necessity for placing them in the midst of a city,
where their liberation might be effected by our military operations at any time, and subject unarmed
people and their property to danger.
The Union government only performed a bounden
duty when it took measures to release its soldiers
from such a captivity, irrespective of all consequences to those whose misfortune or fault it was
to be near. The flames which would have consumed
those infamous dungeons might have extended to
the neighboring dwellings; but would they have
been as destructive as the explosion of the mines
that was to send thousands of the captive soldiers
to their last account at a single blow? Doubtless,
too, in the hot haste of the fray, it would have been
* Washington Evening Star, March 31, 1865.




THE BURNING OF RICHMOND.   239
impossible for our men to strike just where they
should, at the moment when every effort was being
made to destroy them, or to return them to prison.
The guilt of these deplorable consequences, as
well as of the original offense, would have belonged
to the rebel authorities who ordered or tolerated
such enormities.
How far they were sincere in the indignation
which they professed, at the possible results to the
city of an attempt to rescue the prisoners, may be
judged from the unhesitating application of the
torch, by their orders (when our troops were about
to enter, a year later), to some paltry stores which
they wished to prevent falling into our hands.
The historian thus tells the tale:*
"At the same time the Union force on the lines
confronting Richmond from the north side of the
James was startled by a clamorous uproar, and the
sky was seen to be lit up with a lurid glare.
" But the Confederate officials, in addition to this
work of destruction t. (which cannot be condemned
on the score that it was not warranted by the rules
of war), adopted a measure shocking to every sense
of humanity. It appears that the warehouses of
Richmond contained great store of government
tobacco, and the cruel and senseless order was
* Swinton, 607.
t- The blowing up of their iron-clads.




240         ULRIC DAHL GREN.
given to fire these, as though it were possible with
impunity to play with the devouring element; the
flames spreading to the neighboring buildings soon
involved a wide and widening area; and, though
the Union force on its entry labored to put out the
fire, it could not be subdued until the heart of the
city, including all the business section, was laid in
ashes. It was amid such scenes that Richmond
fell, with the smoke of the torment of the Confederacy ascending to heaven, while, far away, all that
remained of the Confederate army hastened beyond
the sunset."
The mischief did not stop here, but, as if retributive justice designed that the last blow at the rebellion should come from its own leaders, it extended
further, and trod out the last hope of the able leader
of their armies.
According to the historian,*
"When Lee determined to abandon Petersburg
and Richmond, he dispatched orders that large.supplies of commissary and quartermaster's stores
should be sent forward from Danville to-Amelia
Court House, there to await the arrival of his
columns. When, however, on Sunday afternoon,
the loaded train of cars reached Amelia Court
House, the officer in charge was met by an order
from the Richmond authorities to bring on the
* Swinton, 608.




RICHMOND A FOR TIFIEJD PLACE.  24 I
train to Richmond, it being the design to use the
cars in the transportation of the personal and other
propertyof the Confederate government. Interpreting this order in the sense that the train and its
contents should be taken to Richmond, the officer,
without unloading the stores at Amelia Court
House, carried on cars, freight and all; and the
rations on which Lee had depended for the subsistence of his army were consumed in the general
conflagration of Richmond.
"Such were the agonizing tidings that met the
Confederate commander on his arrival at Amelia
Court House, and one can well imagine how, from
that moment, all his hopes were dashed to the
ground."
A few days afterwards, Lee surrendered.
But besides the dangers to which the rebel
authorities had exposed Richmond, by placing the
prisons within its precincts, they had invited to
it the most strenuous efforts of our military operations, by divesting it entirely of the, character of
a peaceful city, and making it the very center of
their power, political and military. Here was their
general government itself, with all its machinery,,executive and legislative, the grand army upon
which rested their every hope, with the immense
supplies required for its support, and the principal
cannon foundry, from which issued the ordnance
21




242          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
that lined the parapets of the works scattered over
the Southern country.
Richmond was at once a capital, a camp, and an
arsenal, the heart and the bulwark of the rebellion;
upon the possession of which depended its existence. Towards it had been urged the steps of our
main army, in every campaign, for four years,-from
the beginning to the end,-under McDowell, McClellan, Burnside, Hooker, Meade, and Grant.
While Richmond stood, the rebellion was erect;
and its last hope was not extinguished until the
flag of the Union waved over that stronghold.
5For these reasons the citizens and their families
should have been removed from the place; for so
long as they remained there they were unavoidably
exposed to the same perils as the armed force that
defended the city. The roads were entirely open
to them at all times; their presence could not be
permitted to ward off the blow of war in any shape,
-if they would remain, the blame and the consequences descended on them. They did remain, and
did suffer, but not at the hands of Union soldiers;
their own authorities gave Richmond to the flames.
As to the personal risk to which the leaders of
the rebellion might be liable, in the event of our
cavalry having been able to effect an entrance into
Richmond and liberate the Union soldiers, it is not
to be considered for a moment.




HIS AIM-TO RESCUE PRISONERS. 243
By the ordinary rules of war, they were not exempt from any danger to which the meanest soldier
who followed them was exposed. It would be
puerile to enter upon an argument to establish this,
for, by the first principle on which war proceeds,
all engaged in battle are liable to be slain, so long
as resistance is continued; and it was worse than
puerile for the head of the rebellion and his counselors, guarded by an army of one hundred thousand
men, to denounce attempts to slay or capture them
as public enemies by a handful of daring men.
The purpose of Ulric Dahlgren had a far more
exalted aim than their death or capture; and yet,
even if the object of the enterprise had been to
attack the leaders in the very stronghold of their
power, it would have been in accordance with the
rules of war.
History tells us that when the Spartan king found
he could no longer defend the mountain-pass, where
he had placed himself to stay the march of the
Persian host, he took advantage of the night to
enter the camp of the enemy at the head of a chosen
band of six hundred men, intending to kill the
king; he perished in the attempt, with all his men,
and his dead body was visited with every indignity
by an affrighted and cruel enemy, on the ground that
such purpose was not justified by the rules of war.
It no doubt suited the rebel leaders to invest their
persons with an additional safeguard, by bringing




244          ULRIC DANLGREV.
reproach on the daring gallantry of their antagonist;
but the distinguished jurist Vattel, acknowledged
as high authority by all nations, takes very different
ground upon the question. He says of these Spartans, " Their expedition was according to the common rules of war. And the king could not treat
them more rigorously than other enemies. A strict
watch baffles such irruption," etc. (Page 534.)
Colonel Dahlgren and his five hundred would,
therefore, have been justified by the laws of war in
slaying the rebel leaders in their camp, just as the
Spartan king and his six hundred hanve been justfied
in their effort to slay the Persian monarch. And
why should they shrink from the dangers of their
position more than from its honors? Where is the
place of a leader, if not in the foremost ranks? It
was there, at the head of his men, that the bullets
of the midnight ambush found Ulric Dahlgren, and
where he had placed himself fully prepared to abide
whatever fate the perils of the conflict might bring.
The last words ever penned by his noble hand
recognized the dangers of the undertaking, without
moving his resolution to face them. He declared
there was no better place to die. And, doubtless, the
same sentiment animated his gallant heart up to
the moment when it ceased to throb forever.
What a Contrast to the pitiful cry raised by the
high ones of rebeldom, at the bare idea of risk to
their own precious persons!




HE IS 7USTIFIED BY LAWS OF WAR. 245
Would it not have been immeasurably better for
the insurgent chief himself to have struck a manly
blow in his own defense, and have died by the
sabers of our Union soldiers, rather than to close
his career, flying ignobly from the horrible Golgotha where he had reigned so long, proclaimed
as a felon, with a price on his head, and finally to
have been captured as he was?
Was he less a felon in March, I864, when our
little band appeared before his citadel, than afterwards when in his cell, and liable to answer with
life for his share in the rebellion?
If, then, the leaders of a hostile force, engaged
in rightful war, could plead no immunity from bullet or bayonet more than their humblest followers,
and no security from being surprised and slain in
their camps save the vigilance of a sufficient guard,
by what standard shall be measured the privileges
of the heads of a rebellion under similar circumstances?
The United States conducted the war for the
suppression of the insurrection according to the
customary rules, from a regard to what was merely
humane; but this was no more than a temporary
concession,-the postponement of a right to inflict
condign punishment, according to the responsibilities of the several actors, to be resumed whenever circumstances should permit due enforcement.
Well might those who stood in the front of the
21*




246          ULRIC, DA HLGREN.
rebellion ponder, often and seriously, upon the
heavy accountability they had incurred by instigating and precipitating this terrible civil war.
Never had such an extreme resort been less justified by the acts or intentions of the existing government, or by the objects which the insurrection
proposed to effect by dissolving the Union.
Under its banner the States had attained a
measure of prosperity, and enjoyed a degree of
freedom, unexampled in all the previous history of
mankind. The South not only shared fully in
these results, but, by reason of influences due to its
peculiar institution, possessed a controlling power
in the general government. To the date of secession, the several Presidents had been either from
the South, or opposed to any proposition likely to
affect slavery. The voice of abolition was scarcely
heard in Congress, and was unrepresented in the
judiciary, or any branch of the executive. Though
the new President was opposed to the principles of
slavery, he was equally adverse to any interference
with the guarantees of the Constitution, and, at
all events, would have been controlled by the majority in, Congress, which, with the judiciary, was
unchanged in its views of slavery. These important facts had been impressed fully on the South
by some few of their prominent men (and particularly by Mr. A. H. Stephens), who were not yet
absolutely insane with passion or apprehension.




SECESSION NA TIONAL SJJICIDE.   247
But it was in vain to attempt to stay the madness
of the hour. The only remedy it looked to was
secession, which, in principle, was essentially equivalent to severing not only the bond of the National
Union, but of all political union whatever. Once
admitted, State might secede from State, and county
from county, until society was resolved into the
original elements of individual strength and force.
It meant political chaos, civil war, foreign intervention, perhaps even foreign domination. Before its
baneful influence would fade the great Western star
of equal rights, under whose benignant rays was
rising the greatest empire of self-government that
the world had ever seen. In a word, SECESSION
was division and misrule, national suicide, and, if
once entered upon, could only be restrained by
despotic power.
By the rebellion, slavery, with the lash and the
fetter, was to be perpetuated,-curse alike to master
and man; it was the greatest crime against humanity
enforced by war, the greatest crime against civilization, and, as such, had not the least claim to countenance from any law, or sympathy from living
being.
The purpose of secession was not only to pull
down the best and set up the worst form of government, but that purpose was carried out with
every species of aggravation and insult. The forts,
arsenals, navy yards, post-offices, and treasure of




248          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
the United States were seized without scruple,
while the government looked on as meekly as if it
acquiesced,-President Buchanan declaring that he
had no right to resort to coercion. As if determined to degrade as well as to destroy, Sumter was
attacked and captured.
Only then did the lawful government begin to
enforce its just authority, but to the least possible
extent. President Lincoln summoned troops, not
to coerce the seceding States, but solely to recover
the United States property that had been seized.
That moderate measure was sufficient, however, to
disclose the desperate and uncompromising purposes, as well as the stupendous preparation, of the
rebellion. The leaders appealed to the sword for
decision, and by nothing else would they abide.
Having thus, without reason or pretext, defied
lawful authority and initiated war, as if to close
the door to the least effort at reconciliation, the
leaders prosecuted their resistance with a ferocity
and contempt of the laws of war which has no parallel. Sometimes our men were butchered after
surrender, as at Fort Pillow; prisoners were penned
by thousands, until they melted away faster than
on the battle-field; and Libby, Andersonville, and
other places became infamous. If they escaped
from such cruelty, the bloodhound was loosed on
their track. Our officers were purposely confined
under the fire of our own guns, and the body of one,




REBELS VIOLA TE RULES OF WAR. 249
who had been mortally wounded in battle, was dug
up and cast from the cemetery where it had been
interred. Mines were placed under the prisons of
Richmond, by which unarmed captives were to be
hurled into eternity by thousands in an instant.
Finally, when no hope of success remained, the
leaders madly rejected all offers of accommodation,
and prolonged the contest until every resource
which they could command was exhausted, and
until fire and sword had devastated their country,
-themselves kindling the flames which laid in
ashes most of their own capital.
Thus treason was followed by ferocious violation
of the rules of war, and by outraging every instinct
of humanity, until woe and death rested, like a pall,
over the whole land.
Who can deny to the perpetration of such enormities the verdict of the ordinary law, thus defined
by high authority?"All the right of a power to make war is derived
from the justice of his cause. Whoever, therefore,
takes arms without a lawful cause, can absolutely
have no kind of right; all the hostilities he commits are unjust.
"He is chargeable with all the evils, all the
horrors, of the war; all the effusion of blood, the
desolation of families, the rapine, the vilences, the
ravages, the burnings, are his works and his crimes.
He is guilty towards the enemy of attacking, op



250          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
pressing, massacring them without cause; guilty
towards his people of drawing them into acts of
injustice, exposing their lives without.necessity,
without reason. Lastly, he is guilty towards all
mankind of disturbing their quiet and setting a pernicious example. Shocking catalogue of miseries
and crimes!" (Vattel, 56I.)
Well might the instigators and leaders of the
rebellion quail before such an accountability; they
had taken their lives in their hands when they appealed to the' sword, and by that decision must
abide. And yet, at the first glimpse of danger near
their own high place, their outcry rang far and wide.
Though encompassed by all their power, they betrayed the agony of their fear by savagely spurning
the gallant dead.
And what reproach could justly be laid upon
the famished and maddened captives of Libby
when they sallied from its cells and met their
oppressors,-eager to slay or to fetter them again,
-if they smote right and left regardless of all but
escape?
The laws of war are for those who regard them.
The fair fame of the youthful soldier cannot be
dimmed by aught that his inhuman butchers can
urge, more than the frail tenement, which his noble
spirit once animated, could feel the indignities
which they visited upon it. The horrors which




HIS FAME CANNOT BE DIMMED.  25I
surrounded his fall will not be forgotten, and will
always disgrace alike the perpetrators and those
who sanctioned such atrocity. The midnight ambush.of the abject villains, who feared to face him
and his exhausted followers in open day, the pillage of the dead body, even to the last thread that
decency demanded,-mere low theft, such as a
street-burglar would blush at,-the savage and
wanton mutilation of the hand, in order to secure
a small ring, the forgery, the desecration of the
grave, and the exposure of the body to the gaze of
a mob, the attempt to conceal it in a nameless
grave, all betray the instincts of violent and brutish
natures; and were appropriately followed by efforts
of the murderers to obtain the price of blood from
the parent of their victim, by offering for sale some
of the articles which they had so shamefully stolen
from a dead body.
Contrast the high and holy purpose of the Union
soldier, his devotion to it, even to death; his calm,
undaunted courage, graced by every milder virtue;
his kind hospitality to the captive rebel officers;
contrast these with the craven cowardice of the
ruffians who beset him, their brutal treatment of
his body, and, worse than these, the crimes of the
higher so-called chivalry, who made war on the
dead as only such could wage, and say if it we're
not happier to die, as did Ulric Dahlgren, so true,
so gentle, and so brave, than to live, as do those




252         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
who, having outraged his grave and his name, now
stand before the law, suitors for mercy?
By loyal men and by the friends of freedom and
humanity, Ulric Dahlgren will be remembered, as a
faithful and fearless champion of right and of his
country, and as a victim to his sympathy for oppressed captives, to rescue whom he put aside all
thought for life, liberty, and name.
That he ever intended to add one pang to the
inevitable evils that might attend such an enterprise
is not borne out by any evidence, and is contradicted by the false signature, and by the tenor of a
whole life.
On the other hand, they who ruthlessly held our
captive soldiers in savage bonds, and in cold blood
destined them to a sudden and common death if
they attempted to escape, justified by such iniquitous deeds any penalty that might befall them.
Ulric Dahlgren was twenty-one years and eleven
months of age when he closed his bright career.
He was tall and graceful in movement; his
well-knit frame gave promise of more than usual
strength, but lacked the development of matured
manhood, and was divested of all spare flesh by a
life of constant exertion.
His mind was of no common order, and had been
carefully trained. He was well read in the classics,
a good mathematician, and expert with the pencil.




TRAITS OF CHARACTER.              253
Having passed so much leisure in the naval
ordnance department, he had a rare knowledge of
artillery and its use, which he often turned to good
account * on the field of battle.
He delighted in all manly exercises, was perfectly at ease in the water, and, as a horseman, was
unsurpassed,-a bold, practiced, and elegant rider.
In action, his discernment of objects and conception were almost instant; in judgment deliberate, but in execution rapid as lightning, with which
he united courage so clear and unshaken as to
permit his faculties the most undisturbed exercise
under any circumstances. He never seemed to be
conscious of the least danger to himself, and the
only visible effect on him of its presence were the
slightly-compressed lip and the sparkle of the eye.
His personal bearing, at such a time, is well described by Captain Mitchell, who speaks of him,
and of the impression the colonel made upon him,
when he rode along the front of his column, then
near Richmond, under a heavy fire and about to
charge the enemy's infantry.
To the casual observer he appeared like a very
young and rather diffident man, gentle and unobtrusive, a moderate talker, and always of pleasant
mood. But beneath, lay a character of the firmest
a General Sigel says, " I gave him charge of the ordnance department, which duties he fulfilled with great energy and ability."
22




254          ULRI C DJAHLGR~EN.
mould, a constancy of purpose never to be diverted
from its object, intrepidity not to be disturbed by
any emergency, impulses of the purest nature habitually in exercise, all producing a course of life unblemished by the least meanness. Loyal to every
obligation, he was, therefore, a good son, and never
failed in the most respectful obedience to his parent.
A warm and sincere friend, he was true through
good and ill report; devoted to the honored cause
of his country, he never heeded toil or danger
where his service was needed.
To these qualities he added a deep sense of religious obligation, chiefly due to the precepts and
example of his departed mother; but in this, as in
other respects, he was not demonstrative. When
lying wounded, and seemingly near the verge of
death, he was reminded of the danger which he did
not appear to be aware of. Smiling feebly, he replied that he knew it, and added that he had never
gone into battle without asking forgiveness for his
sins and commending his soul to his Maker.
Such was the even tenor of his life, not flashing
out at intervals, but giving forth its steady light
without intermission through all its brief term.
The stamp of official recognition is thus declared
by high authority:




LETTER OF SECRETAR Y STIANTONA  255
"WASHINGTON, July 24, I863.
"DEAR SIR,-Inclosed you have a commission
for colonel, without having passed through the
intermediate grade of major.  Your gallant and
meritorious service has, I think, entitled you to this
distinction, although it is a departure from general
usage which is only justified by distinguished merit
such as yours. I hope you may speedily recover,
and it will rejoice me to be the instrument of your
further advancement in the service.
"With great respect, I am yours truly,
"EDWIN M. STANTON.
"COLONEL ULRIC DAHLGREN."
General Sigel, with whom. he served for a year,
writes thus:
" I cannot in this short memorandum do him justice, but will always remember him as one of the
most noble, most faithful, and most valorous soldiers of the republic; as one who was equally'excelsior' by his manly virtues as by his intelligence
and ability. His premature death struck deeply
into my heart, where he will be treasured forever."
The testimonials and regrets, that reached his
father from every direction when his tragic end became known, showed how widely and deeply his
virtues and his patriotism were appreciated.
In the perilous events that gathered about the
closing hours of life, it has been seen from the ex



256          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
tracts of a letter, by one of his officers,* how he
appeared to those around him.
The thoughts that filled the heart and mind of
the young chief, and his fearless view of possible
results, are exhibited in the last letter to his father,t
penned, no doubt, in the solitude of his tent, during
the silent hours of the night, just as he was about
to start upon the final enterprise of his glorious life.
Almost face to face with death, his last words were,
" If we do not rtelzo, theie is no better pface to'ggive
up the ghost.'"
One of the finest tributes ever given in any language to departed worth, thus sums up in a few
words the character and aspirations of this son of
a free land:
"COLONEL ULRIC DAHLGREN.
"From time to time during this war there have
been deaths in battle which have gone to the hearts
of loyal millions as personal griefs, and which have
carried a private sorrow into many households
which the martyrs had never entered. Such were
the deaths of ELLSWORTH, of WINTHROP, of SHAw,
each, for a different reason, claiming sympathy and
regret. Such is the death of ULRIC DAHLGREN,
murdered week before last on the Peninsula, after
* Captain Mitchell.
t Already given, page 21I, chapter xi.




AN EL O QUEnTT TRIB UTE.       257
he had fought his way through the forces which
surrounded him, —shot by a guerrilla-party in ambush, when he had a rightto believe himself in safety.
"Young as he was-dying at twenty-two-his
military career is crowded with events, and around
his smooth brow the laurel had already clustered
thickly.
"'A man that is young in years may be old in
hours,' says Bacon,'if he have lost no time; but
that happeneth rarely.' Measured by such a standard, judged by what he had done, and what he
was, this boy was a veteran. He was born a soldier, and his earliest service in the field found him
the same cool, wary, skillful, indomitable leader
which his last months of more conspicuous action
showed him to the country.
"He was a man whom  his men trusted, and
would follow. That personal magnetism-the
chemical union of extraordinary will and power of
command with winning and affectionate qualitieswhich is the essential character of the best leaders
in battle, he possessed. Napoleon said the Old
Guard would follow Ney farther than they would
him. The irresistible influence which belonged to
Ney belonged to DAHLGREN. There was something
about him which perpetually recalled to mind the
historic traits and descriptive peculiarities of men
famous in battle.
"The white plume of Navarre did not more
22*




258          ULRZC DAHLGREN.
grandly shine in the front of the hottest fight, than
the pale, resolute face and burning eyes of this
young captain. He scarcely ever was in an action
where great odds were not against him, yet never
was in an action out of which he did not bring
fame for himself. He was not rash, but he did numberless things which for another to attempt would
have been rash. The superiority of numbers was
often on the other side; the superiority of force
was always on his.
" Different traits of his character need equally to
be stated, before he can be rightly understood. It
seems a rude act, almost, to uncover in public the
diffident grace and sweetness which made the
beauty of his private life. The iron hand he had,
but the glove of velvet was seldom drawn off. Few
men make themselves so loved as he did,-so loved,
so trusted, so little envied, while winning such large
honors as came to him almost unsought.
"Devoted to his profession for its own sake,
bound to it still more for the sake of his country,
he broke away from the dearest private ties, and
yet carried with him into the field the tenderness
and purity of character, which seemed inseparable
from the fireside and from home.
"It is this young martyred hero whom the
Richmond press, speaking for the rebel leaders,
have painted as a sort of fiend; whose body they
mangled after death, and whose name they have




AN ELOQUENT TRIBUTE.            259
sought to disgrace with still more horrible insults.
" In passionate and cruel anger at an attack which
so nearly succeeded,* they have threatened to murder every prisoner taken, and apparently, in order
to justify it, or to stimulate their ferocity, they have
forged orders said to have been found on Colonel DAHLGREN for the murder of Jefferson Davis
and his Cabinet. The prisoners in our hands, and
the known purpose of our government to retaliate
for the barbarous treatment of white men, will prevent the execution of rebel threats, but will not
prevent them from avenging themselves on an
enemy in his grave,-a trait which they possess
and exhibit in common with other savage and
treacherous races.  It can do no harm  to the
memory of Colonel DAHLGREN; and if it did, we
may be sure that he would cheerfully endure reproach, as in his life he endured hardship and pain,
for the service of his country."*
It soothes sharp regrets to feel that, short as was
the allotted term, it was sufficient to give the full
character, in all its depth and beauty, so complete
that years would have done no more. It is truly
said that one hour may make a name and a destiny,
as well as an age.
There must have been no myth, but a glowing
* New York Independent.




260         ULRLIC DA -L GOREMA.
reality in such a being, to call forth from one mature in age and worthily high in a community's
esteem, such a burst as this:
"The account of young Dahlgren's death reads
like an ancient romance. How sad! how brilliant!
how wonderful! what devotion! what intrepidity!
what patriotism!
"I recalled the appearance of the pale, maimed
youth, who sat on your piazza on the day of the
funeral; when I pressed his hand, and he mine, as
though we were blood relations, though we had
never seen each other before. How he could have
gained strength to ride on one of those painful,
exhausting raids surpasses comprehension.
" But there he was, fighting like a hero, dying_
like a martyr, his body stripped and insulted, and
ignominiously buried. His memory will live when
we are all dead and forgotten.
"My tears drop right down while reading the
extracts from the Richmond papers,-tears of sorrow, of anger, of joy that my country has produced
such a noble youth, and that she has more."
Such was the brave and generous spirit whose
light has been so early quenched forever. That,
of itself, might have sufficed to sate the bitterest
vengeance. The shocking cruelty that has been
exhibited in the treatment of his inanimate body
will, in the end, recoil on the infamous ruffians who
perpetrated it.




TRUE SOLDIER OF THE UNION.  26 I
To the gallant young soldier it has been as nothing, for he has passed away to his final account,
leaving behind him a name far beyond the reach
of his enemies. There are those left, whose pride
and pleasure it will be to vindicate his fair fame,
and he will be remembered as a young patriot of
spotless life and purest purpose; honest, true, and
gentle, dutiful to every obligation; unselfish and
generous to a fault; an undaunted soldier of the
Union, who never struck a blow except at an armed
enemy; an accomplished gentleman, a sincere Christian, a faithful comrade, who, although not having
recovered from the almost fatal illness consequent
on losing a limb in battle, went forth to brave every
hardship, in the hope of aiding to release our
captive soldiers from the dungeons of a merciless
enemy, who, for this, sought vengeance on his
dead body with the ferocity of savages.




CHAPTER  XIII.
CONCLUSION-RECOVERY OF THE REMAINS-FUNERAL
DISCOURSES AND OBSEQUIES.
THE painful tidings of Ulric Dahlgren's fate
came very slowly to Washington.
His father had arrived there from his squadron,
off Charleston, on the 2d of March, little conscious
that on the night of that day his beloved son was
closing his mortal career near Richmond. He
learned of his absence immediately on reaching
home, but felt no misgivings on the subject, except
as to the capability of his son to withstand the exposure of such an expedition, when his health was
so far from being fully established.
About two days later, the President, with his
characteristic kindness, sent a few lines on a card
to Admiral Dahlgren, saying that General Kilpatrick was safe at Fortress Monroe, but that Colonel
Dahlgren was missing; and the following day
(Saturday, 5th) Mr. Lincoln wrote that he was said
to be a prisoner.
These tidings naturally occasioned great concern in the family, which was measurably relieved
( 262 )




RECO VER Y OF THE REMA INS.   263
on Sunday, when the President called at the residence of the admiral, to say that he had just received a telegram from General Butler, at Fortress
Monroe, to the effect that Ulric was not a prisoner,
but was at King-and-Queen Court House, and that
he would send some troops there to bring him in.
This state of suspense did not continue long.
The mournful certainty reached Washington soon
after, and on Tuesday the President sent for the
admiral, in order to disclose to him the death of
his gallant son, tidings of which had arrived the
day before. The bereaved father lost no time in
leaving on board of the steamer that had brought
him North, and still lay at the Navy Yard ready
for sea, which, without delay, carried him to Fortress Monroe by ten o'clock next day. He there
received from General Butler copies of Richmond
papers, containing the dreadful details already
given.
The general, taking a kindly interest in the fate
of the young soldier, addressed a note to the
enemy's exchange commissioner, requesting that
his remains might be delivered to his father.
General Kilpatrick, who was also at the fort,
called upon the admiral, and, among other statements in regard to the expedition, assured him of
the falsity of the ordcrts said to have been found
upon his son.
The Union papers, meanwhile, abounded with




264          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
notices of the lamented martyr, expressing sorrow
for his untimely end, and indignation at the conduct of the rebel authorities.
On the 23d of March, the enemy's commissioner
sent word that the only officer who knew the place
of interment was absent, and therefore it had been
impossible to comply with the request for the body,
but that this officer had been sent for.
On the 29th, the admiral again, and for the fourth
time, repaired to Fortress Monroe, in order to
attend personally to the reception of his son's remains, which were expected in the exchange-boat,
but he was again doomed to bitter disappointment.
Arriving at home, an entire stranger called and
hinted at some information, which he said had
reached him, to the effect that the remains of Colonel Dahlgren had been found and removed by
some friends to a place of safety, but that great
secrecy was necessary, to avoid the search of the
rebel authorities.
This was confirmed by a telegram from General
Butler, of April I7th, stating the return of the
exchange-steamer from Richmond, and that the
enemy's commissioner had assured the Union commissioner, "That upon going to the grave of Colonel Dahlgren it was found empty, and that the
most vigorous and persistent search fails to find it;
that the authorities are making every exertion to
find the body, which shall be restored if found."




FUNERAL DISCO URSE.            265
It being certain that for the present no rec6very
would be possible, it was decided that the address
which had been prepared for the funeral service
should be delivered. This sad duty properly belonged to the Rev. Dr. Sunderland, as the pastor
of the church in which Ulric Dahlgren had been
trained, and where it was his custom  to attend
when at home.
No one could be so well qualified for the task as
this excellent divine, who had ever been a fearless
advocate of the Union cause, in season and out of
season. He had personally known Ulric Dahlgren
for many years, having seen him almost daily (as
he passed to the church in the regular performance
of his duties), most frequently near the paternal
home, in some boyish recreation, or perhaps on the
way to school, satchel in hand. On Sundays, too,
he found the lad at his place at the Sunday-school,
and afterwards, in his father's pew, a quiet and attentive listener. All who know Dr. Sunderland,
are acquainted with the earnest enthusiasm with
which he pursues his object, and the brilliant
powers of logic and language with which he is
gifted, and can well imagine the fervent feelings
which animated him when he rose in the pulpit
to fulfill his mission. The spacious church* was
crowded to its utmost capacity, by a sympathizing
* First Presbyterian, Four-and-a-half Street.
23




266          ULRIC DAHLGREAI.
audience gathered from every class of the community.  The reverend preacher, aroused to his
greatest power, held the large assembly in rapt
attention for more than two hours, in the delivery
of a sermon which, for accuracy of statement,
pathos, and eloquence, has never been excelled, if
measured by the effect on such numbers of clear,
strong, earnest, and well-educated minds.  The
sound of the last sentence had scarcely died out
when several gentlemen rose, and, speaking in behalf of those around, requested that the discourse
should be printed.
This was succeeded next day, in a more formal
manner, by a written application, as follows:
"WASHINGTON, D.C., April 25, I864.
"REV. BYRON SUNDERLAND, D.D.
" DEAR SIR,-We respectfully request that you
will furnish for publication a copy of the eloquent
and patriotic discourse on the life and death of
Colonel Dahlgren, delivered last evening. We
wish to see the noble, daring, and heroic devotion
to the cause of his country, which characterized
the brief but brilliant career of this young soldier,
held up before the youth of our country, that they
may be stimulated to an honorable emulation of
his virtues, and, if need be, to a similar sacrifice of
their lives. We wish to honor his memory, by
publishing the story of his deeds and his death,




FUNERAL DISCO URSE.          267
that it may go down to posterity with the record
of many other noble young men of our land, whose
lives have honored and whose deaths have rendered
doubly sacred the cause in which they fell, and will
add to the reproach and shame of all our enemies
and all who sympathize with them.
" In thus presenting this request, we believe that
we express the general sentiment of those who
listened to your discourse, and the loyal people of
this community.
"Very respectfully, your obedient servants,
"SCHUYLER COLFAX,
J. K. MOREHEAD,
D. MORRIS,
Z. D. GILMAN,
WM. H. CAMPBELL,
WM. GUNTON,
O. C. WIGHT,
MARSHALL CONANT."
To this request, the Rev. Dr. Sunderland made
the following reply:
" WASHINGTON, April 26, I864.
"To MESSRS. SCHUYLER COLFAX, J. K. MOREHEAD,
D. MORRIS, AND OTHERS.
"GENTLEMEN,-Your request of the 25th instant,
so kindly expressed, is duly received; and in submitting to your disposal a copy of the discourse
delivered by me, in memory of the late Colonel




268          ULRIC DA/ ILGREN.
Dahlgren, permit me to add, that when our countrymen shall read the story of this noble young
soldier, and the nation's heart shall thrill again on
every recollection of his exploits, I pray them to
remember it is not upon the ground of his lofty
patriotism, but upon the humble hope of his confidence in the Redeemer of the world, that his pastor
cherishes the conviction of his now beatified and
exalted estate, in the presence of God and the holy
angels.
"Ever truly, etc.,
" B. SUNDERLAND."
It is not to be forgotten that the circumstances
attending the delivery of this address were most
remarkable. Its subject was personally known to
most of those present, who were the neighbors of
his family, and he was generally known to the
congregation as one of its youth. The head of the
academy where Ulric Dahlgren had been trained
for some ten years, and who also had been his Sunday-school teacher, was present, as an elder of the
church, and was one of those who requested the
publication of the sermon. So that there was a mass
of living testimony to the life and character of the
gallant young soldier, that few have been favored
with. These witnesses could scan nearly the whole
of the brief life, had been cognizant of it in nearly
every phase, and now that it was stilled forever,




IREMO VA L OF REMAIl NS.      269
they could, within the sanctuary, bear evidence to
its purity, its loveliness, its fidelity, courage, and
great promise.
The very words themselves came from the lips
and the heart of a speaker, made holy, by his devoted zeal for religion and the cause of his country,
and who was himself a testimony to nearly all that
he uttered.
Altogether, it was a fitting memorial to the
young warrior, and wheresoever might be laid the
frail tenement which his brave spirit once animated,
this gave imperishable remembrance to him.
Some two days later, Admiral Dahlgren received
positive information of the removal of his son's
remains from Richmond to a spot unknown to the
rebel government, but still within their lines. This
made it unadvisable to attempt its transference
North, until the flag of the Union should wave over
the place.
He was thus compelled reluctantly to forego, for
the present, the melancholy satisfaction of having
his son's remains properly interred, and felt obliged
to yield to the wishes of the Department, that he
should resume his command of the South Atlantic
squadron, for which he departed on the 28th of
April, 1864.
Such a character, and such a career, so sadly
ended, could not fail to make an impression on the
public mind far beyond the limits of domestic life
23



270          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
Various notices appeared in the public prints, in
prose and in verse.  Sometimes they were addressed in condolence to the father of the gallant
dead, and bear evidence of the feeling occasioned
in different parts of the country by the untimely
end of Ulric Dahlgren.
Some of the kindly tributes have been collected,
and will be found at the close of this narrative.
The Volunteer Howitzer Company of Philadelphia, with which Ulric had been associated before
the rebellion, did not forget their comrade:
"PHILADELPHIA, March, I864.
"ADMIRAL DAIILGREN.
"SIR,-At a special meeting of the Dahlgren
Howitzer Battery, Captain E. Spencer Miller commanding, held at the armory, No. 8o8 Market
Street, on Thursday the I7th instant, the following
resolutions were read, and, on motion, unanimously
adopted:
" Wzereas, Our late lieutenant, Ulric Dahlgren,
after severing his connection with us, and entering
the active service of his country, showed on every
occasion those high qualities of courage, coolness,
and warm patriotism which we so well knew and
appreciated, and, after gaining promotion with a
rapidity which proved his extraordinary merit, lately
lost his life whilst gallantly leading his men to the
very gates of Richmond, to release our fellow-citizens from rebel prisons;




TR B UTE TO HIS MEMO RY.        27 I
"Resolved, That in his death the country has
lost one of its most promising officers and most
daring and self-denying patriots.
"Resolved, That not in hope of adding to the
honor of one whose glory is now part of the history
and treasure of his country, and whose praises are
on every tongue, but to impress upon ourselves his
bright example, we make this record to his memory.
" Resolved, That as COLONEL ULRIC DAHLGREN
had, from his parentage, ties to this city and this
city to him, our fellow-citizens should not be unmindful of his memory, but should raise a monument to him more permanent than mere expressions of admiration and respect.
"Resolved, That we will wear a badge of mourning for six months, and cause these resolutions to
be published, and a copy thereof to be sent to the
father of the deceased.
" Extract from the minutes.
"(Signed)    CHAS. WILLING HARE,
" Czairmazn pro tem.
"Attest: E. S. CAMPBELL,
" Secretary pro ten."
Great events were to take place before the outraged remains of Ulric Dahlgren were destined to
rest with those of his family. Indeed, the rebellion
itself was first to find its grave, not with the regrets
of the country, but " unzoept and unhonored."




272          ULRIC DALGREN.
The rescue of Ulric Dahlgren's remains from the
possession of the rebel authorities had scarcely been
accomplished, when the leader of the American
armies, gathering together his legions, moved directly for Richmond. In vain did the rebel general
place himself in his path, and strive to delay or avert
the fatal purpose. GRANT, steadfastly keeping the
end in view, moved forward, never refusing battle
when offered, and never turning from a chance to
strike; so that in good season he was at the portals
of the city of dungeons, and there fixed a grip on
the very throat of the rebellion that was not to be
relaxed whilst it had life.
Meanwhile, glorious SHERMAN had entered Atlanta; his maddened enemy, driven to hopeless
despair by repeated defeat, threw himself like a
tiger upon the communications of the Union army,
thinking perhaps thus to shake the purpose of his
antagonist.
" Quenz Dezs vult perdere, prius demzentet."
That insane movement sealed the fate of secession,
like the crash of doom, just when our impatient
public was verging to lack of faith in the decree
of justice. Sherman, with rapid glance, saw his
opportunity. Gathering all his force and trains into
one compact mass, he swooped, like an eagle, for
the ocean, dividing the power of the untouched
States with fatal blow, for his magnificent conception instantly divined the result. Rebellion had




SEAWARD MARCH OF SHERM4N.  273
ignorantly placed its head upon the block, and the
avenging sword fell like light.
That march of Sherman's will ever stand on the
record with the greatest achievements of war.
Moving steadily on, the general came near the
great sea early in December. A single obstacle in
the way, in the shape of a fort (McAllister), was
brushed away by an instant stroke, and Sherman,
with characteristic celerity, stepped into a small
bateau and first presented himself to the expectant
fleet. On the I4th of December, he and Admiral
Dahlgren met in the waters of Wassaw Sound, and
his presence was greeted by the ships of war with
every token of welcome,-the seamen mounted the
rigging and cheered, while the great cannon thundered deep base to their voices.
The fall of Savannah followed quickly, and the
Christmas of I864 was celebrated in that city, and
for the first time in several years, under the folds of
the national banner.
As soon as the army was sufficiently recruited
and its supplies renewed, Sherman recommenced
his march, taking a line sufficiently near the coast
to sever the communications of the enemy's strongholds seaward. As a consequence, the insurgents
were compelled to abandon the seacoast as he
advanced, being hemmed seaward by the fleet,
and the small body of troops that had occupied
positions on the sea-islands.




274          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
Admiral Dahlgren and General Schimmelfennig
entered Charleston on the I7th of February.
Early in April, Sherman was in communication
with Grant, and the enemy's capital was abandoned
to its fate by Lee's army, which, soon after, was
also compelled to surrender to the conquerors.
Thus ended the most needless resistance to lawful authority that has ever darkened the annals of
man, but in its death-struggle basely stole the life
of the good President, who had so ably conducted
the fortunes of the republic through the terrible
vicissitudes of a bloody war.
The blood of the martyr consecrated the labor
of the patriot.
The tragedy of the rebellion closed fittingly with
the work of the assassin.
Immediately on the accession of peace, the remains of Ulric Dahlgren were taken to Washington, from the spot where they had reposed quietly
for a whole year, beneath the green sod of the valley, far away from the desecration of a bitter foe,
and only awaiting the hour when broken hearts
and Christian rites should consign the heroic dead
to the last, last resting-place.
The spot thus hallowed by such association is
some ten miles from Richmond, on the farm of Mr.
Robert Orrick, and but a short distance from the
railroad. The removal thither had been effected by




R)ECO VER Y OF REMAINS.       275
Mr. Lohman, a resident of Richmond, but friendly
to the Union cause and in communication with
General Butler; he had been assisted by Mr. Rowley, and a few others were cognizant of the transaction.
Towards the end of June, the condition of public
affairs on the Southern Atlantic coast permitted
the withdrawal of the principal part of the United
States naval forces, which, conformably to the directions of the Navy Department, were nearly all
sent North. The admiral himself soon after arrived
at Washington in the Pawnee. He lost no time in
having proper examination made, in order to verify
the remains of his lamented son. The intense heat
of the weather, however, rendered it unadvisable to
attempt their transference to the burial lot of the
family, near Philadelphia.  The obsequies were
therefore necessarily postponed until cold weather.
Meanwhile, some evidences of the shocking details which attended the last moments of the heroic
dead began to appear.
Various letters had reached the admiral at different times from parties in Virginia, stating that
the writers, or persons whom they knew, were in
possession of articles taken from the body of Ulric
Dahlgren, which they offered to restore on condition of receiving certain specified sums of money.
The base instincts of the brutal crew that surrounded the young soldier in his last moments




276         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
may be readily conceived from such offers, if, indeed, they had not been fully signified by other
circumstances. The admiral was happily secured
from the necessity of having to deal with these
atrocious villains, who thus asked the price of
blood; for the detective force, with the zeal which
had characterized their operations during the war,
had been on the alert in endeavoring to recover
whatever had belonged to Colonel Dalilgren, and
were in pursuit before those who held these relics
had time to consummate their infamous traffic.
These vigilant officers obtained successively, from
various parties, the coat worn by Colonel Dahlgren
when he fell, his watch, and the golden ring for
which the finger had been so brutally severed.
The artificial leg was also recovered. The coat
was pierced by four bullet-holes, on the left side
and rather towards the back, showing clearly that
the fatal volley had been fired after he passed, and
not directly at him as he approached.
A horse that he was supposed to have ridden
when he charged into Hagerstown, and at the time
he was wounded after the battle of Gettysburg, had
been regained during the summer; but he became
sick soon after reaching Washington, and died, before he could be removed to the green fields, where
it was intended that he should roam free from further duty.
The horse had been conveyed to a farm in Vir



THE CHR ISTIA N BUIAL.         277
ginia, where the'attention of some of our soldiers
had been attracted by hearing him spoken of as
"Dahlgren."  Inquiry disclosed former service,
and he was at once retaken.
THE CHRISTIAN BURIAL.
On Monday, the 3oth of October (I865), Admiral Dahlgren proceeded to the vault, to superintend personally the removal of the remains so
precious to him. Incased in a metallic casket,
just as brought from Richmond, they were transported by a military guard, under command of
Captain Dempsey, to the City Hall of Washington,
where they remained during the night in charge of
six commissioned officers.
Next day the coffin was placed in the Councilchamber, and rested there until noon, covered by
the broad folds of the banner which the youth had
so well served. Upon it was laid the letter of the
War Department, which has been already given,*
that accompanied his commission as colonel.
The Council-chamber was filled with officers and
citizens. The day was lowering, and the heavy
clouds threatened rain. The troops that were to
act as escort were assembled in front of the City
Hall, consisting of battalions from the Ioth Re* Chapter xii., page 255.
24




278          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
serve, ISth Regiment Hancock's Corps, and the
I95th and 2I4th Pennsylvania, commanded by
Brigadier-General Gile.
At noon the coffin was lifted by eight non-commissioned officers, who proceeded to carry it out
of the building, attended, as pall-bearers, by
BRIGADIER-GENERAL IDE WITT,    COLONEL FISHER,
BRIGADIER-GENERAL OLIPHANT,   COLONEL CALLIS,
COLONEL JOHNSON,            COLONEL JOHNSTON,
COLONEL PIERCE,             COLONEL FousT,
with the guard of honor, consisting of
CAPTAIN ELDRIDGE,     CAPTAIN CROUSE,
CAPTAIN PRESTON,      CAPTAIN BURNELL,
CAPTAIN DWYER,        CAPTAIN CAMP,
of the Veteran Reserve Cavalry Corps.
Close behind walked the father and the younger
brother, the latter having been permitted to leave
West Point for the melancholy occasion; the other
brother was far distant.  Last came the officers of
the army and navy.
Among the numerous spectators, there must
have been many who remembered Ulric Dahlgren
in the full bloom of his boyhood and youth, passing the happy hours just where his cold body was
now being borne to receive the last tokens of
respect.
The spacious church was once more crowded to




THE CHR ISTIAN BURIAL.          279
its utmost by those who came to join in the tribute
so well merited from every lover of the country.
Among them were the President, with nearly all
his Cabinet, the mayor of the city, and other
distinguished persons.
The coffin was carried forward and placed directly before the pulpit.
Never were words from that desk listened to
with greater attention than those which the Rev.
Mr. Beecher uttered on that solemn occasion. The
discourse has been justly considered as one of the
finest efforts of that extraordinary speaker. So
deeply were the feelings of his audience stirred,
that even the circumstance and the place could
not restrain the low demonstrations that seemed to
float like gentle echoes of the orator's voice. Yet
was the inanimate body of the heroic dead not
more still than was the vast assembly, when the
discourse, breaking away from the general character of its introduction, was turned to the theme
itself, and the full, rich tones of the reverend
preacher came in these words to his hearers:
"We have assembled to-day to replenish our
own spirits and refresh our memory with these
higher truths, by paying our homage of love and
admiration to one of the youngest, purest, and
noblest of the spirits this war developed, and who
have saved the life of this nation by freely yielding
their own.




280          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
"Could we have chosen the circumstances
should we have chosen so wisely and well for this
young hero's honor, as did that Providence which
tfzen seemed black with woe and impenetrable in
mystery, but from which now the unfolding clouds
reveal the benignant purpose of a loving God?
Called to public duty before he reached manhood,
how suddenly he shot up by conspicuous service
into notice! He earned in the field that advantage
which a less noble nature might have expected to
have inherited from the name and services of his
father, and he was advanced not by solicitation, but
by achievements; he did not chase down honors,
but they held a hard race to catch and keep up
with him.
" Simple in the family as a child, he flamed forth
in the hour of battle like outrunning fire. His
courage was not reckless impetuosity; it was concentration of honest purpose. It was full of eyes
of caution; not a horse broke loose and unrestrainable, but a steed under rein and broken to
the rider's will. He carried home-virtues into the
camp, and gloried to give time, strength, and his
life for a cause dearer to him than life.
"And the closing scenes of his visible career were
worthy of a nature so elevated. Scarce yet recovered from the loss, in battle, of a leg,-from a sickness accompanying, which seemed likely to take
life also,-he sought and obtained permission to




THE CHRIS7TIAN  BURIAL.         281
join a noble expedition, full of extreme peril and
yet more extreme fatigues, when he yet should
have been on his couch.
" The history of the sufferings of Union prisoners
in rebel prison-houses has added one more chapter
to the great book of cruelty. No explanations can
relieve it, and no apologies tone down its hideous
picture. As we go away from it down the years
of history, it will neither lose ruggedness nor gain
softer tints; but, like a mountain which cannot be
seen from its near base, but seems to rise and spread
out as you recede, so this vast atrocity will spread
black against the sky down to the end of time.
There is nothing like it in the history of the world,
and I trust there will never be again.
"It was a heroic purpose that fired young Dahlgren to attempt the rescue of those companions in
arms from such hateful bondage. Such a sympathy
with others' sufferings enabled him to forget his
own.
" He mounted his saddle from his crutches. His
spirit sustained his body in a ride that might well
wear out a man int' health and strength. That he
failed to rescue our pining and tormented prisoners,
we all know. None will ever know the anguish
with which he must have passed by the city of
cruelty and given up the rescue. He had almost
completed his circuit, and was nearing a friendly
refuge, when from ambush there came a bullet
24*




282         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
that brought him to the ground. As an eagle falls,
he fell,-not yet slain, but pierced, helpless,dying, with helpless wing and disheveled plumage
upon the ground; but an eagle yet, with unblenching eye. Death rendered him insensible to reproach and cruelty.
"And so his life ended; nay, so his life began.
The body was slain, the spirit was emancipated.
His hands could do no more for his country; but
his example would call a thousand hands to do
more than he had ever done. No more was his
slender form to be seen in the charge of battle;
but his name was inspiration to unnumbered youths.
"His life multiplied itself upon every generous
youth who, by his example, learned'not to count
his life dear to himself.' Dead! He was never so
royally living! We are looking upon the place
where he once was; not upon him. This is but
the souvenir, the remembrance of him; not the
mnan or the hero. Once he lived subject to the
need of a fleshly body; but now his example walks
the earth with tireless feet, and needs no ministration of food or sleep.
"Once he dwelt in house made with hands, and
only one; but now he dwells in thrice ten thousand.
"Wherever children are reared to Deity and
heroism, there his example lives. Where men
glow with patriotism and kindle with gratitude to




THE CHRISTIAN BURIAL.           283
those who saved this land to liberty and law, there
is he who gave his life for his native land. In
cities and in villages, on solitary farms and in the
lumberman's forest, upon the shore and in the ship,
among lowland herdsmen and among mountaineers
-from the shores of the Atlantic, across the great
rivers and lakes, across the mountains to the Pacific
Ocean —his spirit shall brood upon the young, his
example shall show men how to lose their lives and
gain them forever!
"Dahlgren  The name aforetime was strange
to English lips, and of sound foreign to English
ears. But now it is no longer your land from
which it came! It is ours; it is American. Our
children shall wear it; and, as long as our history
lasts, Dahlgren shall mean truth, honor, bravery,
and heroic sacrifice.
" Precious dead! Dust, thou needest no pity or
sympathy of us! Is the eye sunken? Who of us
beholds, as thou dost, from the spheres above? Is
thy hand powerless? What hand or scepter on
earth is like thine for influence? Is thy heart
pulseless? Nay, that surely is not dead that stirs
thousands of hearts with joy and gratitude. How
glorious is this deathless life, this living in death!
Bear ye to its rest this precious trust. Himz ye do
not bring,-only the shackles that confined his
spirit! Above you, around you, with you, goes
this ransomed spirit! His sufferings are ended,




284          ULRIC DAHLGR.EN.
but not his work. Noiseless and tireless worker,
as long as the sea beats the shore, or the sun warms
the soil, thou shalt live and labor in thy Master's
cause.
"Where this dust shall rest, shall come pilgrims
innumerable. Mothers holding their babes shall
look with moist eyes upon the tablet, and silently
pray that God would make their sons like him.
And many a poet will fill his numbers with inspiration from his sepulchre; and many a teacher,
skilled in witching fiction, shall weave his deeds
into instructive story.
"But, high above all, God shall give his angels
charge to watch and guard his form till the resurrection morning. Then, once more, as of yore in
camp he waked when the trumpet sounded, shall
he hear the trump of God, and rise to victory and
immortality."
The last words were uttered, and the solemn
chant of the choir, deepened by the full notes of the
organ, gave relief to the strained emotions of the
audience.
Nothing could surpass the impression produced
by this discourse, for the cold, silent remains of him
that was spoken of lay in view of all, and gave
reality and life to the magnificent language of the
speaker.
One of those present writes, " Mr. Beecher's oration was listened to with the most intense interest




THE CHRISTIAN B URIAL.         285
by one of the largest, most appreciative, and distinguished audiences that ever assembled to do honor
to the memory of any military man during the war,
and the distinguished orator repeatedly electrified
that vast audience with his outbursts of impassioned
eloquence. Faithful as our report is, the printed
words are tame and commonplace when compared
with the burning utterances which fell from the
lips of the inspired speaker. It was an occasion
never to be forgotten by those who were so fortunate as to be present."
The remains were once more borne along the
crowded aisles, placed on the hearse, and attended
with every honor to the railroad depot.
Arriving at Baltimore, a body of troops was in
waiting, which, to the sad notes of the funeral dirge,
formed an escort through the city.
Just before midnight, the admiral reached Philadelphia with the remains of his son, which were at
once taken in charge by a guard of officers, and
conveyed to the Hall of Independence. The following day, the coffin was placed in the time-honored chamber, whence issued that declaration which
ranked this country in the family of recognized nationalities. It had not been long since the remains
of our lamented President had lain there. How
little did he foresee, when yielding to his emotion
on hearing of the fate of Ulric Dahlgren, that he
too should fall by a traitor's bullet!




286         ULRIC DAHLGREN.
The commanding generals of the district, Mr.
Henry, the Mayor of Philadelphia, and other distinguished gentlemen were assembled in the morning. The funeral discourse was pronounced by
the Rev. Dr. Wilson, one of the most learned and
eloquent of our Presbyterian divines; his fine, commanding presence well graced the place and the
occasion. All who listened to the classic language
that flowed from his lips in feeling and earnest
tones, might have felt that as he spoke he was
touched by the consciousness of a reality. It had
been his duty to consecrate with the first rites of
the church the lifeless form that lay before him, of
which he thus spoke:
"These hands sprinkled the water of baptism
on his infant brow; emblem of a deeper, holier
cleansing of the Spirit of God in his soul. Oh, how
little I thought, in the quiet, holy stillness of that
peaceful chamber, when that solemn rite was performed, and of which every witness is gone but he
who is chief mourner here to-day,-how little I
thought of what lay behind the veil that shut out
the future! But I thank God and rejoice that the
prayers then offered are to-day more than answered."
And now the lamented one is carefully lifted and
carried from the hall, through the grounds in its
rear, reaching the outlet on Walnut Street, where
the extended lines of the soldiery salute the honored bier. A throng of people look on in pro



THE CHRISTIAN BURIAL.         287
found silence, from the walks, the pavements, and
the windows.
Followed by the remnant of the family, by
friends, and by the military, the funeral train proceeds to Laurel Hill, taking the very road which
the gallant youth had himself traversed, in dutiful attendance upon the remains of mother, and
brother, and sister. Now it is his turn to be thus
attended.
The cemetery is reached, the procession winds
along its peaceful walks, and then halts near the
place of interment. Once more, and for the last
time, the heroic dead is borne by the hands of men.
The light of a mellow autumnal day glows on the
grass and glances amid the rustling leaves; the
rich green of the foliage is darkening with the hues
of the departing year, and lines of armed men
are formed with military precision along the way.
Everything that meets the eye is in unison with
the solemnity, and not a sound breaks on the ear
to divert the attention from that bier.  Closely
following it are the father, and brother, and the
reverend speaker. Presently they stand beside the
narrow dwelling in mother earth which is to receive
the honored relics. The coffin has been lowered
to its place, and neither movement nor sound is
perceptible among the living masses that gather
around.
Suddenly the preacher moves from his place,




288          ULRIC DAHLGREN.
and stands at the head of the grave. Uncovered,
and with raised hand, his clear, firm voice fills the
space around in solemn invocation:
"We are to-day, my friends, looking upon our
graves, and thinking of the skies. There is a
mightier congregation here of the dead than of
the living; but there is'a day coming to earth's
mightiest and lowliest, when all these graves shall
be opened. There shall be to all of us a resurrection. God grant it may be a resurrection to
life!"
The profound silence is broken only by the quick,
clear click of muskets, and then comes the loud
volley from a thousand muskets, repeated again
and again.
They will not arouse that sleeper now; for he
sleeps his last sleep.
Once, that sharp rattle would have awakened
every pulse of the gallant heart that now heeds
not its summons. And oh! there was one hzour of
life-the very last-when the presence of that array
would have turned away death, or consecrated it
with victory. But how vain such thought!
And thus honor is done to whom honor is due;
even vengeance could not avert it.  The noble
youth at last sleeps quietly, the sleep that knows
no waking.  He is placed close- by the mortal
remains of the cherished mother, who so often
moulded his young thought and brought gladness




THE CHR ISTIA N BURIA L.      289
to his heart, and light to his eye. She, at least,
was spared the sorrow of these hours.
In a brief space all have dispersed, and left the
dead to the solitude of the grave,-their slumbers
soothed by the murmuring breeze and the sound
of the moving waters of the river that winds by.
Peace to his ashes! The laurels on the young
and fair brow will never fade while there are true
men and women in the land to keep them green.
Remembered among those the nation mourns,
will be the name of Ulric Dahlgren.








A:PP E DT IX I LA CHAPLET
FOR
ULRIC DAHLGREN.
( 291 )








A CHAPLET
FOR
ULRIC DAHLGREN.
DEATH OF COLONEL ULRIC DAHLGREN, UNITED
STATES CAVALRY.
BY M. S. NEWCOMER.
FIRM with his face to the foe,
Steady the sword in his hand,
Stranger to terror or woeWorthy to lead such a band:
Bravely he met victory,
Sealed with his own precious blood,
His bold heart died to be free,
Warmed by its outgushing flood.
CHIFTAIN OF GLORY! all hail!
Majesty pales in thy lightDespots will stagger and quail,
To see thee bleed for the Right:Freedom will sing of thy name,
Ages of time yet to be;
Bright are the laurels of fame,
Twining in beauty for thee.
25*             (293)




294              ULRIC DAHLGREVN.
Time will but add to the thrill,
Swelling the popular heart,Vengeance and glory will still
Blend with our tears as they start.
Garlands of roses we'll twine,
Softly we'll speak in thine ear,
Home of the brave shall be thine,Liberty weeps at thy bier!
Traitors may scoff at thy corpse,
And fiends may howl at thy graveFreedom forgets not its source,
In the warm blood of the brave.
Deity smiles upon thee;
HIERCULES OF LIBERTY! hail!The stripes and the stars of the free
Will never grow languid or pale.
Treason may rave in its lair,
Mocking the dust of the slain,
None its dark burden to bear,
Save the brute lord of the chain;Liberty saved from its wrath,
Will own the soil it has trod,
Despite the foes in its path,
To bless its MAKER and GOD!
Village Record.




A  CHIAPLE7.                     295
LYRICS OF TO-DAY.
FROM THE BOSTON TRANSCRIPT.
ON guard to-night-and through all the darkness comes
The notes of bugles and the roll of drums
Sounding tattoo-while from the city nearRichmond, doomed city, trembling now with fear —
Borne on the breeze, these are the words I hear:
Who talks of peace?
Who says, Let this War cease?
While we in Libby lie and plainly hear
Brothers in arms
Sounding war's loud alarms
At Richmond's very gates, that quake with fear.
Who of peace prates
While dead and dying mates
Fill Southern graves and cells? And we all hope,Some for grim death,
While some, with bated breath,
Whisper of those who shall prison-doors ope.
Have ye forgot
That this accursed spot
Holds men who've bravely fought for home and you?
Day after day
They wait and watch and prayGod grant their hopes and prayers may all come true!




296              ULRIC DAHLGREN.
For you they've borne
Insults, and taunts, and scorn,
Been robbed, and starved, and seen comrades shot dead
By prison-guards.
Are these the poor rewards
With which our country crowns the soldier's head?
Here DAHLGREN lies,
Sleeping'neath Southern skies,
His crippled form by traitors rudely thrown
In unknown grave;
Yet there are those who rave
Of Peace, ere vengeance justly claims its own.
Ere Peace there be,
Give us our Liberty.
Let us the traitors meet once more in fight;
We all have sworn
That every wrong we've borne
Shall be wiped out in blood or in death's night.
W. H. K.
September, i864.




A CHAPLET.                      297
ULRIC DAHLGREN.
BY REV. CHARLES W. DENISON.
WE met at Harper's Ferry, in the gorges of the hills,
Where, chasing the Potomac, come leaping down the rills;
We stood in Union armor by Shenandoah's tide,
And, ready for the battle, Sigel was by our side.
The frowning Heights of Maryland with waving plumes of gray
Through the autumnal twilight bade grand adieus that day;
The table-rocks of Jefferson gloamed in the darkness there,
And the spirit of the patriot seemed hovering in the air.
Oh, scene of desolation! The guilt, and woe, and shame
Of slavery in rebellion had burnt the land with flame;
The sleep of Justice wakened by Monticello's grave,
And in conflict with the master she sided with the slave.
In that historic temple where Washington had stood,
Before the shattered altars in old Virginia's wood,
Young DAHLGREN raised his sworded hand and sacredly he vowed,
"My country's banner shall prevail, or be my winding shroud!"
So spake the boy that evening, then dashed along the right,
And, in the name of freedom, put slavish hordes to flight;
At Fredericksburg embattled he strode the crimson field,
His watchword of the column, " To traitors never yield!"
Through the dark haze of Gettysburg he flashed a living flame,
And on the scroll of heroes wrote his own immortal name;
With the torn flag of Hagerstown his body shrouded round,
He fought oppression's myrmidons stretched bleeding on the
ground;
Then torn, and maimed, and weak, he rose as valiant as of yoreHe was of age that day of grace —he was a man before.




298             ULRIC DAHLGREN.
O manful boy! O youthful peer! O Ulric the brave!
The proudest of thy patriot deeds shall monument thy grave.
Around thy hidden sod at night the grateful slave shall cling,
And in fond. tones through Libby's cells thy requiem shall ring.
Almost alone, without the trump and blazonry of war,
In darkness, hand to hand with death, thou wert death's conqueror.
Above that spot our flag will float, but not thy shroud;'twill be
The pennon call to avenge thy fall, borne over land and sea;
With Winthrop and with Lyon, with Foote and Shaw art thou,
And DAHLGREN shines with them henceforth on Freedom's starry
brow.
ALLYN HousE, HARTFORD.




A CHA PLE T.                   299
LINES SUGGESTED BY THE DEATH OF ONE OF THE BRAVEST MEN
THIS WAR HAS BROUGHT INTO THE SERVICECOLONEL ULRIC DAHLGREN.
ULRIC DAHLGREN, in the story
Of thy country's grief and wrong,
Yours shall stand a name of glory,
Bright in history and song.
Since bold treason sent its thunder
Over Charleston's placid bay,
While the world looked on in wonder
At the madness of the day,
Oh, how many lives have perishedGone, like bubbles on the brineLives by warm affection cherishedNone, young hero, more than thine!
Thou, scarce launched on life's great ocean,
Courage thine, both rare and grand,
Thy young heart's supreme devotion
To thy dear, thy native land,
Joined to make all patriots love thee,
Joined to give thee station, power —
In th' embattled field to prove thee
Worthy,'mid the wildest hour.




300             ULRIC DAHLGREN.
ULRIC DAHLGREN, thou hast given
Thy blood in freedom's cause to flow;
God will bless thee up in heaven,
Good men bless thee here below.
Traitors hate thee-oh, the glory
Of such hatred to the true!
Traitor, scoundrel, villain, tory,
Ever will hate such as you.
Sleep, young hero; thou, in dying,
Fallest in the cause of right;
And thy memory, time defying,
Shall be ever, ever bright.
B. B. FRENCH.
WASHINGTON, D. C.




A  CHAP LE T.                    301
ULRIC DAHLGREN.
BY CHARLES HENRY BROCK.
QUENCH the burning indignation,
Check the rising tear;
Be his sepulchre the Nation,
And the Land his bier!
Hellish vengeance hath consigned him
To a grave unknown:
Freedom's angel hath enshrined him
By her altar-stone.
Curse and mangle, 0 ye traitors!
What is left of him:
Crush and sever, ruthless haters!
Every youthful limb;
Hide him in~llr dark Inorasses,
That no verdant sod
E'er may tell, to him who passes,
Where he rests with God.
But ye cannot crush the story
Of his hero-worth,
Nor debase his wealth of glory
With ignoble earth.
And ye cannot hide the gleaming
Of his hero-name,
For it kindles with each beaming
Of his Country's fame!
26




302              ULRIC DAHLGREN.
Spirit of the son immortal!
Wailings of the sire!
Peace, for in your Nation's portal
Hangs the funeral lyre;
Breathing there the mighty chorus
Of the young and brave,
How he died, awhile before us,
Liberty to save!
Oh, be this the consolation,
This the mourner's pride,
That the story fires the Nation,
How he lived and died!
Be the sepulchre that holds him
Hidden as it may,'Tis his Country that enfolds him
With her native clay.
PHILADELPHIA, March, Is64.




A CHAPLET.                      303
THE CARVED LETTERS.
AN INCIDENT IN THE BOYHOOD OF THE BRAVE YOUNG SOLDIER,
COLONEL ULRIC DAHLGREN.
IT was a morn of summer,
And the woods were waving free,
When a youthful group stood resting
Beneath an old beech-tree.
We had wandered through the woodland,
Had culled the modest flowers,
And watched the sweet birds flitting
Across the shaded bowers.
And now beside the streamlet,
To list its silver song,
We rested in the noontide,
For the summer days are long.
A spell seemed o'er us thown,
The air was hushed and still,
And the flowers bent down, half sleeping,
Above the singing rill.
And the dreamy hush of Nature
Laid its touch upon each brow;
All our merry converse languished,
We scarce knew why, or how.
Then a stripling, tall and slender,
Arose in quiet wise;
His brow was broad and truthful,
And earnest were his eyes.




304              ULRIC DAI HLGREN.
There on the bark, moss-broidered,
That clothed the ancient tree,
He carved, with careful touches,
Two letters quaint —U  D.
We watched him in the stillness,
But the work was done full soon;
And our path was taken homeward
Ere the twilight's evening gloom.
We saw not, in our blindness,
What his task might typify;
For the coming years' sad record
Was veiled from mortal eye.
The sky was pure and cloudless,
The air was fresh and sweet;
The flowering grass shed perfume
As we stirred it with our feet.
And in this wealth of beauty
But One could truly know
That passion-fires were smouldering,
To break in pain and woe.
It came! the crash of cannon,
That shook our peaceful land,
And turned the crook and plowshare
To sword and warlike brand.
It roused the noble spirit
That dwelt within the youth;
And forth he rushed to battle
For his Country and for Truth.




A CHAPLET.                      305
No path could Duty show him
Too hard for him to go;
But swift as winged lightning
He fell upon the foe.
And by his holy daring,
For Right, to do or die,
He carved his name ancestral
On Honor's roll full high.
The tree may fall and perish,
The letters there may fade;
But never shall his memory
Be in oblivion laid.
But ever'mid the bravest
Shall shine in glory forth
The name of ULRIC DAHLGREN,
The hero of the North.
M. T. C.
ON, September i6, 1864.
26*




306             ULRIC DiPAHLCGREI
ULRIC DAHLGREN.
BY HENRY T. TUCKERMAN.
WHEN, circled by the fond and fair,
We saw thee maimed and pale,
With that heroic, gentle air
Before which cowards quail;
So radiant in the grasp of pain,
So meek with valor's crown,
Our swelling hearts could not refrain
To bless thy young renown.
Youth's artless cheer with manhood's thought
In word and glance o'erflow,
As if thy life had newly caught
Thy blood's ancestral glow;
The spirit of old Sweden's king
Which mien and accent bore,
In every pulse-beat seemed to spring
Intrepid as of yore.
It nerved thy arm in wild foray,
And round thy martyr's bed,
Where love and faith still watch and pray,
Angelic patience shed.
Vain the base ambush from whose lair
The murderer's bullet came,
And vain the slander that would tear
The glory from thy name.
O Ulric! brutal hate will pine,
All impotent to sear
The laurels that thy country's shrine
Forever shall endear.




A CHA PG1LE T.                  3
COLONEL ULRIC DAHLGREN.
BY EPES SARGENT.
0 YOUTH beloved, revered!
Now to all hearts endeared,
Loyal and true,What grief profound was stirred,
When of thy fate we heard,'Mid the foul crew!
Not thy fifth lustrum told,
Thou wert in service old,
Crippled and scarred;
Yet in thy boyish hand:Wielding the leader's brand,
Honor's bright guard!
Shall we deplore thy lot,
Never to be forgot
On history's page?
No! in immortal youth
There lift thy brow of truth
From age to age!
No! we will weep no more;
No! we will not deplore,
Dahlgren! thy fall:
Life-growth to freedom's tree,
Blood such as thine shall be:Glorious thy call!
Let, then, from rebel throat
Issue the taunting note,
Mocking thy fame:
That fame shall mount the higher, —
Shall all our youth inspire
With its pure flame!




308             ULRIC DAHLGREN.
COLONEL ULRIC DAHLGREN.
FROM THE SPRINGFIELD WEEKLY REPUBLICAN, APRIL 9, I864.
SENTRY stand the Southern pines,
Tenderly the moonlight shines,
Where the mould hath hidden deep
Hero-dust where none may weep;
Ever towards that lonely glen
Turn the hearts of Northern men;
Voices'neath a Southern sky
Breathe a name that cannot die,DAHLGREN!
Well we know that midnight dreadBaffled, broken, and misled —
When glad hope and courage high
Meant-" a dog's death" there to die!
Well we know how bravely then
Stood thy band of death-doomed men,
With the prowling wolves atrack,
Home and friends behind their back,
DAHLGREN!
Patriot-martyr, not in vain
Poured thy breast its crimson rain!
Hero-blood makes noble seed!
Pity, in their hour of need,
Those who hear that name again
On the lips of earnest men,
With the death-stern battle-cry,
Front to front, and eye to eye,
DAHLGREN!




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