(From the History of Kershaws Brigade - Colonel James D. Nance of the 3rd S.C. Infantry pictured) *** How Are We to Get Over a Fence? *** Here an amusing, as well as ludicrous, scene was enacted, but not so amusing to the participants however. Orders had been given when on the eve of our entrance into Maryland, that no private property of whatever description should be molested. As the fields in places were enclosed by rail fences, it was strictly against orders to disturb any of the fences. This order had been religiously obeyed all the while, until this night on the top of the Blue Ridge. A shambling, tumble-down rail fence was near the camp of the Third South Carolina, not around any field, however, but apparently to prevent stock from passing on the western side of the mountain. At night while the troops lay in the open air, without any protection whatever, only what the scrawny trees afforded, a light rain came up. Some of the men ran to get a few rails to make a hurried bivouac, while others who had gotten somewhat damp by the rain took a few to build a fire. As the regiment was formed in line next morning, ready for the march, Adjutant Pope came around for company commanders to report to Colonel Nances headquarters. Thinking this was only to receive some instructions as to the line of march, nothing was thought of it until met by those cold, penetrating, steel-gray eyes of Colonel Nance. Then all began to wonder what was up. He commenced to ask, after repeating the instructions as to private property, whose men had taken the rails. He commenced with Captain Richardson, of Company A. Did your men take any rails? Yes, sir. Did you have them put back? Yes, sir. Captain Gary, did your men use any rails? Yes, sir. Did you have them replaced? No, sir. And so on down to Company K. All admitted that their men had taken rails and had not put them back, except Captain Richardson. Then such a lecture as those nine company commanders received was seldom heard. To have heard Colonel Nance dilate upon the enormity of the crime of disobedience to orders, was enough to make one think he had deserted his colors in the face of the enemy, or lost a battle through his cowardice. Now, gentlemen, let this never occur again. For the present you will deliver your swords to Adjutant Pope, turn your companies over to your next officer in command, and march in rear of the regiment until further orders. Had a thunder bolt fallen, or a three hundred-pound Columbiad exploded in our midst, no greater consternation would they have caused. Captain Richardson was exonerated, but the other nine Captains had to march in rear of the regiment during the day, subject to the jeers and ridicule of all the troops that passed, as well as the negro cooks. Great Scott, what a company of officers! Where are your men? Has there been a stampede? Got furloughs? Lost your swords in a fight? were some of the pleasantries we were forced to hear and endure. Captain Nance, of Company G, had a negro cook, who undertook the command of the officers and as the word from the front would come down the line to halt or forward or rest, he would very gravely repeat it, much to the merriment of the troops next in front and those in our rear. Near night, however, we got into a brush with the enemy, who were forcing their way down along the eastern side of the mountain, and Adjutant Pope came with our swords and orders to relieve us from arrest. Lieutenant Dan Maffett had not taken the matter in such good humor, and on taking command of his company, gave this laconic order, Ya hoo! (That was the name given to Company C.) If you ever touch another rail during the whole continuance of the war, God damn you, Ill have you shot at the stake. How are we to get over a fence, inquired someone. Jump it, creep it, or go around it, but death is your portion, if you ever touch a rail again.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 03:33:09 +0000
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