Fighting on the Bushwhacking Plan: The 134th Ohio at Bermuda Hundred

When the Ohio National Guard was federalized in May 1864, it was done with the understanding that the men would be utilized as rear area troops, performing garrison and guard duty and by so doing, freeing up veteran troops who would be sent to the front. Little did they know that some of the Guardsmen would go to the front, too. But that was the case with the 134th Ohio.

          Raised from the guard companies of Champaign, Shelby, and Hancock Counties, the 134th Ohio originally was deployed at Cumberland, Maryland guarding the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. But in early June, the regiment received orders to move to Washington and from there, sailed to Bermuda Hundred in Virginia. On the night of June 16th, a portion of the regiment was sent to the front as pickets and the following day found themselves in a hot fight near Port Walthall.

          “During the whole day, we had to fight on the bushwhacking plan,” remembered Private William Mayse of Co. A. “We let them know we could fire from behind trees as well as they could. We kept them in very close to their breastworks all day. Captain Weaver, while passing down the line giving orders to his men, was the object of a great many shots from the Rebel guns. I don’t see how he possibly escaped. He handled his men well regardless of the bullets and kept us concealed as much as we could be to save us from the sharpshooters. He also had the boys save their fire until they had a good sight on a Rebel.”

          The following account of the fighting at Bermuda Hundred first saw publication in the July 7, 1864, edition of the Urbana Citizen & Gazette. William Mayse had previously served as a captain in the 86th Ohio but chose to go into the ranks as a private in the 134th Ohio. 

 

The 134th Ohio was equipped with .577 caliber Enfield rifle muskets shortly after mustering into Federal service in May 1864 but thought they would have little opportunity to burn powder. The fortunes of war proved otherwise and regiment spent more than two months at Bermuda Hundred on both entrenching and picket duty. 

Five miles of Bermuda Hundred, Virginia

June 19, 1864

          Amidst the haste of camp, the hurried tramp of soldiers to and fro, and in front of the great army, I shall endeavor to write a few lines. Although we are part of the grand army that is making news for the day and history for the future, we at present known but little of what is going on. But we do know that we are encamped on a piece of table land, the soil of which is very sandy and light, and which the sun shines down upon with full power. When the wind blows or trains pass us, we become engulfed in suffocating dust. This country abounds with dust and flies.

          We are as near to the front as we can be to be encamped. Nothing but a breastwork and pickets are between us and the enemy. During the last five days, we have all had hard work. The field officers go with their men and share the same privations. So we can’t say they have put us on duty so they may have an easy time. The whole army has to rise at 3:30 a.m., a little earlier than we like. It has been our lot for several days past to do duty every day and night. The losing of sleep is the hardest part.

Last night, 225 men were detailed to dig trenches and the balance remained behind the breastworks to be ready to repel any attack that might be made. We don’t mind this, for it is guarding the State of Ohio and the boys say that is what the National Guards are for. Lieutenant General U.S. Grant accompanied by Major General Benjamin Butler and staff rode to the front a few days ago. The passed by our camp and rode alongside the breastworks to examine them.

          Last Thursday evening [June 16], Co. A (Captain Weaver) with two men from each of the other companies were detailed as picket guard. We were taken out and posted on the line that the enemy occupied the previous morning. The night passed off and at early morn as seemed well. A little after sunrise, the enemy appeared in our front and began to fire at us. Unfortunately for us, they have a trench but a short distance in front of us which they occupied. They being in strong force in their ditches, they had the advantage of us but we kept them from advancing for some time. We being so exposed to their sharpshooters, we thought it best to tail back a short distance in the woods under shelter. While going back, the Rebels thought we were finally giving away and came out boldly and attempted to follow us. But we soon turned and drove them back to their trenches and remained in their front and under fire from morning until 7:30 p.m.

Unidentified Federals equipped with Enfields and sword bayonets. 

          During the whole day, we had to fight on the bushwhacking plan. We let them know we could fire from behind trees as well as they could. We kept them in very close to their breastworks all day. Captain Mat Weaver, while passing down the line giving orders to his men, was the object of a great many shots from the Rebel guns. I don’t see how he possibly escaped. He handled his men well regardless of the bullets and kept us concealed as much as we could be to save us from the sharpshooters. He also had the boys save their fire until they had a good sight on a Rebel. Lieutenant Lemen was also assisting in the front with us. We gave the Rebels some of our best shots. All the men did very well and deserve credit.

Being in the front with the boys, I know all about the skirmish. But with sorrow and regret, I will have to relate to you our casualties. Elias J. Busser of Co. A was shot in the head and soon died. He was carried from the field to a house nearby where he was put in an ambulance and conveyed to the general hospital. Every care was bestowed by his brother and others of his company to relieve his suffering. He received the fatal shot about 10 a.m. and died about 3 p.m. His brother [Young Busser], with all the assistance he wished, had him taken to Bermuda Hundred to be embalmed and today he was sent home by express. What sacrifices our country is demanding. Mr. Busser’s family have our deepest sympathies. Let it be recorded that Elias died fighting for all that the American loyal people hold dear: their country.

Archibald T. Buckles of Co. A received a flesh wound in the right leg above the knee. Archy takes it with a good deal of humor and will soon be ready for the Rebs again. Reuben Alden of Co. C was mortally wounded, shot in the abdomen. He has been sent to Fortress Monroe [where he died June 24, 1864]. John A. Hunt of Co. H was shot in the hand. Absalom Poland of Co. B was shot in the leg below the knee. [Both Hunt and Poland survived their wounds.] 

General Benjamin Butler's headquarters camp at Bermuda Hundred

Now we are willing to obey all orders and never wish to flinch from duty, but if going to the front and fighting the enemy the same as the old veterans do is garrison duty as we were told would be our work, then let no more promises be made. We came here perfectly willing to build and occupy fortifications. All seemed to be pleased. But when we were brigaded with veterans and sent out to drive back the enemy the same as veterans would, we think is more than most the men expected. We are not well drilled, have never been under fire, hardly used to camp life, and other good reasons could be offered.

Now bear in mind I have just written the feelings of most of the 100 days’ men. Of course, many of us have seen enough service to do all that is required of soldiers. But none of us will do an act that would make any in Ohio blush. We will obey all orders as we have heretofore promptly done. If it be our lot to repel Rebels, to go to the field and fight, we will do so and do the best we can.

For the last five days we have heard the incessant roar of cannonading and musketry. The very air has been darkened with battle smoke and dust. Most of this cannonading is at Petersburg. I understand that General Grant has that place under his control now. There is a constant roaring day and night. These old veterans say there is as much difference between General Grant and General Grant as there is between a snail and a bird. General Grant is rapidly moving all the time, taking some advantageous position by making a flank movement.

Our boys were made glad today as our chaplain returned bringing considerable mail and telling about home. That is the only mail we have received since we have been here. In fact, we have received no mail since we left Cumberland, Maryland. Other regiments receive their mail. I suppose ours will be on in a few days as there is a regular mail line now established. We have a few men sick. Some are at Cumberland, Washington, and Fortress Monroe. As they were not seriously sick when I last heard I will not mention their names.

Source:

Letter from Private William Mayse, Co. A, 134th Ohio Infantry, Urbana Citizen & Gazette (Ohio), July 7, 1864, pg. 3

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