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Chapter 35: camp at Cole's Hill.
Re-enlistment.
On the 7th of the month the regiment moved to a point three and one half miles southeast of
Brandy Station, on the south side of
Cole's Hill and halted to await the rebuilding of the railroad which the rebels had destroyed.
The men began putting up log houses, preparatory to a winter's stay in camp and many furloughs were issued.
December 9, 1863.
Commenced our houses today.
Cannot get along very fast, as we have but one axe for seven men. However, we have got all our logs up.
December 10, 1863.
Plastered up the chinks with mud, making our house quite tight.
Our fire place and door will be in front.
December 11, 1863.
Built our fire-place today.
Policing tonight on account of inspection tomorrow morning at nine o'clock.
While encamped at
Cole's Hill at this time, the question of re-enlistment was discussed, in all its forms, by the veterans.
The memoirs of
Captain Adams give interesting little anecdotes regarding this matter as it was discussed by the men of Company A, which then numbered but thirteen.
He says: ‘Ben Falls said, “Well, if new men won't finish this job, old men must, and as long as Uncle Sam wants a man, here's Ben Falls.”
Then spoke
Mike Scannell: “It is three years since I have seen my wife and children.
I had expected to go home when my time was out and stay there, but we must never give up this fight until we win and I am with you to the end.”
Others expressed themselves in the same way, and when the word was given,— “All who will re-enlist, step one pace to the front” —every man advanced.
In Company C,
Ed. Fletcher said: “They use a man here just as they do a turkey at a shooting match,—fire at it all day and if they don't kill it, they raffle it off ”’
