Thanksgiving in the Barracks

[John Hartwell]

Excerpts from: Thanksgiving in the Barracks of the 44th Mass. Militia, New Bern, N.C., 1862, by pvt. E. A. Ramsey, pamphlet published in 1863.

Thanksgiving for the soldier; no drum-beat, no drill — a day of rest. Is it not a blessing ? What though he do not keep it with Puritanic reverence? What though fasting be exchanged for feasting, and mirth and music take the place of prayer? Who shall say there is not heartfelt gratitude and thankfulness in the soldier's Thanksgiving? There is gratitude for the day itself, with its precious memories of the annual gathering around the old fireside; there is thankfulness for the good things which take the place of his common, coarse fare. There is praise in his song of mirth, reverence in the good old songs of home, and who shall say that prayer is not wafted up to God on the deep-toned voices that join in the closing hymn at night? The strong feeling of earnest, manly hearts takes the place of cold formality of church and creed.​

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Little did the kind friends at home imagine that the boys ... enjoyed so pleasant a Thanksgiving in Newbern as we did. One writes: "probably you are eating salt horse and hard tack, or else wading knee-deep the Southern swamps, on a toilsome march." If they could have ridden out here in their carriages, they would have found the happiest set of fellows ever met. Everybody pleasant except those unlucky ones who were put on guard; of course they received more than their share of pity, but no one seemed inclined to take their places!​

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The first amusement in order was a good game of foot-ball, with the usual quantity of "rushing in," "fending out," shin-kicking," and bruising generally. In one rush after the ball a lieutenant and private rolled over and over, together, in the dirt; several officers joined with us, but they did not stay long after the first game as the exercise was too violent.​

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Most of us had an idea that we were to have something extra nice for dinner, which was the next important feature of the day; but all were surprised and over-joyed when filed to their seats at the table, which was placed the length of the barracks, and covered with rubber blankets for table cloths. Our shining tin plates and dippers made a very good show, and the effect was heightened by a large slice of soft bread (so called to distinguish it from hard) leaning against every dipper. At intervals on the board were large plates of golden butter, a treat to those poor fellows who could not afford, or rather had no money to buy it.​

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After some very appropriate remarks by the Captain and Lieutenants, and six rousing cheers for all hands, we sat down and commenced work upon the turkeys' and chickens which were brought in nicely roasted, with a guard of mashed sweet and Irish potatoes, rich gravy, and excellent cranberry sauce. The carvers, who had been appointed beforehand, had some lively work to perform, as the boys were hungry, and, of course, a little impatient. However, affairs progressed finely, and soon nothing was heard but the rattling of eating implements, and various expressions of delight, such as the following; " Isn't this a jolly dinner?" "What tip-top sauce!" "Give me some more turkey," etc. After the remnants of the turkeys and chickens had been removed, five large plum-puddings, with hot sauce, were produced. We had forgotten all about "puddin'" and consequently had eaten more of the first course than we otherwise should; but we did not hesitate long — not a moment. The attack was conducted in good style, but our forces were some time in retreating. The boys settled back a little from the table, to listen to the speaking, and at the same time to partake of the dessert, which consisted of apples of Northern growth, and raisins.​

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Company D's evening:

In the evening, there was a Company gathering, with all the more union for the day's separation. The entertainment consisted of songs, declamations, select readings, toasts, and speeches; the whole prepared on short notice. The responses to toasts were almost entirely extempore, only a few minutes' notice being given to those expected to speak.​

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---"Thanksgiving day: may New England's sons put the rebellious South in a spirit to recognize it annually,"— Corporal J. B. Gardner responded briefly. He spoke of the origin of Thanksgiving, and the reason of its transmission to us. He recalled home Thanksgivings, and contrasted them with this; and looked forward to the time when we might celebrate a Thanksgiving in our own homes—one whose origin should be a declaration of peace in a free, united and prosperous nation.​

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---"The loved ones at home"—was fittingly responded to by E. Fitzgerald, Jr. He said: Thanksgiving comes home to every one of us, in all its New England naturalness. Despite our necessitous life, our inner man has been brought to a sense of the fullness of past Thanksgivings. By to-day's special privileges, "government pies" have vanished before turkeys and other dainties. Therefore we feel able to imaging the comforts of the home table. The fat turkey, with the well flavored "dressing," whose mysteries the Yankee matron alone knows, and the steaming pudding staring at us with its big plum eyes ; — how such imagining waters the mouth! But, aside from sensuous reminiscences of home, come thoughts of the loved ones themselves.​

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We know that the dear mother shed at least one hot tear as she sat down to the ample dinner; and the stern father— did he not falter a prayer for the absent? Sisters and brothers were stiller at the name of the soldier-boy, and prayerfully wished him home again. Ah! comrades, duty done, and done well, we will go home. The loved ones, though far off, still live snug to our hearts. The old household — God bless it!​

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"The girls we left behind us." The reading of this toast started such an all-absorbing train of reflections in the mind of the reporter that he is unable to give the speech. He only remembers that there was loud applause, and a statement to the effect that somebody was greatly cheered by the approving smile of a pretty girl as we were marching down State Street, to take the boat for Dixie. He has a faint recollection, too, of hearing some one say that the remembrance of "the girl he left behind him" made him a better soldier.​

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The usual amount of speechmaking followed, and with "Auld Lang Syne" we left the scene of festivity.​

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[John Hartwell]

The pamphlet includes "reports" of the entertainments devised by the different companies. Here's Company E's program:

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

That is the best ' Thanksgiving in Camp ' account I've read. I'm a little distracted by " Declamation- The Dying Alchemist ". Whatever it was, the whole day must have been as wonderful a day as any of us are looking forward to.