Last to Leave the Field: The Life and Letters of First Sergeant Ambrose Henry Hayward, 28th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry

Chapter 4: “Baltimore Is a Slumbering Volcano”

Chapter 4 “Baltimore Is a Slumbering Volcano” MELVILLE HAYWARD IN BALTIMORE, MAY 25–SEPTEMBER 5, 1862 On May 21, in reaction to a fear that Confederate forces in the Shenandoah Valley might seize Washington, New York Governor Edwin D. Morgan called up twelve regiments of New York National Guard. Among the units called up was the 7th New York State Militia. Hayward’s older brother, Melville, once again returned to the front. Melville Hayward’s regiment left New York City on May 25 and arrived in Baltimore one week later. Melville saw no combat during his second tour of duty, although he had ample opportunity to interact with Baltimore’s civilian population. About half of Baltimore’s 212,000 residents possessed southern loyalties, and Melville experienced the city’s fractious nature in a very personal way. Interestingly, he attended service at Baltimore’s New Jerusalem Church—the oldest New Church in the country—despite the pastor’s avowed secessionism. Melville wrote to Cora telling her that he “formed the acquaintance of a Mr. Hinkley, a Lawyer here who is a New Churchman and a Secessionist. He treated me very courteously and we talked very freely on the War question— He is personally a very amiable and pleasant gentleman. I have had several invitations out to Supper.” Undoubtedly, it unnerved Melville to dine with the enemy. Generally, he feared that Baltimore seethed with unrest. “Baltimore is a slumbering volcano,” he wrote, “the secession fires might burst forth at any time.”1 The 7th New York quartered in Baltimore for three months. In early September it returned to New York City and mustered out of service. The following chapter includes three letters written by Melville Hayward and one written by his law partner, Paul J. Fish. 88 The Life and Letters of First Sergeant Ambrose Henry Hayward 51 Williamsburgh May 27, 1862 Brother & Sister Hayward [Albert and Cora], I do not know whether you have heard by Augustus, in the News papers that 7th Regt and consequently Mel—will have gone again to Washington . M. had been rather indisposed for some wks—and I induced him to spend a little time at Tarrytown in our new place (farm of 5 acres) upon the hills—He went Thursday & staid till Monday—was considerably [indecipherable word]—on the way down yesterday—he had a call for his 7th,2 —Miss Howland (Mary) was aboard coming down on her way to Barnstable—she took the F R boat last Evening.3 Mel got ready—& left last Evening by Steamboat & Amboy R R to W last Evening & is before now probably in Washington. They Expect to protect the City at that time & return—The most I fear is that marching with the heavy Knapsack will be too much for M—but he has the will to Ease his hardships when others cannot—He really gained health and thoughts in his former campaign and he somehow feels as well if not better than when he started before—besides I think the way is clear and [there are] no hardships to encounter. His cousin and the ladies helped him off & filled his knapsack with comforts. E. was quite unwell last week but [is] better now.4 Hope mother has had no serious drawbacks. Let us hear from you soon—. We have heard nothing from Henry in a good while—He is now safe I suppose in McDowells division5 Affly Yours P. J. Fish6 Love to Cora & the other children—Fanny7 and Mary are going to [the] Female Seminary in Tarrytown.8 52 Baltimore Md Camp Federal Hill June 22d 1862 Dear Sister, Your letters have both arrived and I will proceed to answer them (the first one I have discovered before). I have been absent from camp the past week on guard duty. Twelve of us were stationed at the U.S. Medical Purveyors Office. We had six hours leave of absence to go to the city every day—I visited the Washington Monument and most of the objects of interest in the 89 “Baltimore Is a Slumbering Volcano” city. I formed the acquaintance of a Mr. Hinkley, a Lawyer here who is a New Churchman and a Secessionist.9 He treated me very courteously and we talked very freely on the War question—He is personally a very amiable and pleasant gentleman. I have had several invitations out to Supper—I had a pleasant ride out to Druid Hill Park...