USA > Connecticut > New London County > Norwich > The Norwich memorial; the annals of Norwich, New London County, Connecticut, in the great rebellion of 1861-65 > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28
1800
ديربـ
Joseph Lamman
The Rormich Memorial
THE
ANNALS OF NORWICH
NEW LONDON COUNTY, CONNECTICUT
IN THE
GREAT REBELLION OF 1861-65
BY MALCOLM McG. DANA
PASTOR OF THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, NORWICH, CONN.
ARY OF CONGRES
1881
CITY OF WASHINGT
NORWICH, CONN. J. H. JEWETT AND COMPANY 1873
1
TO THE BRAVE MEN OF NORWICH,
WHO, UNDER THE IMPULSE OF A NOBLE PATRIOTISM,
WENT FORTH TO DEFEND THEIR IMPERILED COUNTRY, IS THIS
Memorial
OF THEIR SUFFERINGS, ACHIEVEMENTS, AND TRIUMPHANT VALOR,
RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR.
PREFACE.
T HE following Memorial history is intended to present the military record of those who went from Norwich to serve in the Union armies or fleets during the war of the rebellion. The writer's design has been to give with this, some account of what was done at home, during the same period, by the citizens, and also by the town in its cor- porate capacity, for the action of both is entitled to honor- able mention in a volume like this. The narrative is surely worth preserving, and is one too, which may inte- rest not only us, but those who shall occupy our places hereafter.
The annals of the town during so exciting a series of years as that covered by the war, the sacrifices made by the people, the heroes furnished for the field of conflict, the martyrs who laid down their lives on the country's altar, - all this is of historic significance, and constitutes a story to which none of us can be indifferent. Such memorial rec- ords, not only perpetuate the names of those whose honor- able deeds conferred a real glory upon their native towns, but serve to inspire in after generations a reverence for truth and justice, and a desire to emulate the brave actions of those who have preceded them.
So many years have elapsed since the war closed, that the remembrance of many facts and incidents that should
0
vi
PREFACE.
have been preserved, has faded away. Had this history been taken in hand earlier, much more could have been gathered up which would without doubt have added to its worth and interest. The narrative has, however, been made as full and varied as under the circumstances was possible. The author from the first was reluctant to undertake the work, but it was urged upon him by the Committee having the matter in charge, with an earnestness and cordial trust, that led him to overlook his own unfitness for the task. Not a resident of Norwich till the closing year of the war, he of course could not write from personal knowledge concerning the events which here transpired. Still the hope is enter- tained that the history may for this reason be found to be all the more impartial and independent, written, as it is, from the view-point of one who was not himself a party to the events therein related, or affected by the various jealousies which the war gave rise to in different localities. No one can have a higher appreciation of the splendid war record of the town, of the noble achievements and sacrifices of those who have added a new lustre to its name and history than the writer, and his service in preserving these civic annals has been rendered with a willing heart.
While engaged in this work, only words of encouragement have been spoken to the editor by his fellow-citizens, and nothing that they could do to show their interest in the undertaking, or facilitate its accomplishment, has been omitted. His thanks are due to the late publishers of the " Bulletin " for the free use of the bound volumes of their journal, and to Mr. Bolles, the present editor, for many favors. To the Hon. J. T. WAIT, he is indebted not only for suggestions and items of information that have added to the value of the narrative, but also for his encouraging and helpful words. The patriotic fervor which made him so prominent during the years the conflict raged, has been
vii
PREFACE.
manifested again in urging on the preparation of this me- morial volume. To Mr. Campbell, lately of the " Bulletin," the editor is under obligation for personal favors and aid, and also to Mr. J. W. Stedman, of the " Advertiser."
Gratefully would the author make mention of his especial indebtedness to Dr. Louis Mitchell, who from the first announcement of the work has taken a lively interest in it, and cordially rendered every assistance in his power. His own remembrances of war-times, his carefully preserved record of the men who went from Norwich, made him invaluable as a helper, and on all matters concerning which there was doubt, a safe counselor. By Dr. Mitchell the " Three Months' Roster," as well as the " General Mus- ter Roll" of all in the service was prepared, and many an hour of wearying pen-work has he assumed in our be- half, doing with accuracy and readiness what very few would have been willing to undertake, and fewer still able to accomplish.
By L. E. Forrest Spofford, who served with honor in the army, and lost an arm in his country's service, the editor was furnished with duplicate lists of the General Muster Roll, compiled with his characteristic accuracy, and of special value in verifying the names which appear on the " Roll of Honor."
For the exceedingly attractive appearance of this volume, our readers are indebted to Messrs. Jewett & Co., who re- lieving the Committee of all financial responsibility, secured its publication in the most tasteful typographical manner possible, and then generously offered the book at its actual cost to the Sedgwick Post, G. A. R., of this city. What- ever profits have therefore resulted from the sale of the work, have inured to the benefit of the charity-fund of this Post. In their part of the undertaking the publishers have shown commendable enterprise, and have been actuated by
viii
PREFACE.
a patriotic desire to present the Memorial in the form and dress most calculated to enhance its value in the eyes of every purchaser.
It was our own conviction that a history of this character should be written, perpetuating the story of what was ac- complished by our citizens in a great emergency, and a grateful people could but desire some fitting memorial of services such as we here record.
Our contribution to the fair fame of the town we have sought to make in this form. The work, more arduous than at first may be suspected, has been undertaken amidst the unintermitted pressure of professional duties, and for this reason, if for no other, should meet with considerate and kindly judgment. The volume, representing the labor of such hours as in our limited leisure we could devote to it, is now submitted to the public, and while it cannot be sup- posed to be wholly free from errors and faults, it is hoped that it may prove a worthy addition to our local history. May those into whose hands this Memorial comes, find as much pleasure in reading, as the author did in writing it, and may all hearts be stirred with fresh admiration for the valor and patriotic devotion which made our war-years so signally illustrious. This story of the part Norwich took in the struggle for constitutional government, and the pres- ervation of institutions our fathers gave us, should make every resident and native thereof proud of its past, and devoted in the future to the furtherance of its true honor and prosperity.
M. McG. D.
NORWICH, CONN., June Ist, IS73.
CONTENTS.
I. INDEX TO NAMES OF NORWICH CITIZENS i.
II. INDEX TO BATTLES AND ENGAGEMENTS
xvi.
I.
1861. Opening of the War. - Threats of Disunion. - Action of Congress. - Inauguration of Mr. Lincoln. - Impressions produced by the Inaugural Address. - Hopefulness of the North. - Effect of the News of the Bom- bardment and Surrender of Sumter. - "Battle Sunday." - Proclamation by President Lincoln and Governor Buckingham. - Loyal Manifestation of Feeling in Norwich. - Display of the National Colors I
II.
1861. Call for Three Months' Troops. - First Great War Meeting. - Sub- scriptions of Citizens to the "Sinews of War Fund." - First Company organized. Departure of First, Second, and Third Companies. - Muster Roll of Soldiers in the Three Months' Service IS
III.
IS61. Call for Three Years' Men. - Our Men in the Fourth Regiment. - Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh. - Officers, and Record of the Eighth Regi- ment. - Representatives in the Ninth, Eleventh, Twelfth. - Appoint- ments for the Thirteenth Regiment. - Its Record 39
IV.
1862. Third Call for Troops by the President. - The Governor's Proclama- tion. - War Meeting in Breed Hall. - Recruiting Committee raised. - County Mass Meeting. - Our Men in the Fourteenth Regiment. - Orders for the Eighteenth Regiment to rendezvous at Norwich. - Officers and Men from the Town. - Its Departure. - Subsequent History. - Represen- tatives in the Twenty-First Regiment. - Its Military Record . 57
V.
1862, continued. Call for Nine Months' Men. - Change of Fourth Regi- ment Infantry to First Regiment Artillery. - Officers from Norwich. - Our Men in the First Connecticut Cavalry. - Great War Meeting. - Offers in Aid of Enlistments. - The Twenty-sixth Regiment ordered to rendezvous at Norwich. - Its Officers and Subsequent Record. - The Emancipation Proclamation. - Tribute to it by the Mayor . 75
CONTENTS.
VI.
1863. The Campaign in the West. - Conscription Act of Congress. - Draft ordered. - The Riot in New York. - Loyal League in Norwich. - Another Call for Troops. - All Day War Meeting. - Town Quota raised. - Com- ments of the Rebel Press on the Situation 93
VII.
1864. Thirtieth Regiment called for. - Town Meeting. - Quota of Town raised. - No Draft necessary. - General Grant commissioned Lieutenant- general. - New Call for Troops. - Town Quota filled. - Retirement of Provost-marshal Bromley. - Constitutional Amendment providing for Soldiers' voting passed by General Assembly and ratified by the Peo- ple 107
VIII.
IS61-65. Whole Number of Men furnished by Connecticut. - Tabular State. ment of the several Calls for Troops by the National Executive, and Quotas of Town and State. - Statistics as to the Casualties among our Troops during the War. - Number of Officers from Norwich. - Industries created by the War. - Reception of Veteran Regiments. - Results of the Year. - The Record of the State according to the Adjutant-general's Report 122
IX.
IS61-65. Navy. - Effective Service rendered during the War. - Number and Names of the different Squadrons. - Norwich as represented in the Navy. - Officers and Men in this Arm of the Service 130
X.
1861-65. Relief of Soldiers and their Families. - Citizens' Service. - Sub- scribers to " Sinews of War Fund."- General Contributions to Patriotic Agencies. - Special Service of various Norwich Citizens. - General Rec- ord of the Town 152
XI.
1861-65. " Soldiers' Aid Society." - Efforts of the Ladies of Norwich in Behalf of the Soldiers. - Number of Packages sent to Hospitals and Camps. - Amount of Money raised and expended. - Responses by Letter to the " Aid." - Auxiliary Societies in other Towns. - Personal Activity and Patriotic Service of the Women of Eastern Connecticut during the War 177
xi
CONTENTS.
XII.
Losses of Norwich during the War. - Character of those who died in Service. -" The unreturning Brave." - Obituary Notices. - Officers. - Enlisted Men 202
XIII.
In Rebel Prisons. - Experiences of our Men in Libby. - Number confined in Andersonville. - Their Sufferings and Death. - Representatives in other Prisons. - Narratives of Escape. - Changes at Andersonville. - Present Appearance of the Cemetery 297
XIV.
Emancipation Measures in the Confederate Congress. - The "Black Corner- stone."- Signs of Despair. - Mr. Lincoln on the Peace Projects. - Orders to General Grant. - Final Advance of the Union Armies. - End of the Rebellion. - Capture of Richmond. - Effect of the News. - Public Cele- brations. - Surrender of Lee. - Death of President Lincoln. - Norwich Pulpit on the Event. - Proclamation of the Mayor. - Funeral Solemnities in the City and Country . 3II
XV.
Miscellaneous. - Town Action. - Appropriations for Bounties. - Town Committee for securing Enlistments. - Tabular Statement of National, State, and Town Indebtedness. - Charities of the War. - Tables showing the Military Population of United States and its increase ; Number of Men called for by the Government ; Number of Enlistments and Discharges ; Strength of the Army at different Dates ; Deaths 314
XVI.
" Our Roll of Honor."- Complete Roster of Commissioned Officers, Army and Navy. - Alphabetical Roll of Norwich Soldiers, with Rank and Date of Enlistment 325
XVII.
Soldiers' Monument. - Citizens' Meeting with Reference to Raising Funds.'- Committee Appointed. - Memorial Volume. - Resolutions Concerning it .- Action of Town in Reference to the Monument. - New Committee Raised. - Appropriation for Same. - Design of the Monument. - Where placed. - General Appearance. - Editor's Last Words . 331
LIST OF ENGRAVINGS.
BIRGE, BREVET MAJOR-GENERAL II. W.
BUCKINGHAM, THE HON. W. A. COIT, BREVET BRIGADIER-GENERAL JAMES B 0.40 COIT, BREVET LIEUTENANT-COLONEL CHARLES M. 6 2 DENNIS, BREVET BRIGADIER-GENERAL J. B. 6 .'
ELY, BREVET BRIGADIER-GENERAL W. G.
100
FARNSWORTH, LIEUTENANT-COLONEL CHARLES. / 3 5 GODDARD, LIEUTENANT ALFRED. 1 ...
HARLAND, BRIGADIER-GENERAL EDWARD. ) 8 8
LANMAN, ADMIRAL JOSEPH.
LEARNED, BREVET MAJOR BELA P.
MCCALL, CAPTAIN JOHN.
PEALE, LIEUTENANT-COLONEL HENRY.
ROCKWELL, BREVET BRIGADIER-GENERAL ALFRED S. 25 -
ROCKWELL, CAPTAIN JOSEPH I'.
300
SELDEN, LIEUTENANT-COLONEL JOSEPII.
SOLDIERS' MONUMENT.
WAIT, LIEUTENANT MARVIN. 3, 3 2
THE NORWICH MEMORIAL.
I.
THE OPENING OF THE WAR.
"Thank God ! the free North is awake at last ! When burning cannon-shot and bursting shell, As from the red mouth of some volcan's hell, Rained on devoted Sumter thick and fast, The sleep of ages from her eyelids past. One bound - and lo! she stands erect and tall, While Freedom's hosts come trooping to her call, Like eager warriors to the trumpet's blast ! Woe to the traitors and their robber horde ! Woe to the spoilers that pollute the land ! When a roused Nation, terrible and grand, Grasps in a holy cause the avenging sword, And swears from Treason's bloody clutch to save The priceless heritage our Fathers gave."
W. H. BURLEIGH.
O N the twelfth of April, 1861, the army of the Confeder- ate States opened the terrible drama of Rebellion by the bombardment of Fort Sumter in the harbor of Charles- ton, South Carolina. The air had been thick with threats ever since the election of Mr. Lincoln to the chief magis- tracy of the government in November, 1860. Months be- fore his inauguration several of the Southern States had, as they termed it, seceded from the Union. Congress, on
2
14
THE NORWICH MEMORIAL.
meeting, promptly raised a large " Committee on the State of the Union," and the whole country was eager for some pacificatory measures. The long, exciting winter passed in hopeless attempts to avert the threatened calamity of dis- union.
On the fourth of March, 1861, Mr. Lincoln was inaugur- ated President of the United States, and in his inaugural address calmly, but firmly, indicated what the policy of the Government would be in the new emergency which it was called to meet. In closing his appeal to those striving to destroy the Federal Union, he used these words : " In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of civil war. The Government will not assail you. You can have no conflict without being yourselves the aggressors. You have no oath regis- tered in Heaven to destroy the Government, while I shall have the most solemn one to 'preserve, protect, and defend ' it. We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection." The tone of the address and the positions taken in it, commended themselves to the patriotism of the country, and many felt that even yet civil war might be averted. The North, hopeful to the last, saw the Southern States go through the form of secession, looked on as they instituted a common government, and marshalled an army to carry out their insurrectionary designs, - and still believed war, civil war, could not come. It was hard to make the loyal-hearted believe that our great experiment in a national polity, " which binds a family of free Republics in one united government - the most hopeful plan for combining the home-bred blessings of a small State with the stability and power of a great empire, was to be treacherously and shamefully stricken down in the moment of its most successful operation."
1 5
THE OPENING OF THE WAR.
But the telegraphic announcements of the twelfth of April dispelled all illusions, and opened all eyes to the sad conflict which the treason of a portion of the States had precipitated upon a once peaceful country. " The traitors are firing on Sumter," read the first dispatch. " Anderson answers gun for gun." The surprise was intense ; men stood stupefied with dismay, - then with quick response gave voice at once to their indignation and their loyalty. The weary six months of parleying at length passed, and the tocsin of war now sounded forth. From the bitterness of humiliation and helpless inactivity, the loyal North awoke to meet, at every hazard, the issue thus relentlessly forced upon it.
In no town in New England was deeper excitement pro- duced by the war news, than in Norwich. Its sympathies, as its popular vote declared, were decidedly with the Admin- istration, so early burdened with the unprecedented duties incident to civil strife. The events of the winter had only intensified the loyalty of its citizens, and prepared them to meet with harmony and promptest energy, the call that it was seen would soon have to be made, for troops and finan- cial help. Intense excitement continued through Saturday, the thirteenth, as successive telegrams reported the stars and stripes still waving over the beleaguered fort. The name of the gallant commandant was on every lip, and the hope expressed that the garrison would hold out until reinforce- ments, known to be on their way, could reach them. The streets of the city were crowded by anxious citizens await- ing further news, or discussing that already received, while from the adjoining towns and villages, men came rid- ing in to learn the latest tidings from the seat of war. Little else was known for some time, than that Anderson was making a brave resistance.
On Sunday, April fourteenth, came the telegram announ- cing that Sumter had surrendered. The reception of this
16
THE NORWICH MEMORIAL.
news created the profoundest feeling, and stirred every pat- riot's heart to its inmost recesses. It was the memorable " battle Sunday," when on the streets and in the porches of the churches men spoke to one another with bated breath of this first act of rebellion. In most of the pulpits of the city appropriate reference was made to the event that clearly foreshadowed a bitter and bloody struggle.
On Monday, April fifteenth, appeared the President's proc- lamation, calling for seventy-five thousand troops to defend the suddenly endangered government. The proclamation of Connecticut's " war governor," Hon. Wm. A. Buckingham, soon followed, urging upon patriotic citizens throughout the State, to volunteer their services and meet the appeal of the National Executive for troops. So war was really begun, and with characteristic promptitude all efforts were now com- bined to meet the stern duties opening before every loyal heart. The national colors were everywhere displayed throughout the town, testifying to the predominant sentiment of loyalty. They swung in the breeze over Main Street, and waved from the tower of the First Church ; the Free Acad- emy, engine halls, factories, school-houses, and numerous private dwellings hung out the symbol of the country's unity. The adjacent villages caught the city's enthusiasm, and threw out where they could the national banner. Citizens laid aside all previous political differences, and under the impulse of a common patriotism, stood together for the support and defense of the Government. "Men have ceased to be Republicans or Democrats," spoke out " The Daily Bulle- tin "; " they are simply Patriots or Tories ; only this line divides us." One purpose seemed to animate all hearts, - a determination to maintain at every sacrifice the national Union. "Heart throbbed to heart, lip spoke to lip with a oneness of feeling that seemed like a divine inspiration." In the spirit of "Our Country's Call," by the poet Bryant, the
.
I7
THE OPENING OF THE WAR.
loyal masses of the North rose up to face the grave duties of the crisis : -
" Lay down the axe, fling by the spade ; Leave in its track the toiling plough ; The rifle and the bayonet blade For arms like yours, were fitter now ; And let the hands that ply the pen, Quit the light task, and learn to wield The horseman's crooked brand, and rein The charger on the battle-field."
Reluctantly accepted, the struggle forced upon the nation was entered upon, and the contest for the great inheritance of Constitutional Freedom began. The long weary years of varying fortune and costliest sacrifice were not foreseen, though at the very commencement of the conflict lives and property were freely and solemnly laid upon the altar of country. With earnest heart and faith, the war for the Union was waged, none doubting who had a part in the strife, that it would be triumphantly waged, and that as the grand result, would come the reestablishment for all time of the mild sway of the Constitution and the Laws. The country, springing thus from a positively supine and dis- mantled condition into an attitude of vigor, owed it all to the manly sincerity which the grave perils of the hour brought out of the bosom of the people. Earnestness of conviction, trust in God, newness of life, - these came as the forerunners of ultimate success.
II.
1861.
THREE MONTHS' MEN.
" In Freedom's name our blades we draw, She arms us for the fight, For country, government and law, For liberty and right. The Union must, - shall be preserved, Our flag still o'er us fly ! That cause our hearts and hands has nerved, And we will do or die."
GEORGE P. MORRIS.
T HE first call upon Connecticut for troops was by a telegram from Hon. Simon Cameron, the Secretary of the War Department, dated at Washington, D. C., April eighteenth, 1861, requesting one regiment of militia for immediate service. In Norwich the work of enlisting men was earnestly entered upon, and most heartily responded to on the part of the citizens.
The first " War Meeting " was called for Thursday morn- ing, April eighteenth, in Apollo Hall, for the purpose of adopting measures to fill up at once all military companies about forming, and fit them out for immediate service. In this gathering the ability and patriotism of Norwich were fully represented, and the key-note of popular action during the years of the war was here struck. Hon. H. H. Stark-
19
THREE MONTHS' MEN.
weather was appointed chairman, and several brief and ear- nest speeches were made in furtherance of the object of the meeting. It was a new röle in which old and well-known citizens were now to appear. The interests and incidents of the exciting hour seemed to nerve all for high and gen- erous action. There were eloquent words spoken on the occasion, but more eloquent were the deeds done, and those present remember now with feelings of patriotic pride the revelations of that earliest assemblage which ruthless rebellion had made necessary. Hon. John Breed, who was on the platform, surrounded by those of younger years and lustier strength, came forward, and said with his characteristic emphasis and gravity, "I had not intended to speak a word here to-day, but the time has come when our colors have been assailed, and these boys (alluding to those who had volunteered) have got to see to it. I'm an old man, but I've never seen the time when I so wanted to be back again with the boys as during the last two or three days." Governor Buckingham having been called on to say a few words, spoke briefly but with the deepest feeling, affecting many to tears who listened to his weighty words of counsel and of cheer. He read some dispatches just received from men offering to volunteer. "Connecticut moves slowly," said he, " but the good old State is true and sure when once started." He spoke of the honest pride he felt in seeing the spirit manifested in this crisis by the sons of Connecticut.
On motion of David Young, Esq., a subscription paper was ordered to be immediately started in the hall, and a committee of seven was, in connection with this paper, ap- pointed to take charge of the same, and raise such funds as might hereafter be required. Messrs. Amos W. Prentice, F. M. Hale, J. F. Slater, James A. Hovey, David Smith, Henry Bill, and John W. Stedman at once prepared and
20
THE NORWICH MEMORIAL.
presented the " Subscription Paper," headed with the fol- lowing significant words : -
" THE SINEWS OF WAR."
" We the undersigned, citizens of Norwich and vicinity, hereby agree to pay the sums affixed to our respective names, for the purpose of purchasing uniforms, or contributing in any other manner to the successful formation and enlistment of companies in this vicinity."
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.