History of New London county, Connecticut : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 17

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1317

USA > Connecticut > New London County > History of New London county, Connecticut : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 17

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 (link on the Part 1 page).

Clift, Lemuel, Groton, enl. Sept. 21, 1861; disch. Sept. 20, 1864, term ex- pired.

Conlon, Patrick, Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 20, 1864, term expired.

Collins, Ethan A., Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Jan. 1, 1862.

Conlan, James P., Stonington, enl. Oct. 10, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 20, 1864, term expired.

Culver, Charles H., Stonington, enl. Oct. 10, 1861 ; re-enl. vet. Jan. 5, 1864; must. out Dec. 12, 1865.

Crossley, Benjamin, Stonington, enl. Oct. 7, 1861; died Aug. 29, 1864, at Andersonville.

Daniels, Austin, Groton, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; re-en1. vet .; trans .. to U.S.N. April 27, 1864.

Davis, Alfred A., Groton, enl. Sept. 21, 1861; re-enl. vet. Dec. 24, 1863; must. out Dec. 12, 1865.

Davis, Alpheus G., Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; died April 1, 1863, at Hampton, Va.

Davis, Phineas W., Groton, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; disch. for disability, May 11, 1862, at Newbern.

Dixon, Alfred, Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; must. out Dec. 12, 1865, at City Point; absent.

Doyle, William, Groton, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; re-enl. vet. Dec. 24, 1863 ; must. out Dec. 12, 1865.

Durfee, William H., Groton, enl. Sept. 30, 1861 ; re-enl. vet. Dec. 24, 1862; killed Sept. 29, 1864.

Eccleston, Levi, Groton, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; re-enl. vet .; trans. to U.S.N. April 27, 1864.

Eccleston, Oliver A., Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861; re-enl. vet. Dec. 2, 1863; died Dec. 4, 1864.

Edgecomb, John F., North Stonington, enl. Oct. 10, 1861; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, March 31, 1864.

Edwards, Albert S., Stonington, enl. Oct. 1, 1861; disch. for disability, Dec. 15, 1862, at Annapolis.

Edwards, Charles J., Stouington, enl. Oct. 1, 1861; re-enl. vet. March 27, 1864; died Sept. 1, 1864.

Edwards, John L., Stonington, enl. Sept. 27, 1861 ; died Dec. 23, 1862, at Falmouth, Va.

Foster, George W., Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861; re-enl. vet. Dec. 24, 1863; disch. May 21, 1865.

French, Marius E., Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; trans. to Signal Corps, Nov. 26, 1863.

Gavin, Edward, Stonington, enl. Oct. 9, 1861; disch. for disability, Nov. 2, 1861, at Jamaica, L. I.

Geary, Dennis, Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861; re-enl. vet .; killed May 16, 1864, at Fort Darling, Va.

Geary, Willlam, Stonington, en1. Sept. 21, 1861 ; re-enl. vet. Dec. 24, 1863 ; must. out Dec. 12, 1865.

Hall, Charles W., Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; re-enl. vet. Dec. 24, 1863; must. ont Dec. 12, 1865.

Hallam, Henry, Stonington, enl. Oct. 9, 1861 ; disch. by order Feb. 11, 1863; trans. to U.S.A.

Holland, Hazzard, Stonington, en1. Sept. 30, 1861 ; rejected Nov. 2, 1861. Holdredge, James E., Stonington, en1. Sept. 21, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 20, 1864, term expired.

Jager, Francis, Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; disch. for disability, July 29, 1862, at Newport News, Va.

Knowles, Henry G., Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; re-enl. vet. Dec. 24, 1863 ; must. out Dec. 12, 1865.

Lamb, Samuel S., Ledyard, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Oct. 2, 1862.

Lamphear, Charles D., Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861; re-enl. vet. Dec. 24, 1863; died of wounds Sept. 30, 1864.

Lamphear, Clark F., Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; re-enl. vet. Dec. 24, 1863 ; disch. for disability, Feb. 15, 1865.

Lamphear, William, Stonington, enl. Sept. 27, 1861.

Lombard, Michael, Stonington, enl. Sept. 23, 1861; disch. for disability, Nov. 2, 1861.

Lord, Thomas H., Stonington, enl. Sept. 23, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 20, 1864, term expired.

McCarthy, John, Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Jan. 25, 1863.

Mason, Franklin, Stonington, enl. Sept. 27, 1861; disch. Sept. 20, 1864, term expired.

Maynard, John M., Stonington, enl. Sept. 30, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 20, 1864, term expired.

Miner, Erastus D., Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Jan. 25, 1863.

Nye, Joseph D., Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; re-enl. vet. Dec. 24, 1863 ; must. out. Dec. 12, 1865.

Nye, Stephen F., Stonington, enl. Sept. 27, 1861.

Nickle, Arthur, Norwich, enl. Oct. 2, 1861 ; disch. for disabilty, Feb. 28, 1863, at Alexandria.

O'Conner, Cornelius, Norwich, enl. Sept. 23, 1861 ; wounded May 7, 1864; disch. Sept. 20, 1864.

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MILITARY HISTORY.

Palmer, Jerome A., Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861.

Palmer, William R., Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; disch. for pro. March 30, 1863.

Park, William A., Groton, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Jau. 1, 1862.

Potter, William H., Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861; died January, 1863, at Fort Monroe.

Price, David W., Jr., Stonington, enl. Sept. 27, 1861 ; wounded Sept. 17, 1862; disch. Sept. 20, 1864.

Reed, William, Stonington, enl. Sept. 30, 1861; disch. Sept. 20, 1864, term expired.

Rose, Ebenezer, Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 20, 1864, term expired.

Ryan, Thomas W., Groton, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; re-enl. vet. Dec. 24, 1863 ; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 1, 1865.

Shay, Patrick, Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, March 15, 1864.

Slocum, Horace, Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861; disch. Sept. 20, 1864, term expired.

Staplin, Henry, Stonington, enl. Sept. 23, 1861 ; re-enl. vet. Dec. 24, 1863 ; must. out Dec. 12, 1865.

Shepard, George M., Stonington, Sept. 30, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Feb. 28, 1863, at Alexandria.

Stebbens, Charles, Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861; re-enl. vet. Dec. 24, 1863 ; must. out Aug. 12, 1865.

Terwilliger, William, Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; re-enl. vet. Dec. 24, 1863; must. ont Dec. 12, 1865.

Tinker, Nehemiah D., Stonington, en). Sept. 30, 1861 ; re-enl. vet. Dec. 24, 1863 ; died September, 1864.

Usher, George, Stonington, enl. Sept. 30, 1861.

Wilcox, Charles B., Stonington, enl. Sept. 30, 1861 ; re-enl. vet. Dec. 24, 1863 ; disch. for disability, July 21, 1865.

Walker, John, Stonington, en). Oct. 5, 1861.

Wilcox, William D., Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; re-enl. vet. Dec. 24, 1863; must. out Dec. 12, 1865.

Willis, Edward, Stonington, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; re-enl. vet. Dec. 24, 1863; must. out Dec. 12, 1865.

RECRUITS FOR COMPANY G.

Algier, Edwin, Hartford, enl. July 23, 1863; must. out Dec. 12, 1865, at City Point.

Abson, Edward, enl. May 1, 1865; must. out Dce. 12, 1865, at City Point. Brown, John, Woodstock, enl. Sept. 5, 1863; trans. to U.S.N., April 27, '64. Connell, Austin, Bethel, enl. Dec. 31, 1863; must. out Dec. 12, 1865, at City Point.

Cory, John F., Stonington, enl. June 30, 1862; disch. for disability, April 26, 1865, at New Haven.

Cunningham, John, Newton, enl. July 27, 1864.

Dart, Horace C., New London, enl. July 14, 1863; trans. to U.S.N., April 27, 1864.

Davis, Charles, Berlin, enl. Sept. 5, 1863 ; trans. to U.S.N., April 27, 1864. Davis, Henry H., East Granby, enl. Sept. 5, 1863; must. out Dec. 12, 1865, at City Point.

Donovan, Patrick, Southington, enl. Sept. 5, 1863 ; must. out June 29, 1865, at Portsmouth Grove.

Dwyer, Cornelius, East Granby, enl. Sept. 5, 1863; killed Ang. 17, 1864, at Petersburg.

Durfee, Courtland A., Stonington, enl. Dec. 8, 1863 ; died June 30, 1864, at llampton.

Dennis, Alfred, Meriden, enl. Jan. 2, 1864.

Farly, Michael, Stonington, en). June 18, 1862; must. out June 6, 1865, at Manchester.

Ford, Christopher, Fairfield, enl. Nov. 19, 1864.

Gray, William F., New London, en1. July 14, 1863 ; trans. to U.S.N., April 27, 1864.

Grant, George, Orange, enl. Nov. 18, 1864.

Gubbins, William, Huntington, enl. Nov. 18, 1864.

Gresser, Charles, Bridgeport, enl. Nov. 18, 1864; must. out Dec. 12, 1865, at City Point.

Graham, Philip D., Trumbull, enl. Nov. 18, 1864.

Garvey, James, Hartford, enl. Nov. 18, 1864.

Gleason, Henry F., New Haven, enl. Nov. 21, 1864.

Gilen, Frank, Middletown, enl. Nov. 21, 1864.

Knowles, John C., Stonington, enl. June 19, 1862; died Feb. 28, 1863, at Newport News, Va.

Kempton, Benjamin A., Stonington, enl. Dec. 18, 1863; died Aug. 22, 1864, at Andersonville.

Kelley, John, Meriden, enl. Dec. 31, 1863.

Little, Jonah, New Britain, enl. July 5, 1864; must. out June 8, 1865, at New York City.

Main, Jolın, New London, enl. Oct. 4, 1863 ; must. out Dec. 12, 1865, at City Point.

McIntosh, John B., Lebanon, enl. Dec. 12, 1863; killed June 4, 1864, at Cold Harbor.

Munson, Abram, Lisbon, enl. Dec. 12, 1863; must. out Aug. 30, 1865, at Fort Monroe.

McDougal, William, Danbury, enl. July 20, 1864 ; must. out Dec. 12, 1865, at City Point.

Meenan, William, Colchester, enl. July 14, 1864.

Monti, Joseph, Canton, enl. July 16, 1864.

May, Moritz, Hartford, enl. June 29, 1864; must. out Dec. 12, 1865, at City Point.

Murphy, Michael, Bridgeport, enl. June 27, 1864; must. out Dec. 12, 1865, at City Point.

Rose, Ebenezer, Jr., Stonington, enl. June 30, 1862; disch. for disability, Dec. 26, 1862, at New York City.

Randall, William, Southington, enl. Sept. 4, 1863; died June 29, 1864, at Portsmouth. .

Russel, Charles E., Berlin, en). Sept. 4, 1863.

Rose, Ebenezer, Jr., Stonington, enl. Dec. 9, 1863; killed May 13, 1864, at Fort Darling.

Rose, Ebenezer, Stonington, enl. Dec. 15, 1863; disch. for disability.

Randall, George, Jr., Stonington, enl. Dec. 16, 1863 ; trans. to U.S.N., April 27, 1864.

Reynolds, Gilbert G., East Haddam, enl. Aug. 10, 1864 ; killed Sept. 29, 1864, at Chapin's Farm, Va.

Seeman, Frank, Berlin, enl. Sept. 4, 1863; must. out May 26, 1865, at Fort Monroe.

Sisson, Barney, Stonington, enl. Dec. 15, 1863.

Smith, Peter, Cornwall, enl. Ang. 9, 1864; minst. out Dec. 12, 1865, at City Point.

MARVIN WAIT was born at Norwich, Conn., on the 21st day of January, 1843. He was the son of John T. and Elizabeth Wait. His paternal grand- father, whose name he bore, occupied a prominent position as a public man and as a lawyer in New London County from the beginning of the Revolu- tion until the early part of the present century. His father, also well known as a prominent lawyer, was ardently desirous that the son should follow the pro- fession of his ancestors. Accordingly, the studies of young Wait were shaped with a view to this result. He gave early tokens that he was possessed of an active, keen, and inquiring mind. He had a ready and retentive memory, a fondness for books, and an aptness for quotations and application of what he had read that showed great intellectual ability and appre- ciation. This fondness for reading did not, however, divert him from the usual pursuits and recreations of boyhood. No one entered with more hearty zest into all the sports and pastimes of youth. Gifted with a ready wit, unusual conversational powers, and a keen perception of the humorous, he was always prepared with a playful answer or sparkling repartee. It is not easy to communicate to those who did not know him intimately an idea of the traits which in his early boyhood made him such an idol of the home circle. It is sufficient to say that no one was ever more tenderly loved or more fondly cared for than he, the only son of his parents.

In 1858 he entered the Free Academy in Norwich, and there manifested the same ability which had marked his early studies. He showed a peculiar

HISTORY OF NEW LONDON COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

taste for all studies involving literary aptness, and in them he took a high rank. Here, also, was developed a fondness for declamation, in which, owing to his quick and thorough perception of the meaning of an author, he always excelled.

This taste for and appreciation of literature was one of the most marked traits of his mind at this time, and attracted the attention of many of his older friends. The principal of the academy, after Marvin's death, addressed a long letter to his parents, which speaks of his literary ability as indicating mental powers of a very high order. "In the department of the classics," writes Prof. Smith, " I have rarely seen his equal, perhaps never his superior, in ability. In elocution he had no superior, and his command of language was also quite remarkable. His deport- ment at the academy was without fault, and I do not remember that he ever received even an admoni- tion."

After he had remained at the academy somewhat over a year his parents sent him to Williston Semi- nary, at Easthampton, Mass. While there he en- deared himself by his generous and lovable traits of character and disposition to all his acquaintances, as was evinced by letters received by his parents after his death, speaking in the most affectionate and ten- der manner of "our Marvin."

After remaining two terms at Easthampton, he en- tered the Freshman Class at Union College in the fall of 1860. While in college he showed the same mental and social characteristics which had distinguished his prior student-life. He made warm and earnest friends, and took a high rank in all classical and lit- erary studies. Prof. Hickok, in writing to his parents, condoling with them upon the loss of their son, pays a merited compliment to his character and ability, as manifested in his college-life. After remaining at Union until the spring of 1861, it was deemed advisa- ble by his parents, on account of his health, which at that time seemed feeble, that he should leave college and endeavor to regain his full physical vigor. Ac- cordingly, in March, 1861, he set sail for Europe, and spent some months in foreign travel.

During his absence the war of the Rebellion was commenced, and the rebel privateers commenced to prey on the commerce of the United States. His journal of the voyage shows that those on board the ship on the return voyage had serious apprehensions of falling into the hands of those whom he calls "the pirates."

On his return he again entered college, and for a few months pursued his studies with great zeal and earnestness. But all around him was the fever of military excitement, and it seemed to him that it was his duty to volunteer for the defense of the Union. He left college, came to his home in Norwich, and begged permission of his parents to enlist. With great reluctance, yet unable to withstand his earnest desire, his parents consented that their only son, their

pride, to whom they looked for a stay in their after- years, should try the uncertain chances of war.

Gen. Harland had at that time just received the appointment of colonel of the Eighth Connecticut Volunteers, and young Wait, with several of his as- sociates and schoolmates, were enrolled as privates in Company D. Soon after the regiment left the State on its way to the seat of war, Marvin was detailed by the colonel, who had known him from boyhood, to act as his orderly. In the intervals of leisure consequent upon the routine of camp-life he made military tactics his constant study and practice, and soon became proficient in all the various duties of officer and soldier.

Letters received from him at this time show how thoroughly he enjoyed camp-life, and how he saw the ludicrous side of its discomforts and privations.

When the regiment reached Annapolis it became necessary to organize a Signal Corps to accompany the " Burnside Expedition," then fitting out, and two lieutenants were to be detailed from each regiment for that purpose. Marvin was promoted to a second lieutenancy in Company H, and, with his intimate friend, Lient. Breed, was examined, accepted, and transferred to the Signal Corps.

This recognition of his merits was very gratifying to his parents and to himself. His letters at this time are full of brief and playful allusions to his pro- motion, coupled with anxiety that he may not fail in the discharge of his duties.

The Signal Corps embarked on the schooner "Col. Satterlee," Jan. 11, 1862. The vessel was old and ill fitted for the voyage, and in the storm which over- took the expedition, was delayed, so that she arrived last of all the vessels at the rendezvous, and after great fears had been entertained for her safety.

Lieut. Wait entered on his duties as an officer of the Signal Corps, and the carefulness and accuracy of his observations and reports were soon noted by his supe- rior officers. On the 9th of February the battle of Roanoke Island was fought. Lieut. Wait was on board the steamer "S. R. Spaulding," and was con- stantly employed sending and receiving messages. Space forbids giving quotations from his letters, which are full of graphic and interesting accounts of this new life. He was soon transferred to the "Phœ- nix," and there remained until he went on board the " Virginia." The monotony of the life on board these vessels he found somewhat irksome, and longed for something more active. He regretted that he could not be present at the capture of Newbern, but soon afterwards went there, remaining, however, but a few days. His anxiety for active service was soon grati- fied by his being detailed for signal duty at the re- duction of Fort Macon, Beaufort, N. C. The accounts of the battle, from official and private sources, all give great praise to the Signal Corps for the part they took in the bombardment, and Lieut. Wait, in the letter written to his mother the day of the surrender of

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MILITARY HISTORY.

the fort, modestly speaks of the compliments bestowed upon him by the commanding officer for his excellent work during the fight. For his gallantry in this ac- tion Lieut. Wait was awarded a signal battle-flag, and was commended in the official reports. After the re- duction of Fort Macon, Lieut. Wait returned to New- bern, and on the 18th of May was detailed to take charge of a station at Batchelder's Creek. From there he returned to Newbern, discharging the rou- tine duties of his office. He was promoted to be first lieutenant in June, and on the 2d day of July, having rejoined his regiment, came with it to Newport News. In July, Lieut. Breed, who had been his constant

friend and companion, died. His body was sent home, and Lieut. Wait was granted leave of absence to con- vey the remains to Norwich. This was the last time that his home-friends and relatives saw him. On the 2d of August, 1862, a little over a month before his death, he followed the remains of his friend to their last rest- ing-place. At the funeral service, which was numer- ously attended, there were none who knew Lieut. Wait but noticed his noble and manly bearing at that time. He seemed to have grown into manhood since he entered the army, though he was not yet twenty years old.

And now came the last month of his life. He left home, and on the 19th of August finally rejoined his regiment, after many wanderings, which he describes vividly in his letters. His last letter was to his mother, and is dated Sept. 6, 1862. Still with his regiment, the youngest officer there, he went through the battles preceding the fatal one at Antietam. How bravely he bore himself that day all accounts agree. He was wounded twice, but did not leave the field. To quote from the brief memoir published by Lieut. Eaton,-

"The unflinching hero was first wounded in the right arm, which was shattered. He then dropped his sword to his left hand ; he was afterwards wounded in the left arm, in the leg, and in the abdomen. He was then assisted to leave the line by Private King, who soon met Mr. Morris, the brave, indefatigable chaplain of the Eighth Regiment. The chaplain then conducted Lieut. Wait to the fence before alluded to, and Private King returned to his company. Lieut. Wait's last words to Private King were, 'Are we whipping them ?'' A braver man than Marvin Wait never confronted a foe; a more generous heart never beat; a more unselfish patriot never fell. Connecti- cut may well cherish and honor the memory of such sons."

When the news of his death reached his native town the expression of sorrow and of sympathy with his parents was universal. Resolutions were passed by the municipal authorities expressive of the public

regret, while letters from many who knew him testi- fied to the parents of the private grief. He was the first commissioned officer from Norwich killed in battle.

The body was brought home, and the funeral, at the First Congregational church, was very largely attended. The Rev. Dr. Arms, his former pastor, conducted the services.

The conclusion of the eulogy delivered by George Pratt at the church sums up the estimate of his char- acter and achievements :

" What words can add beauty to such a life, or what praise ennoble such a death? When we think of those who fell on that field we count them all heroes, we name them all among the brave,-

"'They died like heroes, for no recreant step Had e'er dishonored them, no stain of fear, No base despair, no cowardly recoil ;

They had the hearts of freemen to the last, And the free blood that bounded in their veins Was shed for freedom with a liberal joy.'

" Yes, the names of those who fell will be handed down with imperishable glory and lasting fame. Our children's children shall rise up and called them blessed, for they died fighting on the side of the right in a contest between right and wrong.

" Who would not be proud to be one of such a brave and immortal band ? Who would not be prouder still that where all were so brave the one they loved became conspicuous for bravery ? Such honor, rarely achieved, this young hero won. All alike, officers and soldiers, speak of his dauntless and conspicuous courage. All tell of the way his brave and animating voice rang through the ranks of the men, urging them on to victory. A century, had he lived so long, would have brought him no prouder moment in which to die. Dying, as he did, on the banks of that little creek, then unknown, now immortal, he became for us and ours forever a name and a memory.

"True, he lies here, unheeding all our praise, silent and cold in death. But what a sweet and inexpress- ible consolation it is to the living that the one whom they mourn died honorably and gloriously. A long life, uneventful and insignificant, is for the many; a glorious death, a lasting and honorable memory, is the boon of but a few.

" To-day his native town writes him among her list of heroes ; his native State does him honor in the person of her Chief Magistrate ; the nation thanks his memory as one among those who saved her in the hour of peril. Such honor as we can pay is now his. We bury him here, far away from the field of his fame, in the midst of the scenes he loved so well, knowing this,-that although we may die and be for- gotten, his name shall be honored and remembered; and as we lay him to rest, our hearts, one and all, say, 'Brave spirit, noble young heart, farewell !'"'

COL. CHARLES M. COIT was born in Norwich, March 29, 1838. During his seventeenth year the death of his father, Col. Charles Coit, changed all his

1 As the enemy advanced on the left flank of our regiment they de- livered an enfilading fire. It was under this fire that Lieut. Wait was pierced by a minié-ball (while lying wounded behind a low wall), which passed through his lungs from side to side.

HISTORY OF NEW LONDON COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

plans for life, and led him with deep regret to ex- change a college course for a business situation. He first entered the Uncas Bank, but at the age of twenty- one was made treasurer of the Chelsea Savings-Bank, which responsible position he occupied at the break- ing out of the war of the Rebellion.

Although ardently desirous of enlisting under the first call for troops, the claims of his family, of which he was the oldest male member, seemed to render im- perative for him the duty of remaining at home. But as reverses occurred to our armies and President Lin- coln's second call for troops was made, young Coit, after mature and prayerful deliberation, decided that the claim of his country was paramount to all others, and entered its service as adjutant of the Eighth Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, then being organized under Col. Edward Harland.

This regiment left the State Oct. 17, 1861, joining the Burnside expedition to North Carolina, and on the 8th of January following had its first experience of actual battle at the capture of Roanoke Island, when by their coolness and good discipline they won the hearty approval of Gens. Burnside and Foster. From this time onward until the close of the war the career of this gallant regiment was one of unusual hardship and honor. Almost uninterruptedly in the front and in active service, their engagements were many, their losses, both from the casualties of the field and from the exposures incident to their service, terribly severe, and their record always of work well and bravely done.

After their North Carolina campaign, in which the regiment had borne a prominent part at the siege of Fort Macon and the capture of Newbern, and dur- ing which Adjt. Coit had been promoted to a cap- taincy, the Ninth Army Corps, to which they were attached, was ordered north to join Gen. McClellan, and participated in the fiercely-contested battles of South Mountain and Antietam. Especially in the latter action was the gallantry of the Eighth Regi- ment conspicuous and of the highest service to their whole corps. Nine color-bearers were struck down, yet another always stood ready to fill the vacant place and uphold the flag. The entire list of casualties included more than one-half of those who entered the battle. In the words of one of the participants, "we faced the foe until half the regiment were shot down, and retired only when ordered."

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History of New London county, Connecticut : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 17

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1317

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1317