The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 106

Author: Morris, John M., ed
Publication date: 1863
Publisher: New Haven : Peck, White & Peck
Number of Pages: 886

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1864.]

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

331

engaged principally in building log hon-es, and | Watson and 29 of his party, with their horses, ent. under the instruction of the leader of the preparing for winter quarters, which from all ap- and were on their return when Col. Noble met 107th Ohio Band, at Jacksonville, and before a them. The prisoners were placed in confinement great wine we are in hopes to see sheep-skin fid- prarances will soon be needed.

The Regiment is under the command of Lieut. [ at Fort Marion, and will be sent to Jacksonville dles at a discount on dress parades and guard Col. E. S. Greeley, C. 1. Otis having resigned and | for trial. Capt. Wilson French, Provost Marshal 'mountings, and if we have the good fortune to of Angastine, recognizeil some three or four of . get home to old Connecticut in about ten months, the prisoners who had, previous to their capture, , it will be to the music of the 17th Regiment Bras. Band.

gone home; a los- which is severely felt by all in the Regiment. He was a kind-hearted and efficient oficer, cool and determined in battle, and always prompt for duty. And although Colonel Greeley may fill his place well, Col. Otis' rame will ever be dear to the luth Coun. Eight of our line officers have recently been discharged, and have gone home, viz: Capts. Goodyear, Webb. Engles and Campbell; Lieut .. Marshall, Lincoln. Savage and Wright. Two others expect to leave in a few days, Corps. Greaves and Lieut. Martin. This will leave us but two line officers present, Capt. (Inte Lient.) Hickerson, and Lieut. Linsley There are present about 250 enlisted men; we can turn out 200 maskets in eases of emergency, every one of which counts well in battle in the hands of the Veterans. We are now quite plens- antly situated in a pine grove, and if allowed to remain here long enough, can make ourselves quite comfortable by converting the pines into log houses. We get N. Y. daily papers one day old, a daily mail which comes via Bermuda Hundred directed to the loth Army Corps.

A few words in reference to the Presidential campaign. Abraham Linechi is our maa, and received four-fifthis of the vote of this Regiment. c. S.

From the 17th Regiment,

CAMP OF DETACHMENT, 17TH CONN. VOLS. PICOLATA, FLORIDA, Oct. 15th, 1864.

MR. EDIFOR :- There is but little war news of interest to communicate. I hardly think the Rebs. will trouble us mwh at present, for they have but a small force in the State senttered in little detachments upon the west side of the >t. John's River, colleering horses and cattle, and watching every movement made by us; and, as a general rule, they prefer to have the Yanks open the UnIl.

Since my last letter to you, Gen. Hatch, who commands this district, reecived information of n Col. Noble and Adjutant Chatfield, left Augns- tine for the North for thirty days, with n commis- contemplated meeting at a place called Enterprise, in Volusia County, for the purpose of organizing sion to reeruit for the Regiment. Lient. Col. a company for the rebel service. The principal Wilcoxson is in command of the Post during the tempory absence of the Col. mover in it was Capt. Watson, a bitter secession- ist, und noted for his persecution of all who sym- pathise with the Union cause. The Gen. issued an order warning all persons from organizing a force to net against the U. S. Government, or to force any of its citizens to serve against the U'ni- ted States.

The meeting was to have been held on the 2d of October, but Gen. Ilatch thought it best to nip the nffair in the bud. A small force of the 75th Ohio Mounted Infantry, stationed at St Augus- tine, were sent out one day in ndvance, while Col. Noble, with a company of the 4th MInss. Cavalry, and 200 of the U. S. C. Regiment, embarked upon the Hlatty Broek. a river steambont, and proceeded up the St. John's Hiver to Dunn's Lake, where they landed. for the purpose of marching lo Another route to Enterprise, und joining the 75th Ohio, but the Buckeye boys got there abead and

While Lieut. Col. Wilcoxson was in Connecti- ent last winter, on reerniting service, he mude an - unsuccessful effort to engage a band for our Regi- ment, but having a portion of the regimental fund in his hands, he selected a complete set of Ger- man silver instruments, and forwarded them to! St. Angu-time, knowing that there was musical talent enough in the Regimeut to organize a good band. The full compliment of enlisted men have did the business up in good style, bagging Capt. telen hold of it with energy. They are at pro ?-

taken the oath of allegiance to the United States before him. And the prospects are that they will

Co. A, C, I and K, are still on duty at this post, have to take something else that will not be quite and since my last letter the following named Pri- so easy to break.

vates have been promoted to non commissioned officers in Co. A, and 1:

Private Geo. F. Olmsted of Co. A, to be Corp'l. Wm. W. l'aynton, = A, =

= James McElroy, I, =

= Daniel W. Warren, I, "

Whitman Sackett, " I,

We are all anxiously waiting for the arrival of an hour, going over the ground and through the ; Major Herrick, the Paymaster, and his iron safe, stockade, Major Allen accompanying them, and to deal us a hand of green-backs. It is nearly -. before they lett, expressed to the Major their en- ; four months since we were last paid. tire satisfaction at the condition of affairs at this Post. They also left orders for the enlargement Yons, J. II. P. of the Stockade, building of Barracks inside, and the cutting down of the woods further back from the eamp, and since then the axes in the hands of our boys, eau be heard every day ringing in the woods.

Return of Maj. Peale to the 18th Reg't. CAMP ISTHE C. V., NEAR MARTINSBURG. V.A., Oet 11th, 1864. Editors Norwich Bulletin :

We, of the 18th regiment, are glad to welcome back Major Henry Peale, to his old command, and feel ourselves fortunate in having an officer who has entitled himself to the respect and esteem of the officers and men of his eonnnand, for his emiciency and unflinching courage, restored to us. Major Peale has proved himself on many a hurd fought field, to be an officer of no ordinary abili- ty; always one of the foremost in an engagement, and one of the last to leave the field, he has won for himself the entire confidence of his eommand. When he was removed by order of Gen. Hunter, it was a subject of common remark, not only by the officers and men of his own command, but by the officers of other regiments, that the country could ill afford to lose the services of so able and brave an other as Major Penle, for making a statement which he could truthfully substantiate.

When his removal was first announeed, a feel- ing of strong regret and a spirit of gloom seemed to pervade the regiment; and it has been the daily inquiry since, what the prospect was of his return. We can now satisfactorily answer the question by saying that Gen Hunter's order was not approved, and the Major is with us hale and hearty, and busy looking after the interests of the regiment. The boys have assumed their wonted cheerfulness, and feel as though they had received in the Major a strong reinforcement.

We, the undersigned officers of the 18th Regi- ment, do cordially endorse the above statements as being the sentiments of our several commands, and would request that you would publish them as an art of justice to Major Peale :

Josephi Mathewson, Captain Co. D; Israel N. Kibbe, Captain Co. B ; MI. V. B. Tiffany, Captain Co E; Horatio Blanchard, First Lieut. Co. B; N. P. Johnson, First Lieut. and Aeting Regimen- tal Quartermaster ; E. C. Hinckley. First Lient. Commanding Co. C; J. P. Rockwell, Adjutant, Isth Conn. Vols.

" A noble scar is a good livery of honor." -- Shakespeare.

Major General Foster, commanding the Depart- ment, and Brig. Gen. Ilatch, of this District, with portions of their staff officers, visited l'ico- lata on the 7th of this month. They arrived here upon the steamer Delaware, from Jackson- ville, for the purpose of examing the defences and the location of our eamp. They remained about

The next day Gen. Foster and Hateh, and their retinue, went to St. Angustine, visited the Fort, and the old U. S. Barracks at the lower end of the eity, where part of the Regiment is quartered. Some improvements are to be added to the an- cient fort built by the Spaniards. About a hun- dred negroes are to be set at work there in a few days.

The General did not leave Augustine till the next day. And I have been informed by go. d authority, that Gen. Foster had told Col. Noble und Major Allen, that he eon-idered the 17th Regiment C. V. the best Regiment for service in his Department; and that Gen. Hatch had also recommended that it he changed into n Heavy Artillery Regiment, filled up by recruits, and kept nt St. Augustine, Picoluta and Magnolia, to garrison those posts.

We are beginning to have cool nights nnd mornings. Men on pieket at night, find over- coats very acceptable. Through the day it is quite warm. The health of the men, n- a gene- ral thing, is very good ; some few have the chills and fever. We have very good quarters for this plnee : our rations are nothing to brag of, and our opinion is somebody is to Wame, and we would like to know who the individual is.

332

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

IDECEMBER,

HOME DEPARTMENT.

Liberty.

"The good old cause-be it a name. Idea, figment, as some elaim --- Thou, liberty, art still the same.

That good old enuse, good cause shall be, Down to the far futurity- Not vain he dies, who dies for thec.

That good old canse is ours to-day, Whatever venal tongues may say, Who fights for Union and the laws, Now battles for the good old cause."

Connecticut Institute of Reward.

Organized in behalf of those made Orphans through the death of a parent in the Military or Naval Service of the United States.

A somewhat detailed report of the organization of the Comm. lastitute of Reward, was given in our last issue.

This Institute is a branch of a vast nnd well planned national system, which is gradually com- ing into efficient operation through the energetic and persevering efforts of distinguished patriots throughout the land.

The noble objects of this national organization arc-

1. Statisties of Orphanage, and partienlarly of orphanage in relation to patriotic deeds.

2. Aid to Orphan Asylums and kindred institu- tions in operation.

3. Founding new ones, when necessary.

4. Crenting and investing permanent funds to seeure prizes for specific excellences in the insti- tutious formed under the friendly ageney of the Institute and in other institutions consenting to this co-operation.

5. Establishing Experimental Farms under the patronage of the General Government, or of Secretary of the School.

- States; also, connected therewith, Agricultural Colleges, embracing departments commensurate with high purposes and progressive develop. ments of the Institute.

6 Founding or procuring Scholarships for the Experimental Farm Schools, Academy of the In- stitute, Colleges, Universities and professional In- stitutions, American and Foreign, as prizes for those pupils in any of the schools or departments ! their course of preparation ; for in due time, a of the Institute, eviacing high degree of excel- lenee and capability -- also for other orphans, wherever found, on evidence of personal qualities or parental antecedents, entitled to elective con- siderations.

7. Founding an International Academy of Po- litical Economy, in which geographical and his. torical etatisties, mercantile, science, politieal economy, national and international law, and the modern languages shall occupy a prominent place, chiefly with reference to consular and other pub- lie dutie --- an Academy endowed with scholar- ships: Firstly, for orphans of those having died in the military or naval service of the United States, elected ns " Prize Pupils." in view of indi- vidual characteristics, giving promise of great good to the Republic, and in default of candidates of said class of youth; Secondly, for such other youth having requisite qualifications, as by net of the several State Legislatures may be appointed -each congressional district being entitled to nn equal number of. candidates ; Thirdly, for pupils delegated from foreign governments under regn. Intions to be hereafter determineil, an Academy designed to bring into the closest relations of amity pupils delegated by local authorities from each Congressional District of the United States, and from every republic, kingdom, empire and other goverment enlisted in co-operation there- with.

The Academy may be opened to such other persons as may be admitted on the payment of established terms.

At first view the design seems too vast and complicated to be fully carried out. But so much has already been done that we have just ground to hope for speedy and complete realization of the magnificent project.

The great land grant by Congress to the seve- rnl Stntes, approved July 2d, 1862. was made with particular reference to this grand scheme, and secures a foundation in each State for the Associ- ation.

'The grant has been accepted in several States and the Institute organized. In others, prelimi- nary steps have been taken and the great work is progressing. Connecticut has accepted the graat of land, converted it into valuable stock, and with it endowed the Sheffield Scientifie School of New Haven. By this endowment, at least sixty pupils receive gratuitous tuition nt this iustitu- tion, second to none in the United States.

The Connecticut Institute of Reward directs its energies nrst to providing support for indigent patriot orphans, who may avail themselves of this rare opportunity for superior education. Persons may become members of the Institute by pledging themselves to furnish n portion of this supplemental aid. And to this first undertaking the attention of philanthropic and patriotic citi- zens is respectfully invited.

It will be noticed in the law of July 6th, that patriot orphan candidates for the State scholnr. ships in the Sheffield Scientific School, may np- ply to His Excellency, the Governor, the Lieu- tenant Governor, the Superintendent of Common Schools, the three senior Seuators, or to the

be happy to present any application.

Ilistorie Committees, Soldiers' Aid Societies, and other friends and auxiliaries of our cause, may encourage nnd help patriot orphans, now too young for Vale Scientifie School, to press on in farm and workshops in or near New Haven, will be secured for the accepted candidates, where the industrious will find means of sustaining them- selves during a three years' course of science nad practice.

In the meantime, the Institute has nlready se- cured arrangements for the board of a goodly number, in excess of the present applicants, and we invite nn increased number of patriot orphan occupants of the State scholarships.

Letters of inquiry or business, may be addressed to the Corresponding Secretary, Rev. John M. Morris, New Haven, Conn.

A report of the organization with a list of offi- cers and members of the Institute was given in | Anterican citizens. There are, of course, those the October number of the WAR REconD.

From the outline given it will be seen that, though the whole system is vast, each branch attends to affairs within its own sphere, and there to one thing at a time. It may be well to remark that no officer or ngent has yet received compen- antion for services.

It is important in this connection to present the subject of

STATISTICS OF ORPHANAGE.

We print the law as approved July 9th, 1864. "SEC. 1. It shail be the duty of the Registrar of each town. on or before the first of March of cach year, to record the names of every boy and girl made orphan, or half cephan, before the first day of the preceding January of each year, by the death of'n parent enlisted from their respet- ive precints, in the military or naval service of the United States, since the outbreak of the rebellion, I tabulated in a book, with such items of patriotic devotion to the decca.ed; as the said Registrar may deem of public interest; and on the first Tuesday in March of each yenr, to place the same with the Town Clerk, to be by him deposited nmong the public archives of the respective towns.

" SEC. 2. And the said Registrar shall receive for the recording of the name of ench child, twen- ty-five eents, to be paid from the treasury of the State, on the certifiente of such Registrar .- [Ap- proved July 9th, 1864."]

These records will be of inestimable value not only as material for the future historinn, but as evidence with reference to pensions and future support of various kinds which will be provided by a rich and grateful nation. Every Registrar should feel at once the dignity and value of a work to be preserved and consulted with interest by generations yet to be.

It is hoped that some individual in every school district of the Union will volunteer to move in the organization of a local society, or historic committee, whose work shall be supplemental to, or in aid of otheial records, to preserve the patri- otic sentiments, and thrilling details of sufferings and sacrifices, contained in the intimate corres. pondence of our hercie soldiers nnd sailors, in these trials of the strength of republican institu- tions.

The nssociations making these records mny greatly aid the Boards of Appointment, estab- lished by the several Legislatures, in determining When solicited, the officers of the Institute will ; their selection of candidates for the EXPERIMENTAL FARM and schoor in the interests of agriculture and the mechanic nrts, realizing the intention of Congress, in the grant of July 2, 1862.

Our Veterans. NUMBER EIGHT.

Since we have made record of our returning Veterans, detachments of three regiments have separated to their loved homes, and the occupa- tions of peace. They have been heartily wel- comed. The terrible conduct prophiesied by croak- ers has not startled our listening cars. They re. turn, not like the disbanded mercenaries of the armies of despots, abandoned and desperate in gross vices-but ns citizen soldiers -- who have freely given three valuable years for the mainte- nance of those institutions which are the bul- works of their own freedom and safety. They return honest, manly, intelligent, and patriotie, to do as before, the labor and the civil duties of who have squandered the residue of their pay, in wild riot and debauch, and others who have spent it very unwisely, but from n wide acquaint- anee, we enn truly say that these, though they make a great show. are comparatively few. Hardly less than 5000 wnr.bronzed veterans have been mustered out of service since last spring Less than fifteen hundred have been publicly welcomed, But the Veteraus of the Sth and 11th

333

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

1864.] -

were mustered out by small detachments, and the number from each regiment quietly mustered out from hospitals exceeds the uumber discharged from the headquarters of the regiment. Not less than four thousand men, soldiers for three years, have returned to their homes, and yet how little confusion, how little disorder. Is it not a high tribute to our free institutions and to the intelli- genee and character of our citizen soldiers. But. to continue our record-one hundred and fifty- four non re-enlisting veterans of

THE TENTH REGIMENT,

left Bermuda Hundred Oet. 4th, and reached New Haven October 6th, about 3 P. M. Remaining a short time at the depot, they received the hearty greetings of many friends, and proceeded in the jolliest mood to Hartford. At Hartford, they were handsomely welcomed by a salute of Artil- lery on the Park, and cseorted by Colt's Band, the City Guard, the Mayor and Common Council, and many citizens in earriages,-up Iligh Street and down Mlain to American Hall. They were here briefly but appropriately welcomed ia the following

ADDRESS OF MAYOR ALLYN S. STILLMAN.

Gentlemen, Officers, and Soldiers of the 10th Conn. Vols .- We meet you here this afternoon, in behalf of the loyal citizens of Hartford, to con- gratulate you on your safe return to your native State and to your homes, and we bid you welcome. We welcome you home, as the brave defenders of our glorious Uniou.

Three years ago this month, the 31st of Oct., we witnessed your departure from this eity, to the scenes of conflict and danger, with pride and satisfaction. We knew full well to whom we had committed the honor of the Stars and Stripes, our glorious flag. We kaew that it would never be surreadered by you with dishonor.

We have followed you with our sympathies through all your dangers and trials : through eve- ry battle field from Roanoke to Newbern, from Newbern to Kinston, and many other coaffiets in which you have participated, and have never heard of any dishonor to our glorious old flag, it has never been seen trailing in the dust.

There were many familiar faces that took their departure with yon that we now miss on your retura, a Russell, a Wells, a Coffing, and a Still- man, and many other brave and noble patriots, that have sealed their devotioa to their country. by pouring out their life blood on the field of bat- tle; their memories will be revered, and enshrined in the hearts of their countryinen.

The soldier who perils life and limb, who de- votes the best days of his youth for his country. and the good of posterity, is deserving of all ! honor and praise.

We have followed you with our sympathies as you have been on your lonely rounds of picket duty, and through your long and weary marches, in the scorching sun by day, aud the dark and drenry hours of tempest and of storm.

We welcome you home, as the brave defenders of our liberties, and our glorions Union You have stood between ns and those eneinies of our gov- erament, who would invade and desecrate our homes and our firesides, and for this we thank you and bid you welcome-ves, thrice welcome.

After blessing had been invoked by Rev. Mr. Leek, tho boys responded, with a will, to the in- vitation to ease the loaded tables of their tempt- ing burden. After a half hour of absolute ensta- tory delight, the boys were called to order by Capt. E. D. S. Goodyear, who commanded the veterans In a very neat, though brief speech he thanked Col. Prentice and the other members of the committee of arrangements, and the generous citizens of Hartford, for their respectful and

bountiful welcome. The boys expressed their em- phatie endorsement of the sentiments uttered by six soldiers' cheers, A veteran here called for "three cheers for old Abe." Three "stunning" cheers were given, almost every man contributing to the utmost capacity of his lungs. Cheers were given for the escort, the band and the ladies, all joyous and hearty.

The veterans are a hardy, noble set of men. They have, in the words of one of their own gal- laat officers, "marched boldly, worked enruestly, fonght fiercely, and endured patiently." They deserved and received an enthusiastic and bounti- ful reception.

The men, except those whose friends resided near, were quartered for the nght at the barracks of the Invalid Corps.

The officers who return are Capt. E. D. S. Goodyear, Lieuts. Marshal and Chitty. All have a stainless record. Of the first namned, a firm friend and former comrade has well said :

"Capt. Goodyear has been for many months the last of the captains originally commissioned with the regiment. Ile is a native and citizen of North Haven, and a man of extensive reading and much experience among men. His counsel was always valuable to his brother officers, as well as to the meu of his command. No officer was more partieular than he to see that his company was well cared for, and that it received every- thing furnished by the Government to the army. Many a laggard quartermaster or surgeon has ached with vexation because this persistent, de- termined Captain would compel theai to do their duty, where some of his meu were concerned.

tenderness of a mother for those wounded, and writing letters full of sympathy and consolation to the bereaved families of such as perished."

THE NINTH REGIMENT.

The non re-enlisting veterans of the Ninth. numbering 64 enlisted men and 22 Commissioned Officers, left the Shenandoah Valley Oct. 14th. A few stopped at Bridgeport, and the remainder arrived almost unannounced, at New llaven, Oct. 21st. A collation, prepared by Major Mansfield in a twinkling, was yet substantial, sufficient, and highly satisfactory. There was no time to pro- vide further escort than the hospital band and Veteran Reserve corps, but the welcome was as sincere as if opportunity had been afforded to make a more imposing demonstrativa. The mea were escorted to the State llouse, nnd welcomed by Mayor Tyler, ia a few words of sinerre commen- dation and congratulation, to which the men re- sponded with enthn-iastie cheers. The repast was then enjoyed with a soldier's relish of nice home viaads.

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 106

Author: Morris, John M., ed Publication date: 1863 Publisher: New Haven : Peck, White & Peck Number of Pages: 886

Author: Morris, John M., ed
Publication date: 1863
Publisher: New Haven : Peck, White & Peck
Number of Pages: 886