The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 110

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

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Gen. Morse has adopted a comprehensive sys- tem of records by which this ever increasing dif- fienlty is entirely obviated, a vast amount of val- nable time saved and much vexations and una- vailing search avoided.

Large books are provided with columns ruled for name, regiment, company, residence, date of inuster, and a wide column for remarks concern- ing promotion, transfer, re-enlistment, desertion, discharge or any other important fact of a sol- dier's career. On these books are entered alpha- betically, all names on the original muster rolls of all regiments and the names of all recruits, whether drafted men or substitutes, when taken up regiments in active service.

on the rol's of the regiments. Opposite cach summe. in fly proper columnus, are recorded the reginaont. company, date of muster in, aml residence. Then just as soon as the regular bi-monthly muster rolls of the regiments arrive they are carefully compared with the books and every promotion, transfer. di-charge, death or other important fart is noted down against the proper name, and in the proper column. The same is done when re- ports are received from the various hospitals. Thus a brief tabulated history is kept of every man in the service.

Reports are also received from every Provost Marchal, and the names of all drafted men and substitutes entered alphabetically on suitable books, with residence, date of muster in, regi- ment to which the men are assigned. and other facts which occur before their names are taken up on the rolls of the regiment. Their subsequent carrer may be traced on the books first mention- ed. Another set. of books indicates the names and number of men eredited to each town on the books of the Adjutant General at Washington. From these minute and classified records the au- thorities are able to determine at once the precise condition of the quota of the State and of each town. Thus also returns are made to the State Comptroller Paymaster-General and Selectmen of towas, by which fraudulent payments of State and town relief are prevented. Thus, too, without de- lay, disabled soldiers are enabled to obtain evidence of enlistment and discharge. Widows and others entitled to pensions or back pay can seeure evi- denee to establish their claims, and an accurate list of the heroic defenders of the nation's life is perpetuated for posterity to examine and glory in.

This elaborate and complete system of tabula- ted records also renders it possible to prepare what We Venture to affirm can be accurately pre- pared in the offices of few Adjutant-Generals in the Union-namely :

A CATALOGUE OF THE STATE VOLUNTEER FORCE, This catalogue, complete to July Ist. 1864, has been compiled at the office of our accomphshed Adjutant General, and issued in a large and hand- some volume. The classification is by regiments and companies, batteries and detachments, as they Were mustered into service. Here will be found the name of every man, with the facts collated from the records above described.

Some men are marked as deserters, who proba- bly would disdain the treasonable act of de-er- tion. But in such cases, either through their own carelessness or that of officer- in charge of hospitals, no report of their location has been re- ceived at their respective regiments.

The innnense and fatiguing labor of this vast work has been performed under the supervi- sion of Mr. A. L. Hunt, and its admirable execu- tion refleets great credit ou his ability and perse- verance.

THE STATE MILITIA.

The roster of commissioned officers is accurate- ly kept in tabulated form. No record is kept of enlisted men, because there is no legal provision

Capt. Deryee, A-istant Adjutant General, kas recently undertaken to collect, free of charge, PENSIONS, BOUNTIES,

Or other monies due to soldiers or their friends. The design is truly beneficent, namely, to secure the largest possible amount to a class of persons who generally need every penny. It interferes with business of others no further than is for the advantage of the great majority of those concern- ed. The facilities for information and system at the Adjutant General's offer are greater than they can elsewhere be-and hence the business enn be done there with greater dispatch and ccon- many of time than any where else, and with tri- fling cost to a class of citizens generally of genuine worth, but limited means.

True economy and patriotisin approve the be- neficent design, and we 'sincerely hope that our next Legislature will establish this as a perma- neut department.

It is gratifying to 'notice that the idea daily gains favor. Persons from all parts of the State are sending in applications for the collection of moneys due. A considerable number of claims have been already collected at the trifling cost to the applicants of the affidavits before the Clerk of the Court of Records,fand a few cents for postage.

Persons sendingyletters of inquiry, or docu- ments, should address

Captain Redfield Duryec, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hartford, Conn.

Printed instructions will be sent by l.im for preparing necessary papers. The parties to whom they are seut will save much time and trouble if they will conform very carefully to the directions. The most frequent inistake is that of witnessing papers before a notary publie or justice. All papers of this character, must be sworn to before a JUDGE OR CLERK of a Count OF RECORD.

RECRUITING IN REBEL STATES

Has not been entirely unsuccessful ; 75 reeruits have been obtained and mustered into the U. S. service, to the credit of Conneetient, at Fort Monroe, by C'ol. Sellen, 41 at Newbern, by Col. Pardee, and 217 by Capt, Peek, at Hilton Head. Colonel Selden is now recruiting quite rapidly, and will soon report a much larger number. Very little has been, attempted and nothing ac- complished at other points.

Fitch's Home for the Soldiers.

In our last number we suggested the establish- ment of a Home for the Soldiers of this State. We now call the attention of patriotic citizens to a " Home" generously endowed by the beneti- e .nee of Benjamin Fitch, incorporated by the Le- gi-lature of 1864, and located at Durien.

Win. A. Cummings, Darien ; Joseph B. Hoyt, Stamford ; Philander Button, Greenwich; Ste- phen Hoyt, New Canaan; Edward C. Bissell, Norwalk ; Charles Marvin, Wilton, form the body corporate of Fitch's Home. These gentlemen,

for the purpose. Laws should be passed at the | with the Senator eleet of the 12th Distriet, form the Board of Trustees.

next session of the Legislature so to organize the militia, and systematize its records, that they may be kept in the same thorough manner as those of erty, 81,500, ea-h, 85,000, with $5,000 toward the The endowment of Mr. Fitch consists of, prop- erection of buildings for kitchen, dining room,

344

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[JANUARY,

chapel and school-room; total. 814,500. Other | pay and honorable papers. The following is the jor would very soon expire. No re-enlisted vete- donations toward furnishing the establishment | list of returned officers :

amount to about $2,000 in materials of various kinds. Some 20 patriotic ladies of Darien have met weekly for the last three months to make up sheets, comfortables, and other necessary articles.

Applications for admission will now be received by the executive committee, and the "Home" will very soon be opened.

This "Home" is intended primarily for disa- bled soldiers of the 12th senatorial district, but its field will be enlarged just so far as means are provided.

Here, then, is the foundation of The Home for the brave disabled defenders of the nation's life whom Connecticut has sent to the field.

Let a structure be built adequate to receive and provide for all who, by wounds or ardnous ser- vice, are made dependent-a structure worthy the patriotism of our gallant State and the lofty heroism of "our boys in blue." Generous and loyal people of Connecticut, " Let us not be weary in well doing."

The 26th Regiment.

Nearly three hundred members of the 26th met in Norwich, Nov. 14th, for a social reunion. They assembled at Treadway's Hall, at 9 A. M. Col. Kingsley was chosen Chairman, Adj. Meech, Sec'y. A capital address was read by Chaplain Allen. Brief and appropriate speeches were de- livered by Maj. Stoll, Capts. Bently, Champlin and Gallup, Lieuts. Fish and Comstock, and several others.

The Regiment paraded through the city, organ- ized as of old, with stirring music, and returned to the Hall to partake of a sumptuous dinner provi- ded by the officers.

After dinner, jubilatory speeches were made, patriotic letters from officers unable to be pres- ent, were read,-joke and langh and cheers enli- vened the passing hours.

There is talk of re-organizing the regiment for active service. We assuredly hope that it will be done.

Our Veterans.

NUMBER NINE.

Fifteen officers and 127 enlisted men of the THIRTEENTH REGIMENT,

Left Winchester on Friday, Dee. 23d, for home- arriving at New Ilaven on the afternoon of the 2Sth. The officers had neglected to announce their coming, and were themselves the bearers of the tidings. Hence, it was impossible to prepare and extend a fitting welcome. It is a matter of sineere regret because that many people in New Haven earnestly desired to honor the gallant 13th. The men were marched to U. S. Drait Rendez- vous, and received furloughs on the 29th until Jan. 5th. The boys were at the Rendezvous punctually, to receive discharge and back pay. But alas for their expectations of greenbacks, the Paymaster failed to appear. Vexatious for- mality postponed the day of freedom and fonds. The boys grumbled and justly, but they had been too long soldiers not to accommodate themselves to unpleasant circumstances.

Colonel C. D. Blinn.

Quartermaster William Bishop.

Adjutant F. N. Stanley.

Captain J. J. McCord.

Captain C. II. Cornwall.

Captain D. H. Finley. Captain Perry Averill.

Ist Lieut. Robert A. Ripley.

Ist Lient. J. S. A, Baker.

1st Lieut. Wio. F. Norman.

2d Lieut. J. J. Squires.

21 Lieut. George E. Fancher.

2d Lieut. C. Il. Benton.

2d Lieut. J. M. Lyman.

2d Lieut. E. S. Dunbar.

About 400 meu remain in the field, under com- mand of Capt. W. E. Bradley. These will prob- ably be consolidated as the 9th and 12th, into a battalion to be ultimately commanded by Lieut. Col. II. B. Sprague, now a prisoner.

We hope that the three battalions may be uni- ted under the command of one Connectient officer.

The Treatment of Prisoners.

More than a hundred paroled or escaped pris- Toners, belonging to Connecticut regiments, reached Connecticut during the month of December. Careful iaquiry from them and from others pre- viously released or esenped has thoroughly satis- fied us on several points.

1. That the frightful suffering of " Our Boys in Blue " is not and cannot be overstated.

2. That this horrible suffering need not be in- flieted. Food is abundant in that part of the Confederacy in which they are confiued. It can always be purchased for money, jack knives, watches or brass buttons, and if it can be so fur- nished, it can be readily obtained by Confederate authorities. If the officers in charge desire to prevent scurvy, they can easily procure vegeta- bles and issue them at any time. If they wish to preserve the health of the prisoners, they can at any time confine them on liigh land instead of filthy and malarions swamp-near elear and good water instead of sluggish and polluted pools. They ean confine them where wood is abundant, and give out axes, not enough for means of resist- anee, but enough to enable the houseless captives constructing rude huts, to protect themselves from sun and storm, and chill night air.

3. Hence we infer that it is the deliberate and fiendish purpose of the heartless Confederate lend- ers to undermine the health and impair the con- stitutions of our brave boys, that they can never again serve in the army. The records of barbar- ism in all ages reveal no such wholesale, persist- ent, aggravated cruelty.

It remained for a people boasting itself Chris- tian, but breathing from birth the baleful atmos- phere of human bondage, to achieve unapproach- able infamy through perfcetion of relentless bru- tality.

This inhuman purpose is further revealed by the circumstances of the recent exchange. Those se- leeted were, in the main, emaciated, ill, hopelessly broken down. A few of the healthier and stronger must be sent as attendants. These were chosen

ran was permitted knowingly to come. If any did come, they escaped by deceit or by personal fa- vor.

4. We are also led to a conclusion apparently somewhat at variance with the others, namely, that supplies sent through the lines by the Sani. tary Commission, have been for the most part equitably distributed. The rebels seem, in this single particular, to have a commendable sense of honor. From the demon Turner, of Libby Pris- on, however, we must withhold even this praise. But let us rejoice that of other prison-keepers we may say so much. We venture to suggest further that larger quantities of supplies be forwarded immediately. It may be that if stores were poured in so abundantly as to be likely to defeat the malign purpose of the traitors they would re- fuse to receive them, or apply them to their own nec. But this is not yet the case. We believe it in our power, ere full exchange can be effected, to alleviate the unspeakable misery of thousands, and save the lives of hundreds of our bravest and best. Need we say more ?

The Votes of the Soldiers.

J. Hammond Trumbull, Secretary of State for Connecticut, affirms the whole number of votes received by Commissioners to be 2898. Ile esti- mates the number of these votes actually deposi- ted in the ballot boxes as not exceeding 2291. To these must be added ile votes deposited by the soldiers at home, certainly not less than 400. If the friends of MeClellau assume that every soldier voted for Mr. Lincoln, they may claim that Connecticut on the home vote gave a major- ity for MeClellan. But if one soldier in ten voted for MeClellan, his supporters can not fairly claim Connectient for him on the home vote.

It is evident that, as we stated with regret in the Dee. Number, neither the whole number of soldiers' votes nor the number polled for each candidate, can be accurately ascertained.

Books and Papers.

Again we remind the people that days in win- ter quarters in the Valley, on the James, and along the coast, must be whiled away by the boys in occupations either useful and improving, or un- profitable and harmful.

It depends on us, in no small degrec, to furnish means to make these winter days a season of rational enjoyment and instruction. Send books which have been read-magazines, illustrated pa- pers, by the Christian Commission or other means. Send papers to your friends. Subscribe for a good weekly for your son or brother. Subtract a good book or two from the shelf and send it with a God-speed to the brave boys. The vacant place reminding you of a generous act will be worth more than the book.

These are cheap methods of doing much good. Shall we allow indolenee or selfishness to leave them untried ?

INTELLIGENT CRITICISM. - " Well, how do you like the looks of the varinint ?" said a Southwest- er to a Northeaster gazing with staring wonder for the first time on a huge alligator.

" Waal," replied Jonathan, "he aint what yeou may eall a harusmm eritter, but he has got a great

On the Monday following they received full / almost invariably from the men whose time had [ deal of openness when he smiles."

315

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

1865.]

OUR ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.

From the 21st Regiment. CAMP 21ST CONS. VOLS, 2

In the Field, Va., Dec. 20th, 1864.

EDITOR CONN. WAR RECORD :-- It is with great difiidence that the present writer accedes to your request to occupy the place in your columns so ably filled by Capt. D. D. Brown. But with no attempt at a literary entertainment for your rend- ers, he will endeavor to lay before them the sint. ple history of events in the career of the gallant 21st.

From the 1st to the 29th of July very little occurred to break the monotony of life in the trenelies at Petersburg, save the frequent artillery duel which generally subsides after erentiog a vast amount of noise and smoke, with no partien- lar d'image to either side. But the greatest praise is due our noble soldiers for the patience and for- titude with which they endured the almo-t intol- erable heat during this period. The line held by the regiment being in the open field, was fully exposed to the scorching rays of the sun, which poured down with the utmost intensity. The men were obliged to lie under ground, as it were, where no circulation of the air could be obtained, and one could do nought but lie still and swelter iu the sultry air. Any appearance of a head above the breastwork, was sure to secure attention of some hard hearted southiron, with a crack and a whistling ball by no means pleasant to hear. Day after day dragged slowly by, each one like its predecessor. Some speut the days in sleep. some in conversation, and some taking sly shots at the rebel line. The advent of the Co. cooks was always bailed with delight, not only on ae- count of the "grub" they brought, but as forn- ing a break in the vast monotony. And no soon- er did a cook "heave in sight" than a commotion was at onee visible. Tin cups joined in a lively chorus, and hungry stomachs began to grow rav- enous. The usual amount of grumbling must be bestowed upon these devoted sons of the cuisine. who finally retired from the field abashed, duck- ing their heads around each corner, calling forth roars of laughter, and then the usual quiet resumed its sway. At this time the regiment remained in the trenelies two or three, and often four days at a time, being occasionally relieved for the pur- pose of washing clothes, and cleaning up gener- ally. But the elose confinement, and want of exercise, together with the hent, exceedingly de- bilitated both officers and men, and the sick list was accordingly larger.

On the 11th of July, the whole Brigade being in camp. was ordered to relieve a Brigade in the trenches that night. Our road to the front ran directly past a number of the enemies' heaviest batteries planted on the opposite bank of the .ip- pomattox river, and within easy range. The troops, however, were habitually relieved in the night time, so that they were undisturbed in passing to and fro. But by some mistake this night, the Brigade was ordered out before dark. The men well knew what would be the result, but like true sokliers faltered not, but marched steadily under the very months as it were of those frowning guns, which of course immedinte- ly opened with a terrific fire, and not the less

appalling from the fact that we were defenseless, and must take it as it came. But then did our brave boys show their mettle. Although the shot ploughed up the ground on every side, and the air seemed thick with fragments of bursting shells, they marched steadily on, scarcely quick- came so heated as to seorch the bands of the men. Yet they stood nobly to their work while re- quired. The regiment there lost three men kill- ed, and twelve wounded. One of its bravest officers there sacrificed his life upon the altar of his country, Cupt. Francis S. Long, of Williman- emng their step. And the 21st at the head of | tie, Conn. Being in command of a corps of sharp- the column, proved themselves fully entitled to shooters, he was on the extreme front directing the name of Veterans. A few cowards there were, their movements, entirely neglectful of self, when a piece of shell pierced bis neck, killing him in- stantly. Many a heart felt sad when his death was announced. No better tribute can be given The fatal results of the day so auspicionsly be- gun, are known to all. After lying in the hot sun all day, we were at night relieved and march- ed to the rear, where we were allowed to obtain the rest we so much needed. And throwing our- selves again on the bare ground, we soon forgot the fearful scenes just passed throngh. him than to say he died loved and respected by all who knew him. and for the sake of their brave companions be- hind whom they skulked, we give them passing notice. But for the honor of the regiment be it said, they were f w. The members of the 21st as a whole, are not men to show their backs to the enemy, as several bloody fields can testify. Yet, by a merciful Providence, not a mau was in- jured under the fiery test just descrited, though many a wonderful and narrow escape occurred. On the evening of the 20th, we were again re- lieved from our position on the right of the line, by the 2d Corps, and the 18th Corps, to which we belonged, was moved just after dark farther And this closes the history of the month. 21sr. to the left, and in rear of the line held by the ninth Corps, where we were allowed to obtain a little repose such as soldiers obtain while lying on From the 2d Conn. Light Battery. their arms and the bare ground. After a short MONTGOMERY POINT, ARKANSAS, } } Nov. 22d, 1864. 5 nap, however, we were called up and moved into the trenchies, relieving the ninth Corps, which After two months respite in the city of New Orleans, since our return from the capture of Forts Gaines and Morgan, we received orders on the 12th inst. to report to Gen. Reynolds at the mouth of the White River, We accordingly left our comfortable quarters in the crescent city, which we had begun to believe we should occupy during the winter, on the night of the 13th, and after six days on the river, reached our destina- tion, and on the morning of the 20th disembarked and went into eamp. We are uncertain about remaining here any length of time, but expect to be sent ere long either up the White River to St. Charles or Duval's Bluff, or to Memphis. was then massed just in our rear, preparatory to a charge. And then we found we were in the vicinity of the celebrated mine under the ene- iny's forts, of which we had heard rumor after rnmor, and that it was in fact a reality, and was to be sprung that morning, and the explosion was to be the signal for a grand attack. Slowly the night wore away. The grey dawn crept up the eastern horizon. The morning beams were just darting across the heavens all unconscions of the carnage they heralded, when suddenly the earth shook and heaved as with an earthquake. And though we were expecting it, still the shock was so sudden, and so much nearer than we sup- During our trip up the river we had stormy weather nearly all the way. Nevertheless, we had an opportunity of seeing Port Hudson, Natchez, and Vick-burg. We stopped at the latter place a half a day to coal and wood, and thus had time to take a view of the fortifications of that -tronghold, once deemed by the rebels impregna- ble. It was there we heard the welcome intelli- genee of the re-election of Abraham Lincoln, and a salute was there fired in honor of the event. Just previous to our departure from New Or- leans, Lieut. George Munger resigned. His re- -Pruation was caused by disability, occasioned by service in the field. Ile was generally esteemed as an officer, and as a man, and takes with him to civil life the warmest wishes for his happiness, and prosperity of those with whom he has been associated since the organization of the battery. We left but one or two siek behind, and among them was Lient, Whiting. Lient. Hotchkiss is in conunand of the battery, assisted by Lieutenant Gray. posed, that every man was startled and leaped to the breastwork, when a fearful sight met the eye. A huge mass like a mountain was thrown hun- dreds of feet in the air, while a blue sulphurous flame issued from every crevice and fissure, and the vast mass of earth enrled over like the crest of a linge wave, appearing in the uncertain light as though it would entomb our whole live. Eve- ry man was in his place, and then along our whole front from right to left with denfening roar, " far flashed the red artillery." Volley after volley of musketry was also hurled at the foe, who, startled and terrified, wildly rushed to and fro appalled at the awful fate of their brethren in the fort. And then with a shout the 9th Corps rushed into the breach and the Stars and Stripes waved over the rebel stronghold. The 21st forming part of the supports, was engaged in holding our line of works, and in attracting the attention of the ene- my from the assaulting party, by keeping up a continnal fire of musketry. And nobly did they perform the task assigned them, though one of On reaching here we found quite a difference in temperature from New Orleans, and our shelter tents, (ull we have ever had since we have been in the Department of the Gulf,) were but little protection against the piercing cold and dri- ving storm. Our men are now busy, even with the enemy's batteries enfiladed our line, and their shot frequently swept down inside the ride pit. through its whole length. The sun, too, poured down with such intensity as it rose higher, as to render it almost impossible to keep the works manned. Many received severe sunstrokes. So rapid was the firing also, that the gun barrels be- la prospect of marching orders, iu constructing

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 110

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