The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 112

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

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SECOND LIEUT. Tuos. W. GARDINER, 31st U. S. C. T., is the recipient of a handsome sword. helt, sash and set of shoulder straps, from the loyal people of Mystie Bridge and Mystic River. The presentation was very appropriately and neatly made by Col. Appelman.

CAPT. GEO. B. SANFORD, of the Ist Connecticut Cavalry, has been transferred to the 1st U. S. Regular Cavahy, and placed ou the staff of Major- Gen. Torbert, now commanding the cavalry of the Army of the Shenandoah. Capt. Sanford is an enterprising and efficient offleer.

MAJOR BROOKER, of the First Conu. Artillery. is in command of the siege batteries before Pe- 2d Lieut, Julius B. Bissell to be 1st Lieut., vice | tersburg. The line offioers of the regiment. re- cently manifested their sincere regard by pre- senting him with a magnificent sword, sash and | belt, with horse equipments. The value of this substantial token of esteem is nearly one thou- sand dollars.

LIEUT. COL. HENRY C. WARD, of the 29tb regi- meut, has declined the Coloneley of the 11th regi- meut. We sincerely regret that he did not ac- cept the appointment. The regiment has good material and has been second to none in discipline and valor. Col. Ward, with bis thorough ednea- tion, and wide experience, would again make the 11th one of the best regiments in the service. Col. Ward has accepted an appointment as Colo- nel of the 41st U. S. (colored). Few men bring to the position the culture and capacity of Col. Ward, and we unhesitatingly prophesy that the I Ist. regiment will do credit to the service.

LIEUT. GIDEON WELLS, of Springfield, wbo is reported in the WAR RECORD, as captured, writes that he is utterly nnable to give "graphie narra- tive of hairbreadth escapes, heroic endurance of privations, wonderful fidelity of intelligent dar- kies, de." for the simple reason that he wasn't captured. "I was sent," he says, " with orders to proceed to Harper's Ferry, and report at the Headquarters of the Middle Military Division, supposed at that time, to be at Harper's Ferry, but when I got to the Ferry I fonud the nforesaid HIcadquarters to be somewhat peripatetie-exact- ly where located not known-supposed to be some- where between Winchester and Richmond, so of course I marched on. I was gone some fifteen days, and my company hearing nothing from me, somewhat naturally supposed I was gobbled, which item of intelligence was speedily connnu- nicated to Springfield, where the news imnedi- ately fell into the all devouring maw of a local editor-hence its currency."

1865.]

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

349

CHAPLAIN W. C. WALKER, of the 18th, has re- gained his health and rejoined his regiment.

COL. W. II. NOBLE, 17th Regiment, has been captured. The rebels may well congratulate themselves on the prize they have takeu.

COL. HENRY L. ABBOTT, of the Ist Artillery, has been made brevet Brigadier General for distin- guished service before Richmond.

SURGEON LEBEUS C. CHAPIN has been detailed for service ia the Department of the sonth. The hearty good wishes of many friends go with him.

MAJOR-GEN. MEADE presented, Dee. 15, medals for gallantry to the following soldiers of the 11th Regiment :

Adj. W. B. Hineks, of Bridgeport; E. W. Ba- eon, Co. F, of Berlin; Corp. Christian Flyna, Co. K, of Sprague.

CAPT. DANIEL A. LYON, 29th Connecticut, has been honorably discharged on account of physical disability.

LIEUT,-COL. WM. T. ChAak, of Norwalk, Inte chief of staff to Gen. McPherson, has been pro- moted to be a Brigadier-General, and ordered to report to Gen. Sherman for duty.

BAIG .- GEN. ROBERT O. TYLER has returned to the field.'Ilis numerous friends fear that his enthusi- asm has impelled him to resume duty before he was really able.

FRANK BOND, of Co. E, 11th regiment, has been appointed hospital steward in the regular army. He has been on duty at the Kuight Hospital for 8 months.

CHAPLAIN T. J. HOLMES paid a flying but very successful visit to Conuceticut. He sceured New- Year's dinner for his brave boys, a lot of mittens, and made arrangements for a superb battle flag.

LIEUT. COL. NELSON L. WHITE, of the 2d Artil- lery, has returned home. His term of three years expired seven months since, but he was unwilling to leave the field in the face of the enemy. Ile | still continues. will practice law in Danbury.

LIEUT .- COL. GREELEY has been entirely exonera- ted from misconduct in going ashore while the 10th were at New York, and complimented by Gen. Butler for previous good conduet. The com- pliment was well deserved.

CAPT. JOHN II. AUSTIN, of the 20th Illinois, has served three years in the Westera Army. IIe enlisted as a private, and by bravery and efficien- ey rose to the position of Captain. He belongs in New Haven, and is a son of Ansel Austin, Esq.

HON. L. S. FOSTER, our accomplished and popu- lar Senator, will please accept sincere thanks for valuable reports of the Sceretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy.

SELF. COMMAND .- Charles X11., King of Sweden, was one day dictating letters to his secretary, when a bomb fell directly in front of his teat. Wounded men and convalescents gradually swell the depleted ranks, aud spring will find these ! The secretary dropped his pen in fright, " What's the matter ?" said Charles. "The bomb," was and other Conn. regiments with a goodly number , is at Roanoke I-land. Chaplain Dixon has re- of well disciplined and efficient men. the reply. "The bomb !" said the King; " what have we to do with the bomb ? Go on." Such coolness is now no longer surprising to ns. It is | in the Shenandoah, in well built winter quarters. . We fear that the regiment will not be fully or-

often more than paralleled by our countrymen.

Can n man that keeps a fish market be justly called a sel-fish man ?

REGIMENTAL.

THE FIRST CAVALRY-formed a part of the force sent down the Valley on a reconnaissance Dec. 19th. They were surprised on the morning of the 21st, A sharp skirmish ensned and they with- drew without loss. They suffered severely from the cold, and a number had their feet frozen. On New Year's day, 350 pairs of mittens and a sub- stantial dinner were received with three hearty cheers for the friends at home. A new and mag- niticent battle flag has been ordered, and will soon be completed.

THE FIRST ARTILLERY, are garrisoning forts along the line of defenees, in quiet aud comforta- ble quarters. News is searce.

THE SECOND ARTILLERY, are yet with the Sixth Corps as infantry. Lieut. Col. Hubbard is pro- Inoted to be Colonel. This honor once modestly declined, we trust that he will now accept. Jus- tice has by no means yet been done iu our col- umns to this gallant regiment.

They have recently forwarded a petition to Congress for a return to the old army ration. It will be noticed that the correspondent from the 2d Light Battery also afhirnis that the new ration is insufficient. Information from these and other sources seems to indicate that the new ration is inadequate, at least, during the winter season.

It always has seemed to us that the ration [ought to vary with the seasons, both iu actual weight and in relative quality of articles issued; --- more rice and vegetables, and less meat are needed in summer.

THE FIRST LIGHT BATTERY is with the 24th Ar- my Corps, iu splendid drill and good health nnd spirits.

THE 1511 REGIMENT Shared in the advance on Kingston, which was a move co-operative with THE TIIAD INDEPENDENT BATTERY is in the | that of Warrena, and did their duty as they al- second line of works beyond City Poiat, daily gaining in efficieney. Recruiting for the Battery

THE FIFTH AND 20TH REGIMENTS made the splea. did triumphal march with Gen. Sherman from Atlanta to the seaboard. They write that beef, mutton, pork, turkey, chicken, sweet potatoes, and other toothsome edibles were abnadant. The , ready for any duty, risking life daily in earing for their fever-to-sed comrades.

boys are in high spirits, and place enthusiastic confidenee in their far-sighted and tireless leader. Much dis-atisfaction has been felt at the tardi- The experiences of their march were those of ev. ' ness of our goverment in paying off the men, ery other regiment, and need not be repeated 'many of whom need every dollar for the support here. Letters should be addressed 20th Corps, Savannah, via New York.

THE 6TH AND 7TH REGIMENTS are in the 2d Brig. (Ilawley's) Ist Division, (Terry's) of the 24th Ar- my Corps. They have constructed quarters as comfortable as circumstances will admit. The usual picket duty and frequent fatigue work are no news. The boys gratefully acknowledge the receipt of mittens. They need more.

comes. The same may be said of the

ilated into a battalion. The return of the non- re-enlisted veteraus is recorded in the Ilome De- partment.

THE 10TH REGIMENT, is situated almost exactly as the 6th and 7th. It is now under command of Lieut. Col. Greeley. Its members are also in- creasing by return of veterans from the hospital and by recruits. We print this month a portrait and biography of Major II. W. Camp, killed in one of the most daring though unavailing ad- vances ever made by a gallant battalion.

THE 11rn REGIMENT have received a tent fly for a chapel, from the Christian Commission. Chap- lain DeForest will now do a noble work for Christ and the country. Ile needs books for circulation. 180 recruits have been received.

THE 14TH REGIMENT still shares the hardships and unsurpassed glory of the old 2d Corps. Our correspondent writes :

" About the Ist of December, the 14th was with- drawn with the Corps to which it belongs, and ordered to put up winter quarters, about a mile west of the Weldon Railroad. Before the quar- ters could be completed, the first and second Di- visions of this Corps were ordered to relieve the fifth Corps, and hold the line of works from a point a little west of the Weldon Railroad down to the extreme left of our lines. This was done to enable Warren to go on his expedition towards Hicksford. For two days the Second Division of this Corps held the line alone, to enable General Miles to make a diversion in favor of Warren to- wards Hatcher's Run. During all this time the lith Conn, was called upon to do heavy pieket duty, but not to participate in fighting."

ways do with alaerity and efficiency. This large and timely disciplined regiment has not shared the severe campaigns of the summer but has dis- played fortitude fully equal to that of any in the service. It is harder to face pestilence than can- non, But through all those dark and ghastly days, the boys of the 15th were brave, cheerful,

of dependent families. We can but feel that tho debts first and most promptly paid by the govern- inent should be those due to her gallant defend- ers. The boys signed pay rolls for six months and received pay for bat four, and we suppose that they will receive no more until Congress I makes its appropriations. But the boys may be sure that eventually they will receive every ceat which is dne. The government intends this and the people will insist on it.

THE 16TH REGIMENT. - (Co. H, and individuals) turned. About 50 of the boys have been released THE 9TH AND 12TH BATTALIONS are as they were from prison and are at home and in Annapolis. with picket duty less frequent than along the ganized before the expiration of its term of ser- James, but exceedingly uncomfortable when it viee.

THE 17TH REGIMENT still do garrison and picket 131H REGIMENT, which will probably be consul- I duty along the Florida coast. They have reaped

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THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

{JANUARY,

little newspaper glory this summer-but have done hard and efficient service, and have gained respect from the people and wou praise from the officers of that department.

THE ISTH REGIMENT are in comfortable winter quarters at Hall Town, four miles from Harper's Ferry. They muster 475 men in good health. They need books and papers

THE 29TH REGIMENT are in the new Corps d' Afrique-the 25th, commanded by Gen. Weitzel. They have done noble serviee during the past summer. They are now in winter quarters, and there are few camps in the vast army more care- fully laid out, or more neatly kept than theirs. The regiment is in fair health and excellent dis- cipline. The men are drilled for hours daily, by officers who understand their business, and who are determined to make the 29th equal to any regiment in the service. The men are prompt and faithful and are proud to be in the regi- ment and in the service.

We neglected to mention in our last, the pre- sentation of a handsome stand of colors, by Col. Doubleday, of the 45th U. S. C. T. They were received appropriately by Lieut. Col. Ward. The ceremony was witnessed by Gens. Terry and Hawley, and by the Election Commissioners, then in that department.

THE 30TH REGIMENT, (now 31st U. S. C. T.) are situated very unich as the 29th.

OTHER CONNECTICUT ORGANIZATIONS are repre- sented in our correspondence.

BOOK NOTICES.

THE CONSTABLE OF THE TOWER. By W. II. Ainswortht. New York. Dick & Fitzgerald. Sold or sent by mail to any address, by JAMES DAY & Sox, New Haven. Price 75 cents.

The title of this book seems to have no connec- tion whatever, with the book itself, for the Con- stable is hardly mentioned. It is, however, a his- torical novel, decidedly attractive in style, and in- teresting and instructive in incident. It individ- unlizes English history during the latter part of the reign of Heury VIH. and the reign of Ed- ward Vl. Elizabeth, afterwards " the virgin queen," was then a young lady, in love with Lord Seymour. The jealousies and the intrigues of the High Church, and Roman Catholic parties afford abundant materials for the plot. The cus- toms, dress and minotice of social life are portray- ed much more minutely and agreeably than they can be in the stately pages of authentie history. And inany who ean not endure history unorna- mented, will pernse with delight and profit these graphic and animated chapters of Ainsworth.

THE DOCTOR'S WIFE, By Miss Braddon. New York, Diek & Fitzgerald. Sold or sent by mail, to any address, by JAMES DAY & Sos, New Haven. Price 75 cents.

Like all Miss Braddon's novels, this is of the intense, highly spiced, homicidal order. The heroine, an imaginative girl, develops into sentimental, novel-reading, By-ron-adoring woman ; imagines that she loves the prie- tical, honoralde and affectionate Doctor Gil- bert, marries him with a vague regret that he was only a worthy muuin aud not a corsair; | the Records."

and discovers that his poor cottage is hateful, and | his homely tastes and single life disgusting. Of |

a pretty plot, and he enters in the person of the rich, aristocratie, and rakish Roland Lansdell. They fall in love, and he at length proposes clope- ment, She is not a bad woman at heart and refuses. Then comes in the ruffian, who bangs around all Miss Braddon's heroines to perform the tragedy part. In this case, he is the father of the Doc- tor's wife, and a returned convict, who extorts money from her, is seen walking with her at night, and is watched and finally caught by the jealous Lansdell, who receives a fatal wound for his pains. . Meanwhile the Doctor is taken sick and dies ; his wife then receives Lansdell's repen- tauce on his death-bed, and inherits his fortune, and spends it, with the remuant of her life, in works of benevolence.

The novel is more carelessly written than some others from Miss Braddon's pen. But people will rend just such, and enjoy them, and while people will read, others will write them.

EXPERIENCES OF A FRENCH DETECTIVE, By G. WA- and standard work.

TERS. New York, Dick & Fitzgerald. Sold, or sent by mail to any address, by JAMES DAY & SON, New Haven. Price 75 cents.

A series of fragmentary sketches, apparently drawn from real and exciting experiences. The last 100 pages are occupied by a series of brief narratives, also apparently drawn from real life, intended "to illustrate the widely accepted truth that there is a 'skeleton in every honse,' and that it may be exorcised by a true contrition."

THE DUTY OF EMANCIPATION .- A discourse by Rev. D. W. Bentley, Ellenville, N. Y. He vividly portrays slavery as morally, socially and politically " the accursed system." He forcibly urges inte- diate emancipation-becanse

1. The political power of slavery is now in a measure broken.

2. The business adjustments which will follow the war, favor the change.

3. The solution of the Constitutional argument by the war.

4. Emancipation will ensure and accelerate victory.

lle concludes with an eloquent appeal to ener- getic activity, patient endurance, and fervent prayer.

AN ADDRESS at the funeral of LIEUT. GEORGE W. BRANKSLON. By the same anthor. It breathes a spirit of manly and intelligent patriotism, and offers appropriate words of tender consolation.

A JUSTIFIABLE WAR. A DISCOURSE by the same author. The text, "the battle is the Lord's," he applies literally, and maintains with convine- ing earnestness that our battle is the Lord's, be- eausc-

1. It is in defence of the National life which he has given.

2. In defenee of principles dear to Ilimt.

3. Against erimes which He abhors.

4. Conducted by means which He approves. The discourse is bold, elear, sound and satisfy- ing.

CATALOGUE OF CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEER ORGANI- Z ATIONS-PP. 847. Hartford, Case, Lockwood & Co. For sale by II. C. Peck, New Haven. This important and well printed work is properly uo- tieed in our article entitled " Two hours among

The American Conflict.

By HoaACE Gunmey, vol. I. pp. 648, O. D. course it needs only a Don Juanish lover to minke i Case & Co., Hartford, Coun.

When I received from the liberal publishers, the large, well bonud volume, and placed it under my arm, my feet made enger and happy haste to- ward the study table, as to a royal feast.

In the circular "To the Editor," the publishers first inform me, with evident complacency, that though the country had been extensively canvass- ed for several other popular histories of the rebel- lion before the intention of Mr. Greeley was made public-the list of subscribers already cx- cecds 30.000, and the demand constantly outruns the supply. This proves that my high antici- pations were accordant with the great expecta- tions of thousands, and serves to sharpen my ap- petite. It is natural to survey the repast as a whole, with serene comfort, cre we enter on it in detail. So this volume. The paper is fine, white and strong, the type clear and full, the press-work ad- mirably executed, the binding neat, firm, and durable; the whole inntely announcing a solid

The illustrations of Vol. 1st are principally portraits of eminent Chieftains or Generals of the North and the South, neatly engraved in groups. This arrangement in groups enables the reader conveniently to compare the characteristic fea- tures of associates in common undertakings, both good and evil.

There are no battle pieces in this volume. Per- haps the publishers think battle pictures to be always so inadequate to the actual scene that it is not best to introduce them.

But description must fail equally in representa- tion, and if eare be taken that illustratious con- vey no erroneous impressions, they greatly assist the common mind in acquiring the fullest concep- tion, which without individual experience, cannot be attained.

The central idea aud meaning of Mr. Greeley's work, is foreshadowed in the fitting dedication of the volume to that sturdy champion of human rights, "John Bright, British commoner and Christian statesman," in which the American eon- flict is termed " a nation's struggle up from Dark- ness and Bondage to Light and Liberty."

The subject " naturally divides itself into two parts, I. How we got into the war for the Union, and II. How we got out of it." Volume first is submitted as a clear elucidation of part first. In it the author enn of course but enter on part second. In this volume Mr. Greeley aims chiefly to make the thoughtful reader "see that the great struggle in which we are engaged, was the unavoidable result of antagonismis imbedded in the very nature of our heterogeneous institutions ; that ours was indeed an ' irrepressible conflict,' whielt might have been precipitated or postponed, but could by no means have been prevented ; that the snecessive compromises whereby it was so long put off, were, however intended. deplorable mistakes, detrimental to our national charneter; that we ought so early at least, as 1819, to have definitely and conclusively established the right of the constitutional majority to shape our na- tional policy according to their settled convic- tions; subject only to the Constitution as legally expounded and applied."

351

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

1865.]

With outspoken and ardent purpose to establish these propositions, he presents a condensed, yet exhaustive review of events from 1620 to 1960, as influeneing or influenced by Human Slavery. In support of his theory he cites authorities, co- pious, varied, apposite and decisive, on the points which they are adduced to substantiate.

With vast wealth of materials, garnered through years of elaborate research, there is no vain parade of superabundant means, but strict subordination of resources to the end in view, sound judgment in selection, matchless skill in shaping and imparting to the mass continuity, life and meaning.

The plan is symmetrical and natural, the sub- ject seems to develop itself. Each event or topie is finished when reached in the progress of the narrative. There is very little repetition, and no confusion.

The well known style is at once recognized- simple, genial, terse, direct, vigorous, bearing the reader on with unabated enthusiasm.

The first volume carries us to the end of the year 1861. Much space is devoted to the events of the year 1800, and their connection with preceding and succeeding events.

The long cherished purpose of disunion and the infamous treason of the Southern leaders are in- disputably proved-the bold. persistent and ulti- mately successful efforts of the minority to pre- cipitate secession are vividly portrayed, while the "new prostrations and more grovelling abase- ments" of Northern submissionists-the quiver- ing servility of the irresolute and recreant Bucba- nan, stand forth in all their shameful reality.

The actual events of the war, touched upon the battles of Bull Run, Wilson's Creek, Ball's Bluff and Dranesville-the career of Fremont in Missouri-the appearance of the first pirate, and the threatened complications with foreign nations.

The facts are concisely stated, movements can- didly and fearlessly eritieised, and the true policy, according to the judgment of the author, emphat- ically indicated. It is solid comfort to peruse such a volume, and to linger often with thumb and finger between the pages. The second vol- ume, prepared at greater leisure, and in the same spirit of fairness, justice, and enthusiastic devo- tion to American " Freedom and Union," will be welcomed both by admirers and opponents, even more heartily than the first. Mr. Greeley closes his first volume with the then freshly uttered stanzas of Whittier, of which the first is-

We wait benenth the furnace blast, The pangs of transformation ; Not painlessly doth God reenst And mold anew the nation. Ilot burns the fire Where wrongs expire : Nor spares the hand That from the land Uproots the ancient evil.

We devoutly hope that he inay ere long close the Second Volume, with the sentiments, if not the language of the same poet, whose nohle words "in these dark days " hnve thrilled and strength- ened many a patriot heart.

I knew thnt truth would erush the lie. Somehow, sometime, the end would be ; Yet scareely dared I hope to see The triumph with my mortal eye. But now I see it : in the sun A free flag floats from youder dome. And at the nation's hearth and home, The justice long delayed, is done.

Monument to Capt. Hitchcock. With a Brief Sketch of his Character and Services. In the Northeast corner of the Old Cemetery, in New Haven, just beyond the massive granite columns of Mayor Skinner, and Dennis Kimberly, Esq., rises a new monument of rare merit. It is designed nud executed by John Ritter, Esq., to perpetuate the name and services of Capt. Edwin S. Hitchcock.

The visitor is first impressed with nn agreeable perception of perfect symmetry-closer inspec- tion reveals elaborate chiseling of the tasteful and appropriate design, on the finest material, with exquisite finish.

The base is of plain solid granite; the body of purest Italian marble. On each corner of the body is carved a neat tracery of oak leaves and acorns. The shield bears this inscription:

CAPT. EOWIN S. IHITCHCOCK, TOWNSEND RIFLES, Co. G, 7THI REGT., CONN. VOLS. KILLED IN THE BATTLE OF JAMES ISLAND, S. C., JUNE 16, 1862.

On the opposite fuee-his own words.

" If I fall I would have 'dust return to dust,' with no ceremony. Quickly I will sleep with my! comrades, with no record to be left behind me. save that 'He has done his duty faithfully and well.'"

On one side-

BULL RUN. PORT ROYAL. PULASKI. JAMES ISLAND.

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 112

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