The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 115

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

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"MleClellan was driven back. Burnside was ordered to Newport News. Through the Dis- mal Swamp canal, in mastless, rudderless barges, drawn by a diminutivo tug, went our regiment. Frequently tho tug would get along. They repeatedly offered to carry his aground, and then the barges, with their impe- musket, but he refused, and clung tightly to his weapon through all the weary and depress- ing march.

tus unchecked, would come thumping and crashing into each other. We lay "thraes and braes," on the deeks, with the burning sky on either hand. At last we reached gay Nor- folk, and breezy Newport News.

For three months he served faithfully-ob- | above, and the rank vegetation of the swamp served constantly and carefully, and thought much. At home he studied tactics rigorously. HIe felt, what not many then perceived-that the conflict would be stern and long. Ile pre- pared himself for efficient service.

" When we were Provost Guard of Fredericks- burg. in August, 1862, he was chosen Adju- tant, by our great and pure Colonel, and we At the first opportunity, he began to recruit men at Stafford, and entered the 11th C. V. as there met frequently. On the Maryland cam- paign, he was one of that trio marching at the 2d Lieut. of Co. B, with a commission dated | heart of the regiment, (Griswold and myself Oct. 1st, 1861. He was diligent and efficient [ being the others, ) which, forgetting the toils of -

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the march, allowed their imagination and con- and begin to converse, and relate aneelotes and neys reel as if with sun-stroke; fenees twist versation to range over all subjects aesthetic, jokes. until all the adjacent tents were in althemselves into exaggerated attitudes, and look roar, and the Colonel, in a fee-faw-fam voice blindly for aid from deerepid old posts."

philosophic, and historic. But he had read, that on marehes, thirst is occasioned by open- commanded " Silence." With what a sly smile did we introduce our visitors to a crooked, gnarled stick, which according to all eye meas- urements would go into the stove quite easily, ing the mouth to dust and air. So he resolved to keep his lips elosed. It was very amusing. You could see a thought dawning on his coun- tenance, to which the firmly closed lips refused [ and yet could not be induced to enter by force to give utterance. Another would appear, and another, until finally a sarcasm condensed and exhaustive, irresistibly burst forth, and the lips elosed again. At night, when supping round the blazing camp fire, his merry tongue would wag, and not cease until the large stars out- " Another had come into our eirele. It was the Chaplain of the 8th. lle also was a good | laugher. For, be it known, we not only made jokes, but laughed at them; and when we shone the slowly paling coals. The crowning point of this campaign was Antietam, and there we shared our Colonel's last bright smile, and over his bullet-riddled body we shared a | langhed it was no simper and no snicker; but cup, the bitterness of which has not yet pass- ed away. Then I esteemed and liked him.

"All the way down Virginia, with bloodly Antietam behind us, and the enemy in front. sleeping together all night, and startled by orderlies with orders or countermands more than once before morning. Now, housed in a pine grove, between a huge rock and the fire. we lay in each other's embrace, on a little corn- straw, and the snow drifted upon our blankets. Then, with tents put up, and our mess chest out, we gathered, a laughing crowd, round a board laden with fowl and wheat-cakes. At that time Converse was Major, and Barnum Adjutant. Who can tell of the gay evenings that we passed by the fire with our Colonel, speaking of all the world, and what not, wreath- ing gay garlands to decorate the fleeing hours, and loving each other so well? For, then, I esteemed, I liked, and I loved him.

"What gay pictures might I not draw of our life at Falmouth ! We had chimneys of mud and barrels. Whenever we were cozily en- sconced, with a good fire burning, the guard, by a series of savage howls, would inform us that our barrel chimney was ablaze. We rush- ed forth, anxious to save our tent ; and with liberal pails of water extinguished both ehim- ney and fire. Later, we had a sheet iron store. llis character was fast rooted in resolute ed with native courtesy and exquisite sense of honor. He refused to join in just criticism of an immediate and unpoplar superior, lest he might seem to seek displacement of that officer, as conducive to his own advancement. It did well all day, but when evening fell, it firmness and incorrupitble integrity, and adorn- refused to burn. For a time we would sit shuddering. Then he would call the servants. They generally managed to raise a blaze that subsided altogether when their back's were turn- ed. He chipped wood, and sacrificed paper, and coaxed the stubhorn stove in the most per- suasive manner. But all in vain. Finally, ' tired out and cold, we would go to bed. No sooner did the stove know us safe abed, than it blazed up, and a furious fire immediately singed our blankets, and put the tent in danger. Springing up we aimed dippers full of water at the orifice whence the pipe passed through the roof, and poured no seanty libations into the stove. But in vain. Burn it did, nor ceased, until at great risk, we had dragged the brands

a shout, and a cackle, and a roar, gradually tapering off, with weaker relapses. We three were very happy.

" At this time I was transferred to another regiment, and though our relations continued the warmest and most intimate, we ceased to occupy the same tent.

" Allow me a few words on his character. lle was a good representative of his age and na- tion. Without agreeing with any school of transcendentalists, he was essentially a protest- ant, a protestor against established systems and customs. He fully realised the state of transition which the present age and our nation is in, and his satire flashed up broad and indig- nant against the tetters that yet are timidly thrown around us, because the clear aim and result of our progress cannot now be foreseen. lle had infinite humor, yet under the comie mask wore a strong feeling heart. He loved well, and hated strongly. It was easy for him to enter on the views and feelings of any per- son, and from that person's standpoint contem- plate subjects, yet not lose his individuality. Ile was a prompt officer, very absolute and strict, not familiarly popular, but always trust- ed and well obeyed. The business capacities of our nation, he had his share of."

A charge of the rebels down the gorge at South Mountain, and the repulse are thus por- trayed :

or cunning. This had so frequently deceived us into frantic and vain attempts, that we label- ed it the "gay deceiver," and introduced it as fing not an inch ; the cannon's indictive roar such. What happy afternoons reading Hugo and Dickens!

"They came on with deafening yells, and were met by stubborn resolution, and the mind rattle of trusty rifles. Many a Northern hero went down in his rigid valor relaxing not a muscle and yield- sounding their requiem, and hundreds of rebel death-wails their revenge. The battle raged far into the night ; the dismal wooded crests of the mountains were fiery with the sulphurous flame, and the rocky gorges groaned with the accumu- lation of the thundering reverberations."

A deed of genuine heroism at the bridge of Antietam is thus enthusiastically recorded :

"Twice had the 11th rallied for n charge; the air rang with whistling balls and the ground quaked with the hard breath of artillery-Col. Kingsbury was dead, it might be, Lient. Colonel Stedman and Major Moegling wounded; Capt. Griswold dead ; companies but squads, and with- out officers-and officers with broken swords and battered uniforms without commands. It was at this time that Burnside called for aid, and every man felt that without re-enforcements or despe- ration, success would slip away. It was no time to falter, but one did falter and refused to advance with the colors-one forgot, for a moment, the honor of his position, and fear blinded froin his sight the glorious old motto -- on the proud ban- ner above him, 'qui transtulit sustinct,'-he who has brought us hither will preserve us. There is a man for nll emergencies; this was an emergen- ey unforeseen and unlooked for; but the man was there rendy to fill the black chasm of cow- ardice with the impersonation of courage. That man was

CORPORAL HENRY EASTMAN.

HIe it was that stepped forth with a flashing eye and said, 'give me the colors;' and amid a burst of cheers, and the saucy flaunts of our dear banner-the HIth followed her bold color bearer, and the battery was snfe."

The thoughts which will sometimes rise in the hearts of true mnen, are frankly and pathetical- ly expressed under date May 4th, 1863-just after a reconnoissance in force :

"The skirmishers advnneed steadily over the open fields, through the peach orchard, toward the wood. Half the distance was gained, per- haps, when, 'thug,' ' thug' and ' thug,' thug.' cav- ernonsly spoke the confederate batteries from out some concealed citadel of log and mud. followed by that peculiar humming sound, which infuses one with the conviction that he is the target, and which ends in an explosion, and the song of whist- ling fragments through the air. He may have been the target, nud the flashing thought n pre- sentiment of mangled self, begrimed and bloody, prostrate on the hot, bare earth ; n vision of home, and wife, and prattling blue-eyed sun-beam, may have come to his excited mind, with the sound of

His powers of observation and description were remarkable. Falmouth is reproduced to every soldier of the Army of the Potomac who reads this extract from one of his many letters : "A dirty place with but n few streets, and these snubbed into extreme limits by tieree bills. We were much impressed on our first visit with the peculiarities of this town ; primarily having an idea that it was an insane village on a maniacal march ; bnt were led to consider that it might be n fossilized suburb slightly inebriated. Eve- out, and thrown them into the snow. During rything looks will and dilapidated; crazy stairs that hustling hum ; the crash of jagged iron those long nights, how frequently did we awake I run up to outsides of as crazy old barns; chim- through the brain could not efface that picture ;

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and home, and wife and little ones trembled on ! the lip with his last breath, and went with his ej.irit to eternity."

Events now claim our attention. Converse llayden, a high-minded and gallant friend, had received his commission as Captain, July 18th, fallen at the battle of Irish Bend, La., he pen- 1862; yet acted as adjutant to Col. Kingsbury at ned from his heart, this touching tribute :

the fierce battle of Antietam. Ilis commission : " His devotion to the cause which he deemed as Major, merited by conspicuous valor and good sacred and his bravery have been most sadly at- judgment, was received, Oet. 11th, 1862.

Both at Falmouth and at Suffolk he was fre- · quently detailed on court martial and for duty as inspector. In every position, he was just, firm, and faithful, earning respect and esteem from all.

Through the winter of 1863-4, he was com- mander of the post at Gloucester Point, and received frequent commendation for efficiency manifested in every department. His experi- ence had now been extensive, and varied. Hle had stored his mind with information, cultiva- ted his judgment, and enlarged his views. Ifis had now become a rich and noble manhood.

He entered on the fierce campaign of 1864, keenly conscious of its vast and decisive impor- tance. Ile was detailed as inspector on the staff of Brig .- Gen. Weitzel, and acted as aid in all engagements. He was full of enthusiasm, hope and patriotism.

The residue is told, alas, too briefly, by his high-souled comrade, the peerless Col. of the 11th, who now also rests from toil. Ile writes to the sorrowing father :

"The major had been upon staff duty aad de- tached from the regiment for some time --- at first with Brigadier-General Weitzel, afterward with Brigadier-General Martindale, the latter officer having succeeded the former in command of the 2d Division. With each, Major Converse filled the position of inspector-general. On the 2d of June a grand assault upon the enemy's works at Coal Harbor was determined upon for the next morning, and, at 4} o'clock we were in position and ready to move forward.

I was waiting in the edge of the woods, my brigade having the advance. Major Converse rode up, and, shaking hands, said, 'Colonel ! the General sends his compliments and says all is ready.' We parted-he to rejoin the General, I into the open field. As we appeared to the ene- my a volley met us, and in it the Major fell. I was not aware of his fate uatil my return. I had ! then seen all my own staff killed or wonaded, and five hadred of the gallant brigade fallen. I was told by the General, that Converse had gone too. It was a sad blow to me, for through three years of hard service we had been comrades and inti- mate friends.

When told that his wound was fatal, the obtained the consent of his father, and no Joager Major quietly said, "I am ready to go."

hesitate.l. Within a few months ofter he entered One year before, learning that Capt. Samuel the service, his father suddenly died. In the F'if. teenth, as a non-eoramis-ioved officer, young Woodruff faithfully and cheerfully served, until, in March, 1844, he received a commission as Cap- tain in the 30th Conn. Vols. (colored.) a position for which he was fully competent. 1lis regiment was but partly filled up, aad was subsequently consolidated with the 31st U. S. colored troops, which was one of those regiments that suffered - so severely at Petersburg, Va., after the blow- ing up of the rebel fort on the Soth of July. In that affair, Capt. Woodruff was severely wound- ed in his left arm. He was sent to the hospi- tal on David's Island, near New York, and on his arrival, wrote to his friends in a cheerful strain, saying that his wound was doing well, and that

In the quiet grave-yard at Windsor Locks, they might hope to see him in a short time. stands an unpretentious slab of pure marble, Three days afterward, he was suddenly seized with tetamus, and died Ang. 11th, 1864, in the 24th year of his age. His remains were interred thus inscribed : on David's Island, but were afterward brought to West Ilartford, Conn., and laid beside those of his grand-parents.

Cheerful, intelligent, conscientious, unassuming aud affectionate, Capt. Woodruff was greatly be. loved by his friends and acquaintances, and it was a noble life he laid on the altar of his God and his country. M.

Capt. Chas. A. Tennant.

EDITOR CONN. WAR RECORD :

DEAR SIR :- In this terrible civil strife which is now striking with deadly hatred at the very heart of our country, thousands have fallen in the camp aad ou the gory field, preeions sacri- fiees, whose names will not be known outside the circle of their bereaved friends and dear ones at home.

But sir, the subject of this little sketeh, Capt. Chas. A. Tennant, certainly merits the tribute of affectionate regard and remembrance from all true, patriotic aad christian men. Capt. Tenaant was born in the city of Hartford, Jan. 12, 1840. In youth he was noted for his fine, muiable dispo- sition, and engaging manners. He was always cheerful, and was not kaowu to speak an unkind word to his parents, or any with whom he associa- ted. In his intercourse with his companions and friends, he always exhibited a noble generosity and manliness, and sustained a remarkably pure and virtuons character.

Even at this early period of his short earthly career, it may be truthfully said of him, that

"None kaew him but to love. None named him, but to praise."

Arriving at manhood, these excellent qualities close of his junior year, with a view, it is be- had become fixed principles in his character, and licved, to the Christian Ministry. He then en -; listed in the Fifteenth Cona. Vols. Ilis patriot- ism was kindled at the bombardment of Sumter, were promiaent in all his dealing with men. He received an ordinary education in his native eity at the District and High Schools. He also speat and he felt and that it was his duty to take a few months under Mr. Harris, an excellent up arms. One thing alone held him back. His teacher of Hartford, in acquiring a thorough friends could not bear the thought of his leaving 'knowledge of book-keeping, intending to make college for the war, and thus changing all his! that his business. Ile was always bighly esteem-

It would be fulsome flattery for me to praise him, or to attempt a eulogy upon his character. All who knew him felt his worth as a man and a gentleman ; and when I tell you that ao officer ever served with him, either as equal or subordi- nate, who did not recognize his soldierly quali- ties, and that his superiors have withont excep- prospects in life, and his father, whose only child | ed and beloved by his teachers, and commended tion plneed implicit confidence ia him, and valued he was, and whose beait and bome had been for his fine scholarship. him most highly, I assure you the fact is the high- | made desolate the third time hy the death of his During the month of March, 1858, he experi- wife, found it hard to give him up. But he at length | enced religion, and joined the North Baptist est tribute to your son."

tested by his death. The character that he main- tained as a citizen, needs no eulogium; but on the grave of that christian spirit, far away on the bank of the Teche, a younger soldier would fain lay his laurel wreath, and carve on the tomb- stone of the gallant, 'Dulce et decorum est pro pa- tria mori !"

Thus unconsciously did he pen words most appropriate for his own epitaph.

JOSEPH II. CONVERSE. MAJ. 11TH REGT. CONN. VOLS., BORN JUNE 24TH, 1837, KILLED AT COLD HIARBOR, VA., JUNE 3D, 1864.

ENGAGED IN THE BATTLES OF FIRST BULL RUN, JULY 18TH, 1861. NEW BERNE, MARen 14TH, 1862. SOUTH MOUNTAIN, SEPT. 14TH, 1862. ANTIETAM, SEPT. 17TH, 1862. FREDERICKSBURG, DEC. 13Th, 1862. SIEGE OF SUFFOLK, APRIL, 1863. BEFORE RICHMOND, MAY, 1864. DEURY'S BLUFF, MAY 13TH, 1864. COLD HIARBOR, JUNE 3D, 1864.

For the Connecticut War Record. Capt. Richard Kirtland Woodruff.

The name of this young officer deserves aa honorable place ia the record of the noble soas of Connecticut, who have given their lives for the salvation of their country.

Ile was the son of Rev. Richard and Maria L. (Kirtlaad) Woodruff, and was born in Westbrook, Nov. 1st, 1810. Ifis mother dying when he was but seventeen months old, he was placed with his relations in West Hartford, where he spent most of his childhood and youth, at times, however, pursning his studies with his father, who preach. ed in various places in Connecticut, aud in the State of New York.

In 1858, he united with his father's church in Rieliford. Tioga Co. N. Y., and soon after returned to Connecticut, and for a year was a student in the 1Iartford High School. In the autumn of 1859, he was admitted to the Freshman Class ia Yale College, with which he continued till the

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Church of Hartford. the following June. He'he was enred for with the utmost attention and lived an exemplary life to the last.

' kindness. A few days afterwards he was removed

In the Sabbath School, he was an energetic to the U. S. General Hospital at Hampton, Va., and useful member. None loved their country where he remained until his death.

more than Captain Tenaant, and when the war !

From the day of the battle until almost the

first broke out, convulsiag the aation to its very : close of life, he seemed to think that he should | death, we have lost a inost heroic, devoted and center, and the eall for Three Month's Troops was soon recover, but a Divine Providence had decreed made, he was eager to go. Nothing could per- ; otherwise, and in his early death our country has suade him to remain at home, but his exalted experienced the loss of a noble, unselfish patriot, regard for his mother's feelings, who could not at a brave soldier, and one of her bravest sons, and first consent to part with her ouly son, and allow ! best citizens. Ile fell attempting to vindicate him, so tenderly loved, to rush into all the perils the great principles of liberty and right, and re- and dangers incident to a soldier's life-but at ceived the fatal messenger with the armor on. length she gave him up to his country. Ile was Henceforth, let his name be cherished and remembered with reverence and affection by all known to remark quite often, that he was asham- ed to stay at home, when his country so much " who have a beart to love, and soul to hoaor a needed his services, and when, in the summer of filial soa, a faithful friend, a true solder and pa. '62, another eall for troops was made, he said, | triot. "Now I must go." ONK WHO KNEW AND LOVED IIIY.

Giving up a lucrative situation in the Ihartford Mutual Life Insurance Company, he engaged with a generous enthusiasm to aid in recruiting a com- pany of men for the 16th Regiment C. V., of which he was unanimously elected 2d Lieut.

In the terrible engagement at Antietam, in which the 16th suffered so severely, Lieut. Ten- nant conducted himself with great bravery, and aged 23 years and 4 months.

was soon afterwards appointed Captain of Co. D.

By his soldier-like deportment, he soon won the love and esteem of liis superiors, the respect and confidence of his men. In his entire military career, he was actuated by a purpose that had controlled him for years, a determination to excel in whatever he undertook, " Ille fecit diligenter quod fussus fuarat." Any commander might re- joice to have a subordinate as faithful as this offieer.

In the battle of Fredericksburg, he manfully stood to his post, and with his company on picket i for twenty-four hours at the very front, faithfully performed his arduous duties, and held his re- sponsible position. For several hours he was much exposed to the enemy, and at one time. narrowly escaped the well directed bullet of a rebel sharp-shooter. Nothing could daunt his unselfish patriotism and zeal for the course he - had to heartily espoused These continued to i burn with a sublime radiance even amid the wretched trials and privations which our brave boys were called to endure et Falmouth, during the winter of '62-63.

At the siege of Suffolk the 16th took an active part on the defensive, and had the honor of twol engagements with the enemy outside the entrench -! ments. Capt. Tennant, as always, was at bis 1-out. | and in the last encounter with the rebels before | the siege was raised, occurring on the bank of the Nousemond, May 3d, 1565, he received the wound from the effects of which he utimately lost his life. I saw himu immediately after he was wounded, and while he was being carried from the field on a rude litter. That sane beautiful smile, which was so characteristic of him, still rested on his mandy countenance, not with-tand- ing the severe pain caused by his wound.

I said to him, "Captain, are you ladly wound- ed ?"

He cheerfully replied: "I guess not seriously." Ile was taken as hastily as possible to the hos- pital in town, where his wound was dressed, and ground, which placed Petersburg under our guns;

about 4 o'clock in the afternova of the same day, n ball pierced the heart of Capt. Saekett, and he fell dend, without a word or a struggle.

Chaplain DeForest, in a le'ter to the editor of the WAR RECOAD says: "In Captain Saekett's efficient officer. He did not expect to survive this terrible campaign. Ile almost seemed to have a presentiment of death. Ile gave direc- tions for the disposal of his effects, and the embalming of his body. This foreboding, which proved too true, did not diminish his heroism or noble courage.

By nature he was a soldier. He was strong, netive and robust. Ile had those physical quali- ties which are the ally and support of true eour- age. With him arms was a profession. Ile was devoted to the enuse, and devoted to his men. With more than usual watchfulness, he eared for their interests, seeing that they had their rights and their allowances. Ile was jealous of the lionor and bearing of his company. His henrt was with the loyal cause, and to it he has given his life. We now add his name to the lengthening roll of pa- triots, from the gallant Ellsworth, who have offer- ed themselves on the Nation's altar. He fell in the thickest of the fight-a heroic leader, among heroic men. His death was easy; without a | struggle, he fell into the arms of a brother otlieer, and expired."

Capt. Sackett was much beloved for his many manly qualities, and adinired for his bravery and fine military bearing. His loss is deeply felt by his regiment. All the duties assigned him were discharged with energy, faithfulness and wisdom. Ilis courage, tested in many a battle, remain un- tarnished. Ilis death is a severe loss to his regi- ment, to his country, to bis afflicted relatives and friends, and adds another name to the long list of martyrs by this wicked rebellion, and embalmed in the memory of their countrymen.

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 115

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