The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 126

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

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Since I last wrote, Licut. Col. Smith, Lieut. Foss, Aet. Adjt. Capt. Roberts, Co. 1, and Lieut. Vorra, Co. K, all hnving received severe wounds during the past yenr, have been honorably dis- charged. Lieut. Pelham, Co. G, has been dis- missed the service. Dr. Bigelow has been mus- tered full Surgeon. George W. Farnham, lately Drum Major, is now Ist Lieut. Co. C, and Adju- tant Williaia M. Pratt has accepted the Majority. Col. Ward commands the Brigade. Our roster of lino officers is much redneed, but one valuable addition is at hand. Roger M. Ford, who has

served from the outset of the war, first as a three plished with a loss oa our side of nine, killed, wounded and missing. It was a pretty good day's work, when added to a march of 25 miles horrible roads. months mana, and then as an officer with two pro- motions in this regiment, but was wounded in June fast before Petersburg, and very much to his through a bitter rain storin, and over, or through, disappointment, was discharged on aceouat of disability, has recently re-enlisted as a private and returned to the regiment. You may well be. lieve that he has been most cordially welcomed by all, and that a commission for his former posi- tion, Capt. Co. G, is forthcoming.

Yours, for Christ and the eonatry. CHAPLAIN.

From the First Conn. Cavalry.

We are baek once more in the region of the Pamunkey, after a pilgrimage of three weeks from our old camp near Winchester. We had hardly got comfortably settled in winter quarters before the order came to break up, an order which had been vaguely prophecied for some time, but no one believed that General Sheridan would be eruel enough to turn us ont into the a very satisfactory camp after six weeks of busy work, and had attained a degree of comfort which would be quite surprising to our friends at home. We had, among other luxuries, a chapel, with log walls, five feet high, and covered with a fly 30 feet by 30, furnished by the Christian Commission. It was trimmed prettily with ever- greens, was well lighted and warmed, and made every wny a most delightful little place of wor- ship. It was used also as a Reading Room, and was supplied with about twenty papers furnished by the Commission, and by kind friends at home. We enjoyed it only a fortnight, though, before

From Charlottesville, we marched on Monday morning, through the town, with bands playing, Gens. Sheridan and Cnstar at the head of the column, followed by a great array of rebel flags unfurled, for the benefit of our Charlottesville friends, who were doubtless lamenting our de- parture. From that point we marched very lei- we were obliged, on Snuday afternoon, Feb. 26, surely to this place via Lovingston, Arrington, to hold a Imrried closing service and bid it good bye. The next morning our Raid began, and the 1st and 3d Cavalry Divisions started under Gen. Sheridan, up the Valley, over the gronad so often travelled by our columas since the war began. Nothing of unsnal interest transpired till we reached Waynesboro, on the afternoon of March 2d, our Division being in the advance. General Custar finding the enemy posted behind rude de- fences, upon a commanding hill on the other side of the town, and with artillery thint was being [used with much effect, dismounted three regi- ments of the 1st Brig.,-the 1st Conn., with two others-and put them upou the rebel flaak. The movement was a somewhat hazardous one, as the ground was in such a terrible condition for march- ing. when the bugle sounded the advance, our men started, wading through inud nbove their knees, some leaving their boots stuck fast and going forward in their stocking feet. A reverse would have been serions, from the extreme dith- There was reason to expect that our passage of the Pamunkey at White llonse, would be resist- cd, but we found caeamped on the other side, a Brigade of lafantry-the 3d Brig., Sd Div., 24th A. C .- commanded by Col. Roberts, who, with the nssistaace of severnl gunboats, had held the position till our arrival. We were delighted to find here the 21st Conn., among whom were many of our old friends, It is a rare luxury for ns to eulty of getting nway if overpowered, but General Custar makes no calculations for defeat, nnd he need not, with such troops as the 3d Division. The rebels finling themselves flanked broke at once-when they were charged with great enthu- sinsm, by the rest of the Division mouated. It would have done you good to see their utter ront. The result of the affair you kaow-1303 prisoners captured, 150 wagons, 800 horses and get so near our Iafaatry boys from Conn., as we inules, 11 guns, and 18 flags-the whole accom- are herc.

The next day, Marel 3, onr Division, again in the advance, entered Charlottesville without any opposition. I asked a rebel wounded soldier, why they did not fight. "Because," he said, " we've nothing to fight with." "Why did you not send for a force, as you knew for several days we were coming ?" " Because we had no force to send for." It was a sign of the times, indicating the weakness of the confederacy, that they could muster no troops to send there for the protection of the eity and of the important bridges at that point over the Lynchburg aud Richmond Rail- road. In front of the university of Va., we were met by a large delegation of citizens, who raised white handkerchiefs upon eanes aad sticks and crutches, to indieate their peaceable disposition. Provost Guards were at once stationed through- out the town to protect property. And, according to the concessions of Richmond papers, there was, every where, perfect discipline, without wanton destruction of any kind, except in a few isolated cases, where bad men disregarded orders and shamed themselves and the service. It is very frequently remarked that no other Raid during the war, has been characterized by so much order and discipline.

New Market, Scottsville, Columbia, Frederick's Hall, Maagobiek, King William's C. H., and Ash- land. At the last named place, we expected a hard fight with Longstreet's infantry, sent ont from Richmond to meet us. While awaiting an attack, the 1st Conn. were deployed to the right . of the town as skirmishers, and Lient, Col. Whit- aker went with Capt. Nevill's squadron -- compa- nies C, nud K,-on a reeonnoissance to develop if possible, the enemy's force. During a skirmish that ensned, three of our regiment were killed, Lient. J. W. Clark, Sergt. Frank Newhall, and John Geiger-all valued soldiers, who fell doing their duty at the very extreme front of danger. We were especially saddened by the loss of Lieut. Clark, whose genial. pleasant nature had cheered for ns many a dnrk experience of soldier life, and who will be greatly missed by all. It was at Ash- land we lost, nearly a year ago, Capt. Warner, oue of our best officers.

390

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

We brought in a vast number of contrahands, men and women, with children of every age. the first choice of boats. There was but little choice, however, as none of the boats were large enough to carry the battery without dismounting Į the guns, ammunition chests, and the entire car- riages, and stowing them away as compactly as possible. The labor of thus loading was hard Rations were issued at one point to 3300, and it was found necessary at times to prevent them from joining the column, as food for such a num- ber could not be obtained. Many that started, especially women with children, could not keep up with the rear guard, and were left behind to and tedious, hut the battery was on hoard before the mercy of the rebels. I saw one day a soldier who had taken compassion on a tired inother and volunteered to carry her infant. He was riding along with his little black responsibility carried tenderly in one arm, when the mother cruelly slipt off into the woods, leaving the poor man alono with the hahy. Ile was puzzled to know what to do with it, especially when lunch time camo, as it was rather young to appreciate hard tack, but he had not the heart to throw it away, and so put it in one of the wagons where, fed upon condensed milk, it has, I understand, been doing ever since, remarkably well.

I will not write any more in detail of the trip, as you already know through the papers, every partienlar of importance, and you have uo room in your columns for mere repetition. It was sad to witness such terrible destruction of property all along the route, or it would have heen sad but for the reflection that it was virtually so much towards the destruction of the confederacy. It would take at least six months to repair the Lynebburg Railroad, and the James River Canal, even if the materials and labor needed, were free- ly supplied. As it is, they never can be used again during the present war. Private property was no where harmed. The expedition has accomplished great good in enlightening the masses of the region through which we passed, as to Yaukee character. They had been taught by lying leaders, that our army was coming to burn and butcher everything, everybody, and they were filled with surprise first, and then with profound gratitude that any of them should be spared. They seemed astonished to find ns harmless and in some small degree humane, and even civilized. The raid must tell seriously in many ways, upon the wasting power of the Con- federate States.

Our regiment was well commanded by Major L. P. Goodwin, in the absence of Col. Ives, who was, unfortunately for himself, and for us, at home on leave, when the movement was so sud. denly started.

Lieut. Col. Whitaker, Chief of Staff to Gen. P. S .- We have just received marching orders, Custar, asked to be relieved of his duties in that and are to leave at five o'clock in the morning, relation, that he might be with the regimeut, but| with three day's cooked rations. his request was refused.

We are resting here a few days, to get a supply of rations, forage and fresh horses, in preparation for one more blow at the staggering rebellion. H.

- The Commissioner to receive the votes of Con- nectieut soldiers arrived here to-day, just in time to receive their ballots. The result is unani- mons iu favor of the Union State ticket.

UNION.

The 16th Regiment.

NEWBERN, N. C., March 20th, 1865.

ceived orders to pack up everything preparatory to leaving Roanoke Island, where we had been stationed nearly a year. The news spread quiek- ly over the little island, and the eamp was soon filled with men, women and children, white, us to Mobilo Bay. There were transports there | eream-colored, copper-colored, and from that. to

for four batteries, and as we arrived first, we had ; genuine, right-up-and-down black. Tables, win. dows, stoves and even houses were sold for a song, and at night we were ahoard the steamer Hellen Getty, en route for Newhern, arriving here the morning of the 5th inst. While marching from the steamboat wharf to the harracks, we met Col. Buruham, who bade us good bye, and left for the front the day of our arrival. We soon had noon. The non-arrival of forage and ordnance stores, however, delayed our departure until after dark. marching orders, and boxed up all of our super- fluous blankets, de., when the order was counter- mauded, and we have been quietly doing provost duty since. Cos. II, A, B, and C, are quartered at the Second District Provost Guard Station, on Craven street, while Co. I is at the First District Station, on Pollock street. Captain Barnum has his headquarters near the Second District Sta- tion, and we are all of us comfortably housed, and (I grieve to say it,) shabbily fed.

ROANOKE.

From the First Artillery.

ORDNANCE OFFICE, SIEOR ARTILLERY, } Broadway Landing, Va., April 1, 1865.

MR. EDITOR :- Thinking it might be of some benefit to the readers of your valuable paper. I tako the liberty of sending the following particu- lars of the fight, on the morning of the 25th of March, 1865 : About 5 A. M. the rebels massed their troops. (under the command of Maj. - General Gordon,) in front of the 9th A. C. The 9th Corps supports Fort Steadman, Batteries 8, 9, 10, 12 and Haskell. This is the spot where they made the advance. The first intimation the garrison had of the movement was the shont of the senti- nel, "the rebels are coming." At this time they were in possession of our picket line, and right under the guns of the Forts and batteries. The men turned out as fast as possible, hut before they could get to the guns the enemy had possession of part of them.

The armament of the battery is as follows : Fort Steadman, 1 Battery of Light Artillery. Battery No. 12, 2 8-inch and 8 24-pounder Coe- horn Mortars. Battery No. 10, 4 8-inch and 3 24-pounder Cochorn Mortars. Batteries No. 8 and 9, 5 24-pounder Cochorn Mortars. Fort Steadman is commanded by Maj. Randall, 14th N. J. Artillery, acting as infantry. Battery No. 12, 1st Lieut. Robert Lewis. Battery No. 10, Captain John M. Twiss. Batteries 8 and 9, 1st Lient. Azro Drown, all of the 1st Conn. Artillery.

The enemy gained possession of Fort Stead- man, Battery No. 12 and Battery No. 10. Batte. ry No. 12 is garrisoned by Co. L, 1st Conn. Artil- lery ; Battery 10, by Co. K, Ist Conn. Artillery, and Batteries No. 8 and 9 by detachments of Co. K. As the rebels swarmed over the parapet of Battery No. 10, Ist Lient. John O'Dell, Co. K, shonted out, "Fall in to the guns, boys," when a rehel shot him dead. Ile was a brave young officer, and much respected by all. Capt. John M. Twiss, Co. K, was also slightly wounded, and nearly half of Co. K killed, wounded, or taken prisoners. Co. L, also lost heavily. The enemy made a spirited charge on Batteries 8 and 9, but Lieut. Drown used his mortars with such effect, that they had to retreat, losing heavily. At one time the rebels were within 200 yards of Battery No. 9, and 500 yards of Battery No. 8. Their loss at this point was very heavy, while our loss was Flight.

From the 2d Conn. Light Battery. BARANCAS. FLA., March Iuth, 1865.

The battery received marching orders while | @Saturday morning. March 4th, the regiment re- encamped at Greenville, La., on the evening of the 19th of February. We broke camp at mid- night and before daylight the next morning, were at Ilicock's Landing. on Lake Pontchartrain, where transportation was in readiness to convey

We arrived at Fort Morgan on the 22d, and were ordered to lay at anchor over night, without unloading. Thero was a strong east wind pre- vailing, and a heavy sea in the Gulf. On the morning of the 23d we received orders to unload our animals and await further orders. The storm continued until the night of the 25th, when the wind changed, and orders at once came to re-em- bark, and early the next morning we were on the way to Pensacola. The sea was still rough, but we made the trip without accident, and reached Barraneas about four P. M. on the 26th. During the night we unloaded, and the next morning went into park in a grove of pines near the old U. S. hospital grounds. The hospital buildings were destroyed hy General Bragg, while he had possession of Fort Barrancas. In the cemetery near by, inclosed by a high brick wall, are the graves with neatly lettered head-boards, of the following Connecticut soldiers, formerly belong- ing to the 28th C. V. Regiment: Alex. Crouk- wright, Co. D, from New Milford; Erwin W. Curtis, Co. F, from Torrington; Stephen Banks, Co. C, from Reading; Win. H. Totten, Co. A, from Stamford ; and Myron II. Hubbard, Co. F.

The battery has been assigned to the third Brigade, second Division of the 13th Army Corps. This Division and all the troops here are under command of Major-Gen. Steele, who has recently assumed command, and has personally inspected aud reviewed the troops. We are to march in the lightest marching order, being allowed only one blauket or overcoat, one extra pair of shoes and a change of underclothing. Camp and gar- rison equipage has also been reduced to the low- est limit, and we are daily expecting the final order to march. The battery is in good condi- tion, and there are no names on the sick list.

George Hill, of Bridgeport, whom we left in the St. Louis hospital, at New Orleans, has recent- ly died.

1865.]

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

891

About this time the 3d Division of the 9th Corps arrived, and charged the Batteries, and by the aid of Batteries 8 and 9, and Battery Has- kell, regained them all withont much loss. The enemy did not have time to spike, or otherwise harm any of the guns or mortars. The enemy now commenced retreating towards their own lines, but this was not so casy a matter for them, as some of our forces had got between them and their lines. Now commenced the real work of the fight. Onr troops charged them and they ,broke and scattered like sheep. They final- ly succeeded in their attempt, but with only a remnant of their forces. We took 2800 prisoners and they left nearly 4000 desd and wounded on tlte ground. A heavy and continuous fire was kept up on their columns as they retreated, do- ing great execution.

Many instances of personal bravery and daring occurred, a few of which I will relate. Two men of Co. L, 1st Conn. Artillery, seeing that the guns of Battery Haskell were silent, took sole possession of the Battery, and commenced firing one of the guns. They kept up n fire on the rebels all through the action, firing in all, 125 shots. When it is considered that it takes six men to work n gun, the difficulty of this feat will be scen. Their names are, James Murphy and W'm. Huntington. Murphy's name was sent in to Siege Artillery Headquarters for promotion, by Gen. Meade. One or two of our men captured battle flags, one of which was presented to Brig .- Gen. II. L. Abbott, commanding Siege Artillery. A Capt. was .rked by six rebels and ordered to surrer ! 's, although the enemy outnum- bere. i.t. ex to one, he bravely kept his ground, ali ght until he fell, pierced by six balls. I ar sorry I canuot learn the name of this brave man. I cannot let this pass without recalling the name of Lieut. O'Dell. He was a young man, and noted for his bravery and good soldier- ly qualities, much loved snd respected by all. He fell, bravely leading his men. He is sincerely mourned by all. May he rest in pence. His body has been sent to his friends.

Too much praise cannot be given to the brave men of Co's L and K, who, throughout the trying scenes, displayed. the utmost coolness and nn- dnunted bravery. When we remember the diffi- culties under which they labored, it is surprising that men could stund so bravely. It was so dark that a man could hardly distinguish friend from foe, nud the enemy had nearly gained possession of the batteries before the men knew of the move- ment. At one time the rebels were firing part of the mortars in Battery No. 10, and our men firing the rest.

From later accounts, I lenrn thnt Jnmes Mur- phy has heen wounded severely in the arm, since that long to be remembered day, the 25th of March. He is, however, doing well.

Subjoined is a list of casualties in the Ist Conn. Artillery, in that fight.

COMPANY K.

KILLEN .- 1st Licut. John O'Dell; Corp. Patrick O'Brien : Privates Wm. Kaske, Chas. MePartlan. WOUNDED .- Capt. J. M. Twiss; Privates Win. Gallagher, Patrick Duff, P. J. Tracy.

MISSING .-- 1st Sergts. F .. C. Clark, E. B. Ben- nett, Danl. Green; Corp'ls D. B. Traske, Thomas | Stettlar, promoted.

Wall ; Privates E. F. Blinn, Wm. sccary, Hugh Grugin, Heury Wells, C. S. Witter, D. M. Man- in g, E. A. Riec, John Hughes, Arthur McClusky, Patrick Mahon, James Galloway, John Crowley, Simon Holloran, -- Edwards, -. Bordin, - Noble, Orrin Robbins, Joseph Jones, H. L. Neitert, - Guildererone, - Wessels, --- Muller, James Fanning, J. W. Dowd, Wm. Dunn. - Brand, Robert Way, Wm. Gibney, Thos. Montague, Wm. MeKnight, - Mulholland, N. HI. Newbery, - Goodrich, B. F. Chaudler.

COMPANY L.

KILLED, --- Privates Truman Foot, Ira Wakefield. WOUNDED .- Corp. James Thurstou ; Privates John Davis, John MeGuire, Elbert N. Norton, Andrew L. Kitchen, James Comstock, James Murphy.

MISSING .- Corporal Aner W. Brown; Privates James Fielding, Wm. Brown, Hugh McEnerny, Taber Green, Danl. Clifford, John Sheridan, - Perkins, Michael Flynn, David Flynn, Samuel P. Eldridge, Jacob Arlington, Chas. Ewer.

Everything is at present quiet, but it is the "eslm before the storm." Not wishing to take up more room in your valuable paper, I will bid you goodbye for this time, and I remain,

Very Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant,

W. F. SAGE, Ord. Office.

To Editor Conn. War Record.

PERSONAL.

List of Appointments and Promotions in the Connecticut Volunteer Force, for the month of March, 1865.

2n ARTILLERY.

1st Lieut. Theodore F. Vaill, to he Captain, vico Lewis, discharged.

Ist Lieut. Michael Kelly to be Captain, vice Burnham, discharged.

1st Lieut. llenry S. Mckinney, to be Captain, vice Shumway, discharged. 21 Lient. Charles A. Reynolds, to be 1st Lieut., vice Marsh, promoted.

2d Lieut. Jolin E. Sedgwick to he 1st Lient., vice Camp, discharged.

2d Lient. David C. Munson to be 1st Lient., vice Berry, promoted.

2d Lient. Orville B. Tiffany to bo Ist. Lieut., vice Vaill, promoted.

2d Lient. Salmon A. Granger to be Ist Lieut., vice Burnham. promoted. od Lient. William A. Hosford to be Ist Lieut .. vice Fenn, promoted. 2dl Lient. Heman Ellis to bo Ist Lieut., vice Hub- hard, discharged.

2d Lieut. Ilenry R. Hoyt to be let Liout., vice Coe, promoted.

Od Lient. Homer W. Griswold to bo 1st Lient., vice Chapin, di-charged.

All with rank from the 2d of March. 1865.

The following named officers having received ap- pointment and promotion in the above list, bave declined accepting commissions, and the appoint- ments to be Ist Lientenants in each case, has been revoked and commissions cancelled :

First Lientenants Homer W. Griswold, lleman Ellis, Orville B. Tiffany, Chas. A. Reynolds, Henry R. lloyt.

1st Lient. Orlow J. Smith to be Captain, vice Gold, discharged. 1st Licut. Henry Skinner to be Captain. Sergt. Calvin L. Davis to bo yd Lieut., vice Gran- ger, promoted. All with rank from the $0th of March, 1365. OTII REGIMENT.

lat Lient. Joseph Miller to be Captain, vice Nich- ols, mnstered ont. Ist Lient. Chas. J. Buckbee to he Captain, vice Grant, .promoted. Ist Lieut. John B. Gilbert to be Captain, vice

1-t Sergt. Alfred B. Beers to be Captain, vico Lewis, mustered out. ed Lient. James Whiteley to be 1st Licut., vice

Gilbert, promoted. Jat Sergt. Patrick Dillon to be 1st Lient., vice Buckbee, promoted.

1-t Sergt. John Betts to bo 1st Lieut., viee Miller, promoted.

Corp. Walter Anderson to be 1st Lieut., vico Pro- vost, discharged.

All with rink from the 3d of March, 1865.

llenry A. lloyt of New Haven to be Ist Asst. Surgeon, with rank from the 23d of March, 1865, viec Buckley, mnstered out of service.

7TH REGIMENT.

Lieut. Col. Seager S. Atwell to he Colonel, with rank from the 4th of March, vico Hawley, promoted. Seret. Ira B. Smith to he Captain, vice Atwell, promoted.

1st Lient. William Anstin to be Captain, vico Mills, discharged.

Ist Lieut. William H. Pierpont to be Captain, vicc Townsend, mustered out.

ed Lieut. Andrew HI. Kinney to be 1st Lieut. vico Wildman mustered out. ed Lient. Dennis O'Brien to he Ist Lieut. vice Pierpont, promoted.

Seret. John G. Cox to bo 1st Lieut. vice Ilicks, mustered out.

1st Seret. William HI. Johnson to be 1st Lient., vice .Austin, promoted.

Serut. William W. Newman to be 1st Liout., vice Taintor, killed in action.

Seret. Wilbur F. Goodyenr to be 1st Lieut., vice Marble, mustered ont. Seret. Leonidas Ilitcheoek to be 1st Licut., vico Van Keuren, mustered out.

Sergt. Nicholas Van Deusen to be 2d Lieut., vice Kinney, promoted.

All with rank from the 10th of March, 1865.

Captain Jerome Tourtelotte to he Major, vice San- ford, mustered ont.

1st Lieut. William E. Phillip to be Captain, vice Tourtelotte, promoted. 2d Lieut. Elmer C. Jordan to be Captnin, vico Ilill, commission revoked. Lucas Sutlitf of Southington, to be Captain, vice Young, commission vacated.

2d Lieut. William H. Haynes to be 1st Lieut., vice Parmelee, commission vacated. Sergt. Charles M. Shailer te be 1st Lieut., vice Phillips, promoted.

Sergt. Maurice D. Parmelee to be 2d Lient., vice IIolden, promoted.

All with rank from the 21st of March, 1865.

STH REGIMENT.

2d Lieut. IIenry P. Johnson, 15th C. V. to be 1st Lient., Sth C. V., with rank from the 2d of March, 1865, vice 1st Lient. and Adjt. Pratt, promoted.

10TH REGIMENT.

2d Lieut. William A. Robbins to be 1st Lieut., vice Curtiss. commission revoked.

2d Lient. Edward L. Smith to be 1st Lieut., vice Northrop, commission revoked. Seret. William G. Chapman to be 2d Lient., vico Robbins, promoted.

Seret. Thomas B. Fowler to be 2d Lieut., vice Smith, promoted.

All with rank from the 2d of March, 1865.

Capt. Frank Ilawkins to be Major, vice Goodyear, promoted.

1st Lieut. Francis E. Burt to be Captain, vicc llawkins, promoted.

Both with rank from the 4th of MInrch, 1963. 1 IT REGIMENT.

Capt. Henry J. McDonald to be Major, with rank from the 11th of March, 1565, vice Warren, pro- moted.

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 126

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