The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 128

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

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TOMLINSON, MINER & CO.,

Bridgeport, Conn.

TOMLINSON DEMOREST CO., 620 Broadway, New York.

CROFUT & THOMAS,

273 Chapel Street, (Bink Building,) Nao Haven, Ct., Dealers in

Hats, Caps, Trunks, Bags, Umbrellas, and Gent's Furnishing Goods.

Customers will find our stock of the above goods the largest in the State.

LADIES' FURS.

We pay particular attention to this branch of our trade. Our stock comprises the finest goods in the market. A large proportion is made from Skins of our own selection, enabling us to afford fine goods at a less price than any other establishment in the city. Also, Butfalo and Fancy Robes, Buck Mittens, Gloves, de., at prices less than will replace them.

Successors to COLLINS & CO.

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD. C

OUR STATE POINTS TO DEEDS, NOT ACRES.

Ofice, 2 Glebe Building.

NEW HAVEN, MAY, 1865.

- VOL. II. NO. X.

MORRIS & BENHAM, Publishers. S

$1.50 PER ANNUM IN ADVANCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Abraham Lincoln,

PAGE 395:

Lieutenant Stanton Allyn,

395}

The 21st Regiment, ( Reganental Ilist'ry)

397.

Recollections of Army Life in 27th Conu.

399 2

Chaplain Eaton, of the 7th,.

3994

From the First Artillery,.

10058

From the 16th Regiment,.

10021

From the 15th Regiment.

1000

From the 20th Regiment ..

40113

Personal, (official and items,).

4059

Gilbert M. Stocking,

Private James Dennis, 4051

Lient .- Col. Albert H. Wilcoxon,

40353

Regimental,

40523

Editorial Column,

40613

Business Column,

406g

Abraham Lincoln.

On Friday, April 14th, the same flag which four years before, was lowered, in gloom and de- feat at Sumter-was elevated by the same handy to the very peak of the staff, and unrolled itself in proud and graceful beauty " on the winds that loved it well." It rose to the very peak on the ruins of Sumter-the shot-riven and shapeless fragments of the once massive fort, fitly symboli- zing the atoms to which shall be crushed any power which lifts voice or hand against our American Republic.

All over the land, the beauteous and battle hal- lowed banners, little and great, went to the very peak in exulting gladuess, for the Republie that inherited these characteristics to a large degree. day, by the aet at Sumter, typified her hard wongland these qualities told early in life. Among noble ship -- laden with such precious freight- and splendid triumph. But on Saturday, Aprily'all his comrades at school, he was without affholding in mine, the hand of that true Spartan 15th, the starry banners drooping, erept sadly."peer; books were his constant companions and? half-way down the staff -- for half the joy and half ;- he carried the head of a man on his youthful fface, which so spoke of sacrifice and duty -- sacri- the value of the triumph seemed lost --

shoulders.

Time passed on, he half resolved to adoptfi-hould never more behold him here again-I We were stunned by sudden horror-then? the law. I fancied I could see him not far ingeould and would not think it then, I scarce ean roused to fierce anger-then melted to tears ingsthe future, wearing the highest judicial honor4 ;believe it now. Yet, alas! We knew that sineere grief, and are now settled into ealm, abi f not through intrigue, but from fitness in viewaf" death loves a shining mark," and should have of his mental composition-but he could not theen forewarned. well be spared from the home circle.

ding purpose to bring stern and just retribution upon the assassin, his aecomplices in Washington and in Richmond, and upon the accursed institu- tion which in the persons of rebel leaders, inan- gurated four years of unparalleled erime by per. . jury and elosed them with assassination.

Abraham Lincoln was of the people and lived for the people of the United States. He wa- plain, sagacious, praetieal, patient, faithful, hon- est, self-sacrifieing, pure, paternal in gentleness, and firm as a rock for the right. Ilistory will name liin the foremost man of this eventful age.] None more truly and utterly than he, gave himssarranged, he promptly turned his fare on the self for his country. Ile will be loved and hon- ored while time endures.

fexample, were willing to follow where he Sshould lead.

They joined the 12th Regiment, then forming at Hartford, commandediby Col. Deming, and were assigned to Co. K,-on the final organi- Bzation of this company, Allyn was honored with the post of Lieut., and received his eom- Amission from the Governor, bearing date the LEthi of January, 1862, with rank from Novem- aber 20th, 1861.

After spending some months in eamp at Hartford, the regiment was ordered to the Gulf ¿to reinforce the expedition under Gen. Butler, which had for its objeet the capture of New Orleans. Previous to the departure a few of the many friends of the Lieut. thought to present him with some mark of their esteem, Lieut. Stanton Allyn. BY LEDYARD BILL. Sand to this end dollar subscriptions were made for the procuration of a sword, sash, and belt, The subject of this brief sketch was born ing which was done and presented him in camp, the northern part of the town of Giroton, now feliciting a most feeling response.

In conjunction with a regiment from Maine, the 12th sailed on board the steamer " Fulton," in last of February, from the port of New York. It seems but as yesterday, that I stood face to 'of character, and was widely known for histiface with this gallant man-his form so noble, and mien that of one who felt true courage,

Ledyard, in the year 1835. He came of Revo- Autionary stock, and inherited of right the love of liberty and equality. Ilis father, the late Col Roswell Allen, was a man of marked traits frare qualities of head and heart. Large intel ligenee, with great dignity of person, gave himff" not the brutal force of vulgar heroes, but the ja commanding position among men. The sonfffirm resolve of virtue and of reason." Little lid 1 dream as I stood upon the deck of that

soldier, and looking into that earnest, benaming tice to friends and duty to his country-that I

The good sluip sped on over the seas, bear- During these passing years he was a close Ning the armed legions to that desolate island student of all the great questions that agitated rendezvous in the Gulf.

As the hot days of April came, all was ready stry he was prepared to defend it, and would ;- the troops on transports, our Navy led tho shave gladly joined the patriot legions of the way-and such a way-through fire and smoke Union, on the first call of the President. had of fiercest battle and death, they went, hewing not circumstances beyond his control, prevent Sa path by forts, and over chains, and monsters jed. So soon as his deceased father's estate

-iron clad,-up to the very city itself. This iwas settled, however, and the family businessaf lorious work of our gallant old Admiral fin- lished the contest, and the troops on transports fenemies of his country, never looking back .: Iwere now ordered up, and to the 12th Regiment to occupy the city of New Orleans.

Aud now, in the presence of the martyred scaling his devotion to the cause he so muchy belongs the honor of being the first regiment dead, who have fallen for us-of whom he is bet aloved with his life.

the foremost-we -- with " grim resolve," pleludi Lient. Allyn entered the service on the 2249 new, ourselves and all we have, for the faithful ;. The movements in this department were of a defense and perpetuity of our magnificent Refof October, 1-61. He rallied around him affininor character for some months, the chief ob- public, fnumber of his friends, who, moved by hi ffjuct having been so suddenly and so com-

Abraham Lincoln lay dead1-Assassinated !!

the land, and when war broke upon the coun

Presentation, . .

Casualties, . .

396

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[MAY,

pletely accomplished that little reinained but Ant the hotter breath of battle as well. Skir- fmnoted, and the sokliers recommended for com- to occupy the State by the establishment offemishing and assault followed each other for' 'missions, and advanced in rank. Lieut. Allyn outposts. awhile in rapid succession, yet without success,was one of the first to volunteer, followed by The excessive heat of the following summer One of the most noted of these was that on Several of the men in his company. Here we prostrated the troops and thinned their ranks more than a great battle. Roll-call and regi- mental drill and review was all the labor of; towards midnight at certain points in the line. those long summer days in that tropical ciime. Ato prepare for an assault. The 12th C. V. Port Hudson on the night of the 10th of June, fhave one of the highest tests of courage; his Len. Banks in command. Orders were givent alid not fail him. While the preparations were bygoing forward for this last and final assault, Vicksburg fell and with it Port Hudson, thus

With autumn eame activity, and omitting formed part of the assaulting column. Licut. 1-aving to the country the gallant men who had the occasional alarins, and the adventures of Allyn, (though wholly unfit for duty-having freleomed for their country's sake this perilous scouting parties, we crane to the first expedi- but ten days prior rejoined his command direct: fluty ; but I have yet to learn that Gen. Banks tion of note in which the 12th Regiment boreg from the hospital at New Orleans, where he had; for the Department at Washington, have ever an active and conspicuous part. The battle of theen laying sick of a fever, the seeds of which suitably honored these men.

"Georgia Landing," was of short duration, yet thad been sown in his system the previous The poor satisfaction of medals never glad- .lened their eyes even ! well contested ; here the 12th faced the flying:(-cason, ) hearing of the combat at the front, shot and shell with the courage of veterans; a hastened, half restored, to the field of battle, The great strain upon Lieut. Allyn's nerves single bayonet charge and the enemy fled, leav-anxious to do his duty to his country and to during the progress of this siege, was too ing their dead and wounded in our hands.

point the way to the gallant men of his com- pmnuch for him to bear-entering upon the siege The next expedition was up the Teche-con-fjmand. The hour of midnight had passed, all fin a state of convalescence he was quite unfit sisting of a brigade, composed as follows: the; 75th, 160th N. Y., and 8th Vermont, together with the 12th Conn. They moved from "Camp Stevens," on the Hth of Jan., 1863, rendezvousing at Brashear City on Berwicky was ready. The placid moon-beams shone for its trials. A few weeks more of exposure brightly and benignly on all the combatants.foto the rains and scorching suns brought him The carnival of death was soon to begin. flow, a violent fever seized upon his system and Could it be that those long solid columns ofjeshortly after swept him away. He died on the stalwart men were about to battle with death [28th of August, 1863, in camp at Brashear Bay. Here they were joined by four Union on this calm and peaceful midsummer's night. City, Louisiana, lamented and loved. Ilis Gun Boats, and commenced the ascent of themwith dreams of peace and home just now flit -; remains were afterwards removed to his home, river Teche-having for their object the routing fting across their brain? Yet, even so! Thesand buried with honors.

word of command is given, and the music of This fearful conflict of arms has, in its pro- battle begins, 'inidt the roar of cannon and peal gress of years, carried mourning and dismay into every village and nearly every household (in the land, and in all the long sad "roll of

ind the groans of the dying. On, the assault- ing columns go, across one of the wildest and honor," of our commonwealth, there are many names that shine conspicuously in her history, Recive-over fallen trees, through brush and gand will long be cherished by her children as of friars, over stumps, across ravines with pre-those who have performed eminent service to cipitous banks where many lose their guns- the State and country; and in this list of in the face of masket ball and cannon! ; heroes the name of Lieut. STANTON ALLYN, shot, they go, a few only reaching the last will shine with a luster undimned by that of ravine, which is alnost under the guns of the' any other. Requiescat in pace.

of a threatening column of the enemy, which? lay up the river, and the capture of the rebel iron clad gun boat "Cotton," which for a long of drum, are mingled the shouts of officers time had given occasional alarm to our camps and transports below. On the second day: they came up with the enemy's skirmisherst most rugged places the imagination can con -: who were speedily driven in. An engagement? followed; batteries with difficulty maneuvered; in that country, but finally secured position to do serious damage to the rebel gun boat, which? slowly withdrew up the river firing vengeful shots behind her ; darkness put an end to that day's struggle. On the 13th, our lines advanced under cover of a vigorous shelling of the ene- my who slowly at first, then rapidly gave way having lost the battle they set fire to their gun- boat and beat a precipitate retreat. The oh- ject of the expedition being gained, our forces was a failure. The obstructions in the face of marched baek, re-embarked, and returned tol such a fire were too great. For Lient. Allyn: their camps victorious-though foot-sore and jaml his brave followers to retire, was certain stiff from bivouacing and marching in water; leath, indeed so near were they to the enemy. sthat a word spoken would discover them .!! and through the cane brakes.

walls of Port Iludson. Here was Lieut. Allyn alling to the now remnant of his command to come forward, he being the foremost man ing that most desperate and signal assault; a few, undaunted hearts reached him! The assault

Preparations were going forward all this Screening themselves from view they waited .?? while with tremendous energy, for the re-open -? not knowing what to do; fortunately, thes ing of the Mississippi River. One expeditions storm that so often and so soon follows a bat -? of no mean proportions was put on foot for thisfille, came ; the clouds veiled the sky, and they, purpose and failed, but the government wasgjretreated safely to their lines.

From the 21st Regiment. Caur 21st Coxx, Vors., April 1st, 1865. Editor Conn. War Record :

The occupation of Fort Harrison, or Fort Barnham as it was subsequently named, in honor of the gallant leader of the 2d Brigade, who there lost his life, was followed next day, Sept. Soth, by a desperate attempt on the part of the rebels o retake the position. For this purpose a divi- sion of fresh troops was ordered up from Lee's irmy at Petersburg, and scarcely had we com- pleted a temporary breastwork, before the enemy charged upon us with the utmost fury, in three separate columna. One of them struck for the right of our Brigade line, and not being just then Cengaged, the 21st was enabled to pour a galling saire into their flank, and materially assisted in :licir terrible repulse with heavy loss, though nur men only dropped their picks and spades, and grasped their muskets just as the enemy came in view. Shortly after, another coluinn, consisting of a brigade, charged directly upon our down front. But we were ready for them, and no

not to be baffled at one failure. Again were One correspondent, in speaking of this iniglitier forees gathered and hurled against the assault says: "The casualties of this night armies of the enemy up to the very battle thwere greater in proportion to the number en- ments of Vicksburg. At this time a co-opera-j kaged than in any other single engagement : tive movement in the Gulf Department com-pluring the entire siege." Gen. Banks soon). menced. Already had the soldiers of theshifter called for a thousand volanteers in his'; North surrounded Vicksburg, and soon there-@army, for a special assaulting column under after those in the Gulf had environed their next. Col. Birge. This was a kind of forlorn hope- hooner were they within easy range, than they great stronghold, Port Hudson-six weeksgfthey were to be supported by the entire army? received a most withering fire, as from rank to wore by and as they flew they bore the hote in the attack, and in view of the perils to this,'nink, volley followed volley in quick succession. breath of summer on-our gallant soldiers, {column Gien. Banks in an order declared that ,Still on came that gallant band, though mary bit though all unused, yet not only emlured this fall officers who should survive, should be prof the dust at each discharge. Their pluck was

397

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

1865.]

worthy of a better cause. And as they swept- with jest and laughter. About the 24th of Oct. he remembered. And if any one retired that dowa the opposite slope on the double gniek, till, he regiment joined with the rest of the Corps in night withont sore sides and an extra pound or within fifty yards of our works, it looked for a a movement upon the enemy at Fair Oaks, bin two of flesh, it was not from lack of fun. New moment as though they would surely reach us, was not actively engaged, though for some time Year passed in a similar manner, and then fol. But the most invincible courage could not stand. under a severe artillery fire. After a few weeksflowed another quiet spell. such a fire as our brave boys poured into them." great preparations were made for the approach. The fourth of January was solemnly marked, And the next tremendous volley caused them like ing Christmas and New Year. The camp was however, by the sudden death of Lient. Fred. II. a certain Dutchman well known to some of your beautifully trimmed with evergrecus, the entrance Duel, of Co. II, the result it was supposed, of a 'congestive chill. He had been complaining but : few hours. Bullets are not always the death- messenger of the soldier. And the death of this young officer was a warning to us all that we are readers, to "change their minds;" and more 'of each street being graced with green arches. quickly than I can write it, a portion of the col-f the cedar boughs interspersed with red holly ber- umn faced about, and engaged in the "pursuit of, Mies, arranged in fantastic forms, and each tent happiness" at a much higher velocity than that!

was adorned according to the taste of its occu- illustrious seeker of the same, "Capt. Bob Shor- pants, some of them presenting a fit subject for; inot free from the destroyer, merely because we 21sr. .

ty." The remainder of the column dropped to; the artist's pencil the ground and took shelter behind the bushes. and anything they could find, unable to retreat or advance. Here and there a dirty handker- chief raised above the bushes, indicated the own. er's desire to surrender. Then the order, "eease firing," was given, and the air resounded with

I wish I might bere record the arrival of the! Christmas turkeys so liberally contributed by our Recollections of Army Life in the 27th Connecticut. friends at home, for the benefit of their soklier friends, fathers and brothers in the field. We! V. Let us now return to the little band of prison- ers in that, woody ravine. As soon as the surren- had been led to expect a perfect feast of good things. But to our great disappointment .: " come in, Johnnies, come in," of which occasion sind to the shame of whoever was the cause of it, . ider had been consummated the men threw away a large number took advantage, aud found refuge, they failed to reach us. We had received word; ftheir guns, many of them with the cartridges,

and safety behind the works of the detested Yan-f.that a large box had been forwarded expressly kees. Our pieket line was quickly re-established. and being sent out by the flank, completely sur-

rounded those who had not already given them ! roast turkeys, &e., &e., and as the day approach -; selves np, and gathered them in. Nearly two

ed, frequent were the inquiries if the box had hundred were thus secured, while the ground in, come. But no box enme, and we were compelled; our front was thickly strewn with killed and; to put up with our usual allowance of salt pork; wounded. It was a sad day's work for the John- and hard tack. And I deem this a fitting occa- nies, and they evidently thought so, for they; sion to state for the information of our friends. made no further attempt to drive us ont. As we ithat not one-fourth of the contributions for the: fought behind breast works, our losses were com. Jregiment as a regiment, have ever been received. paratively light. Yet a number received honorable [ am unable to state at present upon whom the scars, though but one was mortally wounded. The regiment here, as everywhere, did honor to' concerned chance to fall upon this account, it i- its native State. I think the men never fought' hoped that they will be careful to conceal all with more enthusiasm. The remembrance of so evidence against them, for, should they ever bel many bloody fields where the enemy, protected discovered, their reputation will most decidedly: crowd of butternuts assembled to view the suffer in this regiment. But notwithstanding the was in every mind. And nobly did Connectient's loss of our Christmas dinner, the day, though.

by heavy works, had us almost at their merey. brave sons revenge themselves. Where all did their duty, 'tis hard to discriminate. Lieut. Wm.& when the chance is given, one need not fear that S. Ilubbell, however, of North Stonington, and. A. A. A. G. of the brigade, was here conspienous! for gallantry, aud disregarding the numerous bits of cold lead flying about so freely, was so unfor- tunate as to run into one of them, which quickly

put him " hors du combat." Although a very; wealth under difficulties, wrestling matches, de .; serious wound and one which laid him up for sev.' Cending up with a mock dress parade. And Jack eral months, he is now with us again, and rejoic .; Falstaff's crew certainly never presented a more ing in the cognomen of Captain, which promotion, Indicrous appearance, than these Christmas vota. has been most justly bestowed.

`Our commanding officer, Lieut. Col. Brown. "Christy himself could not surpass the paper col- was frequently exposed during the action, on va. lars here displayed.

rious parts of the line, in the discharge of hi- duties as Division Officer of the day, but escaped uninjured. Col. Brown was also in command of the Brigade a portion of the day, our Div. Com.

¡fail to call upon the members of the 21st. Their Angenuity in the line of costumes, cannot be sur. mander, General Stannard, having been severely; passed. The band, as it marched down the line, glitch stories we have heard dinned in our ears wounded.

Heach member playing a different tune, and the"

The capture of Fort Burnham ended our sum- Phase drummer occasionally mistaking (acciden- mer work, and the hard service and continua! (tally of course, ) the unsuspecting pate of his file exposure of the campaign was followed by a most, feader for the drum, and the huge appendage unusual season of rest and quiet, refreshing alike like a fish's tail protruding from under the cont! to officers and men. Comfortable winter quarters; fails of No. 1, by his side, wagging in umnista wero built, and although the picket and fatigue, kable approval, afforded infinite amusement to duty was sometimes rather' severe, the meu on the crowd of spectators, although fearfully sug the whole, seemed to enjoy themselves, and ap : zestive of a place called Bedlam. peared bright and cheerful, while the camp rung Altogether it was' a day of merriment long to"

are not on the field of battle.

into a rivulet near the intrenchments, and some for the 21st, from Norwich. And our mouths lent up their equipments determined to afford as 'were all made up for a good taste of ininee pies, alittle aid and comfort to the rebels as possible. Our newly made acquaintances exhibited a most remarkable penchant for entlery and other con- Aveniences Yankees are always supposed to have in their possession. One of the rebel skirmishers had hardly lowered his gun from an aim, when he walked up to one of our inen and said, " Have you got a knife to sell ?" "No," and somewhat abashed he went off to try his luek in a more pro- ¿mising field. We were now ordered to fall in, blame should fall. But should the eye of any; and a part were marched up the road to Gen. Lee's headquarters, where the rebels took away our knapsacks, rubber blankets, shelter teuts, and canteens, and registered our names. Quite a

wet and unddy, was given up to festivity. And'? ' the boys" will fail to wake merry. The men were relieved from all duty not absolutely neces. "sary, and "got upon their muscle," and a vast; amount of laughter by their sack and hurdk ;. races, grensed poles, greased piga, pursuit ofi

fries in their improvised rags and costumes, mil.

' Yanks," and prosecute their schemes of trade. Among the crowd was a young man, a member of the 1st Richmond Howitzers, whose father was formerly a pastor in New Haven, and promi- mently connected with the Southern Aid Society. Weadvanced to greet our quoudam friend. Draw- ing himself up to his full height he said with a manner characteristic of Southern rebels who have once lived at the North, "I don't wish to Shake hands with you. I am surprised that a Christian inan should come down and fight against the South." We replied that we regarded it a luty to fight against the South and crush rebel- lion. Our chivalrie friend now retired awhile no loubt to recover from his "surprise," but soon milimbered his battery and returned to the

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 128

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