The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 139

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

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The guns with which we entered the service were the James rifle, and were effectively used at this department, they were exchanged at Wash- ington, D. C., for the three-inch ordnance rifled gun. Since we have been in service we have drawn 367 horses. On leaving Washington, we turned over to the Quartermaster's Department 87 horses; we have now on hand 95, making the number which have been killed, or died, or be- come unserviceable since we left Conn. 205.

Since the date of my last letter, Henry R. Chaffee has been promoted from Ist Sergt, to 2d Lieut. David B. Lockwood has been promoted to Ist sergeant, and Henry I. Trowbridge to Corporal.

June 17th. The battery has been detached, it is reported, from the 2d Division of the 13th Army Corps, and will not, therefore, go to Texas. We have not yet received orders to that effeet, but the expedition to Texas, so far as the battery is concerned, is abandoned.

We shall soon expect to be inustered out of service, and are anxions, now that the war is over, to return to the pursuits of peace. UNION.

From the 8th Regiment. EIGHTH C. V., VET. INF., MANCHESTER, VA., { May 22d, 1-65. 5

the fighting, we had onr fall share last year; and while we claim no superiority over any who havo proved faithful during this righteous war, we never- theless do not acknowledge a nobler record to any regiment in our country's service. In the carlier part of this twelve month's campaign aguinst Rich- mond, our position was in the front, and front then meant fight or die, or hoth. At the end of this cumpaign it was our good fortune to reap the results of others' lahors. While the two other Divisions of the 24th Corps moved around to the extreme left, and by co-operation with Sheridan on the 1st day of April, rolled back Lee's right, and initiated the grand series of victories, our third Division held the extreme right ..

Nearly all of the month of March had been occu- pied with peculiar strategy. We had reviews and marches, striking tents and pitching camps, leaving the front and secretly returning again, nutil, if the enemy wero as much confused as were we, they must have been completely nonplussed. In reality, they were so much puzzled that the departure of two- thirds of our troops was not perceived by them, until the " Hearts"# confronted them at Five Forks, and the rebellion was sealed. During all that mem- orable Sunday, April 2d, we anxiously awaited orders, snatching brief intervals for divine services. Short also were the slumhers of that night : for long he- fore daylight our already formed lines were intently watching the lurid light that preceded the terrifie explosions of the rebel gunboats burning under Fort Drury. With eager steps the troops pressed forward that morning towards the evacuated, burning Rich- mond. The grand and awful seenes of that morn- ing ean nover he described. It was ours to behold. We do not lay any claim to the honor of first en- tering the late rehel Capital. Let others disputo abont that if they will. But so long as horses ean or ought to run seven miles quicker than men, let them have the distinguished (?) renown of charging without opposition, the vacated seat of a hogus con- federney. Furthermore, we are happy to say that our regiment has not at any time, been located in the city. Our men have been on duty there from the first, and continue to be; but we have been al- lowed to keep our camp at a respectable distance from the filth and vermin, vile liquor and vile wo- men of that nest of treason. About two weeks wo enjoyed the pleasant slopes of Fulton Hill, on the S. E. of Richmond, and since then have ocenpied the suburbs of Manchester, on the opposite sido of the James. Since the passage of the Army of the Potomac and all of Sherman's men, Army of Georgia, and Army of Tennessee, through Rich- mond, on their way towards Washington, the people here have become satisfied that Unele Samnel has a great many boys who can go hunting. The aston- ment is, " where all yourns come from ?" and since the confederacy has found " the last ditch," in Jeff. Davis' petticoats, chivalry only dares to repeat con- | temptible copperhead hisses at actions of govern- ment and presence of troops.

Will you believe me when I say, we are now in the severest campaign of our whole service ! It is terribly hard to do nothing. Besides home-sick- ness charges down upon us front, flank and rear. If you hear that the gallant Veteran Eighth has capitulated, you must not be greatly surprised. We can sustain the attack a little longer, but shall soon need a reinforcement.of orders hended, Homeward, ho !

During these three months, since I wrote you be- fore, some changes have occurred in onr regiment. Major Pratt has become Lient. Col. ; Col. Ward has left the service ; Capt. Coit has so far recovered from wounds as to favor ns with a visit. Lient. S. B. Dekay, late of Gen. Butler's stuff, has reported

FRIEND MORRIS :- Not from any disrespect to its all these months. But, yours is a War Record, and we, heing very modest people and not very promi- nent actors in the last scene of the grand drama, tho history of the battery as to deserve mention I have waived all claims in favor of others. As to Ito tho regimont, and is Acting Adjt. Lieut. Farn-

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506

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[JULY,

ham has left the service. Sergt .- Major J. P. Jewett and First Sergt. D. S. Baldwin, Co. I, 1. T. Booth, Co. K, and Wm. E. Peck, Co. D, have been com- missioned First Lients. Also Sergt. F. Austin, Co. F, and Chas. E. Dibble, Co. E, have been commis- sioned Lients. in the 11th Conn.

The health of our men has been very good, and the discipline of the regiment never better. In morals we are trying to practice patience, and hope to be ero long, not nuworthy citizens of the government we have fought to sustain. Yours, for the Canse, CHAPLAIN.

From the 13th Battalion. BARRACKS 13TH BATTALION, CONN. VET. VOLS., }

Augusta, Ga., May 21st, 1865. §

Messrs. EDITORS :- Do your readers care to hear from the old 18th ? It " still lives."

Wo arrived here on the 19th inst., after an over- DEAR SIR :-- On the 20th the news of the late victory achieved by our brave boys nnder Grant, reached ns. The band was immediately ordered on the Plaza to play in honor of the occasion, while a salute of one hundred guns was fired from Fort Marion, from the heavy guns on the para- pets. The firing of the heavy Columbiads cansed a shaking in the old Fort, to such an extent, that up, and pieces thrown some distance. The Fort is so old that it would not stand a severe bom- bardment and retnin its present appearance, but like Sumter, would be a mass of ruins iu a short time. Innd march of eight days from Savannah. We stopped one day at Sister Ferry, on the Savannah River, and one day at Waynesboro, so that our journey of 140 miles, was performed in about six days. We arrived just too late to see Jeff. Davis, of whose capture we were informed by special mes- senger, on reaching a point 28 miles from Waynes- boro. Seven regiments made this march, the 22d, 24th, and 28th Iowa, 128th, 131st and 159th N. Y. some blocks of stone on the parapets were hroken and the 13th Conn. The messenger who brought news of Davis' capturo, also communicated orders from Gen. Molineux, Commander of the post of Augusta, to send forward with all practicable speed, three regiments to Angusta. The three N. Y. regi- ments were selected, and divesting themselves of knapsacks, they started on a forced march to tako tho ears at Waynesboro, 28 miles distant. But the 13th Conn., thanks to the schooling of Gen. Birge, are not in the habit of being ontmarched or outfought. On the terrible 14th of June, 1863, at Port Hudson, when the regiment was assigned to the extreme rear as a reserve forec, it worked its way steadily up to tho very " forefront of the very hottest battle," past all the others, and there maintained itself from early morning till lato at night.

So when the New York regiments threw aside their knapsacks and baggage for a rapid march to Waynesboro, the 13th boys showed them what they could do with all those heavy inenmbrances weigh- ing them down. Twice on the long march of 28 miles, we overtook their rear regiment, and request- ed them to get out of our way, and when we reached Waynesboro we were treading on their heels ! Only two men of ours "gave out," and were put into ambulances on the march. At Waynesboro the New York boys took the cars, but we, being still tolera- bly fresh and vigorons, continned to "foot it." These New Yorkers are splendid soldiers, and their officers are men of character and ability, and no better regiments have been in the service.

Wo are finely quartered in the heart of this pret- ty town, and with the New York regiments are on provost duty, for which the experience of the bat- talion in New Orleans, Savannah, and Newbern. has ndmirably fitted it. We nre, as you know, con- solidated into fivo companies, with the following officers :

Lient. Col. Ilorace B. Sprague.

Surgeon George Clary, (Senior Medical Officer of tho Post.)

Assistant Surgeon L. W. Clarke

Co. A-Capt. W. E. Bradley, (now on conrt mar tial in Savannah.)

Co. B-Cnpt. Frank (now nid to Gen. Birge, at Savannah.)

Co. C-N. W. Perkins, (now Aet. Asst. Inspector General.) Co. D-Cupt. Lewis Beckwith.

Co. E-Abner N. Sterry.

Co. A-Ist Lieut. Wm. C. Gardner, (now Acting Adjt. of the Battalion.)

Co. B-1st Lieut. J. C. Kinney, (now acting signal officer at Mobile.)

Co. C-1st Lient. George Il. Pratt.

Co. E-1st Lieut. J. W. Maddox.

Co. A-2d Lieut. Wmn. B. Tooker, (now acting Regimental Quartermaster.)

Co. B-2d Lient. Samuel B. Taylor.

: Co. C-2d Lieut. Evorett C. Dunbar.

Co. D -- 2d Lient. Charles Il. Gaylord. Co. E-ed Lient. Ilerbert C. Baldwin. In haste, truly yours,

From the 17th Regiment.

ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA., April 29th, 1865. Editor Conn. War Record :

the most attention ; from the sea wall and the principal streets this building was plainly seen. and was indeed a splendid sight. It was highly spoken of and admired by all who snw it. The other buildings were beautifully illuminated, but this one excelled them all. Parties paraded the streets and sang patriotic songs, the Star Spangled Banner, America, and others, while eheer after cheer went np in front of residences where patriot- isin shone through the windows. Mr. Brinkerhoff was especially complimented by songs and cheers. Ladies assembled on the piazza of the Headquar- ters of the Christian Commission and sang national airs, which were reecived with grent ap- plause by the crowd standing under the mock- orange, date and magnolia trees in front. The day was with ns as with you, one of rejoicing, and the sword will be returned to its seal,bard-the booming of cannon will no more be heard nt the doors of our eities south of the Potomac-the

But alas! our joy over the receut victories had been turned to sorrow and mourning, npon hearing the news on the morning of the 24th, of the assassination of President Lincoln. Only nine days ago the people were rejoicing with great joy and exultation, with hearts so full of gratitude to Almighty Cod for His great good- ness, so recently manifested unto us, that it seem- ed impossible to express our gratitude to the ex- tent which we desired. Flags never waved in the breeze with such gracefulness and glory as on that day. The elonds of war seemed to break, and the sunshine of peace and future prosperity benmed npon ns nnd gladdened our hearts, filling them anew with patriotie fire and devotion to our country and its free institutions. All were impatient for the arrival of some transport thnt we might hear the full partienlars of the surren- der of Lec. Anxions eyes were looking seaward, when on the night of the 23d a schooner eame in siglit, and next morning crossed the bar, bearing the sad intelligence of the murder of our Chief Magistrate. What n contrast from nine days ago! All is quiet; every building seems a honse of mourning. People assemble in groups and talk almost in a whisper. The good old flag, the ensign of our nationality, floats noiselessly in tho breeze at half-mast, over the Fort, Hospital, and Plaza. Every one who has a spark of love for his country is a true mourner, and feels as if death had entered his own family circle. The tears are seen trickling down the cheeks of strong men in many instances, and the nation mourns the loss of a great and good man. Such a erime compels us to look back to the dark ages when such deeds were more cominon. But when a people like ours, educated to principles of human liberty, justice and religion, are compelled to record an act so atrocious, we stand aghast and wonder. What a name will be handed down to posterity, of these sympathizers and trensonable, outrageous, malicious gang of conspirators ! President Lincoln is now dead! but he will ever

At 2 o'clock we paraded on the Plaza, and there the official report of General Grant was read to the regiment. At 5 o'clock the band again appeared on the Plaza and played until dark, when a grand illumination took place in various parts of the city. Guards patroled the streets to keep order, nnd the next twenty-four hours were observed as a holiday by the regi- ment. Among the buildings illuminated were those of the Quartermaster, Convalescent Hospi- tal, residence of the U. S. Marshal, Mr. Reming- ton, Ileadquarters of the Christian Commission, and the residenee of Rev. Mr. Brinkerhoff. The latter place being conspienonsly located attracted | live in the heart and memory of every true Amer- ican, so long as the nation shall exist. When leaving his home for Washington, in 1861, he asked the people to pray for him; he felt that he must be governed by Divine injunction, and re- lied wholly upon a higher power for wisdom and aid. IFis last inaugural address, though brief, commended itself to the people for its firmness, truth nud wisdom. It was characteristic of the man, showing his keen perception and apprecia- tion of the issnes before the American people, and his ability to cope with them. His very affecting address to his friends and fellow eiti- zena, as he left Springfield, might here be repeat- ed, showing how fully he realized the responsibil- ity which rested upon him, but your readers have doubtless all read it, and I forbear.

Vegetables abound ; peas aro gone. There are why should we not rejoice ? The war is over ; indications of a heavy peach nnd orange erop here this season.

By courier from Jacksonville, on the 17th, Lieut. Colonel Wilcoxson's sword and belt were crack of the rifle will cease, and the life of our brought in, it hnving been sent in at thnt placo brother will not be taken because of rebellion, by a flag of truce. The Lient. Colonel's widow but all will be prosperous, and we shall have a nud Mrs. Enos Kellogg, left for the North on tho peace which will be lasting, and a nation undi- 25th, iu company with Lient. Edgar S. Wilcox- son, who goes home on a furlough. COSMOPOLITE.

vided.

1865.1

THE CONNECTCUT WAR RECORD.

507

From the 21st Regiment. CAMP 21ST CONN. VOLS., { Columbin, Va., May 15th, 1805.

EDITOR WAR RECORD :-

The calm and quiet, and monotony of the After a short stay at the Fort, the Brigade was sent off on another expedition to White Honse, Va., to establish a buse of supplies for Gen. Sheridan, who was then striking terror to the past winter, has suddenly been broken by events the most stupendous, yet the most welcome. The end has come. The blood of our fallen heroes is avenged. And now the crimson current has ; hearts of the inhabitants of Richmond and viciu- eeased to flow. Peace with extended 'wings hovers over our land. May she never more de. part from us.

Although our gallant little regiment has not been actively engaged in the closing battles of the past grand campaign, still it has performed the part assigned to it with its usual credit. And | when it triumphantly marched into Richmond. if we have lost the glory of losing half our num-i ber in late actions, we feel happy that those pre- [ first troops to enter the rebel capital. But we cious lives are spared to serve their country just as faithfully in some other manner.

Nothing of moment occurred to disturb the quiet of our eamp life during the months of Jan- uary and February. And we may well be thank- ful that we were not obliged to wade abont | spill. Its possession, however, scareely seemed n through that notorious Virginia mnd, which held

reality. It was like a great and sudden joy, in full sway the greater part of the time. The 4th [ which fact has overleaped imagination ; for we of March, however, found ns breaking camp with had thought the only path to that goal would be the rest of our brigade. We, however, were go- drenched with blood. But although scores of ing aboard transports, and the usunt camp rumors ; black-mouthed cannon grimly peered over mas- were rife as to our probable destination, and ; sive ramparts all along the road, yet they were silent. The hand to fire the match was wanting. The enemy had evidently fled in the greatest haste, as everything was left just as it stood. Guus all in position, magazines filled with am- munition, and a large number of tents gave the Quartermasters a grand opportunity of squaring svine of their accounts.

abont as far from the truth as nsual. Fort Mon- roe, however, was our first stopping place, where . we were joined by a small fleet of gunboats, and putting off again just at night of the 5th, our further progress was soon completely enveloped in darkness to those unacquainted with our or- ders. The next morning, however, revealed our destination. For we found ourselves well on our

way up the Rappahannock River, and Fredericks- fin Richmond, which was rather short. We were burg could be our only attraction in that part of | first encamped on a beautiful hill-side just on the the country. And at that place we arrived on outskirts of the city, and near the James river ; and from which a fine view of Richmond, Man- chester, and the surrounding country, might be obtained. Here it was that we received the news of the assassination of President Lincoln. It scemed so improbable, that at first we entirely discredited the report. But when the fact was fully substantiated, we were perfectly confounded. Men knew not what to say. But had they then been called into battle, the cry for quarter, I fear, would have been very poorly respected. In our sober reasoning, none of us believes that the act. But in the heat of the moment it was impos- sible not to associate the deed with those fighting the morning of the 7th of March. And a fami- liar spot it was to ns, the scene of our first battle, Dee. 13th, 1862. And as we wandered through those now sileut streets, that fearful scene more than two years before, was brought vividly to mind, and one looked towards those neighboring heights almost with the expectation of seeing them bristling with men and cannon. The town is but one of many sad illustrations of the devas. tation of war. Scarcely a house there but bore some mark of shot or shell. The greatest desti- tution prevailed among the inhabitants. One Southern people had any hand in that dastardly could scarcely pass through the town without being surrounded by a crowd of hungry women and children, begging piteously for something to against us, and for whose cause the blow was cat. But as our supplies had not come up, we' struck. And at first there seemed a hatred brood- could not help them. ing in cach man's heart which was fearful to be-

The object of our expedition was to break up [ hobl, and which would have required but slight an extensive and illicit traffic going on aeross the provocation to warin into a furious blaze, But lines. A large amount of supplies for the rebels ' happily, our glorious successes, the cessation of hostilities, and calm reficetion, seem to have erad.

was being continually sunggled across in ex- change for tobacco. A large quantity of the icated that feeling, and the guilt is very properly latter article which had just come up from Rich- Inid at the door where it belongs.

mond for the purpose of exchange, was captured : On the 28th of April, Col. Brown was ordered and destroyed by our forces. We remained but , to proceed with his regiment and a squadron of one day, "having accomplished the oljeet for cavalry, to Columbia, Va., u small village on the which we went there," and then returned to Fort James River, fifty six miles west of Richmond, to Monroe, carrying over five hundred boxes of tobac- establish a military post, protect the inhabitants of co, a number of confederate wagons and mules, and ; the country during; the inaction of the civil author-

ities, and to preserve quiet and order generally, especially among the negroes, who, under false notions of freedom, were leaving their plantations in large numbers, and rushing for Richmond, which they seemed to consider was to be the gar. den of Eden to them, where they would have no more work to do, but food, clothing and spending money would be freely given them out of the gen- erous pockets of Uncle Sam. Well, we all know Uncle Sam to be a very generous old fellow, and that he is "rich enough to give us all a farm." But whether he will do it or not, is a question open to discussion. These misguided creatures, however, seemed to feel perfectly certain that he would do so, and all along the road to Columbia, we met them by dozens, " trab'ling to glory." Our marching was done by easy stages, of 12 or 15 miles per day, so that with very little fatigue we reached Columbia on the Ist of May. And that is our present station. The regiment is somewhat divided, several companies being seat- tered about in different parts of the country, wbere troops are needed. Co's A, B, C, E, F, G, and I, are encamped in town. Co. D, Capt. A. M. Crane, is stationed at Palmyra, about fifteen miles north- west from here. Capt. Crane has been ap- pointed Provost Marshal of the sub-district of Fluvanna Co. Co. Il, Licut. Glazier in coumaud, is stationed at Bremo Bluff, about ten miles west from Columbia, on the James River. Co. K, Capt. Talcott, is at Goochland Court House, on the James River, about twenty miles distaut, in the direction of Richmond. Capt. Talcott is also Provost Marshal of the sub distriet of Gooch- land Co. Col. Brown occupies one of the inost pleasant locations in town, as his Headquarters, and from which one has a splendid view of the James River and surrounding country. His staff is composed of the following officers :

Capt. W. P. Long, 21st C. V., A. A. G. Capt. Chas. Fenton, 21st C. V., A. C. S.

Lieut. Ransom Jackson, Ist C. V., A. A. G. M.

We have communication generally twice a week with Richmond, by way of the James River and Kmiawha canal. One trip on a common canal bont requiring twenty-four hours. This mode of travel is extremely tedious to an enterprising Yaukce. But as it is all we have, we are obliged to submit.

The Provost Marshal's office here is continually crowded with applicants for parole, the oath of allegiance, and provisions for destitute people. This Department is one of the most arduous in the service, and requires a vast amount of good nature. It is a perfect school for patience. We find the male population, in profession at least, heartily glad to get back once more under the care and protection of the old Goverment. And all respectable citizens are taking the oath of allegi- ance A good many take the " oath with sugar in it" also, when it can be obtained. And it is won- derful what an amount of sickness prevails in the community, as soon as a new barrel of whiskey makes its appearance at the Commissary. It is really ninusing to see with what a relish some de- votee of the God " Spiritus Furmente," who has been deprived of his grog for so long, smacks his lips after " u drink," and declares he " haint tasted nothin' like that ere, for a twelve month."

The only opposition we find here is from the

about thirty rebel soldiers, surprised and captu- red in town. Among the latter was one of the most notorious scouts in the rebel service. We had come upon him entirely unawares.

ity, by one of his most successful raids. Here the regiment remained in camp for several days, un- til joined by Sheridan's cavalry, when it marched with them across the country to Deep Bottom, where we first started. Here the Brigade re- mained until the memorable morning of April 3d, Thus the 21st had the honor of being among the

cheerfully give the credit to those brave men, who, by their hard fighting at Petersburg, opened the door for us. We were content to be in Rich- mond; the goal of all our hopes and desires, and for which so much precious blood had been

Nothing of importance characterized our stay

508

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

JULY,

women. They are still a little rebellious. But. great gallantry, in which we lost over one hun- their spunk becomes them so well, that we don't dred men in killed and wounded. Lieut. Buell oppose it. However, they are like poor debtors ; was never wounded in battle though his belt-plate was broken to pieces by a ball. all they require is a little more time.

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 139

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