The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 140

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

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Lieut. Jackson, our efficient Quartermaster, is run- ning his department with most commendable abil- ity, fully supplying our wants in the way of cloth. ing, de., while Capt. Fentou, our Commissary, is furnishing our stomach with the best that can be obtamed. We are wholly dependent upon him for the principal articles of diet, for Gen. Sberi- den swept the country clean. Mr. Editor-should you ever travel through this part of the country, you will not be obliged to ask twice if they re- member Sheridan. Even the babes will tell you of him. A small supply of eggs, butter and milk ean be obtained. As the season advances, how- ever, carly fruits and vegetables become quite plenty, so that we are even now feasting upon strawberries and cherries ; and green peas have onee or twice been served up at Headquarters.

Our friends at home, as well as we out here, I presume, are already counting the weeks, yes days, to clapse ere our term of service will expire. Here many are so positive as to predict that we shall be at home by the 4th of July. Well, we shall all be glad to celebrate that day with you, and it is possible we may ; but the least sanguine among us, would not advise you to lay in a large supply of fire crackers for our use, as it might be powder wasted. You will probably have dne warning before we do come, however.

Bnt the time eannot fly too rapily with us. We ycarn for your friendly greeting. Our long de- privation of home ties, only makes them the more dear to our hearts .. Welcome then, the day, when we may once more tread the soil of the noble "nutmeg State." 21ST.

OBITUARY.

Lieut. F. W. H. Buell

Licut. F. W. H. Bnell, the subject of this brief sketeh, was born in the town of Chatham, Conn., in the year 1840, and was the son of Ilon. Wm. G. Bnell, of that town. On the breaking out of the rebellion, he felt it his duty to aid in its sup- pression, and the spirit of true patriotism firing his breast-he, with several others of his young patriotie friends, offered themselves to their country, and in the month of August, 1862, en- rolled their names as defenders of right, truth and liberty.

Lient. Buell, was a young man of much prom- ise and worth-highly esteemed by nll who had the pleasure of his nequaintance-of good per- sonal appearance and noble bearing. On the 5th of September, he was mustered into the service of the United States, at Norwich, Ct., and soon after left for the seat of war-stopping a short time in Washington, Frederick City, Pleasant Valley and IInrper's Ferry, thenee marching down the valley to Fredericksburg. Lieut. Buell shared in all tho toils and dangers of the camp, And 'field, until after the investment of Peters- burg. The most severe engagements in which he participated, were at Drury's Bluff and Cold Har- bor. At both of these places. Mr. Buell behaved with great bravery. On the 16th of May, at Drury's Bluff, he, with the regiment, fought with

Lieut. Buell was married just before he left home, to Caroline Brown, daughter of Rev. Thos. G. Brown, of Chatham. He was an only son and greatly beloved by his parents and two sisters- and especially by his young wife. His sickness was of short duration, and terminated very sud- denly on the 4th of January, 1865, at Chapin's Farm, Va., highly esteemed by his fellow officers and soldiers. llis death was caused by conges- tive chills. Thus cuded the warfare of this Christian soldier, and we trust he has entered into his rest in Ileaveu-this is the consolation of his friends. May we all die as well prepared.

Sergt. Charles. H. Clock.

Died, at the U. S. Hospital, Beverly, N. J., Sept. 11, 1864, from the effects of a wound re- ceived iu a skirmish near Deep Bottom, on the 16th of August, Sergt. Charles II. Clock, Co. G, 10th Regt. C. V., aged 27 years.

Nearly three years previously, the deceased left his home in Darien, with the company and regi- ment to which he still belonged at the time of his death ; and probably very few of our citizen sol- diers have performed a more continuous or faith- ful serviee than he, during the war which has now saved the Republie. HIe bore a gallnnt part in nearly every important, battle in which his regiment-so noted for its high character- was engaged, from that of Roanoke Island to those of the last summer before Richmoud. At Kinston, N. C., he was wounded in the shoulder, and for a time disabled. For his meritorious con- duct while on Morris Island, under the hot fire of the enemy's batteries, he received from Gen. Gil- more a medal and certificate of honor; and he was among the first to enter Fort Wagner. During

finally caused his death, he exhibited no less of Christian fortitude than he had previously shown of soldierly courage. For several years he had Christ, with which he united while living in New Haven; and the hope which he cherished did not disappoint him in the hour of his departure. ITis friends hnve the assurance that he has entered on that "rest" which remaineth for every true sol- dier of the Lord.

Lieut. J. P. Henderson, 5th C. V.

Hle fell where I am sure he would wish to fall- on the field of battle. gallantly leading his com- mand against the enemies of his country.

Ilis loss was deeply felt. Ile was beloved and respected for his noble soldierlike bearing and fidelity. He had recently been promoted from Orderly Sergeant to Ist Lient., and recommended for Captain, His commission as Captain was afterwards received by the Colonel.

gallant and patriotic. When assured by me that his wound was mortal, and that he could not live but a few moments, he turned to me and said :- "Tell my mother I die like a soldier."

Except an ocasional expression of pain, these were his last words.

I have served as private in the same company with him as corporal-messed with him, marched with him, and been intimate with him more or less since the beginning of the war. Our asso- ciations have always been of the pleasantest char- acter. He had become endeared to me. I had learned to respect him nnd to love him, and now I am called to mourn him. Ilis family's loss is my loss-our loss is our country's loss. He lived nobly-nobly has he died. Ilis name is recorded on the roll of martyred heroes. Ilis memory is engraved iu the hearts of his companions-in-nrms.

May Ile in whose hauds are the destinies of in- dividuals and of nations, grant His consolation and support to the afflicted family in this their bereavement. A. J. G.

C. Wallace Woodford.

Died, at the home of his parents, in West Avon, Conn., Jan. 10th, 1865, C. Wallace Woodford, in consequence of barbarous treatment received at the bands of the rebels, while a prisoner.

Charles Wallace Woodford was born in Avon, Conn., April 15, 1842.

He was early instructed in the principles of virtue and piety, and at the age of sixteen united with the Congregational Church in his native town. He was of an amiable and gentle disposi- tion, very quiet and unpretending, and affable in muauners. At school he was a good scholar ; at home truthful and obedient. His abilities were of a no mean order, and were quite frequently employed in the exalted work of advancing Christian truths and knowledge among his friends aud associates. I remember onee hearing him the painful illness resulting from the wound which | address some fellow soldiers on the subject of the love of Christ. Ifis remarks on the occasion re- ferred to, were peculiarly eloquent. spirited and to the point, and his whole noble soul, seemed to " professed a good profession" in the church of be entirely absorbed in the beautiful theme.

In the summer of '62, after a prayerful consid- eration of the undertaking, he felt that his eoun- try called him, and voluntary enlisted on the 28th of July.

In the battle of Antietam, he was wounded by The funeral of Sergt. Clock was attended nt the a fragment of shell, but recovering soon after- wards, he rejoined his regiment, and shared with Congregational Church, Darien, on the 14th of his comrades, all the dangers and privations inci- September.

dent to a soldier's life.

With the brave, but unfortunate regiment, to which he belonged, he was taken prisoner, at the It was my sad privilege to stand beside Lieut. enpture of Plymouth, N. C., by the rebels, April Henderson, at the battle of Averysboro, March |20th, 1864, and was carried to Andersonville, Ga., 16th, 1865, when he was mortally wounded, and to receive his dying message.

where for several months he endured in comnon with thousands, the most painful destitution aud want.

Under all these circumstances of indescribable suffering and misery, he was remarkably patient, cheerful and hopeful, thus exemplifying in his manly, christian life, the power of a genuine faith in God.

From the " slanghter-pen" at Andersonville, where from ten to twelve thousand of our brave boys perished, he was removed to Florence, S. C.

He was generous, brave and goble-hearted ; I Here, if possible, the sufferings of the prisoners

1865.]

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

509

ceived the utmost care and attention. It soon became apparent that recovery was impossible. Ile lingered for three or four days in great suf- emn hour of his departure. became more aggravated and intense than they | pointed a member of the Color Guard, which dan- had been at Andersonville. The autumn rains gerous but honorable and responsible position he had set in, and the cold was frequently almost , held, in a manner highly ereditable to himself, un- unendurable. The men generally were without ; til a few weeks before his death, when he was fering, and bravely nerved himself for the sol- comfortable clothing; and food, also, was fright- promoted to be a Sergeant. fully searce and very poor in quality.

At the time he entered the army, he had never Death was claiming its victims at the rate of from twenty-five to thirty per day. made a public profession of religion, but the fol- lowing extracts from a letter written by himself Still hopeful he bore up nobly. Ilis strength was from above. Being destitute of shoes, his feet were frozen and about the middle of November little could be done to alleviate his sufferings, and he lingered along in great pain and misery, until December, when he was paroled and sent through to his mother, the June before he died, in reply to a letter which she had written to him on her fifty-sixth birth-day, exhibit his true character, was admitted to the hospital at that place. But , and leave no room to doubt respecting his piety. lle says: " When I left home, I resolved to my- self not to be led astray by the many tempta- tions with which one is surrounded in the army, to our lines. Ile only lived eight days after and I think thus far I have resisted them success reaching home.

During the last three or four days of his life he snfferd very much, and though he earnestly desired to depart and be at rest, he was willing to wait for God's time to come.

His last thoughts and expressions were full of nope and trust ia Christ. No clouds, no gloom and darkness eame between him and that dear Savior whom he had served so faithfully. His death was calm and peaceful.

Ile continues : " It is my greatest desire to be per- mitted to live to go home, that I may try and eancel in a degree, the deep debt of gratitude which I owe to all my friends, and to you in par- May God bless his grief-stricken relatives and friends, nnd give them grace to endure this great affliction with christian trust and submission. ticular, the dearest and best of mothers. I loug for the privilege of attending ehureh, which the ONE WHO KNEW AND LOVED HIM Sabbathis at home afford. Give me the opportu- nity again, and I am sure I should not fail to im- Sergt. Hubbard. prove it, and become a member of the church Sergt. Hubbard of Co. B, 16th Conn. Vols. was born in Guilford, Conn., May 17, 1811. when i should prove myself worthy to be oue." In answer to what his mother wrote concerning His parents John and Charlotte Ross Hubbard. being earnest Christians, he received a thorough religious training, the influences of which was her rapidly declining years, he says : " Your last letter produced serious thoughts in my mind. Although nearly threescore years of your life never lost upon his life. His boyhood was not have passed, and hoary hairs-the beauty of age unlike that of boys generally. Ile was remarka- - are thickly mingled with your once black locks, bly active, and always entered with enthusiasm into the sports and playful pursuits of youth.

At school, by his frankness and generosity, he won tho affection and esteem of his comrades. Until ho was fifteen, his educational pur- suits were greatly interrupted in winter, and in snmmer he did not attend school at all. Iu his; from home during kileu's and John's-(his young- fifteenth year, he attended the Guilford Institute, est brother and sister)-severe sickness, and too, where he continued several months, making fine progress, and acquitting himself with honor.

At nineteen he taught suecessfully a district school.

at a time, when I was suffering from cold, hun- ger, fatigue and privations, and realizing the fact that I was separated from home and dear friends perhaps forever. Indeed there were dark days to me, fearing for the worst and hoping for the best, as with trembling hand and tearful eye, I broke opel iny letters from home, and eagerly perusel their contents Earnestly I prayed to

associations, and he voluntarily entered his coun- try's service, and went forth in her defence. Ile ! piety ? But I must hasten to Braw this toaf Ac. 1. enlisted July 14th, 1502, as a private in Co. B. count of a Brave and faithful withher to A close 16th Regiment, C. V. Except a few who joined the service with him from his own town, he en- tered tho army a stranger, but by his manly to duty nnd obedience to orders, Foon won the esteem and affection of his fellow solders und with this terrible disease. He wasr avelen superiors.

qualities, his exemplary conduct, strict attention death, Sergeant Hubbard, while in Na jer isa contracted a disease called seratatous con- formace of his duties. was alles na ha! * * 'in. he was sent to a hospital at St Argue.

At Pleasant Valley, Md., he was promoted to be a Corporal in his company, and was ap-

Our Chaplain, a very godly man, was frequent- ly at his bedside. A few hours before his death, the Chaplain neked him what word he had for the loved ones at home. He replied: "Tell them that I die happy." Not long afterwards, he pass- ed to that glorious home prepared for the good, the holy and the pure. His remains were remo- ved to his home in Guilford, Conn., for burial. In his early death our regiment has lost one of its best members; our country one of its bravest and most faithful defenders. To his friends the loss is irreparable, but we trust that divine grace

Testament, and reflect on my youthful wayward- | has enabled them to bear patiently this severe affliction and trial. We all loved him, and feel deeply for the bereaved family. May God's bless- ing be with them.

ONE WHO KNEW AND LOVED HIMI.

Alvin Kenney.

On Oct. 14th, 1864, Alvin Kenney, of Company F, 15th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infan- try, died in hospital at Newbern, N. C., of yellow fever, aged 46 years. He was born in Guilford, Vt., in the year 1818. He possessed a clear, vig- orous, well informed mind, was animated and in- teresting, in conversation, and had at his com- mand a valuable fund of general information. His natural abilities were of a high order. Ilis judgment was accurate, his perception quick, his imagination vivid, his powers of reason strong and tenacious, his languare forcible and expres- sive. Ile was a good representative of the stur- dy, resolute and loyal sous of the "Green Moun- tain State."

No one could be more patriotic and self-sacri- ficing in their devotion to the government than Alvin Kenney. He had a warm sympathy for the injured and oppressed everywhere, a kindness und benevolence of heart which led him to fore- go his own corafort and sherifice his own temporal interest to relieve the distressed and restore the unfortunate. His benevolence of heart was en- listed in behalf of all classes, and was extended in noble magnanimity even to his enemies. I. E.

Eli D. Seeley.

From the first, he felt it his duty to go to the Died at Knight Hospital, New Haven, Sorgt. Eli D. Seeley, eldest son of Philander Seeley, of Newtown, Ct. Impelled by the purest patriot- ism, young Seeley was one of the first to respond to his country's call, and enlisted in the Wooster dear brother and sister, and I believemy prayers Gunrds of the Ist Regiment C. V., and was engaged in the battle of Bull Run. After his term of en- war, but was for several months dissuaded from doing so, by his friends and relatives, for whom he had the fondest attachment, but more especial- ly beeause of his parents, who were rapidly be. | God, if never before, that he would atne my coming quite aged and feeble. At length, his sense of duty to his country, triumphed over his were heard, and many more that have been sent filial affections, nod love for home and its dear up to the Heaver and Answerer of prayer." le Histment had expired, he again enlisted in Co. D,

not this the language of faith-od de p. earnest 7th Regiment C. V., under Capt. B. F. Skinner, was soon promoted to Sergeant, and had his life " lu on spared would have attained a higher position. In the truthe of Sept, and Og , INGS, the He was with the Regiment when it landed at diphtheria was raging to an alarmis : event in, Por: Boys, at the bombardment of Fort Pulaski, our regiment. A few mornin es pr st & to this the battle of James Island and Poentalige. Hav-

to Coth of Agit; on the 1st of J.w. a af ret to New Haven, where he ...... *il las death. He was fiin mld. . 1 1 ... .

duty, and medical arandaare was : procured. He grew worse very rape is solos removed to the regimental hospital. where le te prendre to do or die for his country, and you

fully. I have had great opportunity to read my

ness, and late perverseness, and now believe that 1 can live more in conformity to the law of God, and be happier in this world, and in the world to come."

yet I am sure that these years have been well spent, and hope and pray that you may be spared yet many years to comfort your children, and that a mmaerous posterity inny yet rise up around you to call you blesod." In the same letter he writes: "I often think of the letters received

510

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[Terx, 1865.]

wavered in his faith ; he possessel a cultivated mind and affectionate disposition, and would gen- erously share his last dollar with a less favored comrade. An extract of a letter written by him to oue his frends says: "I for one, have volun. tecred in this great and glorious cause, to help crush rebellion, to redeem from traitors, that ' dear old flag,' under whose broad and starry folds I have lived and heen protected from child- hood, and to sustain the best government the sun ever shone npon." For some time be hoped to reco- ver to live to see peace rightly re-tored. But after he found that God had ordered it otherwise, he was ready to meet his fate. A few moments before his death one of his friends, young Miller, ealled to see him, and said to his mother who was sit- ting by bim, you may well be proud of such a

Two of them have fallen. His brother, Still- man II. Keith, was wounded on one of our trans- ports while going from New Orleans to Alexan- dria, about the 224 of April, 1864, and died May Ist. He was declared by his Captain to be a good, brave and faithful soldier, alway ready for duty whatever the danger. Sergt. James Keitl:, was a man who had the respect and confidence of both officers and men. He was captured at Ply- son, for I do not think he has an enemy in the mouth, N. C., April last, and was carried to An-

world; I know he has none in the Regiment. - His younger brother, Jehn D. Seeley, is a veteran | exposures under which his constitution gave way

soldier of the Sth Regiment. The motto of both these noble men has been, The Glorious Old Flag shall never be trampled 'neath the feet of traitors.

His FRIEND.

James M. Keith.

ROANOKE ISLAND, N. C., Jan. 20th, 1865.

DEAR EDITOR :- Among the thousands who have died martyrs in their country's cause, in that ! The church has lost a noble and consistent chris- horrible and inhuron slaughter-pen, Anderson- ville, Ga., there are few, if any, whose death will be more deeply lamented by a large circle of rel- atives and friends, than that of our beloved that his life has been laid as a preeions offering brother and fellow soldier, James MI. Keith.

In the winter of 1851, he embraced religion, and united with the M. E. Church, in Manchester. Conn., since which time he has liveil a consist. f ent and devoted life, always taking an netive part in everything connected with the interests of the Church of Christ. He had gathered around him a large eirele of warm friends, who deeply mourn his loss. "But they sorrow not as those who have no hope. They know that their loss is his gain."

In the beginning of the war he felt the flame of pure patriotism within him, and joined a com- pany which was then forming for three months service, but was afterwards broken up on account of some disagreement abeut the election of offi- cers. Ilis love of country and his enrnost de-ire to aid in her defence, did not die out with the company. He felt that his country called for his services, and that she should have them. In the summer of '62, another company was being form- the r ed in his town, by Ethan E. Strong. James patr' Keith's name was one of the first that was curoll. ed, and he became active in helping to fill the 0 company with good and true men. He came out wards known as Company H, of the 1Ch Regi- ment Conn. Vols. A finer and more noble look -: for publiention. ing body of men probably never left the State than were those composing the 16th Regiment. When they left Hartford they were over one thousand strong. But alas, in a very few days after leaving their quiet homes they were put in the fierce and bloody battle of Antietam. Co. H, was the last upon that field. Its brave and gallant commander, Captain Barber, with many others, here heroically yielded up his life.

Corp. Keith enme forth nuinjured. Afterwards, while at Falmouth, Va., he was promoted to be sorgeant. Ile was not one who sought promo- tion, but he wonll have continued to receive it in all probability if he had remained with the com- pany. He was a pure patriot, and the eldest of five brothers, who have all been in the service of their country.

dersonville, Ga., where he suffered privations and and he died. But " although dead, he yet speak- eth." For the life and words of our brother still live in the hearts of the boys. He was one of those who lived their religion in camp as well as at home. I found his assistance invaluable in my capacity as Chaplain of the Regiment.

We shall hear his voice no more chanting the praises of God, until we meet him in better laud.

tian, the army a good and faithful soldier; his wife a tender and affectionate hustand. May she and all his friends find comfort in the thought upon the altar of liberty, while his soul has been taken to the mansions of "everlasting rest.'

CHARLES DIXON, Chaplain 16th C. V.

Geo. A. Winslow.

CAMP 13TH REGT. CONS. VOLS., { MARTINSBURG, VA., Nov. 30, 1864.

MESSRS. EDITORS :- At a meeting called by the members of Co. K, 13th Regt. C. V. a committee was appointed to draft resolutions on the death of our brother soldier, who was killed at the battle of Cedar Creek, fought on the 19th of October last. The following resolutions were nuanimous ly adopted :

WHEREAS, It has pleased God, in his all-wise Pro- vidence, to remove by death our much loved Brother, Sergt. Geo. A. Winslow, who has been a member of Co. K, 13th Regt. C. V., since its first org .ation, therefore-

Resole. at in the death of Sergt. George A.

Winslo: have lost a tried and faithful friend. at a brave soldier, the country a true al zealous defender.

ved, That while we deeply deplore our ss. our sympathies are especially extended e afflicted friends of the deceased.

&solred, That a copy of these resolutions be as corporal of this company, which was after. forwarded to the relatives of the deceased, also copies to the CONN, WAR RECORD, New Haven Pal- Indium and the New Haven Journal and Courier,

Ist Sergeant Herbert C. Ballwin, Sergt. Ben- nett W. Pierce, Corp. Frank O. Bristoll-Commit- tee on behalf of the Company.

Augustus Martensen.

Angustus Martensen was a native of the Duchy of Holstein in Northern Europe, where he was born of a good family, May 5th, 1821. His fa- ther was a military officer of high rank, and the son was trained to the same profession. Here-

ceived also a good education in other departments of knowledge, being master of several European Innggnages. Having been connected with the rev- olutionary movements of 1848 in Germany, he removed to this country after their failure, and here settled in the village of ferryvillo, Plymouth, where he found employment as a mechanic. But the call to arms on the breaking out of the re- bellion ronsed the spirit of a patriot soldier in Martensen, and he served the three months of the first. Connecticut regiments, being the first man enlisted from the town of his residence. This short term was not enough, but after a short abode at home he eulisted once more in the Con- necticut Battalion of the Harris Light Cavalry, a regiment chiefly raised in the State of New York. In this place he served so faithfully as to obtain a commission as Second Lieutenant, and in this capacity participated in the cavalry fight at Al- die, Va .. in June, 1863, and fell mortally wound- ed. He died June 17th, at the house of a Con- neeticut woman, who ministered to him kindly in his last agoales. His remains were brought homo, and interred with appropriate. religious services in Terryville, ou the 23d June, the same day on which the church with which his family wor- shiped received a new Pastor, Rev. Mr. Speneer. Mr. Martensen left a widow aud three young children to mourn his death.

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 140

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