The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 18

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

USA > Connecticut > The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865 > Part 18

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[OCTOBER

heard from men who had participated in Capt. Skinner's mortar battery. (3.)

the attack, one might see whole ranks of . Capt. Dennis' mortar battery. sun burnt, war worn men, officers and; Both these last batteries were, toward privates alike, sobbing and shedding the close of the siege, at the front, oeeu- tears like children; setting their teeth pying the fifth parallel.

firmly as they heard that their brethren in . In addition to these, the following nn- arms, deserted by their support, yet hold- , der command of officers from other regi- little more than the skeleton of a regi-

ing their position, had been shot down, ments were officered and manned chiefly half smiling through their grief, as they by our regiment. (4.) Lient. Holbrook's heard how their bravery and their suffer- battery, to which we furnished two re- ings had extorted tears of admiration liefs. (5.) Lieut. J. E. Wilson's battery, to from the heroic General who commanded. which we furnished two officers and them; how Gen. Strong met Lieut. Col. |three reliefs : and (6.) the Napoleon low- Rodman as he was carried wounded from itzer battery, which we manned half' the the field, and with tears running down time. Of the ramaining batteries the 3d his checks said: "God bless you, Col. | R. I. artillery manned five, the naval force Rodman, and God bless your brave bat- one, the 11th Me. one, the U. S. artillery talion, they deserved a better fate." And one, and the 3d N. Y. manned the Napo- from every side the wish was heard, "I: Icon half of the time. I am prevented wish we had been there. They would, from giving further particulars by the ex- not have been left without a support."

press orders of the General commanding,

Not less touching than this seene, was, that the number and enlibre of the guns it to visit, as I did a day or two subse- shall not be published. quently, our wounded men, and to observe It will of course be understood that membered that he had charge of a bat- with what gladness and pride they hear all the men and officers not employed tery in the siege of Fort Pulaski, and that of the manner in which their commander 'on the batteries were discharging other he was in command successfully of Ft. had greeted the tidings of their heroism important and laborious duties. The Clinch and Fort Marion, felt that the as- signment had been most wisely made. and their hope. They seemed to find, in ; Colonel was on duty in the trenches, the unstinted approval of their command- 'either as general oficer of the day, or as er, and in the sympathy of their fellow field officer of the trenches every three soldiers, a recompense for much of their | days. Major Sanford also was detached sufferings.

Immediately upon receiving thetidings of the action of the 11th, Col. Hawley went to the Headquarters of the depart- ment, earnestly soliciting that the re- mainder of the regiment might be al- lowed to join the four companies who were engaged in the labors and perils of the siege. The application was granted, and on the 24 Angust, orders were re- ecived that the regiment should at once repair to Morris Island. Accordingly on the 4th they renched Morris Island, and rejoined the battalion.

that the ancient fame of Connecticut should suffer from the record of the siege of Charleston. The 17th Conn. has formed a part of our forces, but their numbers are so reduced by their cam- paigns on the Potomne, as to leave them

ment.

I have said that the battery containing the 300 1b. Parrott Riffe was commanded by Capt. Gray of the 7th.

A word as to the assignment of this battery. As the gun was of a size al- most unparalleled, and as great results were anticipated from its use, mueh in- terest and emulation was felt as to the question to whom it should be given. Col. Turner, Chief of Artillery, expressed his intention to give it to the officer who exhibited by his management of the less important batteries, the greater promise of making the great gun efficient. When it was assigned to Capt. Gray, all who re-

It was at this battery that an accident occurred calculated to afford an answer to those who seek to exalt the "regular" troops at the expense of the volunteers, and to show that the value of your volun- teer army is enhanced by its being taken from every profession and calling in civil life. At the seventh fire, the 300 1b. rifle, in consequence of the premature explo- sion of a shell inside the gun, burst, at

shortly after our reaching the island, and put in charge of all the works and forces on the left, including all the boat pickets. This laborious and responsible duty he di-charged with great efficiency and fidelity. But why specify individuals ? It is enough to say, taking the whole regiment together, that no corps had alabout 19 inches from the muzzle. It was larger share in the labors and honors of | supposed of course that it was useless, the campaign than the 7th Conn. And when in addition we remember the gal- lant fight made on the night of the 11th Angust. by the 6th regiment. who held a position in the fort longer than any other corps, and who captured a stand of of throwing over his pretty pet toy so

and profound disappointment was felt, as great anticipations : had been formed of its efficiency, which had been fully justi- fied by the style of its shooting up to the accident. Bat Capt. Gray had no idea summarily. Himself an accomplished mechanie, and used to shaping large masses of metal. he determined to put the gun again into working order. Fnr- nished with snitable tools, he labored, or

The regiment immediately entered on colors from the enemy and the magnificent its share of the work of the siege. At performance of the Ist Conn. battery in first they took their turn in pieket and the fight on James Island on the 5th fatigue duty, but soon their nequaintance July, and the steadfastness and discipline. with heavy artillery caused them to be of the 10th Coun., honorably keeping detailed on batteries till no more remain- good the name won at Roanoke and : superintended the labor of others, till after ed to detail. The number detailed for Newborn, and the eapactiy and general- ¡some hours of continuons and hard toil, the rifling had been eut out, down as far back as the fracture extended. The gun was firedand was found not to fall short of its previons exeention. It was fired very duty in the batteries was four hundred ship exhibited by Gen. Terry, who has and three, which, with the details for commanded the United States forces on oarsmen, couriers, sharpshooters. sconts, this island since the 11th July, and by &e, used up the entire force of the regi- whom all of the dispositions for attack ment, leaving barely enough for a very have been made, and who previons to that jaeenrately and effectively against Sumter, mengre eamp gnard. Of fourteen bat- time made such disposition of his forces and against Ft. Wagner, until towards teries on this island, the following were on James Island as led to the repulse of the close of the bombardment of the lat- officered and manned by the 7th Coun. the enemy, numbering nearly twice our [ ter, when it burst finally beyond hope of (1.) Capt. Gray's 300 pdr. battery. (2.) force, there seems no occasion to fear ! repair.

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

1863.]

You will now understand that all this; After a variety of adventure at sea, we crossed Long Bridge and took cars for Frede- work, of manning batteries, standing arrived at our destination on the 22d of the rick, Md. ; remained at the latter place one guard in the trenches, and doing duty as same month. While the drafting was going day, and thence proceeded to Sandy Hook, sharpshooters, (for which we had about ; on, the battery was eneamped in the City, eneamping Oct. 2d at the east base of twenty men detailed,) was done under, Hall Park. From thence one section was Maryland Heights From this time it be- a continued rain of shell, from all the sur- sent to Troy, under charge of Lieut. Miles came a part of the Twelfth Corps, General rounding rebel works, and under the per- Gray, and the remainder was sent into camp Williams' Division. The exercises begun at petual buzz of rifle balls from the rebel at East New York. From this eamp a section | Arlington were resumed. Here, also, com- was sent to Kingston, Ulster County, under sharpshooters, who never suffered a head, a hand, or a shoulder to appear in sight without half a dozen shots. It is proper that I should reeord that we were, how- ever, spared from easualities to a degree that we could not have anticipated. We lost but three killed, and five wounded by the enemy's fire.

menced the experience of the men in outpost charge of Lieut. Philo B. Sherman, which re-' and patrol duty. On the 30th of October turned as soon as the draft had taken place the regiment again broke camp, spent two days along the western slope of Loudon in the districts in that vicinity. The section sent to Troy is now at Albany. It will return in a few days, and very soon there- after orders will doubtless be received for the battery to turn its attention from traitors in You have heard of the sneeess that has the rear to amned rebels in front. It is Il'eights, five up the banks of the Shenandoah, as far as Starry's Ford, and on the Sth of November encamped in Loudon Valley, two miles from Harper's Ferry. Here it remained on drill and picket duty until December 11th, attended our forees, of the reduction of gratifying to record that the services of none; when it marched by Leesburg and Fairfax of the troops sent North have been called ; Court House to the vicinity of Dumfries, into action.

Sumter, and of the occupation of Wag- ner and Gregg.

IIaving for the present achieved all that can be done on land, and all that was purposed for the land forees in the pres- ent campaign, we are compelled to await the Navy. And as often as we are ap- palled by the spectacle of palpable in- competency and fatal inaction, we real- ize how great was our loss, and the loss of the Republie, when that brave, virtu- ous son of Conneetieut, that "heaven descended " Admiral, died, and in vain we sigh, "Oh, for one hour of Foote!" DIXWELL.

For the Connecticut War Record. From the Second Conn. Light Battery. The battery since its organization has lost five men by death in hospital, six by deser- tion, fifteen have been discharged, and about the latter number are now sick in various hos- pitals. Its effective foree having been thus/ and arrived at Chancellorsville on the 30th. diminished, Lieut. Hotchkiss and Sergeant The 20th played its part in the contest that Chaffee have been detached for recruiting followed with the same spirit that had service, but with what success your corres- pondent is not at present advised. EAST NEW YORK, Sept. 19th, 1863. Since the date of my last communication, which was sent to the RECORD from Camp Barry, at Washington, the battery has again taken up its line of march, the column this time heading to the North. Disloyalty in characterized all its operations. Self-reliance, determination, and zeal for its own honor were exhibited, showing that the regiment UNION. could be relied on for efficient service, and For the Connecticut War Record. would justify the high expectation of its The Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers. friends. the great State of New York had once mani- fested its hideous proportions. Murder, rob- bery, and arson-all foulest crimes-stalked incarnate by broad daylight through the streets of the commercial metropolis of the Union. The government had been defied by Northern sympathizers with a godless The 20th Connecticut was first tested on the battle-field at Chancellorsville. It- pre- rebellion. But in the face of all factious protests, the Chief Magistrate of the Repub- lic stood firm and refused to be bullied by the Governor's "friends," or eajoled by the noisanee. It arrived at Washington, D. C., Governor himself, from the plain course of' on the 13th of September ; thence it marched his official duty. He announced that the | by way of Long Bridge to Arlington Heights, imity rendered proper some precautionary draft would take place, and detachments of Va., on the 17th. Here it remained twelve the army of the Potomac were placed at the disposal of the commander of the Depart- inent of the East. The battery was among

days, which time was diligently given to in- struetion in company and battalion exercises. Its progress was rapid-a fact complimentary the troops thus sent North, and we embarked | to the interest taken by the men and to the tact at. Alexandria for New York on the 16th of possessed by its chief commander, Col. Ross. last August.

While at Camp Barry we lost by death in hospital, Corporal Tyler W. Hartshorne. He had been sick since the battle of Gettys- burg, where by over-exertion and partial sun- stroke the foundation was laid for the disease

encamping again at Fairfax Station, Decem- ber 17th. Manual and field instructions, accompanied by constant service on picket, occupied the regiment until January 19th, 1863, when the movement known as the "mud marchi" commenced. The Twelfth which eventually carried him off. He was corps experienced its full share of the trials one of the best non-commissioned officers in the battery, and ever faithful in the discharge of his duties.

peculiar to that occasion. On the 23d the regiment encamped at Stafford Court House, and there spent the remaining winter and following spring until Gen. Hooker opened been inade for good conduct in the line of the campaign of '63. This period of four months had many features the regiment can

The following promotions have recently duty : Wm. J. Gould to be Sergeant ; David Williams, Herbert C. Beecher, George II. never forget. Picket-Drill-Corduroy -- Spall, Martin Mason, E. A. Holste, Win. II. these are expressive words, and need only to Hotelikiss, and Henry Hart, to be Corporals.

be mentioned to awaken vivid memories of our life at that point. When at last the season for active operations arrived, the Twelfth corps took the direction of Kelly's Ford, crossed the Rappahannock April 27th,

The First Division of the Twelfth corps was thrown into line early in the afternoon vious history fromn Sept. 11th, 1862, is a re-| of the 30th. Our advance had come upon eord of drills, marches, picketing and recon-| the enemy hastily entrenching himself near the Chancellor House. They retired upon our approach; but their immediate prox- arrangements. But no demonstrations were made, and about sundown each regiment moved to its place in the line along which Gen. Ilooker proposed to await further de- velopments. The next day was spent by both sides in feints and reconnoisance. Our On the 20th following, the regiment re-| forces generally were marshaled before noon

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[OCTOBER,

and took positions, but seemed to attempt for immediately at our left the entrenchments bent to the reir by nearly a right angle; on our right they ran obtusely to the front, crossed a ravine, and then angling more to nothing offensive. A slight artillery due! took place on the left front, of which the 20th boys were interested observers, lying exactly in range between the contending | the right, skirted the erest of a wooded ridge. batteries. No casualties befell them, nor Col. Wooster give the order to retire. The movement was well timed. The final result of the engagement was a great disappoint- ment to the 20th. They went in expecting suceess, and fought for it. The practical This ravine, of moderate width where our were their services put in demand. Towards i right company rested, attained greater bre ulth shortcoming of their own. The regiment is evening Gen. Hooker recalled his advance towards the left, and became an extended fruit of their earnest efforts was lost by no not disheartened. It looks forward calnily players, and they returned to their previous, valley. The intentions of the enemy were to other trials, confident of its resources and positions. These were hardly reg uined when not long in doubt. We saw them forming resolute. lively musketry broke forth on the left. All obliquely to our position down the valley. seized arms and stood ready. Slight firing Directly they moved, advancing towards the For the Connecticut War Record. Ninth Regiment. commenced also on our right, which soon woods outside oar left until the ravine was beeame confined to artillery practice. Dur- renehed, and then by flank movement pi-se.l NEW ORLEANS, La., Sept. 25th, 1863. ing this renewal of operations our portion ' along our front, intending to break through

of the line was advanced and a new position . where the breastwork traver-ed their course. little time in hopes of being able to send you

taken. Matters remained thus until the ; The 20th, duly cantioned, lay perfectly still morning of the 2d, when all hands fell to, while the column of gray-backs was measur- and began throwing up entrenchments. The ing its length opposite to us, and then at the want of suitable implements for this work ! word of command by Col. Wooster, rose up was felt, but bayonets took the place of and poured a deathly volley into their ranks. picks, eups and plates became the substitutes i Checked by this demonstration, they faced. for sliovels, and so in a few hours our defen-[and we receivel their return compliment. sive arrangements were complete. Toward- Firing at will succeeded, and for some time evening the First Division was drawn from there was lively work. But the rebel dis- the entrenchments and sent forward to feel the enemy on our front. We had not pro- eeeded far before sharp firing commenced on the extreme right-the position of the Eleventh Corps. This was Jackson's flank attack, which became so serions that our

| charges gradually slackened, and when the order for us to cease was carried out, a few scattering files hurrying down the valley were all of the foe that could be seen. Cheers broke frth and warm congratula- tions were exchanged. "No rebs ean cross reeonnoisance was recalled, though not before where the 20th holds possession." Ah ! as formerly-a portion doing guard duty in our advance had unmasked the enemy's loca- their ballets ean hit our men. Our triumph tion and ascertained his strength. We re-fis not withont sneritice. While we give care sumed our former place behind the entrench -; and sympathy to the wounded the enemy ments about dark. Considerable commotion ' has been planting a battery upon the oppo- was apparent on the right, but we knew not / site hill, and two or three significant messen- the state of things there. Twice during the !gers whizz past. He has the range. The night severe cannonaling indicatel a strug- fire is quickened, and soon his guns sweep gle progressing in that quarter. Soon after destructively along either flank and over the The weather here, in New Orleans, has midnight the 20th was ordered to a new ! whole space covering our rear. His shots been exceedingly warm, and without inter- position. The entrenchments to which weare mostly over the heads of the 20th, mission for some time baek, but is getting to be pleasant fall weather now. There have were sent had not the completeness of those though an occasional shell glances from tree constructed by our own hands. Col. Wooster or hillside and lunges against a manly forin. Ib en some idle rumors of yellow fever, ete., saw the necessity for work upon them. The Unfortunately the position of the battery hat I do not know of an authenticated case, night was wearing away, and the men, weary enfila led the section of entrenchments on and the health of the troops is generally by laek of previous rest, were reluctant to our left occupied by the Second Division. good. put forth new exertions. But a portion, In that direction every shot was effective. faithful at all hours, took hold, and before; The 20th kept its cover, expecting another morning dawned, had wronght a great im-'a-sault when shell and grape had been sut. provement in the defenses. As things turned, friendly employed. We saw ag in the form- this addition to the breastwork proved of ing of battle lines down the valley-the incalculable benefit.

alvance-anl nerved ourselves for another

Mr. EDITOR :-- I have been waiting some some information which might be interesting and perhaps some movement of the 9th regiment C. V. ; but since the fall of Vicks- burg and Port Hudson things have been somewhat quiet until within a few days past, during which we have been sending over quite a large force into the Teche country again, where the rebels are still holding on, and so back into Texas to the last ditch, (which, I suppose, means the French in Mexico.) A detachment from the 9th has been detailed to the expedition as a field sig- nal corps ; another detachment has been sent home in charge of confederate prisone:s. With these changes, the regiment remains the city and a portion doing outpost duty along the Mexican Golf and shores of Lake Borgne. We have about six hundred inen left of the original number, and have sent on to Connecticut a detail to receive the proper number of conscripts to make up the com- plement.

The Mississippi river is reported as open ; but it is an opening where there is a fine chance for improvement-every few miles some hornet nest firing nnawares into some loaded steamer, or some dastar lly incendiary [ firing the steamer at a whaif, or some pirate crew seizing such steamers as the Fox and the Leviathan, and running them into rebel ports. A considerable gunboat patrol, and army pickets here and there, will be requisite

May 3d opened with early movements by close struggle. But the enemy had tested the enemy. They took the aggressive, and, our mettle. Their designs this time were first appeared to our view in assault upon a directed to another point. The battery's battery occupying an eminence about five : raking fire had already cleared an entrance, hundred yards in advance of our front. and soon after the foe broke through far tolto keep it open in fact as well as name. All Eventually the battery and its supports re -; our rear. On the right of us also regiments these exhaust the main body, and hence the need of a large force in these departments. The rebels, well knowing this, keep up the tired within the entrenchments. This result were pressed back, and thus we became ex- left the 20th nearest to the enemy, should posed upon all sides. We were like to be they continue to advance from that point; completely cut off. Not till this erisis did Iguerrilla system, and every now and then

דוידי

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

1$$3.]

A few months ago Congress, in a spasm; lawn on which I am now sitting. The surf tunate minor outpost, blazoning it forth | of economy, abolished regimental bands and. rolls in here and leaves the little fiddlers all extra pay of musicians. The enthusiasm

swo op down and " gobble up " some unfor- through rebel sources via Richmond as a great rebel victory-generally leaving more federal dead on the field than the united strength of both parties remaining.

Oar Col. Cahill still remains military commandant of the city, being the senior Colonel in commission in this department, . while the Lieutenant Colonel and the Major remain with the regiment. The news is very meager, as we are not at liberty to make known our movements until the excitement has died away.

Yours, &e., F. F.

For the Connecticut War Record. The Connecticut Brigade.

It is to be regretted, perhaps, that Con- necticut regiments are not more largely asso- ciated, so as to write a combined record. The only brigade of Connecticut troops in the United States service is that commanded by Brig. Gen. Harland.

The 8th and the 11th C. V. have been in the same brigade since July, 1862. They were joined by the 16th C. V. on the day before the fierce fight at Antietam, Sept. 16th, and the three Connectieut regiments were joined by the 21st in Pleasant Valley, Md., about the 1st of October. The brigade was augmented about the 1st of December, at Falmouth, by the arrival of the 15th. We still, however, were obliged to endure the presence of the 4th R. I. in the brigade.

About the 1st of January the 21st and the 4th R. I. were transferred to another brigade, and from that time the Connecticut brigade has been constituted as it now is- including the 8th, 11th, 15th, and 16th regiments.

We are well satisfied with each other, and thoroughly satisfied with our brave and julicious commander, Gen. Harland. Our friendships are many, warm, and delightful, and we sincerely hope not to part from cach other or from our gallant and manly com- mandler while duty keeps ns in the field. The brigade is located at intervals on a mili- tary highway exten ling along and within the line of fortifications from the Suffolk to the Elizabeth City roads, which roads con- verge towards Portsmouth. The distance to Portsmouth varies from two and a half to four miles.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 18

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