The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 27

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 27

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).

ஃபெமி

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

1803.]

very favorably with the corporal's guard, hospital, except it may be one or two, or a few more, that gathered round onr are improving, and bid fair soon to be on colors a few months since. I would give duty again. Only six or seven of our you a list of promotions, &e., with this, mimber have died in nearly as many but as several are now on the way, and I ain in great haste, I will put it off till the next number.

Yours truly, s. F.

For the Connecticut War Record.

Nineteenth Regiment Conn. Volunteers. November 2d, 1863.

It is regretted that our regiment has been so dilatory in presenting itself for a place in your praise-worthy columns. Though late in this, it is now however on hand, armed and equipped, and hopes to be hereafter, and promptly, in place at your monthly roll-call, even though it be only to report itself still in the field ready for action.

This regiment is composed almost wholly of officers and men from Litch- field County. Coming thus from the same region it has nity of feeling in the A scene exciting the whole regiment, because the first of the kind in its midst, took place last week. One of our num- ber was drummed out of camp for de- with varied emotions, as upon the last local reputation to be maintained and promoted, and extensively a degree of brotherly feeling toward each other. Village and neighborhood events have many interested hearers, and letters to one are very much letters to others also. feeling adieu from a powerful and well- IIerein it is a happy regiment.

It is now garrisoning Forts Ellsworth, Williams and Worth-fortifications along the Fairfax road from Alexandria-and is brigaded with the First Connecticut Artillery. Herein, too, it is favored, that it is located next to, and is so intimately associated with a regiment, and one of the first, from our State. Several of onr officers, of which our present Colonel is one, were formerly of that regiment, and visits of officers and nien, of the two, are frequent.

Its present is a highly picturesque loca- tion. Each fort commands an extensive and varied prospect, taking in the Alex-

We are located on Arlington Heights, the former estate of Gen. Lee, our regiment gar- andria and Orange Railroad, with its risoning seven forts, viz .: Forts Ward, Gar -. frequent trains, and a broad expanse of country immediately surrounding; and also the Potomac and the heights along its Maryland shore. Seldom can a view so beautiful be found in Connecti- cut. And in another respect our loen- tion is desirable. It is deemed quite healthy, much more so than when near Fort Lyon, and consequently nearer the Potomae, and the low miasmatie lands along its banks below Alexandria.

they went to the first battle of Fredericks- burg.

Our regiment was mustered into the Uni- ted States service on the 22d of May, 1861, months. as the Fourth Connecticut Infantry, and left As it has never been called into action. it displays uo battle-worn banners, pre- sents no war-wounded soldiers, yet it does present brillianey of appearance, the State on the 10th of June for the seat of war, and after traversing Maryland from one end to the other nearly, we came across the Potomac and eneamped at the foot of the proficiency of drill, and a firm, resolute hill near Fort Richardson, on the 9th of Oe- purpose to do valiantly in the day of tober, 1861. We are now commanded by our new Colonel, our old one having resigned from some cause or other. When we got battle. And if its lately acquired skill in handling the spade and the pick is con- sidered, it is, as one has said, " a picked Col. Tyler everything was changed, as he regiment" beyond all dispute.

knew his business, and we have to thank him for what we are now. Never was a Colonel more beloved by his men. Yet he was strict-he had an eye like a hawk, and woe to the man who misbehaved himself while on duty. He could see any man who moved his hands on dress parade, and now

Col. Leverett W. Wessells resigned his position among us several weeks since, and Lt. Col. E. S. Kellogg has been promoted to the vaeaney, to the unbound- ed delight of officers and men. So mueli was this promotion desired by the pri- vates, that all but about thirty of those [and then he would call out, " You man there present for duty readily and anxiously petitioned for it.

in the ranks, keep your hands down!" Never did we feel the loss of an officer so much as we did when he left us to become Brigadier General.

We left Fort Richardson to go to the Peninsula on the 2d of April, 1862, and sertion. Intently was he watched, and after knocking about on the boats for two weeks, we landed at Cheeseman's Creek, about four miles from Yorktown, and then came the laborious task of getting batteries

booted sergeant he hastened with long strides through the ravines and over the into position. We worked night and day, hills. Beneficial upon the regiment must have been the impression of the lament- able occurrence.

For the Connecticut War Record. First Connectieut Heavy Artillery.

FORT BERRY, Va., Nov. 4th, 1863. EDITOR OF THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD :

CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD, and seeing noth- ing concerning our regiment in its columns, I thought I would write a few words.

and just as we had everything all ready the bird had flown. Oh, how angry the men were-all our work for nothing. Some of the men almost eried, they were so mad. We stayed around Yorktown about a week, and then went to White House, and marched from thence to Old Church in one of the hardest thunder storms I ever witnessed.

Dear Sir :- Being a subscriber to the The mud and rain was knee deep.

Our regiment was at Hanover Court House, but we did not have the good fortune to be in the fight, although we expected it every minute, as we were in line of battle. You must recollect that we were detached as infantry for a while, and thus we came to che, Blenker, Barnard, Berry, Richardson, be at Hanover Court House. I will tell you and Scott. We are divided into three bat- [ more about our regiment in your next num- talions, Maj. Hemingway commanding the ber. A VOLUNTEEN. first, Maj. Trumbull the second, and Maj. Cook the third. The regimental beadquar- Seventh Connecticut Volunteers. ters are at Fort Richardson ; the headquar- The following extract from a private letter of an Officer in the Seventh Con- ters of the first battalion at Fort Ward, com- manded by one of the best officers in the ineeticut Volunteers, has been kindly regiment-Maj. Hemingway. Maj. Trum- forwarded to ns by a friend. It breathes bull, who commands the second, is at present | that spirit of patient energy and deter- unfit for duty, being crippled by rheumatism. | mined purpose which prevails among the We have two companies of artillery out gallant troops of Gen. Gillmore, and at the front, companies B and M. They which makes certain their ultimate tri-

Though it recently had a somewhat lengthy sick-list, that list is now very much reduced ; and all at present in the | have been with the army almost a year, as i nmph.

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[NOVEMBER,

: "I suppose you wonder what we are; Two companies, G and K, were trans- ". I have only to say the act which I com- mitted, I did without the slightest malice, for half an hour's premeditation." After his hands were tied he fell upon his doing ou Morris Island, and why we formed into mounted Infantry, and skir- don't take Sumter and Charleston. Don't mished with their Sharp's rifles up to the blame us-we have accomplished wonders | very breast works of the entrenched eamp. already-we have cleared all the obstruc- Sinee our return an order has been read knees, and with uplifted hands, he re- peated, in audible tones. the Lord's Prayer-concluding with a petition to forgive and have merey ou his soul. He tions that stood in the way of the Navy. [ at dress-parade for company and squad and, having got to the end of our rope, drill from 9 to 11 A. M., and 1 to 3 P. we are waiting for the Navy. If the ; M., with dress-parade at 4, guard-mount. Navy cannot finish the work, then Gill- ing at 4.30, and retreat at 5. It is also prayed like a man but little acquainted more can, but it will take time, and men, 'ordered that the line officers recite to the | with prayer. He thought, until the last, and warlike appliances almost beyond commanding officer, and the non-com- conception.

inissioned officers to the line officers twice

that he would be reprieved. He was nearly sixty years of age, with long gray hair, and a very haughty and defiant mien. I was happy to see him hung, for I believe with all my heart that he was a contemptible traitor.

" We are not idle now. Morris Islandia week, each from Casey's taeties.

is a vast fortified camp, and its fortifica -! Capt. H. M. Hoyt is now in command tions are not for defense alone. Charles- ' of the regiment. ton, that wieked eity, lies at the merey| Thursday evening, (Oct. 22d.) about 6 of our big guns. We have Greek fire in 'o'clock, orders came to be ready to marchi The following orders from the War De- plenty. But it is a question whether it in light order within twenty minutes. partment were read at dress-parade, is worth while to destroy the city at a We went to the Fair Grounds near Nor- October 29th. distance of four miles, while we cannot folk, to help vindicate the laws in the Ist. All officers who remain away from their regiments beyond the period of their furloughs, shall be reduced to the pass even the intervening distance .: execution of Dr. David M. Wright, for Sumter is a heap of ruins, but it is com- the murder of Lieut. Sanborn. We re- manded by at least a hundred guns in a mained there in the field two days and ranks, to serve for three years.

dozen rebel batteries. When we rednee, nights, and returned to camp on Satur- Moultrie, and Beauregard, and Johnson, Iday night. The citizens offered no resist-

and Bec, we can ocenpy Suinter. Ilave; ance. The Doctor himself, however, unteers, is found guilty of manslaughter no fears for Charleston, it will be cap- tured in time."

THE CONNECTICUT BRIGADE,

Our Connecticut Brigade still remains of the daughters, while she took his as last month at Portsmouth, except . place in bed and put on his boots. the Eleventh Regiment. The Eleventh, ; about the first of October, were ordered nized and overtaken about fifty yards to Gloucester Point, and still remain from the jail. He was too tall (being there-although they have been hoping nearly six feet) to pass for his daughter for and daily expecting orders to return A carriage was waiting for him just ont- to Portsmouth.

The prevailing impression is that the effort at resistance, merely saying that , to be Sergeants.

side the city limits. The Doctor made no Brigade will remain at Portsmonth for "desperate means are excusable under the winter. There are many rumors desperate circumstances." of orders to move southward, to Texas The eveention took place at the time and other places, cirenlating among the and place appointed.

regiments, but they are entitled to no credit.

On the ground, drawn up in hollow square, were the Eighth Connectient

We venture to insert the following from a private letter written to us on Saturday, at evening :

"Another week's close is near, and

The digging is pretty nearly comple ted. Volunteers, Col. Ward; Fifteenth Con- even now darkens around us. Over on and the troops are now constructing com- nectiem, Col. Upham: Fourth Rhode Company D's side of the street, some of fortable winter quarters. "Should you Hand. Col. Buffum : Seventh Massachu- the men are singing a foreign air that is make us a visit," writes a friend, "you setts Battery, Regan's, and Gen. Barnes really melodious. In the tent next me, would find that the forests of time have and Staff. Just outside the front the 'some one is reading from the Herald the disappeared, being now transformed into Second North Carolina (colored) stood voluminous correspondence on the battles unique houses to which the men point in line. The cortege was composed of near Catletts and Bristoe Station, and its with great satisfaction."

the One Hundred and Eighteenth New wise editorials. One tent mate sits with York, carriages and hearse, and Twenty. me, and we are both writing.

For the Conncetient War Record. Eighth Connecticut Volunteers. PORTSMOUTH, VA .. 1

first Connectiont Volunteers. On ar- " To-morrow is Sunday-Sundays are riving these two regiments formed with- lonesome now. When our excellent October Soth, 1565. 5 in the square, and the Provost Guard Chaplain was here we had the feeling of Six companies of the Eighth Comee- were stationed at the foot of the scaffold. expectation and realization also, unless ticut Volunteers left camp on the 12th Dr. Wright exhibited great nerve and circumstances intervened to prevent, in of October, and took part in an expedi self-composure, but no repentance or con- a mutual gathering, and services sacred, tion into Dismal Swamp to break up a trition. rendezvous of guerrillas.

at least, to some. At the sentfold he simply remarked, " But this we outlive-Time bears us

2d. Private Edward Dougherty of Company G, Fifteenth Connecticut Vol-

made one attempt to escape. On the in the second degree for shooting Cor- poral Franeis D. Baker of Company F,

night previons to the execution, his two

danghters and another lady visited him Fifteenth Connecticut Volunteers, while and dressed him in the clothing of one ! doing his duty as corporal of the guard. Ile is dishonorably discharged from the service, and hereby forfeits all pay He got past the guard but was recog- and emoluments which may have been dne. Ile is hereby ordered under guard to the Penitentiary at Albany, there to serve at hard labor for life.

Private Stephen Hodges and George II. Theker of Company H, are promoted CO. F.

Eighth Connecticut Volunteers.

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

1863.]

right on. God upholds and strengthens by his presence, and each day diminishes our period of service. The boys now

Portsmouth the possibilities and capa-

o'clock in the morning, and four o'clock bilities of drin and fife, and how much found us on the road again. We reached musie they can produce when in the South Mills before twelve, where we continually remark, 'we shall see home hands of a good corps. It was for some halted for a few hours ; and then were in less than one year,' or, 'in less than time at least, our farewell to Portsmouth. joined by a detachment from the Fifth eleven months.' It seems to us but a

Sabbath morning we landed at Glou- Pennsylvania Cavalry, and three of the short time compared with what we have | cester Point, opposite Yorktown. A five companies from the Fifteenth Con- served. If we should continue in this Department time will fly rapidly. force started from that place upon a raid necticut Volunteers, which are now sta- into Matthews County the next day, and tioned at South Mills. Two companies "The digging is nearly finished in this line of defense. The recruits added greatly to the working capacity of our Regiment. There is a rumor of a third line of defense, but I give it no eredit. though we had been ordered here for the express purpose of joining in it, yet most of the Regiment failed to partici- pate, and not from any fault of ours. Now that it is all over, we have no sharp from the Eighth were furnished with horses, and accompanied the Cavalry from the " Mills." We left that place about three o'clock in the afternoon, and " Commodions guard-quarters are be- gun, but not yet completed. The sides have been set up and the brick drawn for the chimney, and there is now a rest from the work. marching about eight miles, halted for regret at any seemingly neglect of us, 'the night, making a distance of abont twenty-six miles that day. The object of the expedition was to surprise and capture, if possible, a camp of "Bush- whackers and Conseript Catchers," re- ported to be quartered in the swamp, a

" Dogs daily multiply, much to the amusement of the Regiment, but little to its real comfort or merit.

" The siek men are diminishing in num- ber, and I am glad to feel that the worst of the siekly season is past.

"I look with inexpressible interest and anxiety upon our armies in Tennessee, at Charleston, and on the Rapidan. Charleston is daily revealing giant ob- stacles to be overcome. I hope for vic- tory on all sides. I believe that we have strength enough at these places to sue- eced-but none to lose-none to expose to useless risk.

" But sueeess or defeat, I shall ae- knowledge wiser and mighter powers headquarters of Cornwallis, and are now than man, and trust to them for final victory."

For the Connecticut War Record. Eleventh Connecticut Volunteers, GLOUCESTER POINT, VA., October 31st, 1863. 5

York Cavalry which were coming np II. S. DE F. from Newbern, and thus escaped. It The indisposition of your correspond- ent, must shorten the communication For the Connecticut War Record. From the Fifteenth Conn. Volunteers. PORTSMOUTH, V.A., October, 17th, 1863. 5 ANOTHER RAID INTO SECESS1.A. from the Eleventh, for this month. seems they had been informed of the coming of the force from below, but did not know of the approach of our men. Saturday, the third of October, we moved from our position in the rear of Portsmouth, and pitched tents near the Old Navy Yard at Gosport. A move iu The muster-roll found in the camp show- ed abont sixty-five men belonging to the band. The Third New York, when they A part of the Connecticut Brigade has met our own men, did not at first rocog- that direction we had been expecting for been on a small raid into North Carolina. nize them; and, thinking them to be some days, and we were to exchange, as Five companies of the Fifteenth Con- rebels; were about charging on them, we supposed, our work on fortifications neeticut Volunteers, with six companies but discovered their error in time to for Provost Duty, in either Portsmouth of the Eighth, left the camp near Ports- prevent any damage. We started on . or Norfolk. But army expectations are mouth, on Monday, October 12th, be- four return Thursday morning, and halt- full apt to be delusive. It was hardly dark that Saturday evening, and some could still see to work on our new camp, tween two and three o'clock, P. M., and ing at South Mills left the companies marching to Deep Creek, were joined by that joined us there, also the horses a considerable force of Cavalry from the ; which the Infantry rode, and arrived when an order came putting us on board Eleventh Pennsylvania. We continued back in camp before twelve o'clock Fri- our march for nearly five miles beyond day noon, marching twenty miles that forenoon, and making the entire trip of 3 ?

a transport that very evening. At mid- night we moved, and our drum corps

Yet we were not entirely unrepresented. Lieut. Kraszynskie, with twenty-five men, served as sharpshooters on board the Smith Briggs, and had their full share of incident and adventure. The affair was snecessful, and afterwards few miles farther on.

pieketing, drillings, service in Yorktown, and much besides, have well filled up our time.

Early on Wednesday morning the Cay- alry and mounted Infantry started for- ward, while the remainder of the Infant- Expecting to go back almost every day, we have still continued here, cach new night finding us in our customary positions, and now we are hoping to stay. The remainder of our baggage has ry, having left pickets behind on the road, the night before, and thrown out some on the roads around their tempo- rary camp, lay as a reserve, till the ad- vance should be heard from. The boys come up, which we were long in want left in camp foraged a plenty of geese, of. We have now just moved from the turkeys, chickens and sweet potatoes ; plain, not less bleak because historic, while those on pieket got what they having been the camp ground of Wash-could. We were in a country belonging ington seventy-two years ago, and in full to neither party, but lying between the view of the famous Nelson House, the Union and Confederate lines.

A part of the Cavalry returned that establishing ourselves in Fort Keyes, a night and brought news of the result of work of a good deal of strength and the expedition, which was the destrue- compass, built by the rebels.

tion of the rebel eamp, and the capture Perhaps we may remain here for a of eight or uine prisoners. The remain- little, and I may tell you what we are der were out looking for the Third New doing, as well as where we are.

Deep Creek, when we halted for the showed the lately sleeping citizens ofi night. The reveille aroused ns at two about seventy miles (exclusive of the

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[NOVEMBER,

advance made by the Cavalry, some ten fare not inseparably connected) we are sol- | bons commanding, New Orleans, La., Sept. 16th, or twelve miles) in a little less than four days.

The Battalion of Infantry was under command of Capt. Hoyt, of the Eighth | Now, at the first briga le drill, the superiority

Conneetient Volunteers, and the whole of our men in appearance, and their skill in expedition under Col. Upham of the executing military manceuvers was so palpa- Fifteenth.

We are all snug in eamp again, with compliment them upon it highly. The other a few sore feet by which to remember the march.

Yours truly, 15TH C. V.

For the Connecticut War Record. From the Sixteenth Regiment. CAMP 16TH CONN. VOLS,

NEAR PORTSMOUTH, Va., Nov. 5th, 1803. EDITORS CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD :

Pray incline your ear to the sounds of our camp-'tis not the drum, 'tis not the musket you hear, but the rasping, grating drawl of the saw, the blow of the hammer, the dull plentiful food with which the companies are but those who are Copperheads and see a flaw in everything out here, or those who turn of the augur, the noise of filfing boards. | provided. Nor know I of any grumblers One would be inclined to believe himself in the center of an infant colony out West, in- stead of a warlike eamp. Everybody is expect to have home comforts and other un- building a house unto himself. Everybody reasonable things in the field, or those who has been to the West Branch, where a stont grumble for the luxury of grumbling, and rebel bridge sretcheil its weary length, and enjoy it the more the worse they can make loosened the heavy planks and rafted them their ease. Still the number of these is small. down to eamp and builds a house of them. Some few have used the pine shake- or slats We are in excellent health. In fact there is not a serious ease of illness in the regi- But buildings are springing up with mar-iment at present. There are the usaal num- so characteristic of this part of Virginia. velous rapidity. Many of the companies have erected huge barns, with roaring fire-places at one end, and tables and benches, in which they meet at meal times and take their rations in a Christian manner, viz. : a com-

ber of boils, sore toes, stiff neeks, bruises, al to members of the regiment should be directed as few sore legs remaining over from the penin- The Tenth Regiment is now probably at St. Au- gustine. They have been sent to that point, de- lightful and salubrious at this season of the year, to obtain rest from their long and tedious toil, and to regain the health and strength which they have so heroically expended for the common welfare. The post office address need not at present be changed. sular march, and some malarious fevers. But nothing else. So our Surgeon has little | work. Jeannot but observe, however, that fortable place and good company. By-the -; he might spend his spare time to more advan- tage in study than in attending to his attire, which generally is altogether too fopish for

by, speaking of rations, I am happy to say that onions and potatoes, and a kind of pickled cabbage, have been allowed to the men in ad-, camp life. dition to their other food. Better lite than ! The boys are beginning to look forward to never. These artieles would have been of the monthly apearanee of the WAR RECORD incalculable service to us in September, but, with great eagerness, and it will soon be an official red tape could not take cognizance of institution of eamp life.

the diseases then scourging us until they had passed away; and now, when the cow ha- been stolen, they are very eager to lock the stable. It is a pity that diseases are not forced to pass through the regular channels, and be approved of at brigade and division ; headquarters ere they can take hold of ns. There would be a chance then of having Richardson, Va., Oct. SJ, 1863.

With kind greetings, I am yours truly, HORSE JOUN.

REGIMENTAL,

Locations of Connecticut Regiments.

FROM THE OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS.

Fire Artillery, Col. Henry L. Abbott, Fort Fifth Regiment, Col. Warren W. Packer, De- cherd, Tem , Oct. Ith, 1863. Sixth Regiment, Lient. Col. Redfield Duryee

Seventh Regiment, Col. Joseph R. Hawley, Mor. ris I-land, S. C .. Oet. 5th, 1-63.

Eighth Regiment, Col. J. E. Ward, Portsmouth, less magnitude, and now mubers about six hun-

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 27

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