The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 47

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

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Enclosed you will find a list of the killed and captured.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully,

your obedient servant,

J. S. OTIS, Colonel Commanding.

Killed.

Co. I-William C. Burns. Prisoners. memory is a precious legacy.

Co. A-John F. Sheppard, Geo. II. Seward. Co. B-Corp. Edward H. Risley ; privates San- ford D. Parker, Thaddens W. Post.

Co. C-John Hollister.

Co. D-James Reid, Douglas Owen.

Co E-Themas Bryan, Wm. Davis. Co. F-Alexander Bruto, Moril B. Chesley, Henry F. Champlin.

Co. G-James A. Whaley, Win. A. Wood.

Co. H-AAndrew Johnson, Win. HI. Jolmson, Jolm C. Labor. Co. I-Wm. S Chamberlain, Jas. II. Burns. Co. K-George Barton.

In Memoriam.

A Way-Mark,

IREN EUS P. WOODMAN of Bethel, Conn., a pri -! The U. S. rendezvous at Fair Haven, was, on vate in Company C, 17th Regiment Connecticut Friday, January 29th, the scene of an event very THE DEAD OF THE 23D C. V .- SPECIAL NOTICE. - , Volunteers, died at Brooks' Station, Va., May unique, vet characteristic of to-day, and as such it We call particular attention to the following notice . 19th, 1863, from a wound in the breast received tinds a fitting place in our columns.

seventeen days before in the battle of Chancel. The colored soldiers of the 29th and 30th C. V. : lorsville. He was born at Flatbush. L. 1., Jan. , were addressed by the colored orator, Frederick 20th, 1816, but removed to Bethel, Coun., with : Donglass.

service in Louisiana. Those who wish to obtain ; his parents when about ten years of age. He ! The soldiers were drawn up beneath the large these bodies, or have their graves plainly re- was hopefully converted to Christ in 1858, and in garrison flag in front of the officers' headquarters. marked, should at once address Mr. Taylor. i 1862 joined the Congregational Church in Bethel. . Mr. Douglass stood in full view upon a sort of rude i From that the he shrank from no duty. He ; balcony of the officers' quarters. He is a large, never exensed himself from any call. However well-formed and dignified man, and is, without humble his offering he did not refuse to bring it, question, one of the finest orators of the country. 1st Sergt. Aaron O. Scribner, Co. E; Corporal A. L. Monlthrop, Co. F; Corporal Henry L. Dex- ; offer himself as one of her defenders. His parents eloquent, but it was clear in statement-packed When his country was in danger he wished to His speech was brief, not rhetorically brilliant or , were reluctant to give their consent beenuse of with sound sense -- exactly suited to the occasion his youth and immature physical strength. until ; and the audience -- made powerful and effective by

dnty. Ile would not go without their permission; . lle said to the negro soldiers, " You are pio- and they soon felt it would be wrong to withhold ineers of the liberty of your race. With the it. They consented, and he went forth with their , United States cap on your head, the United States blessing.

engle on your belt, the United States musket on your shoulder, not all the powers of darkness can

esteem and affection of his offieci , and comrades. prevent yon from becoming American citizens. Ile was actuated by the perest patriotism ; he [ And not for yourselves alone are you marshaled- he said, " If 1 die, I hope to be killed in battle, 1 four millions of the colored race in this country. do not wish to die ia a hospital from sickness." | If you rise and flourish, we shall rise and flourish. In a letter to his father a few days before the 'If von win freedom and citizenship, we shall share battle, he said, "We are now to leave our log ; your freedom and citizenship."

Again, he says, "There is a difference between

rally we may be equal to the white man; in fact,

Were we to utter in a single sentence the ; we are not equal to the white man. The white whole story of his life, we should say, " He has ' man is superior in knowledge and in skill. done what he could." Ile laid his lite an offering , " Who spans yonder stream with a firm bridge ? upon the altar of his country, and most precious The white man.

Who plans and builds yonder was the gift. It is through the , irrifires of such ' ships to balance perfectly in the water and stand noble victims we are reaching victory and honor. the storms of the ocean ? The white man. Who able peace. May God speed the day when we ' makes your caps ? The whites. Who your coats ? shall enjoy them !

The whites. Who makes your guns and bayo- niets ? The whites. We have not the knowledge and the skill of the whites. We have not had the advantages which they have had. But we are capable of learning whatever they know-what- . ever they have done we can do. But this is yet sides. Let us resolve to know and do as much as the white man.

" Some of you complain that you are command- ed by white officers. I should like to see you com- inanded by black officers. But the color makes 'little difference. Now I am, on the whole, glad that you are at first to be commanded by white officers, because I want you to be led by the very best officers. You would not yet have so much confidence in a colored officer as you have in a white officer. I should not. We have not had the opportunities to learn. Be content, therefore. for the present, and LEARN. Obey orders : be cleanly : guard your morais; take care of your health : do your duty always, at any cost, with- out a murmur. The future is yours."

The views of this intelligent and well-educated colored mnn, are well worth pondering. We may clearly see whither we are tending.

The orator was greeted at the close with three rousing, hearty cheers. The speech had a power- ful effect on the colored men. 'They understand. or think they understand, well the meaning of what they are doing. It is a momentous hour : ened their parpose to write on this conflict a his- torie record which shall command respect and win for the colored race that high privilege -- Ameri- can citizenship ..

The whole affair was, to a white observer, very characteristic and suggestive.

'The feelings and purposes of the colored sol- diers, indeed all the cireminstances of the event. are worthy of the careful consideration of every

There are from four to five hundred letters, be- longing to members of the nine months regiments. at the Adjutant General's office in Hartford. If. American citizen.

any member of these regiments has failed to re- ceive letters of value which were sent to him, he .

A man named Tucker enlisted in New Haven re- would do well to look among these for the miss- i cently who has been 7 years in the navy, and was iog epistles.

on the San Jacinto at the thine of the Trent affair.

DANIEL L. SMirn of Bethel, Conn., a Corporal in !! Company A. 5th Regiment Connecticut Volun. teers, was killed in the charge at the battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9th, 1962.

Ile was born at. Bethel, Conn. April 24th, 1839. 31st, at the age of 71. Ile was a soldier in the | and lived in his native place most of the tane until . to be done. Let us acquire knowledge from all he enlisted into the army, in answer to the call of his country.

ile was hopefully converted to Christ and joined the Congregational Church in Bethel, in the year 1858. Ile continued a consistent mein ber of this Church untd God called him I. aer to himself on high. He was an officer in the sunday School, and a young man much beloved by all who knew him.

When the call of his country came, he felt that it was his duty to go forth lo do battle for liberty. Ile came to see his Pastor aral made Known his feelings to him, and asked thit prayer might. bo offered in his behalf. During If's soldier-life his conduct was without reproach. He was faithful to every duty, and made it & poist to always lo present at the prayer meetings and other religious. services held in the regiment. He was detailed .' for a time as a recruiting officer, i ut returned to the regiment a short time Infore the batthy in which he lost his life. He was married a short time after his enlistment, and his young wife still lives to mouru her early widow hood. His hoy is deeply felt in the community where he lived.

But we mourn not as those without hope. Ils ; with them. This speech renewed and strength-

" Oh ! if there be on th's carthlv sphere A boon, an offering Heaven holds ilear. "Tis the last libation Liberty draws From the heart that bleeds and breaks in her cause !'' K. C. D.

Ilis conduct as a soldier was such as to win the

huts for different quarters ; some, perhaps, will

find a home under the sod. Per iny part I ama natural equality and actual equality-between willing. if necessary, to give up my life for the theoretical equality and practical equality. Natu- sake of victory."

year, and if it is their wish I will put up new head- | forgot self in love of country. When he left home ' yon are pioneers-on you depends the destiny of

JOSEPH TAYLOR.

148

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[FEBRUARY,

HOME DEPARTMENT.

Our State Militia. NUMBER FOUT ..

We have already considered very briefly some of the leading objections against raising proper military condition a company formed a militia force by drafting. In this article | of volunteers who have associated together we shall attempt to give some of the reasons from natural and mutual preference, than a company elected by an arbitrary power, without regard to these considerations of which lead us to believe that such a militia as the State needs, can best be raised by volunteering. Indeed, we are prepared to say that no other possible mode of procuring and making permanent an effective and reli- able militia force ean be devised.

In the first place, experience has shown that our' militia companies are organized to some extent on the principle of good fellow- ship. A few men who know each other thoroughly, and whose tastes and babits are i mast rely for an effective militia force on the similar, form the nucleus of a company, and i volunteer system. add to their number other men of like tastes! It remains to be considered what meas- and habits. They agree upon a company : ures shall be adopted by legislative action to name, they elect their officers, and are duly , till ap the ranks of the militia. This inquiry incorporated into the State Militia. The must be reserved for a future article. armory of a company so formed is not only MILITIA. a place where men are exercised in the manual and in military movements, but is also a place of social meeting. flere friend- What Shall be Done ? ships are made and continued, and a certain

Esprit de Corps is created and fostered. It is hardly possible to exaggerate the influence which is thus exercised in keeping up a bond of union between men so associated. Nor is this community of feeling and interest an element which should be slighted. It tends : directly and positively to increase the spirit

Elitor Conn. War Record:

I have been interested in the views about the existing militia law, which have been expressed of late in your excellent paper by " Militia." It seems to mne that no one can read those articles without being satisfied that it is a mere farce to continue such a militia system as now prevails in Connecticut. state pride, patriotism, ordinary self-interest. all forbid that a law so unjust and and efficiency of the company. The men . unreasonable should remain upon our statute so united soon come to have a pride in the ; books.

company to which they belong. They are ! I have good reason to believe that the officers careful to admit only those who will innin- of the State militia heartily agree with " Mili- tain the reputation of the corps. They are | jealous of the honor and military position of

tia" in the statements which he has made and the opinions which he has expressed. And now I want something practical to result from the attention the company. A generous rivalry is created ) which has been called to tho subject. Why can- between this company and the other com -; not the field and line officers of the Connce- panies of the same regiment. Properly en. ticut militia meet at some convenient time and place and agree upon some plan to be presented 'to the next. Legislature ? Why cannot they give their united and unequivocal testimony to the in- couraged, the same feeling would pervade the whole regiment as a regiment It is not difficult to understand how this principle justice and impolicy of the existing military law ? carried out through the State would be pro- 'It certainly seems proper that they should take duetive of the best results.

the initiative in this matter. To be sure, their which every patriotic and loyal son of Connecti. jeut should feel about a subject which so nearly concerns the honor and well-being of the State. But after all, it will perhaps be expected that

Hoping that without any delay some action of this sort may be decided upon, I am, Yours truly, J. I ..

Bridgeport, Feb. 1st, 1864.

A Convention Proposed.

Mn. EpiTon :- I have had the pleasure of perus- ing the communications in your January number, regarding the State Militia. I am gratined to learn that there is an interest felt in the organiza- tion of an effective militia system.

It must be evident to every thinking mind that the time has arrived when something must be done to encourage a militia organization which will be something besides a laughing stock for idle spectators at general musters. And there is nothing wanting to secure the desired result but the united and hearty cooperation of the friends kindred tastes and feelings. And while it "of the State militia in devising some plan that our State Legislature will sanction at its next session.

The reasons set forth in your Merideu corres- pondence must be of sufficient force to convince the property owners of the State that it is their duty as well as interest to aid those who are will- ing to spend time in learning the duties of a soldier. *

In order that something may be accomplished, and that those in favor of a more thorough mili- tia system may have the advantage of each other's counsel, I would suggest the propriety of calling a inilitary convention previous to the meeting of the Legislature, for the purpose of perfecting a plan which will be suited to the wants of the State.

Let a general invitation be issued by some of our militia officers to all who are in favor of mak- ing our State militia something that may be relied upon. Truly yours, S.

Ridgefield, Conn., Jan. 25th, 1864.

A Few Words from a Private.

MR. EDITOR :- To show the injustice of the pres- ent law, I wish to say that those who made it must have forgotten the difference between the rent of armories in the city and in the country. The State allows one hundred dollars a year for rent of armory. In any of our large cities a room for such a purpose cannot be hired for less than two hundred dollars a year, while in small country towns a room of proper size will cost less than a hundred dollars a year. I know one instance where a militia company in a small town pays only seventy five dollars a year for their armory. What remains from the one hundred dollars paid by the State, is enough to pay their armorer and some other small expenses. Now, is there any justice in such a law as this? City companies are always more expensive to the members, because, as the members live nearer together, they are more often called out to parades, receptions, de. And cach time that a company is called for such an occasion, there is a considerable expenditure of money besides the loss of time. If there is avy reason why a system should be continued which allows a country company to make money out of th' payment from the State, and compels a city company to lose at least a hundred dollars a year, we can't see it. And isn't the simple statement of such practical injustice sufficient to show that the present law works very unfairly ?

It ought to be understood that our militia com- panies are holding on in the hope that the next Legislature will pass such a luiw as is loudly called for. If the present law is continued. I wouldn't give much for the militia force of Con- necticut at the end of another year.

CONNECTICUT.

Hartford, January, 1864.

On the other hand, if our militia force is 'real interest in the question is only the interest to be filled by a draft, and companies are to! be formed by arbitrary division, all the benefits to be derived from a voluntary as- sociation will be lost. Men combined in members of the militia, understanding better companies without any common sympathy, than others the practical operation of the law, or any natural commimity of feeling, meet- i should be the first to ask for wiser and sounder legislation.

ing only once a week for drill and discipline, and meeting then, simply because they are compelled to assemble in the same place, will never have that sentiment of friendship

and good fellowship which is so necessary to the success of a militia company.

The second argument in favor of volunteer companies is an immediate and inevitable inference from the first. It will be vastly more easy to hold together and maintain in

is undenbtedly true, that military regula- tions when established ought to be strictly enforced, it is equally true that unreasonable and impolitic rules should not be adopted. We think, then, in view of these considera- tions, and many others which might be urged if there were time and space, that we

149

THE CONNECTICUT WIR RECORD.

1804. ]

An Organized Militia.

ing the requisite arins and equipments from the' umns that are to move to swift and splendid The value of a well organized militia is abun. " State. He will, as soon as companies are properly triumph.

dautly sliown by the splendid record of the seve. | organized, provide instruction for officers and inen | The pen hastens with prend delight to record ral militia companies of this State and other concerning the mechanism of the riffe, the theory the return and reception of of the flight of projectiles, and all other informa- THE SEVENTH REGIMIENT. tion necessary to successful rifle practice. It is States. Had the militia of all the States been enconraged by proper legislative action, as they were in Massachusetts, and the organization kept justly expected that all who are interested in a The Seventh well nigh took the people of New Haven by surprise. The regiment was at New York alinost as soon as they knew it to be on up as in that State, no one can doubt that troops ' militia organization which is worthy the State, will would have been ponred forward at the first call'co-operate earnestly and heartily.

in snel numbers as at once to have overwhelmed the forces of the incipient rebellion. Perhaps had the militia been thus organized, the leading men of the South might not have dared to enter on the path of secession and war.

These remarks are suggested by the praisewor- thy history of the Einmet Guards of New Haven. HARTFORD, Jan. 22, 186-1. The organization of this excellent company was | Commander-in-Chief, to the duty of recruiting and maintained under peenliar discouragements and diffienlties, and well has it proved its worth.

Under its auspices three full companies have been recruited and sent into the war, besides many volunteers have gone singly from its ranks into other companies.

Appended is a list of members of the New Ha. ven Emmet Guards who have become Officers in the United States service:

Former Rank. Name. Present, Reg. Pres. Rank. made as follows :

Captain Thos. W Cabill, 9th, Col. Com. Bng.

2d Lieut. M. McCarten, 9 h.

Patrick Maher 2 th, Major. Captain.

Comm'sgary. M. A. Williams, 9th,

Pioneer Jolin Carroll, 9th, Ist Lieutenant.

Ord. Serg. J. P. Hennessy, 9 h. Captain- died

Serg. John Shaw, 2d Lieutenant.

Corporal T. Sheridan, 9th, Captain.

F. Mckeon, 9th, 1st Lieutenant.

cth. Capt. & Pro. J. Captaia.

Private L. O'brien, John G. Healy, John J. Kealy, 941h,

John Murphy, 21th, 1st Lieutenant.

Jas Lawlor, 9th,

F. H. Gallagher, 9'h,

Jas Grogan, 24th,

Jas. Derwin,+ 24th,

Serg Major. Ord. Serg.

*Commanded his Company during the siege of Fort Hudson.

The Connecticut Rifle Corps.

Every one interested in the organization of the militia must have watched with peculiar interest the organization of a rifle corps in New Jersey by Col. Wm. S. Rowland. Between the first of July and January he enrolled, in that State, fifty com- panies, of one hundred men eachi.

" A rifle practice range " has been provided for each regiment or brigade, and the men are thor- oughly drilled in target practice at ranges from one hundred to a thousand yards.

A system of prizes has been established, and thus regiment is brought into competition with regiment, company with company, and individual with individual. It is proposed also that there be challenges from the rifle corps of one State to those of others, and thus selected champions contest for the palin of skill and accuracy.

This rifle practice will prove fascinating sport. It will also prepare the people to spring at once to crush the small beginnings of any revolt which may threaten our nation. Hundreds of millions of money, and hundreds of thousands of priceless lives would have been saved had such a corps been organized and sustained a few years ago.

will be forwarded from this office.

W.M. S. ROWLAND, Col. Comd'g Corps.

Our Veterans. NUMBER TWO.

The pleasintest episode of our War Record is the visit of our splendid veterans to their homes. i body etyjoyed the din.

Col. Rowland has been commissioned by the Governor to organize a volunteer riffe corps in our State. Ile proposes to fill up and reorganize the every loyal heart. They are enjoying themselves to the fall and doing the great cause good service existing skeleton regiments in our State. The ex- isting companies will thus form a nucleus and he will assist in filling them up at once, and in procur- | ranks and will go back to swell the heavy col- jing: -

Companies consisting of 1 Captain, 1st Lieuten- ant, 2d Lient, 5 Sergeants, 8 Corporals, and not less than fifty nor more than eighty three privates. The Corps will be armed with Rifles and equipped ; Merwin, and was formed in the following order : - The escort was under command of Lieut. Col. by the State ; the uniform will be designated here. after, the cost of which will not exceed fifteen dollars.

Police. Band. Horse Guards. Company from Hospital, Capt. Remington. Invalid Corps, Lieut. Col. Speidel. Band. Governor's Foot Gnards. Major General Russel and Staff. Grays. Veteran Grays. City Guard. National Blues. Company from Col. and Com. Institute. Light Guards. Citizens' Cavaleade. Steam Fire Department.

As soon as companies are enrolled, organized, armed and equipped, the commissioned and non- commissioned officers will receive instruction in the school of Musketry, under competent instrue- | tors, should they so desire. It is intended to lo- cate, in each Regimental District of the State o " Rifle Practice Range," where the men shall by practice become expert in the use of their aims. A system of prizes will be adopted, similar to that i of the British Volunteer Rifle Corps, which will be awarded to Regiments, Companies and individuals, 1 contests for which will take place each year. It is . the desire of His Excellency, the Governor, to ob .! tain from the people a military corps that shall be : second, in point of intelligence, drill and disci. ! pline, to none other. It is, therefore, mix deter.' mination to inspire, if possible, the same spirit! among the young men of a State whose historical ' record must be the peculiar pride of her -ous. It The events of the past and present should lead ; every citizen to adopt as his mosto, " Semper Par."

Residences and stores along the route were taste fully decorated-the stars and stripes floated every where - and seeming almost instinct with afus." To this end I shall endeavor to elevate the the spirit of the hour, waved mute but grand morale of the militia service to the highest possible welcome. A thousand miniatures of the broad standard, devoting my whole time and energy, re- i national ensign in fair hands and in tins hands, lying on the people of Connecticut for that support ' which the importance of the case demands. waved lively and patriotie greeting. A sweet and Applications to raise companies in pursuance of graceful little goddess of liberty, eight years of this order must be made to these Headquarters in age, at the residence of Dr. Skiff, made many a writing, accompanied by the written endorsement | sturdy soldier heart beat. quicker with pride and of three or more citizens of the town or county in . which the applicant may reside. Muster lolls

pleasure. The streets swarmed with an enger, vociferons crowd. Every window displayed an astonishing number of faces, all lively, good.na- tured and intent to do honor to the returning braves. Cheers, blessings, boisterous and hearty recognitions blended with the roar of eannon and merry bells, never before so noisy, -to form a bewillering tamnit of joyous sounds. And every

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 47

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