The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 55

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

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Aniny Corps. They are now on the Rapidan. No Connecticut regiment even of the first three the officers will wear the usnal badge of monn- ing for thirty days.

hundred thousand has suffered greater privations ! or greater loss in battle, and we record it with ' pride, their record is one of exalted and stainless ! honor. The letter from the Fourteenth, on page 164, written by a noble officer who did his part

each company, hnve been detaill for recruiting

GEN. BURNSIDE has made very urgent applica- tion to the War Department to restore the 8th, 10th, 11th. 15th, 16th and 21st Connecticut regi- ments to his command. Ile bas also earnestly requested Gov. Buckingham to second his appli. gallant General in North Carolina, and there learned to love and honor him, and to put perfect confidence in him. The 10th remained in North Carolina and the 8th, 11th and 16th were under him at South Mountain and Antietam. The Sth. 11th, 15th and 16th were in the winth corps at the battle of Fredericksburg. They would at his or- der have at any time carried St. Mary's heights. envions subordinates, that sad disaster has not weakened their confidence in him or diminished their enthusiastie affection.

Corps, as also the Twelfth and Thirteenth. It is ; Believing him to have been falsely denlt with by

The Twenty-first Infantry is now at Newbern, N. C. It is one of the finest regiments in the ser- York Herald -- is as follows : " Great praise is awar- I vice, and has exhibited recently coolness and stead- tiness when others seemed half frightened out their wits. A spirited and amusing account of recent experiences will be found among our correspon- dence. Col. A. HI. Dutton of the Twenty-first is appointed Chief of Staff to Gen. Peek, and Lieut. Col. Burpee is in commaud of the regiment.

COTEPLOTY

170

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[MARCHI,

HOME DEPARTMENT.

Onr State Militia. NUMBER FIVE.

We have in previous articles endeavored to show that our present militia system is unjust, unwise, and unpopular. Perhaps we have spent too much time and occupied too principle of honor and justice to provide much space in seeking to make this fact ap- ¡ some mode of compelling every citizen to parent. For, after all, the whole matter is contribute his fair proportion of the amount required to make the militia respectable and respected. in a nut-shell. The State, by its legislation on the subject, virtually concedes the im- portance of a State Militia, and then frames a law which eompels poor men to do all the work and bear all the pecuniary burdens,

Correspondents have suggested in these columns the propriety of ealling a meeting of the members and friends of the Connecti- and, as a compensation, permits them to cut Militia, to decide upon some plan of put- enjoy the inestimable privilege of protecting the persons and property of those who dodge their duty by paying an annual tax of one dollar !

ting these considerations prominently before the public. It is a wise and opportune sug- gestion. The people of Connecticut need information upon this important subject. No State has made more liberal appropria- tions to encourage enlistments in our volun-

Either any militia system is a transparent farce, unworthy of consuming the time of our liberal and learned legislators, or else teer army ; no State has more carefully or

more generously provided for the support of the families of her brave men who are meanness, We do not believe that this maintaining the honor of Connecticut and

the legislation of Connecticut on this sub- jeet has been characterized by incredible | illiberality has been deliberate and inten- tional. We cannot think that there has

the Union on the bloody battle field. An appeal to the justice and the common sense been a systematie design to render our Mili-|of the voters of the State, will not be in tia contemptible in the eyes of our citizens. vain. Such an appeal should be made, and The more charitable construction of the con-| made without delay. And the field and duct of the Legislature is, that they have: line officers of the Connecticut Militia, hav- ing the best means of knowing what the facts in the case really are, should assemble

aimed to frame military laws having abso- lutely nothing in view but the saving of expense to tax-payers. They have not [ at an early day, and make such representa- stopped to think that there were large and | tions of the present conditions and wants of inevitable expenses to be met by somebody. the Militia as will commend their eause to the intelligence and sense of justice of every It seems never to have occurred to them that these heavy pecuniary burdens were borne ' true and loyal son of Connecticut. by poor men. And, most strange of all, they ! We had intended to say something in this appear to have lost sight of the fact-staring article about the nature of the provisions re- everybody else in the face-that the sum quired to make our Militia what it should which they refuse to appropriate, because it be. These considerations must be reserved would fall too heavily on all the tax payers of for another artiele. MILITIA. the whole State, they expect to be raised and expended by a very sinall fraction of that For the Connecticut War Record. portion of our citizens who are least able to MR. EDITOR-I, with a great many others, have carefully perused the articles in the War Record, in regard to our Connecticut Militia. I think with the proper management a very effective mili- tin force might be raised. I like the plan of my meet these expenses. We ask any man, rich or poor, wise or ignorant, gentle or simple, if such a theory and practice as this are not monstrous? Such legislation is ci- friend S., in his correspondence of last month, to ther eulpably eareless, or it is sheer cow- ardiee.

Let the issue be fairly made and fairly met. If we need no militia system, let all legisla- tion on the subject eease, and all existing militia laws be repealed. If, on the other hand, the events of the past three years have abundantly demonstrated the imperative importance of raising and maintaining an effective militia, let such laws be enacted as

shall make equitable distribution of the ex- penses to be incurred. The fact that the debt of the State is already large and may be increased during the current year, is nothing to the purpose. The fact that some tax-payers may grumble at the addi- tional burden, is equally irrelevant. If we need a State militia, we are bound by every

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

MARCH, 1864.

** All communications should be addressed to "THE CON- NECTICUT WAR RECORD," New Haven, Conn.

We contend for the great inheritance of consti- tutional freedom transmitted from our revolution- ary fathers. We engage in the struggle forced upon ns, with sorrow, as against our misguided brethren, but with high heart and faith, as we war for that Union which our sainted Washington commended to our dearest affections,-Edward Everett.

The thorough and well written history of the Three Months' Volunteers is concluded in the present number. The other histories will rapidly follow.

The conclusion of the history of the 12th C. V., and also of the 18th, is unavoidably postpoued. A communication concerning the 28th C. V. is gratefully acknowledged. It was received too Inte for the present number.

We hasten to inform our subscribers in the city of New Haven of a recent discovery, which must also constitute an apology. The carrier was ae- customed to take from the bindery all the city circulation-within three or four days after the issue of each number. We supposed them all de- livered within that time. But meeting him in the street with a bundle of the February number of the War Record under his arm-three weeks af- ter its issue-led us to discover that the papers were taken from the bindery to a convenient place and distributed at his leisure. This arrange- ment, although so nent and convenient for him, we propose immediately to disturb by employing a new carrier for the next number.

If our subseribers hereafter fail to receive the War Record regularly we would thank them to leave word at the Office, No. 16 Exchange Build- ing, or at the bookstore of Horace C. Peck, suc- cessor to Peck, White & Peek.

THE AMERICAN CONFLICT, BY HORACE GADELEY. -We have just enjoyed some hours in examining specimen pages of this history of the Rebellion. It is printed in first-rate style and will give a fore- taste of the rare feast which awaits its future read- ers. It is not a mere history of the facts, but it will be a history of the progress of opinion before and during the war. It will combine factand philoso- phy.

"These pages are energetic, thorough and can- did, and evince that clearness, force, and appro. priateness of style which belong only to a mas- ter of the English language.

call a military convention and devise some means whereby it may be an inducement to every milita- ry subject to become a member. In a great many instances persons cannot afford to buy a uniform. I would suggest the propriety of having the State furnish the uniform of the privates, and if to ef- feet this it would be necessary to reduce their pay let it be reduced to ene dollar per day, and let the general muster in the fall continue at least two weeks. Very Respectfully Yours,

Ridgefield, Ct., Feb. 29, 1864. LIEUTENANT.

Capt. H. Atwater, Ist Cavalry, resigned Jan. 19, 1864; Chaplain H. S. Wayland, 7th Regt. resigned Jan. 7, 1864; 2d Lieut. Wm. G. Hawkins, 21st Regt., dismissed Jan. 20, 1864 ; Capt. B. F. Prouty, 6th C. V., resigned December 31, 1863; 2d Lieut. Philo B. Sherman, 2d Battery, resigded Jan. 13, 1804 ; Ist Lieut. L. L. Dyer, 14th C. V., dismissed Jan. 11, 1864; 2d Lieut. D. S. Coe, 7th Regt .. hon- orably discharged Jan. 25, 1864; Capt. S. II. Gray, 7th Regt., honorably discharged Jan. 27, 1864 ; Ist Lieut. J. C. Nichols, 6th Regt., honora- bly discharged Jan. SI, 1861; Ist Lieut. Jesse II. Lord, Ist Cavalry, honorably discharged Feb. 17, 1864; Capt. Charles E. Bulkley, Ist Artillery, died Feb. 13, 1864.

---

R MOIL

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

OUR STATE POINTS TO DEEDS, NOT ACRES.

JOHN M. MORRIS, Editor. HORACE C. PECK, Publisher.

NEW HAVEN, APRIL, 1864.

VOL. I. No. 9. $1 PER ANNUM, IN ADVANCE

GRUNDTIPE ENGRAVING.

land, had to work his way in life and rise in the world by dint of his own exertions. Fully convinced of the importance of self- reliance, added to a most commendable zeal, he began early to seek every opportunity of physical, moral and mental improvement. The writer of this knew him well from his boyhood and watched him with much inter- est as the promises of youth gave place to ripened manhood. Scarcely had he emerged from the narrow limits of the District School when we find him figuring in the village Ly- ceum -- a zealous, working, influential mem- ber, not a scholar, but a mere boy learning the humble trade of a tack-maker, yet eager to improve his mind by every means of in- tellectual culture in his power. From his seanty earnings he spent his " spare change " in the purchase of books, which formed the nneleus of a valuable select library. Nat- urally fond of reading and mostly self-taught, his leisure hours were spent in acquiring useful knowledge. Honest, industrious, con- fidling, affable in his manner, modest in his pretensions, ardent in his friendship, and identifying himself with every good work, he soon became a pattern for imitation and a leader among his companions. With such qualities of head and heart it need hardly be added that he had much influence among those in the same sphere of life, and won the confidence and esteem of all who knew him outside of that sphere.

For the Connecticut War Record. Colonel Charles L. Russell.

It is natural to dread the approach of death. The high and the low, the rich and the poor, under all circumstances, alike, shrink from the thought of dissolution. But in the abodes of peace the sorrowful lessons of mortallity are not read as we read them in the beginnings of a great and terrible war. The death of those who early fell in

Ile early displayed unusual fondness for military pursuits, and enlisted a private in a loss ef our Winthrop, our Lyon, and other company called the "Derby Blues," under victims who day by day were numbered the State organization, while yet in his teens. among the slain, and while the rebellion was. He soon rose to the rank of Captain, and developing its gigantie proportions and sor -! under his command the company became row sat heavy upon the countenances of all, one of the best drilled and disciplined in the the subject of this brief memoir fell a mar- . State. Military organizations at that time tyr to freedom, in the bloody battle on the , had fallen into disrepute and were generally Island of Roanoke.

¡looked upon with contempt by the people ;

Charles Lambert Russell was born in the but young Russell, with his characteristic town of Litebfield, Conn., July 25, 1828. zeal and earnestness, labored assiduously At a very early age be removed, with his for their improvement and perfection, and the present mighty struggle for the Union father, Samuel S. Russell, to the village of for his faithfulness and efficiency in military moved the national heart with emotions of peenliar sadness. It taught us the whole- some truth that the soldier of to-day, who lays down his life in preserving that glorious structure which a Washington lived to build, not only claims our grief, but incites our ad- Westville, in the town of New Haven. Here affairs he received the appointment of a he resided until he was twelve years old, regimental staff-officer, which position he when he moved to Derby, Conn., where het hell until the outbreak of the rebellion. remained until the Rebellion broke out and. During the heated campaign of 1860 he entered the army. Unblessed either with Capt. Russell was fully impressed that the a distinguished or wealthy parentage, young South would make war upon the Govern- miration. While we were mourning the | Russell, like most of the sons of New Eng- ment in case of the election of Mr. Lincoln.

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THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[APRIL,

In reply to the question what will be the |duced in his physical powers from undue ex- and shipwrecks and losses, our troops finally condition of things in 1864, he remarked to posure in the open field during the hot. weather. Ile felt keenly the disasters of Bull Run, but was justly sensible that his countrymen, in due time, would fasten the the writer, " before that day arrives this country will ron red with blood -- I see it- I believe it, and I tremble that the notes of preparation are not already sounding in our blame where it belonged. On his return home his " mind was ill at ease" while the ¡ dreadful strife and conflict were going on in the field. Ilis desire to aid in sustaining the ately, and before his health had sufficiently

ears." When the Inauguration ceremonies | of President Lincoln were threatened with violence and bloodshed he voluntarily agreed to be one of a company of sixty men, well ; Government was so strong that he immedi- organized, to proceed at once to Washington and protect the Capitol. He publicly ad- improved, commenced the raising of another

voeated and urged the measure, which showed his head and heart were in the right place,

volunteer company, which was soon joined to the Eighth regiment, then being formed in but subsequently abandoned the project for | New Haven. While occupying the post of want of sufficient encouragement. Ile is | Captain at this place the Governor tendered entitled to great eredit for the interest and him the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the Tenth anxiety which he manifested at this critical | Regiment, which was mustering at that time period for the safety of his government.

in Hartford. There was one serions obstacle

Captain Russell, though mild in his de- in the way of his transfer to the Tenth. portment and of peenliar gentleness of man- | The members of his company, so warmly at- ner, at the same time was possessed of attached to him, manifested much feeling and strong mind and an unflinching will. Hle anxiety at the thought of his leaving them, was not a political partisan, but an American 'and offered to make up from their own funds patriot, true to his principles as the needle is | the difference of pay between a Captain and to the pole, and being actuated by earnest a Lieutenant-Colonelcy, provided he would motives and high resolves it was the height of his ambition to do his whole duty faith- fully and energetically, wherever that dnty called him. He loved his country, was

remain in their company. Ile hesitated, and partially declined the offer of a Lieu- tenant-Coloneley, but finally a compromise was made by transferring his company from proud of her institutions and willing to test the Eighth to the Tenth. He was then the sincerity of his devotion to his Govern-fappointed Lieut. Colonel of the latter regi- ment in the most practical manner. Hence, ment, and shortly afterwards promoted to when the first gun was fired on the starving its Colonelcy. garrison of Sumter, causing that mighty up- This regiment was soon brought into a rising of the people of the North, he he-i- high state of perfection in drill and discipline. tated not a moment what course to pursue.

Colonel Russell, both by precept and example, Like Putnam of old he quit his hunble avo- [ labored hard to elevate the moral character cation and hastened to the work of raising of those under his command, teaching them troops to defend his imperiled country. The tine courage -- exhorting them to respect company which he formally commanded themselves at all times as men, and to ab- through his exertions enlisted and joined the stain from the many abuses so often practised Second Regiment under Col. Terry. Capt. : by the soldiers. Thus, his regiment, which Russell, from his well known ability and has since earned in the field the proud title Jong acquaintance with the militia of the of "the honored Tenth," before it was or- State, was commissioned Adjutant of this dered to leave the State was universally ad- regiment. Ilow well and heroically he per -; mired and acknowledged to be inferior to formed his duties in that brief but trying noue which had taken the field.

and inglorious campaign of ninety days the: At that time the famous expedition or fleet refused, saying such a question was not de- military records bear ample testimony. H. of seventy-two vessels, under General Barn- was in the engagement of Bull Run and ac- side, was being fitted out, to which the Con- quitted himself with honor, receiving from 'nectient Tenth was attached. The ninth off and rigid habits of temperance. It is worthy General Keyes, the commander of his divis- January, a day never to be forgotten in ion, a special commendation for his coolness. American annals, on a dark and foggy

whenever a favorable opportunity occurred. In the exercise of his discretion, he could

After his discharge from the ninety days' city as it proudly moved in martial array on generally do this with salutary effect, and service Adjutant Russell returned to his the bosom of the Atlantic. After a long without giving offense. In his diary, under work-shop in Derby, much dejected and re- land perilous voyage, amid storms and gales [ date of February 3, 1862, which shows the

landed and captured, on the 8th of Febru- ary, Roanoke Iland. The difficulties en- countered, the obstacles overcome, and the sufferings endured by the brave men under Gen. Burnside in forcing their way into Pam- lico Sound and along a dangerous coast dur- ing the most inclement season of the year, are already matters of history. In storming the entrenchments of the enemy the Con- neeticut Tenth bore a most conspicuous part. The Twenty-fifth Massachusetts Regiment forward the van. Column after column pressed in front of the hostile battery, and as their ranks were thinned out by the mur- derous fire of the rebels, who greatly out- numbered them, and they were compelled to fall back, the Connecticut Tenth occupied their position and for hours braved the "iron hail of death " which poured in upon them, so that their foes themselves even wondered and believed that instead of volunteers they were regular troops. Here it was that the noble Russell met his death. At the head of his regiment, knowing no fear, he bravely led his men, and in the very hour of victory his body was pierced by a rifle ball from a conecaled sharpshooter, and without nttering a word, a grom, or losing a single drop of blood, the gallant soldier expired, and bis comrades in arms bore him from the field.

Thus fell in the pride of his manhood the first Connecticut Colonel who volunteered his services in this terrible conflict between loyalty and treason. In vain may the eulo- gist search for traits of character more noble or more generous than those that adorned his useful life. Self-educated, against the corruptions of the day, in season and out of season, Colonel Russell endeavored to square his actions among his fellow men, by the striet golden rule of moral accountability.

One of his chief characteristics was his native honesty, and this seemed ever upper. most in his mind. On one occasion he was assigned in public debate the affirmative of the question, "Is falsehood justifiable under any circumstances ?" but he peremptorily batable.

Colonel Russell was proverbial for his fixed of record that he was one of the few milita ry officers who carried the force of his example and bravery on that occasion. It may here i morning, the expedition sailed for the coast in this respect into eamp, and made its intlu- be stated that no blame is attributed to jof North Carolina. Myriads on myriads ence felt upon the soldiers under his charge. either Connecticut officers or soldiers for of anxious hearts were lifted in earnest, hum- He never omitted to rebuke intemperance. any disgrace growing out of the defeat of ble prayer to our common Father, that Ile the Federal forces in that disastrous battle. | would guard and protect that little floating

1864.]

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

173

character of the man, it is written : " The principle, that " capital should own labor." ta river, at Trinity and Harrisonburgh, si- evening has been enlivened by very unbeeom-| No one that knew him ever doubted the sin- Ienced by Porter's gunboats. Pilatka, Fla., ing eondnet of some of our line officers and cerity or integrity of his motives, and after occupied by the Union forees. otliers, by drinking too freely of beer. I no- he volunteered, under many discourage- March 13. Evacuation of Indianola, Tex- as, by the Federals. tiee among their number, with regret, many ! ments, to enter the Union army, he became of our so-called temperance men. I am. a universal favorite. The goodness of his March 14. Capture of Fort DeRussey, La., by the expedition of Gen. A. J. Smith ; 322 men and ten guns captured. shocked and mortified at their example, and heart and the loftiness of his principles, were if the like is repeated, the offenders will hear too faintly acknowledged in life.

from me in a manner that will make them feel the foree of my opinion as well as posi- tion."

And thus it is, that complete justice is schlom rendered to the fiune of living merit. Thousands to-day whose deeds lie buried in

March 16. Occupation of Alexandria, En. Guerrilla eamps broken up near Ben- nett's Ferry, Tenn., by Gen. Hobson.

March 17. Successful raid of Gen. Gra- ham into Matthews and Gloucester Counties, Va.

March 21. Battle near Alexandria, La. Capture of 200 rebels and 4 guns, by Gen. A. J. Smith.

March 24. Surrender of Union City, Tenn., and 400 men, by Col. Hawkins, to the rebel General Forrest.

March 25. Gen. Forrest severely repulsed by Col. Hicks, at Paducah, Ky .; 300 rebels killed and 900 wounded.

March 28. Copperhead outbreak at Charleston, Coles Co., Ill.

March 29. Capture of a rebel signal party, by a portion of the crew of the Min- nesota, at the head of Chuckatuck Creek, Va.

For the Connecticut War Record. Review of Events.

NUMBER NINE.

For the Connecticut War Record. Record of Events. General Sherman's expedition into the heart of Mississippi, upon which the nation Feb. 14th. Rebel envalry repulsed at had based so many fond anticipations, re- turned to Vicksburg without seeming to have accomplished anything worthy of its

with more tenderness of feeling, or deeper solieitude as to the issues of the conflict. Mrs. Russell made the great sacrifice, which proved to be a final one, and in giving her husband to be a martyr to liberty and right, she gave her all.

Colonel Russell was not a great, but what the world ealls a good, man. Ile interested himself largely in the charitable institutions of the day. Ile was an active member of of his command, at Stevensville, Va.

rebel cavalry had been drawn away from him. inany and various moral organizations, and March 4. Return of Sherman's expedi- was ready, so far as his limited means would ; tion to Vicksburg. But from the absence of Smith, he must have inferred the prospective presence of Forrest. perniit, to forward any work of private or March 5. Enemy repulsed at Yazoo City, public benevolence that he thought would Miss., after a severe fight. If his ally should not come to help him, his antagonist would soon be there to attack in the least contribute to the happiness and March 6. Successful raid of Gen. Wistar welfare of his fellow beings. He was the to King's and Queen's Court House, Va. true friend and representative of the work-| him. Accordingly, after having penetrated to Meridian, one hundred and fifty miles Mareh 8. Shelling of Charleston, S. C. eastward, and having pushed the army of ing classes. He believed and maintained Enemy driven baek by the gunboats on the | Gen. Polk aeross the Tombigbee, he leisurely that with proper incentives to industry there Chowan river, above Plymouth, N. C. Skir- |retreated to Vieksburg.

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 55

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