The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 58

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

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ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla., March 20, 1864. MR. EDITOR-Since my last communication, our : will remember when I last wrote we were eon-

Since we have muu the machine, many matters which were previously wrapped in mystery are now plain as day. For instance, on our way down here and during our stay at Fernandina, everybody was lond in praise of this place, and the great abundance of not only the necessaries but luxuries of life, which could be procured at reasonable rates; but when we got here, we found that our hotel table was only furnished with the barest necessaries, and that often with difficulty, while some officers of other regiments, in private boarding-houses, were living in the greatest Inxury. You sce, on certain days trading was allowed across the lines. On these occasions the produec of the surrounding country was brought in, and bought up by those having aceess or the necessary authority, and then distributed according to the judgment of the provost marshal ; which was so one-sided that our officers at one time were asked one dollar per dozen for eggs, when at the same time they were brought to our lines in large quantities and sold at mere nominal prices; so much so, that one favored individual took twelve dozer. to his own cheek, while we were blaming the paverty of the place.

We are now living in comparative luxury, and having knicknacks which we had long since forgot. Some of our officers even have thrifty looking hens and roosters stalking about their tent doors. Altogether, we are about as favorably situated now as we have ever been, and are not slow to appreciate our condition.

Our numbers are now so small that it takes nearly every second man daily to do the duty, which has been reduced as much as possible, to correspond with our numbers. We. however, take every opportunity to make ourselves familiar with the use of the big guns in the fort, and have already gained some knowledge in gunnery.

It is now spring here. Roses have for some time been in full bloom ; peach trees have been in flower all winter, and the trees would now be all dressed in green, but for a very cold snap which we had abont ten days ago. However, the trees are now pushing out again, and the black, frost- bilten leaves will soon be concealed by the new dress.

Yours, OPTICU'S.

For the Connecticut War Record. The Second Connecticut Artillery.

· February 29, 1864.

The last Record stated that this regiment needed two companies (three hundred men) to fill it to the maximin ; but before that statement reached the public the men were all enlisted and the regi- ment eighteen hundred strong. In about sixty days better than eleven hundred were added to our number-a success in recruiting probaldy un- equaled, of late, in any part of the country. With full ranks we are now marching onward and upward in proficiency with encouraging rapidity, determined ant to be excelled by any regiment in hours daily officers and men are hard at work tilling-one and a half in the morning, and two each A. M. and P. M.

Imagine the Twelfth, with nearly six hundred men, again transformed from Oar veteran volunteers, in company with those of the Twenty-fourth Muss. Vols, left here Feb- ruary 18th. Next day an order eame for the bal- ! the service, regular or volunteer. Five and a half arve of the regiment to pack up and be ready to proceed to a point on the St. John's river. This the mud of New Theria to the paved streets of New Orleans; the rusty old clothes in which we have always appeared in the field, giving place to new dress order was afterward countermanded, and the rem. ! This brigade, consisting of the First and Second suits, and men better appareled think tant of the Twenty-fourth Regiment has since ! Conn. Art., was reviewed by Gov. Buckingham, better of themselves. Although their gone to Jacksonville, which has left the Tenth in [ on the plain near Fort Worth, Thursday, 11th bed is not the best. being the hard, cold ground under the cotton sheds, yet now the intense and disagreeable cold of the Bolu connanod of this place. Yes, Mr. Editor, we inst. After the review he expressed a desire of taking each man by the hand, in testimony of his appreciation of the soldier's services, but as this was impracticable. the regiments each formed in hollow symares to receive him. Even these, how- how ron this machine. Colonel Otis commands the post, und Colonel Leggett commands the fort : and we al-o furnish n provost marshal, a post first weeks of the month has given place : quartermaster, and n post adjutant, besides any lever, were too large for him to address, so a bow

Col. Colburn, although detached from gratulating ourselves upon the quiet and security of our position. Scarcely had my letter left here. when Dickenson ambushed our wood-chop- pers' gnard, killing one man, mortally wounding lieutenant Walker of the Twenty-fourth Regi-

the regiment for more than a year, has not been idle. A man of his energy must work. He accomplished a great deal as Superintendent of the Opelousas ment Mass, Vols., who had command, and gobbling Railroad, and after being relieved of that up twenty-one of our men besides. This affair and the Jackson Railroad, which he put cast quite a gloom over the whole command of in running order as far as Pass Manchac. he finished the steamboat he had been

this post, and resulted in seenrely fastening the stable door, which might as well have been doue tofore. Well, then came the veteran volunteer building for the United States Govern- enlistment scheme. (which, by the way, we think ment. The " Col. Colburn," as she is is the master stroke of policy of the War Depart. called, is a beantitul boat, very compact. and a great improvement in speed, econ- omy, and space, over the common river boats. One of the inimene flats in' bnilt

ment. ) which our men were rather shy of at first ; but when General Aiken came and the subject le came better understood, our men took hold of it in earnest, and just now our veterans are in Con- uretient, enjoying the benefits of their furloughs. has been of untold service in crossing For reenlistments in proportion to the number of troops at Berwick's Bay, and in trans. eligilde meu, the Tenth is second to no regiment porting eargoes up and down the Teche. in the service. Col. Colburn has had pressing offers to build more boats for private parties, but he is in Government service yet.

Lieutenant Colonel Leggett, who lost a leg in front . f Fort Wagner, rejoined us here January 4th, and probaldy no officer on rejoining his com- sand was ever greeted with such loud and hearty Welcomes.

Those unaccustomed to a soklier's life know little what they endure of personal

181

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD. .

1861.]

and a smile around the lines cheered these self- denying sons of the State. In his familiar words to the officers he related the felicitous atredote that a widower with a large family of children wasabont. | to marry a widow with also quite a fanuly, Ilis neighbors, wondering, asked how he would man- age the two classes. He replied he intended to mix his fen and her nine so together one would not be known from the other. In this way he would have the old and new men of the regiment managed-both made so equally proficient one would not be known from the other.

On the following Saturday, with Colonel Almy, he made a flying trip to this regiment, and took a 'hurried look at Forts Ellsworth and Williams, witnessing the proficiency of the men in artillery and infantry practice. In his brief yet happy and acceptable remarks, he said he could confidently say he had never seen it execlled. Never, indeed. did the mnen more " get up on their muscle," and it is doubtful whether any general in the service could have so fully called out their best effort. His well-known goodness and interest in the sol- dier appealed to them, and they seemed to feel that it was a true friend and not a mere titled spectator who was before thein. He did not forget the hospital, though he had but a moment, and thus he gave the sick a look at his benevolent countenance, cheering to them.

It has been a query in the minds of officers and men how this regiment was so readily changed from infantry to artillery. We all rejoiced in the change, but knew not what influential friend we had so near the powers that be. This is at last solved, and it would seem that we are indebted for the honor to General Barney, Chief of Artillery of the defenses of Washington. In his reviews of the regiments and inspections of the forts he ap- pears to have become satisfied that the regiment deserved the honor. On behalf of the regiment I will venture, if anything so manifestly felt among us can be called a venture, to express grateful ac- knowledgments.

Seventy-five men under Lieutenant Shumway, with J. B. Andrews as surgeon, with an equal number from several other regiments, left on the 15th inst. for the vicinity of Falls Church to cut timber.

Gambling having greatly increased since the eoming of the new recruits, Colonel Kellogg issued an order, on the 2d inst., prohibiting it on the part of officers or enlisted men, under penalty of ar- rest and preferring of charges.

Eight have died during the month: Leander Ide, Co. K, Feb. 9; Johu Thomas, Feb. 14; II. L Thomas, Feb. 20; Ira S. Bradley, Feb. 21; Banks Lounsberry, Feb. 23; G. W. Harington. Co. K, Feb. 26 ; W. R. Hubbard, Feb. 28; Carl Volussen, Co. B, Feb. 28. H.

For the Connecticut War Record. From the Twentieth.

MR. EDITOR :- This regiment is now stationed along the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, in squads, for a distance of forty or fifty miles, lts previous history, its brave conduet at the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburgh, its forced marches, its picketings, its reconnoisances, and its experience with guerrillas, all tend to place this regiment among the most effective in the service from the good old State of Connecticut. Its duties the past winter have been very ardnous, and twice within a few weeks has it suffered from gnertill raids At Traey City, in January, Company B. stationed at this place, was surprised by about 150 mounted land pirates, who dashed into our lines and attempted to capture or murder onr bovs. David Rowel, a guard. was shot dead from the first fire. Captain Upson, commander of the post. was tuurdered in cold blood. While he was trying

genuine Yankee plack in bravely detending his; cherd, the locomotive having been constructed for little band of soldiers against the one hundred and the Government by contract. If the wishes of fifty rebels who tried in vain to drive them from ; the Fifth Veterans could be complied with every their stockade. greenback the contractor received would be turn-

A part of this same force of guerrillas on the fed into a blister, and so applied as to render a sit- 16th of March attacked a freight train of eleven ting posture very uncomfortable to that genius for cars about seven miles from Tullahoma. A rail several months to come.

had cautionsly been displaced from the track. . Well, we have been home, and have distributed which threw off the approaching train with terri- Four bounty in various ways, each to his own taste, ble crash. Instantly a gang of rebels jumped from , and have returned fully satisfied to accept the stern behind trees and ledges and commenced the work 'realities of the coming months -- hoping however of Blood-hed and plunder upon the passengers, that the end of this " cruel war" is not. far distant. simultaneously firing the train, which was loaded . Whatever there may have been during those with hay, lumber, etc. Captain Beardsley, our four weeks which would now justify regret, there brigade inspector, who is sometimes unlucky, then . is at least one consolation to be found in the faet again lucky, happened unfortunately to be on that so many of the V. V's fonmil opportunity to board. Three soldiers were shot down by his side enter upon that " hard road to travel" which and a minsket was leveled and fired at him which / poets caft wedded bliss ; for such a time marrying missed its mark, just grazing his neck. Beardsley and giving in marriage, the Nutmeg State proba- shouted at the top of his voice. " will you murder | bly never saw before, and a phimp-handle move- us all in cold blood?" " Yes, if you don't surren- ment of the right arm, accompanied by "accept der," was the reply. " Well, you see we are en-jmy congratulations," has become, by its hourly armed and at your therey." Captain Beardsley, in' enactment, as familiar as the words "fall in " in company with two lieutenants and three negroes, : July last.

The sudden change experienced by the regiment gnard and run off three miles into a dense wood. from " shingles" and pork to the delicacies of The poor negroes were shot. Beardsley expected home has produced its fruit, and there are many the same fate, but was finally robbed, simply of his men complaining in the different companies ; the watch, three hundred and eighty dollars in money, number of sick is however being greatly reduced his coat, hat and boots, and then asked to sign a ; by the care of the Surgeon. parole. He refused, and after stripping the two "The return of those temporarily transferred lieutenants who were with him of all they had, ; during our absence in the State, and the renewal they were then left by their eut-throats to grope ' of the usual discipline give things quite n natu- theirway back through the wood. barefooted, which 'ral appearance once more.

What the future has in store for us, we of Beardsley was the only one of the captured who, course eannot tell, but await further developments belonged to the Twentieth Regiment, and we were ' with perfect patience. CO. A. all rejoiced when he returned to headquarters a . live Yankee, and narrated to us his inhuman cap. . ummmm ture and miraenlons escape from a hand of ammr -! PERSONAL. derers. This spirit of barbarism is all over these regions. It is extensive throughout the South, it ranges along our western frontier, and it will vet be in the North if not trodden under the iron heel of loyalty.

List of Appointments and Promotions in the Connecticut Volunteer Force, during March, 1864.

(OFFICIAL.) IST ARTILLERY.

2.1 Lient. Cornelius Gillette, to be Ist Lieut., with raak from March 16, 1864, vice Osborn, pro- motel.

2d Lient. Wm. II. Rogers to be Ist Lieut., with Coloneley of the 29th C. V., are gone front us. ' rank from March 16, 1864, vice Hatfield, promoted. ed Lient. George L. Turner, to be Ist Lient., with rank from March 16, 1864. vice Bulkeley, promoted.

Charles HI. Owen, of Hartford, to be Ist Lient., with rank from March 19, 1864, vice Sedgwick, Honorably discharged.

1-t Lieut. Benjamin S. Hosford, to be Captain, . with rank from March 15, 1864, vice Ells, promo- ted.

Seret. Maj. Lewis Manger, to be 2d Lient., with rank from March 15, 1864, to fill an original va- caney.

Seigt. Oscar Platt, of Co. K, to be 2d Lient .. with rank from March 15, 1864, to fill an original varaney.

DECHERD, TESN., March 27th, 1561. Sergt, Henry Skinner, of Co. E, to be 2d Lient., Dr.v: RECORD: After " thirty days in the State" with rank from March 15, 1864, vice Marsh, pro- the Veteran Volunteers of the Fifth Connecticut, moted. leaving Wallingford on the 9th of the present Ist. Lient. Frederick M. Berry, to be Captain, month, were conveyed in a respectable manner, with rank from Marelt 26, 1861, vice Williams, (for soldiers. ) as far as Indianasons, where we ex. 'resigned. changed the doubtful comforts of second class for the certain discomforts of freight cars.

STIt REGIMENT. Asst. Surgeou Evelyn S. Bissell, to be Surgeon, It would be useless to attempt a description of with rank from March 12, 1864, vice Bennett, to join his company, only a few rods distant. he [ the thumps, bumps, contusions, jums, knocks, honorably dischaged.

ETH REGIMENT. was shot twice through his hody after his surren- der, and has since died from the effects of his wounds, He was one of our finest and most gal- Jeess of transportation as Government freight- rank from Feb. 19, 1861, vice Hudson, resigned.

whacks, cracks, pokes and jars experienced by the " Soldier l'airiots of Connecticut" while in pro-

1st Lieut, Horatio D. Eaton, to be Captain, with

lant officers, beloved by all, a Christian gentleman one thing is certain, we fonad plenty of exercise : 2d Lient. Andrew Marshal, to be Ist Lieut., and a most honorable and high-minded man. |in jumping from the cars, and pushing the train' with rank from Feb. 13, 1861, vice Eaton, pro- Peace to his ashes. Lieut, Jepson showed the lup each snecessive grade from Indianapolis to De- moted.

brakemen on the train, was then inken under a :

they did, guided by the light of the burning cars. |

Rumors are afloat in camp that the Twentieth ! is again to be joined to the army of the Potomac. I hope this will prove tine. Since our regiment ! left Connectient it has suffered materially in the loss of officers by way of ileath, resignations, de. Nine captains and twelve lientenants beside Lieut. Col. Wooster, promoted and transferrel to the

making in all, twenty-two officers lost to the regi- ment since our muster in New Haven, Angust. . 1862. But we are still well officered, and shall give in the future, as we have in the past, a good account of ourselves.

The War Record is a most welcome messenger among our boys. The health of our regiment is good. A few weeks ago We were favored with 2D AATILLERY. some good esenlents from Connecticut, through l'hilip E. Chapin, of New Hartford, is hereby some kind hearted ladies of Bridgeport and Der- appointed Ist Lieut., with rank from March 5, by. God bless the noble hearted women of our land, who provide for the poor soldiers. Yours Truly, PICKET.

CowAN, Tenn., March 28. 1864.

For the Connecticut War Record. From the Fifth Regiment.

CAMP FIFTH CONN. VETFRAN VOLS .. 1

182

TIIE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

FAPRIL,

2d Lieut, Charles J. Buckbee, to be Ist Lient., | with rank from March 5, 1864, vice Upson, de- with rank from March 17, 1861, vice Stottlar, re- signed.

Private Wm. II. HI. Wooster, of Co. E, to be 2d Lient., with rank from March 1, 1864, vise Brown, resigned.

of the 29th Regt. C. V.

Captain Henry C. Pardee, to be Major, viec Buckingham, promoted. 1-t Lient. David R. Brown, to be Captain, vice Pardee, promoted.

ed Lient. Theodore Jepson, to be 1st Lieut., vice Beardsley, promoted.

2d Lieut. Win. W. Spencer, to be 1st Lieut., vice Brown, promoted.

Principal Mn-ician Wm. II. IL. Johnson, to be 2d Lieut., vice Sherman, dismissed.

Ist Sergt. Arthur Boardman, to be 2d Lieut., vice Jep-on, promoted.

Sergt, Nathan B. Abbott, to be 2d Lieut., viee Spencer, promoted.

All to take rank from the 22d day of March, 186 1.

21sr REGIMENT.

Private Theodore J. Ilohmes to be Chaplain 1st Regt. Conn. Cavalry, with rank from March 7th, 1864.

Rev. Edwin Warriner has resigned his position as Chaplain of the First Connectient Cavalry.

Rov. Mr. Warriner left Connecticut with the first battalion of cavalry and bas served faithfully months, His health will hardly permit him to risk

1st Sergt. IIenry B. Lee, to be 2d Lieut., with ! through every hardship and peril for twenty-seven

rank from March 1, 1864, vice Barker, promoted.

1st Sorgt. Ilenry II. Pieree, to be 2d Lient., Ianother active campaign, and with reluctance he with rank from March 1, 1864, viec Coe, re- [ resigns his position. He has always been faithful. signed.

energetic and efficient. lle is respected and be- Sergt. Edward J. Merriam, to be 2d Lieut .. ! loved by his regiment, and go where he will, he with rank from March 1, 1864, vice Marble, pro- | has their heartfelt wishes for his welfare and hap- moted.

Sergt. Newton Baldwin, to be 2d Lieut., with rank from March 1, 1864, vice Hutchinson, pro- moted.

8THI REGIMENT.

Sergt. Alanson O. Wells, to be od Lieut., with rank from March 22, 1864, vice Ratlibno, promo- ted.

10TH REGIMENT.

2d Lieut. Benjamin Wright, to be 1st Lieut .. | fantry. While in the conseript camp he was de- with rank from March 16, 1864, vice Tomlinson, | tailed as chaplain of this post. As such he labor- dismissed.

12THI REGIMENT.

viee Townsend, dismissed.

vice Nichols, promoted.

2d Lieut, Frank E. Stoughton, to be 1st Lieut., vice lawley, resigned.

Sergt, Maj. Wm. Murdock, to be 1st Lieut., vice honest efficiency. Dyer, dismissed.

When elected by the unanimous vote of the of- Ist Sergt. J. Frank Morgan, to be 2d Lieut., vice ! ficers of the First Cavalry to be their Chaplain, Galpin, dismissed,

Ist Sergt. Franklin Bartlett, to be 2d Lient., | gretted to lose his services, could but express their viee IIart, deceased.

Ist Sorgt. Perkins Bartholomew, to be 2d Lieut . vice Brigham, promoted.

All to take rank from the 19th day of March, 1 presenting him with a fine set of horse equipments 1864.

Ist Lieut. John G. Pelton, to be Captain, with rank from March 21, 1864, vice Lucas, discharged. 15TH REGIMENT.

Ist Sergt. Augustus Roderiques, to be 21 Lient .. vice Chaplin, discharged to accept a commission in another regiment.

Sergi. John II. Hall, to be 2d Lieut., vice Linds- ley, promoted. All to take rank from the 1st day of March, 1864. 17THE REGIMENT.

od Lieut. George B. Ruggles, to be 1st. Lieut., with rank from March 18, 1864, vice Lees, re- signed.

Sergt, Maj. Henry MeDonough, to be 2d Lient .. with rank from March 18, 1864, vice Hubbell, promoted.

20rn REGIMENT.

1st Lieut. Ambrose E. Beardsley, to be Captain, teem.

PRESENTATION,-Captain Joseph II. Nickerson, of the Eleventh Regiment, has been presented, by a few friends, with a very handsome sword, sash, and belt. Captain Nickerson enli-ted as a private, and has been with the Eleventh during its whole term of service. Ile bas won his shoulder straps by bravery and efficiency, and is well worthy of the flattering testimonial which he has received.

From the Journal and Courier.

MESSRS. EDITORS :-- I beg leave to avail myself of your journal to give publicity to this acknowI- edgment of the testimonial which I have this morning received, in an informal and unexpected manner, from the " Veteran Volunteers" of my company. In the present thus made to me, con- sisting of a superb sword, sash and belt, I recog. nize not only the fiet that the kind feelings with which I cannot but regard the men whom I col- lected two years and a half ago, and with whom I have since passed through so many arduons ser- vices, is in some degree reciprocated. I find in it, also, that the rigor of military discipline which I have endeavored to maintain at the hazard of personal popularity, is not inconsistent with the most valuable regard of those upon whom it is exercised.

I am, de., THEODORE BACON,

Capt. 7th C. V., Comdg. Co. F. New Haven, Feb. 22, 1864.

Assistant Surgeon E. L. Bissell, of the Fifth Connectient, has recently been appointed Surgeon of the regiment. Ile has shown great conrage on the batt.e field and efficiency in the hospital. 1Ie has twice been made prisoner by the rebels.

Dr. C. V. Creed (colored) of New Haven, has been appointed surgeon of the Thirtieth C. V. Dr. Creed is a graduate of the New Haven Medical College, and bears a good reputation as a skillful physician,

Colonel Noble, of the Seventeenth C. V., has many warm friends, and they have recently mani- fested their high appreciation of his character and services by sending him a superb set of horse equipments. The letter of presentation is signed B. K. Mills, II. R. Parrott. The eloquent letter of acknowledgment from Colonel Noble closes thus : " You will please say to those friends whose gift you have tendered me in terms so kind and com- mendatory, that I am deeply sensible to the good opinion which prompted their generosity. While God spares my life and my strength, I trust 1 may

ere long to tread with you the pathway of a peace- ful life at home, I am, w th sentiments of the most kindly regard, truly your friend,

W. II. NOBLE,

Colonel 17th Regiment C. V."

Charles P. Brown, Adjutant of the Fifteenth C. V., has been appointed to a position on the staff of Major General Peek, of the Department of North Carolina.

Lieutenant Colonel Moegling, of the Eleventh C. V., who has been on recruiting service in the the State, has returned to his regiment. He has been quite energetic and successful in recruiting, having obtained more than one hundred men, in spite of the inducement offered to men to enlist in artillery and cavalry. He is very glad to re- join his gallant regiment, and hopes soon to see active and decisive campaigning.

IIOSPITAL SD DIVISION, 2D ARMY CORPS, March 18th, 1864. 1

MR. EDITOR :- Private Fleetwood C. Toplis, Co. I. Fourteenth Connectient Volunteers, has just been promoted to Hospital Steward in the United States Army.

He wishes through the columns of the War Re- cord to express his sincere thanks to Surgeon Dudley, surgeou in charge Fourteenth Connectient Volunteers, also to the other officers of the regi- ment, for their kindness and courtesy to bim du- ring his sojourn with them.

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 58

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