The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 59

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

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Rev. Theodore J. Holmes, of the Twenty-first Infantry, has been promoted to be Chaplain of the First Cavalry. At the last call for troops, Rev. Mr. Holmes felt it his duty to set a right example by leaving his church and people in East Hartford, and entering the army voluntarily as a private. Hle chose to be assigned to the Twenty -first In

ed with great earnestness and efficiency.

Through his instrumentality, chiefly, a large

2d Lieut. George W. Stedman, to be 1st Lient,, and comfortable chapel was speedily erected, a with rank from March 19, 1864, vice Francis, de- : suitable library and reading room established. ceased.

Ex-reises, varied and instructive, almost every 14Tit REGIMENT. evening, served to attract and improve large num- 1st Lieut. IIenry B. Goddard, to be Captain, [ bers of men temporarily stationed at the camp. A | not be found truant to them, or to that service in large and flourishing school was instituted, and by | which I hope to help make for our country a fu-

2d Lieut. George N. Brigham, to be 1st Lieut., [ the aid of kind fiends in New Haven, carried on | ture brighter, more glorious and serene. Hoping with enthusiasm and great snecess.

Mr. Holmes endeared himself to all in the camp by his genuine manliness, sincere sympathy and

the men and officers at the camp, while they re- sincere congratulation, and good wishes.

Ilis old parishioners in East Hartford expressed their high appreciation and hearty good will by and a purse of three hundred dollars.

Mr. Holmes is admirably adapted in every re- speet for the position of chaplain, and will speedi- ly win the respect and esteem of his new and gal- last parishioners,

PROVIDENCE. R. I., March 15, 1864.

The undersiged has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a large and elegant Bible, from the members of Co. A. Seventh C. V. For this nnex- pected but most weleand remembrance he returns to the members of the company his grateful thanks. H. 1 .. WAYLAND, Late Chaplain Seventh Conn.

Captain A. G. Warner, of Co. 1. First Connec. tient Cavalry, on the 11th iust. was presented with a splendid sabre, sash, and belt, by his com- pany, as a testimonial of sincero respect and es-

ceased. Major Philo P. Buckingham, to be Lient. Col., vice Wooster, transferred and promoted to be Col.

Ist Sergt, John Waters, of Co. I, to be 2dl Lient., with rank from Feb. 19, 1864, vice Marshal, pro- moted.

Ist Sergt, Norman Provost, of Co. D. to be 211 Lieut., with rank from March 17, 1864, vice Buek. bee, promoted.

TTH REGIMENT.

Asst. Surgeon Ilorace P. Porter, to be Surgeon of the 10th Regt. Coun. Vols., with rank from March 14, 1864, vice Newton, resigned.

1st Lieut. Jeremiah Townsend, to be Captain, with rank from Jan. 29th, 1861, vice Gray, re- signed.

1st Lieut. Edwin S. Perry, to be Captain, with rank from Feb. 29, 1861, vice Skinner, resigned,

2d Lieut. Jolin J. Hutchinson, to be Ist Lieut., with rank from March 1, 1861, vice Townsend, promoted.

2d Lieut. William S. Marble, to be 1st Lieut., with rank from March 1, 1864, vice Perry, pro- moted.

2d Lieut. Charles E. Barker, to be 1st Lient .. with rank from Feb. 21, 1864, vice Dempsey, killed in battle.

1864.]

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

183

Rev. Jacob Eaton of Meriden has reenlisted as a veteran, and reported for duty at the Conscript Camp, March 29th. Mr. Eaton first enlisted as a private in the Sth C. V., and served faithfully for | at Washington are to be manued by the Veteran nearly seven months. Ile was then promoted to | Reserve Corps. Every able-bodied man who can be First Lieutenant of Co. B. Ile was severely | be spared will doubtless be sent to the field, to! make victory swift and sure. Batteries B and MI have been for a long time among the reserve ar- tillery of the Army of the Potomae. We insert the following from Battery MI :

wounded while bravely urging on his gallant men in the fierce fight at Antietam, and was soon after honorably discharged.

He has labored energetically at home in every way to promote the common righteous cause-but his heart has burned to be again in active service -- and he at last felt that he must again enlist. Ile did so, and reported for duty at the Conseript Camp. He was at once detailed by Capt. Wm. B. Sears as Post Chaplain. Ile has entered upon these duties with enthusiasm and energy.

He has already had several meetings of great interest-has supplied all with Testaments and good reading, and will at once reorganize the school so successfully started by Chaplain Holmes. Mr. Eaton, earnest, energetie and capable, will do a noble work as Chaplain.

Mr. Jeesse II. Lord of Hartford, who, with Capt. Gore, recruited a full and excellent Company for the First Connecticut Cavalry, received a com- mission as First Lientenant, but before he was mustered into the service, threw up the commis- sion on account of illness and the claims of an invalid wife.

Mr. Lord, since his recovery, has become local editor of the Hartford Post, a position for which he is admirably qualified. Ilis pen will add much of value and interest to the columns of the Post.

REGIMENTAL.

The Location of Regiments. (OFFICIAL.)

1st squad Cavalry-Hartwood Church, Va., Aug. 31, 1863.

1st Regt. Cavalry, Col. Wm. S. Fish-Ist Brig- ade, 3d Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of Potomac, April 1, 1864.

1st Light Battery, Cart. Alfred P. Rockwell- Folly Istand, S. C., April 1, 1864.

2d Light Battery, Captain John W. Sterling- Department of the Gulf. vin New Orleans.

Ist Artillery, Col. Henry L. Abbott-Fort Rich- ardson, Va., April 1, 1864.

2d Artillery, Col. E. S. Kellogg-Fort Ells. worth, Va., March 11, 1864.

5th Regt., Col. Warren W. Packer-Cowan, Tenn., Nov. 30, 1863.

6th Regt., Col. Redfield Duryee-Hilton Head- S. C., April 1, 1864.

7th Regt., Col. Joseph R. Hawley-Jackson- ville, Fla., April 1, 1864.

8th Regiment, Col. John E. Ward-Portsmouth, Va., April 1, 1864.

9th Regt., Lient. Col. Richard Fitzgibbons-via New Orleans, April 1. 1864.

10th Regt., Major E. S. Greeley commanding - St. Augustine, Fla., April 1, 1864.

11th Regt, Col. G. A. Stedman-Gloucester Point, Va., April 1, 1864.

12th Regt., Lieut. Col. F. II. l'eek command- ing -- Hartford, Conn., April 1, 1864.

13th Regt., Col. Charles D. Blinn-Thibodeanx, La., April 1, 1861.

14th Regt .. Col. Theodore G. Ellis-In the field, via Washington, April 1, 1861.

I5th Regt., Col. Charles L. Upham-Newbern, N. C., April 1, 1864.

16th Regt., Lient. Col. John II. Burnham com. manding-Newbern. N. C., April 1, 1861.

17th Regt., Col. Wmm. II. Noble-Folly Island, S. C., April 1. 1804.

18th Rogt., Major Henry Peale commanding- Mariin-burg, Va., Feb. 14, 1861.

20th Regt., Col. Samuel Ross -- 12th Army Corps, Decherd, Tenn.

21st Regt., Col. A. Il. Dutton-Morehead City, N. C., Feb. 11, 1864.

The 2d Artillery and the Ist Artillery, except | batteries B and M, are ordered to the front in the Army of the Potomae, as infantry. The defenses !

CAMP OF SIEGE BATTERY M, Near Brandy, Va., March 8th, IS64.

MR. EDITOR :- In looking over the list of pro- motions from the Second Conn. Regiment (Three Months) in the Jan'y umber of your paper, 1 find the name of William Il. Brown, now a First Lieutenant in the First Artillery. In your list " With sorrowful admiration I now refer to the you have him down as a private in the Second | youthful patriot whose motionless and mute form lies before us. Though young in years, he was mature in loyalty, in firmness, in uncomplaining levotion to his country. Although I knew him Regiment. That is a mistake, for he was not in the three months' service at all. Being a member of Co. G. Second Regiment, at that time I know he was not in the regiment, but first entered the service as First Liemenant, which position he still, not, yet I have heard enough of his condnet while holds, aud is at present Acting Brigade Quarter. 'he was a soldier to assure me that I am paying a master. but will soon receive bis appointment tribute of respect and admiration to a deserving as such.

Our brigade, consisting of six batteries, com- manded by Lieutenant Colonel Brady, was re. viewed on Monday, the 17th inst., by Colonel ; misbehavior or fear. It was marked by faithful- Burton, who is at present in command of the re. i ness, and adorned with acts of conspicnous cour- serve. Everything passed off pleasantly, and to age. Ile enlisted in a company from his own town, which joined the gallant Twentieth Regi- ment Connectient Volunteers. An officer in his the satisfaction of the commander and the spee. tators present, among whom I noticed several ladies.

Nothing more has of late occurred to break the Town company has assured me of the manly con- dull monotony of camp life, which at present is' duct, soldierly bearing, social excellence, and un-

very irksome, and I think it our friends at home knew how highly we prize reading matter, they would send us books or papers.

More anon. "TREBOR."

The Seventh Infantry is filled to the maximum. Lieutenant Colonel Rodman, while his wound ais. abled him from field service, with characteristic | face of overwhelming numbers, after all our other energy has labored diligently and successfully to regiments had withdrawn, JULIUS HOTCHKISS was fill up the ranks of the gallant Seventh. He will 'conspicuous for courage. soon rejoin his comrades, and will receive a rousing welcome.

"The following incident, related by an eye witness, shows that the deceased possessed in a The Sth Infantry have had several accessions to their ranks, but are not yet full. high degree those rare qualities which make a true soldier. While withdrawing from the place where his noble regiment had been decimated The Eleventh Infantry is foll, and the recruit- ing officers are ordered to return to their regiment. i and outflanked, he was ordered to balt and surren- Sergeant Dickinson, who has been on recruiting der by a rebel soldier. Young Hotchkiss replied service in the State for a year and a half, returns | with great coolness, "I don't think you are in as Second Lieutenant.

carnest." The advaneing rebel instantly fired at . his adversary. the ball almost grazing onr hero's

The Fifteenth, Sixteenth, and Twenty-first reg. iments are stationed at Piymonth. N. C., and are ! head. The deceased immediately faced about, in a brigade commanded by Colonel Frank Beach. 'took deliberate aim, and made his pursuer bite the of the Sixteenth. One hundred and seventeen ' Just of Chancellorsville. Few manifest such self- mien and twelve commissioned officers from the Fifteenth came home on furlough, for the purpose

possession and courage under fire. . Ile was truly of exercising the right of franelise. Their furlongh, . brave, even heroic. Ile exhibited the same steadi- expires on the 20th of April.

The Eighteenth Infantry is now in the State. Upwards of six tudred cane home on a short farlough. They brought along their guns and equipments, and will probably join the Ninth . Haven. Ile reached Cincinnati, Ohio, and there Army Corps at Annapolis. Gea. Burnside is anxious to obtain as many Connectient troops as possible. It is exceedingly pleasant to go from

Martinsburg to Amapolis by way of Connecticut. | in their country's service should bear his body to

The 20th Regiment is now at Annapolis in tents, while the majority of the troops there are in barracks. Such things are notired but do not depress the men-on the other hand, it makes them even more resolute by their deeds to compel respect and justice.

The splendid pistols made at Colt's factory for presentation to General Grant, were not destroyed. They had heen sent to Tiffany & Co. New York, to receive their gold mountings.

CASUALTIES.

In Memoriam.

JULIUS IFOICHRISS, Cheshire.

The funeral of Julius Hotchkiss was very numner- ously attended (considering the condition of the roads) at the Congregational house of worship, in Cheshire, Jan. 29th, 1864.

The deceased was so young in years and so he. roie in conduet, that he deserves particular notice. The following extraets are from the fur.eral address delivered on the occasion by Rev. Jacob Eaton, of Meriden :

young man, to an unflinching patriot. His record while in the service was notarnished by either

bending courage of the one whose form lies here, covered with the starry flag which he followed and honored in the fire and sinoke of battle. Among the linndreds of heroic men of the Twentieth who stood on the fiery front at Chancellorsville, in the

ness of nerve and lofty courage at the battle of Gettysburg. After his regiment joined the Army of the Cumberland, his health failed. Ile was finally ordered to report at the hospital in New died of chronic diarrhea, Jan. 1Sth. 1864. Ilis request to a friend that only men who had been the grave, shows the sublime spirit which anima- ted his noble young heart."

HEADQUARTERS BUCKINGHAM LEGION, - 20th Con. Vols., COWAN, Te., March 6.

[ Orders No. 52.]

On the 20th of January, 1804, abont I o'clock P. M., a force of rebel cavalry, numbering between two and three hundred, and claiming to be a part of the Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, under the com.

184

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[AMI,

mand of Major W. S. Bluese, rod, rapidly into tives of the deceased the sympathies of soldiers' his health, accepted a call to settle in Plymouth Tracey City, Tenn., a smail place upon the Cum- hearts, and pledge to them that we will not forget | Hollow, where he was installed Pastor October berland Mountains, some twenty-two miles from those in whom he cherished a kindly interest. 12, 1832, and remained in charge precisely ten By order of Lieut. Colonel War. B. WOOSTER, years. any other point garrisoned by United States for- ces. This post, established for the protection of; commanding regiment, Soon after completing this term of service, he accepted the chaplainey of the Twenty-third Regiment Connectieut Volunteers, and sailed with them for Louisiana carly in December. The voy. age was very trying to his health and strength, and the malarions climate, to which he was ex- posed aggravated his tendenciesto disease. Friends suggested to him the expedieney of an innnediate return to the North, but he felt strong reluctamee A FAREWELL FROM HIS SOLDIER COMRADES. to abandon his post of duty. , At length, however, on the 28th May, 1863, he was suddenly attacked with fainting, followed by fever. The end rapidly drew on, though for a time hope of his recovery was cherished. The disease soon accomplished He sleeps like the millions before him. its appointed work, and he sank quietly. to rest, at 4 o'clock P. M., June 11, 1863, a few days more than forty-eight years old. the coal mines worked in part for the Government, HORACE G. II. TARR, Ist Lieut. and Adjt. 20th C. V. I. was commanded by Captain Andrew Upson, Co. K, Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers, and garri- soned by Co. B of this regiment and n small de- tachment of Co. E, Fifth Connectient Volunteers. On the Death of Lieutenant Tracy, of the Twenty-ninth. The movement of this mounted force was so rapid as to overcome the pickets and enter the pace without nlarm. They shot at the first sentinel they encountered, and mortally wounded private O, breathe bis name gently, his spirit hath fled, He hath gone to the one who gave him ; And hushed and unbroken upon his low bed, David B. Rowell, of Co. B. They moved rapidly forward in such a manner as to surround Captain Upson at bis quarters, and separate him from his While the wild rose in summer shall bloom o'er his head, command. Hle yielded to overpowering numbers, threw down his weapons, and surrendered, and as he did so, was twice shot by murderous foes, one O, breathe his name gently, so sacred aud dear To the hearts of all who knew him : ball passing from shoulder to shoulder, across his And forgive if his enmrade, the soldier, a tear Of regret should shed above him. back, another entering his left side and passing inward and upward through his left lung, and lodged in his neck.

Capt in Upson remained a prisoner in the hands of his nssailants until night, while they in vain tried to capture the small but determined force there stationed. Of these wounds he lingered until the evening of the 19th day of February, 1864, when death released him from his pains.

Captain Upson entered the military service as First Lieutenant of Company E, August, 1862. Commissiened from Jesus, thou'lt reign in tby love; O, brother, wateb over and belp us. We are bound, angel brotber, on a rough, rugged way. . The sword and the bullet our weapons ; He was upright, impartial, honest, vigilant, hn- mane, and brave. Ile graduated at Yale College in the class of '19, and to his scholarly attain- ments added an eminently practical mind. As a soldier he shrank from no duty, and on the battle | Through carnage, and bloodshed, and death's

field he braved danger. Ile was taken prisoner at the battle of Chancellorsville on the Sd May, 1863, and was marched from thence to Libby Prison. He chared with this regiment its priva- tions, its exhausting marches, its dangers, llis highly cultivated intelleet, his refined taste, his upriglit, temperate, pure life and brave heart, won the love and admiration of all that knew him. He passedl safely the deadly conflict of bat- Sleep on, youthful brother, the ever geen sod tle, and fell at the hands of an assassin

His companions in nrms have submitted the following resolves, which are hereby orderel to be recorded as a just tribute to departed worth : WHEREAS, Our late companion in arms, Captain ANDREW UrsON, Company K. Twentieth Conn. Volunteers, has fallen under a blow struck by an unmanly foe, and is never more to sharo in ! our struggles or triumphs on earthly fields. therefore

Resolved, That with us his memory shall be ever green, and it becomes us to imitate his fidelity. follow his example, copy his noble traits of char

whence the subject of this sketch went forth first to the academy in the adjoining town of Plain - fieldl, then to the college nt Amherst, where he acter, and cultivate the mental attainments which | graduated in 1837, and finally to the Theological adorned his course.

School at New Haven. Soon after leaving the

Resolved, That our grief for his loss is ameliora- | latter institution, lie went to Shrewsbury, Mass .. ted by the assurance given by his life, that he has | where he was ordained Pastor, June 22, 1811, secured a victory over the last dread foe, and that , and remained in charge until broken down in he has entered on tho enjoyment of a full reward | Health by excessive labors in a season of religious for his struggles, in the world of perpetual peace.

revival in 1818. Ile then spent a few years in Resolved, That we teuder to tho stricken rela- New Haven and Berlin, and on the recovery of

Ilis heart was so light, and so buoyant liis song, That the sunshine seemed ever about him; We miss tbe glad smile that had cheered our lone hours. And the days grow long without him.

Farewell, youtbful brother, thou bast left us awhile, Thou hast joined that heavenly army ; Promoted from earth to the ranks above,

chilling tide,

We're encamped on a battle-field dizzy and wide, O, brother, watch over and aid us.

Farewell, angel brother, thy hardships are o'er, While ours are but scarcely beginning; And the thunder and cornage, the war rattle bold. Mny chant our death anthem, while mangled aud cold Our hearts grow still in our bodies.

Of thy own native land for a pillow ;

The wild birds shall carol above thy still bed, And the green boughs shall wave above thy low head.

We leave thee at rest forever. LU. SPALDING.

Rev. James Averill, Chaplain 23d Regiment. Rev. James Averill was born at Griswold, Con- neeticut, ou the 29th May, 1825, the son of Dea- eon James Averill and Lucy Button, his wife. These parents, having served God faithfully to a

From camp to fireside, over all the land, What earnest words fly swiftly to and fro l God pity those who read with trembling hand That last sad message-death has laid him low.

Think kindly of the soldier as ye gaze For the last time on that pale face to-day ;

farm in the northeast part of the town, from | Think of his weary, self-denying days,

As that cold, coffined form to rest ye lay.

Sleep, brother, with thy comrades, 'neath the snow, Another offering at Freedom's shrine ; And as the years successive come and go, Ilow bright each sacrificial name will shine !

Dear to our hearts is yonder snowy hill, Where our brave, honored soldier brothers lie.

Though they are dead, their deeds are living still ; The memory of ench can never die.

TEARYVILLE, January 10th, 1864.

Mr. Averill was married first to Elizabeth, only daughter of C. A. Judson, Esq., of New Haven, who died about 1853 ; and secondly, to Miss S. Augusta Carpenter, of Greenfield, Mass., who survives him. He also left five children, the old- est son being Hospital Steward of the Second Regiment Connecticut Heavy Artillery.

Mr. Averill was highly esteemed by numerous friends for his fine qualities of mind and beart. He was especially a sincere and true man, a shrewd observer, a sound thinker, an efficient worker, a practical, earnest, and devout Christian,

His remains, after having rested for a time in a vault in New Orleans, were brought to New Ila- ven and laid by the side of his first wife, on the 17th February, 1864. Appropriate funeral servi- ees were held at the Centre Church, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Bacon and the Rev. R. C. Learned of Plymouth, The peculiar severity of the weather that day, prevented a large attendance, and inter- fered with the arrangements for a military escort. There were present, however, besides the be- reaved family and its connections, a number of his late parishioners, and other mourning friends. E.

Thoughts suggested by the Death of Alexis J. Seymour, Co. I, First Conn, Artillery. We are all momners ; when a soldier dies Ile opes the fountain of a nation's tears; We all are bound to him by closest ties, By mutual suffering through these bloody years.

Resolved, That in his death we have lost a no. ble associate and friend, his family a true husband and father, the community in which he lived al good old age, fell asleep on two successive days valued eitizen, honor and truth a faithful repre- 'in February, 1854, and were laid to rest in the sentative, the eause in which he fell a brave de. ; same grave. The family home was a very retired fender, and Christianity a consistent exemplar.

1864.]

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

185

Lieutenant Robert Dempsey.

Accounts of the late unfortunate affair at Olus. tee, Florida, put among the killed, the name of Robert Dempsey, Ist Lieut., Co. E. 7th Conn.| We are not at present in possession of any details of the circumstances of his death. But we have ample assurance, from his past life, that it was in-

I knew Mr. Dempsey from the time of the for- mation of the regiment. No one could know him without being impressed with his conscientious faithfulness to his duties, and with his uncompro. mising loyalty. He had a just and clear view of the nature of the struggle in which we are engaged. Long ago, when the war was but in its beginning, he saw slavery in its true position as the spring of our evil, and though often almost alone in his views he held and expressed them in the midst of whatever opposition.

On the 17th of June last, the regiment being then at St. Augustine, celebrated the anniversary of Bunker Hill by a meeting and speeches. Mr. Dempsey made an admirable address on that oc- casion in which he expressed his profound admi- ration for the sentiments of New England. His enthusiasm in behalf of New England was the more noteworthy as he was not himself of New England birth or descent. He was of Irish fan- ily and was a consistent Catholic. Although a Catholic, he had no bigoted prejudice in behalf of the forms of that Church. He always by his ex- ample encouraged the members of his company in attending on the ministration of the Chaplain.

At the battle of James Island, while bravely discharging his duties, Mr. D. was severely wound- ed in the shoulder. The injury, though not fatal, was painful and tedious.

He has now given the erowning proof of his loyalty, and has made the last proud sacrifice for the cause of liberty and order. Ile will live in the affection and memory of his comrades and fel- low soldiers, as well as in the tender regrets of his bereaved widow. H. L. W.

In our March number we printed the regimental order eoneerning the death of Captain Charles E. Bulkeley, of Co. E, First C. V. Artillery. Captain Bulkeley died of typhoid fever and pneumonia, af- ter a short and severe illness, at Battery Garesche. Captain Bulkeley was a son of Ilon. E. A. Bulke- ley, of Hartford. He graduated from the Hartford High School, afterwards graduated from Yale Col- lege, then studied law in the office of his father. He responded promptly to the first call of the President, and served faithfully in Co. A, in the First Regiment of Three Months' Volunteers. IIe was appointed Lieutenant in the 1st Artillery, and afterwards deservedly promoted to be Captain. He shared the hardships and peris of the Peninsula eanpaign, and enjoyed the subsequent case and quiet in the defenses of Washington. He was a man of superior attainments and noble character.

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 59

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