The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 60

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

USA > Connecticut > The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865 > Part 60

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

An old lady recently sent a donntien to the Washington Sanitary Commission, with the follow- · ing unique and patriotic inscription :

CHESTERTOWN. N. Y.

These socks were spun and knit by Mrs. Zeruah Clapp, 96 years old, whose hands in youth were engaged in moulding bullets for the Revolutionary War. Keep the toes of these socks towards the rebels !

In Cineinnati, the other day, a wealthy Quaker refused to give any money to aid the war, but said there was a loose $100 note at his office, which the committee might find.

HOME DEPARTMENT.

time in order to prepare themselves to defend the Commonwealth of Connecticut, and, if necessary, the National Government, the men who make and "Causes which prevent men from becoming mem- unmake our laws should see that those young bers of Military Companies."

, men are not subjected to pecuniary loss, by reason

I shall consider in this article some of the most of doing military service. We are in earnest prominent causes which, in my judgment, deter when we say, give us a plain, carefully devised, panies. 1. The difficulty experienced in raising money abolish our present inoperative militia system, We need a law full of justice, wisdom, and sound by private subscription to procure suitable uni- common sense. Unless something shall be soon forms, and the inability of laboring men to pro. lone to place our domestic force on an honorable eure their own. Those who would become mem- and permanent footing, it will exist only in name. bers of military companies, especially in our The thorough organization and proper encourage- manufacturing villages and agricultural towns are . ment of a State Militia force is not a question of laboring men, of very limited means. How, un- mere parties and politics. Ever loyal man, every der existing circumstances, can such men with- lover of American nationality, every one who out injury to themselves or their families, expend would place our popular governmens beyond the respectively, twenty-five dollars for an uniform? reach of designing and traitorous men at home, At the greatly increased price of rents, > furl, of and of invasion from abroad, has a direct interest in ecenring an effective and permanat militia force. The age of bullets has not passed, and hu- man justice and freedom cannot afford to be found disarmed and defenseless amid despotie and disor- iganizing forces. A well organized, well discipliu- food, of apparel-of everything which laboring men use and consume, they can bearly support themselves and their families, and therefore enn afford no outlays for thing- not absolutely neces. sary and imperatively demanded.

2. The loss of much valuable time for which ed military force is essential to the safety and sue. members of military companies receive no ade. . cess of even a republican government. We have quate remuneration. To attain any accurate and . neglected this fact, and relied too much upon the respectable knowledge of the use of arms and mil. "supposed imipossibility of a treasonable and armed itary evolutions, at least one evening each week, . resistance to the laws and the Constitution of the should be devoted exclusively to drill. At least land. We should become wiser from the bloody three hours should be devoted to drill cach even- . and terrible lessons of the present. I cousider ing. This would amount to one hundred and fifty. ; the military force of England the best regulated six hours or thirteen working days in a year, and most efficient of any European power. Vol- unteer companies have been organized throughout that country, and now constitute a well disciplin- ed force of riflemen sixty thousand strong. This force may be called upon for home defense, and may be termed the mulitia force of the crown. Men of wealth, influence and high social position have either joined these volunteer companies or This time, estimated at a fair valuation, would be worth pecuniarily twenty-six dollars; and if de- voted to mental improvement, through reading and study, it would be worth vastly more. But, says Mr. Smallview, your citizen-soldiers would not have employment in the evening if they did not drill. But I know many young men who have

work every week-day evening, and who loose pe- farsisted in their organization. The Earl of Derby armed and equiped one company at his own ex- euniarily every time they do military duty. 3. The numerous incidental expenses of a milj. pense. Frequent shooting at target with the rifle tor prizes gives this large force an accuracy of aim

regular dues or payments from the members. The ; which must tell greatly in its favor if called into

MERIDEN, March 23, 1864. I.

Our Veterans.

NUMBER THREE.

We had hoped this month to record the return and reception of the 9th and 13th C. V., and thus not expended for convivial suppers and strong complete the history of the most cheering and drink, for our company is organized on strictly gratifying episode of the great war. These regi- honest, moral and temperanee principles.

ments have not at this date arrived, though soon expected. As we wish to describe very minutely, we minst postpone the record of the 10th, and give that in fuli of the 12th.

THE TWELFTH REGIMENT.

The 12th arrived at New York on the steamer Mississippi. Wednesday night, Feb. 10th, and at

5. The principal of all prominent enuses is the . New Haven on the steamer Traveler, Friday morn- sceming unwillingness of our Legislature to pass' ing. Feb. 12th.

such laws and make such provisions as would stam -! . They were met at the dock by the city authori-

ties and escort. By the latter, through misappre- ulate and encourage men to enter the militia serrie. : hension, they were delayed for some time, break- Our Meriden company could be increased to the firstless. The escort was at length formed, and maximum number at once, were we as-nred that 'consisted of the mien would be uniformed. Many of our most; worthy young men would become members, had Fair Haven Band. Battalion Veteran Reserve Corps. New Haven Grays. A company from Russell's School. National Blues. Light Guard. City Officers in Carriages. they adequate encouragement. Better, far better give up our militia system, than to make the ser- vice a positive burden and almost a dishonor to our citizen soldiers. If young men will give their

tary company which can only be met by requiring

members of the company to which I belong pay the service, sum of twenty-five cents respectively each month,! to defray incidental expenses. This takes three : dollars a year from each one. Incidental expenses ! inelude cost of publishing the Constitution and : By-Laws of the company, cost of fuel, lights and numerous other essential things. The money is|

1. The disrepute into which our militia system has fallen in the estimation of the public. (1.) The people consider it inefficient. (2.) Many think any; militia system useless. These things deter many from becoming members of military companies.

eurred in the honorable and brave discharge of men from becoming members of State Militia Com- Adequate, effective militia law, or immediately his duty.

186

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[APRIL

New Haven Band. 12th Regiment. 450 recubisted Veterans, Commanded by Lieut. Col. Frank II. Peck.

The military reception and route of procession THE RECEPTION AT HARTFORD. was the same as on former occasions. The morn- Ing was dawp and chill, but that did not intimidate escort, under counand of Colonel Burnham. The the people. They turned out and thronged the enthusiast displayed was fully equal to that at streets to look upon the hardy veterans with ad. i New Haven. The people were abroad. All true miration, and greet them with bearty cheers. The | hearts joined in expressing sincere respeet and hearty hozzas and shouts of glid recognition by grateful affection. The regiment was conducted old friends; the frequent pealing of bells, rung to a truly inviting collation in the City Hall. The with right good will ; the rapid booming of can- I welcoming speech was eloquently made by Hon. non, and the enlivening music blended in uproar. Ezra Hall, of Marlboro. ous demonstration of a joyous welcome.

With firm and practised step the veterans ADDRESS OF HION, EZRA HALL. Officers and Soldiers of the Twelfth Connecticut : Brave veterans of the Republic: Two years ago. the noise of gathering hosts ; when even the south moved along the crowded streets, trying to srem indifferent, yet all the while proudly and plainly appreciating the fact that the honor and welcome | in the cold of winter, when the air was heavy with was for them, and that no men but veteran defen ders of the flag we love ean ever move the whole wind seemed hostile to the air that bathes our people to such grateful enthusiasm.

At Musie llall, the indetarigable committee, composed principally of Major B. F. Man-field, had its flag lay prostrate, torn and dishonored; when provided an abundant supply of exactly suitable viands. The veterans comprehended the state of war, von gathered, a thousand noble, gallant men. the case instantly, and lost no time in proving The Commonwealth under whose laws you organ. themselves equal to the important oreasion.

After the bountiful repast, Mayor Tyler wel- comed the men in a brief and graceful address. ADDRESS OF MAYOR TYLER.

Colonel Peck, Officers and Soldiers of the Twelfth Connecticut Volunteers :- Standing before yon in behalf of the city, we welcome yon to Connectient and to New Haven, and we welcome and congrat- ulate you on your return to the State whose honor you have so nobly and gallantly defended. We

For two long and weary years, under a tropical sun, and in the face of the enemy, you have borne bravely the burden of the war; your history is leftin the sands of Ship Island, inwoven in the de- fense and renovation of New Orleans. Yes! yon helped turn the key that opened the gates of the do not tender you this welcome that you should, West. Your names will be forever associated i burn, [cheers. ] whom the Government has called feel under any obligations to us. We are simply , with Irish Bend, Camp Bissell, Thibodeanx, Laba- discharging our duty to you. We honor you for ' dierville, and Port Hudson, No brighter page was the part you have taken, leaving the eoniforts of ever written than this on which your names ap. society and home, and enduring the perils of war. pear. It will live with the ever rolling waters of fare and the field ; and at the call of your country the Mississippi that lave the banks on which yon you have again responded and entered the service ; fought. In the trench, in the skirmish, in the hos- for another term of three years.

We feel that you have honored us, and also the ; thickest fight, you have always been equal to the name of American soldiers and American patriot- | hour, Your heroism in the long and perilous ism. It is a high honor to you, that after facing fight of forty-two days at Port Hudson, is left in the dangers of the field for two years, as Amerienn , nneffieable characters on the nation's records. With this noble history you come back to the soldiers, yon have again entered the service. We ! thank yon, brave defenders, for it is through yon : warm embraces of friends and to a grateful peo- we have been permitted to remain at home enjoy- ple. Mothers, sisters, lovers, wives, and friends. ing peace and comfort. It is through those who will all extend the hand of welcome and offer you have, throngh patriotism, become soldiers, that we ja holy kiss. At your deliverance, emotions of are thus happily situated. We thank you for the | thankfulness will go up from many a New Eng- privilege of having you as guests on this occasion, land hearth to Him who has returned you home

RESPONSE OF LIEUT. COL, PECK.

"In behalf of the officers and members of the regiment, I thank you. We have been reminded many times that we were not forgotten by the friends at home. For a long period we have felt ; thinned ranks and weary-looking countenances. we possessedl your friendship. But we fl that your generous demonstrations are entirely beyond our deserve. Two years ago this month, we left this city to join the army of General Butler, Sioce that time we have been in active service in the moore than the present generation. It has been face of the enemy-how active that servire has the question of all the centuries past, and will be the war-ery of coming ages.

never vet appalled ns, we assure von. On the 'and friends, I cannot forget the brave, devoted

been, four hundred vacancies on our rolls to-day .. " show. But discouragements and failures have ; contrary, not to have reenlisted would have seemed like abandoning the principles which actuated ns in entering the service, At a proper time we shall be ready to take the fieldl again. And let

But while you go to the bosom of your homes boys of your regiment who never will come back. They sleep, yet live ; they have as a sacrihee given all for country and principle. Some of them rest along the unfriendly shores of the South; others me say it depends upon you who remain at home, have been carried to their burial to the more wel- as much, if not more, than upon ns, what the re- sult of this contest will be. You who remain en .. joying the blessings of penee should see to it that you are loyal in your legislation, loyal m your conversation, loyal in all things; and we pledge you our lives to carry your flag and our flag with honor into the face of the enemy."

watch in vain for their returning steps, and will hear no more the sweet sound of their voire. But for them I say, their hero friends sleep well. Their memories are embalmed in the feelings of a thaok- ful people, and the sacred spots where they fell shall be memorable as the places where immortal principles gathered new life.

"' They cannot die ! immortal worth Outlasts the shock of time-

* *

* They live! on every hill and plain, By every gleaming river,

Where'er their glowing feet have troil. They live! and they live forever."

As additional proof of your patriotism and courage you have reculisted, the crowning work of noble deeds. You have done this knowing the and of the army, the nation sees her deliverance. It shows an undying devotion to country and to republican principles,

You are received to day not as the soldiers of victory merely, as were the soldiers of the Roman capital, but as soldiers fighting in a canse in which victory means the triumph of right, and safety to the Republic. As you marched to-day in the gaze of the multitude, I saw in the eye of the little boy, the maiden fair, the middle-aged, and the old man, whose silvery head tells too plainly that he cammot enjoy the full fruits of your labor, the certainty of our national snecess, and the morning of a more perfect civilization.

Your regiment and its history has an intimate connection with Ilartford and its vicinity. You were organized and led out by one of the most honored and eloquent of the city or State-by the noble, gallant, and patriotic Deming. [Loud cheers.] To-day he stands in Congress, as when with you in arms, earnest for the Republic and the supremacy of her laws, Some of your num- ber were members of the military organizations of the city. I see in your line officers members of the Hartford City Guard-the brave Captain Dick- inson and Lieutenant Buckley ; and in your staff, Adjutant Smith. In behalf of that company, the pride of the city, in all the enthusiasm of their manhood, I offer to them and every member of the Guard an earnest and hearty reception.

And I would unt forget the brave Colonel Col- to another field of duty. I well remember, too, that the soldier loves equally the leader who goes ont and returns with him, leading him to victory, sharing with him the trials of the field, and rejoice- ing with him when the hours go well. All honor to Lientenant Colonel Peek and his associates, pital, on the fortifications, on the march, or in [cheers.] who, though honored with their scars and weary with the march and the fight, are with the soldiers of the Twelfth still. Your history has more than a local interest ; it is national. You were a part of the Gulf Squadron which moved with its thundering guns to the Crescent City, You were under the general command of the bold, liv- ing, resolute, and iron-willed Butler, [tremendous applause. ] at whose order New Orleans came back to the authority of the United States-a man who lives in and compreliends the issue of this hour ; a man who put under his heel the seevssion of Lou- in safety. In behalf of those gathered to do you honor, I say a thousand times welcome to your homes and to the State which claims with pride your deeds, Your torn and tattered colors, your evidence well your deeds of valor, and show us the cost of our liberties, and the worth of freedom. You have battled for truth, for God, and for eoun- try ; you have acted upon an issue that concerns isiana, and taught woman, who for the first time was heedless of her interest in the stars and stripes, to respect the Northern soldier and the laws he was sent to enforce ; a man who, alone of all our generals, believes in dealing with traitors as the old revolutionary soldier would deal with the tories of the Revolution, by giving them " shot, grape, and hell." [Great applause.] Jackson-like, he ordered and excented. The glory which hangs over the Department of the Gulf, tinges with in- terest your history. Well may you recount for the coming thirty days yon remain at home, and for all your lives, the stories of the camp, the vie- tories you have won, and the glories that hang over every page of your history in the service of the country. Every home is indebted to yon. For onr rights and liberties you have fought. For our institutions and for republican government your comrades have laid down their lives Sacred be come churchyards of the North. Their friends | their memory! May it grow brighter and greener with the coming years, and to you, thrice welcome, brave sons of Connecticut ! in whose arts the his- tory of the founders of American nationality reap. pears. Shall the flag they loved and handed to yon be dishooored ?

No ! lift your banner toward the sky, More proudly now that tempests blow I Like your brave fathers, do or die, Till treason in the dust lies low.

The conclusion of the address was honored with hearty cheers, Blessing was then invoked by

The speaking ended, the regiment was escorted by the National Blues to the passenger depot, and took the cars for Hartford at 12 o'clock.

Mayor Tyler, Aldermen Marble, Chatfield. John- son, and others of the New Haven Committee, proeceded to Hartford to take part in the recep-

tion ; but as the authorities of that city took no part, officially, in the reception, they became the signests of Win. Collins, Esq., whose courtesy they will long remember with pleasure.

Northern hills, vitalizing our civilization; when the nation was holding ont its bleeding hands, and the long roll of the drum summoned the nation to

ized. looked on with pride as you left your bar- racks, moved to New York, passed the Atlantic coast, swept the Gulf, and at last eneamped on a hostile shore.

The Twelfth was handsomely received by a neat trials and realities of war. In this act of yours

1864. ]

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

187

Rev. Mr. Fisher, and the veterans were invited to perform their part of the entertainment. Their part was rapidly exeented, without embarrassment, and with entire snecess and satisfaction.

After the collation, the happy but weary men rolled themselves in their blankets, for a good nap on the floor of the hall. In the morning they ro. eeived passes until Tuesday, 15th, and then re- turned to receive their thirty days' furlongh.

The Twelfth brings home 465 officers and men. They are sunbrowned, hardy, stalwart and healthy, an honor to any army or any nation on the globe.

They bring with them a few loyal Louisiana men, who have been members of the regiment long enough to become veterans. They are aston. ished at the prosperity of the North, and highly gratified nt the splendid reception of the Twelfth. All the officers and men express themselves sur- prised and delighted at the enthusiastic honor with which they were received.

The regiment has a fine brass band, of which James Ileartman, of New Orleans, is leader.

The Twelfth left the State for Ship Island in February, 1862. and taking part in the expedition against. New Orleans, was the first regiment to as- cend the river after the surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip. This fact having been denied, it is thus reasserted by Hon. Henry C. Deming, the former Colonel of the regiment:

" The Twelfth Regiment left anchorage between Forts Jacksan and St. Philip, aboard the E. Wil- der Farley, on the evening of April 20th, and an- chored before New Orleans on the evening of April 30th. Gen. Butler and Staff, with the Thirty-first Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, did not reach New Orleans until the morning of May 1st, and as they passed the E. Wilder Farley, cheered her as she lay at ahchor before the city. It is a faut that the Thirty-first Massachusetts volunteers was the first regiment that landed in the city, but not the first regiment which reached it. The Twelfth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers could not land, because it was aboard a sailing vessel which had been left by the towboat, and was at the merey of the current. The Mississippi was a steamer."

The regiment remained for some months subse. quent to the capture of New Orleans near the city, in the brigade of Gen. Phelps. They were placed in the brigade of General Weitzel in Sep- tember, 1862, and remained under him through his entire campaign; took an active part in the battles of Labadieville, the destruction of the Cou- federate stemmer Cotton, and Camp Bisland ; oe- eupied Alexandria on Red River, and were forty- two days under fire at Port Hudson; they theu ocenpied Donaldsonville and Brashear City, going around by the Gulf. They also joined in the feints through Western Louisiana to Opelousas, while General Banks made a laading in Texas. A finely written account of the several movements and achievements of which the above is but an outline, will be found in the February and April numbers of the War Record.

We add, in closing, the impartial testimonial of the commanding General to the gallantry and high worth of this sturdy regiment :

HEADQUARTERS IST DIVISION, 19TH A. C., ) New Iberia, La., Jan, 1st, 1864. [ General Orders No. 2.]

The Twelfth Conneetient Volunteers, Lientenant Colonel F. H. Peek commanding, having reenlisted. will comply with special orders No. 1, from head. quarters Nineteenth Army Corps, and proceed to New Orleans.

The General commanding the division thinks it due to this regiment and to the Lieutenant Colo- nel commanding it, to express his high opinion of its good conduet, whether in the face of the enc. my or in camp, and especially the promptness in which it has come forward to reenlist under the first call of the President of the United States.

The regiment is the frst that has been called upon under the law. It has set a good example. The country, intd the authorities which represent the country, will not fail to honor the Twelfth Connectient.

By command of Brig. Gen. Ewony.

[Signed] FREDERIC SPEED, . A. G.

Recruiting and the Quota.

Not a few fearfol minds, noting the absence of public concern and anxiety in regard to the war, is not much to fear from the want of mat-rial for the arny. Probably the present system of re- erniting will not be much changed while the war and the evidences of unusual prosperity which ev. | continues, except where the conscription takes its ery Northern city, village and hamlet exhibits, place. The order issned n few weeks since, mak- have indulged in forebodings of disnster and per- jing the United States recruiting fees payable to haps min to the people and the country. They

all persons who present volunteers, instead of say there is no enthusiasm, no deep and earnest | confining it as before to regularly appointed agents, does not seem to have materially affected the regular routine of the work. The delays and annoyances of recruiting inseparable from the pro- vost marshals' offices, are so distasteful to mio:t persons that the temptation of the fees is insuffi- cient to induce them to avail themselves of the privilege. Besides, the agents will give nearly if not quite as much as the Government, and pay the cush down, waiting themselves for the collec- tion of their fees.

sentiment, moving the people to manifestations such as were witnessed here two years ago, when the purses of the rich, the labor of the netive, the infinence of the powerful, and the services of all, were freely offered and pressed upon the Govern- ment,-when crowded meetings, addressed by the inost eloquent speakers, whose every sentence contained an apostrophe to the " old flag " whose tri-colored folds repeated themselves upon the walls. depended from the ceiling, draped the speaker's stand, and festooned the arches, were held in every place where a hall could be found sufficiently large to contain the eager crowds which thronged to the meeting.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 60

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