The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 67

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

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U. S. RENDEZVOUS.

We give this month the report from the Ren- dezvous (better but improperly known as the Con. script Camp) for the months of March and April. On the first of March the Rendezvous was crowd- ed to its utmost capacity. The rolls indicated its inmates to number two tisousand two hundred and twenty-one.

The months of March and April have been months of departure more than arrival, and the morning reports of May 1st, indicate the presence of 791 recruits. 108 detached men and officers, and St men and officers of Co. D, soth Regiment ; a total of 953. This is exclusive of the 12th In- Fintry, temporarily quartered there. The average number of recruits has been about 14 per day, and as the State has already furnished more than her quota under all calls, we have an excellent prospect of entirely avoiding the draft in the good obi commonwealth of Connecticut.

DEPARTURE OF THE TWENTY-NINTH CONN. INFANTRY.

Orders were issued several times to this regi- ment to be in readiness to march : but on Satur- day. March 20th, the large side-wheel steam trans- port Warrior appeared at the mouth of the harbor, men hailed the approaching steamer with cheers,

A little past noon the regiment left eamp, and

ADDRESS OF REV. DR. BACON.

I have been requested. Colonel Wooster, in be- half of the colored women, the friends of the regi- ment, and of citizens of New Haven who have aided in behalf of those citizens by their contribu. tions, to present to you and to the regiment which von command, this flag, bearing upon its folds the device of the State of Connecticut. We rejoice, as citizens of New Haven and of Connecticut, that the command of this regiment has devolved upon one already experienced in the military service of our country, and one who already bears a name illus- trions iu our history. We feel a deep interest, a special interest in many respects, in the well being and well doing of the regiment which is to march under this banner, and, with your leave, sir, I will say a few words to the men of your conunand.

Soldiers ! you are to march under the stars and stripes, the flag of our common country, the old flag which reminds us of all the glories, of all the historie memories, of our common country since it became a country, and which is now bright with We give you this flag to march under, which tells you that you are a Connecticut regimeut, and it is our confident expectation that you as a regi- ment will do honor to the State of Connecticut, as well as to the stars and stripes.

And in order to do this, you must bring back this flag when you return without any dishonor. We have seen the flags which some of our regi- ments have borne to the field of conflict, returned tattered and torn, but glorious with the memories of the conflicts and victories they have won. We expect to see this flag returned with like honor : and let me say to you in behalf of the donors, in behalf of the citizens of this place, and in behalf of the people of Connecticut, that we expect you to do well for your country, well for your State, well for yourselves and for the race with which you are identified.

In order to do this, you must respect yourselves, and that you may respect yourselves, you must be worthy of respect. No man can respect another, unless he is worthy of the respect of his fellow- nien : and your good behavior as soldiers. in eamp. in the field, everywhere ; your obedience, prompt obedience, of all your superiors, your kindness and fidelity one to another, your respect for one anoth- er, your confidence in one another, are necessary to make this regiment what it should be, and what we hope it will be.

I see among you those who were born and brought up in Connecticut, and you owe much to this State. You have had the benefit of our civilization, the benefit of our laws, the benefit of our schools ; yon are educated, you can read and write ; you are men ! and those among you who have come from different and distant parts of the country, to march in these manly ranks and to fight side by side with you, for those great inter- ests of our common country which are now the interests of your race-they are men! All of you owe something to the State of Connecticut. The State of Connecticut, I trust, will hereafter be proud of yon, I trust, that when peace shall return once more, and our whole country shall become the land of the free; when this regiment shall have been disbanded and these men shall have returned to their families and peaceful employ- ments, it will be a eredit to any one, to every one of you, to have it said, that man served in the Twenty-ninth.

Let it be the ambition of every one of you to honor this flag and to win new and honorable names for the regiment in which you serve ; and may Gud be with you and lead you to many victories. May God be with you and bring you back in victory and in peace,

RESPONSE OF COL. WOOSTER.

Dr. Bacon : Allow me, in behalf of the regiment I now have the honer to command, to tender to

Washington, and there expected to join their A colored lady, very neatly and appropriately splendid old commander, Gen. Burnside. But, dressed, now came forward, bearing the magnif. you, and through you to the donors of that flag, they were sent to Yorktown, and will, with the cont colors, and handing them to Dr. Bacon, our thanks for it. It is certainly, for latter days, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Eleventh, and First Light modestly retired from the front.

the first time the banner of the State of Connecti- Dr. Bacon, receiving the colors, stood in the cut has been entrusted to this class of citizens. Wo

Battery, advance up the peninsula under Gens .! Butler and Smith. The Twelfth is still at New , hack and addressed Colonel Wooster and the inen | will endeavor-we make no boastful pretensions- Haven, awaiting transportation to New Orleans. of the regiment.

OTHER VETERAN REGIMENTS.

The veteran regiments which have now re- turned to their posts of duty, are the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Tenth and Eleventh regiments of infantry, and portions of the First Artillery, the First Light Battery, and the First Cavalry.

The conduct of the veterans at home has been, for the most part, such as to thoroughly disprove the frequent assertion of those who hate the sol. diers and the cause for which they. contend, that jarmy life destroys character and unfits mien for social and civil duties. While at home, the great majority of the men were hardly seen abroad, but remained quietly ensconsed among admiring and happy friends. Many a soldier has surprised and gratified his friends by his increased manliness and intelligence, and pride, not shame, has moistened sister, when they looked upon the ereet form and noble beating of their loved soldier.

dered the large bounty iu open and reckless prot- | the light of universal justice and universal liberty. ligacy ; and these men, sten and noticed so much more than the others have created an erroneous impression concerning the average character of the veterans.

But if those who are acquainted with the vete. rans will suppose an equal inunber of men selected in the same proportion as the veterans are, and suppose this number of men to be on holiday ¡ among us, with plenty of money, they will at once be convinced that there would be quite as large an amount of dissipation and extravagance as we have yet witnessed. The conduet of the veterans, ta- ken as a whole, has been highly ereditable to them. They have done us all good; they have

strengthened our purpose to sustain them heartily to the victorious end of our great confliet. They return bearing the admiring respect and the sin- Arrived on Folly and crossed to Morris Island, cure blessing of every patriot.

July 18th, 1863.

Bayonet charge on Fort Wagner, Charleston harbor, July 18th, 1863.

Assault on Fort Sumter, Sept. 9th, 1862. Left Morris Island, S. C., Oct. 26th, 1863. Arrived at Port Royal, S. C., Oct. 27th, 1868. Left Port Royal, S. C., Oct. 27th, 1888. Arrived at Fernandina, Fla., Oct. 28th, 1568. Left Fernandina, Fla., Oct. 31st, 1859. Arrived at St. Augustine, Fla., Oct, Alst. 1863. Left St. Augustine, Fla., Feb, 11th, Isit. Arrived at IHilton Head, S. C., Feb, 1ath, 1SC4. Left IIdton Head, S. C., Feb. 15th, Isnt. Arrived at New York. Feb. 18th, 1564. Left New York, Feb. 18th, 1861.

Arrived at New Haven, Conn., l'eb, Isth, Isot. Left New Haven, Conn., Feb. 19th, 1561. Arrived in Ilartford, Conn., Feb. 12th, 1861. EXTENSION OF FURLOUGHS.

The Twelfth Regiment reported in due form a! Hartford on the 17th, and the furloughs of the men were extended for twenty days, to enable them to vote at the State election.

This act is eminently just, because the laws do not permit these, our noblest citizens, to vote in the field; and it is entirely consistent with the public interest, because they are not now espe- cially needed in the department to which they be- rendering the movement certain. The impatient long.

The Tenth Regiment rendezvoused at Hartford and were quickly prepared for departure.

on the day of the expiration of their furloughs. i They were present, be it said to their enduring were formed on their parade ground in double honor, almost to a man. The same agreeable columns, at Irilf distance, closed in mass, to receive extension of their vi-it was also granted to them as to the Twelfth, and for the same reason4.

the flig of the State of Connecticut. At 2 P. MI., Bev. Dr. Bacon, accompanied by Major General Russell, Mayor Tyler, Major Wayland, and Alder-

The veterans of the Tenth and Twelfth, at the expiration of their second furlonghs, reported man Marble, arrived in a hack, and took position promptly. The Tenth was ordered to report at : in front of the regiment.

we will endeavor, I say, never to dishonor the old

1864.]

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

205

State which so nobly has borne herself thus far in in New Haven. This detachment has been or- for aid. It was a noble spectacle, this ready sup- the conflict.

At the close of Col. Wooster's address, the ele- gant flag was handed to the tall color sergentit, who took his position in the line with evident pride and resolute purpose. The men of the Twenty. ninth, many of them well known and worthy citi- zens of New Haven, seemed thoroughly to appre- eiate the high and shered emblem which is en- trusted to their keeping, and will do all that men can do to achieve new renown beneath its inspiring folds. Thus ended the presentation.

The large concourse which had assembled to witness the presentation were kept from crowding about the regiment by the guard stationed for that purpose. By this arrangement all confusion was avoided, and every one was able to see distinctly. All other matters connected with the departure of the regiment were prearranged with the same good judgment and completeness, and the whole affair exhibits again the superior business capacity and tireless energy of Captain W. B. Sears, and the efficiency of his subordinate officers.

The Twenty ninth is a regiment of first rate ma- terial, and is splendidly officered; no Connecticut regiment ean he more so. Col. Wm. B. Wooster has made a very favorable impression upon all. during the few days which he has spent here, and no one doubts that such a regiment, under his com- zuand, will do splendid and honorable service.

The regimeut has on its rolls 1,005 men and offi- cers. Nearly one hundred men are sick at the Knight Ilospital, but will be seut forward as fast |31st. as convalescent.

The regiment proceeds to Annapolis, and will be joined by the Ninth Army Corps, to be command- cd by the gallant Burnside.

Immediately after the presentation, the regiment marched through the principal streets to Long Wharf, halting a while on the green. Along the line of march flags were freely displayed, and all the usnal demonstrations of interest and approval were manifested. The streets were crowded. The regiment exhibited great enthusiasm, and repeat- edly cheered the flags as they passed, and were many times answered by cheers from the side- walks. Derisive cjaculations were few-for every honest spectator, whatever his general opinions. was compelled to believe that the colored men of the Twenty-ninth will be sturdy and efficient sol- diers

The regiment was marched on board the War- rior about six o'clock, and left the harbor the next morning at eight.

PRESENT OFFICERS OF THE TWENTY-NINTH INFANTRY.

Colonel -- Wm. B. Wooster. of Derby.

Adjutant-J. Lewis Spaulding, Norwich.

Quartermaster -- J. Il. Goodwin, East Haven. Surgeon-J. F. Stevenson, Boston,

Assistant Surgeon-H. B. Crandall, New York. Assistant Surgeon-J. HI. Rand, New York.

Captains-D. Torrance, Norwich ; II. C. Ward, Hartford; F. F. Camp. Middletown ; E. W. Bacon, New Haven; E. A. Thorp. North Haven ; Chas. Griswold, Guilford; Wm. J. Ross, Norwich ; A. Wasbburne, Lebanon ; Thos. Dunlap, Philadel- phiia ; Daniel A. Lyon, North Woodstock.

Ist Lieutenants-J. F. Sweetland, New Haven ; gant sash, together with, holsters and pistols. T. J. Bennett, New Haven ; G. W. Stewart, East , sword-knot, hat-cord, and shoulder-straps.

Haddam ; E. P. Rodgers, Norwich ; II. G. Marshal, Milford ; W. L. L.conard, Norwich; II. H. Brown, Thompson ; C. II. Carpenter, Norwich.

2d Lieutenants-L. R. MeDonough, Westport ; D. Mortimer Lee, New London ; E. S. Bristol, New

dered to Washington for duty in the defenses of port of a tender-hearted girl in her contest with the city, relieving, with other detachments, the First and Second Com. Artillery. The artillery

long established precedent and authority. It regiments are to be sent to the front as infantry, , convinced the world that the claims of human suf- The detachment of the V. R. C. at Hartford has fering, when properly urged, are stronger than been ordered to proceed to the camp in New Ha- 'either law or custom. So here (but not because ven, and is probably expected to perform all the . of imbecility, nor official tardiness, but because of duty devolving on the large number relieved. A similar procedure in all the States will relieve a ! large number of efficient troops about Washington, and send them into active service.

The officers of the detachment ordered to New Haven are:

Major George A. Washburn, commanding bat- talion.

Captain Jannes Bell,

Captain Edward J. Merrills,

Ist Lieut. George I. Brown,

2d Lieut. Leonard J. Whiting.

The officers of the detachment ordered to Wash- ington are :

Lient. Col. Joliu Spiedel, commanding battalion. Captain John H. Weeks,

Captain Jacob II. Benttes,

Captain George S. Smith,

Captain Gustavns M. Palmer,

1st. Lient. Win. K. Tilotson, Acting Adjutant, Ist Lieut. George F. Scheyer,

2d Lieut. Robert Laffag.

This detachment started for Washington March

VIEWS OF THE CAMI.

Just as they left the eamp they were halted, and a photograph of the battalion was taken by Mr. Drew. A number of excellent views of the camp, ; in the State has one of these organizations, and and different objects in the camp, forming'a rare series, have been taken by the same artist, in the ' best style of photographic art. These pictures are for sale at the chapel of the camp, by Rev. i John D. Jones, and money obtained from the sale will be expended in increasing the library, or pro- sociations, which thus become centres of reception moting in other ways the intellectual and moral welfare of the men in the camp.

CAPT. W. B. SKARS .- We learn with regret that Capt. Win. B. Sears, the present efficient camp commandant, is soon to be relieved, and will join his regiment, the 2d R. I. Infantry. "Under his ; Society in Hartford receives the contributions of careful and energetic supervision, the camp at , many smaller ones in the villages most convenient Fair llaven has assumed a most desirable and of access from that city, and that in New Haven pleasant appearance. The camp is now enclosed tis the agent for the towus and villages in that vi- with a high board fence, along the top of which is a row of spikes, which must awaken no pleasant reflections on the minds of the would-be dezerters. Walks have been made, drains dug, the chapel licit contributions, give out the work to be done, floored, and everywhere one sees evidences of manufacture from the raw material, inspeet, pack marked and desirable change. The commanding . and prepare for transportation, and assume the officer is peenliarly adapted to his situation. Not only does he insist on thorough military discipline, 'responsibilities of the reception, care and trans- but favors and forwards every movement which mission of the immense stores of food, clothing, has in view the intellectual and spiritual welfare medicines, books, necessaries, luxuries, and com- of the men."

Co. D. of the 30th regiment, have given expres- ' societies resemble some extensive governmental

sion to their high appreciation of Capt. Sears by presenting him with a superb sword, a very ele- depot.

Soldiers' Aid Associations.

the immense labor so suddenly thrust upon the machinery of the government, adjusted rather to peaceful times) has arisen not one, but thousands, of Florence Nightingales. They have spent labo- rions days and weary nights in the hospitals, amid scenes of sickening horror sufficient to appal the stoutest heart and unsettle the most rigid nerves. They have made their own homes temporary hos- pitals for strangers, linked to their sympathies only by the mutual tie of love of country, and wil- lingness to do and suffer for it, But, most of all, they have busied themselves, week after week and month after month, with the making up of gar- mentsand the preparation of delacacies and men- dicaments for the sick and wounded soldiers of the Republic.

The better to make effective this widely extend- ed labor of love, associations were formed uniting these household rills of merey, and pouring them in one wide, deep stream of henefaction into the ocean of misery created by this inhuman rebellion. The Soldiers' Aids have perfectly answered the demands of the hour. Each of the larger towns

nearly every village has its little society, which ntilizes and concentrates the labor of the ready hands found in every dwelling. These smaller so- cieties, for convenience, act through the larger as- and distribution. Lach society, however, is inde- pendent of the others, neting together not from any bond of association, but simply for conven- . ience and increased effectiveness. Thus the Aid einity. In every instance these Aids have been instituted and managed entirely by ladies, who so-

forta, which make the rooms of one of these larger

To give a more definite idea of the objects, re- sults, and mode of operation of these societies, we give a brief notice of one, which will serve as a sketch of all, for they are identical in aim and in management :

The Hartford Soldiers' Aid Association was or- When British soldiers languished and died, al- Haven ; John Bishop, New London ; T. II. Me- most unattended, in the crowded and ill-managed ganized immediately after the fall of Sumter, in Kinley, Litchfield; J. W. Ilyde, New Haven; W. II. Bevin, Chatham ; Edward Coe, New Haven; Ransom Kenyon, Westerly, R. I. ; Wm. P. Brooks, Meriden. hospitals at Sentari, far away from home, the vie. the spring of 1861. Although in its first organi- tims of red tape heartlessness aud ciremnlocution 'zation it was designed for the benefit of Connecti- imbecility, England and the civilized world was eut volunteers. it has given two-thirds of all its Sergeant Major-II. N. Loudon, New Haven, Quartermaster Sergeant -- D. S. Lathrop, New Haven. startled by the presumption of a single young supplies to the U. S. Sanitary Commission, for all woman, whose energy routed incompetence from the soldiers of the Union. It still, however, claims Com. Sergeant-Joseph Cassell, New Haven. cut soldiers, whenever they may require its assist- ance. Since its formation, this association has THE VETERAN RESERVE CORPS, received in cash donations more than twenty- five thousand dollars, and of supplies, other than money, the value of at least sixty thousand dollars Hospital Steward -- D. W. Dimock, Regular Army. its stronghold, brought sympathy to the heart-sick ; the privilege to minister primarily to Connecti- soldier, health to his frame, and tearful smiles to his eye. Through the exertions of Florence Night. ingale, the effects of the governmentalapathy were remedied by the generous contributions of a peo- Four companies of the Third Regiment V. R. C. have been for months located at the Rendezvous ple whose hearts responded liberally to the appeal

206

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[MAY,

has been distributed from its stores. Many of these Connecticut men. He distributed supplies in many llaven society has probably a larger field of oper- ations, or rather of supply, being the centre for about eighty towns. For the year ending last November, its receipts were 89,992.60, and the society we quote : supplies and a portion of the money has been re- ' of these places, and gave money in small amounts ceived through societies in auxiliary towns for which i to those men who were in need. At Gettysburg that in Hartford aets as agent. Some idea of the ! most of his time wrs spent, and he speaks in the magnitude of this volunteer benefaction may be, highest tones of commendation of the work done expenditures $7,164.76. From the report of this obtained from the fact that the ordinary distribu- | there by the Sanitary and Christian Commissions. tions of the Hartford society per month amount : The boxes of stimulants, clothing, de., which we now to more than a thousand dollars. Of course consigned to him there, were distributed by his there are oeeasions, as after a great battle, when ; own hand, aud he lost no opportunity to investi- the demand much exceeds these ordinary di-barse. | gate the management of the hospitals, and to as- ments. But assistance to the soldier himself does certain that proper attention was paid to the care not comprehend all the charities of this truly and comfort of all the sufferers collected there. Christian organization. The families of our brave volunteers are sought out, and their sorrows and sufferings are sootbed and allayed by sympathy and assistance.

" During the past year liberal contributions of money have been received, and expended mostly in material for clothing, which has been speedily made available by the active industry of the loyal women of New Haven and its vicinity, which, with the donations of the towns above mentioned, have been duly reported iu the daily papers. Success and encouragement have erowned every effort, and the most entire harmony has characterized the de- liberations of the Board of Managers, who, though drawn from various creeds and all denominations, have labored with the utmost unanimity in this truly Christian work.

" There have been made during the year 4,939 artieles, consisting of 1,828 cotton shirts, 808 flan- nel shirts, 161 Canton flannel shirts, 1,133 pair drawers, G1 dressing gowns, 120 handkerchiefs, 142 towels, 658 sheets, 27 pillow cases, 7 cushions, and 735 pair socks.

needle-women, paid for their labor by benevolent ladies. Quite a number of auxiliary societies are regularly supplied with material or cut garments

At the time of the issue of the report, Nov. 1st, 1862, the committee state :

"An appeal has come from the Secretary of the Sanitary Commission, who writes that their store- houses are exhausted of many of the most needed articles for the coming winter, and urges upon all its auxiliaries increased diligence and zeal in the manufacture of clothing, as well as other home products. They state that they have ample re- sources for the supply of all purchasable commod- ities, but it is on the active fingers and warm hearts of the loyal women of the North that they depeud for that aid which shall bring to a wounded, per-

plics go to Connecticut regiments, to learn that du- ring the year 1863 only six out of the twenty-five in of supplies were sent to them, as occasion re- [ the field from this State-namely, the 7th, 8th, 11th, haps dying soldier, the comforts and the memory quired, from our Association.

15th, 16th, and 25th Conn. Vols .- have received of home."

" Under ' special relief' we class the support of special donations from us. Articles from home a special ageney to sick and wounded soldiers, ! are especially welcome to a soldier, and we hold contributions to various relief associations, and the | that the State which offers such large and tempt. supplies furnished to Connecticut regiments in the | ing inducements to men to go forth froin its bor- field, as well as to their families at home.

ders to the defense of the common country, is

"In the early part of the year 1865, Mr. Cush- bound, so far as practicable, to follow its sons with man was laboring on our behalf among the hospi- ' parental care -- still to minister to their wants when tals and camps of Washington. He was untiring . Linguishing on beds of pain, and still to give as- in his efforts to promote the welfare of our sol. surances of remembrance and sympathy to those diers, and we have abundant evidence of the great . whom it has armed and equipped for the strife." good which he accomplished. After his return | This society, like similar ones in other parts of home in March, we did not deem it expedient to | the State, has been so well supported and sustained employ another agent until after the occurrence in | by voluntary contributions and liberal donations, July of the bloody battle of Gettysburg. Moved that at the end of the year it had on hand a stock | nial and tireless labors of their mothers, wives, by a desire to minister to the wants of the wound- ! of materials and a balance in the treasury without ed and dying on that sanguinary field. Mr. Virgil a single unpaid obligation. An income of five Cornish again offered his services to our AAssocia- | hundred dollars per month from regular, systematic We regret to record the sudden deeease of Rus- sel II. Ilavens, in Fair Have 1, Conn., May 20th, at the age of 34 years. Ile took deep interest in unattainable by spasmodic, though perhaps at ¡ times more liberal, assistance. From cash dona- tions alone, in 1863 the Hartford society received $13,252. 12, and it expended $11,544.15. the War Record, and though not always precise in his business habits, he was a very energetic and successful agent. In his travels, he frequently found opportunity to give valuable information, or This society has been longer in operation than otherwise assist the families and friends of sol. tion, and armed with a commission from Governor contributions, the gift of large-hearted mnen, ena- Buckingham as agent for the State of Connectient, i bles the society to labor with a certainty of result and amply provided with funds specially contribu- ted by gentlemen of this city to our general fund. he went for the second time on this errand of mier. cy and philanthropy, and visited hospitals in Balti- more, Philadelphia, Annapolis, York, Columbia, Ihr- risburg, Hagerstown, Frederick City, Harper's Fer- | any other in the State, and for this reason we have diers, and his generous heart always prompted ry and Gettysburg, containing over thirty thousand | selected it as an example of the objects and meth- | him, even at the sacrifico of precious time, to do patients, of whom about five hundred only wero ods of labor of Soldiers' Aids generally. The New | all that he could.

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 67

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