The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 7

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

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THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

1:63.]

brances we began pouring a shower of lead into ; brave men to carry joy to the one suffering more ; darkness for us to come into the trap they had set the works and at every head visible.

This was the position and progress of affairs until night, when what was left of our Regiment to the rear.

I could tell of things that would make the heart. ache; of the black and burnt bodies, and the cor- in our front were withdrawn, leaving our small bat determined band of less than two hundred and fifty nien nearer than any point then or here- ruption that an exposure of four days to this in- tofore occupied by our forees.

We passed a sleepless night, during which our cotton breastwork took fire, when spades and picks were called into requisition to smother the fite, the smoke of which rendered us unable to sight the enemy. The morning light looked upon (that which we had never dreamed of) the outlines of a work which, at the time I write, commands the praise and attention of all who have au inter- est in the final capture of this stronghold.

The morning light of the first day of the week. after the busy work with spade and pick the night before, gave hope of holding our position against any probable force which might attempt to drive uis out.

The second day, though gaining nothing to the cause, was improved much in skill acquired as marksmen, and coolness and bravery, which can only be obtained before and under the fire of an caemy.

Among a considerable body of men there are to be found some who will cause a smile and laugh- Company D-Baker. ter which, in times like this, among dead and Company E-None. wounded, serves to turn the thought aud mind Company F-S. Greenwood, (drowned.) Company G-None. from the horrors of war. Such are among us, and every opportunity is improved; being so near the Company II-Philip Galligan, Pat. Owens. enemy, communication is occasionally kept up with Company I-J. Curtis, [Lieutenant Goodyear. ] W. Warner, A. Peek, L. I. Goodyear, H. Pierpont, MI. Gaylord. good advice and suggestions, such as Reb, fire a little higher or lower, as the case might be. The oft repeated rumor of their being short of caps, may be true or not, but we ean testify to their worthlessness when we coustantly hear their explo- The Twentieth Connecticut at Gettysburg. sion withont effect, and the invitation in good A correspondent of the Hartford Press gives the faith that they will come over to us and get good. following plain account of the credit able part per- ones, is, without doubt, heard, if not appreciated. formed by the Twentieth in the late battles :

But who ever heard of a fortification, especially Uncle Sam's, that was not surmounted by the stars NEAR GETTYSBURG, July 4th. 1863. 5 and stripes ? Acting upon this thought, on the " Of our fatiguing march from Leesburg, it is unnecessary to speak iu detail. We reached the vicinity of the late severe battles on Wednesday, third day up went the glorious old flag, followed by that of our native State, the gift of the ladies of Meriden, and which they aud we will not be the Ist inst., and took our position as a reserve, ashamed of if we are spared to return to our while the First and Eleventh Corps were engaged with the rebels in the vicinity of the town. Thursday morning we were moved out some dis- tance on the right of our present position and formed our lines. After sending out skirmishers guns from the foe belched forth a torrent of hail | and finding no enemy in that vicinity, we were drawn back to the pike and moved out to our present position on the right of the army. Here we went immediately at work constructing breast. works, and soon had a good line with a stone wall about teu rods in the rear for the protection of the second line. homes. As the stars and stripes surmounted the parapets, a salute of over one hundred guns and three hearty cheers from the men to whose care it was entrusted, filled the air, while from as many which every now and then tears its beautiful folds and stars, while a shot strikes the staff, but only to ald one more witness to its noble defenders. Such a scene occurs but once in a lifetime, and the story of that hour will be as fresh a century hence as from the pen of the one who now relates it.

" In the meantime, the enemy had made an at- tack in force on the left, which was kept up with desperation till our forces there were getting short | thigh, of ammunition. The Fifth and Twelfth Corps were !

for ns. But the true state of the case was discov- fered by our skirmishers, and we formed our lines in a corn-field and waited for the return of day with a determination that the enemy must be driven out.

" Friday morning, at about 34 o'clock, twelve tense heat will produce. But why add to the | pieces of artillery, from good positions, commenced shelling the woods vigorously, and soon the infant- ry of the Second Division and a portion of the The result of this assault cannot be discovered where our Regiment lies, and while an order is giveu to a battery to shell the rebel works visible to those in the rear, a word flies quickly, the Twen- ty-fourth Connecticut holds and threw up those works. The order is countermanded, while every tongue and voice resounds with praise, and every Que enquires, " Can that bo a nine months' Regi. they showed themselves. They reported the re- fire at the rebel sharpshooters and skiru.ishers as ment ?" First advance to the attack from the left. Between 4 and 5 o'clock, the Twentieth was ordered forward to the edge of the woods, in the range of the fire of our artillery, to prevent any attempt to flank the forces engaged to the left. Our skirmishers were deployed into the woods, where they kept up a sult of their observations occasionally, and the in- Total loss by death from sickness in the Regi- ment since it left home, twenty-two, besides two drowned. formation was sent back to the Commander of the Division. The fight lasted with energy till 11 Company A-R. Spencer, George Strickland, J. Jolinson, (drowned.) o'clock, when the enemy was driven from the works and our skirmishers held them. The Regi- ment quickly advanced through the woods, and were then relieved by the Que Hundred and Twenty. third New York, who occupied the trench- es. The Twentieth then marched back half a mile to replenish their ammunition and again re- Company C-II. Evans, F. Mason, II. Brown, G. Willcox, O. Gilbert. turned to their position.

" The loss of the Regiment is given in the list of casualities below. Most of the men named were hit by sharpshooters who secreted themselves in trees and behind rocks and fired whenever a skir- misher showed his head.

" In the afternoon our position was shelled vigor- ously and another severe attack was made on our center, and the First and Second Brigades of our Division were ordered to its support, but we were uot needed as the rebels were repulsed with great loss. We returned to our intrenchments which we have since held with no further inolestation than occasional shots from sharpshooters in the woods in front. During the night the rebel force left, and we hear uothing of its whereabouts, but aro well satisfied that it is thoroughly whipped.

"The Twentieth is satisfied with its conduct and refers to the reports yet to be made by counnaud- ers, with confidence that Connecticut has not been disgraced by us. If the rebels are again brought to a stand we incan to keep up the reputation already achieved.

" Yours in haste, " LUFF,"

LIST OF CASUALTIES IN THE TWENTIETHE.

Company A- Wounded: Corporal Thomas Sim- inons, in arm ; Corporal C. M. Hall. in leg ; John Gibbon, in hand; Josiah Lentz, in back, by shell. Company B-Killed: Thomas Redshaw, shot in heart. Wounded: George Warner, both arms blown off by shell : H. R. Bronson, left thigh.

Company C-Wounded: James Cassedy, in

Company D-Wounded: Corporal Charles HI.

ordered to their relief. We moved quickly over, | Gibson, through left breast, probably mortal ; but the Fifth had arrived before us and repulsed ! John Downing, in left eye and cheek.

Company E-Wounded : Samuel Bailey, in calf of leg.

Company F-Killed: John D. Perry, shell in left. breast. Wounded: Charles H. Roberts, in side.

Company G-Wounded: Mordaunt L. Wilmot, in thigh ; Fisher A. Ames, in leg, slightly.

But how quickly this scene can be changed. We have only to look as far as the naked eye can reach, and behold the dead and wounded bodies of brave and valiant soldiers, with an eye to pity but no hand to save. While your humble writer keeps vigilant watch of the night, from but few paces outside our works can be heard the faint voice of the enemy, and we were ordered back to the right. one begging for water, this already being the third But the rebels had taken advantage of our move day in the burning sun with no water, and no one ments and occupied our intreneluments in force. to save, as the morning dawns fainter grows the General Geary's Division (2d) reoccupied them after a severe struggle, but those of our Division (the extreme right) were held by masses of the rebels, who filled the woods, aud waited in the voice that at intervals arises for help; human h art can bear it no longer, and while every heart hears its own beating, goes forth two noble and

thau tongue can tell. A grateful heart his tongue, expresses, while a stretcher is brought to take him

tears that now flow in sorrow for those of whom 1 now write ?

Company B-E. D. Steveus, S. Pratt, N. Platts, M. J. Willcox, E. Parker.

IN THE INTRENCHMENTS, 1

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[Acctst,

Company II-Wounded: Jacob 1. Still, in back base fears, and the absence of confidence and by shell.

Company I-Killed: Corporal Joel Dickerman. | victory that fortune had placed within its reach, shell in abdomen ; Bernerd Mulvey, mnshet-ball which would have probably in its ultimate results through head. Wounded : Color Corporal Jedin ' brought peace to our country. Alexander had but Priee, in foot; Thomas Brooks, in shoubler; 'an army of 30,000 foot and 5,000 horse when he forder, came the Horse Guards, making, as they Miles King, slightly in hip.

Company K -- Killed : Charles F. Roberts, mus. ' such an insignificant number of men, and with

het-ball through body. Wounded: Sergeant E. only one or two months' supplies for his army, he soldiers, and New Haven Grays, completing the J. Murray, left arm ; Sergeant George Dickinson, commenced a war of invasion with the populous in shoulder. and wealthy kingdom of Persia. It is evident he neither could have been a croaker himself, nor

For the Connecticut War Record. Croaking and Croakers.

the waiting people had a chance to contrast the hope-enused the army of Gen. Meade to lose a glitter and precision of holiday tanks with the rusty reality of those who " have been there, and know." Everybody was glad that the brave boys met with such a hearty welcome home. First in startedupon his expedition to conquer Asia. With [ always do, a dashing and brilliant show, followed by the City Guard, the Veteran Grays, Hospital military escort. And next emme carriages con- taining Mayor Tyler, Major General Russell, Dr. Bacon, and a number of eity officials, and then the have had prophets of evil for his counselors. As | Fife Band of the Twenty-seventh. Browned, foot- he was about to commenee his Herculean labor, be distributed among his friends nearly all the sore, du-ty, shabby, shuffling under their back- loads of old baggage, came the heroie men who,

among us, and marched, eight hundred and fifty strong, to do what they could to make the war come out right. They had been in three terrible battles-had suffered all kinds of hardships, and now they were home once more, catching sight of familiar faces at every turn, and knowing that the city was glad to greet them.

A despending man is at all times and under al | revenues and estate of the crown. When asked ! nine months ago, gave up their quiet avocations circumstances a nuisance and a curse. His blood ; what he had saved for himself, he replied, " Hort !" curdles and eongeals in his veins, and he gathers ! Many of his followers thereupon declined his pres- around him an atmosphere of perpetual gloom. [ents, determined to share his hopes. Such are No person ean approach him without experiencing

the men our country has needed in its gigantic a sensation similar to that enused by sudden con. ' struggle. Men over hopeful and confident in the darkest hour of the darkest day; men that can see victory to-morrow through the confusion and disasters of to-days' defeat ; men that at all times and under all circumstances never despair of the

taet with a dead body. Why such men were born, is as inexplicable as the problem of human and inhuman depravity. We could not be tempt- Splendid trappings, guns glittering in the sun- shine, prancing horses, silken banners, bugle notes and the clang of cymbals, impress one with a which our armies have had to sustain, has consist. vague sense of grandeur; but when those four hundred and fifty battered warriors passed along, and the mind of cach looker on was busy with thoughts of the thinned columns-there was sonie- thing about their "ragged regimentals," earnest glances, and tired steps, that caused many eyes to moisten with emotion and admiration. Ever so many felt like crying : and how the handkerchiefs to every seeming disaster upon which he should waved from door-ways, windows and balconies ! ed by any consideration to-sit opposite such a man every day at the dinner table, where we ! republie. The most damaging fire in the rear should ever be compelled to mingle his croakings with our food. Hlad we the making of laws, we'ed of the loud-mouthed doubts, fears and croak- would, in the list of legal eanses for divorce. place : ings of the faint hearted, which have chimed in this at the head before all others. And in def. ! harmoniously with the blatant treason of the cop. perheads. Every loyal man should make it a ning treason, the croakings of a confirmed croak- er should take precedence of making war upon | matter of duty to inspire courage and hope. He the State, or adhering to its ememies. A rebel ! - hould watch vigilantly in the darkness for the in arms in the Confederate army, is an angel of gray dawn of the morning. There is a sunny side light, and a friend of the republie, compared with a loyal misanthrope who persists in tilling the' ever fix his gaze. And the reflection that nothing The north portico of the State House was dense- future with disasters and chimeras dire, remem- but the dethronement of God himself can give ly packed with people and a vast throng covered bering in the past only our reverses, magnifying ' permanent trimph to a confederacy of perjuredl ; the Green. The Regiment drew up in front, and rebels, should so strengthen his faith in the ulti- mato triumph of the republic and its free institu- tions that no powers of earth or hell can shake it.

with his fears the power and prowess of the en- ! emy, and the elements of weakness and the can- ses of depondeney which exist in the republic. One noble hearted, resolute, fearless, plncky and hopeful patriot, whose courage rises higher and From the Journal and Courier, July 23. still higher the more he sees andfeels the middenmy fury of the storm, is worth more to the State : than a whole regiment of such wenk-backel, Im- ber-kneed and faint hearted paltrouns. Give us the man who, in the darkest and saddest hour of . the nation's peril feels his courage and conti.lence rise with the emergency, and whose voice can be . heard above the loudest howlings of the storm, cheering the faint hearted with the assurances of ultimate triumph. Such men gained for us the ! victory at Buena Vista, where, it is reported that they were whipped two or three times, but they did not know it, would not believe it, still contin- ned to fight, and at last covered themselves and posed that the Regiment would be received at the their starry banner with unfading lanrels.

Mayor Tyler spoke their welcome to the city -- after which Dr. Bacon delivered a short speech and offered up a prayer of thanks, Mr. Elliot C. Hall read a poem, and a little son of the Poetess presented Colonel Bostwick and the Major of the Twenty-seventh with beautiful laurel wreaths.

The Reception of the "Twenty-Seventh." The men of the Twenty-seventh Regiment have Many tender and most affecting meetings of dbme nobly, and the welcome extended to them loved ones were witnessed by sympathizing groups. yesterday, must have made them feel that the pro. The men, having had nothing to cat since 4 o'clock on Wednesday morning, (after an excellent ple of New Haven know it. All the flags of the! city were flying from Insatse-tops and windows. night's rest-as one of them told us-on the grass At an early hour of the forenoon the streets were : at the Battery.) of course were quite ready for the a-tir with citizens, and it was only feared that . generous repa-t prepared for them by Major B. F. there had loun too little time to mature plans for a Mansfield, (at the expense of the city.) around at : worthy escort. All places commanding a view of Music Hall. They could well appreciate that part the probable route of the procession, were filled . of the programme. Near the Hall we saw a sol- i with eager expectante, and the walks were crowd. dier meet his wife and little girl, and they could ed with ladies and children. It had been sup- not speak but kissed each other and all cried.

The entire reception was marked by deep feel- Depot-Imt different companies of military moved ing, and we could not give a passing allu-ion to the

Nething great was ever attempted in any de- . down Fleet street, and the crowd began to flock many touching welcomes that we saw without con- partment of labor or enterprise by a confirmed that way: Before the arrival of the train almost suming too much space. Ringing bells, the roar and inveterate croaker. His imagination hedges every available spot in that region was occupied, of canton, the flag draped buildings, and the cager- him about, and walls him in with such a formil ; and our citizen soldiers formed in the vicinity of' ness manifested by every one to make the Regi- ble array of possible and impossible diffienlties ' Custom Hon -? Square. As the rough, weather- 'ment realize that their patriotic bravery was and dangers, that he stands aghast and paralized beaten follows stepped from the cars, throbbing appreciated-expressed the public rejoicing. It until the golden opportunities to acquire fatne or ' hands grasped theirs, and opened arms and tearful . was sad to think of the many noble fellows who fortune have passed him by, never to return. Theleyes spoke in warmly eloquent language of the 'shared the shock of battle, but were not here to mighty waves that so easily and pleasantly float ' gratitude and joy that could not be said in words. : share the glorious welcome home. us into the haven of success, will carry us as ta- ; An occasional straggler with sim-browned face, rag. ! pidly and surely away, in spite of all our efforts ged clothes, and body hent under the weight of bis A copy of the following letter from Colonel to breast them, unless when the favoring tide ! heavy knapsack, wonby pass wenrily through the . Brooks, the Commander of the Brigade to which turns, we dare to launch out boklly into the stream ! crowd, leaning on a cane, followed by all eyes-[ the Twenty seventh Regiment was attached, will and throw our fears to the wind. Timid councils and eliciting remarks of pity and pride. Finally, | be prized by the children of the soldiers so highly recently upon the l'otomac,-the supremacy of a squad of Police cleared the way of vehicles, and / complimented.

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

1863.]

IHADQUARTERS 4rn BRIG., IST Div., 2D CORPS, i Camp in Pleasant Valley, Va., July 17,'63. 5 [General Order No. 9.]

The term of service of the Twenty-seventh Connecticut Volunteers having nearly expired, it bas been relieved from further duty, and ordered to report to its place of enrollment.

The Colonel commanding the Brigade desires, in parting with the officers and inen of the Twenty-seventh Connecticut, to convey to them ! last of these battles he was wounded in the arm. his sincere feelings of regret at losing their servi- , The bone between the shoulder and the elbow was ces ; while he at the same time thanks them for removed by the surgeon and hopes were enter- the obedience and faithfulness which has been a tained of his recovery. But it was otherwise marked feature of the Regiment.

Knowing it intimately for so many months of name is added to the list of Christian Patriots active and arduous service-having been an eye- from Connecticut, who have laid down their lives witness of its many deeds of gallantry, and of the for their country. He leaves a wife and several noble devotion displayed by it on many a memo- children to mourn his untimely death. His re- rable day, during the time in which he has had mains were brought to Middlebury for inter- the honor to command its services-he feels it a'ment. duty he owes,-not only to the living heroes, but . to the memory of those who have fallen in the field, in battling in our righteous cause-to bear testimony to the valor and gallantry it has always displayed.

Side by side with the veterans of the Army of the Potomae, it has fought, and, by the gallantry of its conduet, won for itself an enviable name and reputation ; and which may well, in after years, cause all who belong to it to feel a pardona- ble pride in having it to say that they served with the Twenty-seventh Connecticut.

By order COL. BROOKS. CHAS, P. HATCH, Lieut. A. A. A. G.

Miscellaneous Items.

DE" We have printed nearly all of our original 'as General Lyon was a native of Connecticut, and communications in a large sized type, as it is much one whom she is proud to number among the no- easier to read, and better for preservation. We blest of her sons-that a copy of the contemplated may use a smaller type in future numbers, but picture should be seenred to perpetuate the mem- ory of Lyon in this State. probably the general appearance of the work will not be changed. The fact that it comes from the press of T. J. STAFFORD, is sufficient guarantee that the Record will always be printed in the best style of the Printer's art.

DE" We regret to announce the death of Mr. William HI. Stuart, late of Co. G, Twenty-seventh regiment. Mr. Stuart went through his nine had a good look inside before he was discov. months' term of service in perfect health, but ered. He saw about twenty sharpshooters skulk- since the return of his regiment was taken sick with typhoid fever, and died at New Ilaven, Au- gust 11th. Ile was much respected for his many virtues, and leaves a widow, but no children.

Cay" Lieutenant Stillinan Rice, late of the Twen- ty-seventh Connecticut, is officer of the Provost Marshal's guard, in the 9th Massachusetts District.

One of our volunteers, who was recently a prisoner in Vicksburg, states that he saw a Union man shot who had been pressed into the rebel ser- vice and deserted and been recaptured. His name was Joli A. Marsh, and said he was the son of Rev. Leonard Marsh, of Maine. IIe wish- ed word sent to his parents that he was willing to placed by his coffin and was ready to receive the

CAPT. ISAAC R. BRONSON of the 14th, who died

We often hear it remarked by disloyal men, June 2d, 1863, was a son of Leonard Bronson, | that if the Crittenden Compromise had been ae- Esq., of Middlebury. He entered the service be- jeepted by the North, the South would never have canse he felt. it to be his duty to do so, and under rebelled, But the truth is, it was the South itself the most discouraging circumstances, recruited that refused to accept that Compromise. Mr. Co. 1, of the 14th regiment. Since then he has | Crittenden himself, in a recent public speech iu endured the peculiar hardships to which the 14th has been exposed, and fought bravely at Antie- tam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorville. In the

Kentucky, alluded to this subject ; and here is the very language he used: " Had my Compromise Resolution," said he, " been adopted by the Sonth as it was agreed to by the North, the rebellion and war would have been obviated." We trust that those copperheads who are so fond of refer- ring to the Crittenden Compromise will hereafter saddle the onus of its rejection where it belongs. -- Post.

Dr. George W. Clary of Hartford, First Assist- ant Surgeon of the Thirteenth Regiment, has been promoted to be Surgeon, vice Fisher, re- signed.

Captain Charles MI. Wilcox, of Madison Com- pany J, Twenty-seventh Regiment, has been ap- pointed assistant to Major Perkins, acting Provost Marshal General for this State. George R. Kim- ball of the Sixteenth, and Joseph A. Canfield of the Fifth, are also assistants in Major Perkins' office in Hartford.

Colonel George S. Burnham of the Twenty- second, is raising a new Regiment of Volunteers in Hartford and vicinity.

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 7

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