The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 74

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

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Massachusetts. The regimeat arrived at Ship Is- The reverend gentleman continued in words of excellent caution and advice. " Preserve," said he, "your esprit du corps." Live as brothers as land, December 3d, and were the first troops to land at that point. They performned a prodigious well during the short time of your turlough ns . amount of labor, and suffered great privation and you have in your past term of service. Live as exposure on the white sand of that desert island.

brothers with us, your fellow citizens, who re -! joice to see you once more. You have gainel much respect for yourselves far nway. I have no doubt you will endeavor to preserve this respect here at home.

at home. Remember your wives and children. Remember that intoxication will spoil the com. fort of your vist nnd the happiness of those you came home to see. Let. none think I am trying thing to enjoy the rations with. ( Laughter and applause. ) But men of the Ninth, be careful . that your friends do not succeed in killing you with kindness. ( Laughter and appl mi-e.) In fine, therefore, I bid you we'come and congratulate

At the conclusion of the address, llis Honor Mayor Tyler invited the veterans to help them. selves They responded to the invitation with . little delay and much apparent sati-fiction.

The Vermont veterans seemed to enjoy the ' mented in General Orders. The rebels under welcome, and particularly the culinary welcome. ! Gen. Breckenridge met with decided repulse. The latter part they could appreciate equally with | The Niath has since been chiefly employed in the veterans of the Ninth. The Vermonters ex. : guard duty at New Orleans, nnd outpost duty in pressed great gratification and gove rousing cheers . various positions of Upper Louisiana. This for Connecticut nnd her brave boys of the Ninth and Twelfth. They were escorted to the depot, and about eleven o'clock went on their way re- freshed. Their impromptu reception was n fortu. nate and delightful episode, nad will be long re. pected to join the expedition to Mobile, but was membered with pleasure by men of brave Con- neetieut, and brave men of Vermont.

The returned veterans of the Ninth number ; embarked for homo April 8th. The boys have abont four hundred, those of the Eighth Ver- mont three hundred and fifty. Inmediately after the collation, the boys of the Ninth were dismiss !

ed temporarily, and received their furloughs the ryung testimony of the men to the kindness, brave- first of the next week.

It is plensant here to record the almost unva- try and efficiency of Col. Cnhill. He is evidently a judicious, thorough and enterprising officer.

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

JUNE, 1864.

"I have acted for my God aad my country. May God bless you and help you to act worthy the cause yon defend. Never let the old flag trail in the dust ! I die happy. The future of my country will be uusullied-glorious !"

Lieut, Levi C. Bingham, of the 8th. C. V. Last words to his brother officers and soldiers written just before he died from a fatal wound received May 7th, 1864.

The movements of the past month have been the most gigantie and importnat of the war. Many brave men have nobly fallen ; the natiou mouras. Even if complete victory be quickly nnd grandly won, we shall rejoice with tearful gladness. Yet anguish must not benumb our hearts, nor anxiety paralyze our hands: there is work for all. The utmost exertion and sacrifice by rich and poor alike ena alone meet the demand for supplies of every sort. Let every household utter words of vital, prayerfnl sympathy, and every hearthstone witacss self-deaying effort for our suffering heroes.

Wedo not print all the lists of casualties which are in our hands, because we wish to verify them all before publishing. We shall give a careful outline, as soon as it can be acenrntely prepared, of the several engagements in which our brave Connecticut regiments have won enduring honor.

Much valable matter is postponed, which will appear in due time. Those who do not find full histories of regiments in which they are interest- ed, are assured that full histories will be published as space permits. We shall print many brief biographics of the fallen brave.

Many of our volunteers who have served brave- ly and faithfully for three yenrs will return to us within a few months. These men have done their duty nobly, and deserve welcome and praise. Let them be received with grateful rejoicings. Provision should be made for the appropriate and honorable reception of these worthy veterans as they come from the deeimated ranks of each war- wora regiment.

We gratefully acknowledge the receipt of the able speech of Senator Foster and other dseuments from Washington.

The eloquent and appropriate discourse of Rev. II. C. Trumbull to the reenlisted veterans of the Tenth Regiment C. V., was some time since re- ecived. It is very handsomely printed by Case, Lockwood & Co. of Hartford.

The report of the Bridgeport Soldiers' Aid So. eiety is received and will be noticed so soon as space admits. The ladies of Bridgeport have labored hnrd and accomplished innch.

Thanks are due to the Adjutnnt-General of Connecticut for n copy of his valuable annual re- He has proved himself competent to command n' port. It is full, complete, judiciously and conveni- ently nrranged-in fact, a model of its kind. brigade for months, and to command a force in heated nud critical netioa. The people of Con- nectient will not fail to honor Col. Cahill and the gallant Ninth.

The Legislative Statisties of Mr. Goodwin are carefully prepared and exceedingly interesting and valuable.

The Officers of the Ninth are the following : Thomas W. Cahill, Colonel, New Haven, Richard Fitzgibbon, Lient, Col., Bridgeport. Frederick Frye, Major, Bridgeport.

COMMISSIONED STAFF :- Chas. A. Gallagher, Surgeon, New Haven.

Henry Kattenstroth, Adjutant, Bridgeport. Thomas Fitzgibbon, Quartermaster, Bridgeport.

NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF .- John Bolger, Ser- geant Major: Robert Kerr, Quartermaster Ser. geant ; Win. Starkey, Commissary Sergeant; An- gust Ruhl, Hospital Steward; First Musician, Joha Healy.

CAPTAINs. - Michael A. Williams. Patrick Gar- vey. John G. Healy, Lawrence O' Brien, Terence Sheridan, Addis A. Payne, Elliott M. Curtis, Thomas Healy.

The boys of the Ninth might justly have com- plained much more than they did.

In April, they made a brilliant and snecessful expedition to Pass Christian, putting the rebel forces to ront-breaking up their camp. nnd de- stroying military stores, without losing a man.

Men of the Ninth : let me take the liberty to explain plainly to you what has been the mi-for- I tune of the furloughed soldier. It is intoxication. It is a foolish habit to fall into. It may be un- | They here, after handsomely defeating the Fourth necessary to remind you that n day given to this Mississippi. captured their colors. They were folly is miserably lost from the tane you remain, with Gen. Butler in the expedition against New

Orleans, and landed in New Orleans, May 2d. 1862. They marched to Camp Parapet, and thenee to Vicksburg, meeting opposition only in a skirmish to deprive him of rational enjoyment-some- at Grand Gulf. At Vicksburg they lay for six weeks in June and July-suffering greatly from exposure and consequent disease. Upwards of a hundred died. They then returned to Baton Rouge and took prominent and honorable part in you upon your safe return home. (Great applause. ) ; the sharp fight of Aug. 5th, nt Baton Ronge. Gen. Williams was killed and the command de- volved upon Col. Cahill.

The Colonel nequitted himself admirably, and both the Colonel and his regiment were comp i.

monotonous life has been roused by occasional re- connoissances, in all of which the men of the! Ninth have always exhibited promptness, courage and great powers of endurance. The Ninth ex- ordered to remain at Madisonvile. The regiment wns ordered to New Orleans, March 12th, and bravely earned the right to a furlough, aad are enjoying it to the utmost.

----

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

OUR STATE POINTS TO DEEDS, NOT ACHES.

JOHN M. MORRIS, Editor. HORACE C. PECK, Publisher. §

NEW HAVEN, JULY, 1864.

VOL. I. No. 12. ( $1 PER ANNUM, IN ADVANCE

For the Connecticut War Record.

menced an apprenticeship with Messrs. Willis and Lewis Hotchkiss & Co., builders, in Col. John L. Chatfield. Derby, Conn., making his home with Mr. Among the gallant sons whom Connecticut . Willis Hotchkiss, He remained there four has been called upon to mourn, whose valor has years, endearing himself to the family and to shed lustre upon our native state, and ; all who knew him. On the Ist of May. whose deeds will form a brilliant page in the, 1818, he was married to Miss Mary A. Rigg- history of the present war, no one stands in Derby, and remained with the above firm, higher in the estimation of all-no one is working as a journeyman, between two and more deeply lamented -- than Jons L. Char- three years, developing unusual mechanical FIELD, late Colonel of the 6th C. V.

Of his civil life we briefly say that he'ed to New Haven and was engaged there with was born in Oxford, Conn., Sept 13th, 1826. He was the eldest son of Pulaski and .Iman- da Chatfieldl. At the age of 17 he com-

named Walter Henry, who now lives in Derby.

In the fall of 1852 be removed to Water- bury, Conn., and was employed by the Wa- terbury Lumber and Coal Co., as head me- chanie in their Steam Mill, for about three years, He then associated with Lis brother in the building business, and the firm were widely known as superior workmen and most reliable contractors.

Ile was again married on the 13th of March, 1855, to Miss Sylvia A. Ainsworth, by whom he had one child, Mary Ida, born March 231 1858, and now living with the mother in Waterbury.

As a business man he was prompt and honorable, of sterling integrity, pos- sessing the confidence of the entire public, and the hearty esteem of all who knew him. He identified himself with the best interests of the place where he lived, and la- bored constantly for its prosperity.

It is pleasant thus to do honor to an up- right business man, but he had qualities which were early developed in another direction.

Col. Chatfield was born for a soldier .-- Soon after going to Derby he joined a com- pany known as the " Derby Blues," entering at 17 as a private, and before leaving Derby for New Haven holding every office in the company, up to and including the 1st Lieu- tenancy.

When he removed to Waterbury he was very active in raising the " Waterbury City Gnard," and at its first regular meeting in 1854, Richard Hunting was chosen Captain, and John L. Chatfield Ist Lieutenant.

On the resignation of the Captain, Lieut. Chatfield was chosen Captain, and held the office up to the time of the attack on Fort Sumter.

The "City Guard " wore an enviable name for thorough discipline, precision of movement and general military efficiency, consequent upon the perseverance and admi- ralle drilling of Capt. Chatfield, whose whole heart was in the work, and whose influence with his men was unbounded. He took great interest in the measures adopted skill and judgment Leaving them he remov- by the State to make the militia worthy the name of soldiers. He always attended several firms in building and superintending. "" the officer,' drills," and did what he could to infuse the true military spirit into

On the 5th of April, 1850, his wife was ta- ken away, leaving a child born March 11th, 'the whole corps.

226

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[JULY

He was never satisfied with present attain- ments, but by diligent study, by cultivating the acquaintance of officers of the regular army, and by every means at command, he Few persons know the enre and anxiety, the labor and brain-work necessary for such a task, but he accomplished it, and on the 13th of Sept. 1861, was mustered again into the service of the United States, and in a few days left for Washington, with nearly a maximum regiment. But the journey, the long continued eare and effort, the exposures lutions were required. The simple secret by the way and after his arrival on " Meridi- an Ifill," told fearfully upon him. Still he worked on and on, drilling, thinking, look- labored to perfect his knowledge and regulate his practice. To those who looked upon military matters in the light of pastime, and who never troubled themselves about "tacties," except on occasions, it was always a source of wonder how Capt. Chatfield knew so much. He was never at fault, no matter what evo- was, to him it was all a reality-n training for the day of stern labor in the field. No one of course believed that such a day would ing out for his men like a father for his fam- ever come in the history of this nation, but ily, until the day before the order came to it was none the less an earnest effort with him.

It was in this way that he laid the founda- tion of that military knowledge and tact that qualified him so well for the battle field, and which has written his name high upon the seroll of fame.

When Treason opened her batteries on Sumter and the eall eame for 75,000 troops, Col. Chatfield, then Captain of the "City Guard," was among the first to tender his ser- vices to the Government, and his company joined with him,

The proclamation was issued on the 15th of April, 1861, and on the 20th Capt. Chat- field and his Company, with full ranks, left Waterbury for the eneampment at New Ha- ven, and was the first company accepted by the Governor. While in eamp he was promo- ted to the rank of Major, and after arriving in Washington, early in June, he was pro- moted to the Coloneley of the Third Regi- ment, viee Arnold, resigned.

The regiment was stationed for some time at Fairfax Court House, nearest to the enemy's lines.

The battle of "Bull Run " occurred on Sunday, the 21st of July, and the brigade of Gen. Tyler, in which were the Conn. troops, fought bravely and stood their ground to the last. Col. Chatfield distinguished himself rarily on Folly Island, under Gen. Vogdes. on that occasion by his eoolness and daring.

In this difficult position he had the un- His regiment was the last to leave the field bounded confidence of Gen. Hunter and his -retiring in such good order that, when a! Staff, and won golden opinions from officers squadron of rebel cavalry dashed down upon and soldiers and civilians, for his plain com- mon sense, his close attention to his duties, and for his soldierly bearing and orders. them, they simply wheeled into line, deliver- ed their fire, charged bayonets and seattered tbem life chaff. He also saved a very large amount of publie property indeed, nearly the only property that was saved from that join his regiment, still at Folly Island. day's rout.

Hle did not wish to be absent, he said, when any actire operations were on foot.

When the three months' term expired, Col. C. returned to his home, weary and worn with heavy service, but welcomed with gen- his regiment on a night expedition in eon- eral acclamation. He came home, but not nection with a detachment of the Seventh to rest. ITis country ealled and he heard, C. V. and at the solicitation of the Governor he

ing to get possession of Morris Island, by landing a force about midway on the Island, on the Charleston side, and attack the heavy batteries there planted, and at the same time hold any force in check that might come from Wagner, while an attack was made in front. It was a most hazardous undertaking -- the men having to move in boats directly into the enemy's lines, by strangely tortuous and nntried channels, without the possibility of skirmishing or scouting.

Ile called his officers about him, told them what they were to do, " if they could " --- then stopping, and looking them in the eye, " No," said he, " there is no if-it must be done, and we can do it."

Providence ordered otherwise, however. There were not boats enough, and the next day the plan was changed. The troops were It put into boats again and ordered to lie in Light House Inlet till the batteries on shore opened fire, and then advance, land, and do what they could ; at five o'clock in the morn- ing of the 10th of July, the signal was given, and 40 guns and mortars opened upon the unsuspecting enemy at 400 yards range. They replied briskly, raining shot and shell upon the gathered fleet of boats. One boat only was struck and sunk. The Colonel was At the battle of Pocotaligo, Oct. 22d, he | near by, cool, helping, giving orders and at the same time advancing his boats as near- ly as possible in line of battle, so as to land and move forward at once.

Gen. Strong was in command, and was be- side the Col., and as the boats eame to shore he jumped out first upon land, hatless and bootless, but full of life. "I do not look much like a Brig. General," said he, " bu you look like boys who can fight. Threct cheers for the 6th Connecticut." Ile then ordered the Colonel to charge the batteries while he went back and brought up the re- mainder of the troops. The tide was partly out, and the shore somewhat bald, and the boys therefore protected while shot and shell filled the air. According to his usual cus- tom, when charging batteries, he led the men forward till the moment of discharge, then ordered them to lie down, up again and advance, and down again, till near as he wished then. So quick was their double- quick, they were into the batteries and the already loaded pieces.

Ile remained in this office till July 7th, through them before the enemy could fire when, at his own request, he was allowed to

The next day after, he was ordered to take other, and all capable of holding at bay, as

These batteries were seattered along the bluffs or sand hills, a distance of about one and one-half miles, each commanding the the rebels supposed, 75,000 men, and yet so quick was the advance that the Col. led the men through the whole nine gun and three

It was a "forlorn hope,"-the objeet be- mortar batteries, capturing all, and taking

took upon himself the task of raising the 6th regiment, of which he was subsequently ap- pointed Colonel.

move to Annapolis. He had been making a most rigid inspection of his command --- spending three full hours in the heat of the day, and came into his tent exhausted. was the drop too much in his cup of labor. He was attacked violently with the billious reinittent fever, and was not able to join his regiment again till Jan. 16th, 1862, at Ilil- ton Ilead, S. C.

From that time forward he was abundant in labors, doing his duty manfully at Was- sau Sound, Danfuskie Island, North Elisto, at James Island and at Beaufort.

was placed in command of the First Brigade, with the 6th on the right. Of course he led the advance, and found the enemy strongly posted

across a causeway, flanked by swamps and thickets. He had formed the whole brigade in line of battle and had just ordered them forward, himself on horseback and in advance, when he received a cannister shot in his right thigh and erawled to the rear alone.

Ile did not recover from that wound so as to be able to join his regiment till about the 20th of April, following, when he went to Hilton Hend, and was at onee made con- mandant of the Post, the 6th being tempo-

1834.]

THE

CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

227

over 100 prisoners. without the loss of one | ceeded, when a shot struck his right hand man and only a few slightly wounded. It and knocked his sword from his grasp. was a most brilliant feat, and elieited the Wounded, though he was, he tried to regain it, and only gave out through excessive weakness. The only things he saved were his seabbard and body belt, and these are in the posses- sion of his family. highest praise from the Commander-in- Chief and three Generals who witnessed it. It not only sustained the reputation of the regiment, but placed both the Colonel and his command iu the first place among fighting regiments.

From that time forward the Col. was busy, placed on a cart and removed to the tent of night and day. Every day in company with officers of higher grade, was he ealled to in- spect batteries building, and consulted as to the best means to attain certain ends.

Every day were he and his men under fire and his strength seemed supernatural, so lit- tle was he affected by the effort and expo- sure.

On the 17th of July he had been all night in a drenching rain in the trenehes, and on the morning of the 18th eame into eamp to rest and ehange ammunition.

Hardly had he and the men dried their clothes and eaten their rations, when they

No man had greater love for the regiment- were ordered to thefront again. It had been al eolors. Ile almost adored them. They decided to assault Wagner, after a terrific and continued bombardment. were always under his own eye, only taken out on oeeasions, and then with appropriate honors and under a heavy escort.

Being the "ranking Colonel" he was assign- ed a brigade, but modestly declined, saying, "1 wish to lead my own regiment, and stand or fall with the boys." His post was the right of the attacking column, but at the request of Gen. Strong he yielded the place to the 54th Mass., colored, saying to the General, " I do not wish to have them run over my men." " Never mind," said the General, "go forward as you think best, and pay no atten- tion to them." The 54th advanced in line of battle. The Colonel led his men in column by companies. The order was, "charge bayonets," and the Colonel went through the line and saw every cap taken off every gun and thus advanced. When Wagner open. ed, the fire was so terrific and so murderous that it was not wonderful the colored troops, unused to battle, should falter and waver a little. The recoil, such as it was, carried them to the left of the 6th, leaving the front clear. They made their charge on the left and fought well, but the Col. gave the word "charge," "double-quick," and with him at their head, they scaled the outer works, wa- ded through the moat, mounted to the para- pet, and went down iu among the heavy guns, driving everything before them. No support followed in time, and the enemy seeing them alone opened a triangular fire upon them, and cut them up terribly. The Colonel had hisleg shattered below the knee, but he could not bear the thought of being taken prisoner, and attempted to drag him- self out of the Fort. He had partially sue-

By dint of great exertion and suffering. assisted by one and another he was finally the Sanitary Commission, and was cared for by Drs. Dibble and Marsh for a short time, and then removed to a boat and taken to Beaufort, whence he was removed in a few days to Waterbury.

While on the way to Beaufort he asked after the colors of the regiment. Ile wa- told that they were all safe, at least what was left of them. "Thank God, for that !" said he, his eye brightening. "Thank God, for that ! I am so glad they are safe ; keep them, keep them, as long as there is a thread left."

Hle was exhausted, somewhat, by his jour- ney home, but yet glad to be at home. lle had exacted a promise from his Chaplain that he would take him to his family when anything befe him, and he faithfully kept his word.

The fears that were entertained at first, became a reality, and on Sunday evening, Aug. 10th, surrounded by his family and few friends, this hero of many battles breath- ed his last. For several days he had been partially delirious, but during the forenoon a glam of conseiousness was visible-he rec- ognized his weeping family, expressed his en- tire willingness and readiness to die-bade each good bye, cheerfully, and died without a struggle.

Noble! brave man ! He laid himself upor. the altar of his country and his country's God areepted the sacrifice and took him to himself!

Ile was a Christian, not only by profes-

of this wicked rebellion, and bless those whose heroi-m saved the nation and freedom from destruction.

A. his townsinan beautifully said, " IIe lived not to disappoint, but to work ont to the full, a bright and glorious destiny-leav- ing but the simple regret that one, so stain- lessly pure, so deeply committed and devoted, should have but one life to bestow on his country and his family."

For the Connecticut War Record. Record of Events.

June 1. Fierce assault on the enemy's position near Cold Harbor. The union lines materially advaneed.

June 2. Gallant eonduet and severe loss of the Second Connectieut Artillery. At- tack of the enemy on the Fifth and Ninth Corps handsomely repulsed.

June 3. Heavy and obstinate attack on the whole rebel line-Union lines pushed forward but no decisive advantage gained- Union losses heavy. Sudden attack of rebels at nightfall, on Gibbon's division, handsomely repulsed.

June 3 to 7. Constant skirmishing and frequent attacks without material advantage to either party. Five sueeessive night at- tacks by the rebels on advaneed positions of the Union army, all repulsed with heavy loss to the rebels. Union losses sinee June Ist not less than 8,000 killed and wounded. June 5. Gen. Hunter defeats Gen. W. F. Jones at Piedmont, capturing 1500 pris- oners, 3000 stand of arms, three pieces of ar- tillery, with a large quantity of stores. Gen. Jones killed on the field. .

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 74

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