The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 82

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

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ward, we retired gradually to Ashland, where other regiments came to our sup- port, and where six or eight guns plant- thunder storm which lasted several hours and was intensely exciting to us who watched its progress, realizing that our salvation depended upon the issue. Fi- mally Gen. Custer, at the head of his Brigade, made a magnificent charge, and the bridge was ours. The crossing begun at once, was accomplished just in time, before the streams, rapidly swollen by the heavy rains, had made all approach impossible. The whole Corps moved for- ward without further interruption till about dark. We reached Mechanicsville, where the enemy had posted themselves on either side of the road prepared for a vigorous assault. But Gen. Sheridan, by a very adroit manœuvre, moved his had discovered the move and could follow whole force quickly away, by a side road, and ten o'clock found us at logan's or Gaines' House in the vicinity of Gaines' ed in the town, prevented the rebels from coming out of the woods. It was supposed, at least by the enemy, we on the South Anna, to prevent Gen. Lee, were now in a trap and should all be cap- from raiding northward, we moved in ; tured. But Col. MeIntosh ernelly disap- that direction bnt met the enemy in con- pointed this expectation. The ambu- siderable strength near Innover Court lanees and trains having been sent for- Ilonse. The afternoon was spent in dis- 'ward on the road, as though that were mounted skirmishing and artillery dnek-, to be our route, and kept there till the ing-but just at dark, when it was'rebel force was mostly moved in that thought the day's fighting was over, direction-they were suddenly ordered Gen. Wilson ordered an advance, and back and sent hurriedly out of the town the Division-the Ist Conn. in front- on the railroad track, which had been moved rapidly forward over a plain expo- covered with boards, where it was neces- sed to severe fire, to the woods where the, ary, so as to be made passable even to enemy were, drove them out. through wagons and Artillery. Before the rebels the town and a mile beyond. We halted for the night, about nine o'clock, in an, us to advantage, we had left the track a jopen field-so near the rebels as to be' mile from the town, taken a road through within easy range of their guns-orders the woods, and were well started for Mills. The movement had been so sue- having been given to build no fires, and Hanover Court House, where we arrived for every man to be ready to mount at safely between 12 and 1 o'clock.

cessful that we lost not a single wagon, nor one of our three or four hundred prisoners. We had a soft bed that night -om Regiment at least-the ploughed ground, where we halted, being well soaked with the rain, which fell steadily till morning-but though we lay in the mud with no shelter but such as was af- forded by rubber blankets, our rest was a- sweet as good friends at home were

ja moment's notice-so that all the rest ; This brings our record very imperfect- we could get was in lying or leaning on ly up to June Ist, where you will be glad the ground, with bridle wrapped abont to have it left for the present, as this the wrist, aroused every little while by narrative has already trespassed too picket firing, knowing that at any mo- much on your room. I shall be obliged mnent we might be attacked. When to defer till another month, more par- morning came the enemy were driven ticular allusion to the severe losses we from our immediate front and we moved have sustained, as well as to other mat- on-the 24 Brigade, Col. Chapman, being ters of interest, promotions, &e., con- enjoying in their comfortable beds. The ordered to destroy the bridges, while nected with our history. We seem to next day we started for the James River our Brigade-the Ist-Col. MeIntosh, be entering upon a month of hard ex-

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[AUGUST,

perience - of severe fighting, and of few minutes, and when all had become THE BATTLE OF MAY 16TH. perilous exposure to sickness, but in quiet on either side, Col. Hawley, com- spite of the past and in view of the manding the brigade, inquired if the that the 7th bore a conspicuous part in Seventh held its position. Maj. Sanford replied : " THE SEVENTH STAND FIRM !"

future, the spirit of the Regiment-as the spirit of this whole Army-is for- ward-with confidence in our leaders- with confidence especially in God, till the work is done-all done-done for ever. II

From the Seventh Regiment.

The following, received some time since, we print in this issue, because interesting and due to the gallant Regiment :--

CAMP 7TH REGIMENT C. V .. BERMUDA HUNDRED, VA., May 28th, 1861.

I terminated my last letter somewhat abruptly, as we were ordered to break camp, and the mail was just leaving. Not having been with the Regiment during its severe marches and fiercely contested battles, of the 10th, 13th, 14th and 16th, I can only make up my record through information gathered from others. I can, however, assure your readers that this information is most accurate and reliable.

At 3 r. M. our men were ordered to advance to a position within four hundred yards of the enemy's entrenchments which were very strong. This was their second line of defenses, their first having been carried by assault and occupied by our troops on the evening of the 13th. Our men were ordered to lie down after reach- ing this advanced position, as they were exposed to a terrific fire from the rebels who were massed behind their breast- Serg. Charles H. Ripley, Co. II, was in- stantly killed in this engagement. He was a veteran, well worthy of the name. He was'a most gallant officer, and con- spienous for courage in every engage- ment in which he participated. He fell while urging on his brave men and inspi- ring them by his own example. works. Our gallant fellows did not re- main idle, for in a few minutes they had formed, by the aid of the cups, plates and spoons which were in their haver- sacks, a slight cover of earth, which ef- feetually impeded the storm of rebel bul- lets. This precaution saved scores of our men from wounds or death. As night Corp. Wm. MeEwen, Co. B, was killed in the battle of the 14th, while on the line of skirmishers, like his comrades, who fell with him. 1Je was a noble and came on, and our sharpshooterers were unable to distinguish the heads of the enemy, the rebels opened a most terrific fire of musketry upon the 7th. Old offi- brave man, an efficient officer. In connee- cers say they never witnessed before such continuons and heavy volleys of musket- ry. But the heroie 7th could not be dri-

tion with the wounding of Serg. Daniel Morgan of Co. I, is an incident worth preserving. While his hand was resting ven from their advanced position. The [ on his right side, and covering his watch, vollied wrath of the rebel hosts could not !a ball carried away his second finger and daunt and demoralize the men who had burying itself in his watch lodged there- so nobly fought at Pulaski, James Island, in. He was carried to the rear, his com- Wagner, Olustec. There they remained frades supposing he had been mortally under the blaze and erash of musketry, wounded. But the sergeant soon report- ed to the major, saying, as he held the impaired time-keeper in his left hand, clenching their Spencer rifles and ready to repel any assault of the enemy. After this terrifie firing, which continued but a " There goes fifty dollars."

First Lieut. Chas. A. Wood of Co. F, just promoted from 2d Lient. of Co. G, was killed in this engagement. He was highly esteemed by the officers and pri- vates of his regiment. Having entered the service from patriotic motives, and earnestly devoting himself to his duties, he was a most worthy and efficient offi- cer. lle leaves a wife, also a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn his ear- ly but heroic death. .

Serg. David D. Keyes of Co. A, was also killed in this severely contested bat- tle. Ile was regarded by regular officers as the best artillerist among the enlisted men engaged in the reduction of Fort Sumter. He refused promotion while in the department of the south, remarking " that he could serve his country as effec- tually in the position he then ocenpied, as in any other." During the engagement in which he was killed, he ocenpied a po- sition with the most advanced line of skirmishers, and died a brave soldier and true patriot.

The official reports show most clearly the fiercely contested battle of May 16th. On this occasion the officers and privates This sollierly response called out loud sustained their previous reputation for and repeated cheers from the regiment, and also from the gallant 7th New Hamp- shire, which occupied a less exposed po- sition to the left.

gallantry and heroic endurance. At five on the morning of the 16th, the enemy made a desperate assault, under cover of a dense fog, upon our whole line The rebels surged fiercely and in greatly su- perior unmbers against our determined and heroic front. But they met a miost stubborn resistance as they moved npon the hastily constructed rifle pits of our regiment Three times did the old 7th repulse the enemy's charge. Waiting till the rebels were within easy range, and uncovered by the fog, our men poured in such steady and well-directed vollies that the enemy fell back in great disorder, leaving scores of their dead and wounded on the field.

At 10 o'clock A. M., our forces being greatly outmunnbered and severely press- ed at all points along the line, began to withdraw. Orders were issued from the General commanding that a heavy skir- mish line should be left to cover the with- drawal of our forces. Ffteen men from each company of the 7th were selected by their respective commanders to remain and hold the rifle pits as long as possible against the rebel hosts, who swarmed upon our front, and advanceed with de- moniac shouts. The commanders of the companies have assured me that this was the most trying duty they ever perform- ed. It was diffienlt and painful to seleet men for such work, when those men had served long and faithfully, and with the conviction that they would, with few ex- ceptions, be either killed, wounded, or taken prisoners. Yet every man thus selected, after bidding his comrades good bye, turned his face toward the advane- ing enemy, and performed his duty with a willing heart and undaunted spirits. Such courage was never surpassed. It has been seldom equaled. The order was finally given for all the skirmishers to withdraw. But over 100 men of the 7th, not hearing or not understanding the order remained. As the rebel masses ad- vanced upon this little band, our inen continued to fire with terrible effeet. But they could accomplish little against the hosts which pursued them. Bat few of this band of devoted heroes were left unharmed.

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THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

1864.]

During the battle of the 16th, the ene- jand dreaded by the rebels in our front. my at one time turned the right flank of It is remarkable to see how readily and onr regiment; the regiment next to ns on the right having given way. At this time many of our best non-commissioned officers and privates were killed, being shot through the head by rebel sharp- shooters. This enfilading fire was very destructive. Sergeants II. L. Bailey, Co. F, Andrew B. Nichols, Co. D, and Eng- lish, Co. II, were killed under this fire. such sublime patience, such inflexible purpose to prosecute this war to an hon- orable conclusion, as I have witnessed in these men, fills my mind with wonder and admiration. But this continuous and ex- hausting duty is beginning to tell upon the health of the regiment. One hun- dred and twenty-one are reported on the sick list this morning. I am happy to learn from the officers of the regiment, that the reernits have behaved with great coolness and courage in all the en- gagements in which they have partici- pated. They are generally orderly and reliable in eamp, and manifest a just pride in the untarnished and glorious record of their regiment. Serg't Bailey, a most deserving man, was instantly killed. Serg't Nichols was mortally wounded by a ball which passed through both hips. A braver soldier never fell for his country. First Serg't English was shot through the body and died immediately. This gallant officer was wounded on the 14th, but remained with his company doing and daring for the country he so ardently loved. Serg't A. Felchi, Co. D, fell under this fire. A true man and good soldier. Corporals E. Bayley and II. C. Parker, Co. A, were also killed. Privates Luke II. Lannigan and James Leinton of Co. B, Geo. An- drews, Co. C, Darius A. Veats, Co. D, Henry Kimberly, and Edward Sage, Co. I pray that God would pour out His Spirit and bless all our soldiers who have been renewed through repentance for sin and faith in Christ, and renew those who are unreconciled to God. Let me ask the friends of sokliers to send letters as often as they ean. The messages of ten- der regard transmitted to these brave, self-sacrificing men, cheer many weary hours, and inspire many hearts with hope. Your dear friend, and E, Carl Ackerman, James Elderkin, Wil- liam Corey, Co. II, and Eleazer Nodine, Co. I, were killed in the battle of the 14th. All these men were brave and de- serving. Privates George, Co. A, Gco. C. Sartor, A, Abraham Miner, C, Philip Fortune, D, Daniel R. Sheldon, D, John Mildom, D, and Thomas Fillum, Co. F, were killed on the 16th. All these men were brave and efficient soldiers.

It would afford me great pleasure to notice the heroic conduct of every officer and private of the gallant 7th, who par- From the Eighth Regiment. ticipated in this series of engagements, 18th ARMY CORPS, 8th REG. Coss. VOL's, In the field, before Petersburg, Va., July 20th, 1864. but where all bore themselves so heroically it is very difficult and alnost invidious to particularize. This I have done, however, in referring to our comrades who were killed. Such special reference to those rebels, digging by moonlight, broiling whose bodies rest in honored graves does not seem to me inappropriate.

former companion in arms. J. E.

Friend Morris :- A month of siege work, lying in the trenches, eyeing the in the sun, shooting through a knot-hole, shot at if a head is lifted, artillery com- pliments passing and repassing, our lives endangered by shells from both sides, of- fieers falling, comrades dying, every body wearied by the monotony and exhausted by heat and watching, dull hours enliv- ened and lonely hearts encouraged by kind words in the mail bag, and good fruits in the sanitary issues, numbers growing less, but hope never dying .-- Such is an epitome of the month since I wrote you before.

The day following my last date, we marched to the front, immediately before willingly our men, worn down with pro- tracted hardships, broken of their rest, many of them enfeebled by diseases pecu- liar to campaign life, spring forth at every call to duty, ready to do and if need be, to die, for the country they love, and the eause which they have honored on many Petersburg. Here we have remained constantly under the enemy's fire, ocea- isionally for one or two days the regiment has been withdrawn from the pits beyond bullet range but not from artillery shots. Rebel sharp shooters and rebel mortars have been busy upon us both while in bloody fields. Such unyielding devotion, the front and when relieved. In return our men have played the sharp shooter and borrowed under ground.

Twenty casualties have occurred in our regiment during these thirty days. Most of the wounds have been severe, and five of the men are dead. Among our losses we sorrowfully record three honored Cap- tains, Roger M. Ford, commanding Co. G, wounded in right leg ; Elam T. Good- rich, commanding Co. HI, wonnded in the back, and Henry C. Hall, commanding Co. F. instantly killed by a rifle ball. It is said "Death loves a shining mark." Surely he selected such an one among us. Capt. Hall, young and vigorous, cool and resolute, faithful even unto death, whose words were never tarnished by an oath nor his taste defiled by poison of drink or drug ; the death of no other officer of the line would have caused wider or sad- der disappointment than did his. We cannot think of him as never to return to ns again. So among the non-commis- sioned dend. No man in Co. B, can fill the vacancy cansed by the death of Ser- geant Joseph Glover. Youthful, tender- hearted, honoring religion, faithful to ev- ery duty, true to his calling and loved by all, he fell in a moment and we mourn his loss.

We are happy to say that unexpected- ly our regiment has suffered but little from sickness thus far during the cam- paign. Our absent ones continue to re- turn from the hospitals, sanitary stores benefit the heart as well as the stomach, and since the late rain which has cleansed the atmosphere and cooled the ground, our men are cheerful in countenance and hopeful in soul. We cannot boast of great deeds accomplished, but we can say we have enduring courage, confidence in our Lieut. General, faith in God, and a willingness to toil on in the trenches or on the open field until the work is ae- complished, our nation redeemed. As ever,

Yours for Christ and the Country,

CHAPLAIN.

PRESENT SITUATION.

Our regiment has been on almost con- tinual duty at the front. Night and day our willing, patient, devoted men have either laid in the trenches ready to repel an attack, or confronted the enemy in the | most advanced line of rifle pits. Our regiment being armed with the Spencer repeating rifle, and having used them with terrible effect upon the enemy on several occasions, are consequently known |

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THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

EACGEST,

For the Connecticut War Record.

From the Twelfth Regiment.

MONOCACY, Md., Ang. Ist, 1864.

DEAR RECORD :- We have received one mail with dates later than June 23d only. Not one letter in five that we have sent has been answered to our knowledge. Such is the life of a soldier. On transports during the month of July 18 days, visiting places hundreds and thousands of miles apart-in a storm at sea in a river boat that rocked like a cradle, waiting day after day under or- ders to move in fifteen minutes, counter- marching four times, the month of July has passed.

In the transfer from the Department Send your papers to the soldiers. When you get through reading an interesting paper of any sort, daily, weekly or illustrated, don't tear or throw it aside; send it to a friend or acquaint- anee in the Army. Papers remind them of home, and afford them useful employment of time which might wear wearily, or in some cases, be ill spent. Papers will cheer, teach and encourage our brave and noble friends. of the Gulf to the Potomae, we welcome the hills, the pure air and the clear cool water; but this being fifteen hundred miles from our extra blankets, overcoats and baggage generally, is not so pleasant. We may be well dressed for the field, but our friends would hardly recognize us. Sleeping on the ground without a We have received a number of subscriptions for the WAR REconD to be sent to the soldiers, and have been repeatedly and warmly thanked by the grateful recipients. We trust that many eop- ies of the WAR REconD, and of our weekly and religious papers will be thus sent by benevolent friends of our soldiers. blanket, or on crowded transports where all could not lie down at the same time, is not particularly conducive to cleanli- ness. We can assure our friends too, that our unexpected transfer from the Gulf Department withont our baggage, has made us long to see a paymaster The manly defenders of our nation's life should emerge from the great and just conflict, intelli- gent, well informed, home loving and law-abiding citizens. It is our privilege and our duty to af- ford them every facility to this end. "Let us not be weary in well doing." more than ever before. Officers must live, and privates have a desire to, and hard bread and coffee is much better than nothing, but, rather poor living to march on, or to continue week after Work for the Soldiers. week. The Sanitary Commission, thanks to their benevolence, have helped us to some good meals, but most of us have seen some hungry days in the month of July-for instance, after riding in the cars 20 hours, eating some hard bread, march 10 miles in the dust without a drink of coffee even. Some of you at home [ tities which cannot be provided. But we can do try it, and see how pleasant it is.

Those of the 13th C. V., who did not re-enlist, have been added to our ranks which keep well filled.

We are oneamped on the battle-field of a few weeks since; the well trodden wheat fields, the broken fences, the mnl- titudes of gun-barrels, bullets, shells, round shot, and yonder long row of graves, show what was done here to stay treason. A house near us, which received six shells during the action, while the family, servants and all, were crowded in the cellar, has been the headquarters of nearly all the leaders of both armies, | received and he is assigned a regiment,

who have been in this region since the war commenced.

This is certainly a very attractive country, but at present is parched for want of rain.

We have lost one man by death, who on waking suddenly, found his blanket on fire from sparks, jumped into the Mis- sissippi at midnight, July 2d.

Have had no chance to hear from those sick who have been sent to hospitals.

No War Records for July, have yet been received.

Yours, truly, J. 11. B.

Papers for the Army.

Let it not flag. In every town and village let much be done. Now is the time to prepare pick- les. Pickles are better than sweetmeats. There will be a demand, much greater than the supply, for all anti-seorbutie articles. Men now in the field need acids so much, that they would eagerly drink clear vinegar with relish and with profit. Bandages, small pillows, vegetables of every sort-supplies of every kind are needed in quan- a great deal. Let no one say " I can do nothing." We have done more than any people ou the face of the globe; yes, more than all nations ever did for their soldiers, We can do yet more. Our countrymen are fighting and suffering for our Country. We at home can lovingly and proudly toil for them; thus too, ean we lend a truly helping hand to the common righteous eanse.

Frederick Stevens, son of Wm. P. Stevens, Esq. of Danbury, has been appointed a Paymaster's Clerk in the U. S. Navy, and is assigned to the U. S. steamer Arkansas, off Mobile, Ala.

Hemau W. Orton, of New Haven, belonging to Co. E. 15th C. V., has recrutly passed a success- ful examination at the military board, and receiv- ed an appointment as first Lieutenant. He re- mains with his company until his commission is

PERSONAL.

List of Appointments and Promotions in the Connecticut Volunteer Force, during July, 1864.

[Official. ]

2D ARTILLERY.

1st Lieut. Alexander B. Sbinway to be Can- tain, viee Wadhams, killed in battle.

2d Lieut. Orlow 3. Smith to be Ist Lient. to fill an original vacancy.

Both with rank from the 11th of July, 1864. STH REOIMENT.

1st Lient. Andrew M. Morgan to be Captain, vice Ripley transferred to Invalid Corps.

2d Lieut. John S. Lamme to be 1st Lieut , viec Morgan promoted. Ist Sergt. Jmines B. Kilbourne to be 2d Lieut., vice Lane promoted.

Ist Sergt. Seth F. Plumb to be 2d Lieut , vice Merriam, promoted.

William M. Pratt to be Ist Lieut., viee Broatch, resigned.

All with rank from the 17th of July, 1864.

(Adjutant Wm. M. Pratt and 2d Lient. John S. Lane declined being mustered, and their commis- sions as 1st Lieuts. have been revoked.)

9TH REGIMENT.

Christian Streit, of New Haven to be 2d Lieut., with rank from the 30th day of June, 1864, vieo Mullins, promoted.

Rev. Leo Rizzo, of New Haven, to be Chaplain, to date from July 15th, 1864.

10TH REGIMENT.

2dl Lieut. Horace K. Parsons to be Regimental Quartermaster, with rank from the 25th day of July, vice Fowler, resigned.

11TH REGIMENT.

1st Lient. Hartwell Cady to be Captain, viee Snekett, killed in action.

Ist Lieut. John R. Kerr to be Captain, viee Al- len, died of wounds.

Ist Lieut. Chas. II. Simmons to be Captain, viee Kies, promoted.

2d Lient. Morris Kraszynski to be Captain, vice Scheinherr, resigned.

2dl Lieut. Erastus Blackman to be 1st Lieut., vice Cady, promoted. 2d Lieut. Sminuel W. Pray to be 1st Lient., vice Simmons, promoted.

2d Lieut. David A. Hoag to be 1st Lieut., vice Kerr, promoted.

2d Lient. Smith S. Gilbert to be Ist Lient., vice Barnum, died of wounds received in action. Sergt. Major William H. Randall to be 2d Lient,, vice Blackman, promoted.

Ist Sergt. Ernest Koeppen' to be 2d Lieut., vice llarvey, promoted.

1st Sergt. George Cassidy to be 2d Lient., viee Hong, promoted.

1st. Sergt. Ebenezer HI. Foote to be 2d Lient., vice Gilbert, promoted.

Ist Sergt. Frank H. Day to be 2d Lieut., vico Pray, promoted. Color Sergt. Frank Metzger to be 2d Lient., vice Kraszynski, promoted.

All with rank from the 21st day of July, 1864.

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 82

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