The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 84

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

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COMPANY K.

Wounded-2d Lieut. Smith S. Gilbert, severe- ly ; Corp. John Jackson, severely; Private John McDonald. severely ; Peter Vandall, severely ; Michael Welch, slightly; John R. Handley, slightly ; Jason Burton, slightly. Killed, 5

Wounded,. 53

Total, 58

Missing in Action.

COMPANY A.

Ist Sergt. Nathan Cornwall; Sergt. Ambrose P. Rice ; Privates Edward A. Eastwood; Philip Fagan, June IS.

LIST OF CASUALTIES 14TH CONN. VOLS. FROM JUNE 11TH TO JULY 6TH, 1864. Killed. Co. A-Private Win, Bradshaw, June 16. Co. F-Private Ovid P. Shaw, June 17. Co. G-Private James Brown, June 9.

Wounded.

Co. A-Private John II. Fountain, hand, slight, June 18.

Co. B-Privates Jolin Doyle, hip, slight, June 17; John Jlays, head, slight, June 20.

Co. 1-1st Sergt. Albert F. Hyde, head, severe- ly; Corporal Win. H. Corbitt, arm and side, (since died.) June 17.

Privates James B. Shepard, leg, severely, June 17 ; John Il. Bilson, arm, June 22. Co. E-Private Francis Gallagher, hand, slight, June 17.

Co. K-Private Peter Grey, head, severe, June 18.

Co. G-Private Peter Ilughes, near Petersburg, June 17. Co. K-Private John Smith, near Petersburg, June 22.

LIST OF CASUALTIES IN 20TH REGT. CONN. VOLS. MAY 15TH, 1864. Wounded. Co. K-1st Lieut. Hervey Lewis, arm. Co C-Sergeant Sidney G. Dickerman, foot. Co. 1-Sergeants. Robert E. Prior, breast; Wounded-Privates Timothy Shen, seriously ; David Thorncroft, face.

Co. E-Corporals David W. Hart, body, since

Co, I-Corporals James Fawcett, face; Curtiss Tuttle, shoulder.

Co. D-Private Francis Dailey, foot.

Co. F-Privates Patrick MeNamee, calf of leg ; Adrian A. Hull, shoulder.

Co. I-Privates Howard B. Dorman, finger ; Francis Burrows, side.

Co. K-Privates Joseph Mango, knee. MAY 19. Co. A-Privates Robert W. Bristol, side, slight ;

C'o. C-Private George R. Kish, breast, slight. Co. I[-Private Chas. Williams, body, severe, (since died.) Missing-(Supposed Captured or Killed.) Co. K-Privates George L. Ilowe, James Coul-

- --

Wounded-Privates John Williams, head, se. B. Manshield, severely ; Corp. John A. Bors, I ter, Michael Gilbert.

Killed, Wounded, .

Wounded-Privates Charles R. Jones, hip, ly ; Burton B. Evitts, slightly ; Sergt. Marshall severely ; lewis Allen, arm, slightly ; Augustus W. Morse, neck, slightly. Killed, 2 Wounded, 17

256

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

LArast,

OBITUARY.

For the Connecticut War Record.

The late Capt. Joseph Backus.

In the death of Capt. Joseph Backns, command. ing Co. K, Ist Conn. Cavalry, the country has lost one of those heroie spirits whose fall makes its feel how great is the price of liberty. Captain Baekus was a resident of Ilebron, Conn., and a young man of a singularly noble, manly, and generous character. With glowing hopes and bright prospects, he freely offered all a willing snerifice to his beloved country. Too noble, to shrink in the least from the extremest peril, when onee he had assumed the character of a soldier, he unhesitatingly put himself in the path of the enemy's bullets whenever and wherever that was the post of duty. The American people have a heart large enough to embrace all such, and to claim them in a high sense as their own, whose names, whose memories, nud whose glory, it be- longs to them to preserve, cherish, and per- petnate.

Capt. Backus enlisted as a private in Co. C, 1st Conn. Cavalry, Oct. 2d, 1861. Showing the no- ble motives with which he entered the service, he said to a friend that he, unlike many, had no pa- rents, wife or children, and by going might save such an one to lris family. When asked after- wards if he did not regret enlisting, be replied that he never would regret it, if he lost nll hi- limbs in the service. This he showed also by re. enlisting, to serve for three years longer. Ile was with Gen. Fremont in the campaign of the Shenandoah Valley as Orderly Sergeant of Co. C, and was twiee wounded. As 2d Lieutenant he was Assistant Provost Marshal of Baltimore for nearly a year previons to the opening of the pres- ent campaign, filling a position of great responsi- bility.

On the 17th of January, 1864, he was made Captain of Co. K. nnd nt his own request, permit- ted to join his regiment and company, from whom he was separated only by death. He went with Kilpatrick on his celebrated raid into Richmond. and in the battle nenr that city two bullets passed through his clothes. Ile wrote soon after, that it was very exciting and ju-t suited him. He sent home a flower " picked within two miles of Rich. mond, and inside the outer entrenchments."

After this he was with Grant's army, raiding upon Railroads and protecting think and rear, lending the wny for the army and fighting the en. emy everywhere. He started from the Rapidan with ninety men in his company, and, after thir. ty.six days ahnost eontinnous fighting, he fell. leaving but fifteen survivors on duty.

The following passages from his last letter4 und those of his brave and intimate friend Lieut. H. J. O. Walker of the same regiment, will be rend with interest.

"On the 12th of May I was near enough to the rebel capital to hear the bells ring and the town clock strike 12 at noon."

" At the battle of Ashland on the 1st of June, (whither they went to destroy the Railroad) we, the 1st Conn. Cavalry, lost severely, losing in killed, wounded, and missing, fifty-one men. -

lost in my company twelve out of twenty-seven men-had two sergeants killed. Our brave and noble fighting Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Holmes, was wounded. My borse was shot from unter me, [ but his vest and jacket, from the Intter they had | fratram!"

but mounting another, that came in from the reb- cut the buttons, and taken the ring from his fin- el lines, I was aguin ready for the fight. I just |ger." escaped capture a- a rebel officer ordered me to halt and surrender, but I didn't see it. I turned and fired nt him. I saw him reel in his saddle, so I minst have hit him. It is a wonder that I didn't get hit, but fortunately I did not receive that compliment or get the honor of the slightest wound. But my turn may come. I do not wish you to worry about me. If it is my lot to fall in battle, solet it be. I shall be content. I nm de- termined to do my whole duty. I shall never be ! taken prisoner. I shall sell life as dearly 'as possible."

"since the 4th of May we have fought nearly every day for thirty-six days without nuy cessa-

tion. I have been constantly in the saddle, often | and patriotism let fall a tear in honor of the loyal nnd the brave. O. L. W.

keeping my horse saddled for four days nnd nights. It is very warin. nnd we have suffered very much, but ought not to complain, for we have punished the rebels severely. I learn that our wagons are at Brigade Head Quarters. I hope so, for I am dirty and ragged, and a change of clothing would be very acceptable."

"Our men, notwithstanding our hnlf starved condition and the thirtysix days of continnal marching and fighting, are in the best of spirits and confident of success. They seem to pince all confidence in our noble Lient. General."

In so hopeful, undaunted a spirit, wrote one who wns bnitle-worn, begrimed, and tattered, by more than a month's ceaseless riding in scout and skirmish and the whirlwind of battle ; no discour- aging word ever escaped his lips.

The following from Lient. Walker was the first announcement to his friends that the brave sol- dier was no more.

" He was killed in a skirmish while gallantly rallying his men and leading them to the charge." In a later communication Lieut. Walker says of him :

" A nobler, trner, more generous friend eould not be found. Ile was beloved and respected by every one in the regiment for his gentlemanly bearing and manliness, and for his superior sol- dierly qualities. The men of his company loved him and placed the utmost confidence in him, and he gave promise of soon attaining a much higher position in the regiment. Brave toa fault, always rendy and willing to perform any duty assigned to him, no matter how tedious or dangerous, he was constantly eliciting prises from all, and had made a reputation that any might be proud to win "Iwas sad that one so young and gifted, should be so suddenly ent off. The regiment has lost one of its noblest, bravest spirits, and we feel that his place cannot be filled

The captain, at the time of his death command- ed the reserve picket post on our left, and on the Richmond road ten miles from that city; a very responsible position, and nobly did he fulfil his trust. On the afternoon of the loth June, the regiment on picket about one mile in his front. was surprised by the enemy, and panie stricken came dashing down on his reserve, which wns formed across the road, trampling down his mnen while he endeavored to stop their flight. Ile sue- corded in mounting his men nud endeavored to check the progress of the enemy. But they were so mixed up with our men, and the panie stricken

Ilis body was embalmed and sent to his home in Ilebron, where on Sunday, the 19th, funeral services were held in the Congregational Church. Rev. H. B. Woodworth, preaching an excellent aud appropriate sermon. The exercises were at- tended by a large concourse, testifying their ap- preciation of the man and the hero. The remains were deposited in the quiet graveyard of that town, far from all scenes of strife, where, as at ten thousand other graves throughout the land, devoted love will long bewail the good and true,

Corp. James D. Mosher.

Died in hispital, at Brashear City, La., Ang. 1863, Corp. JAMES D. MOSHER, of Co. C, 13th Reg. C. V.

A true soldier, when the arduous campaign ending with the capture of Port Hudson and re- capture of Brashear City, began, he left his hos- pital cot, to which he had been confined a long time, and joined his regiment to share the duty and dangers of his comrades. Too much debili- tated to endure hard marching in a Louisiana sun, he was repeatedly returned to the ho-pital, but as often managed to escape and rejoin his regiment whenever there was possibility of fighting. His zeal carried him to the close of the campaign when he entered the hospital for the last time. Ile sank under the combined influence of chronic diarrhea and typhoid fever. He was one of two sons of a widowed mother-her only support, but she gave them cheerfully, heroically to the ser- vice of the Government. The uation called, and the " widow's mite"-her all, was given without reluctance. T.

Wallace A. Bishop, born in Plymouth, April 1, 1887, son of William R. and Augusta M. Bishop, enlisted Aug. 1861, in the Connecticut Squadron of the Harris Light Cavalry, a New York Regi- ment. In this body he was Sergeant of Co. D, and had so commended himself to his officers as to warrant the expectation of a commission. But in the fall of 1862, while on picket duty, he was taken with typhoid fever and left by his companions at a farm house near Fayetteville, Va. Ilere he was well cared for, and had so far recovered as to be at the table with the family, when a sudden ill- ness cansed him to retire to his room, where he died almost instantly, on the 28th of November, 1882. Ile was buried near at hand by those who had cared for him in his sickness.

Edward C. Blakeslee, was born in Plymouth, Nov. 7. 1843, son of Ransom and Elizabeth M. Blakeslee. He enlisted in the 7th Conn. Regi- ment, in the summer of 1861. and served with that body faithfully through the hardships and exposures of their Southern campaign, until on retiring from the attack on Fort Wagner, July 11, 1863, he was shot through the shoulder. He was removed to Port Royal, and there lingered for a while in n doubtful state. On the 8th day of Angust, 1863, he fell asleep, far from his loving friends, but (as it is believed.) to rest with Jesus. ¡Ilis remains, after a temporary interment at the spirit of the other regiment had so communien- | South, were brought home in the winter, and laid among those of relatives in the quiet cemetery of ¡ his native town, at which time religions services were held in the Congregational Church, where he was a sunday scholar at the time of his enlist- ment. In the distribution of his little property, ¡ he gave $25 to this school, which they appropri. a reputation for nmiability, integrity, and manly honor.

ted itself to his command that i was impossible. At this juncture, his Lieutenant says to him, 'It is useless, Captain, to try to stop the men this side of our entrenchments.' Ile stood his ground, however, until the enemy were all around him, when, turning to retire, the fatal bullet struck him in the breast, coming out at his back, and he ated to benevolent purposes. Ile left behind him fell frion his horse dead. Such wns the heroic end of this patriotic soldier. The enemy had possession of the body about ten minutes, when An older brother, of like excellent qualities, our boys charged back and recovered it; bat dur- | was a member of a Michigan Regiment, and fell ing that time he had been stripped of everything in one of the Tennessce battles. "l'ar nobile

257

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

1864. ]

REGIMENTAL.

Location of Connecticut Regiments, August 1st, 1864.

1st Artillery-Col. II. S. Abbott Commanding, Department of Virginia, via Ft. Monroe.

2d Artillery-Col. R. S. Mackenzie Command- ing. Army of the Potomac, via Washington.

Ist Cavalry-Maj. G. O. Marey, Commanding, 3d Division Cavalry Corps, Army of l'otomac, via Washington.

I'st Light Battery-Captain James C. Clinton Commanding, Department of Virginia, via Fortress Monroe.

2d Light Battery-Captain John W. Sterling Commanding, Department of the Gulf, via New Orleans.

5th Regt .- Col. W. W. Packer Commanding, Department of the Cumberland, via Chattanooga. 6th Regt .- Col. A. P. Rockwell Commanding. Department of Virginia, via Fortress Monroe.

7th Regt. - Capt. John Thompson Command- ing. Department of Virginia, via Fort Monroe. Sth Regt .- Capt Charles MI. Coit Commanding, Department of Virginia, via Fortress Monroe.

9th Regt .- Col. T. W. Cahill Commanding, Army of the Potomae, via Washington.

loth Regt .- Major E S. Greely Commanding, Department of Virginia, via Fortress Monroe.

Ilth Regt .- Lieut. Col. Win. C. Moeglin Com- manding, Department of Virginia, via Fortress Monroc.

12th Regt .- Lient. Col. Frank HI. Peck Com- manding. Middle Department, via Washington. 13th Regt .- t'ol. Chas. D. Blinn Commanding, on furlough in the State.

14th Regt .- Col. T. G Ellis Commanding, Ar- my of Potomae, via Washington.

15th Regt -Col. Chas. L. Upham Command- ing, Department of North Carolina, via Newbern. 16th Regt .- Capt. J. 11. Barnum Counnanding, Department of North Carolina, Roanoke Island 17th Regt .- Col. W. II. Noble Counnanding, Department of the South, via Hilton Head.

ISth Regt .- Major Henry Peale Commanding, Department of Virginia, via Fortress Monroe 20th Regt .- Col. Samuel Ross Commanding. Department of the Cumberland. via Chattanooga 21st Regt .- Col. Hiram B. Crosby Commanding, Department of Virginia, via Fortress Monroc.

29th Regt. (cold.)-Col. William B. Wooster, Commanding, Department of the South, via Hil- ton Head.

price. The long list of brave men and true, " 30th Regt. (col'd,)-Incorporated with 31st U. THE ELEVENTH REGIMENT S. Colored Troops, Army of Potomae, via Wash- ington. makes the reader tremble. We have already col- lected materials for the biographies of the fear. Ist Squad Cavalry-2d New York ; Cavalry Corps, Army of Potomac, via Washington. less and noble Colonel, of Captain Wadhams and others, which will appear in the September num- ber. We hope to receive full descriptions of Regimental. the charge from eye-witnesses. The decimated In the September number preference will be fairly given to the 2d Artillery, the 5th, 6th, 2th, 15th, 17th, 18th, 20th and 21st regiments. We but still magnificent regiment follows the fortunes of the 6th Corps (Wrights.) was in the assault on Petersburg, and has lost upwards of forty men find that all cannot be fully represented in the | since June Ist. But its honor is and will remain untarnished. It is nowin the Shenandoah Valley. ful. It is now commanded by Lieut. Col. Moeg-

same number of the Waar RECORD.

THE FIRST CONN. CAVALRY.

THE SIXTH REGIMENT

The bravery and efficiency of this large and Does itself injustice by failing to put it & achieve- battle. gallant regiment has been fully tested. Fatigue, [ ments on record. A brave, unflinchingr. mcom. THE FIFTEENTH REGIMENT watching, exposure nad fierce battle are the con- I plaining regiment-the men take pride in the fact llas quietly enjoyed leisure at Newbern, for two stant experience of the sturdy and well disej- | that nobody writes for them. During the month month-except the episode of a hard march jo Kinston, und a few slight skirmishes. The Temporary elend upon their fair fame, nrising It is a lengthy. the July number, a portrait and biography of to in the charge of complicity of some members in the burning of Washington, is now effectually di-pelled by the satisfactory statements of Lieut. Pol. Tolle. Rev. Jons B. DOOLITTLE, of the Ynle Theological Seminary, has been elected aud com- plined battalion. We can give no consecutive out- : they have done sturdy fighting. We printed in line of their important services. inspiriting, and splendid story. It must be writ- , Col. Chatfield-the justly houdred and beloved ten by an eye witness. We stnted in a previous . Colonel of the 4th, fatally wounded at lurt number that the brave, secomplished Colonel was Wagner. We shall print during the your, u his. nt home wounded. A sketch of Captain Backus tory of the regiment from the pen of the same missioned as Chaplain of the 15th. Chaplain appears in the present number of the WAR author. Col. Redfield Duryea, has born com- RECORD.

¡pelled by ill.health, to resign the responsible

able and experienced officer, is promoted to fill his plice.

THE TENCH REGIMENT

Though steadily on duty at important points- has fortunately escaped heavy losses during the mouth. A very handsome tribute to their steady valor, in the tumult of retreat from Drury's Bluth, is quoted from the official report of Col. H. M. Plaisted, of the 11th Maine-commanding Brig- ade :

"Of the luth Conn. and 24th Me. I need hardly say more than that they fully maintained the splendid reputation which they have hitherto borne. For steady nul soldierly behavior under most trying circumstances-cireminstances, too, Temirely new to them, for never before were their backs turned to the enemy-they may have been equalled, but not surpassed. Under a fire in which eighteen fell from the left of the loth in almost as many seconds, not n soldier of the regi- ment spoke n word or moved a heel from the alignment. Too much eredit cannot be given to the connnauding officers of these regiments, Cols. O-borne, and Itis, for their coolness nnd self- W., with forty picked men, cut his way through possession under fire, and the skillful manner in winch they handled their command's."

The regiment led the advance of Gen. Foster's Division in erassing the James-subsequently cap- turing unaided, llowlett's battery, and many pris- oners. Chaplain Trumbull writes-

The regiment is now commanded by Maj. Marey. He, too, lins exhibited throughout the campaign. great ability and intrepidity, with almost reck. On Monday, the 20th of June, our brigade, with other troops, was marched down the bank of the James to Jones' Landing, for a passage of the less bravery. The regiment belongs to the First river in the night. Crowded into fourteen boats, Brigade, (McIntosh's,) of the 3d Div. (Wilson's,); we pulled two miles down the stream and made of the Cavalry Corps. a landing on the opposite bank, having heard the snyggestive order of the division commander, " Be THE IST SQUADRON CONN. CAVALRY sure that the Temh Connecticut crosses first." The remark needs no explanation.

A fatigue party busily digging on the 22d, THE SECOND ARTILLERY come njim a pot of silver and gold, worth $1000. Is in the 6th Army Corps. The regiment has won still remains at Deep Bottom, ten miles from Rich- tadeless honor and, alas, has paid for it a fearful . mond-with the pickets of the enemy entrenched

Few entrenchers are so fortunate. The regiment o

a: the distance of a few rods.

las acted splendidly and suffered severely. It made a brillant charge in frout of Petersburg- vajduring the enemy's rifle pits-and 30 prison- er>. Col. Steadman. Maj. Converse and Adj. Bar- min-accomplished officers, and noble men, are 5 more. Capt. Sackett, a fine officer, is killed. Since the 9th day of May, the regiment has been under tire twenty three times, and has lost 400 mien in artion, and over one-half its officers. It las marched many miles, with but few stragglers, atl has always done its duty without flinching. But the regiment is still brave, steady, and cheer- ling, a brave and faithful officer. Capt. Kies is prompited to be Major, rice Converse killed in

Boulittle is a genial. truc. hearted, patriotic man- one who will honor his profession and do his tumnost for the physical and moral welfare of the men. He will be welcomed and sustained by the

The Chaplain, Rev. Theo. J. Holmes, from position which he is so well fitted to till, and whose facile pen we shall receive full reports ; Capt. Rockwell, of the First Light Battery, an 'manly christians of the fifteen.th.

of the brilliant achievements of the regiment, was painfully wounded in the wrist and arm, in the fight near Ashford, Va.

The enemy, hy an unexpected movement, came furiously upon the baggage trains iu the rear- hoping to crente n panic. The regiment was quickly faced about and massed on either side of the road while the frightened teamsters hurried their wagons by. There was great tendency to follow the escaping wagons. The force of the enemy was large aud advancing rapidly. Just at ; this time, while exhorting the men to " stand by the colors," the uplifted arm of the gallant Chap- lain was pierced. Brave in battle-gentle in camp, at all times a genial, sincere christian sol- dier, he is beloved and houored by the whole regiment.

Lientenant E. W. Whittaker, of Co. D. Ist Conn. Squadron, in the 20 N. Y. Cavalry, and long an efficient aid to Geu. Kilpatrick-is promoted to be Captain of Co. E, of this regiment. He is a brave, well educated nnd experienced officer, and is now aid de enmp to Gen. Wilson. When Gen. Wilson was surrounded on his late raid, Capt.

the enemy with a loss of 25 men, and brought intelligence of the situation of Gen. Meade. There are but few instances of the patriotic and daring spirit which animates the whole regiment, officers and men alike.

In the 9d New York Cavalry is now in the same brigade with the 1st regiment.

258

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[Acar-T,

HOME DEPARTMENT.

Our New Militia Law.

The State of Connecticut has at last a Our State Militia. military law which recognizes to some We print in this number the concluding article of the able, comprehensive, and elegant series by Judge Francis Wayland, Jr. The whole series including this article, was published in a neat pamphlet for distribution among the members of extent, the value of the services of its militia. We don't assert that its provi- 'sions could not be improved, but we do say that it is vastly better and more lib- our Legislature .- The work which they were de- eral than any previous law on the same signed to subserve and did in uo small degree subject. It increases somewhat, the amount of remuneration, and provides an annual allowance towards the expense

. subserve, is accomplished. A just and adequate militia ław has been enacted.

We print this article now that our readers may have the whole of this timely and effective series for reading or reference.

NUMBER VI.

If we are not greatly mistaken, it fol- lows as a necessary consequence, from the considerations which we have urged ; ized to secure suitable military instrue- in the preceeding articles, that simple jus- tion at the encampinents. For other features in the bill, we refer our readers to the law itself.

And now the question is, what will

It is not contended that they should be our Militia do? How will they respond remunerated for their services ; the Leg- islature is only called upon to make such equitable provision as shall secure those who do the work from bearing the cx- can be exempted from doing military duty by paying a commutation tax of one do'- lar, it cannot be difficult to understand why we have so small a militia force. It

to this liberal Legislative action? They have for years asked for substantial en- couragement. This encouragement has pense. So long as able bodied citizens ; been given in the faith that it will lead to the much needed result. We most earnestly call on our young men to come forward at onee and fill up the ranks of is easy to say that patriotism should fill : the Militia. We urge upon the existing the ranks of the militia, but it is not so companies to spare no pains to perfect easy to explain why those who perform all the labor should be saddled with all the expense ; while those who shirk thet duty should be exempted by the payment of so small an amount.

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 84

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