The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 86

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

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town of Glastonbury, Connecticut, A. D. 1824, A boyish love of adventure led him to choose the life of a sailor, For many years he was buffeted by waves,

and disciplined by hardship, until, like a trne son of Neptune, he grew in stature robust and vigorons -- in mind honest, sin- cere, and kind ; with a certain brusque roughness, which (as barnaclescling to the noblest vessel,) pertains to the hardy sailor. His sailor life terminated when the California excitement began-thither with the many adventurous spirits, he went in search of fortune, with indiffer- ent success. With maturity, and much experience, came a desire for repose, and domestie enjoyment. In the vicinity of his native village he settled down to one of the mechanical pursuits of busy New England industry. Aptitude for mechanic art, soon made him skillful. ITe was a cheerful worker at all times. Ile married the lady he loved, and whose affection he prized more than any earthly thing. Upon a hill, in the town of Win- sted, resides the stricken widow, with little Eddie, their only child. In the val- ley below, there is a mound of earth covering all that was mortal of a loved Imsband, and affectionate father.

Those who are familiar with the histo- ry of our State Militia, will remember Lient., Capt., Major, and Lieut. Colonel Kellogg-this is the order in which he rose from rank to rank, until he was acknowledged the best drilled soldier in the State. No half or uneertain knowl- edge, would satisfy his craving for excel- lenee. .

companionship of heroic souls. The mu- sic of battle-fiekls-the terrible excite- ments of war and carnage-the danger- all these had more charm for him than to be miserably anxious for the result of war. but too poor in spirit to give him- self to its achievements.

A company was soon organized, and he

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called on to command ; before they were ordered to rendezvous, the call for three years troops was issued ; Capt. Kellogg's company immediately tendered service his own front with his own command in person; and when the chance of war necessitated a change of position he saved his batteries, and drawing them across the Peninsula, placed them again in position at " Malvern Hill." Colonel Tyler directed the action of his regi- ment on this occasion, and has honorable mention by the Commanding General. The day after Malvem, Major Kellogg eine to Harrison's Landing, with his batteries ; he was smeared and grimmed, and wore a haggard and hungry look, as though the labor had been fatigning, and the rations seanty. A few weeks after, he was promoted to be Lient. Col. of the 19th Regiment, a new organization in Litchfield County. The old regiment with which he had been so long identi- fied, lind no one in it to rejoice over the promotion which was to take him from for three years, and was mustered in as Co. B, 4th Conn. Vols., the first three years' regiment from the State. In that ill-fated 4th Regiment, he was the officer most competent to command. Major Birge, (now Brig. Gen. Birge,) was then studying to be a soldier. It was a rag- ged, dirty, nndisciplined regiment, when one full company, and parts of others concluded they had served long enough, and would muster themselves ont. Capt. Kellogg was ordered to arrest the insur- gents, and march them to the headgnar- ters of Gen. Banks. This duty he per- formed to the satisfaction of all, except the malcontents. To a man like Capt. Kel- logg, the management or mismanage- ment of the regiment brought disgust and anxiety, which was illy concealed. With Col. Tyler came order ont of con- fusion-the military eye of the profes- sional soldier was attracted toward Capt. his new command. Realizing the impor- tance of rendering this new regiment efficient soon as possible, he immediately commenced the work-an amusing inci- dent occurred in this connection. A Kellogg, and his merits were appreciated. In March, 1862, he was promoted to be Major, in the regiment, now changed to "Heavy Artillery." One month after, it went with the Army of the Potomac wealthy citizen who "had done some- thing" toward raising this regiment, on the "Peninsular Campaign." The work of disembarking, and mounting a after witnessing a drill, and dress parade, "siege train," was principally under the superintendenee of Major Kellogg, a against what he termed " putting the men in rows"-he had given of his substance to raise a " fighting regiment," and "did not want their time and strength wasted, by putting them in rows." The Colonel quietly remarked that "no doubt the Governor had made a mistake in placing him in command, but he would willingly give way to the superior military genins hereulean task. At the siege of York- town he commanded Battery No. 1, con- sisting of five one-Inindred, and two two- hundred pounder Parrot guns-the only battery which opened on the rebel works. It was the first time guns of this calibre had been used, and the practice attracted much attention. The skill displayed by Major Kellogg, in the management of| of the aforesaid wealthy citizen." His these great guns, was admired by all the

superior offieer, a popular man, being de- Generals who witnessed the performance, ficient in health, and military culture, and honorably mentioned in the report of the "Chief of Artillery."

After the evacnation of Yorktown, by the rebels, and the dismantling of the batteries, the regiment was ordered to take the field as Infantry; in this capaci- ty they were at the battle of Hanover Court Honse, and afterward with the regular troops, near Gaines' Mills. Just before the seven days' fight. the "big guns " were ordered into position.

Major Kellogg had charge of three batteries of 43 inch Rodman and 4 30- pounder Parrot's guns. These he fought

as field artillery, at the battle "Gaines' Mills," and " Chickahominy."

signal manner. Accordingly, he turned over the regimental property, tendered Trusting nothing to chance, he picketed | his resignation, and took an early train home. After a few weeks, orders were issued for his return, by the War Depart- ment; he reported immediately " under arrest," but was soon restored to duty without censure, by "grim old Heintzel- man," who did not intend "so excellent an officer should be lost to the service." Time wore on, and Col. Wessels resign- ed. With a reputation for military abil- ity, established by an experience full of trials, since the war began, a reputation, proud as his warmest friends could desire for him, Lient. Col. Kellogg had an hon- est claim to the vacant rank, and expeet- ed it would be conferred upon him. It was, however, delayed, until an appeal went up from the regiment, which could not be refused. During the suspense he wrote to a friend-" I will make no effort in my own behalf. I abhor wire pulling. If I do not deserve promotion, God forbid it. In obedience to the call, he left for | I should have it. Rumor has it (with what truth is unknown) that the good of the service will be best attained by pro- moting Major -, (of another regi- ment) to the vacancy ; in that event, my career in this regiment will soon termi- mate."

" All right, Col., God bless you, and the 19th," was the respond of our noble

ealled on Col. Kellogg to remonstrate Governor, to the letter of thanks for ex- eentive confidence. With evident emo- tion, he directed this short, welcome acknowledgment to be placed among his "treasured things." The regiment was soon changed to " Heavy Artillery," and filled to its maxinmm standard. With lindomitable energy, Col. Kellogg set about drilling and disciplining, until his command should be in all respects one of the best in the service. When the Spring Campaign opened, Col. Kellogg was anxions to take the field, and after was nnable to aid Col. Kellogg in drill- ing and disciplining the command. repeated applications was at last ordered; -his command was attached to the 6th Corps, Gen. Upton's Brigade. On the Ist of June he was ordered by General

Justice to the dead here demands an explanation of an event, which, at the time, caused some excitement, and seemed; Upton, to charge the enemy's works, at to retleet upon the honor of Lieut. Col. |"Cold Ilarbor." One of his staff, wri- Kellogg. It must be understood that ting of the action, says : " Ile was fully impressed with a sense of what was be- hitherto all the responsibility of com- manding the regiment had been with fore ns-marked out on the ground the Col. Kellogg, but by some grave mistake | shape of the works to be taken-told the a large number of men were furlonghed officers what disposition to make of the dif- by an inferior officer, without consulta- erent battalions; how the charge would be made-spoke of our reputation as "a tion with him. This he felt to be an in- sult, which deserved to be resented in a band-box regiment." "Now we were

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called on to show what we could do at fighting; he felt confident we would in this, our first fight, establish, and ever afterward maintain a glorious reputation, as a fighting regiment."

We were soon ordered to the charge. Col. Kellogg led us in bravely-coolly, and steadily-taking the first line of works near which he was wounded; he hold his honor dear."

pushed steadily on to the second line- charged, and took them with more than two hundred prisoners-mounting these works he ordered the "boys" on after the fleeing rebels." Another officer of Col. Kellogg was a man well known as the world goes-bnt few knew him well-his externals were perhaps unin- viting. "I am but a rough man," he often remarked. The few who enjoyed his staff writes: "I went to the left of his confidence, were introduced to a the Battalion, and on the way passed Col. Kellogg; his face was covered with blood, from a wound in the cheek; lie was cheering on the men." On reaching the main works which were protected by a mass of felled trees and limbs piled up in front, our boys could not get over them, and there they halted, firing over the obstructions. The galling fire of the enemy at last forced our line to give way. I went over where the centre had rested, and there my worst fears were

world of beautiful thoughts, and gentle emotions, which were unknown to others. Notwithstanding the vicissitudes of a checkered life, the " immediate jewel of his sonl " had been preserved untarnish- ed-he was a man of good conscience. What is ordinarily termed " manhood," was his distinguished trait of character. This was the one thing never to be sacri- ficed. Truth-honor-bravery-sinceri- ty, were, in his esteem, cardinal virtues; these were his idols. - Hypocrisy, pre- realized-on the top of the abattis the tence, and quackery were his abhorrenee. There was a vein of quiet humor ever permeating his thoughts, which often illustrated better than argument. Ilis patriotism was unbounded ; it was sub- lime in its massive strength and gran- deur. A little party of officers were prae- tieing with pistols, when the question

Col. lay dead ; and near him a score of our brave boys had fallen ; he was shot through the head just above the car- two shots near together-he was also shot in the arm, and face." He fell as did Gen. Lyon, in advance of his com- mand, leading them on, forgetting his own safety, and thinking only of victory over the traitors to his country, and his country's flag. "That flag I know he loved well. I onee saw him looking at a beautiful garrison flag, as it floated ma- jestically over one of the forts of his command; the big tears started from his eyes, and rolled down his rough manly checks. I asked no questions, but drew my own inferences. Ah well he realized the condition of our onee happy and glo- rious country-what it would cost to restore it again to peace and glory. I read in the expression of his face a firm resolve that his life, if necessary, should be freely laid upon the sacred altar of his country."

Gen. Upton says: "The conduct of Col. Kellogg, during the entire day, June Ist, was under my immediate observa- tion; particularly during the battle. Ilis men owe the preservation of their lives to the high state of discipline in which he had his regiment. That he exposed his own life but too freely is well

known to all. A brave and patriotic officer has fallen in the defence of his country ; he has done much for the honor and reputation of his native State." complete openness of his soul, they were visible to all-such as he was, he was willing the world should see him. Un- derlying his character, there was a basis The officers of Col. Kellogg's regi- ment say : " He fell a hero at the head of his command, fighting his country's battles. We cherish his memory and! of religious faith, simple, and childlike ; it had no partienlar ereed to dircet it, but looked up from a heart abounding in charity to the Almighty Father of us all. Just before he went to the fatal field, the writer was staying with him at Oak Grove House, the headquarters of the regiment. In a conversation with Col. Kellogg, he repeated a part of Leigli IInit's beautiful Poem, of "Abou Ben Adem, and the Angel," it struck a chord in the Colonel's soul, which vibrated most musically. "Is it not so," he ex- claimed : "Are not the names of those who love their fellow men also the names of those whom love of God has blessed." Col. Kellogg was a most unselfish man -the story of his life is replete with ten- der charities and kindly ministrations. On battle fields, and in hospitals, the dew of his soul fell on the crushed flowers of humanity, to bless and succor. The stern warrior who could tread with un- faltering steps, and iblanched check, along the fiery front of battle, could also bend with tearful sympathy over the vic- tims. Col. Kellogg had faith in the canse-believed in the ultimate triumph of our arms, and delighted to content- plate the lasting pence which would en- sne. Writing to his wife he says : "If wasproposed if any among them "would | Gen. Grant is successful, and God grant be willing to go out and be shot down, he may be, the time is not distant when I shall return to enjoy with you, our little home." Russell, Kingsbury, Chatfield, Dutton, Kellogg, Lyon, Mansfield, Sedg- wick-these, and more are on our seroll of glory-heroic men, son's of the Old Commonwealth of Conneetient. if by so doing the nation could be saved and the war ended." When this question was proposed to Col. Kellogg, he replied "Yes-I would thank God for the privi- lege of thus saving my country, and so many lives more precious than mine." Col. Kellogg possessed a quick, ardent G. temperament-was not "slow to anger" -not choice in expletives or careful of The Voice of Nature. consequences when roused. It was, however, merely anger, not hatred, not " Calm and patient Nature keeps Her ancient promise well, Thougho'er her bloom and greenness sweeps The battle's breath of hell. malice. He was a man of excellent judgment-knew how to command, and control, withont exciting opposition, or Still in the cannon's pause, we hear Ifer sweet thanksgiving psalm; Too near to God for doubt or fear, She shares tho eternal calm. tardy compliance. He always manifest- ed a paternal care which endeared him to his men, and a capability which in- spired confidence. No commander ever O, give to us, In times like these, The vision of her eyes : And make her fields and fruited trees Our golden prophecies ! exacted more of his command, or hek their hearts in a firmer bond of affection. Col. Kellogg had his faults. His habits measured by the strictest rules of religion O, give to us her finer ear ! Above this stormy din, We, too, would hear the bells of cheer, Ring peace and freedom in !" or perhaps morality, were faulty. In the

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Chivalry Illustrated.

When Capt. Winslow of the Kearsage, by hanging chains protects his bunkers, not from the effects of cannon, but sim- ply of rifle balls, the Richmond Des- patch raves thus :

"Had such a foul advantage been taken over one knight by naother ia the days of chivalry. the perpetrator would have had his spurs hacked off by the common hangman, his arms reversed, his name stricken from the roll of honor, and his ; carcase stretched by the neck, between sta and earth, uatil the birds of the air had torn his eyes from their sockels."

When the rebels exploded a mine in vice Afloat and Ashore, during the Mexi- front of our works, the same sheet can War," written by Lient. Raphael quotes with exultation the following from : Semmes, U. S. N., better known as Capt. a Petersburg paper :

"Yesterday. (July 5th,) at 12 o'clock was fixed upon to give the enemy a blow up, but the sensa- ' nations to put an end to this disreputable mode tion did not take place until half past & P. M. of warfare, under any circumstances. It had its At this hour some of our men went out and ef- origin in remote and comparatively barbarous feeted an exchange of newspapers with the enemy, ages, and has for its object rather the plunder of and the latter, to the number of 25 or so, chis. | the bandit than honorable warfarc.

tered around the lucky man to hear the latest. The cruisers being private vessels, fitted out news from Dixie. The signal was wow given, the ' on speculation, and officered and manned, gener- fase lighted, and in less time than it takes to write ally by unscrupulous and unprincipled men, it it, up went the solid earth to the height of about is impossible for the government which commis- forty feet, carrying the news gatherers along sions them to have them under proper control. with it."

After reading these extracts, and re- calling the faets, that Semmes himself decoyed the Hatteras by false signals and sunk her-that the rebel Iron clad Merri. mac attacked and sunk the wooden Cum- berland-that the rebels repeatedly em- ploy ambuscades and masked batte- ries-that rebel guerrillas continually skulk on river banks and swarm the woods to fire on unarmed persons, or armed men totally unwarned on the

road or in transports: when we remem- was Lieut. Col. M. B. Smith, of the Sth C. V. I. mber that the rebels have repeatedly Comprehending the situation, the Col. immediate- misused the noble flag they profess to'ly slipped his pocket book, watch and papers into hate, to deceive our men and lure them to slaughter-we can readily pen the creed of Modern rebel chivalry. hi- boot-leg. His turn soon came, and these ar- tieles were demanded. "You are too late," replied the Col. "They were 'lifted' some time ago."

I. Whatever harms the Union or its defenders in property, reputation or life -is chivalrous.

II. Whatever harms the infamous re- bellion or its reckless supporters, is un- chivalrous and dastardly.

Revolutionary Patriotism in Connecticut.

Conat Rochambeau, commanding the French | guard, and outsiders permitted to take from them allies, was on his way to confer with Washington any portion of their wearing apparel, which they might need or prefer to their own. at Hartford. The carriage broke down. The only blacksmith in the vicinity, was ill, and re- Several exchanges of coats and boots were fused the job, declaring that a hnt full of guineas Ininde. The Col. trembled, not for his boots but would not induce him to undertake it, The off. | for what they contained.

cer explained that, unless be did, the Count could not keep his appointment with Washington, " 1 | a gruff rebel private.

am at the public service." replied the enfebled blacksmith. "You shall have your carriage at six to-morrow morning, for you are good people." Money was spurned. The call of patriotism nerved the feeble arm to hard work.

Then, and Now.

" Few, few were they whose swords of old, Won the fair land in which we dwell ; But we are many, we who hohl The grim resolve to guard it well. Strike for that broad and goodly land, . Blow after blow, till men shall see That Might and Right move hand ia haad, And glorious must their triumph be !"

Captain Semmes-His Book.

The Army and Navy Journal prints the following pithy selection on the gen- eral subject of privateering, from "Ser-

Semmes, of the rebel privateer Alabama: "There is growing disposition among civilized

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In short they are little better than licensed pirates; and it behooves all eivilized nations and especially nations who, like ourselves, are exteu- sively engaged in foreign comimaeree, to suppress the practice altogether."

Verily this is Saul among the prophets. Does the boasted chivalry of Semmes appear in his past or in his present char- acter? Surely not in both.

Sharp Practice.

Among the passengers on the train stopped and burned by the rebels at Magnolia, (July 11th,)

The Johnny, however, espied and took his pocket diary containing $40, with which he seem- ed satisfied.

The Col. edged gradually out of the ear and started down the bank. Johaay saw him-and fired his revolver, shouting: "Come back, yon D- Yaakce." Finding the mud too deep for rapid Traveling, the Col. returaed.

The prisoners were then formed in line under

As Inek would have it, they were demanded by

The Col. refused, declaring it against the laws of war to reb prisoners. The rebel insisted. Col. Smith appealed to the officer of the guard. Only a color sergeant could be found. Sergeant in- I quires by whose order Johnny is allowed to rob

the prisoners of clothing. Johany replies, " none of his business," &e. sergeant dismounts and punches Johnny in the eye. A small row cuines. Pistols are cocked and sabres drawn-black eyes appear. The scene closes by a short speech from the Sergeant, who declares that " he came out to fight not for plunder, but for Freedom and Lib- erty."

The sergeant is unanimously voted (by the Union prisoners,) to be a gentleman and a scholar. The Col. saves his boots and all grow decided- ly good natured and hospitable.

Cigars, oranges and even whiskey are passed around.

The guard were soon busy reading letters and overhauling baggage. Col. Smith slipped by the nearest guards and reached the Headquarters of Maj. Gilmore-and, with his usual coolness inquires, " What is to be done with the captured officers ?" Maj. Gilmore replies-" I shall make cavalrymen of them. I have some extra horses to take to Richmond."

"We are all," says Col. Smith, "from the hos- pital. We may cause you come delay -- aad per- haps it may be advisable for you to get out of our lines pretty quickly." "I am safe enough," says Gilmore, " and you will see Richmond within ten days." "Not if I know it," thought Colonel Smith. As he strolled about the Headquarters, he saw the guards np to their elbows in a linge truuk. Many rebs. were clad in the national blue. So passing the guard with a knowing look, as much as to say, " All right Johnny," he walked very deliberately down the Railroad. Turning from the Railroad-he quickly reached a farmi house, hired the farmer to carry him to the next station, and left Perryville at 12 o'clock for Phil- adelphia. This episode the Col. may well remem- ber with pleasure and pride.

Home Influence.

The next seven weeks will be a period of loud, perhaps angry discussion and intense excitement. The animated discussions will doubtless, in spite of all pettifogging and deliberate misrepresenta- tion, develop and strengthen sound opinions and advance that which is right. Upon the war itself the effect of the vehement agitation or even of the election can not at present be great. Even if the election be adverse to the present incumbent, he remains President for nearly six months, and will continue the policy which he has deliberately chosen and resolutely maintained.

lIence, and let it be remembered, neither the campaign excitement nor the triumph of any can- didate will, for the present, change public policy or the attitude of the combatants. The just war for " Freedom in the Union," will be prosecuted vigorously for at least six months, unless the rebels sooner submit, as we trust they will, to the legal sway of the Constitutional President.

This great fact. the people of Connecticut. amid the fascinating events of a spirited campaign of matchless importance, must not forget. The army inst be steadily sustained and re-enforced. We will do our full share, hoping, with good reason, that before the close of the present term of our Chief Magistrate, the final triumph will be most gallantly achieved.

If rich, be not clated; if poor, be not dejected.

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OUR ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.

From the Fifth Regiment. CAMP STU COSY. VEL. VOLS., 2 BEFORE ATLANTA, Ang. 15th, 1864.

EDITOR WAR RECORD :- In reading of the campaigns through which Napoleon and his troops struggled, none of them surpasses in interest or importance the " hundred days," and yet to-day has just terminated a enmpaign which in duration, number of battles and demand upon human power of endurance, rivals any warlike performance of either modern or ancient times.

In this hundred days, the Division to which this Regiment is attached, has been engaged in fonr pitched battles, in all of which the command has borne its part and left its traces in fresh mounds and rudely earved head-boards upon eve- ry field and skirmish live for a hundred miles.

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 86

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