The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 91

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

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In a letter to his wife, dated the day before the THE FIRST LIGHT BATTERY battle at Cold Harbor, he writes-" do not worry Still remains at Bermuda Hundreds, under command of Capt. J. B. Clinton. about me, I have endured the marchi well. We have been much of the time on short rations, but THE SECOND LIGHT BATTERY that we expect on such a march-so please, not Is reported at Frederick, Maryland. A very interesting letter from our correspondent, dated St. Gaines, Mobile Bay, was received too late for insertion. worry. You know we have been called the pets because we were so long kept in the defences. We were in the way of duty just as muell as here. We are now in the place where there is THE FIFTH AND TWENTIETH REGIMENTS Are in the 20th Corps, and now in Atlanta. plenty of work to do, and if I mistake not. the regiment will soon show of what stuff it is made. THE STH, 11TH AND 21ST REGIMENTS Remain in the 18th Corps, as at our last issue. Keep up good courage. The separation from yon is painful, but, you know, when we used to read The 18th and 10th Corps have changed places, so of our noble Army of the Potomae, I always folt | that the 18th Corps is at and near Deep Bottom. I ought to be there-and now I am there. Keep The 6th, 7th and 10th Regiments, remain in their respective Divisions of the 10th Corps, In- up good courage, and remember you married a soldier."

With a spirit thus resolute and cheerful, he ad- , presented in our next issue.

THE 9TH REGIMENT

After some weeks of service before Petersburg, have rejoined their old Division, in (Emory's) tho 19th Army Corps.

THE. 12TH REGIMENT

Is in Emory's Division, 12th Corps.

A leiter was received a day too late, and will be printed in our next number.

THE 13TH REGIMENT

Rendezvoused at New Haven, on the 27th of August, and was ordered immediately to rejoin its old Division in the 15th Corps, and on the 29th started for the Shenandoah Valley. Many of the at Grapevine Point, as others liad, for a number of days, were in no haste to report, and, to the number of nearly one hundred, were left behind. Most of them, veterans, tried and true, will join their Regiment at the earliest practicable moment. THE 14TH REGIMENT

Is still quietly efficiently doing Provost duty fat Newbern, N. C.

The following members have been detached on recruiting service :

Capt. R. O. Bradley, Co. II. Sergt. Wm. II. Jones, Co. I.

Sergt. Joseph Keglemeyer, Co. G.

Sergt. Lyman II. Hall, Co. F.

Corp. F. W. Faulkner, Co. D. Corp. Delano Ives, Co. K. Corp. Henry Baldwin, Co. H.

The party have made very little noise, but they have worked steadily and with extraordinary success, having enlisted in less than a month moro than 200 men.

THE 16TH REGIMENT.

Co. II, with members of other companies, aro Precedence will be given in our next issue to communications from the 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 12th | still on Roanoke Island, under command of Capt. 13th, 14th 18th, 1st Light Battery, and Ist Artil. | Barnum. lery.

Surgeon Meyer is now in charge of the Foster General Hospital at Newbern, and fills the posi- tion with marked ability and to the general satis- fiction.

THE 17TH REGIMENT

Still has headquarters at St. Augustine, and varies the monotony of camp and guard duty by occasional expeditions, more or less hazardous, and successful, into the interior.

THE 18TH REGIMENT

Remains among the West Virginia infantry furee. It has borne its part well during tho many miarchings, counter-marchings and skir- mishes, which have characterized recent opera- tions in the Shenandoah Valley.

THE 29TH REGIMENT Is in the 10th Corps, before Petersburg.

THE BOTH REGIMENT,

Forming a part of the 31st U. S. C. T., has seen severe service in the 4th Division, 9th A. C. Wo hope to print details soon.

THE FIRST CAVALRY

Is in MeIntosh's Brigade, 3d Div., Cav. Corps.

Cant. Alexander Murray, U. S. A., has been der Gen. Grant. We hope that they will be re- | appointed a mustering and disbursing officer for this State, with headquarters at New Haven.

" lle was," writes Lewis Bissell, " in front of his company, with sabre drawn, perfectly cool and firm, and moved with the martial step we knew so well."

In the moment of success he fell pierecd through the body. ITis devoted men sprang to ! men supposing that the Regiment would remain his assistanec. In the absence of a stretchier they made a stretcher of their niuskets, and carried him on their shoulders a mile and a half to the hospital. Ile lingered for two days, and hoping to reach home, determined to attempt the journey, but died in the ambulance on the road to White HIonse. The body was embalmed, forwarded to Has again done sturdy fighting, and suffered heavily in officers and men. Full lists of casual- ties are not yet received. his home, and buried, with masonie honors. The funeral day was exactly sixteen weeks from liis wedding day. THE 15TH REOIMENT

Heartfelt sympathy was manifested by the large concourse assembled to pay just respect to the honored dead.

Rich and satisfying, too, are the touching trib- utes of his soldier friends to his manliness and worth. One writes-" His loss to us can never be made up. Ilis men all loved him." Another, " When I heard that our dear Captain was dead I could notkeep from crying." Precious monuments of real affeetion, are the tears of soldiers Ano- ther writes to the bereaved wife, " Not alone do yon mourn-you have lost a kind, true husband. We have lost more than an officer-a friend -- a brother."

Regimental.

THE FIRST ARTILLERY

Are still occupying redoubts along the line for- tifications, with Headquarters at Bermuda Hun- dreds.

THE SECOND ARTILLERY

Now acts as infantry, and is with the 6th Corps in the Shenandoah Valley. "The Band-Box Reg. iment" has proved itself second to none in conr- age and efficiency.

اسا سا سيبعمله العقيدة

278

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[SEPTEMBER, 1904.]

EDITORIAL COLUMN.

Delay.

Unavoidable circumstances have delayed the issue of the last two numbers of the WAR RECORD, till past the middle of the month. We shall en- deavor to issue future numbers more promptly.

Acknowledgment.

We desire to express grateful acknowledgment for material aid furnished to the author of our biographieal sketch of Maj. Gen. Sedgwick, by Rev. Chas. Wetherby, in his excellent sermon, at the funeral, and by Rev. Prof. Wm. B. Clark, of New Haven, the former pastor of the church in Cornwall Hollow.

To our Friends.

We receive many letters of inquiry concerning soldiers who are missing ; concerning furloughs, bounties, pensions and many other matters. We are willing to answer these questions so far as we can. We would request that persons writing such letters would make them brief and clear in statement, so that we can comprehend at once just what they desire to know. We will endeavor to give cach a brief but neenrate reply.

Lost Numbers.

If by any mistake or mishap, a subscriber fails to receive any number of the WAR RECORD due to him, he is requested to inform us immediately. We can always supply deficiencies for a month after the issue of each number.

Soldier's Memorial.

The publishers of this appropriate and beauti- ful picture, in anticipation of a very large sale, have reduced the price to one dollar. It is worth twiee the money.

To our Contributors.

We earnestly entreat all writers to make their communications as brief, concise, and animated as possible ; divesting them of all general remarks -giving us only that which is peculiar to the time, place or subject. Our space is limited; our material almost limitless.

Lyrics of Loyalty.

This volume, by Geo. P. Putnam, is the first of a "Red, White and Blue" series, and purports to present lyrical writings which the present rebel- | until all arrearages are paid.

lion has called forth. We were, therefore, a little vexed to find poems written many years ago-os

3. If subscribers negleet or refuse to take their papers from the office to which they are Lowell's "present erisis," in 1815. We were also | directed, they are held responsiblo until they pained to find the effect of the poem named and have settled their bills and ordered their papers discontinued. others, injured by the omission of many-and to us the most elegant stanzas. But on further pe- 4. If subscribers move to other places with- out informing the publisher, and papers are rusal, we find many a gem which we had not before seen. We have now glanced through the | sent to the former direction, they are responsible. book many times, and shall yet many times.

It is an inspiring book and well suited for these stirring days.

The "Connecticut War Record,' PUBLISHED BY

MORRIS & BENHAM,

At No. 2, Glebe Building, New Haven, Conn. -0-

TERMS :- $1.00 a year, (in advance,)-$1.50 if not paid during the first two months.

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We have given all our old subscribers opportu- nity to renew their subscriptions at the old price. We extend this opportunity to the Ist of October next.

But as prices, particularly of paper, which is wholly controlled by heartless speculators, continues to advance far beyond what even "war times" jus-

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1. Subseribers who do not give express notice to the contrary are considered as wishing to eon- tinue their subscriptions.

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Bound Volumes.

The present high prices, and the fact that we issue a second volume, are sufficient reasons against binding the first volume of the WAR RECORD. Both volumes may be bound np together at a cost but a trifle greater than for one, at the end of the second year. We shall probably be able to get the volumes bound for our subscribers, when it is expedient, at a cost less than they could individually have it done.

Capt. N. P. Ives, formerly Commissary on the staff of Gen. Harland, is now Commissary at Point Lookont, Md.

THE SOLDIER'S CERTIFICATE AND

MEMORIAL. .

-0-

This beautiful specimen of art is offered to the soldiers of our country as an appropriate memento for the perpetnation to posterity of the record of their valor and patriotism.

The design is purely national and military, with- out any reference to men or politics.

The base of the picture is composed of rich orna- mented scroll work, interspersed with fruits and flowers, forming a beautiful entablature, upon which stand four splendid allegorical figures representing PEACE and WAR, LIBERTY and JUSTICE, with their emblems.

At the bottom, in a medalliou surrounded by a galaxy of stars, one for cach State, appears FAME crowning the faithful soldier.

In the centre is a blank form of discharge, to be filled up with name and regiment, and space to record the engagements in which the soldier has participated, with the proper signatures.

The whole is surmounted by the American Eagle resting upon a rock, amid banners, shields, trophies, &e. ; constituting a parlor ornament at onee honor- able and beautiful.

The picture is illuminated in brilliant colors and for sale at the office of the CONN. WAR RECORD, New Haven, Conn.

Priee,-Single Copies, " $1.00. 820 Sent, POSTAGE PAID, on receipt of price.

U. S. CLAIM AGENCY,

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and PRIZE MONIES, Promptly seeured and at reasonable rates.

Address personally or by letter,

CHARLES WHITTLESEY,

No. 4, Hungerford & Conc's Block, Hartford, Conn.

RUSSELL T. CURTISS,

74 Water Street, Bridgeport, Conn. Wholesale and Retail dealer in WHITE LEAD, ZING, LINSEED OIL, &c. Manufacturer of

Colored Paints, Varnishes, Putty, &c., Importer of French Window Glass, and Brown's Glascow Mineral Green, for Blind makers' use. Carriage makers' Colors a Specialty. Merchants, Painters and Builders will find it for their interest togive me their orders. Sole Proprie- tor and Manufacturer of

BROWN'S ENGLISH ROOFING PAINT. N. B .- Roofing circulars sent on application.

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

OUR STATE POINTS TO DEEDS, NOT ACRES.

Office, 2 Glebe Building. 1

MORRIS & BENHAM, Publishers. S

NEW HAVEN, OCTOBER, 1804.

1 VOL. 11. NO. 111. ( $1.50 PER ANNUM, IN ADVANCE

Brig. Gen. Stedman.

We intended to present in this number the por- trait and biography of this accomplished and chiv- alrous soldier. But unavoidable delay compels us to postpone them until our next issuc.

For the Connecticut War Record.

Col. Thomas F. Burpee.

MR. EDITOR :- One of the most inter- esting phases, to my mind, of the historic ment bore an important and very honor- elements developed by our war, is the able part, commanded by Col. Burpee, Col. Dutton acting as Briadier. On the death of Col. Dutton, Col. Burpee was promoted to the Coloneley proper, but a few days before the fatal bullet that drank his own life was sped. The peru sal of his letters, revealing a most pure and lofty type of character, has led me, his pastor, who knew him well, to ex- claim : "We knew not the man before." effect on character of personal conseera- tion to the country's cause in the field. Weak sonls fail in the hour of trial. Strong ones not only show their strength, but experience an increase-an elevation which ennobles -- sometimes glorifies. To the future historian, no part of the record of these days will be more interest- ing than that which exhibits the thoughts and feelings with which individual Under date of Sept. 25th, 1862, just after the arrival of the Regiment near the field of conflict, he writes: men, in common life, went to the field, bore its burdens, and met its dangers and death. These are the materials for the higher, spiritual history-the most sig- nificant of all of these eventful times.

With this view, I send you some me- mentos of the inner life of a brave sol- dier, lately fallen, not widely known, but whose reward. it is believed, is on high; and will be a source of pride to his chil- dren's children,-Col. Thomas F. Burpee, of the 21st C. V., killed in the Army of the Potomac, about the 10th of June last.

Col. Burpee was a native of Tolland Co, and a quiet, modest, unpretending citizen of Rockville, for several years be- fore the breaking out of the war. In June, 1862, he enlisted in a company raised chiefly through his influence, in the place, for the 15th Regiment, of which Co. he was chosen Captain. Be- fore leaving for the scene of conflict, however, he was transferred to a Majori- ty, and soon promoted to the Lieut. Col- oneley in the 21st, in rendezvous at Nor- wich, under the command of Col. Dutton, whose glorious death his junior officer was destined so closely to follow. The

Fredericksburgh, Portsmouth, Norfolk, Newbern, Little Washington, and the advance of Gen. Butler up the James River, until assigned, with the 18th Corps, under Gen. Smith, to the army of

merciful beyond measure. I wish this might fly to you, to relieve all your anxiety, but that is not to be. But do not ever forget that we are always safe in the hands of our Heavenly Father. * * A great many of our soldiers obtained articles of spoil (in Fredericksburg.) but I did not feel like Grant. In the severe and critical action, taking anything at all, unless it was needed for immediate use."

"Let me again ask you not to feel anxious about me. Every night, when I lie down, I think how good God has been to me, and I ask Ifim to take care of my wife, and little ones, and that they may live to be blessings to themselves, and to the world."

Dec. 17th, 1862.

"I did not believe you were impatient for me to go home at the expense of duty and honor ; but it did me good to hear you say so; for by that I know that you can wait with patience until God in his own good time shall bring it about. And let me again urge you not to dwell upon the weeks, and months of my stay, but scize every means of enjoyment for yourself, which will de- prive loneliness of its sting. 1 sometimes think that it is sinful for me to permit my mind to dwell so much upon you-the companion of my secret soul. But I cannot love yon less ;- but pray "Tell Louise," (a sister whose eldest son had enlisted in the 14th,) "Not to be over-anxious about William. I should rather sce him sacrificed for a holy principle, than to see him remain in inglorious waiting at a time like this. The Lord has said ' Whosover will save his life shall lose it.' that I and that you may love God more. To say that you are ever in my thoughts, does not express the whole. Whatever I do, I do as though you were present with me, and indeed, are you not so in spirit ? When I lie down to sleep, my last thoughts, and frequent dreams are of you, and and this has often been the case in this accursed | our dear children; and when I rise up, and when I sit down to eat, whatever I do, it is still the saine."

Nov. 23d, 1863.

To the sister, before mentioned, whose son, Win. Goodell, had fallen, bravely fighting at Gettysburg :

"I was glad to learn that you had received William's Testament. It is indeed a testament to you, both from your Heavenly Father, and from your son. May it afford you much pleasure and hope therein, to note the evidences of his securi- ty and happiness. Nothing can be untimely which is ordered by an all-wise God. The blow which laid him low, welded our hearts to our country's cause. The sacrifice of suffering, and blood which he poured out, sanctified to us its soil."

May 17th, 1864.

Butler's command on the James River. "We lay at rest, after reaching Drury's Bluff, on the 15th, until 4 o'clock P. M., when we took position in front of the centre of the rebel works, which position we were ordered to hold at all

Fredericksburgh, just after the battle. "I am thankful that it has pleased God to pro- teet me from all harm, and bring me safe to the present time. It fills me with gladness to hear | hazards. On the next morning we had a battle. the expression of resignation and happiness in : The night had been foggy and wet, and at 4 fortunes of the regiment were bis through your letter. It is all His work. Give my love | o'clock the fog was so thick nothing could be the campaign of Gen. Burnside before | to Bro. B. and sister, and tell them that God is | seen two rods off. I had just sent out Captain

when the ilank of Butler was turned in the fog of the morning in front of Fort Darling on the 16th of May, this Regi-

rebellion. If any one lacks enthusiasm in this cause, let him go to work, and if that don't awa. ken him, then he is a coward. The lofty inspira- tion of this cause is worth living a lifetime to! feel; and if I had a thousand lives I would not withhold one of them. Yet I do not know whether in actual conflict I should be a brave inan, or a coward. But when I hear of the death of my comrades I feel as if I had the strength of a hundred men in my own arm, with which to!

avenge his death. * * * Don't borrow any trouble about any inconvenience I may be obliged to suffer ; it is nothing. I am satisfied, so long as you and the children are comfortable. Shoukl l be laid in the grave. remember our Heavenly Father doeth all things well. Look on the bright side, and the bright side only. God bless you and the children."

Dec. 16th, 1862.

O.K

286

TIIE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[OCTOBER,

Brown with his Co. In Pont of the 2lor, as chir. . only kuoy that we tried to do our duty in the An,enst 1.1th. 1556, of parents who were both de- seended from old Connecticut families. He en.

mishers, when a tranchelas fire is poured on the sight of God. riglit of my Brigade, which was the right of the My best beloved, and leave wife, your prayers tered Yale College in 1851, anda year afterwards whole line occupied by our troop .. The chemy aud cheering words are to me like a well of lies; |his mother moved her family to New Haven, had turned our right flank, and were in our rear. . and my life is a breathing prayer for you, and : where she has resided ever since. He held always a The 9th N. J., nud the 294 and 27th Mass, were our darlings. God favors and bles.es the brave, high position in his class, though the youngest almost used up by the suddenne-s, and heaviness and His merey overshadow us, and His spirit of the attack. I will not attempt to describe the , make us pure."

whole fight now ; suffice it to say, that in an hour ; and a half, I was left alone with the 21st, to cope with the enemy, who were in front and on both Ranks, and a thick & vangy wood in our rear. The men fought well, in saar instances hand to

Col. Burpee's last letter was written in the trenches, at that period, about the 5th of June, when portions of the hostile lines lay within a few yards of each other, band with the rebels. We changed our front to and breathes the same pure, sweet, chris- rear, and fought for five hours through the swamp ; tian spirit, with those from which I have

and timber, gradually falling back. sometimes charging upon them when they pressed too hard upon us, and at last succeeded in bringing the Regiment, and most of the wounded, ou to the open ground where we could get help. One Brig. Gen. was captured, and I received no orders

A few days later, out as officer of the at all, until 1 had fought three hours, and when ! day, at 4 o'clock in the morning, the bul-

the fight commeneed I could not tell how things let of a rebel sharpshooter entered his breast, and another precious life, and orphan's tears, and widow's bleeding heart, are offered upon the altar of con- try, and liberty, and God. And over his grave, sorrowing friends repeat his own words, spoken of Win. Goodell. were going on our right, and did not know that the enemy had got around us until the ir bullets came from that direction. I don't know what. the Generals at Headquarters think of our con- dnet, but I hear that we gained much credit, and that the Regiment was handled well. We were so long in the woods that they thought we should be captured. We lost 106 men, and for con ais- sioned officers. As for my-elf, I received no "The blow which laid him low, welded on hearts to our country's cause; the sacrifice of scratch. A bullet strack the spur apon my heel. and glanced off. God covered my head in the ! suffering, and blood which he poured out, sanefi- hour of danger, and brought ine safely through. fol to us its soil." C. W. CLAPP. We were engaged from four in the morning. until nearly noon, without an instant's rest. ant had Captain William Wheeler. but little rest for the previous two days. Not- withstanding the hardships we have been through, we have very few sick men. I think it is their pluck which keeps them up."

Sundny, May 224, 1801.

Connecticut does well to record with honor, the names of those who march under her flag and carry her name into every battle against her emnitry's enemies. They nobly deserve the tri- bate, and to pay it reacts with benefit to the Stnte.

member of it, taking several prizes, and standing at the end of the course, sixteenth among ninety- one. Always strong, active, and full of life, he distinguished himself no less in ont door amuse- ments, and will be remembered by his class as one of their best boxers. Graduating in 1855, he remained at home for two years, occupied in various studies, principally Italian, Hebrew, law, and English literature. The next year he spent in Europe, continuing these studies, and travel- ing during several months; then, ou his return in 1858, devoted himself to the study of law in the Yale Law School, and in the Dance Law School of Harvard College.

The breaking out of the war in 1861, found hua practising Inw in New York city, where he had established himself more than a year before. In that time. by the aid of family connection and friendships inherited from his father, who hnd been prominent in the same profession there, be had already got into his hand the beginning of a good practice. So far was this true that it seem- ed a reason, to some of his friends, why he should stay home. But not so to him. An unwavering conviction that it was his duty to go into the army took po-session of him and left him no choice. In a letter to a Bible-class of which he had been teacher, he quoted a verse from one of their lessons, "My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people," (Judg. 5 :? ,) saying that these words had been ringing in his ears for weeks, and would not let him stay at home. In another letter, he nobly snid that his superior advantages of edu. cation gave him no right to hold his life too dear to be given up for the country and the cause. This sense of duty, entering into a spirit naturally active and restless, speedily prompted it to deeds. IJe joined at once the 7th N. Y. Regiment before the end of April. 1861, entering the ninth or Artillery Company, and went on with them, after diligent drill and study, on May 9th, to be with the rest of the regiment in Washington. They returned on the first of June, and Sergeant Wheeler, as he had ranked, remained in New York, studying the subject of artillery, but not in active service, until in the summer he joined the 18th N. Y. Independent Battery of Light Artil- lery, then under Capt. Sturinfels, afterwards un- der Capt. Diekmann. Hle went in as Second Lieu- tenant, with a promise, soon fulfilled, of being promoted one step in the field.

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 91

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