USA > Connecticut > New London County > Norwich > The Norwich memorial; the annals of Norwich, New London County, Connecticut, in the great rebellion of 1861-65 > Part 12
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To his Excellency, WM. A. BUCKINGHAM.
SIR: Agreeable to your instructions issued to me, August 25, 1863, directing me to visit those hospitals in which were left sick and disabled soldiers by Connecticut regiments, while en route from the Department of the Gulf to Connecticut, and ascertain their condition, I have the honor to report that I left Norwich on the evening of August 25th, and proceeded directly to Memphis, Tenn., at which place the first soldiers were sent to hospitals after leaving Port Hudson, La. The medical director at Memphis in- formed me that the Connecticut soldiers left at that place were in Adams and Union Hospitals. Visiting these, I ascertained that the Twenty-sixth Regiment sent to Adams Hospital, August Ist, twelve enlisted men, and that the Twenty-eighth Regiment sent to Union Hospital, August 14th, nineteen enlisted men. Of this number, twelve have died, twelve had been sent to Connecticut, and seven, all members of the Twenty-eighth, were then in Union Hospital.
Leaving Memphis, August 31st, I returned to Cairo, Ill., where I ascertained that two members of the Twenty-eighth Regiment had been admitted into the Post Hospital at that place, August 17th. Both had recovered, and been sent to Connecticut. From Cairo I proceeded to Mound City, Ill., where I ascertained that twelve enlisted men of the Twenty-sixth Regiment were ad-
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mitted into the United States General Hospital at that place, August 3d, and that eleven enlisted men were admitted from the Twenty-eighth Regiment, August 17th. Of the number, nine had died, two had been sent to Connecticut, three were then in hospital, and one could not be accounted for.
From Mound City I proceeded to Chicago, Ill. There two com- missioned officers and one enlisted man were admitted into the Soldiers' Home, August 4th, and nine enlisted men were admit- ted into the military department of the Marine Hospital, and one enlisted man into the Post Hospital.
These were all members of the Twenty-sixth Regiment. Of this number six enlisted men had died, and the other seven had been forwarded to Connecticut. Leaving Chicago, I arrived at Toledo, Ohio, September 5th, and there learned that five enlisted men, members of the Twenty-sixth, were admitted into the In- firmary in that city, August 5th. This entire number had died.
I am not aware that Connecticut soldiers were left at places other than those mentioned, while en route to Connecticut from the Department of the Gulf.
As to the condition of the men left at Memphis, I would say, that six of the seven were reported as " doing well," and would be strong enough to proceed in a short time to Connecticut. The other one " was failing," and would not survive many days. Two of the three in Mound Hospital were recovering fast, and one was in a dying condition.
I was assured by the surgeon in charge of those hospitals, that those from Connecticut who were remaining, would be pro- vided with transportation and rations, and forwarded to Connect- icut as soon as it was thought advisable to do so.
Although it is painful to know that so many of our number have died, when within a few days of their homes, I am happy to say that the hospitals of which they were inmates, are com- modious and well regulated. Those who survived, admitted that they received every care and attention. I would state that the graves of those who have died, have been properly marked.
SOLDIERS' RELIEF. - CITIZEN-SERVICE.
167
SUMMARY.
Total number admitted into hospitals, 74
Total number who have died, 32
Total number sent to Connecticut, 31
Total number remaining in hospitals, IO
Total number not accounted for, I
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Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, L. A. GALLUP.
. Hon. W. A. BUCKINGHAM, Governor of Connecticut.
Where all were so patriotic, it is not possible to individ- ualize the labors of many, for like the men of whom Macaulay speaks in his "Lays of Ancient Rome,"
" Then none was for a party ; Then all were for the State, Then the great man helped the poor, And the poor man loved the great."
And yet for memorial purposes, we may justly venture to make special mention of those, who because of their position or means were enabled to render service, which all now remember with gratitude, and speak of with pride.
W. A. BUCKINGHAM, who was the chief executive of the State from 1859 to 1866, was foremost in all patriotic work, not less in his private than in his public and official capacity. He has left a proud record of noble, earnest service in a critical period of the Nation's history. To his keen appre- ciation of State and National affairs, his promptness of action, Connecticut was indebted for the leading position which she held during the war. Commanding the confi- dence of his fellow citizens to an unwonted extent, he was trusted as few men have been before or since in similar of- ficial stations, and he maintained to the last the respect and gratitude of the Commonwealth. His best and highest title
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will ever be the one he gained for his signally devoted and able administration of affairs, in a time of unprecedented ex- citement and peril, - " Connecticut's War Governor."
Early foreseeing in the agitation of the South which fol- lowed the election of Mr. Lincoln, the beginning of a fear- ful conflict, he began to prepare for it. In January, 1861, he had wisely ordered the purchase, on his own responsibil- ity, of knapsacks, cartridge-boxes, bayonets, and everything belonging to the full equipment of at least five thousand men. In April, when the war broke out, he at once re- solved to discard all smooth-bore weapons, and arm Con- necticut troops with the best rifles. The money necessary to do this, he decided to raise by loans, pledging for se- curity his own private fortune, but this the immediate prof- fers of loyal men, and the tenders of the banks, made un- necessary.
The State, through his promptitude, aided as he was by able and energetic coadjutors, put her troops into the field in advance of others, better armed and equipped at the first, than those from other States, and this too, without a dol- lar's expense to the Federal Government. The latter made requisitions upon the Governor, which were promptly filled, such as a Light Battery for Rhode Island, and a second one for the authorities at Washington. On request of the Governor of Ohio, he was able to furnish him four thousand sets of equipments for the soldiers of his State.
When the second call was issued by Mr. Lincoln for troops, and only a limited supply of clothing and camp equipments were in the government store-houses, Governor Buckingham was the first to apply in behalf of the quota of Connecticut, through a special agent, Mr. E. H. Owen, of Hartford, and on the principle "of first come, first served," the orders were issued to make over the supplies on hand to this State. The result was that our troops were the
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earliest equipped and escaped the sufferings that were ex- perienced by those of other States, who on arriving at the appointed places of rendezvous were kept waiting for their necessary blankets, clothing, and tents.
The General Assembly of 1861, appropriated three thou- sand dollars for the payment of personal expenses incurred while in the discharge of official duties, but this gratuity he generously declined in 1866, adding as his reason, "that public burdens have rested so heavily upon the people dur- ing the past five years, that I do not feel willing to draw from the Treasury money thus appropriated."
During part of the time of his long career as Chief Executive of the State, he turned his salary over to some patriotic object, devoting, in one instance, more than the year's income, to the relief of the families of volunteers.
To have been Governor of Connecticut for the most mo- mentous years since the Revolution, called to the position by the voice of the people, and continued by repeated re- elections, is enough for the patriotic ambition of any man ; to have served with zeal, unsullied integrity, and an unfal- tering faith in the Nation's cause, is more honor than often falls to mortals in this world, and such honor, as alas, can be trusted to but few.
Connecticut will ever remember with pride, and Norwich hold in grateful recollection - the unwearied services of him who was able to grasp the various interests of the public good, and accomplish well the enormous work thrown upon him, who was capable of being the exponent and also the leader of public sentiment, who could steady the heart of his State, and yet stimulate the Central Government in the path of justice.
HON. WM. P. GREENE, whose name will ever remain with us as a synonym of the purest patriotism and benevolence, was especially active in all movements in aid of the war.
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Unobtrusive in whatever he did, few knew how generous and extensive were the gifts he made to the soldiers, or those dependent upon them. Many an incident, illustrative of his loyalty and liberality, lingers in the memory of not a few in this community, who never refer to him but with feelings of admiration and real affection. When called on by Colonel Young and Mr. James D. Mowry, for his contribu- tion to the " Sinews of War " Fund, he replied with that cour- tesy and deliberate utterance which characterized him, " Put me down, gentlemen, for whatever I ought to give," and dis- missing them with this, for his final answer, they depart- ed, and put him down for what alone all knew would satisfy him ; for his name never stood against any subscription, second in amount to that of any other citizen. On learning that Capt. J. B. Dennis of the Seventh Regiment had borne the expenses incident to the recruiting of his company, he and his noble daughter, Miss Lizzie Greene, reimbursed him for all his outlay. The latter, assisted by her brother, the Hon. J. Lloyd Greene, then added the very acceptable gift of blankets for each member of the company. As the Eigh- teenth Regiment was drawn up in line, to receive the regi- mental colors, on the afternoon of their departure from Camp Aiken, Mr. William P. Greene advanced to the front of the company raised in the village which bears his name, bade the boys an affectionate good-by, and presented them with a beautiful inlaid box containing one hundred and one two dollar and a half gold pieces. Capt Davis, acknowledg- ing the gift, wrote back from Fort Henry, Baltimore, the following note : -
W.M. P. GREENE, -
Kind Sir : I desire in behalf of the company which I have the honor to command, to express to you our sincere thanks for the munificent gift to us on Friday last. . . . Each member of the company will value his gift, not so much as a matter of in-
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SOLDIERS' RELIEF. - CITIZEN-SERVICE.
crease to the liberal bounties of the government and town, but as a token of remembrance from a warm and liberal friend. Not less do we prize those words of counsel and advice, as you bade the Greenville boys an affectionate good-by. They will not be forgotten. We will return with the good reputation with. which you complimented us.
Respectfully yours, HENRY C. DAVIS.
HENRY B. NORTON was another of our citizens whose ser- vices, ever generous and unceasing, endeared him to all Norwich soldiers. His name is one which they speak to this day with the warmest feelings. Quick to perceive what should be done, and eager to help wheresoever he could, he rendered the most timely assistance to the Gov- ernor. Superintending the transportation of troops, the chartering of vessels, the purchasing of army supplies in the early period of the war, and thereafter attending person- ally to the wants and comforts of our men in the field, his labors were invaluable. Soldiers came to feel that if he was on the look-out for them, they would not suffer for the lack of anything his thoughtful care and means could pro- vide. Members of the Fourteenth and Eighteenth Regi- ments write him down as their friend ; one whose presence and aid tided them over many a day of pressing need. His services, from first to last, were the free-will offering his patriotism alone inspired him to render, for he declined all commissions, and refused every tender in the way of com- pensation.
Hon. LAFAYETTE S. FOSTER, who ably represented Con- necticut in the United States Senate for twelve years, includ- ing those of the war, was also among our most active and patriotic citizens. Rendering distinguished service in Con- gress, and attaining an eminent position in that body, he was, when in Norwich, an earnest supporter of the war
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THE NORWICH MEMORIAL.
measures of his town. In his place in the Senate he gave his advocacy to all that could help our armies, and sustain the integrity of the government. Inflexibly independent, with honor and honesty untemptable, he spoke and voted only and always according to his own convictions. With nothing of the politician about him, holding fealty of con- science above allegiance to mere party, his course was all the more noble and patriotic, because at times it compelled him to differ from measures that were deemed popular, and imperiously pushed by the political leaders, by whom dis- sent is not infrequently stigmatized as disloyalty. His voice was heard in most of our war-meetings, and no one sought with greater earnestness than he, to encourage enlistments, and sustain the hopefulness of the people.
Dr. C. B. WEBSTER deserves to be ranked as one of the most patriotic and useful of our citizens during the rebellion. In December, 1862, he made a tender of his services to the government, and was appointed Assistant Surgeon, and ordered for duty to Camp Barker, which was then the tem- porary home of the thousands of fugitives from slavery. These ex-slaves flocked to Washington in great numbers, and in all conceivable conditions of destitution. Dr. Web- ster was soon put in charge of what was called " Contra- band Camp Hospital," where the medical care of these fugitives fell upon him ; and some idea of the nature of the arduous work he performed while here, can be obtained from the fact that during the winter of 1862 there were thir- teen hundred cases of small pox.
In the autumn of 1863, the freedmen were removed across the Potomac to the Arlington Estate. Here Dr. Webster continued in service till the spring of 1864, doing for the physical comfort, as well as moral and mental improvement of the contrabands all that a thorough devo tion totheir every interest could suggest. In this work the anti-slavery
Mytel Fordand
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SOLDIERS' RELIEF. - CITIZEN-SERVICE.
principles of a life-time found opportunity to incarnate themselves in untiring and noble labors. Believing in the manhood of these enfranchised bondsmen, he sought to instruct them in all that related to their daily living, and to the duties incident to their state of freedom. This sort of work greatly interested our own people, and they made Dr. Webster the distributor of boxes of supplies and clothing which they sent to him at different times.
In the spring of 1864, owing to prostration induced by malarial fever, Dr. Webster was forced to resign. After a short rest, he accepted an appointment from the Sanitary Commission, and went to Huntsville, Ala., as medical in- spector of troops. About this time the "Hospital Train Ser- vice," for the transport of sick and wounded soldiers to the North was extended, and he again accepted the appointment from government of Assistant Surgeon, and was ordered to the charge of a hospital train running from Nashville and Louisville. In this service he continued till near the close of the war, having under his care other hospital trains, clearing out the hospitals at Chattanooga and Nashville, to make room for the new arrivals from Sherman's army on its march to the sea, and for those brought in from the battle near Nashville. It was while here that Governor Bucking- ham, ever mindful of the comfort of Connecticut troops, appointed Dr. Webster agent to look out for any of the latter who might be in the various hospitals under his charge. The Fifth and Twentieth Regiments, which were in this Department, shared thus in his faithful ministries. For this extra service, he declined compensation, and though in the employ of the State, labored as a volunteer, his name never appearing on the pay-roll of the Common- wealth.
The Sanitary and Christian Commissions furnished him liberally with all needful supplies for sick and wounded sol-
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THE NORWICH MEMORIAL.
diers, thus enabling him to provide with generous hand for their physical and spiritual wants. Few men labored with more self-sacrificing devotion ; a true friend of the soldier, an ardent advocate of the rights of those whom "military necessity " obliged us to liberate, he was emphatically the man of all others to do the work he did.
Quartermaster-general AIKEN rendered also efficient aid in his position, cooperating with the Governor amid the press of his duties, the successful performance of which was not a little due to the cordial assistance of official associates. General Aiken bore the first dispatches, which the authorities at Washington received after the outbreak of hostilities, assuring them of speedy assistance, on the part of a loyal governor of a loyal State. He reached Washington at ten P. M., Wednesday, April 24th, and, re- porting immediately to General Scott, found him at his headquarters, attended only by two members of his staff. After he had read the paper from Governor Buckingham, which General Aiken presented, he said, excitedly, "Sir, you are the first man I have seen with a written dispatch for three days. I have sent out men every day to get intelligence of the Northern troops ; not one of them has returned. Where are the troops ?" At ten o'clock the next day General Aiken calling on President Lincoln, found him alone in his business room up-stairs, looking towards Arlington Heights, through a wide open window, ncar which stood a spy-glass, or telescope, which he had just been using. After reading the dispatches directed to him, with measured em- phasis, and amid evident depression of spirits, he asked, " What is the North about? Do they know our condi- tion ?" Before General Aiken left Washington that day he saw the white flag run up over the Capitol, which was the signal that the first Northern troops had arrived, and soon the famous Seventh Regiment of New York entered
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the city, bringing hope and assurance of safety at a most critical moment.
Col. J. H. ALMY is another of our citizens whose labors were of a nature entitling him to special mention and re- gard. Commissioned as Assistant Quartermaster-general, he established himself in New York, devoting his whole time to facilitating the transit of our troops, to minister- ing to the wants of the sick, and looking out for the gen- eral welfare of Connecticut soldiers. With noble efficiency throughout the war he discharged the duties of his respon- sible post, and with admirable executive ability saw that the sick and wounded werc cared for, and that his office should afford such help and information as the throngs that visited it sought. His disbursements for the needy and sick were very large, and met by the expenditure in part of his own salary, and in part by the generous contributions of the sons of Connecticut. The daily gen- eral business of his agency showed the versatile service and earnest devotion of the man. Among its duties were, the collection of back-pay and bounties ; correcting errors in passes and descriptive lists ; obtaining of furloughs ; re- ception of boxes of sanitary goods and the prompt ship- ment of the same to their several destinations ; care of bag- gage ; procuration of regimental flags, guidons, together with musical instruments for various bands, and small arms for officers ; discharges for sick and disabled soldiers, and responses to letters inquiring for the missing, sick, or dead. At the end of four years his record showed that more than two hundred thousand soldiers of Connecticut and other States, sixty thousand of them sick and wounded, had passed through his hands, all receiving transportation, many being otherwise assisted. His office was like unto " Interpreter's House," in Bunyan's story. He himself was a universal good Samaritan, as the num-
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bers of those he cared for with a brother's sympathy and liberality can attest. Connecticut had no more useful ser- vant than he was, and his best eulogy is in the gratitude of soldiers, who never think of him without invoking blessings on him for his kindly work.
The following testimony by Adjutant-general Williams was borne to the efficient and varied efforts put forth by Colonel Almy, during the war : -
" The services of Colonel John H. Almy, of New York City, who was appointed by your Excellency as Assistant Quartermaster- general for the purpose of extending aid to our volunteers pass- ing through the city, and to assist and advise the friends of sick or deceased soldiers, have been of the most extended and bene- ficial character. His whole time has been devoted to this noble object, and the zeal and efficiency of his labors can be attested by thousands of grateful hearts. The sick and wounded soldier re- turning to his home has always found in him a friend whose sym- pathies were wrought into practical form, and many an anxious wife, mother, or sister has received valuable advice and directions in their efforts for the relief of a suffering husband, son, or brother in the field or hospital."
It is to the credit of our town, that so universally our citizens were eager to render any and every assistance to the cause, and to those who went forth to do battle in its behalf, of none could it be said " facile princeps," for the motto of the royal crest seemed to have been adopted by all, "Ich dien," - I serve. In this home-service all classes of our people were zealous to share, and they brought to it a self-sacrificing, generous spirit, that makes it worthy of honorable record.
X I.
OUR COUNTRY
THE SOLDIERS' AID SOCIETY." - WOMAN'S WORK.
1861-65.
" No sword have I, no battle-blade, Nor shining spear ; how shall I aid My country in her great crusade ?
" I am a woman weak and slight, No voice to plead, no arm to fight, Yet burning to support the Right."
CAROLINE A. MASON.
T HE story of our war will never be fully or fairly writ- ten, if the achievements of woman in connection with it are untold. And yet their names are not to be found in official reports, nor gazetted for brilliant deeds, such as made many a soldier a hero in the country's sight. It was in hospitals, in Relief Associations in their native
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THE NORWICH MEMORIAL.
towns, in private ministries to the comfort of those they had sent forth with their benedictions, that the patriotism of American women was seen and felt.
The record of Norwich in this respect is one which is de- serving of lasting remembrance and honor. All that could be done by our ladies to provide for and encourage our soldiers, was done, with a rare persistency and devotion. From the memorable Sabbath, which followed the Presi- dent's first call for troops, when they sewed all day on the outfit of the first Norwich company that went forth to the strife, clear through the long years of the war, they were unwearied in their zeal to do for the comfort and cheer of those in the army.
Beginning, as was just stated, their public labors in behalf of the soldiers, on Sabbath, April twenty-first, they continued these noble efforts, which the stern necessities of the crisis made for a while so urgent, for a number of days. As the result of their associated work in this form they made up nineteen hundred shirts of flannel, and checked cotton, besides other articles of apparel required by the soldiers for their outfit, which were never reported. It was owing to their timely services, so cordially and un- falteringly rendered, that the first companies from Norwich were put in readiness for their prompt departure.
During these busy, exciting days, when the Norwich ladies met daily in Breed Hall to sew, the following was the favorite song, which ofttimes relieved the tedium of their work, and gave expression to the feelings, which at this early stage of the war were well-nigh universally shared. The song was written by one of their number, who sub- sequently became a leading spirit in connection with the " Soldier's Aid," and was first sung by a choir of young ladies on the balcony of the " Wauregan House," on the occasion of the departure of Captain Chester's company.
" THE SOLDIERS' AID SOCIETY." - WOMAN'S WORK. 179
" What means this wild rush and commotion, In our homes once so peaceful and free ? Why burns every patriot's devotion, For his country to die, if need be ? "Tis that traitors heap insult upon her, Now they boldly come forward to view, And our flag trails in dust and dishonor, The flag of the red, white, and blue.
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