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 15
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and were disinfected of their doubts by the prospect of death."
The doing one's duty with an army in the field, bravely and faithfully, is to exhibit a high order of manhood. It was the steady performance of the ordinary service, inci- dent to the camp, the march, the battle, that entitles our cit- izen-soldiers to the gratitude and praise of the country. We cannot but speak in highest terms of those to whom we owe so much, nor can we help believing that war's trials and responsibilities brought to most, if not to all our soldiers, an exaltation of character. Many a thoughtless, idle boy in our army rose, under the heroic excitement of our war of liberty, to a splendid and resolute manhood.
Many were the deeds of sacrifice and devotion performed by rough, untaught men, while those little known before, awakened the admiration of beholders by their fortitude and patient faith.
Here we have presented to us the names of those who looked death calmly in the face, and when life was sweetest, resigned it without a murmur. Putting a charitable con- struction on the faults of such as these, for they were not perfect, our object has been to render them the homage of our gratitude and praise ; and by such tributes as their memories still call for from us, to preserve in brief their his- tories. We point with tender hearts to these chaptered names, for they represent those who sacrificed their young lives that their fellow-men might live in safety and honor.
" Lord of the ages, thanks For every pure career Of champions, in a hundred ranks, Who girt their armor here ; Then bore the day's long toil, Or laid a young life down, For duty, the dear natal soil, And the celestial crown."
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OFFICERS.
DE WITT C. LATHROP, Assistant Surgeon in the Eighth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, died at Newbern, April 18, 1862, of illness caused by over exertion in the duties of his office. Dr. Lathrop was born in Franklin, New London County, Connecticut, June 20, 1819. He graduated at the Yale Medical School, in 1845, and received his commission in his regiment September 21, 1861. His untiring devo- tion to the wounded and sick in Craven Street Hospital, following so closely upon the labor and exhaustion of the battle-field of Newbern, taxed his strength beyond his powers of endurance, and brought on typhoid fever. With little thought as to his own condition, he confined his atten- tion to his patients, watching over them with the most solic- itous care. He was at once prostrated by the fever, and after some two weeks' illness died. He was an earnest- hearted patriot, and consecrated his whole energies to the duties of his position, and has nobly fallen in the service of humanity and his country. His funeral, which took place on the nineteenth of April, from the headquarters of the Sanitary Commission, was attended by the whole medical staff of his corps d'armee and by many of his friends. The usual military escort of his rank was detailed by General Foster, Military Governor of Newbern, and the funeral ser- vices were most impressive and solemn.
He was a noble instance of disinterested devotion to those under his charge, while in his profession he had the reputation of skill and faithfulness. He had endeared him- self to the soldiers to a marked extent, for he looked upon each one of them as his brother, and when any fell sick he was unremitting in his attention.
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On the first attack of his disease, he was taken to the headquarters of the Sanitary Commission by Dr. Page, and there furnished with every convenience and comfort. The best nursing and medical attendance were provided for him, and everything done that friendly and sympathizing comrades could suggest, and it was while surrounded by these that he breathed his last. His remains were brought to Norwich, and public funeral services held in the First Congregational Church, Dr. Arms, Dr. Bond, and Rev. Mr. Gulliver participating, the interment took place at Wind- ham, the place of his early practice. He left a wife and three sons.
CHARLES A. BREED. First Lieutenant Company D, Eighth Regiment. He had been in the war from the first summons, volunteering in Captain Harland's company of the Third Regiment. With true patriotism he entered the ranks, serving as a private in the three months' campaign. On his return with the company he reënlisted for three years, and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in Cap- tain Ward's company of the Eighth. He remained in the line until the twenty-fifth of December, 1861, when he was detached for duty on the Signal Corps, in which service he was engaged at the time of his death. He was in the bat- tles of Roanoke and Newbern, and distinguished himself for gallantry at the battle of Camden, and was commended in the official reports. While the regiment was encamped at Newport News, Lieutenant Breed was taken sick with an attack of typhoid fever, and after a short illness died, July 30, 1862.
He was greatly beloved by all his comrades in the field, and all who knew him gave him their hearty praise as a brave, kind, and efficient officer. His character was of that open, genial, friendly nature that won for him the hearts of all with whom he was associated. His body was brought to
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this city in charge of Lieutenant Marvin Wait and private Michael Keagan, who had devotedly attended and nursed him in his last illness. His funeral took place at the resi- dence of his mother, on Church Street, and further services were held in Christ Church, whither the remains were car- ried. Rev. Mr. Walden, the rector, performed the impres- sive burial service, when the solemn cortege, composed of the Norwich Light Infantry under Captain Tubbs, the Norwich brass band, members of the Common Council, and friends, passed to Yantic Cemetery, where all that was mortal of the young soldier was laid in the grave. Dur- ing the passage of the procession the bells of the city tolled, and the flags were displayed at half-mast. At the cemetery the customary military salute was fired over the young hero's grave, and there consigned to mother-earth they left his precious dust.
MARVIN WAIT was born at Norwich, Connecticut, on the twenty-first day of January, 1843. He was the son of John T. and Elizabeth Wait. His paternal grandfather, whose name he bore, occupied a prominent position as a public man and as a lawyer in New London County, from the beginning of the Revolution until the early part of the present century. His father, also well known as a promi- nent lawyer, was ardently desirous that the son should fol- low the profession of his ancestors. Accordingly the studies of young Wait were shaped with a view to this re- sult. He gave early tokens that he was possessed of an active, keen, and inquiring mind. He had a ready and retentive memory, a fondness for books, and an aptness for quotations and application of what he had read, that showed great intellectual ability and appreciation. This fondness for reading did not, however, divert him from the usual pur- suits and recreations of boyhood. No one entered with more hearty zest into all the sports and pastimes of youth.
1
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Gifted with a ready wit, unusual conversational powers, and a keen perception of the humorous, he was always prepared with a playful answer or sparkling repartee. It is not easy to communicate to those who did not know him intimately, an idea of the traits which, in his early boyhood, made him such an idol of the home circle. It is sufficient to say that no one was ever more tenderly loved, or more fondly cared for than he, the only son of his parents.
In 1858 he entered the Free Academy in Norwich, and there manifested the same ability which had marked his early studies. He showed a peculiar taste for all studies involving literary aptness, and in them he took a high rank. Here, also, was developed a fondness for declamation, in which, owing to his quick and thorough perception of the meaning of an author, he always excelled.
This taste for, and appreciation of literature, was one of the most marked traits of his mind at this time, and at- tracted the attention of many of his older friends. The principal of the Academy, after Marvin's death, addressed a long letter to his parents, which speaks of his literary ability as indicating mental powers of a very high order. "In the department of the classics," writes Professor Smith, "I have rarely seen his equal, perhaps never his superior, in ability. In elocution he had no superior, and his command of language was also quite remarkable. His deportment at the Academy was without fault, and I do not remember that he ever received even an admonition."
After he had remained at the Academy somewhat over a year, his parents sent him to Williston Seminary, at East- hampton, Massachusetts. While there he endeared him- self, by his generous and lovable traits of character and disposition, to all his acquaintances, as was evinced by letters received by his parents after his death, speaking in the most affectionate and tender manner of " our Marvin."
48 Leamer
MA TI
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After remaining two terms at Easthampton he entered the Freshman Class at Union College in the fall of 1860. While in college he showed the same mental and social characteristics which had distinguished his prior student life. He made warm and earnest friends, and took a high rank in all classical and literary studies. Professor Hickok, in writing to his parents, condoling with them upon the loss of their son, pays a merited compliment to his character and ability, as manifested in his college life. After remain- ing at Union until the spring of 1861, it was deemed ad- visable by his parents, on account of his health, which at that time seemed feeble, that he should leave college and endeavor to regain his full physical vigor. Accordingly, in March, 1861, he set sail for Europe and spent some months in foreign travel.
During his absence the War of the Rebellion was com- menced, and the rebel privateers commenced to prey on the commerce of the United States. His journal of the voy- age shows that those on board the ship on the return voy- age had serious apprehensions of falling into the hands of those whom he calls "the pirates."
On his return, he again entered college, and for a few months pursued his studies with great zeal and earnestness. But all around him was the fever of military excitement, and it seemed to him that it was his duty to volunteer for the defense of the Union. He left college, came to his home in Norwich, and begged permission of his parents to enlist. With great reluctance, yet unable to withstand his earnest desire, his parents consented that their only son, their pride, to whom they looked for a stay in their after years, should try the uncertain chances of war.
General Harland had at that time just received the ap- pointment of Colonel of the Eighth Connecticut Volun- teers, and young Wait, with several of his associates and
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schoolmates, were enrolled as privates in Company D. Soon after the regiment left the State on its way to the seat of war, Marvin was detailed by the Colonel, who had known him from boyhood, to act as his Orderly. In the intervals of leisure consequent upon the routine of camp life, he made military tactics his constant study and practice, and soon became proficient in all the various duties of officer and soldier.
Letters received from him at this time show how thor- oughly he enjoyed camp life, and how he saw the ludicrous side of its discomforts and privations.
When the regiment reached Annapolis, it became neces- sary to organize a Signal Corps to accompany the " Burn- side Expedition," then fitting out, and two lieutenants were to be detailed from each regiment for that purpose. Marvin was promoted to a Second Lieutenancy in Com- pany H, and with his intimate friend, Lieutenant Breed, was examined, accepted, and transferred to the Signal Corps.
This recognition of his merits was very gratifying to his parents and to himself. His letters at this time are full of brief and playful allusions to his promotion, coupled with anxiety that he may not fail in the discharge of his duties.
The Signal Corps embarked on the schooner " Col. Satterlee," January 11, 1862. The vessel was old and ill fitted for the voyage, and in the storm which overtook the expedition, was delayed so that she arrived last of all the vessels at the rendezvous, and after great fears had been entertained for her safety.
Lieutenant Wait entered on his duties as an officer of the Signal Corps, and the carefulness and accuracy of his observations and reports were soon noted by his superior officers. On the ninth of February, the battle of Roanoke Island was fought. Lieutenant Wait was on board the
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steamer "S. R. Spaulding," and was constantly employed sending and receiving messages. Space forbids giving quo- tations from his letters, which are full of graphic and in- teresting accounts of this new life. He was soon transferred to the "Phoenix," and there remained until he went on board the " Virginia." The monotony of the life on board these vessels he found somewhat irksome, and longed for something more active. He regretted that he could not be present at the capture of Newbern, but soon after he went there, remaining, however, but a few days. His anxiety for active service was soon gratified, by his being detailed for signal duty at the reduction of Fort Macon, Beaufort, N. C. The accounts of the battle, from official and private sources, all give great praise to the Signal Corps for the part they took in the bombardment, and Lieutenant Wait, in the letter written to his mother the day of the surrender of the fort, modestly speaks of the compliments bestowed upon him by the commanding officer for his excellent work dur- ing the fight. For his gallantry in this action, Lieu- tenant Wait was awarded a signal battle flag, and was commended in the official reports. After the reduction of Fort Macon, Lieutenant Wait returned to Newbern, and on the eighteenth of May was detailed to take charge of a station at Batchelder's Creek. From there he returned to Newbern, discharging the routine duties of his office. He was promoted to be First Lieutenant in June, and on the second day of July, having rejoined his regiment, came with it to Newport News. In July, Lieutenant Breed, who had been his constant friend and companion, died. His body was sent home, and Lieutenant Wait was granted leave of absence to convey the remains to Norwich. This was the last time that his home-friends and relatives saw him. On the second of August, 1862, a little over a month before his death, he followed the remains of his friend to
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their last resting-place. At the funeral service, which was numerously attended, there were none who knew Lieuten- ant Wait, but noticed his noble and manly bearing at that time. He seemed to have grown into manhood since he entered the army, though he was not yet twenty years old.
And now came the last month of his life. He left home, and on the nineteenth of August finally rejoined his regi- ment, after many wanderings, which he describes vividly in his letters. His last letter was to his mother, and is dated September sixth, 1862. Still with his regiment, the young- est officer there, he went through the battles preceding the fatal one at Antietam. How bravely he bore himself that day, all accounts agree. He was wounded twice, but did not leave the field. To quote from the brief memoir pub- lished by Lieutenant Eaton, -
" The unflinching hero was first wounded in the right arm, which was shattered. He then dropped his sword to his left hand ; he was afterwards wounded in the left arm, in the leg, and in the abdomen. He was then assisted to leave the line by private King, who soon met Mr. Morris, the brave, indefatigable Chaplain of the Eighth Regiment. The Chaplain then con- ducted Lieutenant Wait to the fence before alluded to, and pri- vate King returned to his company. Lieutenant Wait's last words to private King were, 'Are we whipping them ?'1 A braver man than Marvin Wait never confronted a foe ; a more generous heart never beat ; a more unselfish patriot never fell. Connecticut may well cherish and honor the memory of such sons."
When the news of his death reached his native town the expression of sorrow and of sympathy with his parents was universal. Resolutions were passed by the municipal au-
1 As the enemy advanced on the left flank of our regiment, they delivered an enfilading fire. It was under this fire that Lieutenant Wait was pierced by a minnie ball (while laying wounded behind a low wall), which passed through his lungs from side to side.
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thorities expressive of the public regret, while letters from many who knew him, testified to the parents of the private grief. He was the first commissioned officer from Norwich killed in battle.
The body was brought home, and the funeral, at the First Congregational Church, was very largely attended. The Rev. Dr. Arms, his former pastor, conducted the services.
The conclusion of the eulogy delivered by George Pratt, at the church, sums up the estimate of his character and achievements : -
" What words can add beauty to such a life, or what praise ennoble such a death? When we think of those who fell on that field, we count them all heroes - we name them all among the brave.
"' They died like heroes, for no recreant step Had e'er dishonored them, no stain of fear, No base despair, no cowardly recoil : They had the hearts of freemen to the last, And the free blood that bounded in their veins Was shed for freedom with a liberal joy.'
" Yes, the names of those who fell will be handed down with imperishable glory and lasting fame. Our children's children shall rise up and .call them blessed, for they died fighting on the side of the Right, in a contest between Right and Wrong.
" Who would not be proud to be one of such a brave and im- mortal band? Who would not be prouder still that where all were so brave, the one they loved became conspicuous for brav- ery? Such honor, rarely achieved, this young hero won. All alike, officers and soldiers, speak of his dauntless and conspic- uous courage. All tell of the way his brave and animating voice rang through the ranks of the men, urging them on to vic- tory. A century, had he lived so long, would have brought him no prouder moment in which to die. Dying, as he did, on the banks of that little creek, then unknown, now immortal, he be- came for us and ours, forever a name and a memory.
" True, he lies here, unheeding all our praise, silent and cold
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in death. But what a sweet and inexpressible consolation it is to the living, that the one whom they mourn died honorably and gloriously. A long life, uneventful and insignificant, is for the many, - a glorious death, a lasting and honorable memory, is the boon of but a few.
" To-day his native town writes him among her list of heroes ; his native State does him honor in the person of her Chief Mag- istrate ; the nation thanks his memory as one among those who saved her in the hour of peril. Such honor as we can pay is now his. We bury him here, far away from the field of his fame, in the midst of the scenes he loved so well ; knowing this, that although we may die and be forgotten, his name shall be honored and remembered, and as we lay him to rest, our hearts, one and all, say, " Brave spirit, noble young heart, farewell !"
COMMUNICATED.
JOHN L. STANTON, Captain Company G, Twenty-isxth Regiment. Up to the time of the assault on Port Hudson, little had occurred to break the monotony of camp life. In May, 1864, the active service of the regiment began, and though of brief continuance, was severe. Stanton proved himself a good officer in the care he bestowed on his com- mand, and on the eventful day of its first engagement, showed himself possessed of the best soldierly qualities. In the regiment's charge upon the rebel batteries on the twenty-seventh of May, he led his men, cheering them onward, and when the fatal bullet struck him he was in advance of his company, swinging his sword, and urging it to follow him. He died instantly, and made one of the number of noble officers that fell that day, all of whom, by their personal prowess, reflected honor on the several regi- ments with which connected. Stanton's loss was deeply felt, and by his own men he was especially lamented. His courageous bearing on the field of conflict, all remembered with pride, and falling as a brave soldier should, with his face towards the foe, they paid him the tribute which his
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gallant bearing before them well deserved. A faithful offi- cer, a brave soldier, a truc patriot, such will he continue to be in the memory of friend and comrade.
HERVY FITZ JACOBS was born in Thompson, Connecti- cut, on the third day of August, 1838. His parents were Joseph D. and Sarah C. Jacobs. On the twenty-ninth of September, 1856, he was enrolled as a member of the Nor- wich Free Academy.
July 8, 1859, young Jacobs was admitted to the coming Freshman Class of Brown University. Those who knew him there will recall his mild blue eyes, his ruddy face, and his compact frame. As a scholar, his rank was above the average. During his first term in college he received the appointment of Class President.
Early in 1861 Jacobs left college and entered the store, in Norwich, of his uncle, L. W. Carroll, Esq. Here the Rebellion found him. At the very outset of the struggle the question of enlistment presented itself to his mind, but the oft-repeated predictions of many over-sanguine prophets that sixty or ninety days would see the end of the war, together with his new formed business relations, sufficed to keep him at home.
The year 1861 wore away, and then the early months of 1862, and still the rebellion existed with scarcely dimin- ished proportions. When the July call of the President for three hundred thousand men to serve nine months came, the question of duty became still more urgent. Accord- ingly as soon as the papers for a company of infantry were received in Norwich he was ready. His name was among the first upon the roll. This was August 28, 1862, and on September fifth the company was organized, at which time Jacobs was chosen Second Lieutenant. At once the young officer commenced the work of preparing himself and his men for active service.
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After two months' preparation in camp, the Twenty-sixth received orders to embark for New York, where it remained till December fourth. The regiment then embarked for the South, landing, after a long and rough voyage, at Carroll- ton, Louisiana. It was here attached to the First Brig- ade, under command of General Neal Dow.
On the 20th of May, 1863, the regiment was ordered to join General Banks' command in the vicinity of Port Hudson, where it took its position in the rear of the batteries of that fortress. Lieutenant Jacobs was gratified at the prospect. He had often said that he would rather take the chances of battle than to return home without once having met the rebels face to face. At five o'clock on the same day of their arrival upon the field, they were ordered to "fall in " and charge the enemy's rifle-pits. The charge disclosed the fact that the pits were deserted, and also exposed the regi- ment for the first time to artillery fire. The division of General Sherman, to which the Twenty-sixth belonged, had moved up from the south of Port Hudson to meet General Banks' army which was descending from above. At the close of this day the two bodies of troops were not far apart, and Lieutenant Jacobs, with his company, was ordered to open communication with General Augur's pickets on the right. This movement was executed promptly in the face of the enemy. On the morning of the 27th of May, the troops were early in motion. The light artillery responded sharply to the rebel's fire, and there was every indication that serious work was at hand. After marching and coun- termarching, and advancing through thick woods until about two and a half o'clock, P. M., the Twenty-sixth with the other regiments of its brigade, was ordered to charge the rebel works. Out of about two thousand men in the brigade, one-fifth, or four hundred, were killed or wounded. The Twenty-sixth lost one hundred and seven killed and
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wounded. Of this number nine were in Company F (of which young Jacobs was an officer). After the repulse, Lieutenant Jacobs, regardless of the rain of rebel bullets, remained on the field, and rendered all the assistance in his power to his wounded comrades, till the company was ordered to reform with its regiment. It is the testimony of those who were with him in this his first engagement, that he showed coolness and bravery unsurpassed by any.
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