USA > Connecticut > The story of the Twenty-first Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil War. 1861-1865 > Part 30
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But in the midst of this great political conflict our state made no preparations for war, rather she suffered her militia to fall into a sad state of inefficiency. Captain Hubbell, of our Association, states that when at school a few years previous to the war, his father gave him the unprecedented privilege of staying out a few days to witness the manceuvres of a military company about to disband, " for," said the father, "you may never have the privilege of seeing the like again in this state." This may serve to illustrate the absence of mili- tary spirit on the part of our people. But when the re- verberation of that gun fired upon Fort Sumpter reached the state, how quickly was all changed ; the people arose in their might, and directed their energies to the terrible realities of war. How earnest they were may be judged from the fact that, previous to the war, in a closely contested election, eighty-four thousand votes were cast. During the war our state sent over fifty thousand three-years' men for the defense of our country.
440
Twenty-first Regiment Connecticut Volunteers.
Can we recall to-day the busy scenes of that eventful summer and autumn of 1862? Already fourteen regiments had gone to the front, and now, during the three weeks end- ing September 15th, eight regiments of three years' men left for a like destination, and before the snow flew they were followed by seven more nine months' men. It was in stir- ring scenes like these that the Twenty-first found its origin. Scarcely has the Eighteenth left the camp at Norwich when the Twenty-first quickly gathered in the vacant tents. Notice the towns from whence they came :
Groton
sends 100 men,
Hartford
sends 94 men,
Stonington
75
Middletown
61 "
North Stonington "
68
Mansfield
41
Plainfield
06
55
Chatham
30
Colchester
50
Ashford
20
Montville
45
Windham
IS
New London
42
Brooklyn
16
Norwich
66
37
Pomfret
15
Voluntown
26
Glastonbury
15
Sterling
II
with a smaller number from other towns. Within a radius of twenty-five miles from this monument, a majority of this regiment came.
Observe, if you will, some characteristics of these men here gathered. The average age of the soldier was twenty-five, but in this regiment, twenty-six and one-half years. Seventy- five per cent. of the whole army were native, the rest foreigners ; of this company eighty-four per cent. native, six- teen per cent. foreigners. In the army as a whole forty-eight per cent. are reported as farmers, sixteen per cent. as laborers. In this regiment forty-two per cent. are reported as farmers, seven per cent. as laborers, while over fifty per cent. are reported as skilled workmen, including seventy-five different occupations representing nearly every industry of the state. But who now shall be added to this body of men to be their leader and master, to become to them what the soul is to the
441
Dedication of Monument.
body, inspiring them with his own personality, awakening the traits of his own character in theirs, and with patience and firmness draw out their love and respect? Such a man was found, respecting whom I do not remember to have ever heard one word of fault, but many words of commendation.
Arthur H. Dutton was born in Wallingford, Conn., Novem- ber 15, 1838, where his father's family, for several generations, had resided. His sister writes, " From his mother, a native of Coventry, Conn., he inherited strong literary tastes, with a love for poetry and romance, which manifested themselves in early life. As a boy, he was of a quiet, retiring disposition, though fond of sports of all kinds, and later in life, while entering with ardor into the pleasures and amusements of youth, all forms of vice were distasteful to him. He was extravagantly fond of reading, and at the age of nine years was familiar with all the works of Shakespeare. A favorite amusement of his boyhood was writing plays, which were enacted by himself and his companions in a vacant barn, which they had converted into a theatre for the purpose. His early education was acquired principally in the public schools of Wallingford, though profiting by whatever advan- tage of private school the town occasionally offered. ' From the age of fourteen, he attended for two years the school of Mr. French in New Haven, after which he entered upon the two years' course at the Yale Scientific School. This he left before graduating in order to accept the appointment of cadet at the United States Military Academy, tendered him by Mr. Clark, then Representative in Congress. At West Point he took from the first the highest stand in his class, excelling particu- larly in mathematics and French. He graduated among the first five or star-members in June, 1861, the course of study having been shortened to four years owing to the outbreak of the Civil War. He was appointed Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers, United States Army, and immediately reported for duty at Washington. General Mansfield, then in com- mand of the defenses of the capital, appointed him on his
442
Twenty-first Regiment Connecticut Volunteers.
staff, where he served during the winter of 1861-1862. In March, 1862, he was ordered to Fort Clinch, Fernandina. Returning the following August, at the recommendation of General H. G. Wright, he received from Governor Bucking- ham the Colonelcy of the Twenty-first Connecticut Volun- teers.
I shall always remember his appearance as he assumed command of our regiment. A little above the average height, with a true military bearing, possessing features indicative of thoughtfulness and retirement, and yet an eye that could look one through and detect shams, he impressed everyone that he was easily master of his position. And then, as he put his hand to the task of leadership assigned him, he manifested that patience and skill in discipline, that firmness tempered with sympathy, which inspired in all the highest confidence in his ability, and won for him a large place in the affections of everyone in his command. In him was illustrated what Sarah Grand says of the educated soldier : "In appearance and manner, officer and gentleman are synonymous terms." But with all, there was a worthy ambition to excel-the Twenty-first must become among the best of regiments, and it was not long before each member thought that he must do his best to make it so. There was in the heart of Colonel Dutton a true love for his chosen profession, without which no great success can be achieved.
How well do I remember his speech as he received from the ladies of Eastern Connecticut the colors of our regiment. Expressing thanks for the gift, he added, " At some future day, many months hence perhaps, we hope to bring these colors back to you, time-worn and dust-covered, perhaps bullet torn they may be, but polluted by the touch of a rebel, never."
At length on September 7, 1862, we leave the state for the front. Arriving at Washington, we go into camp at Arling- ton Heights, having been assigned to General Casey's com- inand for the defense of the capital. After two weeks we
·
443
Dedication of Monument.
leave for Pleasant Valley, Md., where we take our place in that world-renowned Army of the Potomac, being assigned to Third Brigade, Third Division, Ninth Army Corps, Brigadier- General Harland commanding. After three weeks we leave this place for our long march through Virginia. We arrive at Falmouth near the close of November, and in a few days after participate in the battle of Fredericksburg.
Though a third of a century has passed since then, I am sure that the details of our movements then are fresh in your memories, fellow comrades. You remember how we crossed the river into the city in the morning, and waited near the pontoon bridge, while the cruel fighting was in progress ; how at sundown we marched through the city and took our place on the battle-field; then, next morning early, you re- member how we returned to the city and spent the day in suspense, expecting the command to charge on the works in front of us with the whole Ninth Corps. But prudent advice prevails, and after a day or two we return to our camp. You remember, too, the hardships of the march and the sick- ness we suffered ; how we were out for three months nearly, before we received our shelter tents, being obliged to use our rubber blankets, designed to protect from the damp ground beneatlı, as a tent to shelter us from the descending rains; how many would wake at night to find their limbs drenched by the falling rain. You remember, too, the severe sickness that followed, an epidemic of typhoid fever, when twenty died per month. You remember the poor hospital accommodations, how one just able to reach the doctor at surgeon's call is bidden, "Go to the hospital," but soon returns to the physician saying, "There is no room in the hospital tent, not even on the ground, to spread my blanket for a bed." And yet in the midst of all this, I do not remember of any fault being found with the authorities at Washington. Rather, the united voice of the North was, "On to Richmond," while our comrades were buried un- noticed by the world.
444
Twenty-first Regiment Connecticut Volunteers.
While stationed here, a new brigade was formed with Colonel Dutton as commander. At length, February 9th, after two and one-half months' stay at Falmouth, we leave with the entire Ninth Corps, for Newport News. Our stay here of a little over a month, ends on March 13th, when we leave for the defense of Suffolk, now threatened by Long- street's advance. Here we experience an uninterrupted period of picket duty till the following May. But when Longstreet is called off by General Lee to join him in the invasion of the Northern States, the grip on Suffolk is relaxed and we find a period of rest.
Deeming the place no longer of any value, our army evacuates Suffolk and established their lines in the suburbs of Portsmouth. Here at Bowers' Hill we enjoy a delightful camp for six weeks. I know of no like period of equal dura- tion that we had greater enjoyment. Colonel Donahue. inspecting our regiment, makes this report in part : " I believe this regiment equal, if not superior, to any I have ever inspected. I predict that the Twenty-first can be relied upon to fill any position to which it may be assigned."
At length on June 22d, leaving our camp in light marching order, we set out upon our expedition up the peninsula to White House Landing, thinking, perhaps, that if Lee's army invades the north, we may find the back door open to Rich- mond. At the beginning of this expedition our regiment receives the complimentary order assigning it to the duty of provost guard for the division. This expedition is richer in experiences than in tangible results. Upon our return, after an absence of three weeks, we are assigned to the duty of provost guard for the city of Portsmouth. After serving in this position for two and one-half months, we are transferred to Norfolk, where we fill a like period in discharge of the same duty. Of this life we have only pleasant memories.
A Portsmouth paper speaks in the highest terms of Con- necticut soldiers, and adds, "we have heard of not a single case of strife, or rowdyism, or interference with private rights.
445
Dedication of Monument.
Everywhere they receive encomiums of praise." Then December 10th, we are summoned to Newport News again; where we remain nearly two months, during which time many of our regiment engage in the expedition to Brandon Farms. This a period of comparative retirement. many of the officers having their wives with them.
In the early part of February following, Newburn, N. C., is threatened by the enemy as Suffolk had been threatened ten months previous. Then at Newburn, afterwards at Little Washington, we spend an uneventful period of three months with no enemy to molest us. Now comes the preparation for that last great campaign against Richmond under the direc- tion of General Grant. The troops along the coast of Southern Virginia and the Carolinas, are consolidated in two army corps, the Tenth and the Eighteenth, to be known as the Army of the James, Major-General Butler commanding.
About the first of May we leave the State of North Caro- lina, and after a few days tarry at Portsmouth, we join the Eighteenth Corps at Bermuda Hundred, where real service begins. Here our Colonel is assigned to duty on General Smith's staff, Commander of the Corps. But a few days elapse before the eventful 16th of May, when was fought the battle of Drewry's Bluff, in which our regiment lost one hundred and nine men. Out of upwards of fifty regiments connected with these two corps, only seven lost as many or more than we. It was the good fortune of our gallant Colonel at several periods of the battle, to witness the con- duct of his regiment. In a letter written to his sister he says, "The Twenty-first behaved gloriously. There was not a regiment in the field that fought more bravely or pertina- ciously." Thankful am I, that he, who in ten days was to finish his work, should now behold some of the fruit of his skilled labor, in the conduct of his regiment. That our Colonel was not unduly boasting is apparent from the language of General Weitzel, who when asked, " Where is the Twenty-first ?" replied, " At the front, fighting like hell,"
446
Twenty-first Regiment Connecticut Volunteers.
From the battle-field we retire within the strong fortifica- tions of Bermuda Hundred, guarded on the right flank by the James, on the left by the Appomattox. Here a new brigade is formed, over which our Colonel is assigned to the command. Let us picture, if we can, the map of this country. Here is a triangle formed by the two rivers, the James on the north and the Appomattox on the south, while at a point a few miles from their junction where the distance between the two streams is scarcely more than two miles, our strong defenses are established. Within these defenses we rest secure-but where are the enemy ; how strong are they ? Somewhere in the front, doubtless. To our Colonel with his newly formed brigade, is assigned the duty of answering these questions.
On May 25th, from a point near the left of our line, he moves out on a reconnoissance. After a march of nearly two miles through a dense forest, approaching night drives him back to his camp. Next day he again moves forward with his entire command, advancing beyond the point reached on the preceding day. Says the official report, " After an ad- vance of two miles through heavy woods, our skirmish line comes upon the enemy, strongly entrenched and almost hidden by underbrush. Line of battle was at once formed. As our skirmish line was becoming engaged, Colonel Dutton, then, as usual on the skirmish line, was mortally wounded." A bullet from a sharpshooter had pierced his face, passing under his tongue, rendered death imminent from hemorrhage.
1 well remember the form of our loved Colonel as he was borne on a stretcher by tender, loving hands to the rear. Immediately we commenced our return to camp, with each heart filled with inexpressible sadness. Soon after, at his own request, attended by a physician, he was taken to Balti- more. At the landing another hemorrhage sets in, and in spite of medical skill and the tender watch, care and loving sympathy of a devoted wife, and sister, and mother, he dies June 6th. Says General Devens, " Many brave officers and
447
Dedication of Monument.
men have died. Prominent especially among them is Colonel A. H. Dutton, the most accomplished among gentlemen and soldiers." So passes from our regiment our devoted leader and noble Colonel, after he had won for himself the loving respect of every one of its members, and in turn had imparted to each one something of its soldierly qualities and gentlemanly character. He dies, but his in- fluence lived on, and the discipline he had called into being lived through to the end of its history.
Soon after, in a brigade commanded by Colonel Guy V. Henry, Fortieth Massachusetts, we take part in the battle of Cold Harbor on the 3d of June following. Here we met with a loss of thirty of our men, and a few days after suffered the loss of our brave Lieutenant-Colonel, who fell mortally wounded while making his round as division officer-of-the- day. Lieutenant Colonel Thomas F. Burpee, before the war, had been connected with the manufacturing interests of Rock- ville, Conn. He brought to his office and consecrated to his work the strong qualities of his sincere, noble manhood, characterized by unflinching courage and a true military bearing. Self-possessed, dignified, faithful in the details of his work, he brought honor to the regiment. In his loss we all grieved.
Shortly after this we returned to the south side of the James, and in connection with the Army of the Potomac, engaged in the assault upon Petersburg. Then followed the watchful and dangerous duty behind rifle pits, where our losses during the month of July averaged one a day, either killed or wounded, among the noblest of these our brave Captain Kenyon. Then follows the attack connected with the explosion of the mine, where the genial and loyal Captain Long was instantly killed. Soon after follows the attack and capture of Fort Harrison, where tell the noble Lieutenant Jennings, mortally wounded. In mentioning these, I forget not the fifty-five others equally loyal and worthy, who died
448
Twenty-first Regiment Connecticut Volunteers.
in battle or from wounds received, without whose fidelity the history of our regiment had been written in dishonor.
Then follows the winter in front of Richmond, where only seven miles out from the capital of the Confederacy we maintain our regular picket line. At the opening of spring comes the Titanic blows of our great leader, that breaks through the strong defense of Petersburg and hastens the evacuation of Richmond. O, happy was that day that dawned after a night of watchful expectancy, where we found every enemy vanished from our front, for the rebel capital, towards which for years we had been pressing our way, was now defenseless at our feet. Thus, with the close of the war, there remains but a few weeks of service, which we spend in provost duty in Fluvana County. Then comes the welcome orders to return home.
With the mustering out of the regiment there comes an end to its history, as a military organization, but not to the achievement of its arms. Though it was only one regiment out of two thousand, yet it did its part in preserving our country. Of the thirty regiments sent from our state, twelve only lost as many men as we in battle. In the entire army the average loss in battle was five per cent. Our regiment lost six per cent. Of the twelve great battles, in which eleven thousand or more were lost, we were present and bore a part in three of them.
Senator Hawley, Congressman Russell, and Rev. J. M. Bixler, of New London, each gave an eloquent address.
The monument is an imposing shaft of granite, with suit- able inscriptions and the crossed muskets, surmounted by the state coat-of-arms in relief. A contribution of twenty-five dollars from Mr. George R. Dutton enabled the committee to add to this feature, otherwise the coat-of-arms wouldl only have been traced. Mr. Dutton is a brother of Colonel Arthur H. Dutton,
OFFICIAL RECORD
-- OF THE-
SERVICE OF THE MEN
OF THE-
Twenty-First Regt., Conn. Vol. Infantry, IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION.
Transcribed from the Records in the Office of the Adjutant-General of the State of Connecticut.
With Corrections to Date.
Mustered Into the United States Service, Sept. 5, 1802. .
Mustered Out, June 16, 1865.
CONCERNING THE ROSTER AND RECORD.
The catalogue of Connecticut Volunteer Organizations, published by the State, and the file of the Regiment in the Adjutant General's office, have largely served as the basis for the Roster and Record of the Regiment, but as there have been found so many errors and inaccuracies, much time and patience have been necessary in its preparation.
While it is to be regretted that the Regimental and Company records have not been kept with greater care and accuracy, it must be remembered that they were in the hands of so many different persons during the period of our service, and that, considering the exigencies and necessitudes of that service, especially when in the field, it is surprising, rather than otherwise, that they were preserved at all with any approach to correctness.
Some of the errors and omissions in this Record will be found very serious and annoying. No one can regret this more than the members of the committee, but they can plead in extenuation that the best possible service has been rendered with the facilities at their command; and we ask the for- bearance of all concerned, and that the difficulties under which the work has been done, will be borne in mind when this portion of the work passes under review and criticism.
TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT C. V. INFANTRY. S
FIELD AND STAFF.
NAME AND RANK.
KESIDENCE ON ENLISTMENT.
DATE OF MUSTER.
REMARKS.
Colonels.
Arthur II. Dutton, Thomas F. Burpee,
Hiram B. Crosby,
Lieut. Colonels.
Thomas F. Burpee, Hiram B. Crosby, James F. Brown,
Vernon, Norwich, Stonington,
Sept. 5, '64 (See Colonel. ) [out June 16, '64. |Sept. 5, '64'(See Colonel. ) Sept. 5, '62 l'ro. from Capt. Co. G, to Maj. Oct. 12. '64; Lieut. - Col. Oct. 31, '64. Must.
Majors. Hiram B. Crosby,
Chas. T. Stanton, Jr.,
James F. Brown, William Spittle, Jeremiah M. Shepard,
Stonington, New London, Plainfield,
Sept. 5, '62 (See Colonel. )
Sept. 5, '02|Wd. May 16, '64, Drewry's Bluff, Va. Pro. Maj. July 25, '64. Disc. dis. Sept.
14, '64. App. Lieut. - Col. by bvt. to date Mch. 13, '65. [M. o. June 16, '65.
Sept. 5, '62 (See Lieut. Col. )
5, '62 (See Ist Lieut. Rifle Co. C, 20 C. V.) Pro. from Capt. Co. F, Pec. 19, '64. Sept.
Sept. 5, '62 (See 2d Lt. Co. F, Sth C. V.) Wd. May 16, '64, Drewry's Bluff, Va. Disc. dis. Sep. 14, '64. Apt Capt. and C. S. Mch. 3, '65 ; Maj. by bvt. Aug. 10, '65. Disc. Aug. 10, '65.
Adjutants.
Clarence E. Dutton, Frank C. Jeffrey,
Walter P. Long, Elisha B. Chipman, William S. Hubbell,
Wallingford, New London,
Stonington, New London, Stonington,
Sept. 5, '62 Wd. Dec. 13, '62, Fredericksburg, Va. Pro. Capt. Co. H, Mch. 1, '63. Dec. 26, '62 (See Private Rifle Co. C, 2d C. V.) Pro. from Ist Lieut. Co. A, Mch. 1, '63. Disc. dis, Sept. 14, '64.
Sept. 5, '62 Pro. from 2d Lieut. Co. B, Oct. 12, '64; Capt. Co. B, Jan. 11, '65. Sept. 5, '62 l'ro. from 2d Lieut. Co. E, Jan. 11, '65. M. o. June 16, '65. Nov. 24, '62 Pro. from Ist Lieut. Co. B, Jan. 5, '65.
(3) ch
[Died of wounds June 5, '64.
Wallingford, Vernon,
Sept. 5, '62 Pro. from Capt. Co. D), 14th C. V., to Maj. Aug. 25, '62 ; Col. June 9, '64.
Wd. June 9, '64, Cold Harbor, Va. Died of wounds June 11, '64.
Norwich,
Sept. 5, '62 Pro. from Priv. Co. C, 18th C. V., to Maj. Sept. 5, '62; Lieut. - Col. June 8, '64; C'ol. June 27, '64. Dis. Sept. 14, '64.
Norwich, Stonington,
Sept. 5, '62 App. Brig. - Gen. by bvt. May 16, '64. Wd. May 26, '64, Petersburgh, Va.
FIELD AND STAFF-CONTINUED.
NAME AND RANK.
RESIDENCE ON ENLISTMENT.
DATE OF MUSTER.
REMARKS.
Quarter Masters, Hiram W. Richmond, Edward Gallup, Chas. Fenton,
Brooklyn,
Sept. 5, '62 Disc. Feb. 17, '63.
Brooklyn, Mansfield,
Sept. 5, '62 Pro, from Q. M. Sergt. Feb. 21, '63. M. o. June 16, '63.
Sept. 5, '62 Pro. 2d Lieut. July 31, '63; Ist Lieut. Co. C, Nov. 16, '64.
Smr. cons.
Willian: Soule, J. Hamilton Lee, Nehemiah Nickerson, Asst. Surgeons. J. Hamilton Lee, Chas. T Pennant, Lewis E. Dixon,
Griswold, Norwich,
Sept. 5, '62' Pro. from Asst. Surg. Ist C. H. A. Sept. 5, '62. Disc. Feb. 23, '63.
Sept. 5, '62 Pro. to Surg. Apr. 21, '63. Disc. Oct. 31, '64.
Saybrook,
Jan. 2, '65 I'ro. from Asst. Surg. 16th C. V. Jan. 2, '65. M. o. June 16, '65.
Norwich,
Sept. 2, '62;(See Surgeon.)
Windsor,
Plainfield,
Mch. 12, '63 M. o. June 16, '65. Sept. 5, '62 Disc. Jan. 24, '63.
Chaplains. John E. Wood, Thomas G. Brown,
Groton, Chatham,
May
Sept. 5, '62| Pro. from Capt. Co. C, Sept. 15, '62. Disc. Jan. 8, '63. 8, '63' Wd. at Drewry's Bluff, Va. M. o. June 16, '65.
NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.
Sergeant Majors. Christopher C. Brand, Henry K. Young,
Luther N. Curtis, Orlan D. Glazier, John W. Graham,
Norwich, Chatham,
Sept. 5, '62 Pro. 2d Lieut. Co. A, Oct. 12, '63. Sept. 5, '62 Pro. from. Sergt. Co. HI, Oct. 12, '62. Redc. to Sergt. (sick) and trans. to Co. A, May 19, '63.
Hartford, Hartford,
Sept. 5, '62 Pro. from Ist Sergt. Co. C, June 1, '63; 2d Lieut. Co. K, Feb. 1, '64: Sept. 5, '62' Pro. from Ist Sergt. Co. A, Feb. 1, '64; 2d Lieut. May 31, '64 (not must. ). W'd. June 3, '64, Cold Harbor, Va. Pro. Ist Lieut. Co. G, Oct. 12, '64. Sept. 5, '62, Pro. from Sergt. Co. F, Oct. 12, '64. M. o. June 16, '65.
New London,
(4)
.
Q. M. - Sergeants. Edward Gallup, Ransom Jackson, Edwin S. Wheeler, Com. Sergeants.
Brooklyn, Stonington, Stonington,
Sept. 5, '62 Pro. from Priv. Co. K, Sept. 5, '62; Q .- M. Feb. 31, '63. M. o. June 16, '65.
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