USA > Delaware > Four years in the war. The history of the First Regiment of Delaware Veteran Volunteers, (Infantry,) containing an account of marches, battles, incidents, promotions. The names of all the officers and men who have been connected with the regiment from its organization in 1861, to the close of the war in 1865 > Part 11
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The military operations of the Army of the Poto- mac, including of course those of our corps, division, brigade, and regiment, from the 2d to the 9th of April, are so fully and yet so succinctly presented in the report of General Grant to the Secretary of War, that it is here inserted as the most satisfactory and valuable record that can be given.
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206
HISTORY OF THE
The report of Sheridan's success at the Five Forks was received after nightfall by General Grant. II. says, "Some apprehension filled my mind lest the enemy might desert his lines during the night, and by falling upon General Sheridan before assistance could reach him, drive him from his position and open the way for retreat. To guard against this, General Miles' Division of Humphreys' Corps was sent to reinforce him, and a bombardment was com- menced and kept up until 4 o'clock in the morning, April 2d, when an assault was ordered on the enemy's lines with his whole corps, sweeping every- thing before him and to his left towards Hatcher's Run, captured many guns and several thousand pris- oners. He was closely followed by General Ord's command, until he met the other divisions of General Ord's that had succeeded in forcing the enemy's lines near Hatcher's Run. Generals Wright and Ord im- mediately swung to the right and closed all of the enemy on that side of them in Petersburg, while General Humphreys pushed forward with two divi- sions and joined General Wright on the left. Gene- ral Parke succeeded in carrying the enemy's main line, capturing guns and prisoners, but was unable to carry his inner line. General Sheridan being advi. .! of the condition of affairs, returned General Miles to
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207
FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT.
his proper command. On reaching the enemy's lines immediately surrounding Petersburg, a portion of General Gibbons' Corps, by a most gallant charge, captured two strong enclosed works-the most salient and commanding south of Petersburg-thus mate- rially shortening the line of investment necessary for taking the city. The enemy south of Hatcher's Run retreated westward to Sutherland's Station, where they were overtaken by Miles' Division. A severe engagement ensued, and lasted until both his right and left flanks were threatened by the approach of General Sheridan, who was moving from Ford's Station towards Petersburg, and a division sent by General Meade from the front of Petersburg, when he broke in the utmost confusion, leaving in our hands his guns and many prisoners. This force re- treated by the main road along the Appomattox River.
" During the night of the 2d the enemy evacuated . Petersburg and Richmond, and retreated towards the Danville road, keeping near the Appomattox, followed by General Meade with the Second and Sixth Corps, while General Ord moved for Burkes- ville along the South Side Road; the Ninth Corps stretched along the road behind him. On the moru- ing of the 4th General Sheridan struck the Danville
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HISTORY OF THE
road near Jettersville, where he learned that Lon was at Amelia Court House. He immediately en- trenched himself and awaited the arrival of General Meade, who reached there the next day. General Ord reached Burkesville on the evening of the 5th. "On the morning of the 5th I addressed Major- General Sherman the following communication.
"'WILSON'S STATION, April 5th, 1865.
" General :- All indications now are that Lee will attempt to reach Danville with the remnant of his force. Sheridan who was up with him last night, reports all that is left, horse, font, and dragoons, at twenty thousand, much demoralized. We hope to reduce this number one-half. I shall push on to Burkesville, and if a stand is made at Danville, will, in a f. .. days, go there. If you can possibly do so, push on from where you are, and let us see if we cannot finish the job with Lee's and Johnson's armies. Whether it will be best for you to strike for Greensboro' or nearer to Danville, you will be better able to judge when you receive this. Rebel armies are now the only strategetic points to strike at.
":U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General.
" ' Major-General W. T. SHERMAN.'
"On the morning of the 6th it was found that General Lee was moving west of Jettersville towards Danville. General Sheridan moved with his cavalry (the Fifth Corps having been returned to General Meade on his reaching Jettersville) to strike his
FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. 209
flank, followed by the Sixth Corps, while the Second and Fifth Corps pressed hard after, forcing him to abandon several hundred wagons and several pieces of artillery. General Ord advanced from Burkes- ville towards Farmville, sending two regiments of infantry and a squadron of cavalry under Brevet Brigadier-General Theodore Reed, to reach and de- stroy the bridges. This advance met the head of Lee's column near Farmville, which it heroically at- tacked and detained until General Reed was killed and his small force overpowered. This caused a delay in the enemy's movements, and enabled Genc- ral Ord to get well up with the remainder of his force; on meeting this the enemy immediately en- trenched himself. In the afternoon General Sheridan struck the enemy south of Sailor's Creek, captured sixteen pieces of artillery, and about four hundred wagons, and detained him till the Sixth Corps got up, when a general attack of both infantry and cavalry was made which resulted in the capture of six or seven thousand prisoners, among whom were many general officers. The movements of the Second Corps and General Ord's command contributed largely to the day's success.
"On the morning of the 7th the pursuit was po- newed, the cavalry, except one division and the Fifth
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HISTORY OF THE
Corps, moving by Prince Edward's Court House; the Sixth Corps, General Ord's command, and one divi- sion of cavalry on the Farmville, and the Secon 1 Corps by the High Bridge road. It was soon found that the enemy had crossed the Appomattox, but s> close was the pursuit that the Second Corps got possession of the common bridge at High Brilge before the enemy could destroy it, and immediately crossed over. The Sixth Corps and a division of cavalry crossed at Farmville to its support.
"Feeling now that General Lee's chance of escape was utterly hopeless, I addressed him the following communication from Farmville :
"'APRIL 7th, 1865.
"'General: The result of the last week must convince you of the hopelessness of further resistance, on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia, in this struggle. I feel that it is so, and regard it as my duty, to shift from myself the respon- sibility of any further effusion of blood, by asking of you tho surrender of that portion of the Confederate States Army known as the Army of Northern Virginia.
"' U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General.
"' General R. E. LEE.'
"Early on the morning of the 8th, before leaving, .I received at Farmville, the following :
( ' ____ , 1905.
"'General: I have received your note of this day. Though
-
211
FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT.
not entertaining the opinion you express on the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Vir- ginia, I reciprocate your desire to avoid useless effusion of blood, and, therefore, before considering your proposition, ask the terms you will offer, on condition of its surrender.
"'R. E. LEE, General.
" ' Lieutenant-General U. S. GRANT.'
" To this I immediately replied :
"' APRIL 8th, 1865.
"' General: Your note of last evening, in reply to mine of the samo date, asking the conditions on which I will accept the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, is just received. In reply, I would say that peace being my great desire, there is but one condition I would insist upon, namely : that the men and officers surrendered shall be disqualified for taking up arms against the Government of the United States, until properly exchanged. I will meet you, or will designate offi- cers to meet any officers you may name, for the same purpose at any point agreeable to you, for the purpose of arranging definitely the terms upon which the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia will be received.
"'U S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General. "'General R. E. LEE.'
"Early on the morning of the Sth, the pursuit was resumed. General Meade followed on the north of the Appomattox, and General Sheridan, with all the cavalry, pushed straight for Appomattox Sta- tion, followed by General Ord's command, and the
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HISTORY OF THE
Fifth Corps. During the day, General Meade's advance had considerable fighting with the enemy's rear guard, but was unable to bring on a general engagement. Late in the evening General Sheridan struck the railroad at Appomattox Station, drove the enemy from there, and captured twenty-five pieces of artillery, a hospital train, and five trains of cars loaded with supplies for Lee's army. During this day I accompanied General Meade's column, and about midnight received the following commu- nication from General Lee :
"'APRIL Sth, 1865.
"'General: I received at a late hour your note of to-day. In mine of yesterday, I did not intend to propose the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, but to ask the termis of your proposition. To be frank, I do not think the emer- gency has arisen to call for the surrender of this army, but as -- the restoration of peace should be the sole object of all, I desire to know whether your proposal would lead to that end. I cannot, therefore, meet you with a view to surrender the Army of Northern Virginia, but as far as your proposal may affect the Confederate forces under my command, and tend to the restoration of peace, I should be pleased to meet you, at 10 A. M. to-morrow, on the old stage road to Richmond, between the picket lines of the two armies.
"' R. E. LEE, General. "' Lieutenant-General U. S. GRANT.'
" Early on the morning of the 9th, I returned him
.
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FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT.
an answer as follows, and immediately started to join the column north of the Appomattox :
"'APRIL 9th, 1865.
"'General: Your note of yesterday I received. I have no authority to treat on the subject of peace; the meeting pro- posed for 10 A. M. to-day could lead to no good. I will state however, General, that I am equally anxious for peace with yourself, and the whole North entertains the same feeling. The terms on which peace can be had are well understood. By the South laying down their arms they will hasten that most desirable event, save thousands of human lives, and hundreds of millions of property not yet destroyed. Seriously hoping that our difficulties may be settled without the loss of another life, I subscribe myself, etc.
"'U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General.
'' General P. E. ICE.'
"On the morning of the 9th, General Ord's com- mand of the Fifth Corps reached Appomattox Sta- tion just as the enemy was making a desperate effort to break through our cavalry. The infantry wero at once thrown in. Soon after a white flag was received, requesting a suspension of hostilities pending negotiations for a surrender.
"'Before reaching General Sheridan's headquarters, I received the following from General Lee :
" APRIL 9th, 1565.
"'General: I received your note of this morning, on the
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HISTORY OF THE
picket line, whither I had come to meet you, and ascertain definitely what terms were embraced in your proposal of yes- terday, with reference to the surrender of this army. I now ask an interview in accordance with the offer contained in your letter of yesterday for that purpose. R. E. LEE, General.
"' Lieutenant-General U. S. GRANT.'
"The interview was held at Appomattox Court House, the result of which is set forth in the follow- ing correspondence,
"' APPOMATTOX COURT-HOUSE, Va., April 9th, 1865.
"General: In accordance with the substance of my letter to you of the 8th inst., I propose to receive the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, on the following terms, to wit: Rolls of all the officers and men to be made in duplicate, one copy to be given to an officer to be designated by mne, the other to be retained by such officer as you may designate. The officers to give their individual paroles not to take up arms against the Government of the United States until properly ex- changed; and each company or regimental commander sign a like parole for the men of their commands.
"'The arms, artillery, and public property to be parked and stacked, and turned over to the officer appointed by me to receive them. This will not embrace the side arms of tho officers, nor their private horses or baggage.
"' This done, each officer and man will be allowed to return to his home, not to be disturbed by United States authority, so long as they observe their paroles and the laws in forry where they roside. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General. " ' General R. E. LEE.'
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FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT.
"' HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, )
April 9th, 1865. S
"'General: I received your letter of this date containing the terms of the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, as proposed by you. As they are substantially the same as those expressed in your letter of the 8th inst., they are accepted. I will proceed to designate the proper officers to carry the stip- ulations into effect.
R. E. LEE, General. "'Lieutenant-General U. S. GRANT.'
"The command of Major-General Gibbon, the Fifth Army Corps, under Griffin, and Mckenzie's cavalry, were designated to remain at Appomattox Court-House until the paroling of the surrendered army was completed, and to take charge of the public property. The remainder of the army re turned to the vicinity of Burkesville."
After the surrender, the Generals rode through their respective commands to congratulate them and to receive their congratulations. It was a proud day for our commanders, and the woods and hills rang with the joyous shouts of the soldiery. One general officer was not there. His absence was felt and re- gretted by his whole command. No one was happier or prouder than he would have been if he had been present. But he was to return no more. His voice cheering and urging his men on the field of glory
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HISTORY OF THE
could be heard no more, nor could his soldierly form again be seen. I refer to Brigadier-General Thomas A. Smyth. In the last skirmish of his brigade ho fell mortally wounded at the High Bridge near Farin- ville, Virginia, on the 7th of April, and died of his wounds on the way to his family in Wilmington, Delaware, on the day and about the time of the surrender, April 9th, 1865. He died not in vain. The object for which he fought was attained. The cause in which he died was triumphant.
The citizens of Petersburg and Richmond, and probably some of the Confederate officers, were sur- prised beyond measure when their army was driven from their entrenchments. The day after their lines were broken we came upon one of their hospitals in which were more than a hundred wounded soldiers, among whom was Captain Jones, A. A. G., of Ala- bama. He had served the Confederates from the commencement of the war without injury, until the day of our final assault, when he lost a leg. A moro gentlemanly man I never met. We exchanged cards and hoped to meet under pleasanter circumstances. He thought the war would yet be a long one, and said that General Lee was not disconcerted by our success, and that he had made arrangements six weeks before to retreat, if it should be necessary. I
FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. 217
told him I thought humanity required that they should cease to fight, for our resources in men and means were greater than their's, but he thought their condition not yet desperate. When I told him that Sheridan was on their right flank and that General Thomas was marching on Danville in their rear, he seemed surprised. He said though he could fight no man he was yet a rebel in heart.
A lady who was in church at Richmond when the despatch was received that their lines were broken, and Richmond must be evacuated, said they were as much astonished as they could have been if a thun- derbolt had burst into their midst at noon-day and under a clear sky. They had been led to believe that it was impossible to take their capital. A few days afterwards when she went on board the steamer at City Point, on her way to Baltimore, she was vexed to see the table spread with all the luxuries of the season ;--- she having gone hungry to bed every night for two years, often making a supper on dry corn bread. When she reached Baltimore and found the streets crowded with busy people, the stores filled with goods, she was angry to think how they had been duped, for it had been represented in Richmond that the North was suffering as much as the South.
Soon after we returned to Burkesville we heard of
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HISTORY OF THE
the assassination of President Lincoln. At first it was regarded as a rumor and not generally credited. But when it was officially announced that he was dead the excitement was intense, and if a battle had occurred soon after, there probably would have been no prisoners taken.
On the 1st of May we left Burkesville to return to Washington. We marched through Manchester, Richmond, and Fredericksburg, and encamped on the south side of the Potomac, near Munson's Hill, about . six miles from Washington, D. C., on the 15th.
The march was a severe one on the soldiers, and our hospitals were soon filled with the sick. Tho mortality was greater, especially among the new levies, than I had ever known.
It was a sad duty to bury the soldiers, who, having passed through many battles and come to the close of the war, were almost home. A young wife came to the hospital just in time to nurse her husband a few days before his death. A father came to see his son who only revived enough to recognize him before he died. A young man came only in time to get the remains of his brother before he was buried. Others came after the grave was closed over their loved ones.
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FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT.
One of the First Delaware died at the depot in Washington on our way home to be discharged.
After the surrender of the Rebel armies our sol- diers became impatient for their discharge. While the enemy confronted them they performed their duty faithfully, but as soon as the fighting was over they were anxious to return to their homes. Many of them forfeited the pay that was due them and deserted at our last camp near Washington. It will be seen by referring to the rolls that a large propor- tion of the deserters were substitutes.
In obedience to orders from the War Department the Regiment repaired to Wilmington, and was dis- charged on the 14th day of July, 1865.
The war is over. We have the satisfaction of knowing that all we fought for has been gained. The rebellion is suppressed. Peace has returned to our country. The rightful authority of the Govern- ment is established on land and sea. The flag of the Union floats in every State-no other is allowed to wave on our territory, except those of foreign gov- ernments with whom we are at peace. The suprem- acy of National over State authority has been de- monstrated by the sword. The right of secession, if it was ever an unsettled question, has been decid 1
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HISTORY OF THE
in the negative, and will not again, we trust, distract our peace or interrupt our prosperity.
More has been effected by the war than was origi- nally intended :- Slavery is abolished. It expire! legally on the 18th day of December, 1865, by the adoption of the Constitutional Amendment.
"God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform ; He plants his footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm."
The rolls which are appended are copies of the last official rolls sent to the War Department, and con- tain a military history of all who have been connected with the Regiment.
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FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT.
BATTLES IN WHICH THE FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT WAS ENGAGED.
Capture of Norfolk, Va
May 10, 1862.
Antietam, Md
Sept. 17, 1862.
Fredericksburg, Va
Dec. 13, 1862.
Chancellorville, Va
May 1-4, 1863.
Gettysburg, Pa.
July 2-3, 1863.
Auburn, Va
Oct. 14, 1863.
Bristoe's Station, Va Oct. 14, 1863.
Locust Grove, Va
Nov. 27, 1863.
Mine Run, Va.
Nov. 30, 1863.
Morton's Ford, Va
Feb. 6, 1864.
Wilderness, Va
May 5-12, 186-4.
Po River, Va May 10, 1864.
Spottsylvania, Va
May 12-17, 1864.
North Anna, Va. May 23-27, 1864.
Coal Harbor, Va June 1-12, 1864.
Before Petersburg, Va. From June 5, 1864, to April 2, 1865.
First Deep Bottom, Va July 27, 1864.
Second Deep Bottom, Va Aug. 14-20, 1864.
Reams' Station, Va Aug. 25, 1864.
Gravelly Run, Va
Oct. 27, 1864.
Hatcher's Run, Va.
Oct. 27, 1804.
Capture of Petersburg, Va.
April 2, 1865.
High Bridge, Va.
April 7, 1865.
Capture of General Lee and the Army of North-
ern Virginia, Appomattox Court-House, Va ....... April 9, 1565.
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ROLL OF FIELD AND STAFF.
Name.
Rank.
When.
Where.
Period.
Remarks.
FIELD OFFICERS. Daniel Woodall,
Colonel.
Oct. 18, '64.
Before Petersburg, Va. 3 years.
Promoted from Capt. Co. F to Maj. Dec. 24, '62; Lieut .- Col. Nov. 6, '63; Col. Oet. 18, '64. Wounded at Antietam, Chancellorville, at the Po. Brevetted Brig .- Gen. April 9, '65.
Joseph C. Nicholls, Lieut .- Col. Dec. 26, '64.
Joli: T. Dent,
Major.
Feb. 1, '65.
3 years.
3 years. Promoted from Capt. Co. B to Maj. Nov. 17, '64; to Leut .- Col. Dec. 26, '64. Wound. Freder'bg and High Bridge. Promoted from Capt. Co. G to Maj. Feb. 13, '65. Wounded before Petersburg.
STAFF OFFICERS.
Theo. Palmatory,
Adjutant.
June 6, '64.
Coal Harbor, Va.
3 years. Promoted from 1st Lt. Co. B, and app'd Adit. Aug. 22, '64.
Edwin II. Bryan,
Reg. Qr.Mr. March 1, '63. Falmouth, Va.
3 years. Promoted from 2d Lt. Co. A to Ist Lt. and Reg. Qr. Mr., Mar. 1, 63; brev. Capt. April 9. '65.
Jos. W .. Mccullough, Surgeon.
The & Murphey, Beall' Groves,
. May 11, '65. Chaplain. Sept. 24, '61. Asst. Surg. May 11, '65.
Near Washington, D.C. 3 years. Appointed Asst. Surg. Aug. 22, '62 Wilmington, Del. promoted Surg. May 11, '65. 3 years. Remastered as Chaplain Oct. 1, '61. Near Washington, D.C. 3 years. Appointed Asst. Surg. May 11, '55.
OFIDEAS DROPPED 1294 101.14
Tuin W. Andrews 'Colonel
Sept 17, '61 Wilmington D.l. Ul: Il plus , Livet Col. , UM. 13, 'Ul. , Wilunagi &, De.
13 years Resigned Feb 6. 'A? on Surgeon & ref
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HISTORY OF THE
Joined and Enrolled for Service.
Thomas A. Smyth, Major.
Oct. 2, '61.
Wilmington, Del.
William P. Seville, | Adjutant. Thos. Y. England, David W. Maull,
Oct. 1, '61. Reg. Qr.Mr. Sept. 17, '61. Surgeon.
Wilmington, Del. Wilmington, Del. Sept. 13, '61. |Wilmington, Del.
3 years.| Promoted Lieut .- Col. Dec. 18, '62; Col.] Feb. 23, 63; Brig .- Gen. Oct. 1, '64. Woun'd at Gettysburg, High, Bridge, Apr. 7, '65, and died of his wounds April 9. Buried in Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery.
3 years. Pro'd Capt. Co. E Sept. 21, 63; became A. A. G. 3d Brig. 2d Div. 2d Corps. 3 years. Appointed Capt. and Com. of Subsist. March 1, '63.
3 years. Remustered Oct. 1, '64; advanced to Surgeon-in-Chief, 2d Div. 2d Corps. Resigned April 20, '65. 3 years. Resigned on Surgeon's certificate of disability, Jan. 19, '63.
Saml. D. Marshall,
Asst. Surg. Oct. 4, '61.
J. E. Benn,
Asst. Surg. Feb. 30, '63.
Falmouth, Va.
Edward P. Harris, Liout .- Col.
Feb. 28, '63.
Falmouth, Va. .
3 years. Promoted from Hosp. Stew. 4th N. Y. Vols. to Asst. Surg. Ist Del. Feb. 20, '63. Resigned April 15, '63. 3 years. Promoted from Capt. Co. E to Lient .- Col. Feb. 23, '63. "Wounded at Fre- dericksburg. Resigned on Surgeon's certificate Nov. '63.
Fred J. Owens, Ches. J. Schaeffer,
Asst. Surg. Adjutant.
May 8, '63. Sept. 21, '63.
Falmouth. Va. Rappahannock, Va.
William F. Smith,
Major.
Nov. 6, '63.
Warrenton, Va.
3 years. | Resigned on Surgeon's certf. July 5, '64. 3 years. From Ist Lt app'd Adjt Sopt. 21. '63. Wounded at Antietam. Resigned ou Surgeon's certificate June 27, '04. 3 years. From Capt. Co C, promoted Major Nov 6, '63. "Wounded at Fredericksburg, Gettysburg. Gravelly Run, and died of his wounds Nov. 6, '61, at Hosp. 2d Div. 2d Corps, before Petersburg, Va.
FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT.
223
224
BAND OF THE FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT.
Names.
Joined and Enrolled for Service.
Names.
Joined and Enrolled for Service.
John B. Ritchie,
August 24, 1861.
Hollen Yarnell,
.
August 26, 1861.
Philip Cahill, -
Richard HI. B. Wisdom,
Albert J. Hyatt,
John L. Yates,
=
1
William A. Parker,
John HI. Walls,
= 28, 1861.
John Worth, -
Joshua Hoyle,
" 18,
Henry Haddock,
Matthew Croft,
September 9, "
Augustus M. L. Grof,
Thomas M. Hoyle, -
August 26, 1861.
Charles H. Henderson, -
John P. Coverdale,
John Parker,
3. =
Levi Sylvester,
James D. Walls,
James Haddock,
Charles E. Condon,
.
Mustered out by act of Congress, passed June, 1862.
HISTORY OF THE
September 3, “ August 25,
August 26, 1861.
Patrick Dooley,
September 5, 1861.
"
COMPANY A.
Name.
Rank.
Joined and Enrolled for Service.
Period.
Remarks.
When.
Where.
Thomas Wenie,
Joseph E. Booth, Charles Collier,
Captain. 1st Lieut. Ist Serg't.
Oct. 26, '64. May 31, '64.
Wilmington, Del. Munson's Hill, Va.
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