USA > Maine > History of the Fifth regiment Maine volunteers, comprising brief descriptions of its marches, engagements, and general services from the date of its muster in, June 24, 1861, to the time of its muster out, July 27, 1864 > Part 21
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officer, finely mounted, was seen directing movements, while rifle-balls began to whistle, and grape tear through our ranks. Swiftly obliqning to the left, plunging through a swamp in which many of the men sunk to their armpits, where the First Veterans lose color-sergeants Sturtivant and Foss desperately wound- ed; the few hundred of the division first across, take the battery at a run. There were six smoking brass pieces and a rebel officer, lying wounded beside them, told us it was Captain A. B. Williams' Battery, of Pogne's North Carolina Battalion, and that General Robert E. Lee was the last to leave the guns. What a prize to miss,-this gallant old man, struggling like a Titan against defeat !
The line formed again, moved forward, and, on rising the next hill, Petersburg, with its smoke and steeples, appeared near at hand. Long columns were pouring into its inner line of intrenchments. They were the thousands of Longstreet's Corps, this time brought to the assistance of A. P. Hill too late. Here our forces close together for a last advance, but there is not light enough left. The last volley of the enemy kills Lieutenant Messer, of the First Maine, and wounds General Penrose, of the Jersey brigade. All, exhausted by eighteen hours' continuous fighting and marching, sink upon the welcome ground, and night falls upon the last battlefield of the First Veterans, The dawn found Petersburg and Richmon l evaen.it - ed, and the hunt began. Now came the long marches to Appomattox Court-house, and the end. At Sailors
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Creek Ewell surrendered, as the First Maine was double-quicking into action.
The few delightful weeks at Dainville, the prond march through Richmond, the passing under the eye of the president in review at Washington, have their throng of happy memories. The joyful journey home, and the quiet merging into citizenship,-who can for- get them !
Now onr arms are hung upon our walls, and the faces of dead comrades seem to fade in remembrance with the Virginia scenery amid which they fell; dim now to us an I our fellows, but to be illumined by the freedom they have helped to perpetuate, and to be recognized by the thanks of many generations vet to be. They fade from our daily life and conversation, to come again in the still night and bear us back through long years to the bivouac and the battlefield, where with
" No shroud to cover them, Cold dew and wintry rain All that weep over them. Peace to the slumberers!"
And to the living, scattered far and wide upon the broal bosom of this continent, may they remain the pale monitors of memory, ever signifying that it is a great and beautiful thing to suffer-to fight-or to die for one's country.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.
THE following few pages are devoted to brief military biographical notices of officers who fell in the service, and who have since died, so far as the author has been able to learn. These notices are by no means full; but are simply intended to pay a slight tribute to each of the noble dead. Our space compels brevity. Many pages could be profitably devoted to notices of these, and others in the ranks; but our volume has already extended beyond its intended size, and hence the writer is compelled to be concise,
G. W. B.
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BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.
COLONEL EDWARD A. SCAMMAN.
Colonel ScaxMAN was born in Gorham in the State of Maine, and was, at the time of his death, a little over thirty-nine years of age.
Upon the breaking out of the rebellion in 1861, his enthusiasm and patriotism became awakened, and upon the second day of May, 1861, he enrolled him- self as a private in Company II., Fifth Regiment Maine Volunteers, On the sixth day of May, he was elected as first lieutenant, and upon the promotion of Captain Dunnell to the coloneley, he was commis- sioned as captain. He accompanied the regiment to the front at the time of its departure from Portland, and bore a noble part in the first Bull Run battle.
On the twenty-fifth of September, he was promoted to be major of the regiment, and served with the regiment through the Peninsular campaign. Lieuten- ant-colonel Heath being killed, Major Scamman was promoted to his place. Colonel Jackson being pro- moted to brigadier general, Lieutenant colonel Scam- man was commissioned colonel of the regiment, serving with it in the Antietam and first Frederics- burg campaigns, showing himself every inch a soldier.
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HISTORY FIFTH REGIMENT
On the eighth of January, 1863, the resignation of Colonel Seamman was accepted. He felt constrained to tender his resignation owing to the state of his private affairs at home.
Returning to civil life, while at Beaufort, North Carolina, whither he had gone on business, he was attacked by disease, and died October twenty-eighth, 1864.
Colonel Scamman held the love and confidence of the officers and men in every rank which he held. He was of that genial and pleasant disposition which seemed to endear all to him. Brave and fearless, he was a commander whom the men loved to follow. Attentive to their wants and interests, he won their esteem. Precious is his memory which is embalmed in many hearts.
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MAINE VOLUNTEERS.
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL W. S. HEATII.
Colonel HEATH came to the Fifth Regiment from the Third Maine, in which regiment he held a cap- tain's commission. Naturally ardent in the prosecu- tion of any work assigned to him, he soon mastered the varied details of his new profession, and demon- strated upon the field his qualities as a tactician and soldier. Had his life been spared, unquestionably Lieutenant-colonel Heath would have occupied a high rank, his talents with his bravery giving him superior advantages of distinguishing himself.
In the Peninsular campaign he was constantly with his regiment until the day of his death. At the battle of Gaines' Hill, in the latter part of the afternoon, Colonel Jackson being wounded, Colonel Heath suc- ceeded to the command of the regiment. A house obstructing the lines, Colonel Heath was making arrangements to perfect them, and as he was directing. the movement of four companies to the left in order to bring the lines of the regiment together, a bullet, probably from a sharp-shooter, crashed through his brain, killing him instantly. His body was borne to the rear and placed under a tree; but, in the confusion of the retreat, it was left, and all efforts have been in vain to recover it.
Colonel Heath was the only field-officer killed in the Fifth Maine during its entire service. In the language of the biographical notice in Adjutant-gen-
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eral Hodgdon's report, "Lieutenant-colonel Heath was a great student, a proficient scholar, and a fine writer. His memory will remain for a time distinct in the recollection of his friends, then lapse into the common sum of glorious memories which have become the heritage of the nation forever."
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MAINE VOLUNTEERS.
CHAPLAIN ADAMS.
We will write the brief record of a glorious, noble man.
Our chaplain : we revere his memory. Every Fifth Maine soldier remembers the chaplain with pride.
Our religious counselor for three years, -living, amidst the contaminations of the camp, a pure and spotless life,-the fondest affections of the entire regi- ment were entwined around "the old man good."
From his quiet and beautiful home in Gorham, he went forth to the wars with the going out of the Fifth Maine, in which he was commissioned as chaplain. In nearly every march he participated with the regi- ment, and upon nearly every battle-field he rendered noble and effective service in administering to the wants, bodily and spiritual, of the soldiers. He loved the men ; the men loved him. In him they found a friend, carnest, true, sympathetic. Unobtrusive,-he had the esteem and the respect of the highest in rank.
Not only was he known in the regiment, but throughout the brigade and division, so that, when the term of the Fifth Maine expired, his services were eagerly sought by the officers and men of the One Hundred and Twenty-first New York, in which regi- ment he was soon commissioned as chaplain, serving until the close of the war.
In every duty he was prompt and faithful. By the couch of the sick, the wounded, and the dying, his
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frequent presence inspired, soothed, and made hopeful the sufferer. His quiet dignity, yet humility of man- ner, checked the wild and thoughtless. Every sabbath when it was possible, the regiment were assembled for religious worship, and many of the discourses to which they listened from the chaplain, were models of earnestness and beauty. He delighted in preaching the word. A revival accompanied his chaplaincy, to which allusion is made in the body of this work.
Precious was his association in life; sweet and fra- grant his memory in death.
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MAINE VOLUNTEERS
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CAPTAIN DANIEL C. CLARK.
Captain CLARK was a native of Portland, and at the time of his death was only two days more than twenty-three years of age. In early life he acquired a love for military, becoming a member of the Portland Light Guard about a year before the breaking out of the rebellion. He became very proficient in the Zouave drill, giving, in connection with a small com- pany, several public exhibitions which were greatly applauded.
At the beginning of the war, he served in the First Maine Regiment with credit. After the expiration of the term of service, he received a commission as second lieutenant in the Fifth Maine, and joined the regiment about the tenth of October, 1861. On the third of July, 1862, he was appointed first lieutenant Company G. Ou the tenth of November, 1863, he was commissioned captain Company K., which be- came vacant by the resignation of Captain Buckman.
Captain Clark served with the regiment in its campaigns faithfully, earnestly, and conspicuously. It is not too much to say when we affirm, that he was every inch a soldier. He had a taste for the profes- sion, and he improved every opportunity to perfect himself in the various details which were essential to his duty. Ambitious,-he was ever at every post where his presence was needed. Courageous,-every fight found him at the front.
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HISTORY FIFTH REGIMENT
As a man, Captain Clark was universally loved by his comrades. Officers sought his genial presence, and the men regarded him with pride as their com- mander.
On the tenth of May, in the glorious charge of the twelve picked regiments, Captain Clark was severely wounded, from the effects of which he died on the sixteenth of the same month. His last hours were made happy and peaceful by the indwelling of that sweet Christian spirit, which, months before, had entered within his heart; and on the wings of the serenest trust in the Redeemer, with his soul inspired by a consciousness of the Infinite presence and an Infinite Father's love, his loving, gentle spirit went out from its prison-house of elay to its bright mansion in the spiritual home above.
His life and character were beautiful with shining virtues, which are bright pictures hanging upon the walls of memories, cherishing fond recollections of him as a loved one and a friend.
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MAINE VOLUNTEERS.
CAPTAIN FRANK L. LEMONT.
Captain LEMONT was a native of Green, and, upon the formation of the Fifth Maine Regiment, he at once enrolled himself as a member of Company E., and was mustered into the service as first sergeant of the company. He remained in this rank until the tenth of September, 1861, when, upon the resignation of the captain, and the promotion of Lieutenant Daggett, he was commissioned as first lieutenant of the company. He served through all the campaigns of the regiment, nobly doing his whole duty as a subordinate officer, until the eleventh of June, 1863, when he was com- missioned as captain of the company, in place of Dag- gett, promoted. Inspired with a spirit of faithfulness, he proved himself worthy of the position given him, always ready for duty, and never backward when that duty called.
In the terrible fight of May 12, 1864, Captain L. gallantly led his company in the hottest of the conflict, only to receive his death. Amidst a perfect shower of bullets, he fell, pierced by nineteen balls. His death was universally regretted.
Captain L. was a noble-hearted man, one to whom his men were devotedly attached. Quiet, upright, and retiring, yet bold, fearless, and forward when there was work to be done, he gained many friends, -- and was one of those few men of whom it might be said
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to his honor, he had no enemies. He has left a char- acter unspotted and unblemished,-a bright light among the departed Fifth Maine heroes.
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MAINE VOLUNTEERS.
CAPTAIN JOSEPHI C. PARADIS.
Captain PARADIS was originally a member of Com- pany F., enlisting as a private on the sixteenth of July, 1861. His home was in Quebec, Canada. With a spirit sensitively alive to the maintenance of right, when he saw the attempts of ambitious men to extend the borders of slavery, he sought the States, that he might add his influence and work in the cause of lib- erty. While in the ranks, he was a most faithful sol- dier, always desirous of doing his whole duty. For many months he was detailed as clerk at division head-quarters, which position exempted him from bear- ing a musket in times of action. But he wanted no exemption; and whenever the regiment became en- gaged, one of the first objects which would attract attention, would be Sergeant Paradis coming up with a musket borrowed from some wounded man, and at his post in the ranks, he poured in his volleys at the enemy, until the issue of the conflict was decided.
At the battle of Rappahannock Station, his conduet was specially meritorious, so much so that he received honorable mention, and was recommended for a com- . mission in the regular army; but which, in those days, was difficult to obtain. He was, however, commissioned as second lieutenant Company E. on the nineteenth of February, 1864. On the eighth of June, 1864, he was commissioned captain Company E.
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In the famous fight on the tenth of May, he cap- tured a stand of rebel colors.
In the battle of Coal Harbor, he was severely wounded and conveyed to the hospital, where he died on the eighteenth of June from the effects of the wounds, to the regret of all members of the command.
His remains were embalined and sent to his father in Quebec.
Well, indeed, may his friends cherish his memory, for Captain Paradis was a noble soldier, and a true man.
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MAINE VOLUNTEERS.
CAPTAIN JOHN GOLDTHWAIT.
Captain GOLDTHWAIT enlisted in the Fifth Maine Regiment in the early days of its organization, and was mustered into the service with the regiment as a sergeant in Company F. In his position as a non- commissioned officer, he was patriotic and faithful, ever ready for every duty imposed upon him.
Promotion in this company was slow, and hence much of the term of the service of the regiment passed before opportunity was presented to confer upon him the reward which his bravery had won. On the twenty-sixth of January, 1864, he was commis- sioned as second lieutenant of Company B., and for special meritorious conduct was promoted, on the eighth of June of same year, to the captaincy of Com- pany K. At the expiration of the term of enlistment of the regiment, Captain Goldthwait was transferred to Company A., Seventh Maine Volunteers, and soon after to the command of Company A., of the First Regiment Veteran Volunteers. He served with great distinction in each grade and with each command. It was his good fortune to enjoy the esteem of his supe- rior officers, and the confidence of his men. The - commander of the First Veterans (Colonel Hyde) speaks in the highest terms of him as a man and soldier.
Captain Gollthwait died of wounds received in battle in April, 1>65, a noble man offered up, that truth and right might triumph.
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HISTORY FIFTHI REGIMENT
FIRST LIEUTENANT AMBROSE S. DYER.
Lieutenant DYER was a resident of Portland, and upon the organization of the Fifth Maine, anxious to serve his country in her hour of peril, enrolled himself as a member of Company H., in which he was elected as second lieutenant. Upon the day of the muster in of the regiment, he was commissioned as first lieuten- ant in same company. Before leaving camp at Port- land, his health began to fail, causing considerable anxiety upon the part of his friends. But, filled with the desire to do all he could, he proceeded with the regiment as far as Washington, remaining for a few days in camp, when disease and sickness compelled him to seek his home. All that human skill could do was employed to save his life, but on the 224 of September, 1861, he breathed his last and passed away to rest. At the time of his death he was about twenty-eight years old.
Thus early in the service of the regiment, its officers began to fall on one side and upon the other, yet all leaving the luster of their virtues to inspire those who remained to faithfulness and labor.
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MAINE VOLUNTEERS
FIRST LIEUTENANT ANDREW S. LYON.
Lieutenant Los, upon the breaking out of the rebellion, was a resident, according to adjutant-gener- al's reports, of New Gloucester. Inspired with the spirit which was actuating hundreds of young men to repel the advancing cloud of disunion, he offered to the country his labor and his life. He enlisted in the Fifth Maine, and was mustered into the service as second sergeant. He early exhibited those qualities which go to make a true soldier, which endeared him to the hearts of his comrades, and which he carried through his entire term of service, viz .- noble- ness and earnestness of purpose, and pure, upright integrity of character. He was in the service from a sense of duty, and not to gain any rewards or emol- uments. But his merit was not to pass unnoticed.
On the first of February, 1862, he was commissioned as second lieutenant Company K., and in the follow- ing November he was promoted to first lieutenant. As a soldier and officer Lieutenant Lyon was brave, faithful, and efficient. He enjoyed the respect and the esteem of his men to a great degree. Captain Bueknam being incapacitated for service by a terrible wound, the command of the company fell upon Lieutenant Lyon. Possessed of a strong constitution, he participated in every duty of the regiment, never absent save as duty called.
On the tenth of May, 1864, in the terrible charge of
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the twelve regiments, Lieutenant Lyon fell, and was not seen or heard of afterwards. He is supposed to have been instantly killed. "Missing in action," reads the record here; but "caught up from the fire," may be the record above.
Throughout the service, he bore a bright and shin- ing record, one of which both the comrade and the near and dear friend may well feel proud.
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MAINE VOLUNTEERS.
FIRST LIEUTENANT ORRIN B. STEVENS.
Lieutenant STEVENS was a native of Westbrook, Maine, and among the very first to enroll himself as a member of Company II., Fifth Regiment. Ardent and patriotic, he shouldered his gun from a sense of duty and right, from which all the attractions and at- tachments of a pleasant home could not swerve him. His loftiest, and it is the noblest, ambition seemed to be to do his whole duty; and it never can be said that he ever failed. He served through all the campaigns of the regiment, until the day of his death.
On the first of November, 1862, he was commissioned as second lieutenant Company F., promoted to this grade from the ranks, his commanding officers recog- nizing in him a man of superior ability. On the tenth of November, 1863, he was commissioned as first lieu- teuant Company F.
In the great charge of the tenth of May, 1864, he fell, mortally wounded, while cheering on his men, and died in hospital on the fifteenth following. But a few weeks before this eventful time, he was at home on a short leave of absence, and while there, he seemed to have a premonition that he never should see home again. It proved too true. Though not visibly pres- ent, yet his memory is most sacredly cherished, and friends and comrades can point with pride and admi- ration to his recor I while a soldier in the Union army.
Lieutenant Stevens possessed a genial and pleasant
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disposition, endearing himself to all with whom he was associated. True, gallant, brave, faithful,-his name shines brilliantly upon the record of nobility and sacrifice.
His remains were sent home, and were lain in the beautiful Evergreen Cemetery near Portland.
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MAINE VOLUNTEERS.
FIRST LIEUTENANT P. JORDAN MITCHELL.
Lieutenant MITCHELL Was mustered into the service on the fourth of November, 1861, and was assigned to Company I. Assiduously applying himself to the duties of his new calling, he was soon appointed by the company commander, to be a corporal, and, as soon as a vacancy occurred, he was promoted to be a sergeant. In these grades he was faithful, and man- ifested upon many occasions, his fitness for higher positions.
On the twenty-ninth of December, 1863, he was promoted to be first lieutenant of Company H. Upon the departure of the regiment from the front, Lieuten- ant Mitchell was transferred to Company B., Seventh Maine, afterwards the First Veteran Volunteers. Through the severe campaigns under Grant, he served nobly, exhibiting the qualities of a soldier and hero.
Bat his life seemed necessary among the many others falling all around. He died on the twelfth of November, 1864, from terrible wounds received in action.
Lieutenant Mitchell was a true man, with a charac- ter radiant with virtues; and while loved ones may mourn his departure from earth, they can but rejoice in the bright and glorious record which he has left behind of faithfulness, nobleness, a name honored and unsullied.
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HISTORY FIFTH REGIMENT
SECOND LIEUTENANT WILLIAM A. TUBBS.
Lieutenant TUBBs was a native of Hebron, and enlisted as a private in Company K. at the time of its organization. It was not long before he was promoted to be a sergeant, in which capacity he served faithfully and gallantly. Ever ready to obey every call or order, he soon won the esteem of all with whom he became associated.
In the fall of 1863, he was recommended for the second lieutenancy of Company K., and in the interim acted in that capacity under regimental appointment. But he did not live to realize the reality of the position to which he had been appointed. His com- mission did not reach the regiment until three days after his death.
In the grand charge at Rappahannock Station on the seventh of November, 1863, Lieutenant Tubbs was struck down by a bullet, expiring immediately.
Thus are we compelled to record the sacrifice of one after another of brave men-noble heroes-true patriots.
Lieutenant Tubbs possessed all of the qualities which make up the true sollier and gentleman. Around such men as he, glory throws its brightest radiance.
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MAINE VOLUNTEERS.
SECOND LIEUTENANT SMITHI G. BAILEY.
Lieutenant BAILEY was mustered into the service as a member of Company K., ranking as third sergeant. He was one of those high-toned men, who entered the military service, believing that right and duty called. With a mind of superior cultivation, genial and af- fable, with a quick perception of his duty, and an ardent desire to faithfully consummate it, it was not long before he attracted the attention of his superior officers, and he was several times detailed as acting sergeant-major in absence of that officer.
On the first of October, 1862, he was commisioned as a second lieutenant of Company II., being frequent- ly in command of the company in active engagement. Everywhere, and at all times, he proved himself faith- ful and brave.
IIe seemed constantly with his company and regi- ment, until the terrible fight of Salem Church on the third of May, 1863, when he was severely wounded, from the effects of which he died on the thirtieth of May.
Lieutenant Bailey was one of those true men whom to know was to love. By his interest in the welfare of his men, he won their affection, while his taet as a disciplinarian insured their obedience. Popular with all, his death in early manhood was sincerely regret- ted by all his comrades. His character was adorned with bright virtues worthy of emulation.
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HISTORY FIFTH REGIMENT
SECOND LIEUTENANT CYRUS W. BRANN.
Lieutenant BRANN resided in West Gardiner upon the breaking ont of the rebellion. Fired by an enthu- siastic patriotism, when hostile arms sought to strike down the Union, he enlisted in the Fifth Regiment, and was mustered into the service as a sergeant in Company F. In this capacity he served faithfully, accompanying the regiment in its many campaigns with credit to himself and honor to his friends.
On the thirteenth of April, 1863, he was commis- sioned as a second lieutenant in Company G., entering upon his new position with pride, and with a deter- mination to win his way upward. But alas! how soon are earthly hopes cut off! On the third of May fol- lowing, Lieutenant Brann was killed in the bloody fight at Salem Church; and although cut off so early in life, he leaves behind him a glorious record of no- bleness of purpose, founded upon a character worthy of emulation, inspired with a devotion which enabled him cheerfully to fight and to die for the right and its advancement.
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