USA > New Hampshire > The Third New Hampshire and all about it, pt 2 > Part 24
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Capt. Clark at once relieved Lieut. Maxwell, who had been temporarily in command of Co. A for a few days (since 1st Lient. Libby went on leave), and received the company's property from 2d Lieut. Hynes, who had had it since Libby's departure.
During Capt. Clark's absence. the regiment had been to Elba and Daufuskie Islands, to Bluffton and to Jehossee Island. When the regiment left Edisto for James Island, 1 June, Capt. Clark was left behind with the other sick (Ayer. T. M. Jackson and others). Lient. Maxwell was with the company in crossing John's Island. 10 June, Capt. Clark arrived at James Island (with others ) from Edisto.
On 15 June (day before battle), he is mentioned in diaries as on picket with four companies, acting as Major. He was in the fight of next morn- ing, in command of his own company, and had Ist Lient. Hynes with him. He acquitted himself well in his first engagement.
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Hle was ordered on general court-martial duty 24 June, by Gen. Wright's S. O. 27. At Pocotaligo (22 Oet.), he was present with his company and regiment.
At Hilton Head, 7 Jan. 1863, he was ordered on- general court-martial duty by Gen. Terry, Commanding Post (S. O. 122), in place of Capt. Randlett, who had, several days prior, gone on leave. From this he was relieved 15 Feb. by the dissolution of the court (S. O. 188, Terry). During January, he served on a Board of Claims (apparently sutlers' cases). The most noted of the cases " tried" was that of Schooner Jessie A. Woodhonse. and is worthy of mention here. It appears that this schooner arrived at Port Royal 13 May 1862, and was seized ( reason not apparent, but possibly because it was a pirate ! ) about 29 May. The sales at that time were about $500 per day, and at a profit of from 100 to 200 per cent. The contestant was- Atwood; and he wanted damages. Result of contest unknown, and not material to this history. When the seven companies were on outpost at Pinckney Island, Spring of 1863, Capt. Clark's wife came to visit him. Indeed, there were several officers' wives about at the same time (see main story).
Capt. Clark went. on 15 March, from Pinckney Island in command of detachments of A and F, in boats, on a reconnaissance up May River. This was probably in search of information. No casualties.
At Botany Bay Island, latter part of May (eight companies there), Capt. Clark engineered the building of a wharf. He occasionally drilled the regiment and occasionally was in command of it temporarily, being the ranking captain. Ile was with his company in the actions of 10 July 1863 (taking lower end of Morris Island), and in the memorable charge of 18 July, on Wagner. In the latter action, the gallant Captain, while in the thick of the fight, was struck on his belt or belt plate diagonally, facing him about in " one time and one motion."
It is said that he swore some; but the air was so sulphurous and noisy that night, the recording angel conld not have distinguished it. A more or less severe pain in his diaphramic region was the result (lucky dog that he was, to not get killed outright!) Immediately following this, the call for special detail of officers and men to go North for the to-be-conscripted conscripts was made, and Capt. Clark was selected to be one of the party from the regiment ( see main story for list). This was 23 July 1863. The party reached Concord about 28 July. As soon as matters were gotten into shape (i.e , the new camp completed), he was placed in command of the vari- ous detachments from New Hampshire regiments, called for convenience "Garrison Co. D)," and composed principally of sergeants and corporals. The officers of the details were not considered as belonging to this quasi company. Capt. Clark had to do for these men just the same as for a regu- larly organized company in the field. They had to be fed, clothed, armed, paid, tented. The first issue to these men (from Third, Fourth, Seventh, Tenth and Fourteenth regiments). appears to have been on 21 Ang. In August, 1863, he drew 100 rounds of buck and ball cartridges - to pepper the " bounty jumpers " who should have the temerity to climb the high, sur- rounding fence of law and order and thereby appear to be trying to defrand the government they had sworn to defend.
On 4 Nov. Gen. Hineks, commanding the Rendezvous, by S. O. 75, ordered C'apt. Clark, with an officer, two sergeants, two corporals and a guard of 30 men and 20 officers, to proceed at 9 A.M. on the morrow, with 160 recruits for the Seventh New Hampshire. in the Department of the South, via Long Island, Boston Harbor, thence by water, ete., and then to return to Concord. Though ordered to return to Concord, he did not do so, and for the following reason : The three detachments of recruits, for Third, Fourth and Seventh New Hampshire, arrived in the Department together (as one), under Col. Donohoe of the Tenth New Hampshire. No sooner did it appear that certain officers were in the Department, belonging to it, than Gen. Gillmore seized (! ) them and forbade their return to the North. He contended that he was short of offleers, and his action a military necessity. Capt. Clark thereupon took command of Co. A.
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THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT.
When Col. Donohoe (see main story) was relieved of the command of the regiment (28 Nov.), Capt. Clark, being the ranking Captain (not only present but in the regiment), assumed the command (i.e .. six companies, the others on provost duty under Capt. Randlett), and he thus remained in command till 14 Dec., when he resigned. He was honorably discharged by Maj .- Gen. Gillmore's S. O. 648, D. S. He left the regiment soon after, going home on the _frago or Fulton.
It would appear that when he went North in July, 1863, there was not sufficient time to turn over the company property to his successor; and he himself had to make returns for the whole period. It also appears that whoever had the actual command of the company during at least a portion of the time was not quite satisfied with that arrangement; and a Board of Survey was ordered, 22 Oct., to make an inventory of the company prop- erty, as found to be on hand : and this was used for a basis for " returns " by the actual commander of the company. Thus there were two sets of returns for the same company for a certain period. (This is given to create sympathy for the overworked clerks and auditors at Washington.) This complexity prevented Capt. Clark from receiving, promptly, final pay ; and it was not till March or April, 1864, that the Department at Washington became satisfied and removed the embargo.
After the war, Capt. Clark was for the greater part of the time in Boston, Mass. He died at Roxbury, Mass., 19 Oct. 1892, at 8 Elmore Street ; and the funeral services were held at that place. The body was sent to Sandwich, N. H., for interment. He left a widow, but no children. The widow resides at 290 Dudley street, Roxbury, Mass. Capt. Clark was a member of Lafayette Lodge, F. and A. M., and of Dahlgren Post 2, G. A. R. of Boston.
WALTER CODY.
He was the original 2d Lieutenant of Co. C, of Manchester. A printed order issued in August. 1861, at Concord, placed him as 1st Lieutenant (see Robt. H. Allen's Personal Sketch). At the battle of Secessionville, 16 June, he served temporarily with Co. G, and was wounded in left thigh. This ended his service with the regiment. Ile never saw it more. He was sent to Hilton Ilead. to General Hospital, and a few days later went North. to Bedloe's Island, New York Harbor. Soon as able, he was sent home on sick leave, and there remained till discharge.
He was promoted to Ist Lieutenant in September, 1862. and was as- signed to Co. C, though yet absent (wounded). He entered the Massachu- setts General Hospital for treatment, 2 Dec. 1862, and was discharged therefrom 14 March 1863. During his stay there in December, 1862, he re- ceived his discharge from the service, by S. O. 369, W. D., 29 Nov., to date 15 Nov. (as Ist Lieutenant).
In 1864 we find him as Ist Lieutenant in the Twenty-second Regiment. Veteran Reserve Corps. This was organized at Washington, D. C., 12 Jan. 1864. by consolidating the 74th, 91st, 122d, 126th, 180th, 134th, 175th. 183d, 184th and 192d companies of the First Battalion. He was transferred from this to the 82d Co. of the Second Battalion, 26 March. This company was formerly known as Co. G, Twenty-second Regiment Veteran Re- serve Corps, and was organized at Washington, D. C., in Angust, 1863, and was consolidated with the $6th Co. of the Second Battalion on 29 JJuly 1865. Cody was transferred. on 4 May 1564, to the 149th Co. of the Second Battalion. This company was organized 26 Jan. 1864; and the enlisted men were mistered out 30 June 1865 and 29 July 1865. Cody resigned 30 Nov. 1864 (as Ist Lieutenant).
These details are given for a purpose - in the main, to show the vicis- situdes of the Veteran Reserve Corps. Walter Cody was beloved and re- spected by his fellow officers and the men of his company. Cody served in the Veteran Reserve Corps: at Cleffbourn Barracks, Washington, D. C .: Fairfax Seminary Hospital, Va. : Nashville. Tenn.
Since the war he has resided at Manchester, N. H., and the larger part of the time in business as a dealer in clothing. He was born in Ireland, 24 Dec. 1837.
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THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT.
WILLIAM II. CORNELIUS.
Ile started as Ist Lieutenant of Co. D), having earned the position by assisting largely in getting up the company. During parts of March and April. 1862, he had charge of a special detail of men at Seabrook, Hilton Head Island, teaching them the use of boats and how to handle them. The entire detail was relieved 3 April 1802. He participated in the battle of James Island, 16 June 1862, and in a ereditable manner. Shortly after, he was sent North with a detail on recruiting service (see Recruiting Service). We find him at his recruiting duties at Claremont, N. II .. during August, 1862. On 24 Dec. 1862, he started to return to the regiment (Lient. Place with him) reaching it 9 Jan. 1863, by Steamer Star of the South. His health had, however. been very poor all this time, and he did not tarry long, being discharged 14 March 1863, by S. O. 143, D. S. Ile had made many friends and was missed. We find him as Ist Lieutenant in the Nineteenth Regiment, Veteran Reserve Corps, which was organized at Washington, D. C., 12 Jan. 1864, by the consolidation of the 5th, 72d. 79th, 85th, 108th, 115th, 194th, 196th, 197th and 198th companies of the First Battalion, Vet- eran Reserve Corps. The enlisted men of this regiment were mustered out at different dates, from 13 July to 16 Nov. 1865. Cornelius (1st Lieutenant) was transferred. 12 April 1864, to the Twenty-third Regiment, Veteran Re- serve Corps. The 23d was organized 12 Jan. 1864, by consolidating the 77th, 116th, 117th, 118th, 121st, 125th, 143d, 155th, 162d and 191st com- panies of the First Battalion. The enlisted men were mustered out at dif- ferent dates. 1 July to 5 Dec. 1865. His appointment was 23 Oct. 1863. IIe died in the service as Ist Lieutenant, of discase, at New Orleans. La., 13 Sept. 1567. He was born in Portsmouth, N. H., 21 Aug. 1825. A daughter lives (1890) in that city.
JOHN CLARK.
He was a substitute recruit, arriving at regiment, at Laurel IIill, 1 Jan. 1865. He was assigned to Co. F, and was one of the very few of his class receiving promotions. A Sergeant's warrant was bestowed on him 15 Feb. 1865 : so it is to be presumed he was doing well as a soldier. Again, when Swallow, the Quartermaster-Sergeant, was mustered out in June, 1865, Clark was promoted to his place, dating 1 July 1865. This position he held to the end. Whereabouts since war is unknown.
RALPH CARLTON.
He was the first Captain of Co. I .- a fine-looking fellow, with flowing, black beard, clear, black eyes, and black hair. He was about 30 years of age when he entered the army, and was from Farmington, N. II., where he recruited some 25 or more men for the regiment. Ile was a popular man, not only at home, but in the regiment as well. Was the leader of the Farmington Cornet Band when he left for the war. His military career was short, as will be seen. His Ist Lientenant (Thompson) did no duty whatever in the company. being detailed to issue the rations to the regiment. The duties of the officers all devolved upon two - Capt. Carlton and 2d Lient. Smith.
In March. 1862. Capt. Carlton, having become sick, obtained a 60 days' leave (Sherman's S. O. 123. 14 March). He turned over the company property and the command to Ist Lient. Emmons of Co. G, on the 15th, and next day started for home on the old altlantic. After staying at home, nursing up his health and being somewhat improved, he started back, taking the Steamer Oriental, which was shipwrecked off Hatteras. Capt. Carlton and, presumably, all the other passengers were saved by another steamer then bound North; and he conelded to again return home, arriving there the latter part of May. He soon started back and reached the regiment, on James Islaud, but a short time before the fight of 16 June. and resumed his command, relieving Lient. Emmons, who returned to Co. G.
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It is said he went into the James Island fight with misgivings. Be that as it may, the gallant Captain was mortally wounded in the thick of the fight by a shot, which tore away a part of his thigh and rendered amputa- tion necessary, but of no avail. A memorandum says: "Taken from the field by Atherton and Linehan." The former was of Co. I. and the latter of the Band. The useless leg was amputated at the hip, and everything was done to alleviate his sufferings and save his life; but to no purpose. He died about 11 A.M., and in the arms of John C. Linchan (now, 1890, of Penacook, N. H.), and while the tender-hearted Chaplain ( Ilill) was bathing his forehead. His body was taken to Hilton Head and buried, and soon afterward exlinmed, placed in a metallic casket, and sent North in charge of Musician Flanders of the Band. One account says the body was buried at Hilton Head (if so, in our regimental cemetery) for abont two weeks before being sent North, and taken up by A. 1). Scovell and three others of Co. I. (Scovell was afterward Hospital Steward, and now, 1890, of Man- chester, N. II.)
. Sad and solemn were the funeral services, which took place at Farmington, N. H., 6 July. The ceremonies were held in the Freewill Baptist Church. The following organizations were present and partici- pated in the last sad rites : Strafford Guards of Dover; Farmington Cornet Band; Masonic bodies : several representatives of the Grand Lodge; Morn- ing Star Lodge, Wolfboro; Unity Lodge, Wakefield ; - Lodge, Great Falls; Humane Lodge, Rochester; Strafford Lodge, Dover; Fraternal Lodge, Farmington (of which Capt. Carlton was a member) ; Firemen : Hercules Co., Farmington : Cocheco, - and Tiger Cos., Rochester. These, with the mourners, relatives and citizens, numbering several hundred, formed a procession, led by Hon. James H. Edgerly of Rochester, who acted as Chief Marshal. The services comprised reading and prayer by Rev. J. M. Palmer (Congregationalist), address by Rev. Mr. Trefren (Methodist), benediction by Rev. T. G. Salter (Episcopal) of U. S. Navy. The hymns were read by Rev. Ezekiel True. The Masonie ceremony at the grave was under the direction of Past Master A. M. Wrin. The final prayer was by Chaplain Salter.
These particulars are given for two reasons : First, because of their valne for future reference; and second, because they prove the magnitude of the loss and the great respect which those had for Capt. Carlton who knew him best. He left a widow and children.
MICHAEL P. DONLEY.
Donley was one of the original members of Co. E (Capt. Plimpton), and was mustered with that company as its wagoner. He didn't do very much " wagoning": for our teams got only as far as Long Island, and Donley himself was made a Corporal 27 Sept. 1861, at Washington. Changes during the early part of the war among the non-coms. were not very numerous, and Donley didn't get a sergeantcy till November, 1862, though there is no doubt he deserved it. He was on duty every day, almost with- out interruption. In the Morris Island siege, we find him detailed on special duty with the sharpshooters; and no doubt he made his mark there. On 4 Oct. 1863,- almost a month after the evacuation of Wagner, - the sharpshooters were disbanded, which sent Douley back to his company. He re-enlisted with the others, and had his furlongh.
le was a lively participant in the Drewry's Bluff engagements; and, shortly after (20 May 1864). was made Ist Sergeant of his company. The activities of the campaign, with attendant casualties, soon gave Donley another upward movement ; and we find him mustered as 2d Lieutenant of Co. C on 16 July, as of 12 July, his commission being dated 21 June. About this time Donley was taken siek, and was sent to the regimental hospital at Bermuda Hundred (a mile in rear of camp). He was treated there by Dr. Buzzell, then on Butler's Statt, and rejoined 1 Ang. He started with the regiment for the August actions against the recommendation of Dr. Kimball. On 16 Aug., when so many offleers (as well as men) were killed
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THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT.
and wounded, Donley was struck by a spent bullet in his right side. It is probable that Donley took command of Co. E directly after the 16 Ang. fight, as the three officers of the company - Wadlia, Eldredge and Atherton - were all wounded.
Upon the going home of the 1861 men, Donley was assigned to the command of Co. E, and remained with that company for a considerable time, including the service of the regiment at Petersburg, and the actions at Chaffin's Farm, Darbytown Road, Laurel Hill and New Market Road.
In the Fort Fisher expedition and fight, Donley commanded Co. E (and C), and continned in command (except as noted hereafter ) of that company to the end, doing good service at Sugar Loaf Hill (11 Feb. 1865) and Wil- mington (22 Feb.) He was mustered on 24 Feb. as Ist Lieutenant Co. C (assigned to E), his commission dating 28 Oct. 1864. Again, he was com- missioned as Captain. and mustered 19 May 1865, as of 25 April, his commission dating 6 April, and entered on his duties as Captain 26 April. At Wilmington he was again sick, with chills and fever.
From Wilmington large details were sent ont to gnard the railroad at different important points. Donley at one time, and for several days, had charge of a detail of about 60 men at Magnolia (Capt. Grant, of and with Sixth Connecticut, detailed there, too).
Upon the removal of regiment to Goldsborough, + June, Capt. Donley was appointed Provost Marshal of the Post by Col. Bedel, who commanded the Post by virtue of his rank. In this special duty, Capt. Donley did him- self great credit; for the duties were multifarions and perplexing, requiring great and cool judgment; and he possessed the necessary qualifications. Just how long he held the position we are unable to say; but our data places him on duty, 13 July, as General Officer of the Day, showing he had been relieved as Provost Marshal.
He came home with the regiment; and having considerable clerical ability, he assisted largely in making out the final muster-out rolls. As he got his final discharge on I Ang. 1865. Capt. Donley claims four years ser- vice, having enlisted on that particular date in 1861; and this just claim is far above the average. He was a good soldier, a good officer, brave, popular and a jovial good fellow.
Since the war, we find him at New Ipswich, N. H., where he has been Commander of the Herman Shedd Post, No. 27, G. A. R .; also Chief of Police, and a prominent citizen generally. He goes to nearly all the re- unions at Weirs, and not only enjoys himself but contributes to the enjoy- ment of others. The writer is under obligations to him for assistance in the preparation of this work, in furnishing mneh important data.
He was born at Trim, County Meath, Ireland, 29 Sept. 1837.
MICHAEL T. DONOHOE.
He was the first Captain of Co. C, recruited at Manchester, and took a prominent part in getting up the company. With the assistance of Lieuts. Allen and Cody, he kept his company well in hand, both as regards disci- pline and etliciency. Donohoe's company produced more wags than all the rest and residue of the regiment, and Donohoe himself was very near the head of the list. fle was also ably assisted by his brother Joe, who was Orderly Sergeant.
We find him, carly in January, 1862, sitting on a court-martial at Hilton Head: and it is to be presumed he did not favor quartering a man for some trivial offence. For a short time, say latter part of January and first part of February, 1862, there were 40 of his company detailed as a sort of body- guard to Gen. Sherman. This detail was substantially under Capt. Donohoe's charge, but lasted for a short time ouly - a few days, really. At Secession- ville, 16 June 1862, Capt. Donohoe led his company into this maiden engage- ment and did himself credit. In July, 1-62, while the regiment was scattered among several plantations (Co. C at Spanish Wells), Capt. Donohoe was offered and accepted the position of Colonel of the Tenth New Hampshire, a new regiment then forming and composed wholly of Irishmen. During the latter part of July he left ns, resigning for the purpose stated. (Lieut. Fogg of B succeeded him. ) He left with many regrets.
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THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT.
His commission as Colonel of the Tenth New Hampshire dates 6 Aug. 1862; and he soon after left New Hampshire with his regiment for Virginia. His regiment being stationed, in September, 1863, at or near Norfolk, Va. [Col. Steere's brigade. - 1). E.], and Col. Jackson happening to meet our (now Col. ) Donohoe there (Col. Jackson being on duty with conscripts - from Concord to Tenth New Hampshire), he at once enlisted Col. Jackson's kindly offices in obtaining for him what was then hard to secure - a leave of absence. Col. Jackson very kindly presented the claims of Col. Donohoe to Gen. . Steerc, and the desired leave was obtained. To make sure of it. Donohoe took a small tug and went to Fort Monroe, to obtain the final signatures required. Donohoe was nothing if not full of expedients to ac- complish his desires. It is said that at one time (date unknown) he was sent for, to appear at headquarters to be censured for some shortcoming; and no sooner had he got within the tent of his superior, than he began bantering him to trade watches; and ere long actually swapped time-pieces, and had taken leave before the aforesaid superior thought of the repri- mand ; - but it was then too late.
When his leave expired, having a great desire to stay North for do- mestic reasons, he was at his own solicitation ordered to duty at the Draft Rendezvous, Concord, N. H .; and being the ranking officer at the camp, he took command, 1 Oct. 1863, relieving Lieut .- Col. Hapgood, Fifth New Hamp- shire. At this place matters were too tame for Michael T., and he was sent to the front with a detachment of substitute recruits. They happened to be destined for the Third. Fourth and Seventh regiments, Department of the South ; and Donohoe and his squad arrived at the Third New Hampshire, on Morris Island, 16 Nov. (Hazen of E, Hitchcock of I. Jackman of F and Capt. Clark were with him). Col. Donohoe was warmly welcomed, by his old comrades in arms ; also by Gen. Gillmore, who at once (19 Nov.) put him in command of the Third New Hampshire. It must be remembered that Col. Jackson was in New Hampshire, Lieut .- Col. Bedel was a prisoner of war, and a part of the regiment was on provost duty. The six companies (A, C, D, E, G and K) constituted Donohoe's command. He chafed under it. He wanted to return to his regiment. His orders were to return to Con- cord after delivering the recruits; but Gen. Gillmore had exercised his mili- tary prerogative and seized him while within his Department. He not only chafed under this restraint, but got exasperated as well, and went so far as to covertly compare dates of commission with other Colonels on the island, to find a loop-hole. He was finally relieved on 28 Nov., by Capt. Clark, though he did not actually leave the island for the North till 6 Dec. He did but little further service at Concord.
We find him in action with his regiment 29 Sept. 1864. He was wounded and had a horse shot from under him, while in command of the skirmish linc. This was at Fort Harrison. Later, on the same day, we find his bri- gade commander (Gen. Burnham ) killed, and our hero succeeding him in this important position. His regiment was armed (as was the Third New Hampshire) with Spencer carbines.
In January, 1865 (dating the 18th), Col. Donohoe was discharged for disability while absent, and (presumably ) under authority of the same order which caused the discharges of Capt. Houghton and Lient. Hazen of Third New Hampshire. The order thus discharging him was revoked by S. (. 100, W. D. A brevet, as Brigadier-General of Volunteers, was conferred upon him by Congress, dating 13 March, 1865. for " gallant conduct in the field."
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