USA > New Hampshire > The Third New Hampshire and all about it, pt 2 > Part 29
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Ou Botany Bay Island his health grew rapidly worse, the Southern climate not agreeing with him. He resigned, and was discharged by S. O. 258, D. S., 9 May 1863; but he did not receive it, however, till the 12th, on which day he turned over the company to Lient. Smith. He soon after bade good-bye to his comrades in arms, all regretting his departure, and the cause thereof, as well. He went North on the Ben Deford (a number of furloughed men on same steamer).
Lieut. Fogg was born at Epping, N. II., 31 Dec. 1831. He was at Daufuskie, Bluffton and Pocotaligo, but not at Jehossee Island, nor with the lumber expedition to Florida in January, 1863. Ile has made his home at Exeter, N. H., since the war.
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THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT.
GEORGE H. GIDDINGS.
" Gid," as the boys alinost always called him (unofficially, of course), was born at Exeter, N. H., 3 April 1834. He was one of the original cor- porals in Co. B (Capt. Wilbur's company). For some frivolous reason he was deprived of his warrant while the regiment was at Washington, in September, 1861; but it was restored to him in the following month, at Annapolis.
After the battle of James Island (16 June 1862), he carried the colors for awhile. He also served for a few months in the Signal Corps, being detached for that purpose. In October he was made Sergeant. After the siege of Wagner, in which he took part, he was, with others, granted a fur- lough for good conduct. On 7 Sept. he was, as Acting Ist Sergeant, in command of his company ( B) and was part and parcel of the " forlorn hope."
He was made Ist Sergeant 25 Nov. 1863, rice Lamprey, promoted. He re-enlisted in February, 1864, and again had the privilege of going on furlough. Being at home, he did not participate in the Florida campaign of April. 1864.
In Virginia, he was in the Drewry's Bluff fights, 13-16 May 1864, with Co. B. On 6 June he was mnstered as 2d Lieutenant, as of 30 May, his commission being dated 24 May, rice Hazen, promoted. Regimental order No. 4, issued in July, assigned him to Co. A.
He was engaged on 16 Aug. and was slightly wounded in left leg, but did not go farther than the regimental hospital. On recovering suffi- ciently for duty, he was detached (29 Ang.) and placed in charge of the Ambulance Corps of the First Division, Tenth Army Corps, by S. O. 111, C. Hdgrs., the position assigned to Lieut. Davis, and declined by him on account of ill health. This duty he continued upon until 18 Oct., on which date he was mustered as 1st Lieutenant (not dating backwards), on com- mission dated 12 Oct., rice Lamprey, died of wounds. He then rejoined his company (now K). In November. apparently, he was in command of K and B.
In December, 1864, and Jannary and February. 1865. he is reported as commanding Co. B. He was with the regiment at Fort Fisher. On 3 March 1865, he was mustered as Captain of Co. K, rice Stearns, discharged, his muster not dating backwards and his commission dating 4 Jan. He remained on duty with Co. K to the final muster-ont.
Capt. Giddings is now (1890) a resident of Cambridge, Mass. In ad- dition to the actions named, Giddings was at James Island, 16 June 1862; Pocotaligo, 22 Oet. ; Bluffton ; Daufuskie; Morris Island, 10, 11, 18 July 1863 ; 2, 9, 16, 25 June 1864. Ile was not with the Florida lumber expedition.
HENRY C. HANDERSON.
He was the original 2d Lieutenant of Co. G (Capt. Wiggin), which was largely from Ossipee and surrounding towns. At the muster-in of the company Handerson was absent, probably on short leave, and is not borne on the muster-in rolls of the company. On his return, shortly after, he was mustered separately (separate rolls), though no copy is on file at the State Honse.
In May, 1862, we find him promoted to 1st Lieutenant, at Edisto Island, and in command of Co. G ( Emmons in command of I, Carlton on leave). Hle continued in command of Co. G till about 15 June, when he turned over the company to C'apt. Emmons ( Carlton of I having returned). Inasmuch as Capt. Emmons was off duty ( sick in quarters), Lieut. Handerson commanded G in the James Island fight (16 June). In this battle, Lient. Handerson received the compliments of the rebels in the shape of a slight bullet wound, which ploughed a furrow from wrist to elbow. This did not prevent his doing duty. About the middle of September, 1862, he was detailed ( with others) to go North on recruiting service, from which he returned in January, 1863, joining the regiment at Hilton Head.
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Ile was duly commissioned Captain, the document arriving 30 March 1863 (G and HI, at Hilton Head). He was mustered next day, and went to his company (K), then on Pinckney Island (seven companies there). In this he relieved Lient. Smith. He remained as Captain of Co. K to the end of his service. He was with the company in the 10 July 1863 action ; also in the assault on Wagner, IS July. The writer well remembers seeing him, and being very near him in the latter action. The Morris Island campaign made serious inroads upon his health, and to such an extent that he deemed it advisable to resign. This he did during the early part of Septen- ber, 1863, shortly after the evacuation of Wagner (7 Sept.) It was ac- cepted, and he was honorably discharged 18 Sept., S. O. 533, D. S. Within a few days thereafter he left the island for the North, cia Hilton Head (Capt. Emmons accompanied, also discharged).
Capt. Handerson was well liked by his men and brother officers. He was of few words, and those were well put together and always meant something. He had a tendency, at times, to be taciturn, though this was wholly unattended by moroseness. After the war, he became postmaster at Keene. N. H. It was while holding this position that he took his own life. This was superinduced by a sunstroke that he received during the summer of 1873, while on a fishing trip on Lake Champlain. This fearful act occurred 12 June 1874, at Keene, where he left a wife and daughter. He was born at Chesterfield, N. H., 4 March 1828.
JOHN H. HITCHCOCK. .
Ile was the original 3d Sergeant of Co. I (Capt. Carlton). He was afterward promoted to 1st Sergeant, and re-enlisted; but his almost imme- diate promotion to 2d Lieutenant eut him off from the furlongh. After the charge on Fort Wagner (18 July 1863), he was sent North with a party after conscripts (Col. Jackson in charge, and the writer one of them). At the capture of the blockade runner off Wilmington, 23 July, Sergt. Hitchcock was one of the boarding party. On arriving at New York. he was also one of the party of twelve sergeants (two reliefs of six each) who bore Gen. Strong (mortally wounded) to his residence in upper New York.
Sergt. Hitchcock, after performing the duties required at Concord, re- joined the regiment 16 Nov., going to it with about 200 recruits, the whole in command of Col. Donohoe (see main story ). Within a few days after his return, he was ordered to act as 2d Lieutenant. We find him on 21 Nov. acting as Officer of the Guard. On 3 Feb. 1864. he was mustered as 2d Lieutenant, to date 20 Jan., his commission being dated 6 Jan. Ile took the place of Parker, promoted to Ist Lieutenant. While assigned to Co. C, in March (re-enlisted men gone). we find him on daty with Co. B. He passed through the Florida campaign (mounted), and was with the regiment when the Virginia campaign was begun, and continued through to 23 Ang. 1864.
In June he was again promoted, being mustered on the 3d to grade of Ist Lieutenant, as of 29 May (commission dated 21 May), vice Button, killed at Drewry's Bluff. He went then on duty with Co. I, and was proba- bly with that company in the 16 Ang. engagement. On 23 Ang., when the 1861 men's time expired, Lient. Hitchcock was one of the fortunate officers ordered home with them. This was equivalent to a leave of absence (S. O. 231, D). Idqrs.) He returned on or before 19 Sept. In December, he had charge of the firing party which executed Brown of G for desertion. He also had charge of firing party in case of Miller of F, at Jacksonville, Fla.
He went to Fort Fisher with the expedition, but was - perhaps fortu- nately for him - on special duty at the time of the assault on that strong- hold, in charge of a detail of about 20 men from the regiment, as guard over a lot of commissary stores near the beach. (Some say on picket. )
Soon after the capture of Fort Fisher he was sent North with prison- ers, and had a peculiar experience. As nearly as can be learned, the story is in substance as follows : Of the persons taken at Fort Fisher, 101 officers were placed on board a large steam transport (said to be the California) ; and
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THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT.
our Lieutenant, with a detail of 30 men from the regiment (27 privates and 3 corporals), was placed in command of them. Before the preparations for departure were complete- even before Lieut. Hitchcock was served with an order and instructions - a storm arose, and the steamer was driven out to sea. Here was a dilemma. No rations, no order, no instructions! An Insufficient gnard, too ! Rebel officers to the number of 101, and a guard of 30! They were to be taken North; but where? No communication could be had with the land; so Lient. Hitchcock directed the Captain to proceed North as rapidly as possible, he agreeing to use the vessel's provisions until relief could be had. Fortress Monroe was the nearest point; and for that they steamed. There they obtained rations and an additional gnard (some regulars) : and a consultation was also had with officers stationed there. Upon advice, Lient. Hitchcock steered for Fort Delaware; but was unable to get there, on account of the ice in the bay. Another dilemma, another consultation with the Captain of the steamer, and they started for New York. Lieut. Hitchcock says that in starting on this duty he realized the difficulties and duties he must cope with, aside from those of a maritime nature. Ilere were 101 rebel officers, and only 30 men for guard duty. Lieut. Hitchcock's good sense and judgment came in play, and successfully. He obtained and retained throughout the voyage complete control over the prisoners. He did this by at once ordering the entire party below, and keeping them there, permitting a very limited number at a time to come on deck for air. Arriving at New York, the prisoners were landed at Fort Columbus; and Lieut. Hitchcock returned, stopping at Fort Monroe to land his borrowed gnard. Here his steamer was turned over to the Quartermas- ter's Department, and he and his guard were furnished transportation to Fort Fisher. He received the personal thanks of his superior officers for his suc- cessful management of the affair.
We have now to relate the sad part of his military career. Early in February, 1865, charges were preferred against him by Maj. Trickey, Commanding Regiment, to Gen. Terry ; and the finale was a dismissal from the service, without trial, by S. O. 20, Hdqrs. Dist. N. C. and Ohio, 3 March 1865, at Wilmington, N. C. During the pendency of these charges, Lient. Hitchcock did not participate in any engagement. Singularly enough. too, his commission as Captain was issued ; but his dismissal ent off any advance- ment to new grade. It is proper to add to this that there was no personal feeling of enmity in the regiment against Hitchcock, but a general feeling of pity and of sympathy. Neither is there any appreciable amount of ad- verse criticism upon the action of Maj. Trickey.
Since the war, say in 1888-9, and probably an earlier date as well, Lieut. Hitchcock endeavored, by petition, to have his dismissal revoked, and granted an honorable discharge. This was signed not only by Maj. Trickey himself, but by a large number of other officers as well, but with what result is not known at this writing. It is to be hoped that Lieut. Hitchcock's de- clining years may be made more peaceful, if possible, by the granting of this great desire of his heart, to which, it is safe to say, few, if any, Third New Hampshire officers or men will make objection.
Ilitcheock was born in Sandy Hill, N. Y .. 1 April 1827. His residence was, in 1890, at Winchendon, Mass. He was at Bluffton, Danfuskie, Jehossee, Etlisto, James Island ( but not in the action of 16 June 1862, on account of sickness) and Pocotaligo.
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THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT.
JOHN M. HEAD.
Head started as one of the sergeants in Co. B (Capt. Wilbur). We find him sick at Bailey's Wharf, on Edisto Island, 27 May 1862 (Lieuts. Ayer and Jackson there, too). This was when we were getting ready to go to James Island, ria John's Island, and the sick were being concentrated at the landing on Edisto. On 30 Aug. (Hilton Head), he was ordered to act as 2d Lieutenant, pending the arrival of his commission as such. This came to hand about 16 Oct., being dated 22 Aug.
In March, 1863, he was transferred to Co. C (Pinckney Island). On 11 June, we find him at St. Helena Island; and a few days later (18 June) detached for duty in the Signal Corps, and stationed at Hilton Head (S. O. 46, D. S.) He served at various signal stations in the Department, and at one time was at Fort Pulaski (Forty-eighth New York there), where he by some unfortunate combination of circumstances was put in arrest by the officer in command of the forces, and so remained for several weeks. He was finally released from arrest and restored to duty, without formality, no charges having been preferred. Signal duty was peculiar; and much frietion was caused all over the Department, from the fact that the signal officers and men were not subject to the orders of whoever happened along, holding higher rank. It is related of Lient. Head that, being on signal station at Folly Island, and in the district presided over by Gen. Vogdes, that redoubt- able General undertook to direct our hero just a little at first, only asking what the message was he (Head) was sending. Head's reply was inelegant, but right to the point : " None.of your d-d business!" Vogdes was not inside his uniform ; but his general's blood was fairly boiling as he squeaked out (his voice was peculiarly squeaky), "Perhaps you don't know who I am. I am Gen. Vogdes." " I don't care a d-n who you are; you can't have this despatch," said Head. " I order you under arrest," said Vogdes. "Order, and be d-d." said the undaunted Head. Meanwhile the signal flag was being thrashed about. conveying war news to Gen. Gillmore on Morris Island. Head declared Vogdes' act to be good war news, and sent it along to Gillmore, who sent a mounted staff officer as quickly as possible and directed Vogdes to let the signal officers and the flaggers alone. On 10 Sept. 1863 he visited the regiment, on Morris Island. On 21 Nov. 1863 he wrote a letter to Capt. Ayer, signing himself " Acting Signal Officer, Department South," and dating it " Lookout Signal Station, Folly Island."
Ile never returned to the regiment for duty, but resigned in March, 1864, reaching New York on his way home 7 April 1864, on the irago. Head made his home after the war at Exeter, N. H. He became deranged, and suicided 3 Dec. 1884. at Exeter. N. II., at the Granite House. He was born 3 April 1829, at Pembroke, N. H.
ALFRED J. HILL.
He was our original Adjutant. His service in the Mexican War in Co. C, Ninth U. S. Infantry (with Lient .- Col. Jackson, Maj. Bedel and Capt. Littlefield, of our regiment), pre-eminently titted him for the position to which he was commissioned. He was born at Durham, N. H., 1 JJuly 1804. At Coneord, 24 Aug. 1861, his friends in Portsmouth presented him with an elegant sword, belt, sash. etc.
His health began to fail as soon as we were fully installed at Hilton Head (January, 1862), and prior to our removal to Edisto ( April) he tendered his resignation. This was not accepted. probably because Gen. Sherman was very slow to accept resignations and thus decimate his force. Later, after we had removed to Edisto, he again sent in his resignation ; and it was accepted (dated 14th ; received about 20 April 1862). 2d Lieut. T. M. Jackson was appointed to act in his place temporarily.
He died at Portsmouth, N. H., 1 April 1889, and was buried in the Harmony Grove Cemetery, in that city. Storer Post No. 1, G. A. R., offici- ated at the last sad ceremony. He was a charter member of that Post. Hle left a son.
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THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT.
CHARLES S. HAZEN.
Hazen was the original Ist Corporal of Co. E (Capt. Plimpton). Two days prior to the battle of James Island (16 June 1862) he was promoted to Sergeant, going into the fight with that rank. He also was present at the Pocotaligo tight (21 Oct.) He was with Capt. Gray's (Seventh New Hamp- shire) party, that failed to capture the pickets.
Early in January, 1863, he went to Florida on the "lumber expedition." He was at Bluffton, and was in charge of the rear guard (eight men) when the regiment returned to its boats. Ile was also at Daufuskie Island, going on the boat with Capt. Plimpton. Was in the actions of 10 and 18 July. Next day he was ordered to act as 2d Lieutenant.
He was one of the detail (Col. Jackson, the writer and others) sent North in July, for conseripts, being stationed at Concord, N. H. From there he went with detachments of recruits to their several regiments, and finally returned to his own regiment (with a detachment - its first), and remained with it. While absent on this duty he received a 2d Lieutenant's com- mission, and served as such. On 24 Nov. 1863 (a week after his return) he was mustered into his new grade as of 18 Nov. 1863, rice Kirwin, promoted. A day or two prior to his departure North, as above related, he was ordered to act as 2d Lieutenant, the regiment being short of officers for duty.
On his muster as 2d Lieutenant he was assigned to Co. D. When the re-enlisted men went North on furlough, Hazen was assigned to duty with E (his original company). He was with the regiment in its mounted experience (though temporarily assigned to A in March). during March and the greater part of April, 1864. He went with the four companies (A, D, II and K) to Palatka, commanding D, Capt. Maxwell of that company being in command of the whole.
In the Virginia campaign, Lieut. Hazen was wounded on 13 May 1864 (first day of the Drewry's Bluff fights). His injury was to his right eye, caused by a comrade firing his gun too closely to his (Ilazen's) head. Hazen claims that the injury was permanent, and the sight destroyed. Though able on that night ( 13th) to assist the surgeons, his disability became quite apparent on the next day, and he started in the morning for Bermuda Hundred, our old camp, and consequently was not in action 14-16 May. Again he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and mustered 3 June as of 29 May, his commission being dated 24 May, rice Wadsworth, promoted, and was assigned to Co. F.
He was in the sortie of 2 June, when our rifle-pits were retaken from the rebels, and was also with the regiment ? Inne, near Petersburg, his com- pany (E) being on the skirmish line. He was also with the regiment 25 June (down the river ). During the fight of 16 June he was at the camp (wounded, 13 May). When the old 1861 men were mnstered out, 23 Ang., Lient. Hazen was ordered home with them - equal to a leave of absence (S. O. 231, D. Hdqrs., 20 days). While on this leave he was taken sick, obtained a sur- geon's certificate and forwarded it to the regiment, where it arrived 15 Sept. This was soon followed by his resignation (received 2 Oct.) Not hearing from this, and having been absent the extreme limit of time permitted under G. O., W. D., he returned to the regiment 18 Nov. At the end of that month he was in command of Co. F. but reported as siek in quarters. In the meantime he had failed to report at Washington, D. C. (from New Hamp- shire), where all who are absent without leave (this was technical) were ordered to report within fifteen days. or stand dismissed from the service. It is supposable that Hazen did not know of this particular order. This being the situation, he was dismissed for absence without leave by S. O. 166, W. D., 5 Dec. 1864. This order was received at the regiment during January, 1865, and he was accordingly dropped from the regimental returns at the end of January. 1865. as having been dismissed (Co. F). Again, his case was further mixed up by his dismissal being revoked by a War Depart- Inent order of 3 April 1-65. "he having been previously discharged." His actual discharge was by S. 0. 64, Army of the James, 17 Dec. 1864, at which time he was with Co. E.
Born in Princeton, Mass., 11 June 1840.
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THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT.
WILLIAM E. HAMMETT.
Hammett was an original Musician of Co. A. At Annapolis, 11 Oct. 1861, he was made Corporal; and on Morris Island, 4 Aug. 1863, he was promoted to Sergeant. He re-enlisted in that grade, receiving his furlough. Again, in August, 1864, he was advanced to Ist Sergeant. After the North Carolina campaign was over. he was commissioned as 2d Lieutenant, rice McCoy, promoted, the commission being dated 24 Jan. 1865, and his muster taking place 27 April, as of 1 March. He was mustered for the unexpired term of the regiment, with Co. Il, and he so remained to the end.
Hle was born 13 Jan. 1839, at Manchester, England. Married 19 Nov. 1866, at Manchester, N. H. Died at Boston, Mass., 13 Nov. 1880, and is buried at Forest Hills, near that city. Hammett was a member of the Firemen's Relief Association of Boston, and the Association attended the last sad rites. By trade, Hammett was a entler, and an expert in his line. He left a widow and three children. In 1892, the widow was at Amoskeag, N. H.
JOHN R. HYNES.
Hynes was one of those peculiarly organized fellows who made few if any enemies. His occupation at the breaking out of the war was that of a reporter (said to have been the chief ) on the Manchester Mirror, an ably con- ducted and thriving paper. He is said to have held this position nine years. During the war-at least during his stay with the Third New Hampshire - he was a correspondent, and his letters appeared quite regularly in the Mirror.
Hynes was the original 2d Lientenant of Co. A (Capt. Clark and 1st Lieut. A. H. Libby). When Libby went on sick leave, in the Spring of 1862 (Capt. Clark being absent too, on recruiting service), Hynes took Co. A, being himself relieved by Capt. Clark on his return (5 May, at Edisto).
Meantime Ist Lieut. Maxwell had, a part of the time, been with Co. A; but it would appear that Lieut. Hynes kept charge of the company property, as the returns of Co. A show that he turned over the property to Capt. Clark, 5 May 1862.
Hynes must have been ill or on some special duty, as he did not go to James Island with the regiment, but reached it (the regiment), about 10 June 1862. Was in the James Island tight, 16 June, with his company (A).
We do not find aught about him again till August, 1862, when Lieut. Thompson (who had from the beginning acted as Commissary) died; and Hynes was at once installed into his place. The order in the case was R. 0. 60, of 27 Aug. This class of work agreeing with him, he was on 7 Sept. made an Acting Quartermaster, to serve during the absence of Quartermaster Nesmith on sick leave. Hynes seemed well adapted to these two depart- ments, being methodical, careful and trustworthy.
On the discharge of Nesmith, Hynes was made Quartermaster. This did not actually occur till June, 1863. In the meantime Nesmith returned and assumed his position for a very short time. The appointment, however, dated back to November, 1862.
Hynes' busiest time was when the regiment was mounted ; and notwith- standing the arduous duties connected with the mounting, maintaining and transporting of this immense body of horse-flesh, and soldier and saddle, he maintained his equanimity and deserved well for so doing.
In Virginia, in September, 1864, he became imbued with a great desire for promotion. Obtaining a leave of absence, he left us about 11 Sept., returning about 25 Sept., having either in his inside pocket or equivalent to it a commission as Captain and A. Q. M. Vols. Hynes was happy ; and well he might be. The appointment dated 20 Sept. He left us about the 28th, bearing the good wishes of all. On 29 Sept., Lient. Parker was Acting Quartermaster. Hynes' discharge from the Third New Hampshire was 28 Sept. His services as a Captain and A. Q. M. are especially noteworthy.
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THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT.
The Army and Navy Journal of 21 April 1866 says : "Capt. J. R. Hynes, who is working under the direction of Col. Ludington of the Quartermaster's Department (at Washington), has been engaged for the last three months in removing the remains of the Union soldiers from the differ- ent parts of Virginia to the National Cemetery at Arlington, and has identi- fied and removed about 16,000 bodies. In the neighborhood of 200 graves have been reported to Col. Indington. which are scattered around Dames- town, Rockville and Poolesville, Md., where men were buried who died of wounds at the houses of citizens in the vicinity of the different battle-fields. Capt. Hynes' force will soon commence the removal of these, either to Arlington or to the nearest cemetery." A memorandum says: "26 May 1866 : Hynes has now been ordered to report to Brevet Lieut .- Col. J. M. Moore, A. Q. M., for similar duty in the vicinity of Richmond."
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