USA > New Hampshire > The Third New Hampshire and all about it, pt 2 > Part 30
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From a book entitled, " Military Record," Vol. I., page 347, it would appear that he was on duty at one time at the Rendezvous of Distribution (i.e., Alexandria, Va.)
He was brevetted Major and Lieutenant-Colonel of Volunteers for faithful and meritorious services during the war, to date 13 March 1865. G. 0. 37, Q. M. G., 12 May 1866, ordered Capt. Hynes to proceed to his home, preparatory to muster-out. There is no evidence that he did not obey this order, and patiently wait the result. He was mustered out as of 1 May 1867, under the provisions of G. O. 79, W. D., 1 May 1865; and this was promulgated by S. O. 354, 13 July 1867. This latter was the real order discharging him.
Hynes was apparently a citizen ; but go slow, reader, as to inferences. Hynes had, foreseeing the final discharge, put the machinery in motion to continue him in the service. We find him appointed as 2d Lieutenant in the Twenty-fourth U. S. Infantry (in the reorganization of the army), in June, 1867, and ordered to Vicksburg, Miss., as Post Quartermaster. His appointment is apparently 22 June 1867. He was promoted to Ist Lieu- tenant in same regiment 5 Oct. 1867; and on 25 April 1869, we find him unassigned. It is presumed that in the further reorganization (i.e., reduc- tion and reorganization), Lieut. Hynes was one of the surplus, and was sent home unassigned, to wait awhile to see if wanted; or, later, to be finally discharged. While waiting, Lieut. Hynes died, 31 Oct. 1870, at Manchester, N. H.
The records say : September, 1869, unassigned, but on duty in Fifth Military District; again, in January, 1870, unassigned, but on duty in Fifth Military District. By this it would appear that at least a portion of the time that he waited to see what would be done with him, he was on duty of . some kind, probably nominal.
Lieut. Hynes was buried at Manchester, N. H., in Valley Cemetery, within fifty feet of the monument erected to memory of Adjt. Libby. The stone is inscribed : " Capt. John R. Ilynes. Died Oct. 31, 1870, aged 34 yrs., 5 months. 'Rest, Soldier, rest ; thy warfare is over.'"
Hynes' widow, Lucia A., remarried, and in 1890 she resided at Exeter, N. H. She has a danghter, Gertrude Hynes (living at Exeter), who is a member of the Woman's Relief Corps.
VARNUM H. HILL.
Was an original private in Co. K (Capt. Littlefield). He was, with others, put into the company for the purpose of filling it up. He did no duty with Co. K, for the reason that he was at once detailed for duty with the Quartermaster in a clerical capacity, in which line he was very efficient. This continned to 19 JJan. 1863, when he was made Quartermaster-Sergeant (as of 1 Jan.), rier Brainard, commissioned.
Hill was destined to rise, and did so. He received a commission as Captain and A. Q. M. of Vols .. dated 29 Feb. 1864, and at once proceeded to his new field of labor. This was in a Western department, in which he served with great credit, filling highly important positions of great trust and responsibility. Unfortunately for hin, he was taken prisoner, and by the
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merest chance was confined at Columbia Jail, S. C .. in which was also Lieut .- Col. Bedel. By a curious chain of circumstances, one discovered the presence of the other; and they each fell npon the other's neck, and not only wept for joy, but actually kissed each other like school girls after a vacation.
Another singular circumstance was Hill's exchange, which took place at North East Ferry, N. C., at which place the regiment was on duty, about 1 March 1865. The greetings were most cordial. He was discharged, finally, by S. O. 637, W. D., 13 Dee. 1865. Ile did not receive his eom- mission till May, 1864, and served with Third New Hampshire till then.
Since the war he has resided for the greater part of the time in Boston, Mass., where he now is (1890).
HENRY HILL.
[To treat of the Chaplain, without treating of chaplains in general, and of Sunday schools, of prayer meetings, of burials and some other subjects, is well-nigh impossible; and hence the following can hardly be called a sketch of Henry Hill, but rather a chapter on Chaplains, ete. - D.E.]
Henry Hill was born 13 Feb. 1819, at Claremont, N. H. We find that for two years prior to the organization of the Third New Hampshire he was Pastor of the M. E. Church on Elm Street, Manchester, N. H. His appoint- ment to the regiment dates 15 Ang. 1861; and he was mustered with the Field and Staff a few days later and given sole charge of the morals of the regiment. The rank of a chaplain was one of those indeterminate matters that was clouded in a sort of halo all through the war.
G. O. 15, 4 May 1861, W. D., decreed that he (i.e., Chaplains) should " receive the pay and allowances of a Captain of Cavalry." G. O. 44, W. D., 13 July, provided that chaplains should be mustered in like common. ordinary mortals; and G. O. 102, W. D., 25 Nov., provided that the uniform of a chaplain should be a plain frock coat, with standing collar, and one row of nine black buttons; plain black pantaloons : plain black hat, or army forage cap without ornament ; and on special occasions of ceremony a plain chapeau debras may be worn.
Chaplain Hill took hold of the work assigned him, and early reviewed the men to find the material for a nucleus. Before leaving Concord, he had found the men (really officers and men) to aid, assist and give him moral support.
We had only fairly become straightened out at Mineola. L. I., ere he had a prayer meeting (7 Sept.) His heart was gladdened on the arrival of the Eighth Maine, to find that its Chaplain was a Methodist; and they held sweet commimion together. not only then, but later, as the regiment was with (or near) us at various times.
At Washington, our Chaplain made his mark: for whenever we had dress parade with services following, a large crowd assembled, in part to see the regimeut and in part to hear the Chaplain. It was in Washington that Chaplain Hill's heart was greatly rejoiced by the conversion of several of the men. culminating in their publie baptism, on Sunday, 29 Sept. As this was the first and only occurrence of its kind in the regiment, it is given some prominence. At Annapolis. Chaplain Hill strenously opposed a pro- position for the regiment to be stationed there permanently.
It very naturally fell to the lot of the Chaplain to act as postmaster, though there appears no regulation or order requesting it. This condition was found to exist, and a remedy was applied by G. D. 23. Hdqrs. Army, A. G. O., 3 March 1>62. This order directed the commanding officer of each regiment or brigade to appoint a trustworthy agent to receive all letters from soldiers containing valuable enclosures. Each to be prepaid by stamps; and also a registration fee of five cents was required. The ap- pointee was to deliver at nearest post-office daily. or as often as the mail was forwarded therefrom. He was to make duplicate lists - one for the postmaster. one for himself: the latter to be receipted by the postmaster. and then retained by the appointec, and the former remained with the post- master (likewise the registration fee). Chaplain Hill was appointed to the position 2 April.
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Chaplain Hill did not accompany the regiment when it went on the reconnaissance to Daufuskie and the Savannah river early in 1862; but re- mained behind to look after our mail and get it to us. This he did cia Brad- dock's Point. We had a good mail while on Danfnskie, thanks to his energy. Later in the same month, the Chaplain accompanied the regiment (the larger part went - Co. K did not) to Bluffton, and really having a good time for several days among the several islands lying between our forces and the mainland. The Chaplain enjoyed this; for a diary . not his) says : " Sunday, 23 March 1862 . . . . the Chaplain preached and prayed . .. . went ont and shot some cattle
Not long after we landed at Hilton Head, the Chaplain undertook the erection of a log elmrch, being willingly assisted by many able hands. A diary says : " 1 Jan. 1862, prayer meeting in our new church in evening." The Chaplain's diary shows that they worked on the new church the next day, thus proving it was not completed.
On Sunday, 12 Jan. 1862, he organized a Sunday school; and a week later there were four classes arranged. the Chaplain taking one, and the other three being in charge of Dr. Moulton, Capt. Plimpton (E) and Capt. Randlett (F).
G. O. 90, W. D., 26 July, provided that all chaplains held as prisoners of war by the United States be immediately discharged, the principle being recognized that chaplains should not be so held. This needs no comment. G. O. 91, W. D., 29 July (really an Act of Congress), provided that no per- son be appointed a chaplain who is not a regularly-ordained minister of some religions denomination ; and must present testimonials of his good standing as a minister, and recommended by some ecclesiastical body, or by not less than five accredited ministers belonging to the particular religious denomination. It further provided that the compensation of all chaplains shall " hereafter " be $100 per month, and two rations a day when on duty. Another provision was that within 30 days after receipt of the order, an in- quiry should be instituted as to the fitness, efficiency and qualifications of
chaplains ; and all who were not properly appointed, and who have not faithfully discharged their duties. to be at once mustered out. Chaplains were also placed on a par with commissioned officers as to leaves of absence.
A letter of 29 Jan., abont the Sunday school. says Capt. Randlett has received about 200 books from Nashua. (This inserted to show the interest taken in the matter, both in and out of the regiment.)
Sometime prior to April, 1862, Chaplain Hill was formally appointed an agent of the Adams' Express Company; and this, with the mail, made him a deal of work. 19 April, he sent off from Edisto 316 packages of money and 116 boxes, the former amounting to over $20,000.
Another duty of the Chaplain was to visit the sick in the hospital or tent, minister to their spiritual and temporal comfort. and be with the dying, administering such consolation as was in his power. His diary of 27 April 1862 says : " Sunday services; talked and prayed with Mr. Copp (a nurse in the hospital), who died at 9.30 P.M."
On Edisto, our Chaplain was sick, but did not wholly go off duty. His diary of 22 May 1862, says : " Regiment ordered to be ready to move; feel some better ; hope I may be allowed to go with regiment." [Ie did go; and during the march across John's Island he. as he says, got immersed with all the others. whether they believed in immersion or not. At James Island his two particular services were in the line of assisting the wounded of 16 June 1562, and in taking our money as express agent. (a few days later) while the shells of the enemy were being tossed about with a deal of carelessness, causing considerable anxiety among the express agents. The Chaplain was far from happy during the time (parts of July and August), the regiment was scattered among the outposts. On reuniting, he says (a little later ) : " 13 Sept., put up a place for worship, and spent some time with the new recruits."
Referring to the order to inquire into the efficiency of chaplains (pre- vionsly noted , the Chaplain entered in his diary : " 19 Sept. 1862 : Have just learned of a committee to look after chaplains. This committee are three men opposed personally to their own chaplains . . a fine committee!
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The Chaplain was ill again in Angust and September 1862, but managed to attend the funerals not only of those in the Third New Hampshire, but frequently in the Eighth Maine.
He wa . tou ill to go to Pocotaligo 21 Oct. On 23 Nov. he preached, for first time in three months. A few days later (27th, Thanksgiving Day) was called upon to officially visit the man (Lunt) about to be executed. This be accepted, declining an invitation to Fort Pulaski (fete and festival).
We have omitted to state in its proper place, that when a small squad of recruits (16) arrived, 4 May, at Edisto, it included the Chaplain's son, James W., who had enlisted as a drummer and was assigned to Co. A. Out of deference to his father. he was placed on duty with him, assisting him in his mail and express matters. He was also able to assist his father materially when ill. This must have been a great comfort to both, and the assignment was duly appreciated.
Early in January, 1868, the Surgeon advised the Chaplain to obtain a sick leave and go North; but later, we find he obtained a sick leave and left Hilton Head, 31 Jan. 1863, for Fernandina, Fla., on the Delaware. He re- turned 8 Feb., after extending this trip as far as St. Augustine.
While the regiment was at Botany Bay Island (April, May and June) the Chaplain had so far recovered his health that he was able to go with the foraging parties; and a most efficient forager he proved.
On 31 May there was a religious field day; for not only did the Rev. Mr. Mattison and Rev. MIr. Wilson of the Christian Commission both preach, but there was also a largely attended Bible class, the Sunday school, and in the evening a prayer meeting.
When at St. Helena, in June, he procured a tent from Quartermaster Elwell for religious meetings ; and on the 20th was putting up the frame for his church. At Morris Island, after the taking of the lower end (10 July), the Chaplain was busy for some time in assisting to bring in the dead of both armics.
The Chaplain was sympathetic, and at the same time jealous of the rights of the men. His diary of 14 July says: "Not one night's rest since we left Folly . ... went to Folly after Dr. Buzzell." Again, on the 16th, he says : " The men do well; but for want of sleep and food, many are sick." About this time his health began to wane again, and on 13 Sept. he was " sick ahed."
On 11 Nov. he was ordered North by Gen. Gillmore, with despatches, and left Hilton Ilead on the Arago the next forenoon. After delivering his despatches (to whom unknown, or what they were) he proceeded in good order to hi. home, and enjoyed a brief rest, fairly earned. He rejoined the regiment at, Morris Island, 11 Dec. It must not be supposed that during the active service the Chaplain omitted to have religions service of some kind, whenever occasion offered. Hle surely did not so omit. 27 Dec. he had, as his diary says. a good prayer meeting. Nor must he fail to receive due credit for his exertions for the comfort of the men during the siege, in the line of obtaining and distributing the generous gifts of the Sanitary Commission. In this he was indefatigable. These gifts comprised ice, beef, tea, etc.
On the return of the regiment to Hilton Head, to be mounted (29 Feb. 1864), Chaplain Hill's services were again in demand. It was well known that he was an excellent judge of horses; and he was one of the most con- spienous lignes during the selection of our steeds. His opinion, quickly given after putting his eye upou an animal, was of value and hardly ever failed.
His diary of 4 March 1864 says: " Went to corral and looked over the horses." Again, 7 March : " Went to Beanfort for horses; got 90 and returned weary." Again. 8 March : " Got me a horse, and helped officers select theirs. Worked hard in doing for all." Again, 9 March : " Selected 70 horses, and have more than I can do for others." One more will suffice, 10 March : " Aided in selecting, and helped match and fit horses for com- panies." In the midst of this horse business comes the entry in his diary, 6 March : "Hav n't got prayer meetings a-going yet."
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The Chaplain was with the regiment in Florida, where he was consider- ably exercised about the desertions among the substitutes, and especially so at the execution of one of their number ( Miller) caught in the act. Miller did not (i.e., would not) receive any appreciable amount of spiritual con- solation during his last hours on earth.
In Virginia, our Chaplain was on hand to attend to the particular duties assigned him, both by order and by custom and prerogative. His diary, from which liberal quotations have been made in the main story, teems all through with sorrow, whenever circumstances were such that no religions services could be held; and he was correspondingly elated at the opposite.
After the action of 16 Aug. 1864 he accompanied Lient .- Col. Plimpton's body to place of burial and assisted in the preparation of the grave. This was his, as well as Lient .- Col. Plimpton's, last fight.
Chaplain Hill was duly mustered out at the expiration of his term, 23 Aug., and, being given his discharge the next day, went home with the other men (mustered out).
He was the only officer who had served continuously for three years without change of grade. No successor was ever appointed - just why, does not appear. Certainly the Chaplain had done his duty and filled an important place, and his presence had been a great good in many ways. He returned to civil life with the proud consciousness of having done his whole duty. There was an application made for the position in November, 1864; but the applicant was not approved. G. O. 158, W. D., 13 April 1864 (really an Act of Congress), provided that " the rank of Chaplain . . . . is hereby recognized . . . . shall be borne on the field and staff rolls next after the surgeons . . . . shall be entitled to draw forage for two horses . . . . when absent from duty with leave or on account of sickness or other disability or . . prisoner . . .. shall be subject to no other diminution or loss of . under like circumstances. . pay and allowances than other officers Absent . . . . by wounds or sickness . . . or prisoner . . . . to receive full pay without rations during such absence." The same act prescribed that Chaplains' full pension be twenty dollars; that they should make monthly reports to the A. G. O. (not direct), of the moral condition and general history of the regiment; that they should hold appropriate religious services at burial of soldiers; and hold religions services every Sabbath, if practicable.
G. O. 79, D. S., I June, refers to the observance of the Sabbath (see June, 1864, supplement). G. O. 247, W. D., 25 Aug. (the very next day after our Chaplain had received his discharge), provided for a change of uniform for Chaplains, the main change being a herring bone of black braid around the (9) buttons and button-holes of the coat, and a gold-embroidered wreath in front of hat or cap, with " U. S." in old English in silver. This order was apparently just too late for Henry Hill : but let us see.
Of his subsequent service it may be said that he was appointed a IIos- pital Chaplain 12 April 1865, and was on duty at the Webster U. S. Gen- eral Hospital, Manchester, N. II. This hospital was practically closed abont I Nov. 1865, but Chaplain Hill and the Hospital Steward were retained till the final closing up and sale of the property.
In the early winter of 1865, when retrenchment was the order of the day, Chaplain Hill was discharged (2 Dec. ) During the few previons months nearly 200 chaplains were transformed into civilians by the same process.
Onr old Chaplain became quite broken in health and was in that con- dition for a considerable time prior to his death, which occurred at Chicago, Ill., I Sept. 1884, of some spinal affection.
More of his previous history is at hand. He joined the New Hamp- shire Conference of the M. E. Church in 1844; was ordained a deacon in 1846, by Bishop Hedding; ordained an elder in 1848, by Bishop Wangh. His varion- pastorates were at Sandwich, Ashland, Bath, Lancaster, Great Falls, Kingston, Rochester, Nashua and Manchester. N. H., and at Amesbury, Mass. After the war, he was in Illinois, in the Rock River Conference, and had pastorates snecessively at Dunleith, Lockport, Peatons, and at Simpson Street and Halsted Street Churches, Chicago.
At this writing (1890) Chaplain Hill's widow (Sarah A.) resides at Cottage City, Mass., and his son James is in Boston, Mass.
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HENRY F. HOPKINS.
He was active. iu getting up Co. H (Capt. Robert C. Dow), at Man- chester, and was duly rewarded by being appointed its Ist Sergeant. IIop- kins could not withstand the damaging effect of a Sonthern climate. Early in 1862 this became manifest to an alarming degree. Notwithstanding his delicate health, he participated in the trips to Daufuskie Island and BIntlton, and was in the James Island tight.
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He was with his company on Pinckney Island (on out-post duty - regi- meut scattered), in August, 1862, but was quite ill with an unknown disease, supposed to be smallpox, or something akin to it. This was probably a fortunate misfortune; for he was removed to Hilton Head Island, to the regimental hospital (Stoney Plantation -Co. F there, too), a few days prior to the capture of the company, 21 Aug. Here he was placed in a tent by him- self and " quarantined," and substantially but mentally bade adieu, sup- posing he would soon be mustered ont. Hopkins didn't mean to surrender, and didn't. When the regiment re-assembled at its old camp-ground, rear of General Hospital, Hilton Head, immediately after the capture of Co. H, Hopkins was assigned to a cot in the General Hospital. A little later. 12 Sept., he received a 2d Lieutenant's commission (in Co. H), and Col. Jackson took it to him (in the hospital) and administered the usnal oath. Later, date unknown, he was mustered (as he says) by Capt. Bryan, Third U. S. Artillery.
Some time in October, he was granted a 20 days' leave and went home. A letter from him, dated Manchester, N. II., 3 Nov., says, " I shall be nn- able to return in 20 days." thereby showing how ill he then was. He obtained the usual extensions, finally returning to the regiment 25 Dec., by Star of the South. In accordance with existing orders, he was ordered to appear before the Board to show cause for overstaying his leave. Hopkins was able to make a satisfactory defence. On his return he was with Co. H for a short time, and then for a brief time with Co. K.
His health was not much if any improved, and after fighting with his silent Southern foe till April, 1863, he beat a retreat. On 6 April, on Steamer Sentinel, lying in Stono Inlet, a diary says, " Lient. Hopkins taken quite ill." He was discharged for disability at his own request, 17 April, and went home on the Ericsson.
Hopkins was born in Holland, Vt., 18 July 1827. He is now (1890) and has been for 16 years, Clerk of the Police Conrt, Lawrence, Mass. Previous to that he practiced law in same place. He is a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion.
MARQUIS L. HOLT.
Holt, as the writer recalls him in the early part of the war, was a short, rosy-cheeked youth. full of vigor. hardy, vivacions, and made an ex- cellent soldier. Ile began his military career as a private, in Co. E (Capt. Plimpton). On 18 Ang. 1862, he was promoted to Corporal. There were so many above him, that his progress was slow; for no matter how desery- ing a man may be, he cannot be promoted faster than vacancies occur above him. That is to say, places are not created off-hand. even for deserving sol- diers. Holt received a furlough in the fall of 1863, for good conduct in the field. He re-enlisted and went home with the rest, receiving a second fur- lough.
He was made Sergeant 20 May 1864, at Bermuda Hundred, Va., the Drewry's Bluff fights having decimated the regiment and made several va- cancies. 18 July, he was again promoted, and to Ist Sergeant, rice Donley, promoted to 2d Lieutenant. The next day, after minister-out of the original 1861 men, he was made Sergeant-Major (24 Aug.) At the assault on Fort Fisher, Holt was one of the very few participating in the capture of the fort. 3 May 1865 ( officers being very scarce), he was ordered to act as Ist Lieutenant, and assigned to Co. F, and also to be nominally in command of Co. C. His commission as Ist Lieutenant ( he was never 2d Lieutenant) was
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received at Wilmington, N. C., 26 April. A muster on this commission was not had till 19 May ( rice Donley, promoted), being then mustered as of 26 April, his commission being dated 6 April for " the unexpired term of the regiment."
During a portion of May (beginning about the 16th) he did what was termed "railroad duty," escorting squads of men from one point to another, and had charge of the railroad guard between Wilmington and adjacent points reached by rail. He was relieved from this duty 30 May. 5 June, at Goldsborough, N. C., he was ordered to act as Adjutant, in place of Adjt. Jackman, who was made Post Adjutant. From this duty he was relieved 11 June. Two days later he was appointed Military Conductor on the rail- road between Goldsborough and Wilmington, but only served two days, being wanted at the regiment.
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