USA > New Hampshire > The Third New Hampshire and all about it, pt 2 > Part 37
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He commanded Co. E. from 29 Feb. to 18 March, and from 17 May to 2 June-the retaking of our rifle-pits (see main story). He was again wounded, very slightly, on 27 Oct. Trickey participated in all the engage- ments thereafter, including the . engagment"(! ) at New York Harbor in November, the taking of Fort Fisher and advance on Wilmington, and thus on to the end of the war.
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On 25 Dec. 1864 we find Capt. Trickey in command of the regiment (Col. Bedel, a prisoner ; Lieut .- Col. Randlett, on leave; no Major), and con- tinued so until Lieut .- Col. Randlett returned from leave. 17 Feb. 1865.
The regiment was ordered, in January, 1865, to take all its fighting men to Fort Fisher. Capt. Trickey was in command. Owing to the fact that a large number of recruits had been recently received, it was thought best to leave them in camp at Laurel Hill, with an officer ( Lieut. John S. James), together with the sick and others, and proceed to Fort Fisher with say only six officers and 100 men. The headquarters of the regiment was also taken along. Capt. Trickey found himself in the most important position he had ever occupied, and battle imminent. IIe was equal to the occasion and did himself honor. He took about 80 (of the 100) men, and went with them into Fort Fisher. The manner of their going in is treated elsewhere. Though only a Captain in rank, he practically was an Acting Major, Lieutenant- Colonel and Colonel. Capt. Trickey's official report, a model of modesty - is here inserted : -
HEADQUARTERS THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLS., NEAR FORT FISHER, N.C., 18 Jan. 1865.
Capt. E. LEWIS MOORE, Asst. Adjt .- Gen.,
Second Brigade, First Division, Twenty-fourth Army Corps.
Sir : In accordance with instructions received from the Brevet Briga- dier-General Commanding, I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken in the affair of the 15th inst. by the Third New Hampshire Volunteers : We left our position near Gen. Terry's Headquarters with six officers and eighty men, at 4.30 P.M. of same date, and proceeded to Fort Fisher, where we arrived soon after dark. I was directed by Col. Abbott, Commanding Brigade, to move my regiment to the extreme advance held by the Second Division and open fire upon the enemy. Was thus engaged for about an hour, having to a great extent silenced the enemy's fire. I was then directed by Col. Abbott to take and hold with 20 men the next traverse in front -the remainder of my command being left in several traverses to keep up the fire upon the enemy. We took the traverse as directed, driving the enemy out. Thinking we could go farther, we charged and took the next two, with a like result. After taking the third traverse, having met with considerable resistance, I did not deem it prudent to go farther with so few men, and opened a vigorous fire upon the enemy, who were rallying for the recapture of the traverses. We held the enemy in check until the arrival of the Seventh New Hampshire Volunteers and Sixth Con- necticut Volunteers, who charged and took the remainder of the work. I then assembled my command, and under orders from Col. Abbott, moved to the inside of the fort and collected the prisoners there; also assisted in collecting others outside of the fort and sending them to the rear. After collecting all the prisoners in the fort, I sent them to the rear, remaining with a small portion of my command until 4 A.M. of the 16th inst., when I was ordered to return to the position near Gen. Terry's Headquarters. Our casualties were as follows : one man killed, and five wounded.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W.M. H. TRICKEY,
Captain Third New Hampshire Vols., Commanding Regiment.
(For Capt. Trickey's part in the action of 11 Feb. 1865, see main story.)
Upon Lieut .- Col. Randlett's return, he relieved Capt. Trickey from com- mand of the regiment. lle brought with him several commissions, among them one for our hero as Major, dating back to 4 Jan 1865. Thus we have seen him - tirst, as a private up to December, 1861; then made a Corporal, and following through the various grades, to the Majority (the only case of its kind in the regiment). The nearest approach to it is that of J. Homer Edgerly, who went out as a private and was made a Major by brevet.
Maj. Trickey was soon in command of the regiment again; for Lieut .- Col. Randlett was made Provost Marshal of Wilmington, 2 March 1865. The absent Colonel (the old Major) joined from exchange 11 AApril, at Wil- mington, and nominally took command of the regiment, though it was gen-
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erally understood that Maj. Trickey had the real command. Col. Bedel was a part of the time in command of the Post of Goldsborough ; and that placed Trickey again in command of the regiment. Trickey was slightly (acci- dentally) wounded 4 April, at Wilmington, by the discharge of a revolver, and again on 19 June.
Ile was mustered out with the regiment at Goldsborongh, N. C., 20 July, and accompanied the regiment to Concord, for tinal discharge. He then assumed the duties of civil life. He has always been very much inter- ested in the affairs of the Grand Army of the Republic, and has been largely identitied with that body in New Hampshire. He will long be kindly re- membered by his comrades.
William H. Trickey never had a furlough as an enlisted man. Was never detached from the regiment, either as an officer or enlisted man, for duty of any kind.
It is related of Trickey, that at Fort Fisher, closely following its sur- render, and while matters were in a semi-chaotic state, he observed a rebel officer who, from his general appearance, indicated that he had not yet yielded entire submission to his captors - in fact, hadn't surrendered. Capt. Trickey, in his gentle and snave manner, sidled up to this gentleman, and in terms more forcible than elegant kindly offered to cut him in halves, beginning at the point nearest the sky, if he didn't at once surrender. He surrendered.
Col. Bedel said of him : "To the gallantry, energy and soldierly quali- ties of Maj. Trickey, the regiment was largely indebted for the preservation of discipline and subordination ; and, considering the demoralizing effects of details on provost and other extra duty, and the influx of substitutes and bounty jumpers, it was evident that to his indomitable will and perseverance the regiment was indebted for the preservation of any organization at all."
Maj. Trickey took up his residence, at the close of the war, in Wolf- boro'. In the Fall of 1467 he removed to Dover, where he remained till 1887. He was occupied as a shoemaker till 1874, when he entered the postal service as postal clerk. running on train from Boston to Maine, continning till 1887. In 1870-71, he was a member of the Legislature and also of the Dover City Council. In 1872 he was Commander of the Department of New Hampshire. G. A. R. Is a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion.
In 1888, Triekey was a student at Tuft's College, Medford, Mass., from which he graduated in due course. He was, in 1892, located at Dan- vers, Mass., as a Universalist divine. to which place he came from South New Market, N. H., his first pastorate.
JOHN II. THING.
He was born in Ossipee. N. H., 13 June 1833. We find him the original 2d Corporal of Co. B. His first promotion was at Annapolis, 11 Oct. 1861, to Sergeant, taking the place of a sergeant reduced for frivolous reasons (see Promotions and Reductions). His next promotion was 13 Sept. 1862, to Ist Sergeant, rice Libby, made 2d Lieutenant. This position, by some unfortunate or untoward circumstance, was taken from him early in the next December, and he was relegated to the ranks, at the foot of the ladder. which he must needs climb again. It is possible that his offence did not merit the punishment. Let us hope that it did not. There are many, however, who are of the opinion that a different commanding officer of the company would have produced a different result. On 25 Nov. 1863, at Morris Island. the siege through, and the original commanding officer of the Company (B) having been sent home in disgrace, Thing was made Sergeant, rice Giddings, to 1st Sergeant. This practically atoned for his reduction. Ile held this position till early in April, 1864, when he was made Sergeant-Major, rice Lord, resigned ( Lord never actually served as Sergeant-Major). Thing kept this position till his muster-out. in August, 1864, when all the 1861 men who had not re-enlisted, then actually belonging to the regiment, where mustered out. He was in all the actions of the regiment while he was with it, serving with credit.
Since the war he has resided at Exeter, N. H., the greater part of the time. In 1892, was at East Brentwood, N. H.
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JOHN HAYES THOMPSON.
John Hayes Thompson was born at Hampton, N. H., 2 May 1808. When about four years of age, his parents moved to Holderness, where he passed his boyhood, youth and the years of mature manhood until the autumn of 1860. Hle married Charlotte Baker, the eldest daughter of James and Jane Smith Baker, pioneers of the town.
Mr. Thompson was postmaster at Holderness nearly twenty years, having taken the oath of office the 31st day of May 1838. He was one of the selectmen of the town for several years, was twice elected representative to the legislature, and was town clerk a number of years. He was also Sheriff of Grafton County six years. The opening of the war found Mr. and Mrs. Thompson living at Plymouth, N. H., with their eldest daughter, Mrs. Joseph Clark (later, Mr. Clark was a Captain in the Sixth New Hampshire).
Mr. Thompson was commissioned a Lieutenant in Co. I by his personal friend, Gov. Nathaniel S Berry, August, 1861. He died at Hilton Head, 26 August 1862. Seldom does the death of any one carry sorrow to so many hearts as did that of Lient. Thompson. By his many virtues and kindly disposition he was endeared to a large circle of friends, and was also known and highly esteemed by a large number of citizens of the State. His disease primarily was liver complaint, terminating in typhoid fever. His health had been failing for a number of weeks : but nutil within a few days of his death, he expected to return to his home on a short leave of absence to recruit his wasting energies. Fever intervened, and he rapidly sank under it. When he became conscious that death was near, he arranged his business affairs. dictated messages of love to his family, and caimly awaited the approach of the grim destroyer. He regretted most that he could not live to see his beloved country restored to peace. He died as he had lived, nobly and hopefully. The body. under a special order of Gen. Hunter, was forwarded by the Masonic brethren and reached Holderness in charge of W. W. Ballard of Co. G, on 6 Sept.
A Masonic funeral was held on the 9th, in charge of Mt. Prospect Lodge, of which he was a charter member. The services were held in St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Rev. O. H. Jasper of Plymouth officiating. An immense assemblage gathered to pay the last tribute of respect and affection to the good citizen, kind neighbor and devoted patriot. At the grave Col. T. J. Whipple read the following resolutions : -
HILTON HEAD. S. C., Aug. 27, 1862.
On learning of the decease of Lient. John H. Thompson, the Masonic brethren were called together at an early hour, to take such action as they inight think proper in relation to his remains.
On motion. Lient .- Col. J. H. Jackson was appointed chairman of the meeting. On motion, Voted. To forward the remains of Brother Thomp- son to his friends in New Hampshire. On motion. Bros. J. I. Plimpton, G. W. Emmons and W. W. Ballard were appointed a committee to take charge of the remains of our deceased brother and forward the same at as early an hour as practicable. On motion. Dr. B. F. Eaton, Henry Hill and G. E. Flanders were appointed a committee, to prepare and forward com- miserations to Mrs. Thompson and the Lodge, to which the remains of our brotlier are to be forwarded
The following resolutions were then passed : Resolred, That in the death of J. II. Thompson, of the Third Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteers, we have lost an officer prompt in his duties, rigidly honest in the responsibili- ties committed to his care, gentlemanly in his business transactions, and higlily esteemed by the entire regiment.
Resolved. That in this severely-afflictive Providence we tender our kindest sympathies to the widow and family of our departed brother, humbly praying that lle who has taken away may bring to the wounded spirit and aching heart such reconciliation and comfort as God only can give.
HENRY ILLA., Secretary.
Then followed the impressive Masonic burial service. after which dust was returned to dust, and all that was mortal of John H. Thompson passed
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from sight. All the family of the deceased were present except his second sou, Capt. Ai B. Thompson, 18th U. S. Infantry, in Gen. Thomas' division, Tennessee.
Lieut. Thompson left a wife, who, when Abraham Lincoln called for seventy-five thousand volunteers to save the Union, sent her husband and four sons to the front. Besides his wife, five sons and two daughters sur- vived him. He lies in the family burying-ground on the banks of the Asgu- nanc, in Ashland, formerly a part of Holderness.
DAVID WADSWORTH, JR.
Wadsworth was of the squad enlisting at Nashua, and was therefore part and parcel of Co. F. At muster-in, he was made 5th Sergeant. He did efficient service at James Island and Pocotaligo (16 June, 22 Oct. 1862), also was on the reconnoissances to Elba Island, Bluffton and Jehossee. On 20 July 1862, we find him ordered to act as 2d Lieutenant, and on 19 Jan. 1863 he received his commission (no musters required at that date). The commission was dated 16 Nov. 1862, and he was assigned to Co. F.
When the regiment (eight companies) was lying in Stono Inlet, in April, 1863, waiting for orders to do something, and it being quite well estab- lished that we were to land and go into camp, Lieut. Wadsworth was sent on shore near Edisto, with his company, to skirmish the vicinity as a pre- cautionary measure. There is no record of casualties of that day, and it is fair to assume that no enemy was found.
About 12 May 1863 (eight companies on Botany Bay Island), he obtained a leave of absenec and went North on the Arago, returning there- from 9 June, to St. Helena. After the regiment had reunited at St. Helena Island, he received (26 June 1863) a Ist Lieutenant's commission, dated 13 May, and was mustered on it 29 June, as of 24 June, rice Stearns, promoted. 10 July, he commanded Co. D, in the attack on and capture of lower end of Morris Island, Capt. Maxwell being temporarily sick. From that he was relieved at once - probably same day, or next - by Maxwell himself.
He was with his company in the assault on Wagner, on the night of 18 July. On the night of 24 July he was sent out with a party to go in
boats np the creek reconnoitring. At the last moment there were not boats enough for all, and Lient. Wadsworth and some others of the Third New Hampshire were left on the shore, and returned to regiment. A few days later we find him sick, though he took an active part in the siege of Wagner and was on duty the greater part of the time. In December, he officiated at the execution of Kendall ( for desertion), being in command of the firing party, loading the guns himself and " mixing them up."
When the re-enlisted men went home on furlough, he was one of the fortunate officers to go with them. From this delightful service he re- joined with the others at Gloucester Point, Va. (see end). Presumably, he then had his Captain's commission in his pocket. for we find him mustered as Captain, 29 April 1864, as of 6 April (the actual date of the commission). rice Randlett, promoted. This made him Captain of Co. F, his original company, which was far more agreeable to him than to have been assigned to some other. He participated in the campaign with his company, and was wounded 16 May 1864. He did not participate 2, 9, 16 or 25 June, being unable to do so. At the ends of July and August, 1864, he is reported as sick in quarters, though he commanded Co. F in the 16 Ang. fight.
IIis health continuing bad, he was officially examined, 17 Sept., by a Board, resulting in his discharge for disability. This by S. O. 263, Dept. Va. and N. C., Army of the James, 24 Sept. 1864. His men parted with him with regret.
Since the war Wadsworth has been for the greater part of the time employed at the Jail. at Manchester, N. II., as keeper, and proves very effi- cient. In 1891, he had completed fourteen years of service therein. He at- tended the reunion of ISS9, his first visit to Weirs.
Born 4 Feb. 1838, at Worcester, Mass.
NOTE. - While at Camp Grant, Va., with the re-enlisted men, Wads- worth had charge of the men of B, F and G, for purposes of drawing rations and clothing.
LIEUT. WM. LADD DODGE.
LIEUT. GEORGE B. BINGHAM, Quartermaster.
LIEUT. FRANK L. MORKILL ..
CAPT. THOMAS M. JACKSON.
رقمي
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JOHN E. WILBUR.
It is quite essential to this history that the Captain of Co. B should have space devoted to him. John E. Wilbur either " got up, " or assisted to get up, Co. B. the nucleus being brought together at Exeter. It is assumed by some that Wilbur was at that time religiously inclined, and that that alone was the chief factor in deciding that he was to be commissioned to lead a company to war. Among the remarkably few good acts he performed, the selection of Jonah Libby, Jr., as Orderly Sergeant, stands pre-eminently prominent. Wilbur was early in trouble, and so remained almost without intermission while he was in the service. At Long Island, Washington and Annapolis, there was trouble in his company about the rations; and one day, at Annapolis, the men resolved to " kick," and did so. The writer does not willingly write aught to court a libel case, and will adhere to facts.
A diary of 24 Feb. 1862 says: "Wilbur under arrest for advising a man to desert." 11 March, " Wilbur's case came up." On 8 Sept., by R. O. 19, Capt. Wilbur was restored to duty and his company and sword. Appar- ently the Captain had been fully exonerated. 23 May 1862, another diary says : " Wilbur's in another scrape - insulted Moody on guard." This sort of thing continned with variations. In November, 1862, while the regi- ment was on Hilton Head (rear of General Hospital), he was out with a party of his men for some purpose not apparent, and took them over to Pinckney Island in violation of existing orders. This was probably from Battery Mitchel, near Skull Creek, where our regiment furnished large details (whole companies) during the winter, on weekly tours. Wilbur was at once placed in arrest. and so continued to the end of his service. He was tried by general court-martial; and in order that the reader may see a sample of an order promulgating a sentence, Capt. Wilbur's is inserted : - -
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
G. 0. 7. HILTON HEAD, PORT ROYAL, S. C., 6 Feb. 1863. At a General Court-Martial, convened at Hilton Head, 18 Dec. 1862, by S. O. 70 of 16 Dec. 1862, from Headquarters U. S. Forces; Ililton Head : Col. Edwin Metcalf, Third Rhode Island Artillery, Presi- dent. Capt. JOHN E. WILBUR, Third New Hampshire Volunteers, disobedience of orders.
While with detachment at Talbot's, on Skull Creek, for fatigue duty, took several men of his command to Pinckney Island, outside the lines, contrary to orders by Brig .- Gen. Terry, 22 Nov. 1862; also 24 Nov. 1862, conduct prejudicial, etc.
While in arrest, by order Gen. Terry, spoke contemptuously and sneer- ingly to Assistant Surgeon A. J. II. Buzzell of Third New Hampshire and to other officers about his arrest and of possibility of being cashiered, saying, " I have had abont enough of the service. I would just as lief get out of the service." - At Hilton Head, 4 Dec. 1862.
While in arrest, sent Sergt. James S. Kelsey of C, Third New Hamp- shire, with a pass, authorizing him, the said Kelsey, to pass the guards; and directed the said Sergeant to go outside the entrenchments and picket guards of said island with said pass, telling him that he might properly go with said pass : all which was in direct violation, etc. - At Hilton Head, 10 Dec. 1862.
Sentence, to be dismissed the military service of the United States.
Proceedings and findings in case of Capt. John E. Wilbur, Third New Hampshire, approved. The sentence is, however, suspended until the pleasure of the President of the United States can be made known.
By order GEN. HUNTER.
EDW. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant-General.
It will be observed that this order was dated 6 Feb. 1863. This was read on parade on 9 Feb , and there was a general feeling of satisfaction. Capt. Wilbur remained with the regiment, and though under arrest was under
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no restraint substantially. On 31 May, at Botany Bay (eight companies), the long expected approval of the President was received, dated 10 May ; and John E. Wilbur stood dismissed the service of the United States, as of 6 Feb. : and Wilbur was a citizen. The order of the President was contained in G. O. 120, W. D., 11 May.
Wilbur did not tarry long after this, but left for the North on the Arago, 14 June 1863. By dint of hard work and influence, he succeeded in having his dismissal so modified as to permit his being re-commissioned, and at one time it was actually expected he would return to his old company. There were many prayers, vocal and silent, that such an event might never take place. This modification was 10 Nov. 1863, and simply permitted the Governor of New Hampshire to re-commission him; but this, fortunately, was never done. His dismissal was not revoked; but the disability arising therefrom was modified as shown. His whereabouts since the war is com- paratively unknown.
NOTE. - 3 Dec. 1862, Lieut .- Col. Bedel, commanding the regiment, was notified by Capt. Bacon (Gen Terry's Acting Assistant Adjutant-General) to take Capt. Wilbur's sword and to notify him ( Wilbur) that he was in arrest for passing beyond the lines to Pinckney Island.
PIERCE L. WIGGIN.
Pierce L. Wiggin had the satisfaction of enlisting 60 men for the Third New Hampshire. at Ossipee and vicinity, and of being made Captain of these and the few others put with them to fill up, together forming Co. G. A tall, well-formed man. with keen black eyes and hair of the same hue, he looked decidedly military. His service was short; for when we were on Edisto, April, 1862 ( his company on outpost), he resigned. A diary puts both his and Adjt. Hill's same day -8 April. He was discharged 14 April, receiving the same 16 April ; and on the latter date turned over the company and prop- erty to Lieut. Handerson (R. O. No. 21).
He enlisted as a recruit in the First New Hampshire Cavalry, 14 April 1864, and was mustered out 15 July 1865.
He was born 26 Dec. 1835. After the war he went to South Carolina, locating at Beaufort, where he married Lonise C. Judd. 26 Dec. 1869. From 1869 to 1877 he was Solicitor of the Second Judicial Circuit Court of South Carolina. He was then elected Judge of the same Court, holding that position until his death, at Beaufort, 3 Dec. 1879. A son was born 8 Jan. 1872, and still survives, with the widow, at Beaufort.
JOSEPH C. WIGGIN.
He was the original 1st Sergeant of Co. G, under Capt. Wiggin (Pierce L.) His first and only promotion was on Edisto Island 1 June 1862 (the very day we left Edisto), to 2d Lieutenant, and assigned to Co. II in the James Island tight. He was destined to have but one more fight.
Co. HI was on Pinckney Island, on ontpost duty, and Wiggin was its only officer. The rebels swooped down upon the little band, at early morning, 21 Ang. 1862. resulting in the capture of almost every man present and in the death of Lient. Wiggin and others. Lient. Wiggin was found a short distance from the scene of the principal combat, dead, covered with wounds. some dozen or more. probably made principally by bayonet thrusts. Evi- dences of a terrible death struggle were apparent on every hand, and Lieut. Wiggin certainly did not die willingly ; neither did he surrender to save his life, as he might have done, and which would probably have been justifiable. His death was the most tragic of any in the regiment and cast a gloom over all, not easily dispelled.
Born in Tamworth, N. H., 24 Oct. 1326.
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CHARLES A. WHITE.
White saw service prior to enlistment in Third New Hampshire. He entered the service first as a private in Co. A, Third Massachusetts Volun- teer Militia, 16 April 1861. The records say : Third Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, Col. Wardrop ; total, 444; Co. A, Capt. Harlow of Halifax : 49 men. His service at the very beginning of the war is worthy of note. He was at the Norfolk Navy Yard on the night of the 20th April 1861, and assisted in unloading the Pawnee of powder, prior to its destruction. He also assisted in conducting to Gen. Butler a party of negroes - slaves of Col. Mallory of Virginia - who were declared " contraband of war" by Gen. Butler. White says these negroes had escaped from the enemy at Sewall's Point, opposite Fortress Monroe, where they had been employed on the rebel fortifications. White was innstered out of the Third Massachusetts 22 July 1861.
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