USA > New York > History and personal sketches of Company I, 103 N.Y.S.V., 1862-1864 > Part 8
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Before leaving Fredericksburg he had gone to Mayor Montgomery Slaughter to obtain a passport to Wash- ington, but was informed by that official that Governor Fletcher had given orders that no more should be given to persons going North. So the prospect on the morning of this 22nd of May, 1861, was not assuring. At tic station, on applying for a ticket, he was asked for a pas- Then followed explanations, and as a result he was placed in charge of an officer who was to accompany the
train to be taken to Manassas Junction for examination. Arriving here at 4:30 o'clock P. M. everything presented a war-like appearance. Companies of cavalry, artillery and infantry were being drilled and disciplined, and everything was under martial law. Young Carey was quite politely escorted to the office of the commandant of the post at the principal hotel, who propounded ques- tions as to who he was, where from, who he knew there, the color of his hair, etc .; in fact, pinned him down to plain facts in all lines, and he was at last asked for letters. These he was compelled to hand over with misgiving, however, as he was wholly ignorant of what they might contain, and for this reason he expressed the hope that he should not be held responsible for them, as they were simply handed him to post. He hastily tore one open, saying: "I can't help that; you have no business carry- ing other people's letters."
A sentence in the letter written by Miss Couse to her brother, speaking of President Lincoln as a "rail splitter and babboon," pleased him much, and undoubtedly helped my case. A sergeant came in while he was there who had known him and called him by name, and to whom he explained how he came there. After a close examination the commandant took his pen and wrote thus:
MANASSAS JUNCTION, VA., May 22-6.
I have examined Daniel W. Carey and have permitted him to pass.
CORNELIU'S BOYLE, Major Virginia Forces.
Comrade Carey still keeps this pass as a relie of those times. The officer of the day took him in charge, and as they passed out of the hotel. said: "We have tried every way to settle this war question with you people but can't do it, and we are going to fight it out." As it was now
too late for the train, and as no more would go that night, matters still looked dark, there being much drink- ing among the soldiers, and it had already been passed around that they had got a Yankee spy. Just at this time a coal train hove in sight, he got on a flat car, and at sunset reached Alexandria. He then went to the Mar- shall House, where the next morning that brave young officer, Col. Ellsworth, was killed by the proprietor, Jackson.
From here Comrade Carey went on foot up and across Long Bridge, where his pass did him good service, and passed on into Washington.
Before retiring that night he saw Col. Ellsworth march- ing at the head of his regiment on the way to the boat landing, from which they crossed the Potomae, landing at Alexandria at daylight the next morning.
He took the morning train for Harrisburg, Pa., having only money enough to pay his fare that far towards home. By the kindness of friends he reached Elmira and his old home two days later, only regretting that his brother had been left among the enemies of his country without any means of communicating with him.
On March 17, 1862, he enlisted as a drummer in Con- pany I, 103rd Regiment, N. Y. Volunteer Infantry, at Elmira, and four days later started for the front.
Comrade Carey being an educated musician was soon attached to the regimental band, and after that was dis- continued, was chief musician in the regiment, having charge of the fife and drum corps and buglers, occupying this position during his term of service of three years. His violin, which was always an indispensable part of the camp and garrison equippage of Company I, was the source of a great deal of enjoyment to every member, not only of the company, but the regiment, and when wearied with the march and battle the beautiful, soothing strains of the violin rested the tired muscle and wearied brain of
all in hearing distance. These strains of sweet music in camp life were like oases in the desert of sand to the weary traveler well-nigh overcome with the dry, parched, waterless track of the weary day, and they will ever be remembered by the boys of Company I.
When the company came to Washington in September, 1862, Comrade Carey was placed in Judiciary Square Hospital, being sick with chills and fever, where he was treated for two weeks.
In speaking of the camp near Warrenton, Va., better known as "Camp Starvation," Comrade Carey says : "On the fourth day of November, 1862, at sunset, on reaching Warrenton, we camped with but little in our haversacks, and as but little had been gathered on our way, our best meal was a scanty one. We were expect- ing to receive supplies there, but as the enemy had cap- tured our supply train, we were forced to do without for four days until supplies could be sent on. I never had known to the full extent what the word hunger meant until that time. I went to where the wagon train was standing, and in the corners of the troughs where the mules had been fed I found corn and oats, the mules being unable to get what was in the corner. I obtained quite a quantity, took it to the cook tent and roasted it. This I ate with much relish. That night our hearts were made glad at the sight of hardtack boxes. I will never forget it. Soon were issued rations of pork, coffee, beans and beef, and we were again happy.
Another day's march brought us to the banks of the his- torie Rappahannock River, opposite Fredericksburg, and Fagain looked on the scenes that were familiar a year ago ander very different circumstances; where I enjoyed the hospitality of Southern people. What a change in so short a space of time. Our camp was pitched between The Day House and the Phillips Mansion, where only a year before I had seen many gay and happy faces, both
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old and young, and where our music added to the gayety of the throng; now the marshaling of troop and the run- ble of artillery tells of the fast approaching terrible con- fict. Yes, what a change!
The battle of Fredericksburg followed on the 11th, 12th, and 13th of December, 1862. . Our position on a prominence afforded a good view of the city, the range of heights beyond on which the enemy had fortified, and all their batteries and rifle pits were in plain view. Gen- eral Burnside, wishing to get a better view than was af- forded from the ground, made a balloon ascension, the balloon making a very pretty target for the rebel artil- lerymen. They blazed away. The shot came near enough to the balloon to make it sway to and fro to such an ex- tent as to make the general think it might be dangerous up there and came hastily down. As our camp was in line with the balloon from the rebel guns the shot landed in one corner of the camp. The force being much spent. however, and the men mostly being at the front, no dam- age was done. It was, however a novel sight.
The second day of the battle was severe. We could see the lines of soldiers march up in splendid order, as none but brave and tried men can do. Then there would come forth from all along the line a blaze of fire, mowing great gaps in the ranks, showing how terrible must be the loss of life.
At last, with no hope of success; it was deemed prudent to withdraw, and at night of the third day, under cover of darkness, the bridges were covered with earth, which muffled the sound of wagons and artillery, and before daylight came all had safely recrossed the river and were back in their camps again."
He thus speaks of his brother's escape from rebeldom: While sitting in my tent one sunny afternoon in March. 1863, my brother, who took me to Brandy Station that morning in May, 1861, came in. I had heard nothing
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from him, and did not know whether he had gone from Virginia or not. Of course I was very much surprised and overjoyed. It was with some trouble that he returned to the Couse farm, being stopped on the way several times. While he remained there he was much annoyed, being ob- liged to obey the orders of the Confederate soldiers who came to the house, many times at night, when the whole family would be obliged to get up and let them search the house. At one of these times they took Peter Couse, the brother, away, and he was confined in a prison at Rich- mond, where he died from neglect.
The three sisters remained on their farm, my brother also, improving in health. The excitement grew higher until at the battle of Bull Run, July 21st, the booming of cannon could be distinctly heard. The summer days passed with much exciting news. The ladies suffered much on account of their sympathy and pent-up feelings, is not a word could be uttered expressing their feelings. Much of their property was confiscated, despite their pleading. Winter came and went, and spring came and with it General Sedgwick with the gallant old sixth corps who occupied Fredericksburg. As my brother was very desirous to get into the Union lines the ladies took him into their carriage very early one morning, and, mak- ing a rapid detour, evaded the rebel pickets undiscovered until near the Union line. A squad of cavalry started after them, however, but the carriage and its occupants were so near the Union lines the Confederates halted and no further pursuit was attempted. The regiment on duty at that point and time was one from New York State, ind in its ranks were two cousins and many acquain- Luces who recognized my brother when he stepped from the carriage. Of course a most enthusiastic reception Allowed, and caps were flung high in air, while shouts of Joy rang out, none more so than my brother at his suc-
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cessful escape from rebeldom. The ladies returned to their home unmolested.
Speaking of the battle of Suffolk, May 3d, 1863, Com- rade Carey says: We were ordered across the Nansemond River. I having command of the drum corps, and ahead. marched side by side with Colonel Ringold across the bridge and up the slope across a large field. Skirmishers were thrown out who soon engaged the rebel pickets and a warm engagement was kept up all day, resulting in many being killed and wounded, among them being Cap- tain Schmidt of Company A. It was well toward night when a charge was made on a rebel battery, which had . annoyed us much during the day. Colonel Ringold re- ceived three bullets in his body, from which wounds he died during the night.
The duty of the drum corps during a battle was to aid the wounded, and hearing that Captain Schmidt was in a serious condition on the right of the line I took a few drummers and a stretcher and started to find him. . A.s the regiment was extended a long distance and much popping going on, there was much danger, the rebel line being close to ours. I determined, however, to rescue the captain. As we were crossing an old cornfield a volley was fired from a distance, and it was amusing amidst all the danger to see how quick we found the very lowest part in the corn rows and how very flat we could lic, though it afforded very little protection. Soon we sprang to our feet and ran to reach the right of the line where the Captain was supposed to lie wounded, when another volley came and we were again with our faces in the dirt. Some laughing was indulged in there. There were some "eloth wounds," one bullet passing through the front piece of a cap as the wearer dropped to the ground, a close call we thought. Again we were up and at it, making the distance into a ravine under cover, tlc third volley tearing through the brush overhead like hail.
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The wounded Captain was found, placed on a stretcher, and we made our way into Suffolk to the hospital where he received proper care. Returning to the field of battle we met the ambulance bringing Colonel Ringold, mor- tally wounded, the last time I ever saw him."
Again speaking of an engagement on James Island, S. C., he says: "We soon made an attack of James Is- land, going over in the night to Tiger Island, and at day- light drove in the rebel pickets from their hiding. After much corn popping we succeeded in gaining and crossing a deep ditch, beyond which was a fine large plat of grass, the reginient marching in double file as we entered it. I was ordered to march my drum corps to the right to let the regiment pass, and after fifteen yards had been gained tile right was ordered, which brought us in the rear of the regiment, our place in battle line.
The regiment had marched its length when "left flank march" was ordered. The men "dressed" in splendid line abreast. At this instant, from across the field about one hundred yards, opened a two-brass gun battery, with shot and shell. The earth fairly trembled, so did the earth and sand which the grape and canister tore up. Much excitement prevailed for part of a minute, but the men rallied nobly. While they were so doing we (the drum corps) felt that we were in the way and plunged into the big ditch just in our rear, of course to keep from being stepped upon. In one minute's time the regiment was on a charge for the battery, taking it with one gun- ner. Though the fighting was of short duration, many were killed and wounded. I followed close with my drummers, having stretchers to take care of the wound- ed. A battery from up the Island now opened with heavy shell. and as it was open ground they got good range of the field and made it a hot place to stay. We managed, however, in a few hours to pick up many and get them out of range of the deadly missiles."
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Coming to the time of muster-out he says: Our time expired in March, 1865, and on the 12th took a boat down the river to Old Point Comfort, where we shipped on board a transport for New York.
Before taking the boat down the river and while wait- ing for our belongings to be put on board Comrade T. M. Tyrrell and myself took a little stroll around City Point. The boat was loaded and pulled out from shore leaving us and had made well out into the river when we reached the landing. It so happened that Col. Heine was stand- ing on deck and seeing us as I signaled to him, ordered the boat stopped. As we were fortunate enough to find a small boat and two good good oarsmen, we put out in hot pursuit. The river being high and quite rapid at that point made it necessary to keep the wheels of the big boat in backward motion, which made it difficult to get near the gangway. Good strong men came to our assistance and Tyrrell was safely landed on board. When it came my turn, the boat was drawn by the motion of the wheels from under me and only by a strong hand grasping me by the collar saved me for my feet already touched the water. When well out to sea, on way to New York. many congratulations were indulged in that so many of us had lived through the dangers of war, soon to reach our homes, friends and firesides.
The second day landed us at Castle Garden and we were soon marching up Broadway, escorted by the Seventh Regiment and its famous band. As our arrival had been announced in the city newspapers the people filled the windows from the first to the top stories of the buildings along the city's greatest thoroughfare and the hand- clapping was deafening. Flags and handkerchiefs seemed to cover the front of every block. I am sure that scene will never be effaced from my memory. My eyes filled with tears and I saw many of my comrades giving vem to their feelings in the same way. It was a day to be re-
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membered, a reception of welcome and appreciation by the people of our efforts to save the nation.
After reaching my home at Waverly, N. Y., and after getting the needful rest we were joyfully surprised at the return of a brother, A. H. Carey, who had been in Aus- tralia since 1852, having gone there in search of gold. His efforts being rewarded and the war in America ended, he retured to spend his days in his native land.
The whole family of us joined hands and moved to the state of Delaware, purchased a farm near Dover and went into small fruit-raising for the northern markets. There were in the family as follows: Father Absalom Carey, A. H. and wife, B. F .: D. W .; Elizabeth Laura; C. M. and our mother Rebecca. The climate was all we could desire for the latitude. I remained in the combination for three years but finding the toil too severe for me concluded to finish a trade of which I had some knowledge already, that of watch-waker and jeweler. I got a position with Headley & Bush, 229 Market St., Wilmington, Del.
Having some acquaintance with Mr. C. I. Bush while he was keeping the American Hotel near the depot, Elmi- ra, N. Y., we had a very pleasant business acquaintance.
When I had finished my trade in '69 I opened business in Wyoming, Del., near Dover. The town was not large enough to suit me and having a desire to see the western country I turned my business over into the hands of my brother C. M. and joined N. W. Leaitts Swiss Bell Ringers troupe No. 3, H. W. Holbrook, manager. As they were to make a tour west and as I was quite handy with many instruments which they were playing I was taken in as a handy man. I was soon able to manipulate the bells and filled my part in the band and orchestra. Our advance agent led us through Deleware, Maryland, across the Alleghanies, through Pennsylvania, Ohio, into the north part of Indiana, thence into Michigan. I spent the win- ter of '72 and '73 where one day the mercury ran down
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to thirty degrees below zero. In May we left Michigan and followed the lake shore from St. Josephs City out into Indiana and across into Illinois and on to Janesville, Wis., where my engagement ended, I having an engagement o- a different nature, that of matrimony, which was to be filled on September 30, at East Orwell, Bradford Co., Pa.
The bride elect being Miss Fannie M. Cook of that place. The wedding bells rang in time and I was in my place ac- cording to promise. After the ceremories we started on our wedding tour to Watkins Glen, N. Y .; thence to New York city and to my home in Deleware, where I resumed business.
On the morning of May 5th, 1875. there was born to us a plumb girl baby with brown hair and dark eyes. It being the birthday of Gen. U, S. Grant's daughter Nellie we named her Nellie Grant Carey.
I continued business in Wyoming until June, '76, when I sold much of my accumulated stock, packed the remain- ing part and tools and started for a trip with my wife and child to my wife's home in Pennsylvania, stopping at Philadelphia to see the great Centennial Exposition then opened. After a three days' stop here we proceeded to East Orwell, Pa., where we spent the summer and part of autumn, visiting meantime my old home in Waverly, N. Y., and the surrounding country.
We returned to the state of Deleware, where, at Seaford. I opened a jewelry store and carried on business success- fully.
On Oct. 31.'78, Halloween, was born to us. a blue-eyed. faxen-haired girl baby, which was soon named Annelle Christine, after its mother's sister.
I continued business until December, 'S0, when I moved to Dover, Del .. where a good opening awaited me. I did A nice business there until Jan., '86, at which time I sold out fixtures and some stock and moved to Philadelphia on Germantown Ave., where business wasgood, and after
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ELIJAH B. COOPER,
the expiration of my lease, Sept., '90, I moved to Frank- fort Ave., 4430, where I increased my business. I con- tinued in business there until '96. Having a desire to move to a milder climate I chose Hampton, Va., where I im still in the watch and jewelry business in 1900. There are many things to enjoy here as we are near Hampton Roads, where the finest fish and oysters are in great quantities. Sailing and fishing is anenjoyable pastime.
ELIJAH B. COOPER.
Elijah B. Cooper, son of Laben and Sarah ( Woodin) Cooper, was born in Springfield township, Brad- ford county, Pa., January 22, 1847. He was brought up on the farm and received his education at the common school where he resided. At the age of 15 he enlisted at Elmira, N. Y., February 10th, 1862, in Cap- tain Wm. M. Crosby's Company I, 103rd Regiment N. Y. Volunteers.
He was with his company in its marches, campaigns, Ste., at Newberne. N. C., and Hatteras Island, N. C., but was taken sick with malaria in September of same year, ind left at Armory Square Hospital, Washington, D. C., two months. In November he received a furlough from there, and after thirty days returned to convalescent "imp at Alexandria, Va., soon after rejoining his company und regiment on the march from Antietam, Md., to Fredericksburg, Va. He participated in the engagements at Pollocksville, N. C., May 62: Charleston, S. C .; siege of Suffolk, Va .; the Shenandoah Valley campaign in the satumn of 1864; skirmishes and actions in which the company was engaged, and was finally discharged, after Free years' service, at New York city, March 17th, 1865. Comrade Cooper was the youngest of five brothers, all of whom served in the civil war, viz .: Wallace, killed, and James. Company F., 6th Regiment Pa. Reserves;
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Alva,, of Company C., 132nd Regiment Pa. Vols., and Laben, teamster, who returned to their homes.
These five brothers were from fighting stock, their pa- ternal grandfather serving in the war for Independerec. and barely escaping from the Wyoming massacre.
Their father, at the age of 22, at the commencement of the war of 1812, was one of the first to enlist, and served in the 23rd U. S. Infantry; he was wounded four different times. One ball passed through his shoulder, two shots in the arm, and a fourth ball cutting off a finger. He died at the age of 8+ years, in 1874.
The subject of this sketch was married in Smithfield township, Bradford county, Pa., to Jane Leonard, who was born June, 1849, and died April 22, 1873.
He was again married Nov. 20, 1878, at Athens, Pa., to Elizabeth, daughter of Thaddeus and Rachael (Thomp- son ) Hills. By this marriage were born six children, viz .: Hubert, born Sept. 13th, 1879, died April 11, 1881; Frank L., born April 26th, 1881, died May 30, 1881; Willie W., born August 17th, 1882; Mary B., born Sept 26, 1SS6; Jennie L., born June 16, 1891; Joe W., born April 7th, 1893.
After following the grocery trade, also being engaged in lumbering operations, Comrade Cooper now own and conducts "Fairview" fruit farm, near Milan, Pa. He is a member of Phelps Post, No. 124, G. A. R., East Smithfield, Pa.
THOMAS CUDDEBACK.
Thomas Cuddeback was born in Orange county, N. Y .. May 30th, 1845. He enlisted at Elmira, N. Y., February 10, 1862, in Company I, 103rd N. Y. Volunteer Infan- try. and went to the front with the company; was wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of Antietam. Md., Sept. 17th, 1862, and was recaptured at Shepperds- town, Va., Sept. 29th, same year. He was discharged
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DANIEL M. DICKERSON
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at Frederick City, Md., February ISth, 1863, but re-en- listed December 22nd, same year, in Company D, First Regiment New York Mounted Rifles, and served till the close of the war.
In 1866 he went West, since which time he has been en- gaged in farming and stock raising in Illinois, Missouri and Kansas. He is at present residing at Spring Hill, Kansas.
DANIEL M. DICKERSON.
Daniel M. Dickerson, son of Daniel and Lydia ( Wheeler) Dickerson, of Ridgebury, Bradford county, Pa., was born at the above named place July 10, 1846. His parents came from the State of New Jersey, and both father and mother died when Daniel M. was less than two years of age. He found a home with different relatives, obtaining his education in the conunon schools, which he left on January 25, 1862, to enlist at Elmira, N. Y., in Capt. Crosby's Company "I," then being formed for the 103rd Regiment, N. Y. Volunteer Infantry. He was at first re- jected on account of his age, but the recruiting officer obtained a certificate from the boy's guardian that he was 18 years old and he was enrolled, examined and mustered into the service. Comrade Dickerson claims That he is the youngest and smallest man enlisted at Elmira in Company "I."
While passing through Washington, D. C., on the way to the front in March, 1862, he was poisoned, it is sup- posed, by eating some pastry sold on the street, and was left at the hospital at Annapolis, Md. Upon recovery he was sent to Fortress Monroe, Va., but on ascertaining hat his company and regiment was in North Carolina, 1. was taken in charge by Col. Howard and placed in Company H. 85th Regiment, Pa. Vols., where he served through the siege of Yorktown under Gen. MeClellan,
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then went to Williamsburg, Va., White House Landing. etc. After this he was taken with typhoid fever near the Chickahomony Swamps and sent back to the U. S. Gen- eral Hospital at Washington. During his sickness he was not expected to recover. Everything seemed like a dream for about three months. After he was able to go out lie only weighed ninety pounds.
After some time spent in convalescent camp, he joined his own company and regiment at Falmouth, Va., during the winter of 1862-3. He writes that at this time he found present in the company only fifteen of those who - left Elmira less than one year before.
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