USA > New York > New York regiment, 1887-1895 > Part 17
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DESERTED.
Richard Angel
Private
October 14 1862
Stephen Funda
do
October 8 1862
John Hickey do
Feb 28 1863
Lamando Tyler do
Jan do
Geo W Van Wert do
Dropped as a deserter April 9 1865
Amos Lee
Dec 21 1863 while on duty
Nicholas Elbert
do
Left sick July 14 1863 never heard
Wm H Osterhout
do
Dropped April 21 1866 as a deserter June 2 1865
MISSING IN ACTION,
Isaac F Tuttle
Philip Mock
Privato do
November 29 1868 do 19 1864
(Compiled and published Oct. 1st, 1892.)
DIED.
May 1 1863 Chesepeak Hospital June 19 1863 Yorktown Va do do do
November 2: 1863 Nashville Tenn
George L Decker Private
Nov 12 1863 Nashville Tenn Dec 20 1863 Chattanooga Tenn Nov 3 1863 Stevenson Ala Nov 131863 Nashville Tenn Jan 2 136+ Lookout Valley Tenn do Murfreysboro do Jan 3 1864 Lookout Valley Tenn
John J Quick do
Sept 24 1863
not heard from Feb 30 1864
from after
Thomas Murry do
Benjamin Boultz Wagoner
do April 1 1865
Elward O Green Sergeant.
March 16 1863
Henry Urban ·lo
February 1 1863 Dead
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SUMMARY OF CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS.
1st-The association shall be known as the survivors of the 143d Regt. N. Y. Inft Vols.
2d-All honorably discharged officers and soldiers are eligble to membership and to hold office therein.
3d-The object is to continue that spirit of lovalty and fidelity to country that brought us together ; to perpetuate its principles; to collect facts and make a record of the same, and to establish and maintain a complete roster of the regiment.
4th-Political and other discussions foreign to the object of the association pro- biblted.
5th -Meets annually Oct. 10th, unless that day comes on Saturday, Sunday or Monday. when it will meet on the Tuesday following. The place of meeting fixed by rote of association at business meeting.
6th-Officers: A President, 1st and 2d Vice-Presidents, Secretary, and Treasurer +lected annually. 1
7th-The President shall preside at all meetings, and shall give at least two weeks notice of all meetings in the papers, and secure reduced rates to meetings when he can.
8th-The Vice-Presidents possess powers of President in his absence.
9th-The Secretary shall keep minutes of all meetings, and shall be the Corres- ponding Secretary of the Association.
10th-The Treasurer shall give a bond-the amount to be fixed by the association ; receive and pay all moneys, and report at each annual meeting.
11th-Members elected by 2-3 vote at annual meetings.
12th-Any member may be expelled by 2-3 vote of any annual meeting for con- duet unbecoraing a soldier and a gentleman, of which the association shall be the Judge: the accused to have notice and opportunity to defend himself.
13th-Cushing's Manuel shall govern all meetings.
14th-The annual dues, fixed at twenty-five cents, subject to change bv 2-3 vote: members in arrears not entitled to vote.
15th-All standing resolutions considered By-Laws and to be recorded between the Constitution and minutes.
16th-The Constitution and By-Laws amended by majority vote, a notice of the amendment having been given at the preceding annual meeting.
HISTORY
OF THE
159th REGIMENT, N. Y. S. VOLS. BY
LIEUT. EDWARD DUFFY.
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HISTORY
OF THE
159th REGIMENT, N. Y. S. VOLS. BY
LIEUT. EDWARD DUFFY.
HISTORY
OF THE
159TH REGIMENT, N. Y.S. V.
COMPILED FROM THE DIARY OF
LIEUT. EDWARD DUFFY
NEW YORK 1890
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ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY COPIES REPRINTED FROM "HUDSON GAZETTE" 1865
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No
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HISTORY
OF THE
159TH REGIMENT, N. Y. S. V.
D URING the latter part of October, 1862, negotiations were made by which the 167th Regiment, Colonel HOMER A. NELSON, in Camp at Hudson, was consolidated with the 159th Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel EDWARD L. MOLINEUX, in camp at Brooklyn. The consolidated Regiment was designated the 159th, Colonel NEL- son retaining command. The Regi- ment left "Camp-Kelly," Hudson, on the 30th day of October, proceeded on board the steamer Connecticut, arrived in New York next morning, and marched
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
to Park Barracks. Remained there un- til November Ist, when we were must- ered, into the United States service by Lieutenant R. B. Smith, U. S. A. Left Park Barracks and marched to Castle Garden; from there proceeded by steam- boat to Staten Island, and went into Camp at New Dorp. Next day pitched our tents and had things very com- fortable.
Colonel Nelson having been elected to Congress from his District, Lieutenant Colonel E. L. Molineux was appointed Colonel, and took command of the Regiment, which he virtually had from the first.
November 24th the Regiment broke Camp and was placed on board U. S. steam transport Northern Light, pier No. 3, North River, and remained at the wharf until December 2d, when we hauled into the stream. Early on the morning of the 4th weighed anchor, and the 159th Regiment put to sea. On the 13th we reached Ship Island, in the
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Gulf of Mexico, having enjoyed a toler- able good passage for the season of the year, being more fortunate than other ships of the expedition, some of them having suffered considerable from rough weather off Cape Hatteras.
December 14th reached New Orleans, and anchored in the stream over night. -The following day pursued our course up the river to Baton Rouge, and arriv- ed there on the 17th. The enemy, learning of our approach in force, con- cluded to evacuate, while our monitors gave them a parting salute, and the same day the Stars and Stripes were hoisted to the breeze from the Capitol, amid the shouts and cheers of the gratified soldiers.
Now the work began of making thor- ough soldiers of men, the greater por- tion of whom never used-fire arms before, at least not in the manner required by the service. Squad, Com- pany, Battalion, and Brigade drill, with any quantity of discipline considered
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essential to fit men for the campaigning and hardships visible in the distance, were gone through with.
Perhaps few in the volunteer service, none of whom could boast of very much practical experience, were better adapted than Colonel Molineux for this severe task; very quick, energetic, ambitious to do his own duty and to keep every man in his command busy, was the true secret of his success as a disciplinarian.
For nearly three months the men were kept steadily under instruction, and became quite proficient in the use of the musket, and all the essential dis- cipline to make an effective army.
On the 13th of March, 1863, broke camp, and the army moved up to the rear of Port Hudson. Colonel Molineux having command of a provisional Brig- ade with Nims' Massachusetts Battery, went up the Clinton Road, while the main army proceeded down the Port Hudson Road about eighteen miles, skirmishing the Rebels the whole way,
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driving their pickets and scouts as they advanced.
At this time Port Hudson was strongly manned, there being from 23,000 to 25,000 men in that natural stronghold. Manœuvred about this quarter until the 20th, when we again joined the main body of the army on the Port Hudson Road, returning to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
This movement was made to attract the attention of the enemy, and enable Admiral Farragut's boats to proceed up the river past the fort that here impeded his passage. This was a bold but bril- liantly successful move, that only an "iron Farragut" could have accom- plished. This blind enabled General Banks to more successfully pursue his future designs, as the enemy had been led to suppose by the formidable move- ments around Port Hudson that a gen- eral attack was to be made at once to reduce the place. Subsequent events exhibited the picture in a different light.
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
From the 20th to the 28th of March we were kept in readiness to move at a moment's notice. Finally, the suspense was removed and we proceeded on board the transport ship Laurel Hill, to Donaldsonville, La., where we landed in a drizzling rain, about 10 o'clock, P. M., with mother earth for a couch and the broad, moist sky for a canopy. Active campaigning was now fairly in- augurated.
On the 31st of March the troops moved for Thibodeaux, La. The 159th was detailed in charge of supplies and Regimental property, and proceeded by boat up the Bayou Lafourche, arriving at Thibodeaux April Ist. On the 3d we moved to the Railroad Station at Terra Bone, taking the cars for Bayou Bueff, where we arrived on the 4th. Remained here until the 9th. Arrived at Brasher City, La., on the 11th, in company with the 13th Connecticut, 26th Maine, and a detachment of Cav- alry. Boarded river steamer Laurel
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
Hill, and proceeded up Berwick Bay, into Grand Lake, accompanied by Gro- ver's Division, numbering about 8,000 men. Had with us three small gun- boats, moving cautiously. Reached the Bend without disaster, the gun-boats shelling the woods and covering the landing of the troops, which took place on the morning of the 13th. Skirmish- ing lines were thrown out immediately. The Lake is three or four miles wide at this place, and is called Shell Bend. Having all ashore and everything in good order, the enemy in sight, we re- tired for the rest we needed, little real- izing the hard fight before us. Lay in skirmish line all night. A few of our men were wounded.
At early dawn of the 14th of April, the lines advanced without breakfast, marching about a mile and a half. The enemy was strongly posted in a wood at a bend in the Bayou. Covered by the gun-boats, the 25th and 13th Connecti- cut and 26th Maine, commanded by
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Colonel Birge, were skirmishing briskly in front. Colonel Molineux was ordered to take his Regiment. the 159th, and advance and charge the woods.
We advanced in good style over a plowed cane-field in line, passing over the 26th Maine, who were lying down. Passed the skirmish line of the 25th Connecticut, who were under cover of the cane on our right. Several of our men fell in the advance. Reached with- in pistol shot of the fence and wood where the enemy was concealed. Scarcely one could be seen while they poured a most effective fire on us, but we steadily advanced 'till ordered to lay down. At this time the men were nearly exhausted, marching at double quick over rough ground with heavy knapsacks ; it took a little time to catch fresh wind and un- burthen ourselves of our heavy load. We could not have stopped at a more uncomfortable place, for the enemy gave it to us hot and sweet, while we did not have a chance to see them. They came
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
out of the wood through the cane to the rear of our right flank, and right on top of us. We no doubt would have layed there 'till every man of us was shot had not the order come to fall back to the left. Several of our men were taken prisoners, the enemy rushing upon us while rising up from our position, and poured a most deadly fire into us with fearful effect. The gist N. Y. S. Vol- unteers coming down to our aid, the rebels skedaddled, but not without some loss and a number taken prisoners.
Col. Molineux was severely wounded in the mouth, Lieut-Col. Draper and Adjutant Lathrop were killed; the Col- onel, Lieut-Colonel and Adjutant were nobly doing their duty in the advance, leading their men. No officers could have done better or been more brave. They were picked out by the enemy's sharpshooters posted in the trees near by.
The victory was ours, though the Regiment paid dearly for this, their maiden fight. Second Lieutenant Lock-
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
wood, of Company G, was killed while nobly leading his Company. Lieuten- ants Plunket and Price were mortally wounded. Lieutenant Manley, of Com- pany A, was killed, and Lieutenant Tieman and Captain Petit were slightly wounded. Our total killed, wounded and missing amounted to 112, viz: 6 officers, 23 men killed; 2 officers, 69 men wounded, and 12 men prisoners. Major Burt, who was on General Gro- ver's staff, now assumed command of the Regiment.
The gIst N. Y. S. Volunteers were to have advanced with us on the right, but misunderstanding the order, they failed to advance, causing us to be flanked and receive a heavy enfilading fire by which we suffered so much.
Our Division was to fall on the rear of the enemy, when they were driven from their entrenched position, at Bislin, south of Franklin. The strong resist- ance at Irish Bend was to make good
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their escape, which they effected at the loss of a large number of prisoners.
April 15th, marched up Teche 1812 miles, the main column, under General Banks, in advance. Arrived at New Iberia, where Mills and Ashton, of Company K, who were taken prisoners at Irish Bend, joined the Regiment, the enemy having paroled them.
Arrived at Vermillion Bayou, and finding the bridges burned, had to re- construct them. The Regiment was now detailed to collect cattle through the prairie and drive them to Berwick City. We collected about three thous- and head.
A detachment of the Regiment left us to gather up cotton and other property laying about loose. Arrived safely at Berwick City, and returned in charge of a wagon train which we left at Opolosus, and reported to the Division Com- mander at Barrie's Landing, on the Teche, eight miles from Opolosus.
May 5th broke camp and marched to
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Little Washington, La., and from there to Wells' Plantation, where we went in- to camp. Left Welles' Farm and marched to Simsport, a distance of eighty miles, where we arrived on the 18th, and crossed the Mississippi, land- ing at Boyou Sara, on the night of the 2Ist.
The 24th day of May brought us close to the enemy's outer works in front of Port Hudson, after marching the distance of eight hundred miles from the 28th day of March to the 24th day of May.
Our position now placed us under a heavy fire and shelling from the fort. The enemy well knowing the Road we were obliged to advance on, poured an accurate fire upon our line. But few casualties occurred, although some nar- row and hair-breadth escapes happened.
On the 25th of May, skirmishing all day. Result, four of our men killed. At noon our men were relieved from picket, and the Regiment ordered to the right. of our Division. A general
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
movement was made along the lines, and our Regiment was selected to at- tack a portion of the enemy's works, and storm it. The 25th Connecticut Volunteers was consolidated with us, commanded by Major Burt. It was necessary to make a circuitous route three miles through the woods to the right, to reach the position to be at- tacked, exposed the whole way to a continued and terrific fire of shot and shell; but our boys unflinchingly pressed on through ravines, over felled trees, and all sorts of intricacies natural and artificial. The final assault was to be made upon an almost perpendicular slope. "Forward !" was the word, and persistently we advanced, reaching just under and near the parapet, but the fire was like hail; the Color Bearer was shot dead and the color staff shot from his hands, but it was again secured and brought off. We lay in this position for some hours unable to advance or retreat; it seemed almost impossible for
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
one to escape under such a fire. A number of our men remained in this position until after dark, when the firing ceased. Shortly after midnight, the enemy supposing we still lay close to their works, sallied out and poured a heavy volley into the position from which we had been very prudently re- moved but a short time previous. We captured one Captain and eight sharp- shooters in ambush outside the works; this was but little, yet it furnished some satisfaction for our loss. This was in advance of any previous attack, several of which were made during the day. Our loss on this eventful day was 21 men killed and 38 wounded. From this time until June 14th we were almost continually in the rifle pits.
June 14th was selected for a general assault. The advance stormers, led by the gallant Colonel PAINE, of the 4th Wisconsin Volunteers, who had been act- ing Brigadier General for some time pre- vious, pressed on under the most severe
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fire. A number succeeded in penetrat- ing the enemy's works, but owing to the obstructions we were obliged to pass over, the advance could not be sup- ported with the necessary rapidity for the success of the scheme. Colonel Paine being severely wounded early in the action, materially injured the success of the enterprise. The wounded Col- onel lay in such a position that he could not be removed until after dark; several attempts were made but the parties were either killed or wounded in their noble efforts. It was in this engagement that the gallant Colonel COWLES, of the 128th, lost his life while leading his men to the assault.
Shortly after midnight we left the pits where we had been for several days, to join the column of attack coming up at daylight, having to defile through the woods several miles. General Grover's Division supported the advance. The 159th advanced under a severe fire through a ravine and over obstructed 17
159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
ground to a commanding position, a knoll overlooking the enemy's works; here we lay in position until between three and four o'clock, p. m., the enemy firing a continuous volley over our heads. No thanks to them that our craniums escaped. It was contemplated to make a second assault, and we were ordered to the left, some distance over clear and exposed ground to join the forces in waiting for this purpose. We remained here until after dark, and the firing having ceased, further attempts were deferred, and we moved back to to the position we gained in the morn- ing, and were set to work fortifying, but were soon relieved by colored entrench- ers, and returned to our quarters in the woods, which we reached in the small hours of the morning, greatly fatigued. Our loss on this occasion was not severe; 12 men wounded.
To reduce the place was the work assigned, and it must be accomplished. General Banks issued an order on the
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
15th of June, congratulating the troops for their behavior and close investment of the stronghold, and calling for 1,000 Volunteers from the forces to form a storming column or "a forlorn hope." Soon more than the required number were on hand, and formed into two Battalions, to be commanded by General Birge. It did not become necessary to make this assault. General Gardner hearing of the fall of Vicksburg, capit- ulated on the 8th of July.
Every thing being satisfactorily ar- ranged, our forces, preceded by the storming party, entered the fortification and filed past 6, 000 brave but discomfited "Gray Backs;" freedom's emblem, the Stars and Stripes, was soon hoisted, saluted by a discharge from the guns which had so recently belched forth death against our lines.
On the 11th of July we proceeded down the river to Donaldsonville on board the steamer Iberville. The enemy a few nights prior to the surrender,
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
made a desperate attack on a small garrison in the fort at this place, but were repulsed with severe loss. The garrison numbered not more than four hundred ; more than three hundred of the enemy were seriously wounded. The enemy was posted just behind the . town; batteries were placed along the levee at numerous places ; several boats had been destroyed, and the transpor- tation of supplies was getting quite precarious, but the surrender of Port Hudson put a stop to their amusement. We landed at night, slept on our arms, and woke up in the morning close to the enemy's pickets.
On the 14th a Brigade commanded by Colonel Morgan, of the 90th N. Y. Volunteers, advanced upon the Bayou about four miles, driving the enemy before him. The 159th was on his right flank doing picket duty, and the Company I belonged to was on the outside post in command of Captain William H. Sliter. Colonel Morgan 20
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
came up to us and ordered us to go with him. The Captain told him he would not leave his post, a most import- ant one, that the whole Brigade depend- ed upon.
On the fifteenth the enemy made a stand under cover of a thick wood, protected by heavy artillery. Finding our forces not very formidable, the enemy advanced in force on our left flank, taking a number of prisoners. Reinforcements at this time came up, and the enemy fell back west of the Atchafalya River.
July 16th the 159th was detailed to guard wagon trains on the west side of the Mississippi. Arrived at Carrol- ton, where we were allowed to rest, remaining until the last of August, when we were sent to Thibodeaux, La., via Algiers.
September Ist, reached Thibodeaux. General Birge was in command of the District of Lafourche. Our Regiment, with the 13th Connecticut, was detailed
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to do provost and picket duty, while the other troops were distributed over the District.
Colonel Molineux was appointed on General Franklin's Staff on the 24th of September. We remained at this posi- tion until March 18th, 1864. Quiet prevailed during our advent here, only a few night alarms occuring, causing the long roll to beat and the men to turn out, but they amounted to nothing serious.
January Ist, 1864, Lieutenant-Col- onel Burt took command of the Regi- ment at Thibodeaux, Colonel Molineux was relieved from duty on General Franklin's Staff, and assigned to com- mand the Lafourche District, in place of General Birge, relieved on furlough.
On the 7th, Lieutenant-Colonel Burt resigned his Commission, on Surgeon's certificate, and was honorably dis- charged, and the command devolved on the senior officer, Captain Hart. His reign, however, was short. Major Gaul,
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who was on detached service at Albany, N. Y., was appointed Lieutenant-Colo- nel, vice Burt, and Captain Waltermire made Major. This arrangement was highly satisfactory to the whole Regi- ment.
February 25th, Lieutenant-Colonel Gaul reported for duty and took com- mand of the Regiment.
A new Company of 64 enlisted men arrived from Hudson, N. Y., under command of Captain James S. Reynolds, First Lieutenant E. Spencer Elmer, and Second Lieutenant Peter R. Van Deusen. Old Company G was broken up, the men distributed through the Regiment, and the new Company installed in their place.
On the 19th of March we broke camp for the spring campaign, having been here nearly seven months. On the 21st took cars for New Orleans. Arrived at Algiers on the 24th. Embarked on board the James Battel and arrived at
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Alexandria, La., via. Red River, on the 27th of March.
Marched to west side of the river to Pineville while the dam was being built to enable the gunboats to pass down the river. Colonel Molineux was relieved from command of a recruiting party which he had been in charge of, called the "Louisiana Scouts," but the Regi- ment nick-named them the "Jay-hawk- ers." The gunboats having safely passed the dam, the army commenced moving back on the Mississippi.
May 11th, the 159th with some artil- lery and cavalry, were placed in charge of Alexandria and defences, under Col- onel Molineux, and remained there while General Banks moved on Shreveport.
The engagements of Grandecore, Sa- bine Cross Road and Cane river, oc- curred while we were here. General Banks not being able to keep up his supplies, as the gunboats could not pass up in consequence of the rapid falling of the river, was obliged to fall back.
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
On the 16th, while passing through Marksville, the enemy made consider- able show of resistance. The union forces deployed in line, making a grand and imposing appearance, extending for several miles over an almost level plain. The artillery on both sides belched forth for some hours. The casualties were light, and the enemy driven back. This is called the " Battle of Mansura."
On the 19th, reached Simsport; this was our second advent here.
The enemy continually harrassed us from the time we left Alexandria, from across the rivers and Bayous, and on our flanks and rear, but accomplished but little damage.
Crossed the river on the steamer Cum- berland, and reached Morganzi, La., on the 22d. This terminated the "Red River Expedition " of 1864.
June 19th, General Grover's Division proceeded up the river as far as Fort Adams, and scoured the banks on either side for guerillas, who were numerous,
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firing into all boats passing on the river. Captured a few prisoners and returned. July 2d, Lieutenant-Colonel Gaul re- signed, on account of disease contracted in the campaign, and Major Waltermire was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.
July 3d, took steamer Lancaster, and · arrived at Algiers, opposite New Orleans, at 6 p. m., July 4th.
July 17th, went on board the U. S. Transport Cahawba. At 12 o'clock that night moved down the river and arrived at the Rip Raps and Fortress Monroe, on the 24th. Received water, and on the 25th proceeded up the James river, arriving at Bermuda Hundreds at 5 p. m. Move up to the entrenched position, and were kept continually moving about while there.
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