USA > Rhode Island > Providence County > History of Providence County, Rhode Island, Volume I > Part 30
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97
The regiment remained in camp until January 9th, 1863, when it accompanied the Ninth Army Corps to the Peninsula and made its next camp on the banks of the James river, gaining greatly in health by the change. The day before withdrawing from the Rappahannock, Lieutenant Colonel James Shaw, Jr., joined the regiment. On the 25th of March it started for a new field of operations, and arrived at Cincinnati on the evening of the 30th, where it received a hospitable welcome. It crossed the river to Covington, Ky., the same night. and the next morning proceeded to Lexington. From the 1st to the 23d of April, it visited Winchester, Boonsboro, Richmond, Paint Lick and Lancaster. From the latter place it moved to Crab Orchard, where preparations were made for an advance into Tennessee. But the order was countermanded and another issued directing a march to Vicksburg in support of General Grant. The regiment started from Crab Orchard in company with the 7th for that place, but on reaching Nicholasville, an order was received detaching it from the Ninth Corps, and directing it to return to Somerset and report to . Brigadier General Carter. It arrived at Somerset June 9th, having marched over dusty roads and under a broiling sun 100 miles in six days. When the arms were stacked and the roll was called, every man was found in the ranks. Here it was detached, and with the 32d Kentucky Volunteers, Lieutenant Colonel Morrow, was sent to Jamestown, near the borders of Tennessee, where it ar- rived June 24th, and was soon busy in guarding the fords on the
233
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
Cumberland, and by various movements holding Morgan's guerillas in check.
On the 5th of July the regiment commenced its return to Somer- set, having 20 prisoners in charge. On the 9th it was at Crab Orchard again, on the 10th at Dick's river, and on the 11th at Hick- man's Bridge. A single day of service only now remained due, and the steps of the regiment were turned homeward. It arrived in Cin- cinnati July 15th and was received with demonstrations of respect. Morgan and his command now hovering in the vicinity and threat- ening an attack, the regiment, by request of General Burnside, took post at the junction of the roads of Mount Auburn, guarding the approaches to the city, and contributing to calm the apprehensions of the citizens. Here it remained until the 19th of July, when its services being no longer required, it set out for Providence.
The regiment arrived in Providence July 22d, and was met by the. 4th Regiment State Militia, Colonel Nelson Viall, and the 6th, Colonel James H. Armington. The men were then dismissed, and on the following Wednesday, July 29th, were mustered out of the service. The regiment returned with nearly 800 men, 706 of whom on their arrival answered the roll-call for duty. During the term of nine months it traveled 3,500 miles, 500 of which were on foot.
Among the earliest thoughts of the citizens of Rhode Island after the battle of Bull Run, with other fields of carnage looming in the distance, was the care due to those of her sons who should be wounded in the progress of the rebellion, or become the victims of disease. The Marine Hospital, located in the city of Providence, seenied well adapted to the purpose, and on application of Governor Sprague, May 19th, 1862, the surgeon-general of the United States authorized a hospital for sick and wounded Rhode Island soldiers to be established there, and Doctor James Harris was appointed surgeon in charge of the same. This arrangement continued until August 18th, when the United States government having, in the latter part of June previous, established a hospital on an extensive scale at Portsmouth Grove, which received the designation of " Lovell Gen- eral Hospital," and Doctor Harris having been appointed surgeon of the 7th Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers, the patients of the former were transferred to the wards of the latter. A military police was now seen to be necessary. General Charles T. Robbins was directed by Governor Sprague to detail a guard from the active militia for duty at the United States Hospital, Portsmouth Grove, and the hos- pital in Providence. This arrangement was continued until Novem- ber 15th, when a detachment from a company being enlisted by Cap- tain Christopher Blanding, as a permanent garrison of the post, was sent to Portsmouth Grove to relieve the militia. This company was enlisted under an order of the war department, bearing date October 4th, 1862, and was mustered into service December 6th following. In
234
IHISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
the organization of the company Captain Blanding was not permitted to recruit able-bodied men, but was required to select from such as had been disabled in the field, yet were fit for garrison duty. Both himself and his lieutenants came within that rule.
The duties of the company at the hospital were the same as per- formed at any garrison. A chain of sentinels encircled the entire camp. The guard house was under the commander's control. to which all prisoners were committed. The company was a sort of provost guard to carry out the rules and regulations of the hospital. and to enforce the discipline necessary in so large a camp, composed of soldiers from different regiments throughout the Union. The hospital was closed August 25th, 1865, and . the guards were resolved into private citizens.
The 1st Regiment Rhode Island Cavalry was originally composed of three battalions, two of which were recruited by this state and one by New Hampshire. In the work of enlisting in Rhode Island, Major Willard Sayles, Major William Sanford, General Gould and others were actively engaged. The regiment.was organized in the autumn of 1861. Its first camp, named "Camp Hallett," was in Cranston. In November Colonel Lawton received his commission. In December the regiment was removed to the Riding Park in Paw- tucket, which received the name of "Camp Arnold," in honor of Lieutenant Governor Samuel G. Arnold. March 12th, 1862, the Sec- ond battalion, under Major Sanford, left for Washington, followed on the 14th by the First and Third. On arriving in Washington the regiment was assigned to the cavalry of the army of the Potomac, under Brigadier General George Stoneman, chief of cavalry. At Front Royal, in May, a sharp engagement ensued between the Third battalion and the rebel cavalry, infantry and artillery occupying the town, which resulted in their rout, with the loss of 133 men taken prisoners. The loss of the battalion was ten killed and wounded. Joining General Pope's army at Culpepper, it was assigned to picket duty at Raccoon Ford. It marched thence and opened the fight at Cedar Mountain, August 9th, losing seven men killed. It partici- pated in all the battles and skirmishes of Pope's campaign. At Groveton, August 29th, and at Bull Run, August 31st, it was under fire. At Chantilly, September 1st, it drew the enemy's fire and engaged in the fight, losing two men wounded and two horses. Rest- ing for a few weeks at Poolesville, Md., it was again in motion October 27th for Falmouth, and during the entire march was con- stantly on the flanks of the army and doing picket duty. In an affair at Montville, in the Loudon valley, where it was attacked by a large body of Stuart's cavalry, Captain Lorenzo D. Gove was killed, and Lieutenant Joseph F. Andrews and several privates were taken pris- oners. What was called " the first cavalry fight of the war " took place at Kelly's Ford, March 17th, 1863. Here the regiment displayed
235
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
great gallantry and achieved an honorable distinction. It charged across the river, the fords of which were deep, well defended and barricaded, repulsed the enemy, and took 24 prisoners. In an open field across the river three charges were made by the Union forces, each time driving the enemy. The whole number of killed and wounded was 26.
In April following this battle, the regiment accompanied General Stoneman in his raid toward Richmond, and in May took part in the battle of Chancellorsville, losing a few men taken prisoners. June 9th, during the battle of Brandy Station, it was employed upon the flanks and rear scouting. June 17th the regiment advanced to Mid- dleburg, where the rear guard of Stuart's command was encountered. After a brisk fight of half an hour, the rebels retreated in disorder. The town was held till 7 o'clock P.M., and barricaded. At about 5 o'clock, Captain Frank Allen, with two men, was despatched to Gen- eral Kilpatric, at Aldie, for re-enforcements. In the meantime the enemy surrounded the town and attempted to storm the barricades, but were repulsed with great slaughter. In three successive charges they were driven back, but in view of his perilous situation, and no. aid arriving, Colonel Duffie retired from the town, crossed Little river and bivouacked for the night. With no prospect of succor, and being informed by scouts previously sent out that the roads in every direction were full of the enemy's cavalry, Colonel Duffie on the 18th directed the head of his column on the road to Aldie, when a severe engagement with the enemy commenced. Though hemmed in by a vastly superior force in the front and rear and on both flanks, the colonel succeeded in cutting his way through, and escaped by Hope- ville Gap. This fight resulted in five killed, fourteen wounded and 200 taken prisoners.
From September 12th to November 10th the regiment participated in engagements at Culpepper Court House, Rapidan Station, Pony Mountain, Sulphur Springs, Auburn, Bristoe Station, Wolf Run and Rappahannock Station, besides guarding the rear and railroad com- munication at Catlett's Station. About the 20th of November it was detached from the brigade and reported to Brigadier General Kenly for duty with the First Corps in guarding the railroad. The army advanced to Mine Run, and during the battle there on the 27th, the regiment was engaged in scouting for guerrillas.
January 5th, 1864, the New Hampshire battalion was permanently detached from the regiment to form a nucleus of a regiment from that state, and subsequently went home to recruit. March 26th the regiment, including the re-enlisted veterans, came to Providence on furlough, under command of Major Farrington, and were greeted on their arrival with a national salute. April Sth the regiment left for Washington, and on the 9th of May was ordered (unmounted) on duty in the defenses of the capital, and was assigned to the cavalry brigade
236
HISTORY . OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
commanded by Colonel Charles R. Lowell. July 26th the regiment crossed Appomatox river; on the 27th crossed the James river at Dutch Gap, and had a brisk skirmish with rebel cavalry; and on the 28th attacked the rebel infantry and drove them to Malvern Hill with the loss of one man killed. Early in August the regiment joined General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, and participated in the movements against General Early in that quarter. It was engaged in skirmishes and battles at Charlestown, Kearnysville, Smithville, Berrysville, Summit Point, Opequan river, Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Milford Creek, New Market, Waynesboro, where Captain George N. Bliss was wounded and taken prisoner, Kernstown, Woodstock, Cedar Creek and Road's Hill. January 1st, 1865, it was consolidated into a battalion of four companies. February 28th the cavalry commenced a march with General Sheridan, which eventuated in the battle of Five Forks, and after the battle near Waynesboro, March 3d, in which General Early's forces were routed, the regiment returned to Win- chester in charge of prisoners captured. March 24th it marched to Mount Jackson to parole the men of General Lee's surrendered army. June 22d it was relieved from duty with the army of the Shenandoah and marching to Monrovia Station, Md., reported to General Lew Wallace, at Baltimore. July 28th it marched to the Relay House and reported to General Kenly, and August 3d was mustered out of sery- ice at Baltimore. Proceeding without delay to Providence, the regi- ment, now a battalion of 335 men, arrived there Saturday morning, August 5th. The men were paid off August 15th, by Major Hapgood, Paymaster U. S. A.
The 7th Squadron Rhode Island Cavalry consisted of two compa- nies. Company A, Captain Christopher Vaughn, was enlisted mostly in Providence. Company B, Captain Sanford S. Burr, was composed of students of Dartmouth College, N. H., and of Norwich University, \'t .. who offered themselves to Governor Sprague for the three months' service, and were accepted by him. The Student Company arrived in Providence June 19th, 1862, and went into camp on the Dexter Training Ground.
On the 24th of June the squadron was mustered into the service of the United States, and on the 28th departed for Washington. It established for a few days " Camp Eddy," near Fairfax Seminary, and then marched to Winchester, where a considerable force was sta- tioned under General White. Its encampment was named "Camp Sigel," and until September the squadron was constantly engaged in picket duty and scouting.
While at Winchester, the term of service being nearly expired, the officers and enlisted men agreed to remain until the rebels should be driven out of Maryland. On the 2d of September the squadron was sent on a scouting expedition as far as Newtown and Middle- burg, and took several rebel soldiers prisoners. With the departure
237
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
of Lee from Maryland, the work of the squadron closed. Setting out for home, it reached Providence September 26th, and was quartered at the Silvey barrack. Though the campaign had been short, the services performed were creditable to the squadron, to its com- mander, Major Corliss, and to the state.
On the 31st day of August. 1862, the war department issued an order for raising the 1st Battalion, 2d Regiment Rhode Island Cav- alry, to be under the command of Major Augustus W. Corliss, then the senior officer of the 7th Squadron Rhode Island Cavalry. On the 15th of November, another order was issued to make it a full regi- ment of three battalions. The 1st Battalion was full December 24th, the 2d Battalion January 19th, 1863, and Major Corliss was promoted to lieutenant colonel. The two battalions were ordered to join Major General Banks, and arrived in New Orleans in season to take part in the first advance on Port Hudson, March 14th, 1863. The regiment was embraced in the force engaged in the Teche expedition. It started from Baton Rouge, and proceeded by way of Algiers, to Bra- shear City, took up the line of march thence with General Emory's division, and participated in the battles of Bisland and Franklin. The expedition proceeded to Alexandria, La., and the regiment was act- ively engaged in scouting and foraging.
About 5 o'clock on the morning of June 23d, the enemy opened upon the defenses at Brashear City with the Valsude Battery near the mound on the opposite side of the bay, which was immediately an- swered by the gunboat. She then cut loose from the wharf and backed down the bay out of the reach of the enemy's guns. Brashear being fortified to repel a water instead of a land attack, the guns were so situated that they could not be immediately brought to bear upon the batteries of the enemy. All the light pieces had been sent to Lafourche and Bayou Boeuf. . Major Anthony ordered Captain Nol- lett, of the 1st Indiana Heavy Artillery, to move one of his guns down to the Sugar House, which would enable him to reach the enemy. In the absence of mules he drew it down by hand and opened on the enemy. The gun from the water tank was brought up and placed be- tween the depot and ice house. The major then ordered Captain Crofut, of the 23d Connecticut, to take all the men capable of bearing arms, and post them under cover along the edge of the bay to act as sharpshoot- ers, as the enemy were on the houses on the opposite side. He did so; the artillery fight continued about two hours, when it ceased on the part of the enemy, their guns having been silenced, but active musketry fire was still going on along the whole front. The whole action lasted a little over three hours. It is impossible to say how large a force made the attack in the morning, but three hours after Major Anthony's surrender there were over 6,000 troops in Brashear City, with Generals Taylor, Greene and Morton. Major Anthony was taken to Camp Ford, near Tyler, Texas, and was held prisoner until
238
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
July 22d, 1864, a period of 13 months, when he was exchanged at the mouth of the Red river.
In the fight at Springfield Landing, July 2d, the regiment lost one man killed, four severely wounded, and thirteen taken prisoners. Ten of the latter were paroled. Hard marches and an unhealthy climate also aided to diminish its numbers. Reduced below the minimum allowed. it was consolidated, by general order August 24th, 1863, into one battalion of four companies and united with the 1st Louisiana Cavalry. The field and staff officers, consisting of Lieutenant Colonel Augustus W. Corliss, Major Charles N. Manchester, Surgeon Howard W. King, Adjutant C. E. Brigham, Quartermaster William McCready. Jr., resigned, and were honorably discharged. The officers retained were Captains William J. McCall, Henry C. Fitts, George W. Beach and Edwin A. Hardy; First Lieutenants Joseph N. Whitney, Charles W. Turner, John D. Hanning, Walter M. Jackson, and Second Lieu- tenant Frank Hays. All the other officers were mustered out of service.
The union of the regiment with the 1st Louisiana Cavalry took place September 1st. 1863, contrary to the wishes of both officers and enlisted men. Unwilling to lose their Rhode Island identity, they remonstrated against a measure which the rank and file particularly regarded as arbitrary and unjust. Some days before the consolida- tion occurred, they resolved that when called upon to join the Lou- isiana regiment they would lay down their arms rather than obey. Accordingly, when on the morning of September 1st, Lieutenant Colonel Robinson of the 1st Louisiana sent an order for the 2d Rhode Island Cavalry to transfer their camp to his, no one moved. Learn- ing the posture of affairs, he immediately rode over and repeated the order in person, but the men simply replied. " We belong to Rhode Island, and not to Louisiana." In fifteen minutes the 1st Louisiana was ordered up on foot, armed with sabres, revolvers and carbines, and formed on the front and right of the Rhode Island regiment. Lieutenant Colonel Robinson then repeated the command previously given, adding the threat, "Hurry up, or I will fire into you." Things now assumed a serious aspect. The men saw that resistance would be useless, and with military law against them, slowly fell into line. Their tardy movements excited the ire of the Louisiana commander. and a file of men was ordered to lead Richard Smith and William Davis, the two last to follow, to a field in front of the camp, where. with their hands tied behind them, their eyes blinded, and without semblance of law, or form of trial, they were shot by two squads of men detailed from the Louisiana regiment. Davis fell killed. Smith was shot through the legs, and was afterward despatched by the re- volvers of the adjutant and sergeant in charge. Lieutenant Colonel Robinson then addressed the Rhode Island Cavalry in threatening terms, after which they marched back to camp filled with horror and
239
IHISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
indignation by the butchery they had witnessed. No candid person will say that the exigencies of the service authorized this severity. and the deed will live in history to shadow the memory of the officer by whose authority it was done.
No good could be hoped from a union formed under the circum- stances here described, and Governor Smith fully appreciating the feelings of the men, early interested himself to relieve them from their unpleasant connection. He communicated with the war depart- ment on the subject, protesting against the change, and claiming if the regiment must be broken up, that it should be transferred to the 3d Rhode Island Cavalry. Assurances were received from the war department that they should be thus transferred on the arrival of that regiment at New Orleans; and pursuant to an order this was done by General Banks, January 14th, 1864.
The organization of the 3d Regiment Rhode Island Volunteer Cavalry was commenced July 1st, 1863, by Colonel Willard Sayles (appointed to its command by the governor) under the authority of the secretary of war. A camp was established for the recruits at Mashapaug. August 18th the men collected there, 150 in number. were transferred to "Camp Meade." in Jamestown, on Conanicut island, to which all subsequent recruits were sent. The 1st Battalion. Major Davis, with full rank, embarked on board the " Western Metropolis " for New Orleans, December 31st, 1863, and was reported to Major General Banks, commanding Department of the Gulf, Jan- uary 14th, 1864. The battalion received February 2d, an addition of two companies from the 1st Louisiana Cavalry, formerly the 2d Rhode Island Cavalry, but transferred to this regiment January 14th, 1864, by order of General Banks. The regiment crossed the Mississippi river March 3d, 1864, and began the march that was con- tinued almost without cessation through the state of Louisiana for the term of three months, and was known as the Red River Expedi- tion. The course lay through Franklin. Alexandria and Natchito- ches. to Pleasant Hill and Mansfield, on the Shreveport road, where the 1st, 3d and 4th Brigades of cavalry, with a large force of artillery, were thrown into confusion in a dense forest, where, encumbered by two brigade trains, little resistance could be offered.
The regiment arrived at Alexandria, April 25th, where it found Lieutenant Colonel Charles H. Parkhurst, with Companies E, F and L. In obedience to orders from General Reynolds, these companies embarked on board the steamer "Superior," Tuesday night, April 20th, and sailed the next morning. Nothing of particular interest occurred until they reached Tunica Bend, some 30 miles below the mouth of the Red river, when they were fired upon by the rebels from the easterly bank of the Mississippi, who had a six pounder well supported by infantry. Three shell and shot passed through
240
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
the cabin, and Corporal Logue, of Company F, received a severe gun shot wound in the right arm, badly shattering the bones.
While at Alexandria, the regiment served as the advance picket on the south side of the town, and was almost daily engaged with the enemy. May 1st, in a skirmish near Governor Moore's plantation, one man was killed and five were wounded. From Alexandria to Simmesport, the regiment served as rear guard nearly all the time. It took part in the battles of Marksville Plain and Yellow Bayou, suffering a small loss in wounded and prisoners. Passing through Morganzia, Plaquemine and Donaldsonville, it reached Fort Banks just above and opposite New Orleans, on the 3d of June, 1864. Another detachment composed of Companies G and H reported for duty in the field, May 8th, and was joined by the regiment at Greenville, June 10th, 1864.
The year 1865 opened as the preceding one had closed, and the weather continued cold with frequent rain storms through the entire month of January. On the 3d of June, the entire regiment had con- centrated at Napoleonville in expectation of joining the expedition under General Sheridan to Texas, but the order was rescinded, and after remaining together for a short time employed in drilling and other duties, it was again scattered and was constantly engaged in scouting for guerrillas and bushwackers, or in picket duty protecting plantations, until mustered out of service at New Orleans, La., November 29th, 1865. The field of duty occupied by the regiment was the entire state of Louisiana. Frequent and rapid marches, the swampy nature of much of the country passed over, short rations when on expeditions longer than had been provided for, and exposure to a malarious climate, told severely on both men and horses.
On the 12th of August, 1861, Governor Sprague issued an order for organizing a third regiment of infantry. General Charles T. Robbins was appointed acting colonel, and Colonel Christopher Blanding acting lieutenant colonel. On the afternoon of the 7th of September the regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Bland- ing, left Camp Ames, on the Old Warwick road, proceeded to Provi- dence, and embarked on board the steamer "Commodore" for the camp on Long Island, which was under command of General W. T. Sherman. Colonel Eddy was succeeded in command by Colonel Nathaniel W. Brown, who continued the daily drills until the em- barkation of the regiment for Fortress Monroe, October 12th, where it arrived on the 14th, and encamped about one mile beyond toward Hampton. On the 23d of October, the regiment embarked with the expedition under General Sherman and Admiral Dupont, destined to Port Royal, S. C. After a boisterous passage, the fleet arrived off that place November 4th. The regiment was present at the naval action at Port Royal November 7th, landed two companies the same day, and the remainder the next, and was assigned to the charge of
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.