USA > Rhode Island > Memoirs of Rhode Island officers who were engaged in the service of their country during the great rebellion of the South. Illustrated with thirty-four portraits > Part 23
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On the 10th of October, 1862, Captain Buffum was promoted to a major. In November, the regiment, with the army of the Potomac, was in front of Fredericksburg, and took an active part in the battle of December 13th, when Lieutenant-Colonel Curtis, who had, since the battle of Antietam, held the command, was killed. Colonel Steere being still confined with his wound, Major Buffum now assumed the command of the fourth, and, on the 24th of December, was promoted to lieutenant-colonel. From this time until July 30th, 1864, Colonel Buffum retained command of the regiment, Colonel Steere being absent from wounds, or commanding a brigade.
The regiment was now brigaded with the thirteenth New Hampshire and twenty-fifth New Jersey, under Colonel Dutton; and, on the 8th of Feb- ruary, accompanied the ninth army corps to Fortress Monroe, near which, at Newport News, it once more encamped. On the 13th of March, it made its camp near Suffolk, Virginia. From that time to the 16th, it was in active operations. May 3d, it participated in an engagement at Hill's Point, across the Nansemond river, the particulars of which are given in the following report of Colonel Buffum to the adjutant-general of Rhode Island :
" HEAD-QUARTERS FOURTH REGIMENT RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS, NEAR SUFFOLK, VIRGINIA, May 4th, 1863.
" GENERAL :- I have the honor to forward the following report of the late engagement of the fourth Rhode Island, on the opposite bank of the Nansemond river.
"On the evening of May 2d, orders were received for the regiment to be in readiness to march in light marching order, with two days' cooked rations. I received further verbal orders from Brigadier-General Getty, commanding division, to this effect: I was to launch a number of boats which I would find near the dwelling of Doctor Consal, (about three-fourths of a mile from this
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camp,) and embark as many men as the boats would carry; pass down the river, and land on the opposite bank of the Nansemond, at Hill's Point; the boats to return a sufficient number of times to transport the whole regiment to that place. The regiment was to be over by daybreak, and to push forward to the Providence Church road, and hold that road from the point of entrance to Read's Ferry, a distance of about a mile, and to await further orders.
" This movement was to be in cooperation with an advance from above, by General Getty with about five thousand men, crossing at Suffolk; while at the same time, the twenty-first Connecticut, with a troop of cavalry and a section of artillery, crossed below Hill's Point, and occupied the north bank of the west branch, from the Nansemond to Read's Ferry.
" I landed at Hill's Point with the first boat loads, and before sunrise, had the remainder of the regiment with me. We drove the pickets of the enemy from the bank of the river, and occupied the rifle-pits and earth-works. It was supposed that no large force of the enemy would be encountered at this point, and that a way could be readily forced to the Providence Church road. Before the whole regiment had crossed, our skirmishers had occupied a position across an open field beyond the rifle-pits. First, along a rail fence, skirting an orchard; and afterwards, in the edge of a narrow belt of tangled woods, the ground rising slightly in front, with a large open field beyond to the pine woods in front and on the right, and the orchard before referred to on the left.
" Both the orchard and the pine woods were occupied by the skirmishers and sharpshooters of the enemy, whose fire was continuous and heavy. When I had been joined by the whole regiment, an attempt was made to advance in the direction desired, skirmishers being thrown out through the woods at the right, and the regiment advancing into the open field, to the brow of the little hill in front. The fire from the enemy was now very severe, being poured in upon us from three sides, and betraying the presence of the enemy in consider- able numbers. Our skirmishers, too, were able to force their way but a short distance to the right, when they encountered the skirmishers of the enemy in such force as to effectnally bar their further progress, and to excite their utmost vigilance to prevent being flanked.
" Colonel Dutton, commanding our brigade, had joined us with the last boat loads, and, by his orders, the regiment was withdrawn along the edge of the woods, and partially covered by the rise of the ground to the earth-works. In the afternoon, we renewed the attack, taking with us a light twelve-pound howitzer, from the gun-boat Commodore Barney, worked by a crew from the
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gun-boat, and leaving in the rifle-pits one hundred and thirty men of the one hundred and seventeenth New York, who had crossed to our assistance. With this assistance we were making fair progress, when the enemy opened upon us with artillery from the woods beyond. Exposed as we must be, in crossing the field before us, to the fire of artillery in front and sharp- shooters upon three sides, covering a line of over a mile, it would have been unwarrantable rashness to proceed. By order of Colonel Dutton, we again withdrew to the earth-works. From the extended line of the enemy's fire, and from the severity with which it came from the different points, I am sat- isfied that the enemy outnumbered us considerably. I judge that the enemy opposed to us, must have numbered as many as one thousand; and believe they were prevented from. more directly assuming the offensive, only by the presence of the two gun-boats which supported us from the river. I might observe that the banks of the river being quite high at this place, the gun- boats could fire upon the enemy where they lay with but little certainty, but could cover an approach to the river with great efficiency.
" After sunset, on the evening of the 3d, we vacated the place in obedi- ence to orders. We crossed the Nansemond and returned to this camp, which we reached late at night, the men being much fatigued by the constant wake- fulness, excitement and toil of the previous thirty-six hours. Our loss was one killed, four wounded and two missing.
" I have the honor to be, General, your most obedient servant,
" M. P. BUFFUM,
" Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Fourth Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers."
On the 22d of June, the regiment moved on an expedition to King William Court House. "Orders were received on the 21st," says Colonel Buffum, in his report to General Mauran, " to march on the following morn- ing, at one o'clock, in light marching order. At the designated hour the regiment marched, and, at Portsmouth, took transport to Yorktown, where it bivouacked. By order of General Geary, commanding division, Colonel Steere remained at camp, in command of the line of defences at that point. Early on the morning of June 26th, the regiment again embarked and landed at White House the same day, where it bivouacked until the morning of July Ist, when it again marched, reaching King William Court House that day.
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" July 2d, marched to near Brandywine; July 3d, marched to Taylors- ville; July 4th, marched to the bridge crossing the Pamunky river, near Hanover Court House, where we halted until all the troops passing beyond that point had crossed, when we crossed and occupied a position just on the other side of the bridge. Three companies, under command of Major Bucklin, picketed the road from the bridge to Hanover Court House. Our brigade guarded the bridge. Pursuant to orders, a detail from the fourth Rhode Island, assisted by a detail from the tenth New Hampshire, prepared the bridge for burning. The regiment slept on its arms that night. On the following morning, (July 5th,) we recrossed the bridge, and, holding the posi- tion until all the troops had recrossed, fired the bridge. In this early part of the return march, our brigade acted as rear guard. The bridge was consumed. That night we bivouacked at Agletts. July 6th, we marched to King William Court House, and on the 7th, returned to White House. From White House, several officers and a number of men who were unfit for marching, on account of badly blistered feet and other causes, took transport down the river.
" July 8th, we again took up the line of march, by the way of New Kent Court House and 'Burnt Ordinary,' and arrived at Yorktown on the 10th. July 12th, resumed the march; encamped that night at Big Bethel. On the 13th, arrived at Hampton, and took transport to Portsmouth. At about nine o'clock, P. M., of July 13th, arrived at this camp. But a small portion of the forces comprising the expedition engaged the enemy. The fourth Rhode Island was not engaged; and, I am happy to report, suffered no loss. The march, however, was a severe one; over at times dusty, and at others very muddy and almost impassible roads, under a burning July sun; and tested to the utmost the endurance of both officers and men. All are foot-sore and weary, but a few days of rest and quiet in camp, will, undoubtedly, restore the command to its former efficiency."
The regiment, soon after, was transferred to the seventh corps, second division, third brigade, under General Naglee, and, until the 1st of March, 1864, reported from near Portsmouth, Virginia. On the 1st of April, it reported at Norfolk. From thence it proceeded to Point Lookout, Maryland, where it reported on the 1st of May. Subsequently it went to the front, and, having joined the ninth corps before Petersburg, was engaged on duty in the trenches, where it was constantly under fire. The head-quarters of Lieutenant-Colonel Buffum were within musket range, and several men were wounded. " In the assault upon the rebel works immediately upon the explo-
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sion of the mine, on the 30th of July, the regiment, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Buffum, advanced upon the enemy's line, and, under a galling fire, entered the crater caused by the explosion, where a hand-to-hand fight ensued, with great slaughter on both sides. The attempt to hold the position was made in vain. The overwhelming force and deadly fire of the rebels, threatened speedy destruction to the regiment. Here Lieutenant-Colonel Buffum, while obeying an order to withdraw his men, was fiercely charged upon by an over- powering foe, which resulted in his capture, together with Captains Bowen, Shearman, Reynolds, Lieutenant Kibby, and twenty-one enlisted men. The total loss in killed, wounded and missing was eighty-three." The regiment was now left to the command of Major James T. P. Bucklin, an efficient, brave and valuable officer.
Lieutenant-Colonel Buffum remained a prisoner until the 15th of Decem- ber, 1864, when he was released, and reached our lines on the 17th. The period for which the regiment had enlisted having expired, it returned to Rhode Island in October, and was mustered out of the service. This took place while Lieutenant-Colonel Buffum remained a prisoner. On his return, he was honorably discharged the service, and, soon after, was breveted colonel of volunteers, to date from the 13th of March, 1865, "for gallant and meritorious services during the war."
On the 1st of June, 1865, he was appointed lieutenant-colonel in the ninth regiment, first army corps, and served until May 10th, 1866, when he received an appointment as second-lieutenant of the fifteenth regiment United States infantry. Few officers who came forward on the breaking out of the rebellion and entered the military service, can show a better record than that of Colonel Buffum. Of such men his native state feels justly proud. During its three years' service the fourth broke camp eighty-five times, and made heavy marches in three rebel states. In the same period, it took part in the great battles of Roanoke, Newbern, Fort Macon, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and the lesser engagements at Suffolk, Weldon Railroad, Poplar Spring Church, and Hatcher's Run ; the names of all which battles were, by order of General Meade, directed to be inscribed upon the colors of the regiment.
S. Ballon
SULLIVAN BALLOU.
AJOR SULLIVAN BALLOU, of the second Rhode Island regiment of volun- teers, who lost his life at the disastrous battle of Bull Run, was one of the most prominent men of his native state, and one whose future seemed most likely to be honored with her dignities. Eloquent, able, honest and fearless, he had always won distinction at the bar and in the council, before he laid aside the toga for the harness of war.
He was born at Smithfield, Rhode Island, on the 28th day of March, 1820, and passed the years of early childhood in his native town. Like many other New England families, to whom the western parts offer attractions and more enticing hopes of advancement, his family left Smithfield when he was quite young, and resided at Rochester during most of his youth. His educa- tion was pursued in the schools of that place, but in 1846, he entered Phillips Academy, at Andover, Massachusetts, where he spent two years, preparatory to entering Brown University. Of that honored institution he was a collegian for only two years, when, without waiting his graduation and the honors con- fered by its faculty, he proceeded to the National Law School, in Ballston, New York, to fit himself for the profession to which his inclination no less than his evident abilities fitted him.
On the completion of his studies, he was admitted to the Rhode Island bar, in March, 1853, and beginning the practice of the law at Smithfield, continued to devote himself to his profession there and in Providence, until he left with his regiment, for the seat of war. Few men ever relinquished more flattering prospects of success in their chosen profession than Major Ballou.
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He was clerk of the house of representatives of Rhode Island, during the years 1854, 1855 and 1856, and was elected a member of that house, as representative of his native town, in April, 1857. Upon the meeting of the legislature, he was, by the unanimous voice of the members, chosen to preside over their deliberations as speaker; and so acceptably did he fill the chair, that when his constituents, in the succeeding year, returned him again to the house, he was again proposed for the speakership, but declined the office. During the session, however, he discharged the responsible duties of chairman of the committee on corporations.
He now, moreover, closed his career in a legislative capacity, declining a reelection in order that he might devote himself exclusively to the duties of his profession ; and to avail himself of a more ample field for successful practice, removed at this time to Providence, and became associated with Charles F. Brownell, Esquire.
During his short service in the house of representatives, he was a promi- nent member, being possessed of unusual powers of debate and eloquence as an advocate, and his gifts were never used except for the cause of justice and right. In whatever position he was placed, he was always distinguished.
In April, 1861, he was brought forward by the republican party as their candidate for the office of attorney general, but as the whole ticket was defeated, even his popularity did not suffice to turn the tide in his instance.
The only public office held by him at the time, was that of judge advocate of the Rhode Island militia. When the call came for troops, his eloquence and his influence were all given to the cause of our national exist- ence; and when Colonel Slocum returned from the seat of war to raise a second Rhode Island regiment, Sullivan Ballou, at two or three days' notice, accepted the rank of major,-a post assigned to him, not from his military experience, but from the general confidence felt, and most justly felt, in him. He proved before his death, as is attested by the unanimous testimony of his brother officers and the men, that he possessed an unusual capacity for com- mand, and a great aptitude for the military art. He accepted rank from a patriotic sense of duty, knowing full well the danger to which he would be exposed,-feeling at the same time that terrible presentiment, that he should be one of the earliest victims. He could not remain at home ; he had urged others to stand up for their common country, and when the call came to him, he could not even hesitate, though he almost knew he was rushing to a speedy death.
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When the regiment was formed, he accompanied it to Washington; and when the grand army took up its line of march for the intricate series of works behind which the armed hordes of rebellion had intrenched themselves on being baffled in the seizure of the capital, which they had so craftily planned, Major Ballou was, with his regiment, ever on the alert, regardless of danger, eager to learn and to do. He was the first to reach and plant the flag upon the first works of the enemy which they descried, but which proved to be deserted, abandoned by the enemy in their retrograde movement.
On the day of the battle, his regiment opened the action, after crossing Bull Run at Sudley Church ; and here, while leading on his men to the charge, he was struck by a cannon-ball, which killed his horse and shattered his leg. He was borne off the field to Sudley Church, which became the hospital, and there breathed his last, at the age of thirty-two years and five months. His remains were committed to the earth, on the unfriendly soil of Virginia.
He had married, in the summer of 1855, Miss Sarah Hart Shumway, of Poughkeepsie, New York, who, with their two children, mourn his early loss.
Of the many worthy sons of Rhode Island who bravely fell on that fatal day, none was perhaps so well and so favorably known as Major Ballou, and his state could ill spare one who, so young, had shown so great an ability for its highest honors.
EDWIN METCALF.
DWIN METCALF was commissioned, by Governor Sprague, major of the third regiment of Rhode Island heavy artillery, August 27th, 1861. This regiment, during Major Metcalf's connection with it, was stationed at Hilton Head. The particulars of its operations are related at length in the memoir of Colonel Nathaniel W. Brown.
In June, 1862, a battalion of this regiment, under Major Metcalf, per- formed important service at James Island, the particulars of which are given in the following official report :
"JAMES ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA, June, 1862.
" LIEUTENANT :- I have the honor to report, that in accordance with the instructions received on the evening of the 15th instant, from the acting brigadier-general commanding the first division, head-quarters brigade, my battalion was held in readiness to move at three o'clock on the morning of the 16th. Company I, Captain Strahan, being detailed for duty at the battery in advance of the first brigade, and a detachment under Lieutenant Metcalf, of company K, remaining in charge of the battery at this point. My command comprised but five companies, B, E, F, II and K, numbering three hundred and sixty enlisted men, with two field, three staff, and fourteen company officers.
"Leading the brigade, three companies, B, F and K, of my battalion, were deployed as skirmishers, under the direction of Major Sisson, at the entrance to the wood, covering the approach to the rebel battery. The other companies marched steadily to the front, halting in a position to support the troops of the
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first brigade, who had fallen back, and being joined at this point by the parties thrown out as skirmishers. After again advancing in line, under orders to support the ninety-seventh Pennsylvania volunteers, the battalion was ordered to take position on the right of the third regiment New Hampshire volunteers, and for this purpose crossed the marshy ground flanking the enemy's battery. We had hardly formed in line of battle and commenced firing, when an order came to capture a field battery in their rear, which was firing with a fatal effect on the third New Hampshire regiment. The battalion was immediately ordered to about face, and advanced upon the thicket behind which the enemy's field-guns were concealed. In effecting this object, we encountered a galling fire from the enemy's sharpshooters in the thicket at our front and left, and many were wounded in our ranks, but all pressed forward, the men cheering and firing with spirit.
"I urged them into the cover of the woods as rapidly as possible; and with great difficulty they forced their way in, encountering small parties of rebels, many of whom were shot and bayoneted -one prisoner being secured. A few of my men succeeded in reaching the inner edge of the thicket and gaining sight of the field-guns, three in number, without horses, and supported apparently by only two or three companies of infantry. I felt confident of securing them, but the third New Hampshire regiment having fallen back, I deemed it my duty to order my men to retire, which they did in good order, but slowly and reluctantly, bringing off such of our dead and wounded as could be seen on our way. Feeling my utter want of experience, I have great hesitation in speaking of the conduct of those under my command, some of whom were, not like myself, for the first time under fire. I keenly appreciate the honor of leading such men into battle, and cannot too highly praise their coolness, steadiness and courage. If any faltered, I was spared the shame of seeing it. Where all did their duty so well, I mention a few whose bearing was conspicuous, without detracting from the merits of others. Major H. T. Sisson deserves much credit for his successful management of the skirmishers during the advance, and for his constant efforts to aid me in carrying out the various orders received in the course of the morning.
"I take great pleasure in speaking of the adjutant of the battalion, First- Lieutenant J. Lanahan, of company I, always prompt and cool, and sustaining me in every difficulty by his good judgment and long experience as a soldier. First-Lieutenant A. E. Green, commanding company B, was especially ener- getic and active. Second-Lieutenant E. S. Bartholomew, of company E, nobly
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proved himself deserving the commission he had received since our departure from Hilton Head, falling mortally wounded . while cheering on his men into the thicket, from which the enemy so severely annoyed us. Captain H. Rogers, Jr., and First-Lieutenant C. R. Brayton, of company H, were untiring in their exertions, and zealously supported me. First-Lieutenant A. W. Col- well, of company F, and Second-Lieutenant D. B. Churchill, of company K, particularly attracted my notice by their coolness and energy. I am pleased to name First-Sergeant G. W. Greene and Sergeant J. B. Batchelder, of com- pany B, First-Sergeant O. A. Thompson, of company E, and First-Sergeant W. Wheeler, Jr., of company K, as distinguished for gallant conduct. I shall feel justified in recommending them to the governor of Rhode Island for promotion.
"It is with a bitter feeling of regret, though with no sense of shame, that I have to report the serious loss sustained by my battalion-one sergeant, six privates killed; two officers, four corporals, twenty-four privates wounded ; one corporal, seven privates missing ; total forty-five.
" I have the honor to be, Lieutenant,
"Very respectfully, your obedient servant, (Signed,) " EDWIN METCALF, " Major Commanding Second Battalion, Third Regiment Rhode Island Artillery."
"To Lieutenant CHANNING CLAPP, A. A. A. General."
" HEAD-QUARTERS, HILTON HEAD, July 13th, 1862 "To HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR SPRAGUE, PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND :
" GOVERNOR :- I have the honor to enclose herewith, the official copy of Major Edwin Metcalf's report of the part taken by his battalion, third Rhode Island artillery, in the battle of Secessionville, James Island, South Carolina, June 16th, 1862. Major Metcalf's command was thrown forward into the position of which he first speaks, with the third New Hampshire regiment, and supported by the ninety-seventh Pennsylvania and forty-seventh New York regiments, for the purpose of keeping down the fire of the enemy's main works, while General Stevens made his second advance. This was so well done by the third New Hampshire regiment, and by Major Metcalf's bat- talion while with the New Hampshire regiment, that the enemy were wholly unable to man their guns, and General Stevens succeeded in bringing forward his command to a small embankment about four hundred yards from the work, without the loss, I believe, of a man, while crossing a large open space before reaching the embankment.
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EDWIN METCALF.
" I desire to express to your Excellency, my extreme admiration of the courage and soldierly conduct of Major Metcalf's battalion, and particularly of the major himself. It is my belief, that no officers or men could have behaved better under fire than they did, and certainly no officer could have led his command with more skill and bravery, than did Major Metcalf.
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