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 31
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
42
330
RHODE ISLAND OFFICERS.
twelve o'clock. The other companies were relieved April 24th, and joined the regiment in Newbern this morning. We are thus again united at Camp Anthony, ready for other conflicts in defence of our glorious Union when circumstances shall demand action, and our gallant commander shall invite us to new victories.
"I am, General, with great respect, your obedient servant, " HENRY T. SISSON, " Colonel Commanding Fifth Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers."
" To Brigadier-General E. C. MAURAN, Adjutant-General State of Rhode Island."
The Massachusetts forty-fourth, the garrison of the post, felt deeply the importance of the service rendered by Colonel Sisson and his command, and, on the 25th of April, Colonel Francis L. Lee communicated to him a series of resolutions, thanking him and his regiment for an act of valor that raised the siege, and subsequently presented the fifth with a set of colors. At a later date, while on a visit to Boston, Colonel Sisson received from the lady friends of the Massachusetts forty-fourth, an elegant sword, sash and belt, together with two massive pieces of silver, in token of their appreciation of his ser- vices. The General Assembly of Rhode Island at its May session, 1863, passed a resolution of thanks to Colonel Sisson and the officers and men of his regiment, for the gallantry and heroism displayed in raising the siege of Little Washington.
After the return of the regiment it resumed its duties at Fort Rowan. General Foster, pleased with the manner in which this fort was garrisoned, directed Colonel Sisson to garrison, in addition, Fort Totten. The fifth, also, did a large amount of work in perfecting this fortification. Soon after, the command was extended to the forts on the south side of the Trent, all of which the fifth contributed largely to put in a state of defence. From this time until it was mustered out, it furnished a large number of non-commis- sioned officers and privates for duty as clerks, store-keepers, wagoners, etc., in the various departments of the service. At the siege of Newbern, in Febru- ary, 1864, Colonel Sisson's command, with the fifth as a principal part of it. constituted the right centre division of the defence.
For several months Colonel Tew had the immediate command of Fort Totten, being next in command to Colonel Sisson. During the remainder of the time while the latter commanded the fifth, nothing unusual occurred except the attack of the rebels in May, 1864. On the 5th of October, 1864, Colonel Sisson was honorably discharged the service on account of disability.
CHARLES RAY BRAYTON.
HARLES RAY BRAYTON, the eldest son of the Honorable William D. and Anna W. Brayton, was born in Warwick, Rhode Island, on the 16th of August, 1840. He entered Brown University in September, 1859, and left college at the close of the first term of the sophomore year, to recruit a company in his native town for the third regiment Rhode Island volunteers, subsequently known as the heavy artillery. He was commissioned as first- lieutenant in this regiment on the 27th of August, 1861; promoted to a captainey on the 28th of November, 1862; to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the regiment on the 17th of November, 1863; and to the coloneley on the 1st of April, 1864, which position he held until honorably mustered out of service with his regiment at Providence, on the 5th of October following.
In recommending Lieutenant-Colonel Brayton for the vacant coloneley of his regiment, General Alfred H. Terry, after speaking of his great experience as an artillery officer, says: " In every place which Colonel Brayton has occupied, his good conduct and capacity have reflected honor on the state from which he received his commission. There is no officer in his regiment who approaches him in fitness for a high command, and in my judgment the interest of the service will be greatly subserved by his promotion." This recommendation bore the endorsement of Major-General Gillmore and Brig- adier-General J. W. Turner.
During his term of service, Colonel Brayton participated in the capture of Port Royal, South Carolina ;-- in all the siege and artillery operations ending in the reduction and capture of Fort Pulaski, Georgia, April 11th, 1862 ;- in the battle of James Island, South Carolina, on the 16th of June,
332
RHODE ISLAND OFFICERS.
1862, and in the battle of Pocotaligo, South Carolina, October 22d, 1862 ;- in the capture of Morris Island, July 9th, and in the unsuccessful attack on Fort Wager, July 18th, 1863; - in all the siege and artillery operations on Morris Island, against forts Wagner and Sumter, in the summer of the same year, which terminated in the capture of Wagner and the reduction of Sum- ter, during which time Colonel Brayton was assistant chief of artillery, and in immediate command of all the batteries on the island. Subsequently as chief of artillery to Major-General Alfred H. Terry, he was in charge of all the artillery operations against the city of Charleston and the adjacent islands. In March, 1864, he was appointed chief of artillery of the department of the south, which position he held until his term of service expired.
6. ( hinder )
ELISHA HUNT RHODES.
LISHA HUNT RHODES, son of Elisha H. and Eliza A. Rhodes, was born in Pawtuxet, Rhode Island, March 21st, 1842. IIe attended the village school until he was fourteen, when he entered the Fountain street grammar school, in Providence. After remaining here a year, he entered a commercial academy in order to prepare himself for a business life. On the death of his father, who was lost at sea while in command of the schooner Worcester, he entered a counting-room in Providence, where he remained until the breaking out of the rebellion. Abandoning, for a time, all idea of business, he enlisted as a private in the second Rhode Island volunteers, but was soon advanced to a corporal, and was with his regiment at the battle of Bull Run. This regiment had the lead of one of the main columns when the march began to the enemy's position at Manassas. The men, Colonel Rhodes says, were scarcely expecting to meet the enemy so soon, when they were suddenly saluted by a heavy volley of musketry from the woods.
Colonel Sloeum immediately halted his command, a line was soon formed, and their first battle began. The officers encouraged their men, and all fought bravely. Colonel Slocum, who was in advance of the lines, as the fire slack- ened, climbed over a fence in front, and. in returning was shot, one bullet taking effect in the back of his head, and two others in his ankle. Mr. Rhodes seeing him fall, rushed forward and raised him from the ground. He then called upon private Thomas Parker to assist him, and, together, they bore him to a house on the left of the line, and delivered him to the care of Chaplain Jameson and Surgeon Wheaton.
334
RHODE ISLAND OFFICERS.
Soon after this disastrous battle, Mr. Rhodes was assigned to the color guard of the regiment, and remained in that position until November, when he was detailed as clerk at the head-quarters of Major-General Bnell. He was afterwards transferred to Major-General Keyes's head-quarters, and remained with him during the entire winter. On the 1st of March, 1862, he was made sergeant-major of the regiment. In all the marches and counter-marches of the second Rhode Island, the several campaigns, skirmishes and battles in which it took part, Mr. Rhodes was always at his post; and, from his strict attention to duty, his acknowledged bravery as well as his military skill, gained the confidence of his superior officers so that, on the 6th of Novem- ber, 1863, he was promoted to adjutant of his regiment, and assigned to duty on the regimental staff. We will not follow him through his previous cam- paigns, as the story is told by commanding officers.
On the 6th of June, 1864, Major H. C. Jenekes, with other officers and men whose three years' service had expired, returned to Rhode Island, where they were mustered out of service. Captain Henry HI. Young, Adjutant Rhodes, Lieutenants T. J. and S. J. Smith, with three hundred and twenty- six enlisted men, only remained. Captain Young was appointed inspector- general on the brigade staff, leaving the regiment under the command of Adjutant Rhodes. A single day only was allowed to organize the regiment, when it was ordered to the trenches at Cold Harbor. Three companies were formed, and non-commissioned officers appointed to command. These were subsequently commissioned by Governor Smith.
The lines at Cold Harbor were a series of gradual approaches to the enemy's works protected by abatis. Covered ways were constructed, through which the troops communicated from front to rear. Continual shelling from rifle and mortar batteries, with occasional volleys from both sides, continued until the 12th of June, when the army quietly crossed the Chickahominy and arrived in front of the rebel works, near Petersburg, on the 17th. The next day an assault was made and lines established, which, with little altera- tion, were maintained until the termination of the siege. The second Rhode Island took part in the assault, losing several men. Lieutenant T. J. Smith was severely wounded and was carried from the field, leaving Adjutant Rhodes, the only commissioned officer present for duty with the regiment. Lieutenant Smith was promoted to captain by brevet, by the President, for his gallant conduet, and served on the regimental staff as adjutant to the close of the war. On the 24th of June, on the recommendation of Major-
335
ELISHA HUNT RHODES.
General F. Wheaton and Brigadier-General Edwards, he was promoted to a captain, to date from May 5. A few days later, the regiment took part in the destruction of the Weldon road, near Reams's station. On the 1st of July, it was transferred to the third brigade, first division, sixth corps, and soon after accompanied it to Washington, to repel General Early, who was then near the capital. They marched to Brightwood, when the regiment found themselves engaged in battle on the old brigade camp ground. The rebels were repulsed with great loss, and retreated into Virginia. The corps pursued the enemy, with whom they had some skirmishing, and arrived at Leesburg on the 17th. The following day they crossed the mountains at Clark's Gap. The road was filled with arms and wagons, abandoned by the rebels. Arriv- ing at the Shenandoah, Captain Rhodes was sent, with his regiment, to the river bank, to watch the movements of the enemy during the night. The following morning, the second Rhode Island and thirty-seventh Massachusetts charged across the stream, the rebels retiring in great haste. The corps pursued them to Berryville, and then returned to Washington. On the 6th of August, the corps moved to Harper's Ferry, and was attached to the mid- dle division, under the command of Major-General Sheridan. On the 21st, the rebels made a demonstration against the sixth corps. The second Rhode Island was deployed as skirmishers, but met with slight loss. There was much skirmishing between the opposing armies until the 19th of September, when the Union forces crossed the Opequan and attacked Early. The fighting was very severe, and the Union army forced back. At two o'clock, P. M., a grand attack was made by the sixth and nineteenth corps in front, while the eighth corps and the cavalry came down on Early's left flank. Nothing could resist the impetuous assault, and the rebel army, broken and dispirited, went flying through Winchester, leaving the ground covered with their dead and wounded, besides large quantities of arms and war material. The second Rhode Island took part in the battle and lost several men. The regiment was honorably mentioned for its gallant conduct in the official reports. Captain Rhodes was complimented by his brigade commander on the field, and was breveted major for gallant and meritorious conduet in this engagement. He labored under the disadvantage of being almost entirely destitute of commissioned officers, but was well sustained by the sergeants of the regiment. The next morning the army moved to Fisher's Hill, the rebel army fleeing and leaving most of their artillery. The brigade returned to Winchester, when details, under Major Rhodes, were employed in searching for arms and in arresting suspicious persons.
336
RHODE ISLAND OFFICERS.
On the Ist of December, the sixth corps left the valley for Washington, whence they proceeded by transports to City Point. They immediately took the front, relieving the fifth corps in the trenches before Petersburg. Log huts had already been built by the troops, and preparations were made to pass the winter in siege operations.
The 1st of January, 1865, found the second Rhode Island celebrating their fourth New Year in the army, and receiving a splendid stand of colors, a gift from the state. The brigade commander and his staff, as well as other officers, were present, when speeches were made by Colonel A. D. Smitlı, 3d, of Governor Smith's staff, and Major Rhodes, while cheer after cheer rent the air as the flag was taken to its place in line. The regiment had now been increased to six hundred men, fully officered; and, on the 1st of February, Major Rhodes received another recognition of his gallantry, by a promotion to the lieutenant-colonelcy of his regiment. This promotion was made at the request of all the officers of the regiment, as well as on the recommendation of the division and brigade commanders.
During the month of March, the regiment was engaged in frequent skirmishes, but nothing of importance transpired until the 1st of April, when orders were received to prepare for an assault on the enemy's works the fol- lowing morning. Preparations were accordingly made, and at ten, P. M., all the forts on the sixth corps front opened on the enemy's works a terrific shower of shot and shell. During this bombardment our troops moved quietly from camp, and passed through the works near Fort Fisher, near the Weldon Railroad. The corps was formed by divisions in three lines, the second Rhode Island being in the second. The enemy, although taken by surprise, opened fire from the fort and rifle-pits. A correspondent of the Providence Journal, in speaking of the charge, says: "The second Rhode Island formed in line with the sixth corps, in front of Fort Fisher, under a severe fire from the enemy's skirmishers. Just before light, we were ordered to advance, which we did, and captured the works. Our regiment started in the second line, but before reaching the enemy, were in front, and were the first to plant the flag on the works. Lieutenant-Colonel Rhodes was the first to mount the parapet." Another witness, in describing the battle, says : " After the enemy's lines were carried, Lieutenant-Colonel Rhodes pushed forward to the Boynton plank road, and halted till the lines were reformed. The regiment, although suffering severely, was intact, and was of much service in following the retreating rebels while the lines were forming. The corps pushed on to
337
ELISHA HUNT RHODES.
Hatcher's Run, but not meeting the enemy, returned towards Petersburg, where they were engaged till dark. Lieutenant-Colonel Rhodes was conspic- nous during the day for his bravery and daring, leading his men in every charge, and again complimented by his superior officers." He was immedi- ately recommended for promotion to brevet-colonel, "for gallant conduct at the battle of Petersburg," which he received from the President.
On the 6th, General Sheridan, with the cavalry and the sixth corps, came up with the enemy on Sailor's Creek. The lines were formed, and a vigorous attack commenced. The second Rhode Island, by the extension of the lines, found itself on the extreme left flank of the division. An officer present, says: " When the enemy was observed on the opposite bank of the stream, Colonel Rhodes calling upon the regiment to follow, plunged into it. The men struggled through the mud and water waist deep, driving the rebels from the bank into the woods beyond. Here the lines were reformed, and another dash made up the hill and into the woods-the flank becoming exposed by the cavalry keeping too far to the right. The enemy observing this break in the lines, pushed through and occupied the river bank again, and attacked the regiment in both flanks and rear. Finding it impossible to push ahead, Col- onel Rhodes ordered the regiment to face about and cut their way back. The fighting was terrible, but the regiment succeeded in regaining the oppo- site bank with a fearful loss. The combatants were so mixed together, that the fighting was hand to hand, many men being bayonetted and knocked down by the butts of guns. Captain Charles W. Gleason and Lieutenant William H. Perry, were killed while leading on their men. Four other officers were wounded, and about fifty men killed and wounded. When it is remembered that the regiment only numbered twelve officers and about two hundred men for duty, the severity of the fighting may be imagined. The lines were again formed, the stream crossed, and the enemy driven in confu- sion, leaving their wagon-train in our hands. For the remainder of the day, Colonel Rhodes was in temporary command of the brigade, and acquitted himself with eredit."
On the 7th of April, the march was resumed, and Lee's army overtaken at Appomattox Court House, where they surrendered on the 9th. The corps was immediately ordered back to Barksville, and then sent to Danville to assist in the capture of the rebel force under General Joe Johnson. In the mean time that officer had surrendered. The second Rhode Island was ordered to Welville Station, where they guarded the road and did provost
43
338
RHODE ISLAND OFFICERS.
duty. The troops were soon after ordered to Washington via Richmond, marching the entire distance. Here they remained till the 15th of July. From Washington the second proceeded to Rhode Island, meanwhile Brevet- Colonel Rhodes was commissioned Colonel by Governor Smith, for " gallant services during the war." The regiment reached Providence on the 18th ; was received by a salute and a detachment of militia, and then escorted to City Hall, where a bountiful entertainment was provided. On the 28th, the men were mustered out of the service.
In parting with his regiment, Colonel Rhodes issued the following order :
" HEAD-QUARTERS SECOND RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS, PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, July 28th, 1865.
" COMRADES :- The time has come for us to part, after serving together for over four years. Before bidding you farewell, I wish to express my grati- tude to you all for your uniform kindness to me, and your attention to duty. Nobly have you served your country, gallantly have you followed our battle- searred flags through the fiercest of the fight. You have never allowed the good name of onr native state to suffer, but have added to its historie fame. You may well be proud of the part that you have taken in preserving the Union. Your commanding officer will ever be proud to say that he served through the rebellion in the second Rhode Island volunteers, and will remem- ber with pleasure the brave men who so nobly supported him during the time that he had command. We are now to commence a new career. We are to become citizens. Show to the nation that you can be good citizens as well as gallant soldiers. Be true to God, your country and yourselves. Farewell.
" By order, " Colonel E. H. RHODES."
"T. J. SMITH, Brevet-Captain and Adjutant."
The second Rhode Island was one of the first three years' regiments to enter the service for the war, and one of the last to be mustered out. It served over four years, and took part in all the battles fought by the army of the Potomac. Colonel Rhodes served in every position, from private to colonel. He received eight commissions during the war, six from the governor of Rhode Island and two from the President of the United States; and no officer from the state can show a more brilliant record.
NELSON VIALL.
MONG the many officers of high rank by whom our gallant state was represented during the late war, there are few who served under her banner more faithfully or saw harder service in the great cause, than General VIALL. He was born in circumstances which placed him at the early age of eleven years among strangers, and obliged to depend entirely upon his own resources for support. This developed in him strength to battle with the world, and a resolute determination in whatever he undertook, which became valuable characteristics later in life, on the field of battle and in the hour of danger. His parents, Samuel and Hannah Viall, resided in Plainfield, Connecticut, at the time of his birth, which occurred November 27th, 1827. Being without a home in early life, his opportunities for educa- tion were very limited. In 1846, he was employed as a moulder in Provi- dence ; while, at the same time, his love for military affairs led him to connect himself with the company then known as the United Train of Artillery.
At the breaking out of the Mexican war, Mr. Viall felt a strong desire to join the troops which were forming in Rhode Island under the command of Captain Joseph S. Pitman, and, in February, 1847, enlisted and served during the war, first as corporal and then as sergeant. The first severe fight in which he participated was the famous battle of Contreras, when, after severe exposure, the American troops, under General Smith, made a gallant and victorious assault upon the too confident Mexicans. This success was followed soon after by the battle of Cherubusco, when, after five hard-fought actions, vietory again crowned the American arms. At the stormning of Chepultepec, Corporal Viall received a severe injury in his foot while ascending one of the storming ladders. From this accident
340
RHODE ISLAND OFFICERS.
he has never entirely recovered, though, at the time, it did not prevent his taking an active part in those gallant operations which ultimately resulted in the delivery of the Mexican capital into the hands of General Scott. After performing garrison duty for several months in Mexico, he returned to his former occupation in Rhode Island.
With the exception of four years, from 1850 to 1854, spent in Brazil, where he had contracted to erect and manage an iron foundry, Mr. Viall remained in Providence until the fall of Fort Sumter, in 1861. This event roused him, as it did every loyal man at the north, and he resolved to give his time and energies to the defence of the same old flag under which he had fought in 1847. He then held a commission as lieutenant-colonel in the Providence Artillery, and, with the permission of the colonel commanding, he at once opened the armory for recruits. A company was soon raised for the first regiment, of which Mr. Viall was commissioned as first-lieutenant, and soon after promoted to a captaincy.
On the fall of Colonel Slocum and Major Ballou, at Bull Run, Captain Viall found himself the senior captain, and obliged to assume the duties of a field officer. These duties he performed with so much bravery that, on the reorganization of the regiment, he received a commission as major, bearing date from the ill-fated day of the disastrous battle. In the Peninsular cam- paign the regiment participated, and, while stationed at Mechanicsville, Major Viall was promoted to a lieutenant-colonel. On the 25th of June, the regi- ment engaged the enemy, when Colonel Viall received a flesh wound in the hip. Then began the seven days' conflict, when General Mcclellan was forced back from his position. During the retreat, Colonel Viall was ordered to report to General Couch, at the division head-quarters, and directed to act in the place of General Abercrombie, who was sick. The plan of falling back to Harrison's Landing was confided to him, and the detail of different brigades of division doing picket duty at the front was furnished him, with instruc- tions to contest the line as long as possible ; and, in case it should be broken by the advancing rebels, to make the best of his way to Charles City road, where a new picket line would be found established. Fortunately the ruse succeeded long enough for everything in the rear to retire.
At the battle of Malvern Hill, the seventh Massachusetts and the second Rhode Island regiments were detached from their brigade, and were stationed at Turkey Bend Bridge, to protect the position for the passage of our trains. The men were kept here until the trains had passed in safety and the battle
341
NELSON VIALL.
had become general, when they were ordered to the right of the line, com- manded by General Smith, under whom the second remained until the army reached Harrison's Landing. On reaching the Landing, Colonel Viall was ordered to take command of the tenth Massachusetts, whose colonel had been wounded. The lieutenant-colonel and major had abandoned their men dur- ing the seven days' conflict, and the regiment was suffering badly for the want of field officers. Colonel Viall remained in command of this regiment until it arrived at Yorktown, fulfilling the duties incumbent upon the posi- tion to the satisfaction of all connected with him. His subordinate officers were so pleased with the ability he displayed while in charge of the regiment, that they forwarded a request to Governor Andrew, that Colonel Viall might be appointed to the place of their old colonel, who had been, in the mean- time, advanced to the rank of a brigadier. This request would probably have been granted had Colonel Viall seen fit to accept; but he had been assured by those high in authority, that he would soon have the command of a Rhode Island regiment, so he declined the offer, and returned to his lieutenant-colonelcy of the second Rhode Island.
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.