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YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

^T^HE Committee tvho have had charge of the compilation of the history of the iSth
Regiment, Connecticut Vohinteei's, apologizing for seeming unnecessajy delay attending
its publication, deem it only Just to ourselves to explain that the amount of labor and the
difiiculties i^ivolved in such an undertaking tvere greatly underestimated by them. The
task of gathering the material, histoiical data, personal incidents, etc., and bHnging it
into proper shape was begun early in 1884, and it was expected that the volume would be
in print in August of the same year ; but as the tvork progressed unforeseen obstacles mid-
tiplied at almost eveiy stage. Frequ-ently it has been perplexing to discover the truth
among confiicting statements, and to correct inaccuracies in names, dates, etc., ivhile in a
ver)' great measure the history has been delayed by procrastination on the part of contrib
utors. In conclusion, we desire to thank the members ajtd friends of the Regiment for their
cooperation in perfecting this Memorial ; for their patience displayed in atvaiting its com
pletion, and for the confidence they have reposed in the Committee — a confidence that we
trust was not misplaced. W. C. WALKER, "1
//. M. DURFEY,
GEO. C. SETCHEL, \ Committee.
JAMES MCKEE,
WM. CARUTHERS,

HISTORY

-OF—

THE EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

CONN. VOLUNTEERS

—IN-

THE WAR FOR THE UNION,

—BY-
CHAPLAIN WM. C. WALKER.

NORWICH, CONN.:
rU,PLJSHED BY THE COMMITTEE,
1885,

TO THE MEMOEY OE THE
EIGHTEENTH CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEEKS.
LIVING AND FALLEN,
WHO SERVED IN THE WAR FOR THE UNION,
THIS VOLUME IS DEDICATED.

PREFACE

The war for the Union developed as noble a band of patriots as the world has
ever seen; men who counted not their lives dear in the cause of their country's
honor and safety. Connecticut contributed her full sliare of soldiers, aud both
they and their State may accept as strictly true and just the complimentary dec
laration by Maj. Gen. Hunter: "I have seen none better or braver soldiers iih the
field." The Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers , take a high rank on the "roll ot
honor," its record having been one in which its veterans may ever cherish a laud
able pride, and of which none of their sons need ever be a>hamed. Gen. Milroy,
under whora this regiment fought its first battle at Winchester, Va., said in an
address to them a few months later: "Boys, I have seen yon stand where brave
men only could stand." Again, after the battle of Piedmont, where our arms
obtained a glorious victory. Gen. Sullivan recognized their achievements in the
flattering comment: "Boys, your valor has saved the day."
Surgeon C. E. Goldsborough, of the Fifth Maryland Regiment, who witnessed
the battle at Winchester, writes: "I always admired the gallantry of the Eight
eenth Connecticut Volunteers in that their first fight. They stood like veterans.
Brave men weie they."
It is to transmit to posterity this glorious lecord of heroic services freely
given to their country, that these pages have been written. As early as July,
1868, while the events of the war were still fresh iu remembrance, the author be
gan to collect material from a vai iety of sources, supplementary to his own diary
and memory, with the view of compiling as complete a history as possible of his
regiment. A series of sketches prepared by himself were contributed to the
Soldier's Record and continued in that iiublication for nearly four years, thus
giving ample time for any criticisms and additions that might be suggested by
others as necessary for the perfection of the work in the hands of a future
historian. The author had no intention at the tirae of having these random
articles published in book form; his only purpose being to furnish material for a
history to be written by an abler hand. For several years the matter of publica
tion had been discussed at the various reunions, until finally a committee was
appointed, as noted elsewhere, to take measures for the attainment of this object.

After due consideration it was decided to accept as the substance of the pro
posed work the author's narrative as originally published; but revised and
corrected as the facts demanded. Necessarily the work has progressed slowly,
as it has been done with the utmost care, and great credit is due the committee
for their patient toil and perseverance to make the history as complete as possible
as to facts, names and dates. This task has been a laborious one, attended with
many and even with some unexpected difficulties, as it was found that even the
adjutant general's reports were not wholly reliable, and thus much labor and
investigation was required to secure accuracy of statement. After all, we fear
that the work is far from perfect; mistakes will undoubtedly appear. If, however,
it is found that some names are omitted of which honorable mentioned should
have been made, or some prominent fact withheld that was especially creditable
to those inteiested and deserving, no one will more deeply regret such a defect
than the committee themselves. To have noted all the praise-worthy acts done
by this regiment, individually' and collectively, would have been an impossibility.
"With charity fbr all and malice toward none," the work is now submitted
to the favorable regards of worthy comrades who served and suffered in a just
and holy cause.
In order that this narrative might be as attractive and readable aa possible,
the assistance of a practical editor was secured in Mr. John F. Rathbone,
who has carefully perused every page and given much time to the perfection
and completion of this regimental story. Many thanks are due this gentleman
for his very faithful and acceptable services. In order to suitably embellish
the work an effort has been, made to obtain a photograph of each officer, and
it is a nuitter of sincere regret that this was impossible. Those which have been
obtained are believed to be fair likenesses of the originals, either in the past or at
present. Would that the face of each one of the noble men who fought in the
ranks could be ihus preserved as well.
"Brave boys were the.y
Their country's cause defending."
In conclusion, if this memorial shall in any way tend to perpetuate in remem
brance the brave deeds of the Eighteenth Regiment, to add lustre to individ
ual achievement, or stimulate by their example the fire of patriotism in the
hearts of those who may hereafter turn its pages, the result will amply fulfill the
expectation and purpose of the Author.

w V

/

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.
OftGANIZATION OF THE REGIMENT  I
Stirring scenes; Patriotic feeling in Norwich; Mass meeting; Organization
di ihe regiment; Camp Aiken. CHAPTER II.
The Departure  24
Departure of the Eighteenth for the South; Affecting incidents at the leave-
taking; Arrival in New York City; At Fort McHenry, Md,; Division of the
rfegiment; Skirmishes and forays. CHAPTER III.
ISCAkCH TO THE FrONT  B ATTLE OF WINCHESTER  90
In the Shen.indoah 'Valley; Picturesque scenery at Harper's Ferry; At Win-
chfefeter, Va.; Under Milroy; Advance of Lee's army halted; Milroy proposes to
fight him, and makes it red hot; The Stonewall Brigade repulsed; Severe fight-
ih^; Desperate charge of Companies H and F; prisoners captured; Caruthers
^feverely wounded.
CHAPTER IV.
The Battle on Monday, and Capture  114
The Eighteenth, and Fifth Maryland try to cut their way out; Three desperate
charges with great loss; Death of Capt. Porter; Escape of Milroy and staff; The
surrender after three days' hard fighiing; Gen. Walker returns Col. Ely's
s*if6i:d; The journey to Richmond; Escape of Maj. Peale and a detachment.
CHAPTER V.
On Belle Island  131
Prisoners of war at Belle Island; Scanty fare; Three hundred raen transferred
to Libby; Two squads paroled.

CHAPTER VI.
The Escape from Winchester  i4^
Experiences of the detachment that escaped at Winchester; Terrible suffering
in the mountains; Evading the rebels; The fugitives reach the Union lines.
CHAPTER VII.
The Officers at Libby  i6i
Libby Prison; A starvation bill of fare; The famous "tunnel;" Col. Ely es
capes, but is captured again; Humorous, ludicrous and pathetic incidents in pris
on-life; Camp parole. CHAPTER VIIL
The Regiment Reunited  173
The regiment reunited at Martinsburg; Routine duty; The sutler receives a
scare; Thanksgiving Day in camp; Tidings from Libby; A "revival" at Martins
burg
CHAPTER IX.
Going Home to Vote  198
Going home to vote; '"Hurrah for Governor Buckingham!" The journey North
and return; On to Richmond.
CHAPTER X.
On TO Richmond  212
Six thousand men under Sigel; The advance up the valley; The old battle-field
at Winchester: The march to Strasburg; Advance of the regiment with a battery
to Edinburg; Forced march to Newmaiket; No breakfast; Rain; Mud knee
dee]); The battle; Warmly engaged with the enem} ; Death of Capt. Spaulding;
somebody blunders; Retreat to Cedar Creek.
CHAPTER XL
Hunter's Raid — Battle of Piedmont  227
Gen. Hunter takes command; The advance to Newmarket; The old battle
field; Visit the wounded; Serenaded by band of Thirty-Fourth M.issachusetts
Regiment; Leave Newmarket; Heavy skirmishing at Harrisonburg; Rebels fall
back; Still on towards Port Republic; Rebel fornging party captured; A caval
ryman drowned; Batlle at Piedmont; The Eighteenth on the right; Severe
fighting; A brilliant charge; Death of Lieut. Maginnis and Adjutant Culver;
Rebels defeated with great loss; After the battle; Col. Ely s report; The regi
ment cheered by Gen. Sullivan and staff and complimented by Gen. Hunter;
Marching on; Staunton taken; Railroads torn up and depot and "warehouses de
stroyed; Crook joins Hunter.

CHAPTER XII.
On 'TO Lynchburg  248
Lexington occupied after severe skirmishing; Governor Letcher's house and
military institute burned; The home and grave of Stonewall Jackson; A rest;
Hot weather and aweary march to Buchanan; The natural bridge; James River
canal torn up and boats destroyed; Bridge burned; Mountain scenery; The
peaks of Otter; Occupy Liberty; Bending rails of Tennessee and Lynchburg
Railroad; Destruction of bridges, etc.; Still in pursuit; Battle at New London;
Rebels defeated with great loss; Lynchburg reached; Rebels reinforced by
Longstreet and Hill's corps; The battle; Col. Ely wounded; Hunter decides to
get out under cover of night; The Eighteenth cover the retreat; No choice left
but by way of Kanawha; Lack of ammunition to give battle.
CHAPTER Xin.
The Retreat from Lynchburg  261
Rebel pursuit; Attack on our rear handsomely repulsed; The work of destruc
tion still goes on; Virginia and Tennessee Railroad bridges light up the country;
reach Salem; The rebels capture and destroy a battery; Hard times in the moun
tains; .\t 'White Sulphur Springs; Suffering for want of food; Long and weary
marches, and hot weather; Sad sights: Ragged and barefoot; Mules and horses
die of starvation; Pluck and courage among the men; Meadow Bluffs; Dangers
of the raid and famine passed; Supply train insight; Great rejoicing; Hawk's
Nest and Lover's Leap; Arrive at Gauley Bridge; The march to camp Piatt; On
the Ohio River; Incidents of the trip to Parkersburg, Va.; Off for Cumberland,
and at Back Creek; After Early; The march to Martinsburg and Harper's
Ferry; Ford the Potomac at Berlin; Loudon Valley; On track of Early; Bat-
tie of Snicker's Ford; A blunder; Still pursuing; The Sixth Corps leave us; Our
second battle of Winchester, Va.; A gallant defense; Ten to one again; A stub
born retreat, ar^ fatal effects of the heat; In Maryland; At Monocacy.
CHAPTER XIV.
Gen. Sheridan in Command.  299
The march to Harper's Ferry; Advance to Halltown and Berry ville; Severe
skirmishing with Early; He is driven to Cedar Ceeek; Contesting our advance;
Hard fighting; Little Phil, turns back; Early follows; At Halltown; Crook
orders the Third Brigade in; Rebels driven back- with great loss and learn to
keep at a distance; Lively times and continuous fighting; At Charlestown; Pay
day, but what shall we do with the money; Forward, Crook, is Sheridan's order;
Battle at Berry ville; Fierce artillery fire; A gallant charge with desperate fighting
during which the rebels are driven back; Rainy night; In charge of wagon train:

Grant uneasy; Permission to little Phil, to go in; Col. Ely returns home; The
battle of Winchester, and Early routed with great loss; The regiment at Charles
town used up; Ordered to Martinsburg; Going home to vote for Honest Abe;
Return to the valley.
CHAPTER XV.
Winter Quarters at Halltown  318
In winter quarters at Halltown; Strength of the regiment; Cold snaps and
sleighing parties; Lively times on picket; Preparing for the spring campaign.
CHAPTER XVL
The Closing Scenes — Departure for Home  338
The surrender of Lee, and closing scenes in the Rebellion; Last camp at
Martinsburg; Sergeant Staubly captures a prize; Camp frolics; Departure of
the regiment for the North; Reception at Hartford.
CHAPTER XVIL
Prison Life  362
Record of prison life in the South, including special descriptions of the hor
rors of Andersonville and Libby; Narratives by prisoners.

- lii^'^ly T.TTslpm liimi a 'Phuf ofiiap&, .

REVET BRIOADIE

CHAPTER I.

ORGANIZATION OF THE REGIMENT.

The late civil war has been called a continuation of the "irre
pressible conflict;" it was rather the tremendous issue of that con
flict, the inevitable explosion of the storm that half a century of
contention between irreconcilable principles had engendered.
The grand uprising of the North was in defense of the principle, vi
tal and fundamental, of this republic, that "all men are created free
and equal, and alike entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness." The antagonists of this imperishable democratic
idea, as embodied in the preamble to the Constitution, finding
themselves thwarted in every attempt in their scheme of aristo
cratic usurpation, and maddened by the apparent futility of fur
ther effort in the line of political chicanery and peaceful coercion,
determined on an appeal to the sword. The long desperate strug
gle of the Rebellion, the most momentous civil war in history, was
the result. More than two millions of men were suddenly called
from their peaceful, avocations to contend on the battle-field for
and against the principle of constitutional liberty and human
progress. To have lived in such a time, participated in such a
conflict, and survived, is to have achieved the most glorious re
ward of a noble ambition.
The soldiers of Connecticut, who rallied to the support of the
national banner when it was assailed by the cohorts of oppres
sion and rebellion, may well feel proud of their record, and be

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

grateful that they shared the privilege of fighting to uphold and
perpetuate the free institution of their nation, or adopted country;
while the graves of fallen heroes, honored or unknown, shall re
ceive the crowns of flowers from the hands of comrades who sur
vived them. And in the years to come, the memory of the patriot
soldiers shall be twined with the flowers of loyal and tender recol
lection and provoke the tribute of grateful homage.
In the great struggle our .State had, in all, fifty-four thousand
eight hundred and eighty-two men. The first and second calls
of President Lincoln for troops were responded to by about four
teen thousand men; while the third call, in July, 1862, brought
forth more than seven thousand three years' men, and about an
equal number of volunteers for nine months.
Of the former class was the Eighteenth Regiment of infantry.
It was on July 3d that Governor Buckingham issued a call
for six regiments of three years' men. His proclamation was as
follows: "Citizens of Connecticut! You are again called upon to rally
to the support of the government. In the name of our com
mon country 1 call upon you to enroll your names for the im
mediate formation of six or more regiments of infantry to be used
in suppressing the Rebellion. Our troops ma)' be held in check,
and our sons die on the battle-field, but the cause of civil liberty
must be advanced; the supremacy of the government must be
maintained. Prompt and decisive action will be economy in men
and money. By our delay the safety of our armies, even of the
nation, may be imperiled. The Rebellion, contending with the
desperation of a hopeless and wicked cause, must be met with.
energy. Close your manufactories, and work-shops, turn aside
from your farms and your business, leave for awhile your families
and your houses; meet face to face the enemies of your liberties.
Haste, and you will rescue man)' noble men now struggling
against superior numbers, and speedily rescue the blessings of
peace and good government."

CONN EC TICUT I '( IL UN TEERS,

Previous to this time the recruiting business had dragged
heavil)'. The first and second uprisings of the peoj)!*: had nearly
spent their power, and the results had disappointed general ex
pectation. The people had been waiting for some decisive vic
torious movement which should annihilate the armies of the Re
bellion, and bring hostilities to a speedy and triuinphant close.
But the nation was now fast awakening to the gigantic nature of
the struggle. The soldiers' illusion that the war was to be
merely a holiday jaunt had dissolved and the hard cruel lines of
the stern reality stared forth. The question of enlisting had be
come a grave and portentous one to every citizen. The novelty
of war was over. Moreover, the business prospects of the North
were every day brightening, work was plenty, and there seemed
to be no unemployed multitude from which to recruit our armies.
The Twelfth and Thirteenth Regiments had been a long time form
ing and had just left for the front; while tlie Fourteenth, which
had been a month or more in camp, had but two or three hun
dred men in the ranks. Hence the late call for six additional
regiments could not have come at a more unpropitious time.
But something must be done to give a fresh impetus to the re
cruiting service. Regiments previously raised had been en
camped either in Hartford or New Haven. Governor Bucking
ham, who was fruitful in lawful expedients to arouse the loyal
people to meet the emergencies, ordered the new regiments to
go into camp at different points: the F"ifteenth at New Haven,
the Sixteenth at Hartford, the Seventeenth at Bridgeport, and
there was at once increased activity for an advance. On the
28th day of July the Governor issued an order for the Eight
eenth Regiment to go into camp on the New London County
Fair Grounds at Norwich. The order was an appeal to local
patriotism, and fired the citizens with noble zeal to hasten to the
rescue of their brothers in the South who were struggling against
superior numbers.
"Camp Aiken" was established and the tents pitched on Mon-

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

day, .August 4th, and on the evening of the same day Capt.
Hakes, (Company Ej with one hundred and ten men, marched
thither, being the first company on the grounds. On Tuesday,
Company A, Capt. H. C. Davis, followed with one hundred and
four men. Six companies were in camp on Saturday, August
9th, three others followed on Monday, and the last one on Tues
day. Just nineteen days after Governor Buckingham had issued
his order more than one thousand men had been enlisted and
were in camp ready for military drill and discipline. This state
ment seems almost incredible, and it reflects great credit upon
the people of Eastern Connecticut. New London and Wind
ham Counties were thoroughly aroused. The greatest excite
ment and enthusiasm everywhere prevailed. Public meetings,
to encourage enlistment, were held in all the principal towns and
villages, and the cry rang throughout the country side: "Brave
men to the front! Let us rescue our brethren and save our im
periled liberties! The country needs the services of every able-
bodied citizen. Let no ordinary excuse detain you. Nothing
but the certificate of the examining surgeon should exempt any
man from the duties of patriotism." This stirring patriotic ap
peal kindled intense excitement among all classes everywhere.
.\t no time since Sumter was fired on had the people become
so enthusiastic in filling up the national army, fathers and sons
hastened to meet the fresh demand for soldiers. The outburst
of popular feeling would be a record for future generatious to
read with deepest interest and admiration could the name of
every hero be given, and his patriotic utterance be recorded. It
was astonishing how speedily the different companies obtained
their full quota of men, and with what enthusiasm they marched
into camp by companies and in scjuads.
The historian has not far to search in assigning a sufficient
reason for the great popular demonstration we have recorded.
It may be found in the people's ardent love tor their country,
and high appreciation of those civil, educational and religious

CONNECTICUT VOL UNTEERS.

principles bequeathed to them by their patriotic ancestors. It
was sorrowfully evident to them that the success cf the Rebellion
would be the destruction of all they held dear and valuable; and
after the terrible disaster of Bull Run a proiriinent citizen of
Eastern Connecticut was heard to say: "If our government is
crushed by this Rebellion, let me be buried beneath its ruins."
And his expression seemed to embody the universal sentiment
that inspired the people a year later when the government was
again in imminent peril by the advance of a desperate and malig
nant foe.
With a single voice the people cried: " Let us rally round our
standard bearer! Our country's honor must be inaintained, and
our flag, which has been trampled in the dust, must wave again
over all the land, or let us perish in the attempt."
It was such noble sentiment as this that inspired parents to
give their sons, and wives their husbands to the perils and hard
ships of war. This patriotic feeling took the form at all public
gatherings of earnest appeals for the encouragement and active
personal promotion of enlistment. Thus was it strikingly mani
fested at a mass meeting held on Franklin Square, Norwich, at
which Hon. John T. Wait presided. The crowd at the square
was immense. Long before the time announced for opening the
meeting thousands of citizens and strangers thronged the streets,
filled the window seats, and crowded the roofs in the neighbor
hood. At a quarter past one the Greeneville Company, Capt.
Henry C. Davis, headed by drum and fife, marched into the
square, followed shortly after by a delegation from Norwich
Falls, also accompanied with martial music. Both were received
with hearty cheers by the multitude. Mr. Wait, upon taking
the chair, expressed his appreciation of the honor conferred upon
him in electing him to preside over so vast an assemblage of the
citizens of New London County convened to raise men to assist
in preventing the disruption of the Union, and the destruction of
the Constitution. The question is to be decided in the next six

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

months, and perhaps in the next sixty days, whether the Union
shall be preserved and the supremacy of the laws maintained, or
whether we shall have in place of its blessings a reign of lawless
ness, anarchy and misrule. As our fathers pledged their lives,
their fortunes and their sacred honor in defense of the solemn
compact of our liberties, so let us now pledge our lives, devote
our fortunes, and solemnly swear that we will give all our ener
gies and our means to the sujjjjression of the most causeless,
unnatural and accursed Rebellion that ever threatened the exist
ence of a nation. The President of the United .States has made
his appeal to the country for three hundred thousand additional
volunteers. In this connection Connecticut is most urgently
invoked to do as she did in the Revolutionary struggle: pour
forth her treasure and the blood of her sons to sustain the gov
ernment established eighty years ago. Our young men in the
field call on us for assistance, that the war may be speedily con
cluded, and they allowed to return to their homes with the bless
ings of peace re-established over them. We can respond to this
call, and if we do our duty, with our numerical superiority and
great pecuniar)' resources we shall soon end the war. In con
cluding, he expressed the hope that his native State would not be
laggard in responding to the call of the country. Let us but do
our duty and we shall soon see the glorious emblem of our na
tional freedom floating as freel)^ in every city in the South as it
now does from every hill-top in the North.
The chairman then introduced Rev. Mr. Quinn. The rever
end gentleinan said that he gloried in that he was a citizen of
American birth. He was a Catholic clergyman and he gloried
in that also. He referred briefly to the history of the American
nation. For seventy years we had been rapidly increasing in
wealth. Our commerce and agriculture had increased till our
mountains and villages resounded with the hum of labor, and our
ships whitened every sea. But Rebellion, foul, sanguinary Rebel
lion had raised its head, had endeavored to overthrow the gov-

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS,

ernment and destroy that commerce and agriculture. There was
not sufificient time to enter into a discussion of the causes of the
war. The principal cause appeared to be the inordinate pride of
the South — the intense aristocratic feeling which pervaded that
portion of the country. They would not live with us of the
North for we were mud-sills and greasy mechanics. Now, said
the speaker, I would rather earn my bread every day by a greasy
machine than by the sweat of a greasy nigger. [Applau.se;
"That's so."] But if they boast of their aristocracy, we are the
representatives of the respectability of the country. We have
the education, the free press, and all the stays that inake up the
respectability of the nation. But to come to the practical matter;
why are we here to-day? The object of this meeting is to induce
men to shoulder the musket. He would make no personal dis
tinction. The crisis demands every man, from the richest to the
poorest. Let the millionaire lead off, and the poor and strong
will not be behind them. The speaker said that he was de
scended from one of the Limerick woinen who stood in the
breaches when the men fell back, and drove the British invaders
from the city. The rebels call us Yankees. W ell, the British
called us Yankees when we whipped them in the Revolution, and
swept them frotn the seas in 1812. Washington compelled
Cornwallis to surrender his sword at Yorktown to the tune of
"Yankee Doodle," and McClellan compelled them to run from
the same place to the .same tune. Now give us more men and
we will compel them to flee from Richmond to the same strain.
[Great applause.]
At the conclusion of the gentleman's remarks the chairman
called for three cheers for the man who had stood so nobly by
our brave boys in the field. They were given with a will.
The chairman then announced that fourteen young men from
Greeneville, a part of a compan) being raised there, now number
ing about fift)/, would sing a patriotic song written for the occa
sion. The song was received with heart)' applause.

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

Mr. Richard Busteed, a New York Democrat, was the next
speaker. He said if he understood the meaning of the great
gathering before him, it was that the time had come to lay aside
party distinctions and differences in a joint effort to save our com
mon country. He did not understand that Governor Bucking
ham was here as a Republican, nor was he here as a Democrat.
We are here with one purpose, and resolved upon one end: to
encourage loyalty and rebuke treason. He was from his infan
cy until the i ith day of May, i86i, a Democrat of the straightest
sect, neither seeing or looking for any good outside of that party.
On that day the shackles of party were torn from his limbs by
the high priests themselves. The booming of treason's gun on
that day awakened him from a political sleep to the life of an un
questioning patriotism. On that day, and until the war was
concluded by the re-establishment of the national authority over
every acre of our territory, he ceased to be known by any other
designation than that of an Irish-born loyal American citizen;
bound not more by his interests than by his oath and his honor
to defend his country from foreign and domestic foes.
When this war is over he would discuss with the most jealous
partisan every measure of government, past, present or to come,
but now he would argue no question of mere expediency or poli
tics. We are to-day acting the grandest drama of real life. We
stand upon the threshold of momentous events, and touch the
garment of occurrences which are to shape the future condition
of a continent.
What our duty is in the premises is to preserve the Union to
hand down with all its blessings to our posterity. When the
great North, the wise East and the brave West get ready for in
glorious national oblivion the vain, supercilious and barbaric
South may play the hand of empire alone; but till then her
boasted chivalr)- will be made to march and keep step to the
music of an undivided Union. He was not an Abolitionist, or a
black Republican, but simply a patriot. If your home is on fire,

CONNECTICUT ]'OLUN TEERS,

and you have a bucket of water handy to extinguish it, you would
not be likely to disclaim using it because the color of the bucket
was unpleasant to you. It is our dut)' to use the negroes in
every possible way, and to put a musket into the hands of every
one who can bear one. He was sick of this squeamishness about
negroes. If the views he expressed were Abolitionist, then
George Washington was an Abolitionist, for he did not refuse or
neglect to use negro soldiers. If this was Abolitionism he was
willing to be counted in. The question is, and the only ques
tion: Will you subjugate the South, or be subdued yourselves?
This is the question we are trying to solve. He was tired of
this everlasting talk about conservatism. He believed that in the
influ.x of this conservation there was more danger to the country
than in any other one thing. In closing, the speaker said that
whatever else is uncertain, one thing is clear and settled beyond
peradventure, the pen never will write down the destruction of
this government.
Upon the conclusion of his remarks the crowd gave him nine
enthusiastic cheers.
Senator Foster spoke next. He said he was cheered and en
couraged by the large audience. Before he left Washington the
governmient was anticipating the necessity of a draft. But the
large gathering of to-day speaks a different language. .At this
time, speeches, processions and meetings alone will not save the
country. It can only be saved when men will lay aside their
peaceful pursuits and shoulder the musket. We need earnest,
mighty effort in order to succeed. We must make sacrifices —
parents must give up their sons, and wives must let their hus
bands go. We need only one regiment from this congressional
district to make up the quota of Connecticut. The way to fill it
up is for every man to put down his foot and say, "I will go my
self." The government is afraid the people are asleep, and the
people seem to think that the government is asleep. The best
way for us to wake them up is by the tramp of our regiments

IO EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

marching into Washington. The speaker closed with a spirited
appeal to citizens to shoulder the musket.
Gen. Daniel Tyler, and Hirain Willey, Esq., of New'London,
were called upon and spoke with stirring eloquence and power.
At the conclusion of the meeting the chairman called for three
cheers for the Connecticut boys who had gone to the war, and
they were heartily given.
The enthusiasm of this meeting was nobly seconded by that
of the surrounding towns, giving great impetus to the recruiting
service, and|zeal to every loyal heart throughout the army and
the country. Windham County was already awake, and would
not be outdone by her"sister county. The deep interest and en
thusiasm of her people were appropriately expressed by J. Q. A.
Stone, editor of the Transcript, published at Danielsonville, as
follows: "We can inform the people abroad that our county is
awake to the demands of the country, and our people are stirred
with an enthusiasm that declares that she will honor every de
mand upon her patriotism. The feeling is eager and strong
among the sons of patriotic sires that we are ready for any sacrifice.
The home of as pure a patriot (Gen. Lyon) as has fallen during
the war, whose blood cries for vengeance, will have no conscripts
from her borders. The question now is, not who is going, but
who is willing to remain at home."
The Willimantic Journal, in the western part of the county,
was not laggard or faint hearted either in arousing public enthu
siasm for the work of the hour. Public meetings were] held in
every town in the county. The people flocked to the recruiting
offices and enrolled themselves in the army of the Union.
The patriots of New London and Windham Counties, standing
side by side for the government, vied with each other in devo
tion to the public good. The rapid mustering of the Eighteenth
Regiment presented novel and interesting features. On Tuesday,
August I 2th, Company B, Capt. Thomas K. Bates, led by an en
thusiastic drum corps, entered camp amid enthusiastic cheers

C( WNECTICU T VOL UNTEERS, 1 1
and great rejoicing on the part of the soldiers and citizen spec
tators. The company was fresh from Danielsonville, where they
had been treated to a fine cnttrtainment by the ladies of that
place before their departure. ,\t this rece])tion everything in
the way of enjoyment and comfort that affection and delicate
taste could suggest had been offered the departing soldiers.
After the bounteous supper short and encouraging addresses
were made b)' the Rev. Mr. Davenport, Rev. Mr. Palmer, "Dan"
Tyler, Esq., Henry Hammond and Mr. Gleason. At the con
clusion of the speeches, E. L. Cundall, Esq., presented Capt.
Bates with an elegant sword and belt. The company then filed
out of the hall, and soon the cars moved off amid the cheers of
the soldiers, the responses of the assembled crowd, and the wav
ing of handkerchiefs by the ladies.
Similar demonstrations were made in nearl)- all the towns out
of which companies or large squads marched for the camp. Capt.
Warner's company (G) was attended from Woodstock and Put
nam by a large number of citizens. Through the streets of Nor
wich they marched with martial music, and other demonstrations,
which elicited general enthusiasm, arriving in camp about 1 1
o'clock A. M.,Tuesda)', August 14th. Another incident worthy of
note was the arrival of the "Lebanon boys," with their friends, in
single and double teams, who drove around the camp with cheers
and songs, flags flying and drums beating. The scene presented
was rather' that of a holida)' frolic than of preparations for the
grim realities of a war. Similar entertaining or exciting scenes
were witnessed nearly every day with the advent of soldiers and
citizens, making the period one of unparalleled interest in the
history of New London County. Every day saw not only fresh
accessions to the ranks, but evident improvement in discipline
through the indefatigable exertions of Col. Ely and subordinate
office.rs. The men were mustered and equipped with despatch,
and in the most perfect manner possible. The quartermaster's
department was managed with admirable system and efificiency.

1 2 EIGH TEEN TH REGIMENT

and each company was abundantly and promptly provided for up
on its arrival.
The medical examination of the men indicated a remarkable
degree of health among them. Out of seventy-five men compris
ing the Greeneville Company, examined by Dr. Carleton, only
five were rejected; four for pulmonary complaints, and one for
deformity of the right hand. This record was a fair average for
all the companies, and the comment was often heard from visit
ors, "What a gallant and healthy-looking regiment." The citi
zens of Norwich, and visitors from other towns, were proud of
their soldiers, and frequently demonstrated their interest and
admiration in bestowing substantial tokens of respect. Many
pages of this record might be filled with interesting incidents
in illustration of this popular regard, and it is a matter of re
gret that so few of them can be noted, for these exhibitions
were the tokens of the sincere affection which was cherished
for the defenders of the flag. The ladies, especially, exhibited
the deepest interest in the regiment, and provided innumerable
articles of convenience and comfort for the members, such as
only their own thoughtful wisdom could devise and prepare.
The camp was visited every day by many of them, whose pres
ence antl jjifts animated the soldiers, and cheered them in their
work of preparation.
In several instances flags were presented to companies and
swords to the officers by the ladies. The Greeneville Company
received these appropriate emblems from the women of that
place, which were duly acknowledged by Capt. Davis, in behalf
of the company, as follows:
"The members of the Greeneville Company desire, through me,
to return to the ladies of Greeneville their sincere thanks for the
beautiful, costly, and well-selected banner presented to them on
Monday last. We know something of the cheerfulness attend
ing the contribution for its purchase. We shall bear it wherever
any property of the compan)' is borne, and treasure it, especially

CONNECTICUT IVJMNTE/'RS. 13
in the hour of danger and conflict, as a reminder of home, and as
an incentive to deeds worth) of the homes we represent.
"Lieut. Adam H. Linilsay and Lieut. James D. Higgins also
return to the ladies t)f Greenex ille their heart)' thanks for the un
expected, but no less heartily appreciated, gift of sword and belts
and sash for each. To the cause in which they peril their lives,
they will try to prove as true as their unsheathed steel.
"I desire to acknowledge to the citizens of Cireeneville the gift
of a beautiful sword, with belt and sash. Receive my fullest
thanks, not only for this, but for all your sympathy for and co
operation with me, and the noble company you send from your
village. I will try and do my duty. Now accord us your
prayers. Respectfully yours, Capt. Henry C. Davis,
Company A, Eighteenth Regiment C. V."
On Monday, August 21st, First Lieut. John E. Woodward
was presented with a sword, sash and belt in behalf of the Hook
and Ladder Company of Norwich.
Not lees prompt than were the ladies, in the administration of
their kind offices, were the authorities in the fulfillment of their
pecuniary obligations. On Monday, August i8th, the selectmen
of the town of Norwich paid the town bounty to the four compa
nies raised in Norwich and surrounding towns, and a {&w days
later the regiment received the United .States bount)' of one
hundred dollars per man.
The command of Camp Aiken had devolved upon Brig. Gen.
Daniel Tyler until the arrival of Col. William G. Ely, who had
been promoted from the Lieutenant Colonelcy of the Sixth Con
necticut, then stationed at Port Royal, .S. C, to the Colonelcy of
the Eighteenth. Col. Ely arrived upon the grounds on the 1 ith
of August, and entered upon the work of perfecting the organi
zation with energy and promptitude.
Col. Ely's military career commenced as a private in the First

14 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

Regiment of three months' volunteers. He was promoted as
Captain and Commissary of the Connecticut Brigade, to fill a
vacancy, and at the first battle of Bull Run acted as Aid-de
camp to Gen. E. D. Keyes, and was recommended for promo
tion for gallant services during the battle. In .September, 1861,
he was commissioned as Lieutenant Colonel of the Sixth Con
necticut Regiment, commanded it at the taking of Port Royal, S.
C, and subsequently during the long illness of Col. Chatfield.
Of his promotion the Providence Press spoke in the following
flattering terms: "Capt. William G. Ely, First Connecticut
Regiment, has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel
of the .Sixth C. \" Lieut. Col. Ely's courage and capacity were
tested at the battle of Bull Run, where as volunteer aid to Gen.
Keyes he was twenty-seven hours in the saddle, winning honora
ble mention in the official reports. He is, if we mistake not, a
"Brown-bred" boy, and we know he has many friends here who
will rejoice at his success."
With such a record, the promotion of Lieut. Col. Ely to the
command of the Eighteenth was a well merited honor, one that
gave great satisfaction to his numerous friends in Norwich, and
was hailed with delight by the members of the regiment, who
were to share with him the privations and dangers of the battle
field. The Norwich Bulletin commented upon his appointment as
follows: "The first thing necessary to make an efficient body of
men is to have it well officered, and judging in this way, the
Eighteenth ought to be a miracle of efificiency. No regiment
that has rallied under the banner of old Connecticut has been led
to the field by any nobler officer than Col. William G. P^ly.
During the short time the regiment has been organized he has
endeared himself to every man of his command, both officers and
privates. He won his commission by his gallantry in the field,
but his connection with the Eighteenth Regiment has shown that
he combines with that the rare qualit)- of organizino- and making
effective regiments of men."

s>5^

-^-^ir-"'- -r^::^rr:^-t.:^S^S^*

Lieut. Col. HOKROE NICHOLS.

CONNECTICUT VOT.UNTEERS, 15

Ten days were occupied in mustering and preparations for de
parture. In the meantime the greatest activit)- prevailed in
camp. Every new arrival of companies or s(|uads was greeted
with enthusiastic cheers of welcome, and the heartiest and most
hopeful feeling seemed to prevail throughout the encampment.
On the 20th day of August, New London and Windham
Counties, including a part of Tolland County, were represented
in Camp Aiken by a regiment of ten companies of soldiers, as
intelligent and patriotic as any loyal State could boast. The
reader will be interested to know what towns were represented
in this body of men, and how many each town'sent forth. Other
statistics of varied and equal interest are added, which will show
the excellent qualit)' of the men. The roster is as follows, the
men being enlisted chiefly by the captains and lieutenants of
their respective companies:
Coinpany A, Capt. Henry C. fJavis: Norwich, 75; Bozrah, 6;
Canterbury, 9; Preston, 2; Griswold, i; .Scotland, 1; Hampton i;
Lebanon, 1; Lowell, Mass., i; Waterford, i. Total 98.
Company B, Capt. Thomas K. Bates: Killingly, 55; Brooklyn,
13; Putnam, 15; W'oodstock, 12; Plainfield, 6. Total :oi.
Company C, Capt. Isaac H. Bromley: Norwich, 49; Preston, 5;
Lebanon, 33; Lisbon, 2; Lyiue, 4; Griswold, 2; Berlin, 1; New
London, 1; Stonington, i; .Scotland, i; Greenwich, i; Franklin
I. Total 1 01.
Company D, Capt. Joseph Mathewson: Thompson, 63; Pom-
fret, 17; Woodstock, 8; Hampton, 3; Eastford, 6. Killingly, i;
Union, 1; Brookl)'n, i. Total 100.
Company E, Capt. Isaac W. Hakes: Norwich, 30; Colchester,
25; Salem, 13; Columbia, 7; Griswold, 6; Lebanon, 4; Sprague, 3;
Andover, 6; Bozrah, 1; Coventry, 4; Scotland, 2. Total 101.
Company F, Capt. Henry Peale: Norwich, 63; Griswold, 10;
Preston, 8; Mansfield, 3; Franklin, 3; Colchester, 2; Bozrah, 3;
Plainfield, i; Scotland, i; Ledyard, 2; Canterbury, 2; Chaplin, 1;
Voluntown, i; Waterford, i. Total 101

1 6 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

Company G, Capt. George W. Warner: Woodstock, 46; Put
nam, 27. Pomfret, i; Killingly, 4; Windham, 8; Sprague, i; Nor
wich, i: Colchester, i; Tolland, 2; Eastford, 2; Lebanon, i.
Total 94.
Company H, Capt. Charles D. Bowen: Windham, 57; Coven
try, 13: Chaplin, 8; Tolland, 13; Hampton, i; Thompson, 3: Wil-
lington, 1; Ellington, 1: Franklin, i. Total 98.
Cotnpany I, Capt. Samuel R. Knapp, Norwich, 31; Preston, 7;
Lyme, 10; Griswold, 9; Sprague, 9; Plainfield, 5; Brooklyn, 1;
Killingly, i; Plainfield, i; Willington, 2; Canterbury, 2 Coven
try, i; Mansfield, 2; Tolland, 3. Total 85.
Company K, Capt. Ezra J. Mathewson: Killingly, 79; Plain-
field, 14; Brooklyn, 2, Pomfret, 2; Sterling, 3. Total 100.
Of the whole number, Windham County furnished 472, New
London County, 436; Tolland County, 58; from other parts, 3;
making in all 979 enlisted men. The town furnishing the largest
number, for one company, was Killingly, viz.: Company K, 79
men. As far as known, of married men there were 496, single
men, 462; excess of married men, 34; unaccounted for, 21.
Reuben P. Douglass, Company E, of Colchester, was the old
est man, age 51 years. William A. Weaver, Jr., Company D, of
Thompson, and Samuel H. N. Avery, Scotland, Company E,
were the youngest, being each only 16 years of age.
Of the field and staff, 4 were from New London County, 4
from Windham County. Of the line, as follows: Captains — 6
were from New London County, and 4 from Windham County.
F"irst lieutenants — 6 were from New London County, 3 from
Windham County, and i from Tolland County. Second lieu
tenants— -7 were from New London County, and 3 from Wind
ham County.
Total: Of officers, 23 were from New London County, 14
from Windham County, i from Tolland County, and i from
Hartford County. Thirteen were graduates of some literary in
stitution, and all the others were gentlemen of active business

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 17
habits, and more than ordinary intelligence. The regiment was
thus composed of able-bodied men in the prime of life, only
about one-fifth of whom were under twenty years of age. Of
this number. Company A had 18; Company B, 23; Company
C, 27; Company D, 22; Company E, 15; Coinpany F, 26;
Company G, 20; Company H, 21; Company I, 21; Company
K, only 7.
It is a social phase, which future historians will study with in
terest and admiration, that the volunteer army which fought for
the Union was composed of the intelligence and thrift, the "bone
and sinew" of the country. In the Eighteenth Infantry alone
the different vocations were represented as follows: farmers, 267;
mechanics, 115; operatives, 6; carpenters, 45; manufacturers, 14;
blacksmiths, 15; merchants, 11; clerks, 29; machinists, 11;
weavers, 17; spinners, i 7; paper makers, 15; teachers, 10; college
students, 8; masons, 7; painters, 5; day laborers, 28; teamsters,
11; foundrymen, 3; moulders, 3; carders, 6; engineers, 3; car
riage trimmers, 3; shoe and boot makers, 17; tinsmiths, 3; wheel
wrights, 3; dressers, 3; plumbers, 2; pistol makers, 2; telegraph
operators, 3; dentists, 2; bakers, 3; stone cutters, 3; printers, 5;
harness makers, 3; lawyers, 3; carriage makers, 4; hostlers, 4;
tailors, 6; book binders, 2; bleachers, 2; sailors, 5; soldiers, 2;
butchers, 5;. druggists 3; editors, i; clergymen, i. Add to
these fifteen other vocations represented by one man each, and
-we have sixty-three in all. Of the 806 men whose vocation has
been ascertained, over 500 were farmers, mechanics, blacksmiths,
manufacturers, merchants, clerks and operatives, the best fibre
of the State; and all the others were men of honorable trades
and professions of whom any people might be proud.
As the larger portion of the regiment was composed of married
men, relinquishing varied business interests as well as their fam
ilies, the great social and domestic loss their absence occasioned
the community may be readil)' imagiried. In no country in the
world, and perhaps in no part of our own, save in New England,

.i8 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

could such a variety of business interests have been represented
as was the case in the Eighteenth.
The character and appearance of the men were highly compli
mented by Governor Buckingham, and other distinguished vis
itors to Camp Aiken.
The few days of preparation at Camp Aiken were not only in^
vested with novelty, but were made even gay and jubilant by the
buoyant spirits of the men. Coming mostly from the common walks
of life, the soldiers became at once attached to each other by the
ties of good-fellowship and mutual esteem that in many cases
survived the disasters of battle, and even the return of peace.
Before half the regiment had arrived in camp it had become
evident that the P^ighteenth was to be furnished with a great vari
ety, and a superior quality of vocal musical talent. Messrs.
Kerr, Green and Taylor, of Company A, the Jordans and Wil
liams, of Company H, the Prays, of Company K, and others of
no less local fame were the leaders in many a company or regi
mental concert which did much toward relieving the monotony of
camp life, was a source of entertainment to visitors, and became
later a real blessing to the regiment.
On each pleasant evening, the "glee clubs" would go round
the camp, or meet on the wooden steps, and sing sweet and stir
ring songs for the gratification of crowds of people, both soldiers
and civilians. Often, of course, such performances became a
general "medley" rather than a systematic concert; the strain
turning suddenly from the "grave to the gay," from the "sublime
to the ridiculous," was the rule and not the exception; but such
variety added to the enjoyment of the occasion. At one time
the tones of "Home, Sweet Home" would fill every heart with
tender memories and longings for the "loved ones at home," and
tears would start from many an eye as the heavy thought ob
truded of the parting near at hand. Then the song would
change to the ringing notes of 'The Union forever;" "Rally
'round the flag, boys," or the sparkling music of "Dixie;" tc be

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 19
varied a moment later by the sad, .sweet strains: "We are going
home to die no more," "There is rest for the weary," "There'll
be no more sorrow there," &c. Then again it would rise with
the spirit of the most devoted patriotism as hundreds of voices
blended in the words: "My country, 'tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty.
Of thee I sing!"
Next, perhaps, would follow a ludicrous selection from
"Mother Goose's Melodies," that set half the company shaking
with laughter.
Many will yet remember the "oratorical displays" of "Taylor,"
of Company B, whose characteristic speeches used to provoke
such storms of applause and deafening cheers from his comrades.
Whenever he had spoken three cheers were given for the "ora
tor of the day;" and next for different oflficers of the regiment,
for Governor Buckingham, who had manifested such an interest
in the regiment, for the Union army, the old flag, and for Pres
ident Lincoln. It is needless to say that these were stirring
• scenes which created light-heartedness among the men, helped to
pass the time, promoted general acquaintance, and were indis
pensable in keeping up the spirits of the soldiers in the work
before them. Sometimes dramatic entertainments were given in
the starlight on the "old wooden steps" on the grounds.
Another source of amusement were the foot-races upon the
Fair Grounds race-course, in which the competitors were numer
ous, spirited and persevering. Henry Tracy, of Company H,
generally bore off the palm. It was certainly good exercise in
perfecting the "double-quick," and furnished entertainment for a
crowd of spectators.
Who has fof-gotten the famous "hole in the wall? and who
of the "lucky ones" will not smile as he recalls that fortunate
place of egress which the camp guard were never over strict in
guarding, and through which, as a consequence, the well-informed

io EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

were accustomed to pass out and in, visiting the city and having
a good time generally when opportunit)' afforded. But alas, the
trick was discovered. The bo)'s were informed that it was un-
soldierly to leave camp so unceremoniously, and of course they
"sinned no more" — unless the temptation was too good to be re
jected. "Uncle Park Brown" enlisted in Company H asafiddler. He
was too old for a soldier — every one told him so — but he was
very patriotic and wanted to do something for his country.
Hence they let him put his name down, but with no idea that he
would be accepted. Sometime afterward he was rejected; but
while his case was pending he remained in his company, was
very active, and pleased everybod)' with his queer ways. He
slept in a tent with "Toin." (Exerybody knows who "Tom"
was.) Uncle Park had a fiddle, the delight of his heart, which
he carefully preserved in a box which contained his money also.
Ever) night it was placed under his head for safe keeping.
"Uncle Park" had not an enemy in camp, yet in some way he
conceived the idea that somebody intended to steal his money.
Learning of his suspicions, some of the boys one night proposed
to have some "fun." "Uncle" had retired as usual after giving
one of his musical entertainments with his famous fiddle. Not
long after it occurred to him that some one was trying to raise
the canvas near him, and present!)' a hand was thrust in, in the
direction of his box. "Tom," he cried, "I told you so. Soiue
one is trying to steal my mone)." "O no. Uncle Park," he con
tinued, "there is no one here Ijad enough for that! Lie down
again and go to sleep." The hand having xanished. Uncle Park
became composed, as he thought for the night. Suddenl)' the
hand was thrust in the direction of his box more violently than
before. Uncle Park screamed out again, and instantly sprang
to his feet greatl)' alarmed, )'et determined on revenge. He
seized a long knife which he kept for special purposes (perhaps
for self-defense,) and rushed out into the darkness, followed by

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. nx

Tom and others. But the supposed thief, who was aware of the
fighting qualities of Uncle Park, kept at a safe distance, while
the old man brandished his knife, crying out, "Torn, there goes
the poor devil; I'll fi.\ hiiu." But the owner of the strange hand
that had invaded the old darkey's tent was nowhere to be found
that night. Next day Lhicle Park was told there was a man in
the guard-house in whom he might recognize the "poor de\'il" of
the previous night. "Yes, that is he," exclaimed Uncle, the mo
ment he saw him; and being assured that he would be punished
for his crime, seemed satisfied that justice was being done, and
thus ended what seemed to him a very serious matter. The
boys, however, extracted much merriment from this incident for
many a day afterward.
Again, one day Col. Ely found a man in the camp dispensing
to the soldiers "bullet-proof vests." To be "iron clad" when the
bullets should fly as thick as hail! what more could a soldier ask?
But Col. Ely, who had often smelt powder in dangerous proxim
ity to bullets, was incredulous of the statement made by the
dispenser of the steel vests. He took one of the garments from
the dealer, and setting it up as a target for his revolver put sev
eral holes throuofh it. He then ordered the arrest of the vender,
made him refund to each soldier the amount which he had re
ceived in exchange for the worthless armor, and gave him
opportunity for reflection in the regimental guard-house.
Sunday, August 17th, was a memorable day in the history of
the Eighteenth Regiment. After the usual camp duties of the
morning, the regiment formed in line and marched to attend re
ligious services in the different churches. Arriving at the town
they broke ranks and dispersed in squads in different directions
as their special preferences inclined. Nearly every church was
thronged with soldiers, and appropriate and touching references to
the departure of the Eighteenth were made by the pastors in their
sermons, and earnest prayers offered for their preservation and
success. The citizens were unusuallv tender and attentive in

2 2 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

their intercourse and all breathed a blessing upon the soldiers,
wishing them well in their hazardous undertaking. One old
woman, meeting a squad of the boys in the street, cried out, "Poor
soldiers, God bless you," and with deep emotion she bade them
good-by. It was a day of deep interest and solemnity to many
a famil)^ in Norwich. Wives trembled with emotion as they
leaned on the arm of their husbands on their way to the church
where they had worshipped so many times, and the thought that
this might be their last service together filled their eyes with
tears as they listened to the tender allusions to their final separa
tion. Mothers and fathers looked upon the manly forms of
soldier boys with tearful solicitude and yearning hearts. Oh!
many were the tears and prayers of that last Sunday in Norwich.
Hundreds of men who read these pages will recall the incidents
of that hour with deep emotions of pain and pleasure. Of pain,
because the vows and resolutions were so soon forgotten; of
pleasure, because a train of influences was set in inotion that
tended to preserve them from evil in the trials and temptations
of a demoralizing and vicious life.
While the soldiers were at the city, a few men had been left in
camp and their devotions were, perhaps, more sombre-colored
even than those of their absent comrades. Capt. Isaac W.
Hakes, Jr, was officer of the day. The guards paced their lone
ly beats with gloomy hearts, and one of the men said afterwards,
"I got along very well until that last Sunday and then I began to
get down-hearted." Well, the sun went down at last, and with
it sank the last season of domestic and social enjoyment with
many of the Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers and the friends
they loved. A light had disappeared from many a homestead^
and was fated never to reappear
None of the meinbers of the regiment will ever forget the
varied scenes of the last day at Camp Aiken preceding their de
parture for the South. Ho-w many emotions were mingled
with pleasure and pain! With some, alas! it was the last day

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 23

on the soil of their native State; they exchanged affectionate
greetings with loved ones for the last tiine, and bade a final fare
well to all they held dear and sacred in the land of their birth.
Throughout the day the cainp was thronged with friends of
the soldiers, and loving hands assisted in packing knapsacks with
tokens of affection as well as with little necessary articles, such
as pin-cushions, needles, books, thread, scissors, etc. Hyinn
books and Bibles were not forgotten, nor were the pictures of
loved ones at home. These precious reminders, placed in
pocket-albums, single cases, or in lockets, were put in places
easiest of access that the lonely soldier might often delight in
them, and keep the love of home fresh in his heart. Who, bet
ter than a soldier, can estimate the value of a wife's or a sister's
picture? Or where else than on the battle-field have been wit
nessed so many testimonials of the clinging affection in which
such mementoes are held? It is related that a soldier was dying
on the ground in the front of battle. He held in his hand a gold
locket, and when some one attempted to release his grasp, he
opened his failing eyes and implored him by the memory of his
mother and sister not to take it away. Said he, "It was her last
gift. I promised her when I kissed her cheek at parting that I
would always wear it near my heart in life or death." Several
members of the Eighteenth, when on the famous Hunter's raid,
placed in the hands of the writer their money, watches, and even
their Bible's for safe keeping, but their pictures were retained to
be worn nearest the heart. These were the last gifts of mothers,
sisters, wives and lovers. A member of Company A, speaking
of his losses at the battle of Winchester, said, "I lost everything,
even my sweetheart's picture, but by some happy circumstance
that was afterwards returned to me." The reader may imagine
the pleasure its restoration gave him, and be pleased to know
that after the war was over he was able to exchange it for the
fair original.

24 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

CHAPTER II.

THE DEPARTURE.

The regiment took its departure for the field on Friday, Au
gust 2 2d, being the first to leave the State, as it had been the
last to go into camp under the call for the six regiments. The
entire day was one of intense excitement, both in camp and
throughout the surrounding towns.
Early in the day an excursion train from Windham County
had brought down large numbers of relatives and friends of the
soldiers, who together with companies of citizens filed along. the
roads on a last visit to the camp-ground.
.Stages, omnibuses, lumber-wagons, trotting buggies, vehicles
of all descriptions filled the dusty thoroughfares, either going or
returning during the whole day. At the camp the tents of the
soldiers were filled with women, wives, relatives and friends of
the soldiers who had coine to enjoy again for a while each other's
society, to bring little mementoes of home, little delicacies to
sweeten camp fare, and render the change from the comforts of
home to the discomforts of a soldier's life less abrupt and painful.
During the whole afternoon the vast crowd swayed hither and
thither over the ground, or stood in groups talking earnestly of
the past and of the future; gravely surveying the busy scene,
and taking a final farewell, in which the tearful eye and the earn
est hand-grasp betrayed the emotion that only those can feel
who are parted by the grim scepter of war.

5? \. ^

^ -' %
;*- Hit /•

Lieut. Col. HEKHY PEALE.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 25

At four o'clock the regiment was formed to receive its colors.
His Excellency Governor Buckingham drove upon the field in a
carriage occupied by a committee of ladies, bearing a magnifi
cent national flag manufactured by Tiffany & Co., of New York,
to be presented to the regiment in behalf of the ladies of Nor
wich. The flag was of heavy silk, with the name of the regiment
and the stars embroidered upon it in silver, and a silver spear
head upon the top of the staff. The State flag was not yet
completed, but was sent to the regiment after its arrival in Balti
more. In an eloquent address Governor Buckingham presented
the colors which, were received by Col. Ely in behalf of the regi
ment. At the close of these interesting ceremonies, the regiinent,
after marching about the camp, took its course for the city, pre
ceded by the Norwich Cornet Band, which had volunteered as
escort, and flanked and followed by an immense concourse on
foot and in carriages. The city had donned its holiday attire to
receive the soldiers. The national colors floated from public and
private buildings, and from the shipping in the river, and the
windows and balconies on the line of march were filled with ladies
anxious to wave an adieu and take a last look at the gallant
Eighteenth. The regiment marched directly to the wharf of the
Norwich & Worcester Railroad Company, where the steamer
City of Boston was waiting to receive them. Here the crowd
was immense, and the guard which was placed at each end of
the freight depot to keep back the multitude had no slight or
welcome duty to perform. After the soldiers had passed on
the vessel, friends and relatives filled the wharves and with tears
in their 'eyes pleaded to be allowed to go on board to speak one
parting word with husband, son or brother, but the guard was
inexorable. Finally, at seven o'clock, the engines started, the
boat moved slowly out into the stream, a loud cheer rose from
its precious freight and an answering shout came from the crowd
on the wharves and river banks; a burst of music followed and
the roar of cannon, and the Eighteenth Regiment had departed.

26 , EIGHTEENTH REGLMENT

The people lingered and watched the receding boat for a long
time, and when they finally turned away their hearts sent up a
silent prayer for the preservation of the loved ones and their safe
return. Many were the homes in New London and Windham
Counties that night which sleep did not enter ! Many were the
hearts filled with bitter loneliness and gloom The trip to New
York was unenlivened by notable incident of any kind, but on
the wharves next morning many of the privates and officers
suffered at the hands of pick-pockets. It was rather galling to
men who were about to peril their lives in the service of their
country to be made the prey of the vermin of New York city;
but after all, the incident had its ludicrous side, and moinentary
vexation vanished in a hearty laugh. Moreover, the adventure
furnished occasion for the display of kindly feeling, the fortunate
making up the losses of their comrades in so far as they were
able to do so.
The boat arrived in New York at about six o'clock Saturday
morning, and at half-past nine the regiment left pier two for
Elizabethport whence it was transported by rail to Baltimore via.
Harrisburg. The reason for forwarding troops by this eoctend-
ed route can be accounted for only on the supposition that the
other more direct roads were crowded to their utmost capacity,
and could not take them so soon as desired. Sunday, July 24th,
found the regiment in Baltimore after a long and wearisome
ride. It was a pleasant change after the inaction of the rail
road journey to march through the pleasant streets of the rebel
city, "keeping step to the music of the Union," and the presence
of the very men who a year before had failed in their attempt to
annihilate the Sixth Regiment of Mas;:achusetts Volunteers,
added not a little and a peculiar interest to the occasion.
The Eighteenth carried themselves bravely and decorously
and were treated with perfect respect. Their quiet, inanly bear
ing elicited commendation from, all spectators; one remarking
that "If all the soldiers appeared as vyell as the Eighteenth Con-

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 27

necticut there could be no cause of complaint." Although the
regiment had not at that time received their muskets, it cer
tainly made a fine appearance on its inarch through the city to
the Soldiers' Rest, where it remained until nearly night wait
ing for orders. Col. Ely reported to Maj. Gen. Wool,
commanding the middle department, and at once re
ceived orders that the regiment was to garrison Fort Mc
Henry in place of New York soldiers whose term of service
had just expired. The assignment was a complete surprise as it
was the general impression when the regiment left Connecticut
that it would go to Washington to receive its arms, and thence
be hurried to the front for active service. According to report
this would have been the case but for the arrival in Baltimore of
a train of soldiers one hour in advance of the Eighteenth, who
were sent on to the front, while the latter were retained to fill
the vacancy just created as before stated. The arrangement,
however, was not very satisfactory to Col. Ely, for, although his
command were raw recruits, undisciplined, and wholly unfit for
work on the front, still it was desirable that it should be put to
field instead of garrison duty as the quickest way of preparing
the men for the soldiers' calling, and preserving them from the
vices and demoralization of inactive army life.
At Fort McHenry the regiment came under the command of
Brig. Gen. N. W. Morris, an old army officer, a strict disciplina
rian, and in every respect a soldier. Here the men received their
muskets. Col. Ely hoped to develop at once the resources of his regi
ment in military science, for as yet they had not attempted
battalion drill and had received but little instruction in compa
nies and squads. On the next day, August 25th, much to the
disappointment of the officers, the regiment was di^vided, the
right wing remaining on garrison duty in the fort, w^hile the
companies of the left wing were sent, under the command of
Maj. Keech, to do guard duty on the railroad between Baltimore
and Havre-de-Grace.

28 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

A letter of the same date from the regular correspondent of
the Bulletin, I. H. B., (familiarly called "Ike") soon after
appeared in the columns of that paper and is so full of interest
and complete in detail that it is herewith inserted in full:
"P^ort McHenry, Baltimore, August 25th, 1862.
"So here we are fixed for a residence of I don't know how long.
Hardly settled yet in our new quarters, but getting accustomed
to them, and feeling at home here more and more every hour.
Our journey from Camp Aiken was, under all circumstances, as
pleasant, comfortable and agreeable as we could have expected.
The men are all in excellent spirits, and do not seem to feel the
rubbing off of the romance of the war and the breaking in to the
rough and tough realities of the business hardly at all. They
are as fine a set of men as ever trod shoe leather; and I believe
I divest myself of every feeling of partiality when I express the
opinion that they will prove themselves, after a little instruction,
equal to any regiment in the service.
"Our passage to New York was not particularly note-worthy
except that some of us were unfortunate enough to lose our
money. I was among the sufferers to the extent of my entire
pile, and one or two of the men in the regiment lost wallets con

taining various amounts.

"It was pleasant testimony to the community of feeling and
generous sympathy of the officers of the Eighteenth that they
came together and with one accord contributed from their own
private purses to make good the losses of their associates. Had
I been at all disposed to be doleful over my loss — and I confess
I was somewhat so inclined — the many cordial expressions of
sympathy from all would have dispelled the "blues." The grat
ification I could not help feeling at finding myself associated
with so many true-hearted, generous men, and the further gratifi
cation of finding in my own company a unanimous desire to
make up my loss among themselves, which I, of course, declined,
was sufficient compensation for any mere pecuniary loss.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 29
"We arrived in New \'ork about six o'clock A. M., and were
landed at pier two, where we took boat for Elizabethport. Before
leaving, however, we were entertained with coffee and excellent
beef soup, for which we were indebted to Col. John Almy, the
Connecticut State Agent in New York city. At Elizabethport
we took cars for Harrisburg, a tedious journey of I don't know-
how many miles, where we arrived at two P. M., on Sunday.
"Thence, without change of cars, we came to Baltimore,
arriving here about noon. Here Col. Ely reported to
Gen. Wool, and was ordered at once to Fort McHenry,
to take the place of the Forty-Seventh New York mi
litia, whose term of .service, for three months, had just ex
pired. While in Baltimore, and before starting on the march to
the fort, we were most liberally entertained by the Union Relief
Association, of Baltimore, who had provided a generous collation
for the regiment. Our boys are of the opinion that if the secesh
of Baltimore are the meanest in the country, the union men are
certainly the best and truest. Arrived at Fort McHenry we
were very cordially received by the officers of the New York
Forty-Seventh, who installed us in our quarters, and did
everything in their power to make us comfortable. They are a
fine set of fellows, and we all feel greatly indebted to their court
esy and kindness.
"On all the journey there was no disorder, drunkenness or
misbehaviour of any sort, and this morning the full regiment was
reported present or accounted for. They are such men as the
officers are all proud of, and as the State may glory in. They
are well disposed and tractable and take very kindly and readily
to the change from home comforts to rough camp life.
"How long we are to remain here no one knows; probably until
we have been sufficiently instructed, drilled, and disciplined to
fit us for service in the field. When that time comes the
Eighteenth Regiinent will be ready to show its mettle, and I
know they will not fail nor falter in their duty."

30 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

As it was necessary that troops should be employed both for
aocrressive and defensive movements in Baltimore, it was as well
perhaps that the Eighteenth should be thus engaged as any
other regiment of the national forces, but it was a shame to the
State of Maryland that such a necessity existed. From the first
it was feared that the citizens of the Commonwealth, allied to
the South by the strongest social, political and commercial ties,
would ally themselves with the Rebellion, and it is true that many
of them were then fighting in the rebel army, while many more
at home privately gave them substantial aid and encouragement.
Baltimore was still a rebellious city — a smoking volcano — liable at
any moment to send forth the flames of its hate and vengeance
for the destruction of the capitol of the nation. No doubt many
of the rebels of the city were living then in hourly expectation of
deliverance b)' Stonewall Jackson, who was a source of constant
terror to the Union forces and Union sympathizers. Indeed,
they often boasted of such expectation and desire, and rumors to
that effect were constantly circulated and found credence among
the people. The six companies of the Eighteenth at Fort Mc
Henry were, therefore, of great service to the country, being a
restraint upon this rebellious feeling, and a terror to its abet
tors. Before loaded mortars, ready at a touch to send death and de
struction into every street in the city, disloyal Baltimore stood
with scowling respect, and checked any outward demonstrations
in behalf of the Southern Confederacy. The frowning embra
sures of Forts McHenry and Marshall were a grim though silent
menace to treacherous men and women, that before Baltimore
should pass from under Federal rule the city which gave the "Star
spangled banner" to the nation would become a smoking mass
of bricks and mortar The duty of standing guard over this
secession element, watching its moods for the first indication 'of
danger, was tiresome and monotonous, yet it was an important
and imperative one.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 31

The location of the camp was delightful — a beautiful slope
extending from Fort McHenry to the sparkling waters of Che.s-
apeake bay, the breezes from which came cool and refreshing.
The bay was directly in the foreground, its surface dotted with
the bending sails of huncireds of vessels; while behind and above
them rose the dark walls of th;^ forts bristling with heavy guns.
If the Eighteenth had been looking for comfortable quarters
it was hardly possible it could have been' better accommodated.
The duty was not heavy though constant and regular. Reveille
and roll-call at five o'clock A. M., breakfast at six, guard mount
ing at eight, drill at ten, dinner call at twelve, drill again at three,
dress parade at five, supper at six, "tattoo" at nine and "taps" at
ten o'clock comprised the routine of every-day duties.
The 15th of September found the regiment still at the
fort, growing still more weary of the monotonous life, but
deeply interested in the stirring events going on about them.
FIxciting, nay, threatening events they were. The Southern
army had invaded Maryland. Ninety-eight thousand rebels had
marched past Baltimore, within two days' journey of the city.
The rebels in the town were jubilant and confident, and many
looked for Jackson, from day to day, to appear for their deliver
ance. The Union army, under Gen. Pope, had been driven back
from the second Bull Run battle, and had taken refuge within
the defenses of Washington. Gen. Lee had improved this ad
vantage by pushing his victorious troops into Maryland, and on
the 2d of September D. H. Hill's fresh division led the van of
the rebel army to Leesburg, and thence crossing the Potomac at
Noland's Ferry had moved on Frederick city. Jackson, cross
ing at White's Ferry on the 5th, had entered Frederick on the
6th without resistance; and Gen. Lee with the rest of his army
had rapidly followed, concentrating at the same place, from
which he issued an artful and impassioned appeal to the South.
Then followed the battles of South Mountain and Harper's
Ferry, and the desperate struggle of Antietam.

32 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

The closely contested battle of South Mountain resulted in a
victory for the Union forces, the news of which was received with
unbounded delight by the boys in and around Baltimore. During
these exciting scenes the utmost care and diligence was required
of the forces at Baltimore on the line of the railroads, and the
Eighteenth found plenty to do. The regiment had become re
markably proficient in the manual of arms and in field exercises,
and constantly won compliments from sick or wounded officers
who had been sent from the front to the camps of the convales
cents. Those officers were from various regiments and nearly
all had been through the peninsular campaign. The chief
instructor was Capt. Pierce, of the Massachusetts Tenth, who
spared no time or pains, and was constant in attention.
The morale of the regiment was under the care of Chaplain
Cooper. After a stay of about two weeks, he had returned to
Connecticut, and visited New London, Norwich and Danielson
ville to obtain means for purchasing a fine chapel tent which, on
his return to camp, was erected, much to the gratification of the
regiment. It proved a pleasant place of resort for the men
when off duty, where the chaplain held frequent services for a
time, and considerable religious interest was manifested. The
division and scattering of the regiment interfered not a little
with this department. But doubtless much good was done, and
the sociable religious meetings of that time are recalled with
affectionate interest by those who took pleasure in them.
Chaplain Cooper was an earnest, eloquent preacher, and was
listened to with interest and profit. Many citizens from the city
were often present at these meetings, and not infrequently
induced the chaplain to preach at some of their churches, where
he was cordially welcomed by the denomination (Methodist) to
which he belonged.
After the battles of .South Mountain and Antietam, large o
numbers of the sick and wounded soldiers were brought into the
fort, and at one time there were more than fifteen hundred

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 33

slightly wounded men provided for there, the more seriously
wounded being cared f(>r nearer the battle-fields in the hospitals
of Baltimore, Boonsboro' and Hagerstown. The arrival of the
wounded was a new experience to the Eighteenth and a painful
relief from the monotony of affairs at the fort. These wounded
soldiers the boys called the "cripple brigade." They had a sad
story to tell of their sufferings in the "peninsular campaign,"
and later when they were broken down in the great Maryland
battles, and thev never failed of gfatherine a crowd of eager lis-
• 00 o
teners. During this time the camp was never wanting in rumors in re
lation to the immediate or eventual disposition of the regiment.
Sometimes the story would be that the whole command was to
be sent to Havre de Grace, or to Washington, Harper's Ferry,
Cincinnati, Port Royal, Newbern or New Orleans, each report
producing the wildest e.xcitement for a while and then giving
place to others equally untrue and absurd. Through it all, and
during the remainder of September and October, the regiment re
mained at F'ort McHenry busied with the routine of guard duty,
drill and dress parades, and becoming daily more perfect under
the indefatigable efforts of Col. Ely.
The State flag, the gift of the ladies of Norwich, which was
not ready for presentation when the regiment left the State, had
been completed and forwarded to Col. Ely by Governor Buck
ingham, the receipt of which was acknowledged in fitting terms as
follows: Camp Morris, Fort McHenry.
Sir: — In behalf of the regiment I take great pleasure in ac
knowledging the receipt of the superb State colors presented to
us by the ladies of Norwich. The flag was delivered to us to-day,
its rich silk and elegant staff uninjured by transportation. Both
the national and State colors were this evening brought forth
at dress parade, their artistic beauty and richness attracting uni
versal attention. Army officers, soldiers and civilians unite in
6

34 EIGHTEENTH REG/MENT

plaudits, pronouncing them surpassingly beautiful. Words are
wanting for the fit expression of the pride and affection with
which the FLighteenth C. V. regard these colors, not alone as
emblems of our national and State honor but as constant remind
ers of the interest felt in us and our welfare by the loved ones
at home. I am. Your obedient servant, William G. Ely,
Colonel Eighteenth C. V.
To his Excellency William A. Buckingham, Governor State
of Connecticut.
The regiment had not been a month in Baltimore before the
demand was made for more recruits to fill the places of those who
had been promoted, and was a great merit in the Eighteenth that
it had so many men of sufficient intelligence and ability to fill any
post of duty. In this respect Company C deserves special mention.
Although when the regiment was enlisted only eighteen were re
ported as teachers, yet in this company alone there were more
than twenty young soldiers who had been successful teachers,
though at the time of their enlistment were in more lucrative
employments. .Such men as these were in the line of promotion
at any time, of whom may be mentioned: Joseph P. Rockwell,
promoted to be Sergeant Major; J. D. Ripley, hospital steward;
George E. Dorrance, detailed for the quartermasters' depart
ment; D. L. Wilson, Col. Ely's orderly; Hiram B. Crosby, Ad
jutant; Christopher A. Brand, Sergeant Major of the Twenty-
first Regiment; C. B. Culver, detailed to assist the Post Adjutant
at Fort McHenry; J. L. W. Huntington, of Norwich, and Dr
M. W. Robinson, of Hebron, to the post hospital, and A. D.
Holmes, of Lebanon, blacksmith of the post.
Ten mien from one company was a large number to lose, and
they were greatly missed by their comrades. In the case of
Hiram B. Crosby, who was promoted to be Lieutenant Colonel of
the Tvyenty-first Regiment, June 27th, 1864, he was one of the

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CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 35

first volunteers of the FLighteenth, who at the great meeting al
ready described sprang upon the stage at the conclusion of one of
the speeches, and enrolled his name. His example was followed
instantly by a large number of others. He was an earnest and
enthusiastic soldier, and his earl) promotion was well deserved.
The regiment was now in need of recruits and an effort was
made to obtain them. Lieut. Fred. Palmer was sent home to Nor
wich to recruit for Company C. The time chosen for this ser
vice was not opportune, as a special effort was then being made
to recruit for the nine months' regiments, and it was quite
natural that most men would prefer the short term of service.
Lieut. Palmer wrote back to his company that the prospect for
raising three years' men -would be better from a "grave yard"
than from among the living men in Connecticut. Accordingly
Company C could get no recruits to fill its decimated ranks.
Only five recruits were received during the rest of the year 1862,
and only one of these was consigned to Company C, viz:
Henry A. Dagget, and he deserted in thirteen days after he ar
rived at the regiment. The others were George S. Hayes,
Company H; William C. Harbison, Company I; A. H. King,
Company I, and Owen McShean, Company I. The prospect at
this time of filling up the Eighteenth was not very flattering.
It should be stated that four days after the arrival of the regi
ment in Baltimore twenty-one enlisted men of the Twenty-first
Regiment had arrived in camp who enlisted a day or two before
leaving Norwich. Their case was a peculiar one, they being part
of a squad of the Twenty-first who, becoming dissatisfied over the
choice of officers, felt at liberty to join the Eighteenth, as they had
not been sworn into the United States .service. Before quitting
Norwich the officers of the Twenty-first had made an effort to ar
rest them as deserters, but it was claimed they had the right to
change their relations, and Governor Buckingham sustained then;
in their position. Right or wrong, the men became members of
the Eighteenth and it is not known that they ever had cause to

36 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

regret their course. They were scattered among different. com
panies. Perhaps another explanation why the effort was futile to recruit
the regiment may be found in the fact that no bounties were paid
to the three years' men. Therefore men thought themselves
fortunate, if compelled to go to the war, to be enlisted in the nine
months' regiments, notwithstanding the sarcastic criticism of their
"patriotism" by the three years' soldiers. A correspondent of
the Eighteenth about that time spoke the general feeling: "We
make no complaint, have no grievance to present, and shall do
no .grumbling, but we do feel at liberty to lay the facts before the
people at home and ask you what you think of it? Does govern
ment need most nine months' men or three years' men. Is the
patriotism we have all read so much about expended to serve
and save the government, or is it to avoid the draft? I confess
that to me it looks very much as though the "quota" was the big
gest thing that had happened to the communit)' lately, and that
everybod)' was devoting all their energies to get everybody else
to go out and fill it. Well, if you can't do anything for us in the
way of recruits we'll get along with what we have."
As soon as it became evident that the regiment would remain
in Baltimore for the ensuing winter, every one began to inquire
what could be done to while away the time. The six companies
in Fort McHenry began to grow weary of the ceaseless round of
guard duty, though by way of variety squads of men were detailed
for some special duty for a short time outside in the city, or in
its suburbs. But whether here or there everything went on
monotonously, like clock-work, ever)' man knowing his duty and
doing it almost mechanically. To relieve the monotony of fort-
life, the idea suggested itself to some of the married men, the of
ficers especially, that they have their wives with them to be initi
ated into the ways of the soldiers' life, and engage once more in
the business of mending their husbands' clothes. "If we can't
get one kind of recruits," said they, "we can another," and every

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 37

company received its full quota of these new recruits. .Some of
whom, however, deserted soon afterwards and returned to the old
home. The soldier's life was a little too rough for them and
they were not anxious to enlist for a longer term of service.
These visitants were welcome "comrades" while they remained,
and their presence was a mutual benefit and pleasure in the
camp. Ordinarily, however, the army is no place for women,
though the "women of the war," as nurses in the hospitals, were
angels of mercy to sick and wounded soldiers, and will always be
remembered with the deepest gratitude and affection.
The writer remembers one hospital where it was the practice
for the women of the to-wn (F"rederick cit) , Md.) to visit the sick
soldiers every afternoon at four o'clock, to converse with and bring
them such home comforts as the surgeons would allow. Their
visits were always looked for with warmest interest, and if by
chance one of them failed to go her usual round, the absence was
noted and was a source of sorrow and an.viet)-. In one instance
a young soldier, a mere lad, was found weeping, and to a visitor
who asked the reason of his distress, he said that the lady who
usually visited him at. such an hour every day had not come, and
he missed her presence and sympathy. She reminded him so
much of his sister. The Eighteenth at F'ort McHenry did not
need this kind of assistance, for the regiment generally was in ex
cellent health and spirits, yet friends from home were always
welcome. Months afterward, when the officers and men were
suffering and starving in Libby and Belle Isle prisons, what
would they not have given for the home-like comforts of their
stay in Baltimore and the kind attentions bestowed by the loyal
men and women of that cit) .
The Eighteenth boys seemed to be especially successful in
engaging the warm regard of the Baltimoreans, and while it is true
that what was a .source of pleasure and profit to some was a door
of temptation to others, still many true friends were found in
that city who will always be remembered with the deepest inter
est and pleasure. God bless them.

38 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

The routine of garrison duty was far from being so enjoyable
as most of the men had anticipated and various expedients were
adopted to relieve the monotony of Fort McHenry. One method
of killing time was to get leave of absence to visit the city, see
the sights, and hear the news. On these trips many pleasant
acquaintances were formed and patriotic families of Baltimore
sent special invitations to officers and men to share their hospi
tality and kind attentions. At such meetings the singing of patri
otic songs was a favorite amusement, and the Jordans, of Company
H, became especially famous for their singing concerts. At one
social entertainment, where the Jordans appeared, the house was
decked with flags, and the stars and stripes met the gaze on
every side, while songs and cheers mingled in delightful accord.
"America," "Star spangled banner," and especially, "Hoist up the
flag" were sung to the great amusement of the citizens from
whom repeated invitations were received that these pleasant oc
casions might be repeated. On one afternoon, just preceding a
proposed concert, a member of the "singing band" presented
himself before his commander with the request that he might
"go over to the city" for the evening, but was detained on the
ground that requests were becoming too frequent. "Well, I shall
go to the colonel," was the response. Not many moments later
a tall, spare man, with sandy whiskers, stood in the presence of
the colonel repeating his request. "Where do you wish to go?"
asked the latter. "Oh, to a house down town to have a sing
and a good time generally," was the reply. "How long do you
want to stay?" "Until nine o'clock," was the response. The col
onel wrote a pass and on handing it to the soldier said, "1 shall
let you stay until ten o'clock, and I am going with you." This
result, it is needless to say, gave great satisfaction, and if the
boys staid later than usual that night it was because they had
the authority with them. In recollection of these delightful in
cidents it will not seem surprising that the survivors of the Vir
ginia campaigns cherish grateful memories of the trqe and loyal

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 39

citizens of the monumental city, while at the same time they can
not forget the hati'ed and disgust which the disloyal ladies mani
fested toward all Union soldiers. It was pitiful, as well as amus
ing, sometimes to witness their display of concern; to see them
cross the street, or turn a corner in order to avoid passing under
the old flag: as they daintily lifted their skirts as though it would
be a lasting disgrace to come in contact with the men who stood
by the stars and stripes. The haughty air and disdainful look
indicated that the presence of the Yankee soldier was anything
but welcome in the streets of Baltimore.
When the rebels determined on a separate government, the
plea being that the North had violated the Constitution, and
therefore was the aggressor, they committed a fatal error for
their cause that they did not continue to carry the American
flag. But in contempt of the North, and its free institu
tions, they trampled the old banner in the dust, and at once for
feited all claim to be considered the national party, making open
war upon the Constitution itself. Thus it is true that there were
thousands and tens of thousands of men North and West who
sympathized wjth the South in its view of slavery and the right
to an equal portion of the states and territories to propagate
the doctrine that "The black man had no right which white men
were bound to respect," and it is not unlikely that these same
men would have fought much more willingly for the South than
the North if the former had maintained the right to the old
flag, and commenced the war under its protecting folds. Had
this been done it is a question perhaps whether there would
have .been any soldiers in the Northern army called war
Democrats, who could not turn traitors to their national flag, or
join hands with those who had abandoned it and raised the
openly rebelliously stars and bars. Indeed it seemed in the
eyes of these men a great crime in itself to repudiate the stars
and stripes; and it was mainly said universal devotion to the flag-
that caused those public demonstrations that so much annoyed

40 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

and discomfited the rebels who were obliged to live within the
Union lines.
It is undeniable that in the fall and winter of 1862 and 1863
the city of Baltimore was only kept to the laws of the United
States by Union bayonets. The rebels were continually restive
and impatient for an opportunity to free themselves from the
power of their masters, knowing which the Union soldiers em
braced every favorable occasion to testify their devotion to the
flag which the rebel city despised and hated. Therefore a bat
tle of words was constantly going on in which hatred of and love
for the Union were displayed with equal passion and sincerity.
The members of the Eighteenth will recall many ot these
discussions with interest, and not soon forget how their oppo
nents chafed and fumed as they were compelled to listen to Union
sentiments, and patriotic songs. It was ludicrous at times to
witness their demonstrations of displeasure as the boys sung
"Rally round the flag," "Old John Brown," and other stirring-
Northern songs.
It was such hearty enthusiasm for the old flag that discom
fited and discouraged the rebels of Baltimore; while no corres
ponding sentiment could be elicited from the rebels for their
worthless rag. Their stars and bars had no inspiring histori
cal incidents togi\'e fame and prestige. It was not like the Union
banner, the symbol of universal liberty and equality. It was not
their fathers' flag. It was not the flag of Washington and Jeffer
son and Jackson of heroic and civil fame. Well we remember a
year later how quickly the e)-es of old .Southern men and women
filled with tears at the sight of the stars and stripes, and their
lips quivered when they spoke of the Union as it was. One old
man said with trembling emphasis that he "Remonstrated with
his rebel neighbors for a long time, and plaini)' told them they
were committing a great mistake in fighting against the flag of
their country." And so indeed they did. Many felt and acknowl
edged the wrong, well knowing that power was on the side of

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 41

the Union soldiers who inspired each other with courage and en
durance as they sang pagans to the "star spangled banner"
A stranger visiting the camp of the Eighteenth at about this
period would have been favorably impressed with the general
good feeling and spirit of the men, who seemed bound to make
the best of the situation in spite of the inconveniences and hard
ships of their novel life. During each day various duties and
amusements came along in their order, or out of order, just as it
happened, and our visitors often remarked: "These soldiers are
jolly fellows after all and they know how to accommodate them
selves to enjoy themselves." To such remarks the reply was:
"My friend, just stay and spend the evening with us if you want
to see the Eighteenth in its happiest mood."
The climate of "Maryland, my Maryland" seemed peculiar
to a Northern man; even its finest September days end in
chills and damps. But the boys in their tents are quite at
ease and happy. About two hours ago the mails were distributed,
bearing "good news from home," generally, and all are in the
best of spirits. Now they are in for some music. What shall
we call it? A grand concert, closing up with an universal medley.
But we must call on the Norwich Bulletin's old correspondent
(Ike) for a truthful and graphic description of the scene. He
writes, under the date of September 30th, 1862, as follows: "Per
haps we don't have any music in this camp. Step in among us
some night, and see if we don't. As I sit in my tent writing this
in the edge of the evening let me try to pick out the kind and
classes of music that rise in chaotic fragments from the camp.
"From Capt. Bates' company's street, away out there on the left,
a blended harmony, produced by the upper part of the street
singing 'Rock of ages,' while the lower half are 'putting in'
with 'Wait for the wagons,' floats over me; next on their right,
Lieut. Matthewson's company are singing 'John Brown's body,
by snatches, and 'There'll be no more sorrow there," with energy.
Capt. Bowen's boys add to the volume the touching strains of

42 ELGHTEENTH REGLMENT

'Old dog Tray,' mixed up with 'Joyfully, joyfully,' etc. The
street in front of me (Company C) swells the chorus with three
or four different kinds of music, including one Jews-harp and three
fifes. Capt. Hakes' fellows are uproariously jolly; between the
bars of music, sacred, sentimental, humorous, and patriotic, I catch
the rasping of the cat-gut in the 'Devil's dream,' and 'Fishers'
hornpipe,' and the loved 'cross over,' 'right and left,' 'ladies
grand change,' with which they are making their camp-life pleas
ant. From the extreme right wing comes the strains of 'March
ing along,' sung by the Greeneville Glee Club, in Company A.
A straggling squad, promiscuously gathered, are being entertained
over in the rear by the quartermaster's boy "Spanny," who imi
tates very naturally all sorts of animals that make unearthly
noises. There is an occasional howl of a dog, of which not less
than a thousand live, move, and have a being within the fort
grounds; a squeal of rat, of which there are millions in camp,
fattening on what the soldiers waste, while over all comes the
shrill voice of the sentry on the sea-wall shouting in tones that
speak feelingly of a pain in the stomach, 'Corporal of the guard
number twenty-three;' and there is the bugle, and with the officers
call which it sounds I close the catalogue of harmonies, and go
and see what is wanted. Perhaps you can gather from my poor
attempt to sift out the tunes and sounds from this hopperful of
melody that we are not as a general thing disposed to melan
choly in the Eighteenth. These moonlight evenings are won
derful exhilarators. No matter what the duties of the day have
been, however severe or fatiguing, the moonlight 'drives dull
care away,' and with song, dance, joke, and fun the evening hours
run merrily away."
Thus ended the grand concert, and all are well pleased with
the evening's entertainment. Similar scenes will be recalled by
many members of the Eighteenth with unfeigned pleasure as
giving the "sunny side" of the soldier's life.
Allusion has been rriade to the "Greeneville Glee Club," a full

CON NEC TICUT V( U. (^N TEERS, 43

history of which would be \'er)' entertaining. It was composed
of some of the best men and singers in the regiment, whose per
formances alwa)'s did them great credit and attracted a crowd,
and if we mistake not were \er) popular with the loyal citizens
of Baltimore. We regret that no member of the "club" has
written us with reference to its formation, giving the names of its
members, and a full account of its attractive concerts. One of
the members, "Spanny," (a Spaniard) was a peculiar specimen, a
general favorite among the officers as a servant, and who afford
ed no little amusement to the regiinent generally. Capt. Hakes'
"Spanny" deserves a special notice, and reference may be made
to him again in connection with the first Winchester campaign.
Sometimes the entertainments assumed a serio-comic character.
For instance, the boys will remember that serious affair on Fed
eral Hill, two miles from Fort McHenry, in which several officers
of the post were detailed to act on a court of inquiry over a
horse which departed this life suddenly. The question was,
whether his death was owing to natural causes, or to the whip
and spur of the orderly who had ridden him the day previous.
Colonels, majors and captains visited the stall and gravely inves
tigated the matter and at last came to this profound conclusion:
"Firstly, this is a dead horse; secondly, his death is nobody's
fault but his own; thirdly, it is ordered that he be suitably buried;
fourthly, this dead horse must be charged to profit and loss in all
the books of the department." It is needless to say that the
findings of the court were perfectly satisfactory, but it is not
known whether the case was reported to the war department at
Washingrton or not. Some of our readers will recall other inci-
dents of a character both grave and gay, producing demonstration
corresponding with each.
In the meantime the regiment was being perfected in drill, and
its attitude elicited frank commendations from Gen. Morris, who
said, on one occasion, that he had never seen any regiment of the
same length of time in the field make so fine an appearance.

44 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

Gen. Morris had the reputation of being one of the strictest dis
ciplinarians; when he complimented a soldier his words were ap
preciated, and not unnaturally the men were highly elated by his
expressions. The health of the regiment continued excellent,
and a finer looking body of men are rarely seen. An effort was
made at this time to recall the four companies from up the road,
as the railroad people were so much pleased with those already
employed that they wished to have the whole regiment similarly
engaged, with headquarters at Havre-de-Grace. The effort,
however, did not succeed, and the six companies settled down in
a great measure contented, or in patient waiting for orders to
move in any direction.
The last of September found six companies of the Eighteenth
still at Fort McHenry rapidly gaining in military tactics gen
erally, and feeling considerable confidence, if not a little pride in
itself, when it was apparent that in no respect did it suffer in
comparison with other regiments in the vicinity.
Gen. Morris' complimentary remarks were reported by Col.
F21y at dress parade to the boys, and they were received with evi
dent satisfaction and communicated with not a little pride to
their friends at home.
Col. Ely had felt from the first some disappointment in hav
ing his regiment divided and more so at this tim.e, as the com
panies up the road were deprived of the advantage of dress
parade and the daily field service. At dress parade, especially, it
was very desirable to have the whole regiment in line for the
best effect. Under such circumstances the command would have
made a fine appearance — the ranks being nearly full, the men
equipped in their best style, with white gloves, clean and shining-
muskets and everything else, to match. But every attempt to
have the four companies recalled was ineffectual, the railroad not
only opposing it but making a special effort to have the whole
regiment posted on the line between Baltimore and Philadelphia,
and immediate vicinity, for the protection of property, with head-

X

=£fe^

\

I

Major JOSEPH MATHEWSON.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEELiS. 45

quarters at Havre-de-Grace. This was proof enough that the
regiment was acquiring a good reputation for fidelity and effi
ciency and that its service was appreciated.
About the middle of October an incident occurred at F'ort
McHenry which for a time caused no little excitement. Reference
has already been made to the fact that after the battles of .South
Mountain and Antietam a large number of rebel prisoners — some
sick and wounded, some able-bodied, some officers and privates —
were brought to Fort McHenr)-, and were placed under the sur
veillance of Union soldiers. The Eighte(mth had its full share
of this number. Of course the presence of so man)' rebel pris
oners gave a new interest to the dail)- duties, and abundant op
portunities also to become acquainted with the character of
the men who had been engaged in the rebel service. It furnished
occasion too for the rebels of Baltimore to show their sympathy
for the Rebellion, and they were not wanting in a disposition to
give aid and comfort to those who had been fighting its battles.
For a few days after the prisoners were brought in, the provost
marshal's quarters were fairly besieged, especially with female
Secessionists who had come from the city in carriages loaded
with "rations" and clothing, shoes and blankets. In addition to
these articles there were also brought gray uniforms bearing the
stamp of the Southern Confederacy. This sympathizing demon
stration raised a storm of righteous indignation among the Union
soldiers, many of whom had been inthe hospital sick and per
haps wounded for months without seeing the face of any Balti-
morean, man or woman, to dispense to them the luxuries, or
even the necessaries of life. Many such men had been confined
within the walls of the fort, had suffered a thousand ills and in
conveniences, without being able to obtain the smallest article of
comfort without submitting to the tedious processes of red
tape, while these rebel prisoners perhaps had shot down many
of the Union soldiers who now were obliged to look on and see
them petted, nursed, fed and clothed, and knowing that after a

46 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

little time they would be sent back to the Confederacy to take up
arms again to assail the Union. What made the affair still
more galling was the fact that these rebels sympathizers were
acting under a pass from Gen. Wool, who, if the truth is told,
was not very highly complimented for a courtesy, that while it no
doubt was well intended was in reality infamously abused. The
correspondent of the Norwich Bulletin wrote of this incident, as
follows: "I confess that when I remember how the Federal gov
ernment maintains a blockade of all the Southern ports and
guards with such strict jealousy all avenues of communication
with the rebel states, with the object of preventing the rebel army
from obtaining provisions and clothing; when I thought how the
¦rebel Gen. Stuart was at that moment making a foray into Penn
sylvania for the purpose of obtaining just what these men were
receiving under the nose of and by special permission of an of
ficer in high rank in our army; when I considered too that these
men, whom I knew from their confessions to be sick of the Re
bellion and anxious above all things to see the end of it, were
clothed, fed, reassured in their faith in the final success of their
cause, and sent back strengthened and encouraged to continue
the war against us, by rebel sympathizers in a loyal city; when
I remember all these things I confess that — well, I wont confess
— except that I could not understand why Gen. Stuart took
the trouble and risk (was there any?) of going up into Pennsyl
vania after blue uniforms, so abundant here, and only the farce
of being taken prisoner necessary to secure the plunder and
make a reconnoissance." The next day following their first visit
the "female rebels" made their appearance again with carriage
loads of "rebel stores," and the labor of distribution began;
but to the rage and disgust of these rebel quartermasters the
Union convalescents and some of Eighteenth made a personal
requisition on the supplies on their own account, distributing two
grey uniforms among themselves, and helping themselves to
shoes and other things generally.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 47

Not satisfied with this booty it is said they proceeded to give
the disloyal beauties to understand that their presents as well as
their presence could be dispensed with thereafter, and that
Yankee jack-knives could be used to "whittle" harness and car
riages as well as "down-east" pine sticks. It is remarked
that Gen. Morris thereupon issued an order in the Baltimore
morning papers, forbidding the issue of anymore army supplies
to the rebel prisoners in the fort, e.xcept through the provost
marshal of the post. However, as far as the practice went,
the boys reaped not a little benefit, and considerable fun from it.
Several Union soldiers, who had made requisition on the quar
termaster for shoes and clothing, suddenly countermanded their
orders; and though it is not known that they gave their rea
sons for this proceeding, it is probable that it was not neces
sary. About this time the camp dialogue took this turn: "I say,
where did you get those shoes? Nice fit ain't they?" And
the reply: "Ask those 'secesh' ladies who carry their colors on
their bonnets — red and white roses in the front, with red and white
trimmings. No doubt they are condoling each other on the
losses of yesterday, and their ill luck generally.
The manner of confiscation described above was not exactly
in accordance with the regulations of the post, but it com
passed the end to be attained perhaps just as well as any other.
None could justly blame the Union soldiers for the indigna
tion they manifested over the bold and provoking sympathy
which these female friends of the Southern Confederacy mani
fested for men who had shot down and inhumanly treated
Union soldiers; nor for the appropriation they made of rebel
uniforms and delicacies. It was extremely trying to bear the
taunts and scornful looks of the bitter enemies of the govern
ment, the protection of whose flag they were receiving, and
when they abused this privilege, and openly and unblushingly
showed their regard for the rebel cause by giving it all the
aid and comfort in their power, then forbearance ceased to be a

48 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

virtue and summary vengeance as visited on the disloyal
parties. Had rebel sympathy gone no farther than to supply the im
mediate wants of the sick, wounded and needy, and held out
no inducements or encouragements to persist in their opposi
tion to the Union cause, there would have been no good rea
sons for this decisive treatment of the rebel commissaries of
Baltimore. .•^\s it was. Union sentiment justified the soldiers and Gen. Mor
ris attempted no punishment for the disposition that was made
of the rebel uniforms.
It has been already stated that the day after the Eighteenth
arrived in Baltimore four companies of the left wing were or
dered up the road toward Philadelphia on special guard duty,
with headquarters at Havre-de-Grace. These companies were
Capt. Peak's, Capt. Warner's, Capt. Knapp's and Company
K; the battalion being under the command of Major Keach,
who was very popular with his men. The necessity for such
a disposition of troops was apparent. The railroad and tele
graph communications had been several times interrupted, and
danger was still imminent. Maryland yet swarmed with dis
loyalists watching every opportunity to bring dishonor and ruin
upon the national cause, and but for the vigilance of the gov
ernment, this important line of communication with the North
would have been seriously, perhaps fatally interrupted. Hence
the Eighteenth was doing excellent service for their country in
the faithful discharge of this duty of guarding the road. True,
the service was dull and monotonous, but it was none the less
necessary and important.
Company K was ordered to Havre-de-Grace about August
25th, 1862, and there it remained nearly eight months. Up to
the first of January, 1863, there had been but one death in the
company, that of John Penry, of Killingly, whose death occurred
on November 28th, previous to the time indicated.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 49

No other changes of special note occurred, except in the de
sertion of F"elix W. Wilmot, of Killingly, on December 8th. The
general health of the compan)' was good, the duties comparatively
light and on the whole satisfactory. The principal amusements
were hunting and fishing, and these kept the table well supplied
with a healthful variety of food. At least there were no com
plaints of short rations.
At first the citizens of the place were cold and reserved — their
first acquaintances with Union soldiers having been exceptionally
unpleasant. Company K had relieved a New York regiment
whose boisterous behaviour had inspired such distrust that few
ladies dared to go out into the street after dark. It was some
time before the Connecticut boys could commend themselves to
the "good graces" of the ladies at Havre-de-Grace, and they ac
complished it in this way: By quiet, orderly conduct when off
duty, regular attendance at church, and by taking part in the
singing and other exercises of the social meetings. Some of
them appeared in the choir; and is it any wonder that after
a time the ladies of Havre-de-Grace began to think that the sol
diers were at least partly civilized, and that they began to show
themselves on the street again. "Music has charms to soothe,"
it is said, and it was in good part by this charm that the singers
in Company K conquered a peace with even the disloyal ladies
of Maryland. After which singing parties were organized, the boys
were invited to spend the evening, and the time passed quickly
and pleasantly. The boys retain many pleasant recollections of
their stay there. It must be admitted, however, that the people
were not very enterprising, indolence and whiskey drinking being
their prevailing sins, and which became more fatal to the Northern
ers than even rebel hate or bullets, as we shall see hereafter. Soon
Company I, Capt. Knapp, was ordered to Back River, about
five miles from Baltimore, on the railroad, and there it continued
about two months, the location being bad and unhealthy. At
one time much sickness prevailed in the company, one-half of
7

50 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

the men being ill of chills and fever Private Charles H. Beck-
with, of Norwich, was sent home, where he died December ist,
and many others contracted diseases from which they never fully
recovered while in the service. Capt. Knapp was on the sick
list and subsequently was obliged to resign and return to Con
necticut. That part of the company which escaped the fever
had pleasant times, although the duty was more onerous by
reason of the large number incapacitated by sickness. One of
the pastimes was shooting wild ducks, which were very plentiful.
The company had settled down with a fair prospect of remaining
for a lengthy period; they had completed a new house — a com
fortable building — and the general appearance of camp promised
convenience and comfort, for a soldier's life, when the order came
to move, as it always does when soldiers get ready for house-keep
ing, and begin to enjoy themselves. But the order is imperative,
and in a brief space everything lies in heaps, is soon loaded up,
and Company I is on the march for Camp Emory, near Baltimore,
and perhaps on the whole not reluctant to get away from the
low, marshy, and sickly grounds of Back River.
Company F, Capt. Peale, was stationed at Gunpowder Bridge,
which was an important position. During the first year of the
war the rebels had succeeded in destroying it, and the rebel
citizens were ready to repeat the performance at the first op
portunity. One of them said to a member of the Eighteenth
on a certain occasion: "What would you do with a man if you
found him disturbing the railroad track or telegraph wires?" and
received this reply: "Well, I think we should run him up into one
of these tall oaks, and there would not be many words with him
either." The rebels having thus ascertained the metal of Capt.
Peale and his men apparently came to the conclusion that it
would not be proper to disturb Gunpowder Bridge, the railroad
or the telegraph wires, unless they were prepared to risk the
safety ol their own necks. No disturbance whatever occurred
and everything went well, THe location wag pleasant and healthy,

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 51

rations were good and the quarters quite comfortable. Up to
January, 1863, there were no deaths, nor desertions, or any un
pleasant occurrences worth)- of mention.
The members of Compan)- F" recall with much satisfaction the
pleasant course of their eight months stay at that place. The
usual camp amusements were in vogue, which helped to "while
away the hours" and beguile the monotony of picket duty, drills
and dress parades. Much of the time, however, was passed in
anticipation of incidents; and the frequent passing trains of cars
crowded with passengers and soldiers created more or less in
terest and diversion.
Company G, Capt. Warner, was stationed at Perryville, on the
east side of the Susquehanna, opposite Havre-de-Grace. This
was a low, dirty looking place and infested -with some of the most
bitter and revengeful Secessionists. But there were true and ar
dent Union people there also, among whom the boys found
many friends and passed many pleasant hours. Nothing of
special interest transpired save that Second Lieut. Luther E.
Rawson, of Woodstock, resigned December 22d; private Stiles
Rawson died December 3d; Corporal Charles A. Bosworth
died December 27th, and private John Riley, of Woodstock, was
discharged for disability December 2 2d. There were no deser
tions to record. The company generally were in good health
and as well pleased with their fare and accommodations as could
be expected. The usual pastimes, such as hunting, boating and
fishing were enjoyed with a zest. If the neighbors' pastures or
hen-roosts ever suffered loss it was by the consent of the owners
thereof by way of compensation. It is believed that in this re
spect all the Eighteenth boys gave general satisfaction to the loyal
families on the line of the road, and this may account for the
fact that special effort was made to retain their services in this
department. The commanders of the companies are deserving
of especial honor for the good order which they maintained, and
the respect that was shown to the rights of loyal citizens. While

52 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

we do not pretend to say that known Secessionists fared as well
in every respect as did the loyalists, we will venture the assertion
that they were treated fully as well as they deserved.
Taking leave of the four companies, whose location has been
given, in their quiet and comfortable quarters up the road, we re
turn to Bal': -nore to find the six companies at Fort McHenr)'
about to change their quarters. Two months have been passed
at this place, and on some accounts the boys are quite willing
to leave it.
There has been a decided change in the appearance of Fort
McHenry and in its surroundings. The grassy slopes are no
longer fresh and green, the delightful sea breeze has given place
to raw, chilly winds from the bay, and the summer showers,
cool and refreshing, are succeeded by autumn rains. It was
then for the first time that the Connecticut man was furnished a
correct idea of the nature of Maryland mud, the stickiest and
deepest they had ever seen. Thus the disagreeable weather
of the coming winter,in connection with the close confinement,
monotonous and irksome duties to which they had been sub
jected, inspired these companies with jubilant feelings over their
approaching departure. The order having come to leave on the
30th of October, the previous night was spent' in getting ready to
move. All through the camp fires blazed high and hot, consum-.
ing boxes, floors, and articles of camp furniture which not being
portable the boys used in celebrating their exodus from the fort,
and making themselves comfortable and merry. There was
singing, dancing, speech-making, fun and frolic, and the whole
camp was in merry uproar over the novel experience of a "first
move." Next day came, the order to "fall in" was obeyed with
unusual alacrity, and the Eighteenth was soon marching in high
glee through the city toward Fort Marshall.
The march through Baltimore was an ovation and attended
with enjoyable excitement. Whenever the companies halted the
citizens came around them in crowds; warm-hearted Union people

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 53

brought out refreshments from their houses and bestowed every
possible attention. F^ven the .Secessionists treated the troops
with respect and e.xpressed admiration of their noble bearing
and soldierly qualities. It is related that one of this class brought
out a barrel of apples and distributed them among the men, at the
same time remarking that if every regiment from the North was
like the Eighteenth Connecticut, Maryland would soon be
thoroughly Union. The apples, however, were not quite sound,
and many of them were rotten to the core — a fair symbol the sol
diers thought of the Southern Confederacy. Those that were good
were soon pocketed, and the boys marched on elated with the
pleasant incidents by the way. It was nearly night when they
reached Fort Marshall, but instead of entering the barracks, as at
first intended, they pitched their tents directly in front of the
works at Camp Emory. On the same night the regiment was
brigaded with the One Hundred and Tenth New York, under the
command of Col. Littlejohn, in Gen. Emor)''s division, from
whom their camp derived its name. Every man made himself as
comfortable as his means and circumstances would allow. Fort
Marshall was one of the most important defenses of Baltimore.
It was a new earth-work erected after the war began, and its guns
were so planted as to sweep the streets of the city as well as
other directions. The position was such that the city rebels
knew well what to expect in the event of a rising against Union
soldiers, as had been the case when the Sixth Massachusetts
passed through a year before. The situation was as beautiful as
it was commanding, being the highest point of land in the vicin
ity and furnishing a magnificent view of the cit)- and country for
five or six miles around. The bay presented a delightful prospect,
often dotted with sailing vessels and steamers passing to and
from the harbor; Fort McHenry was nearly opposite in full
view, and Federal Hill showed finely a short distance in an
opposite direction.
As a whole the situation was charming and the change was

54 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

more than satisfactory to both officers and privates — all cherished
pleasing anticipations in respect to the future. It promised also
to be a healthy position. For a week or two previous to the
removal there had been considerable sickness in camp; colds
and fever had prevailed to some extent, and there were several
cases of jaundice, a disease which, as a correspondent says, "Caused
the faces of some to beam with the hues of sunset, and the roots
of their hair to glitter with a color that would have set a gold
digger to prospecting with confidence." The sensations of those
thus diseased are described as intolerable, and are thus suggested
by Bromley in a Norwich letter. It was his first Sunday at Camp
Emory. "I can only say that all of that horrible Sunday I lay in
my blankets in my tent with the wind and rain howling and pat
tering outside, and an occasional stream of water trickling down
my canvas walls and running round me; looking through the
yellowest pair of eyes that ever hung out as a wrecked liver's
signal of distress, at the war, the country, the Eighteenth Regi
ment and its camp, and I leave you to imagine the rest."
The day after the arrival at Camp Emory Company A, Capt.
Davis, was sent down on the eastern shore to Upper Marlboro", a
little "secesh" den, where a guard was necessary to keep the
citizens informed as to who was President of the United States,
and how many stars and stripes there were on the old flag. They
started on Sunday morning, conveyed on the cars as far as Bla
densburg, five or six miles this side of Washington, where they
procured transportation; thence marching about twenty miles to
their destination. No sooner had Capt. Davis arrived there than an
order was received from headquarters to return to Baltimore.
It proved that the order for the expedition was a mistake and
that the company .should not have been sent there at all. The
trip, however, was an agreeable change from the monotony at
F~ort McHenr)', and gave the boys a fine opportunity to view the
country, and test the metal of the citizens along the route as de
veloping their Union or Secession tendencies. And, moreover.

CONNECTICUT ]'OLUN TEERS, 55

it afforded them an opportunity to enjoy a [massing view of
Washington. The boys made preparations to return at once and marched
directly for the capital, where they boarded the cars for Balti
more, arriving at that city at about seven o'clock on Wednesday
evening without the loss of a man, but not without loss to the
enemy, although it is not known that any great sensation was
produced throughout the country on this account. One incident
of the trip, however must not be omitted, as it serves to show
what a band of valiant men will do for their country when the
danger becomes imminent; and, furthermore, decidedly indicated
what would have been the fate of the Secessionists of the eastern
shore had they been as imprudent and reckless as was the un
fortunate victim of Federal bayonets in this case. We give the
account verbatim, as related by an eye witness, as showing of
what immense importance the affair was to the welfare of the
country. Says the narrator: "The only incident of the march was
the sudden death of a pig who ran against a bayonet on the
march from Marlboro back. He died so suddenly that the soldiers
roasted him to keep him from spoiling."
As rebels had often reported that the Yankees were canni
bals and would eat up the poor whites and even the niggers, so
when the citizens saw the fate of the pig all became quiet at once
on the eastern shore, and Company A returned in triumph to
headquarters. At the same time that Company A returned from their scout to
Marlboro, Companies E, H and D were ordered up the road — E
to Perryville, D to Stemmers Run and H to Charleston, about
four miles east of Perryville. A detachment of Company H was
sent to Conewingo on the west bank of the .Susquehanna, twelve
miles above Havre-de-Grace, and placed under the command of
Lieut. Locke. Conewingo was a pleasant and healthy location
and the detachment remained there through the fall and winter,
on good terms with the citizens, assisting them in making their

56 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

cider, in drinking it as long as it was sweet, and in making them
selves useful generally. Nothing of special note occurred save
that the boys displayed their valor at Thanksgiving in slaughter
ing the chickens for a Yankee dinner at the same time that their
friends at home were feasting on roast turkeys and the historic
pumpkin pie.
We do not intend, however, to convey the impression that the
boys robbed the citizens' hen-roosts for their booty; to be sure
they did no such thing, but went out among the farmers with
money in hand, bought their eggs and chickens, and then engaged
a sweet looking Maryland housewife to make and cook their pie
with the other things to match. While at the appointed time
they sat down to their Thanksgiving repast, which was served up
in their own house. Whether they had a plum pudding or not is
not positively known, but they had a jolly good time even if they
could not sing at the close the song of "Little Jack Horner."
And by the way. Thanksgiving was well observed all along the
road, and at F'ort Marshall, many of the boys having received
bo.xes from home containing turkeys, chickens, mince pies, plum
puddings, cake, jellies, and a host of other good things. In some
places the boxes were piled as high as the head and every-one had
a feast. It would hardly do to state positively that there were
wines at the feast, but it is to be presumed that there were, even
if nothing stronger was brought forth. The home "rations"
were highly enjoyed, tender allusions were frequently made
concerning the "loved ones" there, and many a thought sug
gested itself of the "good time coming," when the war would be
over and the soldiers would be "marching home."
Company E found the citizens of Perryville,as already indicated,
rebel to the back bone and one prominent citizen, who had been
a judge in Baltimore, was suspected of rendering aid and com
fort to the Confederacy, though he had managed to obtain a gov
ernment contract for mules. He was closely watched. Company
D was pleasantly situated at Stemmers Run, occupying a dwell-

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 57

ing house for their quarters a portion of the time, and camping
in tents the remainder The duty was comparatively easy and if
the boys had one thing to complain of more than another it was
dull times. B)- man)- Perr)- ville was voted a lonesome place, and
the companv were glad when the order came to remove to Balti-

more.

Company H did not tarry long at Charleston but returned
toward Baltimore to Chase's Station, fourteen miles from the city.
While here an exciting event occurred which at first it was
thought would end in a fight. The company had been at Chase's
about two weeks, -when on Sunday afternoon one of the men
discovered that contraband goods were stored in a point of land
running out into Chesapeake Bay, and were in charge of a rebel
guard. On the reception of this intelHgence the greatest ex
citement was aroused, and an order was at once issued for twenty-
five men to "fall in." The, men were anxious to go, all of them,
it being the first expedition of the kind since they had entered
the service. The lines were instantly formed, muskets loaded,
the order was given, right face, forward, double quick, and away
the boys went down the hill and over the railroad, and then
charged into the woods where the conflict was expected, but there
was no fight. The enemy had precipitately fled, leaving the forti
fication — a little hovel — to fall into the hands of the Yankees
with all its goods and stores. A guard was immediately placed
over the hovel and the remainder of the squad went scouting
through the surrounding country in search ol the owners of the
goods. Only one capture was made, that of a negress, who fled
down a lane in the greatest fear and consternation as the Yankees
approached, it being generally understood that the Northern sol
diers would kill every person they met, and perhaps eat them.
The ridiculous scene will not soon be forgotten — the colored lady
fleeing at her highest rate of speed, and a doughty lieutenant
pursuing in hot haste. For a time the result was somewhat
doubtful, though the result was, we believe, that the colored pe-
8

58 ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT

destrian was at length run down and bodily made a prisoner of
war No information was gained as to the whereabouts of the
owners of the contraband goods.
The goods captured in this raid were mostly envelopes, writ
ing paper, and some exceedingly valuable cotton machinery. A
day later all this property would have been sent South, out of
the reach of the United States government, by the way of the
underground railroad and the Potomac. On the whole, the ex
pedition was both an exciting and profitable one; it gave the
rebels in the vicinity a wholesome fright and was a warning to the
conductors of the underground railroad that they must run their
trains with more secrecy if they expected them to reach their
destination. It is believed, moreover, that after this the trains
were hauled off and Company H became master of the situa
tion. Company G was posted at Bush River bridge, about half way
between Baltimore and Havre-de-Grace. This bridge was about
one mile in length, and was erected in place of one the rebels had
destroyed in the first year of the war, and was a pleasant and desir
able locality, more so than any other on the road, the camp being
on high ground and overlooking a fine country landscape. Not far
away were good hunting grounds to which the men made
frequent visits, and from which the table of Company G was often
replenished with savory meats of great varieties. There was
also good fishing near by and the sport was both enjoyable and
profitable. There were plenty of rebels too, and they were closely
watched for it was evident they were ready to do any mischief to
the Union cause as soon as opportunity offered. There were
also good Union men and their kind attentions were in delight
ful contrast to the cold and sullen demeanor of their disloyal
neighbors. One of the latter class, who lived about four miles away, had
given ample proof of his attachment to the government by send
ing several sons to the Union army. Capt. Warner maintained

CONNECTICUT I \ '/ 1 NTEI'.RS. 59
good order in his command, and it is said effectually enforced
the Maine law in the xicinity, greatl)' to the discomfort of many
people There were no deaths, discharges, nor desertions in this
company to report while they were at this post.
Private Stephen H. Oatley, of F^ast Killingly, who lost a finger
by the accidental discharge of his musket, was the only man in
jured while the coinpany was on duty at this place.
In the meantime the three companies. A, B and C, remaining
at Fort Marshall were enjoying themselves in their new camp
better than at any time since leaving their native .State. Guard
duties were light, the encampment being small, and the soldiers
were no longer confined within the narrow limits of a parade
ground for morning drill as at Fort McHenry. The) could
march through the woods, along the shores, across the lots or in
any direction they pleased. This larger freedom was highly ap
preciated both by officers and privates. At one time all the
companies marched out to Back River, five miles, to visit Capt.
Knapp's command, and the trip was highly enjoyed by all. In
one instance a few meinbers of Company B took rather too much
license, wandered off, and at last returned to camp under
guard, were marched off to the guard-house, but were soon re
turned to their quarters.
In connection with these pleasant trips into the country, the
boys derived much pleasure from skirmish drill, an exercise which
was commenced about this time. The novelty of the practice
excited much interest and the men gave promise of excelling in this
department of the service. Thus passed the months of Novem
ber and December.
About the ist of November Company I was ordered from
Back River to Fort Marshall and there it remained nearly two
months. Just before the order came the company had fitted up
excellent winter quarters in a new building, and the change was
something of a disappointment. Company B was sent to relieve
Company I at Back River, and about the same time Company

6o EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

G, at Bush River, was relieved by Company A. These changes
were not generally agreeable, but were submitted to with as
good a grace as possible. Up to this date the following deaths
and dismissals are noted:
Company A — Horatio Burdick died October 19th. Company
B — Altiery K. Matthews, of Killingly, discharged October 12th;
Amasa Houghton, October 13th, and William H. Austin, De
cember 24th.
Company C — Myron W. Robinson, of Lebanon, discharged
and enlisted in United States army November 16th; Thomas C.
Brockway, of Norwich, discharged for disability December
23d. Other changes noticed elsewhere.
Company D — Elisha K. Robbins, of Eastford, discharged
and enlisted in United States army October 14th; Prescot P.
Curtiss, of Thompson, discharged for disability October 28th.
Company E — Joel Burdick, of Norwich, discharged August
26th; Michael Staubly, of Norwich, deserted August 26th; Reu
ben P. Douglass, of Colchester, discharged for disability Decem
ber 22d. It was stated elsewhere that Douglass was the oldest
enlisted man in the regiment, though this was denied by Abner
F. Bacon, Company B, of Killingly, who claimed this honor.
Both men were upwards of fifty years of age and each gave noble
testimonial of unselfish patriotism and courage. George W.
Rathbun. of Salem, discharged for disability December 23d;
Sergeant Francis McKeag, of Norwich, promoted to second lieu
tenant December 26th. At the same time Capt. Isaac W. Hakes,
of Norwich, resigned on account of ill health; in whom the com
pany lost a good officer, earnest and indefatigable in the forma
tion of his company, and in gaining the respect of his men. The
necessity for his resignation was universally regretted. The
changes in Company G have been noticed elsewhere.
Company I — Private William Wallace, of Norwich, deserted
August 22d — the first desertion in the regim.ent and on the very
day it left the State; William Peter, of Norwich, followed the ex-

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 6i

ample of Wallace, August 30th, at I'Ort McHenry; Flerman.
Hills, of Norwich, deserted at the same time; William Hays,
of Norwich, deserted December i6th. Desertions seemed to be
quite popular among the "Williams" of this company. Judson
T. Carpenter, of Mansfield, discharged for disability December
23d; Benjamin Linton, of Griswold, discharged December 27th.
It will be seen that but few changes transpired in the regiment
for the first four months, while in Baltimore and vicinity. In
nearly all cases of death the remains were sent home to the
friends of the deceased, and the expenses generally defrayed by
the respective companies.
January ist, 1863, found the Eighteenth Connecticut, except
ing Companies C, G and I, in comfortable, winter quarters in the
places already indicated. The general health of the regiment
was good the duty was not excessively hard, the rations were
satisfactory, and everything pointed to a season of compara
tive ease and quietude. All w^a;; quiet along the Potomac. About
the only incidents that indicated any immediate danger to the
Union lines were the occasional raids of Stuart's famous cavalry.
It was about the last-of December that a report gained credence
that Stuart contemplated a descent on the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad and accordingly on the 30th, Companies C, Ci and I,
with a detachment from other regiments, numbering in all about
fifteen hundred men, were placed under the command of Col.
Ely, and ordered up the railroad toward Frederick cit)'. On the
afternoon of that day, preparation was made for three days'
"light marching orders," and at dark everything was ready. In a
driving storm the companies marched through the city to the
depot of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, were packed into old
freight cars, and hurried off in the direction where the trouble
was expected. Not later than three o'clock the next morning the
cars halted at a place called Mount Airy, and Company 1 was
left on guard there while Companies C and G were taken to
Monrovia Station, ten miles further on and sixty miles from

62 ELGHTEENTH REGLMENT

Baltimore. There possession was first taken of some old sheds,
pickets were thrown out, and all went to work to make themselves
as comfortable as possible. The night was bitter cold, and the
men did not hesitate to "borrow" rails, straw, corn-fodder, and
anything that would help them to keep warm. Next day the
command took possession of a Quaker meeting-house near by,
and the sheds adjoining — an act which was not particularly pleas
ing to the "Friends" though ot course they didn't resist. In the
meantime the rain had changed to hail and snow, making it ex
treme!)- unpleasant and uncomfortable. .Several of the men were
taken sick and sent back to Baltimore during the day. Rumors
were rife that the rebels were near, and often fancy saw a coming
foe in the distance which soon resolved itself into trees or rail
fences. At night orders were given to lay on arms and be ready at a
moment's warning. The boys had been asleep scarcely two
hours -when the order was given, "fall in at double quick,"
and in a moment every man was at his post and ready for-
action. But it was a false alarm, and after standing in line a few mo
ments the order came to "break ranks" and the men returned to
their quarters. Col. Ely complimented the men for the prompt
ness and rapidity of the movement, which, however, was thought
to have been prompted by a desire to test the readiness of the
companies in obeying orders.
On the n-torning of January ist a report was brought in that two
of the pickets were missing. Of course it was believed they had
been "gobbled up" by the rebels, and for a little time the excitement
was great. A proposition was advanced to go in hot pursuit.
but this plan was soon abandoned after a logical argument by
Capt. Bromley, who assured his auditors, who gave the closest
attention during the delivery of his speech, that "If the men had
been captured there was no use in pursuing them, for was it not
known that Stuart's cavalry were cannibals, who devoured their

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 63

prisoners, leaving nothing but their buttons. The buttons," he
suggested — if the place could be discovered where the rebels took
their breakfast — "might be found and sent to their friends, and
would undoubtedly be a great consolation to them; for," said he,
feelingly and with much emphasis, ".Stuart's cavalry, when they
eat Yankees, always spit out their buttons."
Whether this proposed disposition of the matter was the fruit
of profound wisdom as a military chieftain, or as an experienced
editor of a newspaper, is wholly immaterial so long as the boys
seemed perfectly satisfied that the question was settled beyond
a doubt. The missing pickets, however, soon returned, "buttons
and all," having found friends instead of enemies, and in place of
being eaten had themselves eaten a sumptuous breakfast at the
house of a Union farmer not far away. Under the circumstances
there is no doubt that both companies w^ould have been greatly
pleased to have been taken prisoners in the same manner. Warm,
home-like breakfasts were a rarity in those times that were highly-
appreciated. At Mount Airy, Company I had various experiences, being
left about a half mile above the depot, near a high embankment,
in a strange country, and so intensely dark that there was nothing
to do but to wait for daylight. Capt. Knapp rolled himself up
in his blankets, and slept about an hour, when he awoke nearly
frozen and found his men trying to make themselves comfortable
by a large fire. "Ed. Spalding'' handed him a cup of coffee "red
hot," which with the fire outside finally warmed him up. Some
of the company struck off in the dark, found farm houses, gained
admission, and took comfortable possession. Almost every
family in the place were rebels, but Capt. Knapp discovered
one Union man who fully acquainted him with the situation
and pointed out a large barn near by which the command
could confiscate for a short time for military purposes. The
owner was seen and the inquiry made if he would clean
it out for the Yankees. He was disinclined to comply. "Ver)-

64 ELGHTEENTH REGLMENT

well," replied Capt. Knapp, "I will do it for you as I have plenty
of help." The rebel thereupon took the hint and despatched
about a dozen negroes to remove the hay and straw, and after
the work had been completed Company I "moved in." The
captain told the boys that they must have a stove. Some of
them, in a short ramble, had already discovered one in a black
smith's shop, about two miles away. .\ hand-car near by was at
once api)ropriated to convey the stove to headquarters. The
situation soon assumed a pleasanter aspect, the floor having
been covered about one foot thick with clean straw, making
a soft bed for the night. The next morning Capt. Knapp
had four invitations to breakfast, the citizens having concluded
that it would be for their interest to show every attention to
the Union boys and especially to the officers. While Company
I was getting along so satisfactorily that New-Year's morning.
Company C and G were undergoing another little excitement.
A picket had discovered some cavalry on the road, whereupon
he had fired his gun and run for the post, leaving his com
rades "fast asleep." The companies were hurried into line of
battle and thus they awaited the onset. At last the detachment
made its appearance, but proved to be friends with a dispatch
for Col. FZly that he return with his command to Baltimore. The
deserted sentinels slept calmly through the entire proceeding.
The evening of the same day found Company C at Fort
Marshall again, and Companies I and G in camp near Stewart's
woods, at the termination of West Baltimore Street. The trip
on the whole had been novel and exciting and the source of no
little merriment to all who participated in its varied scenes.
It was the most active service these companies had seen, and
looked a little more like war than anything they had encoun
tered before. Companies I and G remained at Stewart's woods
about two months, and while there an incident occurred which
nearly resulted in the death of a Union soldier, a member of
Battery L, United States artillery, attached to the same com-

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 65

mand, under Maj. Chalfin. Some of the roughs of this battery
had long been boasting that they could run the guard of the
countrymen-soldiers and no picket could prevent them. Thus it
happened that one night a sergeant of the battery named, who
was on his way from the city intoxicated, attempted to cross
the beat of private Daniel Donahue, who promptly challenged
him and demanded the countersign. The sergeant could not, or
would not give it, and attempted to run the guard. Donahue
immediately charged upon him and in the scuffle that ensued the
sergeant was shot — ^the contents of Donahue's musket, consisting of
a Minie-ball, and wooden gun-plug two and one half inches in
length, passing completely through his body. He was pronounced
mortafly wounded by the surgeon, but he lived and finally recov
ered. Donahue was immediately promoted for the fearless
manner in which he discharged his duty, and thereafter Battery
L obeyed orders, though coming from a guard of "co.untrymen-
soldiers." After the raid up the Baltimore and Ohio road, the Eighteenth
was employed in the same manner as before at Fort Marshall,
and "up the road" duty was not very hard. The boys found much
of interest and pleasure to render their situation tolerable if not
altogether desirable. The chapel services at the fort were well
attended, for a while at least, and more or less religious interest
was manifested. Chaplain Cooper furnished the chapel with
singing books from the avails of one of his lectures in the city.
"Our life," says a correspondent, writing from Fort Marshall,
"was rather monotonous, but still we enjoyed it better than we
expected, as we had greater privileges and more liberty than had
been allowed in Fort McHenry. We had a debating society and
singing school; the latter under the direction of Albert C.
Green, assisted by several musicians, and which was held in
the chapel tent." Altogether these exercises were of service to
all who enjoyed thena and are remembered with interest and
satisfaction.

66 ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT

The same correspondent gives the following graphic description
of Company C's first fight, in which he writes: "As our trip to
Monrovia may be regarded as the first active service we had
experienced, so may Fort Marshall be noted as the place where
we first bled for our country.
"Company C occupied barracks under the fort. One night, no
sooner had taps sounded and lights were out than the foe was
upon us; not singly nor in pairs, but in multitudes and droves.
Countless as the stars, innumerable as the forest leaves and
blood-thirsty as the gallinippers that inhabit the swamps of
Florida. "We were attacked in front and in rear, and being completely
surrounded found it impossible to retreat and impossible to at
tempt a flank movement. We, therefore, determined to fight; and
fight we did with every conceivable weapon that could be brought
to bear We fought with fire and gunpowder, red-hot ram-rods
and bayonets. Men plunged fearlessly into every cranny and
crack. "Myriads of the highly perfumed varmints were slain. Still we
fought on determined to conquer, but the contest was an un
equal one. The reinforcements of the enemy were larger than
ours and we were at last forced to succumb. Some of the men
were badly demoralized, particularly one of the musicians (Gager)
who, after being driven from bunk to bunk and from one end of
the barracks to the other, was forced to entrench himself upon
one end of a long table where he was comparatively free from the
assaults of the rebels."
It is believed that other companies were subjected to frequent
attacks from the same inveterate foes of the Yankees, and that
they fought with equal bravery and pertinacity as did Company
C on the memorable occasion referred to, but we are compelled
to say with no greater success.
Other incidents wer(^ frequent during raids, though unattended
by special danger to life or limb, which resulted in no little loss to
commi.ssary and quartermaster's department.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 67

At Havre-de-Grace life with Company K kept the even tenor
of its way. All was quiet on the Susquehanna until Christmas,
when there was a period of no little excitement. Boxes of good
things had arrived that morning from loved ones at home, the
contents of which did much towards perfecting the enjoyments
of the da)'. It was a holiday indeed; the boys had become
hungry for home food, and the "movement" bv which turkeys,
chickens, pies, and cakes of various descriptions disappeared was
quicker than "double-quick." At the same time the kind-hearted
ladies of Havre-de-Grace perfected a fine entertainment for the
inmates of the soldiers' hospital, in which a long table, loaded
with turkeys, chickens, ducks, roast pork, pies, and cakes of various
kinds, with a dessert of apples, almonds and candy, was prepared
for the patients. Everything was furnished in profusion and ex
cellent taste, and the spread was highly appreciated by those in
whose interest it was provided. Among the principal ladies who
were the authors of this pleasant entertainment, the names of
Mrs. Tropnal, Wells, McCarkey, Mitchell, and the two Misses
Mitchell appear, and will always be remembered with gratitude
by the inmates of the hospital and the members of Com
pany K.
Another incident occurred about this time of a more startling
character, but we are disposed to allow a correspondent of the
Windham County Transcript to tell the story:
"A Mr. Taylor, of Sterling, came out on a visit to his two sons
in this company accompanied by a Miss Philena Ladd, a young
lady of their acquaintance. It so happened that the old gen
tleman, William A. Taylor, one of his boys, the young lady,
and our chaplain were all in a room together, and the conse
quence was that before the party broke up it was acknowledged
that Whoever says our chaplain's bad
Is nothing bat a railer;
Into that room she -went a Ladd;
He brought her out a — Taylor.

68 ELGHTEENTH REGLMENT

The next evening the bridegroom came down to his tent with a
pail full of good cider, and a large pan of apples, flanked with a
bunch of cigars, and these, mixed with singing, extempore
speeches, toasts, etc., caused the evening to pass quickly and
pleasantly. For the newly wedded pair we -wish a long life and a
happy one, and may their children be like the blessings of God —
neither few nor small."
We turn from this pleasant occurrence to record one of a sad
and painful character. On December 26th Sergeant Walter
Young, while on his way back from the ferry boat to his quarters,
was shot in the leg by the reckless sentinel on guard, who was
under the influence of liquor, and who afterward admitted with
tears that there was no reason for his act. The wounded man
lived only about two weeks. Sergeant Young was an estimable and
faithful soldier, highly esteemed by his comrades and his untimely
death cast a gloom over the spirits of the whole company. His
body was sent home to friends in Killingly for burial and subse
quently the following resolutions were passed by his company:
"Whereas, unwelcome death has visited our company and by a
most calamitous accident taken from us our highly esteemed
comrade. Sergeant Walter Young, we have, as our feelings
prompted, unanimously adopted the following resolutions:
"Resolved, that in the death of Sergeant Walter Young we
have lost..a kind and genial comrade, a favorite among all, while
the service has lost a brave and judicious soldier, who had proved
himself equal to any trust or emergency.
"Resolved, that his fortitude under severest sufferino-, and his
calmness in view of death, are convincing proofs that his was the
highest type of moral courage and Christian faith.
"Resolved, that we extend to the bereaved wife and children our
profound sympathy and regard. Their sorrow will be deep and
long, but He who for wise purpo.ses ordered the affliction has
promised to be the husband of the widow, and a father to the
fatherless.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 69

"Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be presented to the
estimable wife of our lamented comrade, and that a copy also be
furnished to the Windham County Transcript."
A correspondent of Company B endeavors to have it appear
that the company was quite successful in a battle with the (rat)
rebels at Back River and avers that a terrible slaughter was
made in the ranks of the enemy; that in the space of two hours
the number of the slain amounted to one hundred and seventy-
five, weighing one pound apiece, and when placed in line
measured one hundred and seventy-nine feet. \'\'e cheerfully
make the record. "Honor to whom honor," etc.
To many readers these laughable incidents may seem light
and trifling, and hardly worthy a place in history; nevertheless
they are a part of the experiences of the soldier almost indispen
sable in the "hum-drum" monotony which is always the pest of
military life. Company B had many pleasant experiences at
Back River during the winter, though the health of the company
was not so good as at Fort McHenry, the chief sickness being colds,
which were common in all the companies on the line of the road
and at Fort Marshall.
Considerable religious interest prevailed for a time. Meetings
were held in the barracks every Sabbath evening, and the mem
bers of the compan)' at liberty attended and showed interest in
the exercises of singing, prayer and exhortations by their com
rades. As the chaplain spent most of his time at Baltimore,
Lieut. E. D. Carpenter conducted the services with ability and
evident satisfaction to all. The morale of the company was
good and under the vigilant care of Capt. Bates, a model disci
plinarian, great proficiency was made in the practical knowledge
of the tactics. The presence of Maj. Keach too, who visited
camp generally every week, was alwa^ s greeted with evident
pleasure. A correspondent says of him that "He was a good and
kind officer and all the men in the regiment respect him and have
unbounded confidence in him."

70 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

It is the universal testimony that all the companies along the
road were under excellent discipline at this time, a fact that speaks
well for the character of their respective commanders and co-or
dinates. Company D, especially, won "golden opinions" at Stem
mers Run. On the 6th of January, when the company was or
dered to report at Fort Marshall, the inhabitants expressed deep
regret at their departure. One of them saying as they left the
Run: "I'm sorry to have you leave; you behaved finely, disturbed
none; and are the best company ever at this station." A
few days before they left, a man called Colonel Slater, genial in
his address and his professions plausible, who lived about seven
miles distant, drove up to the company's quarters and presented
Capt. Joseph Matthewson with a fine pair of ducks. This
was the same man, however, on whose premises Company H (as
before stated) captured twenty-four cases of contraband goods,
consisting of various articles for the use of rebels, to aid thera in
carrying on the war against the Union. It is possible that under the
labors of Capt. Bowen he became a convert to the cause, if not
willingly yet by constraint; and his polite attentions at this time
may be considered the evidence of his conversion. Company H,
with D, repaired to Fort Marshall on the 9th of the month,
and were quartered in barracks; )et both companies longed for
their old quarters which were more comfortable.
At this time Col. Ely had Companies C, D and H under his
immediate command at Fort Marshall; also a detachment of the
Fifth iNew York artiller)' and a regiment of New York infantry.
About the last of this month a dreary rain storm of several days'
duration came on and the men on guard fully realized the
miseries of a Southern winter.
Company E, at Perryville, had a little excitement at about the
same time. At this place the rebel spirit was still rampant, and one
night a sentinel of Company E was knocked down at his post,
choked and left for dead, where he was found by the next relief
guard. Two men named Brown and Price were arrested and

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 71

thrown into the guard house on suspicion that they were con
nected with the outrage; but the facts did not come out. About
February ist the weather was reported as colder than at any
other time during the winter, and not after were the sentinels
found asleep on duty as they had to keep in a brisk motion to
prevent being frozen, to promote digestion, and free circulation
of the blood. After a few days, however, the weather moder
ated, and the remainder of the month vi^as comparatively pleas
ant. The routine of drill and guard duty continued at Fort Marshall;
the only variety in the former being the march through the
streets of Baltimore for the purpose of reminding the city rebels
that their masters were not far away. The chapel tent remained
open. Meetings were held in it on Sunday and Thursday eve
nings by the chaplain. A debating club met on Wednesday
evening, and on Friday a union bible class. At all these times this
tentwas open to the members of the different companies as a read
ing room, and which was supplied with tables and seats for such
as wished to write away from the noise of the barracks. This
privilege was .highly appreciated by many. Surgeon Carleton,
who had been for sometime at Havre-de-Grace, was ordered
to this post, and Surgeon Hough took his place. Two companies
of the Fifth New York artillery went on the 4th, leaving only six
companies on duty, and thus the amount of service was increased
for each company.
On February 12th Governor Buckingham visited Companies I
and G at Stuart's woods and received a warm welcome. At eight
o'clock the next day he visited the fort, and received a salute from
the guard, after which he invited the boys to shake hands with
him, for said he: "You are all my boys." The boys were not slow
in accepting the invitation. After a short address to the new
guard, at guard mounting, he visited the hospital.
Governor Buckingham's visit was gratifying to the whole
regiment and a pleasure and an encouragement. It was timely;

72 ^ EIGHTEENTH REGLMENT

it revived the spirits of the boys who had become discontented
with their hum-drum life, and the governor was hailed everywhere
with great enthusiasm. It was a pleasure to the regiment to
know that he was even passing by on the cars, and most heartily
did they cheer the trains. They felt that he was the soldier's
friend and would do all in his power for their comfort and en
couragement. On February loth a correspondent of the regiment wrote: "Gov
ernor Buckingham has the sympathy of the soldiers," and, in
view of the fact of his being a candidate for re-election, he adds,
"and were they not unjustly disfranchised he would have their
votes. He is the soldier's friend, and all he could do for them,
and for the honor of his .State, he has done; no deeper stain can
fall on the yet unsullied honor of the -State than his defeat." Pol
itics ran high in the Eighteenth Connecticut from this time until
after the first Monday in April following; nearly every man in the
regiment manifesting the deepest interest in the result.
Subsequently meetings were held, stirring speeches made,
earnest resolutions passed, and the canvass was earnest and lively.
Letters by the score were forwarded to the papers and to friends
in Eastern Connecticut urging the friends of the general govern
ment to arouse and see to it that Buckingham was re-elected by
a rousing majority. "May the time never come, ' wrote one, "when
the people of Connecticut shall show by their votes that they fail
to appreciate his noble and patriotic endeavors to assist in putting-
down this wicked Rebellion." These words convey an idea of the
feeling that was manifested in the regiment on this question at an
early period. Later, it was written: "The coming election in
our .State excites a lively interest here. More than nine-tenths
of the men are strongly in favor of Buckingham, and of prosecut
ing the war with vigor until the Rebellion is put down and the star
spangled banner waves triumphant throughout the length and
breadth of our land.
"Voters of Connecticut! while we are absent in the service of

CONNECTLCUT VOLUNTEERS. 73

our country let not the friends of traitors be <"lected to any office,
and let not our beloved .State prove tintrue to the cause for which
we came forth at the peril of our li\-es."
We here insert special mention of the action of Company B,
which indicates the spirit of the regiment generally. One evening
at roll call the members of this compan)- resolved themselves
into a town meeting to give expression of their feelings in relation
to the approaching election in Connecticut, with the following
result: Buckingham, S4; Seymour o. .A few soldiers remained
neutral. .\ committee, consisting- of Lieut. Carpenter, Orderly Amesbury,
U. B. Scofield, Corporal Lee and Allen Clark, was appointed to
draft a series of resolutions, and the following were submitted and
adopted: "We, the members of Company B, Eighteenth Con
necticut Volunteers, having a deep interest in the election about
to take place in Connecticut, and being deprived of the privilege
of voting, do desire to express our views and feelings in the fol
lowing declaration, to wit:
"We believe we left our homes and friends but for one purpose,
that of putting down a wicked and causeless Rebellion against one
of the best governments in the world, and until that is accom
plished we cannot abate one jot or tittle in our earnest endeavors
to sustain the government of the United .States to the bitter end.
Our deepest feelings and earnest desires are for peace founded
upon righteousness, justice and humanity; but the peace some
would have, to be obtained by the government laying down their
arms while armed rebels menace us, we have no sympathy for.
We look for the most earnest and lasting peace by a vigorous
prosecution of the war, and not, in the language of Thomas H.
Seymour, b)- a vigorous prosecution of peace. And a."? said Sey
mour has in no way, either by word, sympath)- or deed, done
anything to encourage or support the government in the prosecu
tion of the war, but has on the contrary opposed the war from
the start; we, therefore, look with the deepest regret upon any
10

74 ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT

prospect of his election to the governorship of the .State of
Connecticut, believing it would tend to discourage our own gov
ernment, and encourage rebels, when they are evidently at their
last resort. In William A. Buckingham we recognize a man
who has with his whole soul entered upon the work of sustaining
the government in every possible way, and has given his time
and money without stint towards the suppression of the Rebellion.
We, therefore, regard him as the best man to aid the government
in this trying time of the nation's peril, and would support him
by our votes were we at home to vote. We earnestly ask all who
have any regard for us as soldiers not to support a man who will
embarrass the government.
Signed, George Torrey, Chairman.
An.s(jn WiTifEV, Secretary."
Capt. Bates then added a few remarks, "pithy, patriotic and to
the point," at the close of which he called for three rousing cheers
for Governor Buckingham, which were given with a will amid the
greatest enthusiasm.
This action, with reference to the political preferences to the
Eighteenth Connecticut, was not instigated by mere partisan
feeling, or by a desire to promote the interests of political aspir
ants to office. Men of different political creeds before the war
were a unit in denouncing Secession and in the determination to
support the war for the Union. The party at home, whatever
its name, that supported the general government was their party;
the party opposed was their enemy, and as soldiers they fought
against it with their pens, while they stood ready to attack the
foe in front with their arms. The volunteers of 1862 were of
sturdy material, true as steel, and whether in victory or defeat,
unyielding in their attachment to public men who stood firmly by
the government.
Six months had passed away since the Eighteenth left Con
necticut, and the prospect of a speedy close of the war was b)^ no
means flattering. "It looks now as though w^ should stay

== ilJ=5^'

Surgeon LOWELL HOLBHOOK.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 75

three years, instead of being home in three months, which was
the. hopeful anticipation of some when we left the State,"
thus dolefuU)- wrote a correspondent. February wore slowly
away. The order of exercises was nearly the same as at the first
of the service. The duty of one company was mainly the duty
of all. The first thing in the morning was the "reveille," a
"duet" performed on the fife and drum. These instruments were
generally denominated "spirit stirring," but it was rather a body
stirring sound, because when the shrill strains were heard every
one was obliged to leave his bed of straw, don his suit of blue,
and in ten minutes be in readiness for taps. Then the order
"fall in" was given, and presently the men stood in two ranks;
after a few maneuvers, the orderly began calling the roll, first
with the non-commissioned officers, and then with the privates in
alphabetical order, each one present answering here. This con
cluded, the order was given "right face, break ranks, march," and
a simultaneous charge was made on the cook-room for breakfast,
which occurred between seven and eight o'clock A. M. Some
times military order was not strictly observed, the boys rushing
in "pell-mell," and seizing the different dishes set before them and
bearing them awa)' to their quarters to be consumed in undis
turbed security. The kind of food most generally disliked was
mule beef, and that which gave the best satisfaction was pork and
beans — baked as enchantingly as ever were baked at home.
The remainder of the meal consisted of a loaf of good bread,
and coffee to wash it down. Occasionally there was chickory
instead of coffee, but it was the general opinion that Uncle Sam was
not himself when he bought it. There was plenty of fun and rough
pleasantry at all the meals. The cry, hot coffee, or more coffee,
with an occasional outward application of the same, and the out
bursts of merriment or wrath will not soon be forgotten, or cease
to provoke a smile. After breakfast came the sick call — an orderly
going the rounds taking the names of all those who considered
themselves unfit .for duty, and then in solemn procession march-

76 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

ing them to the hospital, or the surgeons' headquarters, where
they were questioned and examined and got the usual dose, or
were sent to the hospital as the case might require. The next
thing in order was "guard mounting." The men detailed for this
business, at the tap of the drum, would don their equipments,
seize their guns, and with fixed bayonets sail) forth, and as their
names were called take their places in line; then they were passed
over to the tender mercies of a sergeant who inspected their arms
and saw that everything was right, after which they were sent to
their respective posts of duty. Shortly after guard mounting,
when the weather permitted, came the "fall in for drill," which
was marching in different shapes and forms — coming to right
shoulder shift, parade rest, charge bayonets, &c., till^the ideas of
some became decidedly muddled.
The grand event of the day was dinner. The tap of the
drum brought down the camp into the cook-room again, and none
but a hungry man could fairly appreciate its attractions. At this
meal there was pork, beef, and generally potatoes. Three times
a week there was beefsteak, sometimes tender and good, but at
other times older and tougher than the nineteenth century. It
is needless to say that many jokes were cracked at the expense
of the "animal," and there was much speculation as to the man
ner in which his last days were spent. It is no wonder that two
hours were required for digesting before resuming drill in the
afternoon, which in general was the same as in the morning.
At five o'clock P. M. came dress parade. This was a kind of
recapitulation of what had been learned through the day, and,
as in a "country school on examination day," the boys had to
don their best, with white glo\ es, "chokers," and shining boots,
making an imposing appearance. The "chokers" deserve spec
ial notice. They were furnished by the government, and were
strips of harness leather two and one-half inches wide for which
the men had to pay ten cents. The only ornament they bore
was an iron buokle, and were very comfortable- — when off. It is ¦

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS jj

said when first received the men were very proud of them, and
strutted about like a bo)- with a new jacket. .Some of them, how
ever, felt so grateful that they wished that the donors might be
allowed to wear them as a "mark of honor" as long as they lived.
Of course at dre.ss parade the "chokers" were of service in com
pelling the bo)'s to hold up their heads and look fixedl)- straight
ahead. These "neck-ties" accounted in part for this fine ap
pearance on parade. Parade dismissed there was another rush
for private quarters where preparations were made for supper,
which was serxed at about half-past five o'clock. It consisted
sometimes of rice and molasses, or cold meat and bread, and
sometimes the staff of life stood solitary and alone on the table.
With this meal there was generally tea or coffee. The success
in obtaining "extras" of the citizens in country about camp de
pended on the amount of greenbacks among the soldiers. Milk,
butter and poultr)- could be obtained for money and occasionally
as a gift.
Evening roll being over the day's work was done; soon after
the drums beat, lights were put out and old Morpheus took com
mand of all except along the guard-line.
On Sunday the usual drills were omitted, but there was a gen
eral inspection in the forenoon and dress parade in the afternoon.
The soldier is supposed to carry all his property in his knapsack,
and at inspection the contents of this "back institution" are in
spected. When the boys opened their knapsacks and spread
out their contents the scene reminded one of a string of peddlers
exhibiting their goods for sale. At the same time there was a
general inspection of arms and ammunition after the men had
passed in review to see if their legs were all right. On the
whole the inspection was quite an exciting affair, and right glad
were the men when it was over.
The members of the different companies will recall with no
little pleasure the lively times at target practice — the "wild shots"
and "good shots," and when the target sometimes was shot all

78 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

to pieces. The companies were marched to some "by place"
and there in turn all would blaze awa)' with the purpose to per
fect themselves in the art of hitting the enemy. It is a question,
however, whether the best marksman at the target was the best
shot in battle, on account of the "peculiar agitation" that is likely
to occur in the presence of immediate danger. "Circumstances
alter cases."
On February 5th "Ed." Niles was sent to F'ort Marshall to
stand trial for manslaughter.
On February 17th the paymaster came with two months pay.
These were important events.
The pay was $26. There were few who looked upon "soldier
ing" as especially lucrative in the light of the proceeds. ,\\.
home most of the men could have earned three times that
amount. Uncle .Sam could not afford to pay big wages.
About the 20th an exciting affair occurred at Conewingo
bridge, where a squad of Company H was stationed. .'\ sergeant
and four men sallied forth to arrest a deserter and was attacked
by twenty or thirty rebel citizens, who, after a lively set-to, over
powered our boys and lodged them in jail. A correspondent,
writing from Fort Marshall, February ist, relates an incident that
caused great sadness among the three companies there. Ac
cording to his account: "Maj. Gen. Butler, accompanied by
Gen. Schenck, their staff officers, the mayor of Baltimore and a
portion of the city council, visited the fort last Thursday, escorted
by a company of cavalry, one of which belonged to the F''irst
Connecticut battalion. A sad accident cast a gloom overall, and
they returned to the city with sorrowing hearts. .\s the visitors
were walking upon the ramparts of the fort during the firing of
the salute in honor of their arrival, Capt. Woodhull, of the
United States navy, stepped in front of one of the guns at the
instant of its discharge, and was so terribly injured that he lived
but a few moments. The charge took effect in the legs, and he
was thrown about thirty feet down an embankment. fifteen feet.

CONNEC TICUT VOL UN TEERS. 79

high. His son, who was on Gen. .Schenck's staff, was present
and witnessed the terrible accident. His grief may be better
imagined than described. Capt. Woodhull had fallen about thirty
feet to the rear of the party and was in the act of regaining his
position when the fatal occurrence took place. No blame was
attached to the officer in charge of the battery."
Previous to this disaster Gen. Butler had reviewed the troops
in the fort, and made them a speech which was well received.
On Februar)' 25th Cien. Rosseau, of Kentucky, passed over
the road, "an out-and-out six-fooler," as one of Company K, of the
relief guard on the ierr)- boat at Havre-de-Grace, styled him;
adding at the same time, ".Ma)' the star of his patriotism never
w^ane." Company K had a better opportunity of seeing the big
generals as they passed over the road, as six of their number
were on duty dail) as a special guard to look after deserters.
But they did not disturb man)' of stars and shoulder-straps.
The affair at Conewingo bridge ended satisfactorily after all;
Sergeant .Spencer, with a posse of men, rescuing the soldiers
from the rebel citizens on the evening of the da)- of the capture.
There is no doubt that the course of such rebel citizens, who
were too cowaixlly to light openl)', prolonged the war, as it required
a large force to watch them, which might have been employed
to better advantage at the front. The rebel force in the rear,
reaching back to Canada, gave our government a world of trouble.
About the last of February Companies I and G were ordered
from Stewart's woods to Fort McHenr)-. During the latter part
of their stay at Stewart's woods, Capt. Knapp was in command,
Maj. Chalfin, of the Fifth L'nited States artillery, being ordered
to .serve on a court martial in the city. At this time another
down-east snow storm made its appearance, the snow being about
ten inches deep, a freezing cold, but it did not tarry long under
the influence of a Maryland sun. Ne.Kt, several companies were
made glad by the prese;ice of home friends — Messrs. Amesbur)-,
Jencks, Blanchard, W. L. Danielson and William James, Esq., of

Bo EIGHTEENTH REGIMEN!

Killingly, who are interesting themselves in the welfare of their
soldiers. In addition to other kindly offices performed by these
gentlemen, they carried home to the friends of Companies B
and K large amounts of money received on the State bounty
checks free of charge, thus saving the friends or the soldiers
much trouble and not a little expense. Mr Amesbury tookabo.ut
$800 and Mr. Danielson li^iooo in checks. This act was a very
generous one, the gentlemen going many miles out of their
wa)- to deliver the money. All the checks were taken to New
Haven and cashed at the State department.
Messrs. Green, .Sawyer and .McClellan, of Woodstock, paid
the Windham Count)' boys a visit at about the same time. And,
best of all, the wives of many of the men took upon themselves
the responsibility to come and look after the wants of their lords
now in blue clothes, and ascertain how Uncle Sam was using
them. Their coming was a source of great mutual enjoyment.
On March 4th Chaplain Cooper resigned on account of the ill
health of his family, and returned to his home in New London.
It hardly seemed right that the regiment should be deprived of
the services of a chaplain at such a time, and yet it was thought
by some that the re-giment was so scattered and broken up that
it would be difficult for one to be of much service; others argued
' o
that on this account they needed a chaplain all the more, and he
could be all the more useful. The chaplain, by establishing a
"Methodist circuit," and visiting the different companies in regu
lar order and holding religious services, might do much for the
benefit of the men in keeping up their courage and spirits in
cheerful endurance. There was general!)' a difference of opin
ion about chaplains as well as about other officers. With some
companies they were in favor, with others not. Their office was
regarded by some as necessar)-, by others as unnecessar)'.
On .March 6th Second .Assistai.l .Surgeon H(jugh resigned and
returned to Putnam. He had been very attentive to the duties
of h-is position, kind and faithful, and never wanting in sympa-

CONNE C TIC U T VOL UN TEERS,

thy for the sick of his charge. Those under his immediate care
cherish grateful remembrances of him. He was a sincere and
thorough Union man, and had no respect for men who proved
unfaithful in the important trusts committed to them in the name
of their government.
Another incident occurred about this time which was the cause
of no little merriment among these boys immediately concerned
in the case of a "Pike" and a "Baker," and the results that were
developed. Miss Eunice Baker, from Wauregan, visited Havre-de-Grace
in search of a "Pike" whose given name was John, who wished to
confer with Miss Eunice Baker on interesting business. The up
shot was, that John and Eunice were soon pronounced husband
and wife. In view of which a correspondent, of the Transcript,
perpetrated the following: — "Fish grow to an enormous size
down here, some kinds are over six feet long and capable of
taking a common sized person at a meal. A young lady who
came out here on a visit met with this sad fate which one of the
boys immortalized in the following: 'Miss Baker came to our
town to see how she would like. But the poor lady, soon— alas
was swallowed by a Pike.' May the life and happiness of our
friend be as long as his body corporate."
On March 19th Company K received another testimonal of
regard from the citizens of Flavre-de-Grace. They were treated,
fifty in all, to a "Duck dinner," temptingly cooked — an act of
generosity- that originated with Capt. Galloway who had re
ceived aid from other parties friendly to the Union soldiers.
One of the company wrote in his journal on the following night:
"Company K will always remember with gratitude these men.
May their lives be as long and happy as their deeds are patri
otic." Company I had just fitted up good quarters in an old ordi
nance building at Fort McHenry, and lived in clover for a short
time but their quarters took fire one night and burned up with
n

82 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

everything in them. Capt. Knapp lost everything, the company's
books and papers, leaving him nothing but the clothes he had
on. This was a heavy loss and sorely felt. During this month
Col. Ely was president of a court martial at Fort McHenry,
Capt. Bromley, judge advocate, and Capts. Matthewson Com
pany K., Warner Company G, and others were members of the
court. DeLaroo Wilson, Company C, was clerk. This court sat
for some time and did much important business. A similar pro
ceeding was held during the fall season while the headquarters
of the regiment were at Fort Marshall, and Col. Ely and several
of the line officers were prominent in the court. Col. Ely being
president. Col. Graham, of the New York Fifth artillery, was in com
mand at Fort Marshall a part of the time during Col. Ely's
absence. How long these courts were in session, or what amount
of business they did we have not been able to ascertain. It is
certain, however, that several officers of the Eighteenth were
members of both courts and acquitted themselves with ability
and dignity. The part which these ofificers were called to per
form in this position was considered at the time an honor to the

regiment.

More recruits were wanted. Accordingly Capt. Bromley,
Company C; Corporal Freeman, Company C and Sergeant
Aldrich, Company D returned to Eastern Connecticut to make an
other draft on the patriotism of the people. It was thought that
the Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers could offer inducements
for recruits equal to, if not greater than that of any other regiment
in the State. Among other advantages were enumerated good
officers and men, good quarters and rations and above all a good
situation. "Come then — said correspondent F. H. W. — Wind
ham County patriots and join our ranks. We welcome you as
brothers and from "conquering to conquer"
"We'll sj;o marching alomj-."
o o o
Political feeling continued to run high and a strong feeling of

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 83
indignation was created by the reported speeches of Vallanding-
ham and Wood in favor of the election of Thomas H. Seymour
governor of Connecticut. As the time of election was near the ex
citement increased in proportion. "What are the Union men of
Connecticut thinking -of to let such foul treason pollute their
soil." We invite the trio of traitors to repeat their words here,"
wrote the Transcript detachment.
The work of recruiting had never prospered much. The draft
was resorted to, and Capt. Bromley who had been honorably dis
charged, was appointed provost marshal with his headquarters
at Norwich, and the draft went on.
April ist. Col. Ely returned home on a ten days' furlough
and Col. Nichols was left in command. Ten men from each of
the companies at Fori Marshall, fifteen each from the companies
at Fort McHenry and about twenty each from some of the com
panies up the road were selected by their captains for furloughs
at the same time, the object being no doubt to allow the Eigh
teenth a voice in the Connecticut State election. This was a great
privilege to the fortunate ones but there was dissatisfaction re
garding the men selected.
Many of the regiment had been enlisted only a day or two
before going into Camp Aiken at Norwich, with the promise
that they were to have furlough of several days before leaving
the State. This was not granted them except for a few hours
and many were obliged to leave their home affairs in an un
settled state. The dissatisfaction arose on the supposition that
a proper discrimination had not been made on the part of some
of the officers, young men without families being permitted to
return, while men with families and whose presence was needed
at home for the above reason were compelled to remain. No one
thing up to this time created so much ill-feeling in the regiment
as this offical act.
But the presence of the paymaster again with two months pay
operated toward making peace, and good humor again prevail-

84 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

ed. "The boys," sa) s a correspondent, "are feeling better," and
another correspondent adds, "our captain is giving passes to the
city to those who had no opportunity to go home; we have music
and other amusements to pass away the time and our lot is com
paratively an easy one."
The first week in April there was great excitement over the
Connecticut election. The re-election of Governor Bucking
ham by about 2,500 majority, was a source of great joy to the
Eighteenth. The members of the regiment who were at home,
contributed not a little to this most desirable result. We find
this record in the Killingly Transcript: "Col. Ely of the Eigh
teenth regiment, with others, spoke at Union Hall, Danielson
ville, Saturday evening. He eloquently and forcibly urged the
people not to discourage the soldiers by electing an anti-war man
as governor of the State, and they haven't."
The following week the ladies and gentlemen of Danielson
ville, manifested their interest in the soldiers of the Eighteenth
and others, by giving them a collation at Union Hall to which
- the families of the soldiers were also invited and who attended
in large numbers. It was a decidedly pleasant affair. Members
of the Eighteenth at home on a furlough in other towns, in
Windham and New London counties, were recipients of similar
demonstrations, while at the same time the boys in the front
were cheering for William A. Buckingham.
On April 8th Company K removed fiom Havre-de-Grace to
Fort Marshall and were assigned to duty inside of the fort where
they found pleasant quarters. Seven men of this company were
soon detailed for duty at Patterson's Park hospital, half a mile
away. April loth the furloughed boys returned to their res
pective companies, brimming over with stories to tell their com
rades about their visit at homeand about the many amusing in
cidents of the late election. A member of the regiment wrote in
his journal that night as follows: "Our boys who went home on
a furlough returned this afternoon, looking old fashioned enough.

\

¦ r^ics^-

1\ - /'^ift;

Chaplair. YAHL'UM A. COOPER.

CONNEC TICUT VOL UNTEERS. 85

They are dancing like wild cats around us. The noise is enough
to deafen one."
On April 15th there was a sad accident in Coinpany D; Jesse
F. Converse, of Thompson, having his left eye accidentally put
out with the point of a knife. He had the sympathy of the
whole company for he was a good soldier and a general favorite.
April 19th was anniversary of the attack on the Massachu
setts Sixth in the streets of Baltimore two years ago, but as it
was Sunday the celebration of this event did not occur until the
next day. The five companies of the Eighteenth took an active
part in the ceremonies. Companies D and H fired a salute of
thirteen guns at the fort at sundown, and in the evening there
was held, a great Union meeting at the Maryland Institute, ten
or twelve from each company being permitted to attend. The
immense hall was crowded and many went away, unable to gain
admittance. The hall was beautifully decorated with American
flags, and mottoes appropriate to the occasion, and the strongest
Union sentiments were expressed and heartily cheered. A cor
respondent writes: "I never expected to hear such strong anti-
slavery sentiments uttered in a slave State, especially in the city
of Baltimore and have them received with so much applause.
They used to mob people up North a few years ago, for making
just such speeches." The boys were more than pleased to wit
ness the crowd and the spirit and enthusiasm of the occasion.
Companies I and G were a terror to the evil-doers in. the artil
lery companies at F"ort McHenry, some of whom found it not
su easy to "run the guard." One of Company G went so far as
to shoot a regular who had been sentenced to two years' imprison
ment and who was making an effort at escape. The ball struck
his cheek, passed through his mouth, knocking out some of his
teeth, and coming out on the other side, inflicting a painful but
not dangerous wound. This act raised quite a storm among the
other companies, but Gen. Morris was apparently well pleased
with the prompt and determined manner in which our boys were
doing their duty.

86 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

About this time a large number of rebel soldiers passed through
Baltimore on their way to the South to be exchanged. Their
rusty appearance was the subject of frequent remark among our
men as in striking contrast to that of the Union soldiers.
At this date a corre.spondent writes: "We have two sutlers
here who are allowed to sell cider, lager beer, &c., and we find
them a great help in keeping our guard house full." No doubt
of that, as we always found them expert atthat business as well as in
emptying pockets of their greenbacks.
"The spring campaign has fairly commenced in the fort. Bar
racks are being thoroughly cleansed and white-washed, the guns
and carriages are newly painted and everything conductive to
health and good order being done." So writes one of the men
to his family at this date. The weather was fine and the regi
ment generally were pleased with their quarters and duties.
April 23th a guard of thirty-five men went on to Washington
with a squad of convalescents and returned the same evening,
the trip being a pleasant one and much enjoyment by way of
variety. April 29th Company F, Capt. Peale, arrived at the fort much
fatio-ued after a march of about twenty miles. As soon as they
came in sight, a drum corps marched out and escorted them into
the fort. Company C relieved Compan)' F. The month of
April, on the whole was a period of considerable interest. The
weather was quite agreeable; more than the usual number of fur
loughs were granted, bringing frequent good news from home;
there was more activity in military circles, and the excitement
caused by rumors of removal to the front was often intense.
The chief amusements were ball playing and singing schools.
May opened finely with stirring news from the front and the
excitement increasing.
Gen. Hooker was crossing the Rappahannock, and the pros
pect was fair of being called to the front soon. On May 7th
some of the boys went to the city and the suppl)' of fire-water

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 87

which they procured caused more or less unpleasantness in
camp. May 8th Greenbacks arrived once more and were received
with a hearty welcome.
May 13th Col. Ely returned from Fort McHenry where he
had presided at court martial as already mentioned.
May 20th Maj. Keech was discharged for disability, his loss
being generally regretted. Thus far the regiment had suffered
considerably by sickness and the number was large of those who
had become disabled and were discharged from the service. It
had been about nine months since the regiment left Camp Aiken
and during this time the losses in various ways had been more
than the accessions by recruiting. .Several officers had been dis
charged for various causes, and yet, the regiment was con
sidered in quite good condition, but constant post duty had not
given Col. Ely much opportunity to prepare his men for field
service. It was not a matter of surprise to military men that the
regmient had in some respects degenerated and its discipline be
come impaired. It was owing to fears on this point that Col.
Ely desired orders for the front, believing that the regi
ment if it was consolidated and acting in concert in regimental
drill and discipline, would soon be in good fighting trim. Better
and more tractable men never entered the service, as a few weeks
of marching and discipline abundantly proved. It was with deep
regret, however, that the men left Baltimore. They had made
many pleasant acquaintances and a host of friends by their gen
eral good behavior an had secured the confidence of their divi
sion and regimental commanders.
The Eighteenth being about to proceed to the front, it may
be well to note its condition and some of the most important
changes. It is not in all respects what it was when it left Camp
Aiken in Norwich. The soldier's life tries men. It shows what
sort of material they are made of — whether they will stand fire
or not, men to a great extent being creatures of circumstance.

88 ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT

The life of the Eighteenth, on the road and in Baltimore, devel
oped the qualities of both the good and the bad. It must be
confessed that every officer and man did not prove to be of as
fine metal as was desired and expected, some led away by one
vice and some by another Intemperance and its kindred evils
are the great scourge of army life, and have proved more de
structive to life and health than the bullet; and though we do
not think the Eighteenth were sinners above all soldiers in this
respect, yet it might have stood better We are thankful that
the case was no worse, and we institute no comparisons to the
discredit of other regiments. The order is given to move. Col.
Ely is still in command. But we notice some changes in his
staff. Maj. Keech, a true man and a good officer, is missing and
Capt. Henry Peale, of Company F, appears in his place. Sur
geon Charles M. Carleton, resigned for disability, is succeeded
by Surgeon Lowell Holbrook, who has been but a few days with
the regiment; Surgeon William B. North appears in the place of
Surgeon Henry W. Hough. The chaplaincy is vacant and the
regiment moves on without a moral guide.
Company A, Capt. Henry C. Davis. This company has spent
most of the time at Bush River, a pleasant and healthy location.
A detachment of twenty-five men, in charge of a lieutenant, had
been sent to Eklton, on the road between Perryville and Wil
mington, with another stationed at Chesapeake City, and did not
receive orders in time to join their company before leaving Bal
timore. There had been but few changes. No discharges, only
one death, and one desertion; facts which speak well for the
company. Company B, Capt. Thomas K. Bates, was at Back River, an
unhealthy location. Considerable sickness reported. Ten dis
charges for disability. No other changes.
Coinpany C. Capt. Bromley has resigned and Lieut. Merwin is
in command. Quite a number of changes reported. Six dis
charges for disability and one desertion. Several promotions,

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 89

noted elsewhere, and several more detailed for duty at head
quarters, or in other departments of the regimental service.
Company D. No change in its affairs, five men discharged for
disability and one transferred.
Compan)- E. Changed commanders, reports one death, four
discharges for disabilit) and two desertions.
Compan)' F reports one or two promotions, one death, two dis
charges for disabilit) and one desertion.
Company G reports one resignation, three deaths and six dis
charges for disability.
Company H. One resignation, one death, three discharges
for disability and two desertions.
Company I. One resignation, one death, six discharges for-
disability and six desertions.
Company K. One death, two discharges and three deser
tions. Thus stood the regiment as to changes and promotions at
the time, the order was received to go into Virginia. Loss by
discharges, forty-four; by death, eight; by desertion, sixteen,
transferred, two — seventy-five in all — leaving the regiment about
nine hundred strong.

la

go EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

CHAPTER III.

MARCHlXr, TO THE FRONT.

As a whole, the regiment appeared excellent and excited in
terest and commendation as it marched out of Fort Marshall,
and proceeded to the Washington depot. The entire command
was together with the e.xception of Companies I, G and D
which had preceeded to Harper's F^erry and were waiting on
Maryland Heights for the balance of the regiment.
Though quitting Baltimore with reluctance, still it was the gen
eral desire to get to the front and be in more active service.
The men had become weary of guard duty. Besides the grum
blers at home had accused them of doing nothing long enough.
Thus one of the soldiers writes; "The men were looking and
feeling finely as the)' marched away from Fort Marshall to the
Washington depot. In a short time they were joined by the
companies from up the road,"
While awaiting transportation the citizens were not sparing in
their criticisms, which on the whole were quite flattering, and ex
cited considerable interest among the men. Of several rough
looking fellows, who were watching closel)- every movement of
the regiment, one was heard to sa)': "Jim, what regiment is that?
"W"!l, well, don't )oii know? That is the Eighteenth Connec
ticut." Another by-stander commented: "Look here, do you
know I pitx' the regiment of rebels that fasten on to those fel
lows, for 1 think they will fight like h — 1." It is needless to say
that the compliments were highly enjoyed.

I.yncKb

Tlie Shenandoah Valley

CONNECTICUT J -OL UN TEERS, 91

On the 22d of Ma\ the Eighteenth was packed away in a train
of cattle cars for the rebel market; and at half-past one in the af
ternoon the train mo\-ed off amid great cheering, stopping about
two miles awa)' to take on the baggage. Remained here until
about half-past four and then moved on again, passing through a
delightful country which at that time was in luxuriant vegeta
tion. At the Relay House another stop was made. The cattle
train was anything but convenient and comfortable, tht)ugh the
frequent halts gave opportunity for a change of position. Passed
on to EUicott Mills. Near this place the boys filled their can
teens from a beautiful spring of water "The best water," says
one, "I have found in Maryland." The remainder of the trip to
Sandy Hook was performed in the night. At "Point of Rocks"
the men caught i view of the Potomac by moonlight for the
first time. Passing under the shelving rock and round the curve
of the road the place was savage-looking enough, large boulders
hanging directly overhead. The whole landscape from this place
to Sandy Hook, on that night, looked wild and picturesque, elicit
ing exclamations of wonder and delight.
Arriving at .Sandy Hook, the men prepared for sleep, stretch
ing themselves on the car floors. Not very pleasant were the
dreams that night. The day previous had been one of great
excitement, new scenes were witnessed, and every hour was bring
ing the regiinent nearer to the realities and horrors of war. It is
no wonder some dreamed of "reb.s," and others of "blood and
battle," and that things generally seemed uncertain and porten-
teous. That first night, at Sandy Hook on many accounts, was a
memorable one, and will not soon be forgotten.
At 4.30 A. M., the 23d, the regiment roused by the cry of "fall
in," was soon moving, and in fifteen minutes had reached Flar-
per's Ferry, crossed the Potomac on the iron bridge, marched a
short distance up the -Shenandoah, halted and stacked arms. This
was an important move to the regiment. For the first time the
Eighteenth trod the "sacred soil" of Virginia. In the gray light

92 EIGHTEENTH. REGIMENT

of that memorable morning, the romantic scenery of this re
nowned place greeted the e)-es of our men. On the right rose
Maryand Heights in surpassing grandeur, on the left Loudon
Heights, as black as night, seemed to stand as a mighty barrier
between the rebel and Union forces, while at the same time, each
dusky point in the landscape seemed to the excited soldiers to
bristle with rebel bushwhackers, waiting to pounce upon any
Union soldier coming within their reach. Immediately in front
was Bolivar Heights, the east side dotted with dwellings, three
churches and a cemetery. The latter had been often desecrated
by Union and rebel soldiers. One of the churches was used as a
prison for rebel citizens and prisoners of war and the other for a
horse stable. This use of the sacred edifice was, of course, con
sidered by the citizens a greater act of profanation than anything
else. The object of the greatest interest was the engine house
at the foot of Bolivar, near the railroad station, in which "Old
John Brown" was taken prisoner. The regiment remained here
through the day and until 5 P. M., in the mean time, as far as
practicable, examining the different points of interest with plea
sure and wonder. It was the first time the boys had had a real
view of the desolation of war; the public buildings were in ruins,
churches and dwelling houses in dilapidated condition, and on
every hand were the marks of martial retribution against the
men who had plunged the nation into a civil war.
The raid of "Old John Brown" was frc ely discussed, and his
tragic fate considered the filling up of the cup of iniquity, of
which these guilty men were to drink to its very dregs. The
blighting effects of the war were at no point more visible than
here. Harper's F'erry, before the war, was noted for the finest
and graiidest scenery in all the South. Jefferson, in his notes on
Virginia, says: "It is worth a voyage across the Atlantic to see
the wild beauty of this place." It was sad to witness the changes
produced by the war. During the day Companies D, G and I
rejoined the regiment. Ihese companies, as already stated

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 93

had preceded the regiment to Harper's Ferry, having left Balti
more on Wednesday, the 20th. They had spent two days on
Maryland heights, where the) had a fine opportunity to view the
scenery of the F^erry, and surrounding country for twenty miles
around. The regiinent was together once more, with the exception of
a squad of Company A, which had been left at Elkton and Chesa
peake City. The reunion was hailed with pleasure, and many
and heart)- congratulations were exchanged during the day. At
five P. M. the bugle sounded, and soon the regiment was on the
road to Winchester
Marched until about ten o'clock P. M., and halted for the
night under cover of the woods. The men rolled themselves
up in their blankets and were soon in the land of dreams. First
day's march ten miles.
At five .\. M., the 24th, on the march again. In about half an
hour passed through Charlestown. It was early dawn of Sunday.
Our drums brought the people in crowds to the doors and win
dows. A strong rebel place it was, whence John Brown's soul
was released from his body on the scaffold and sent "marching
along." Obtained only a passing view of the town, as no halt
was made, but many patriotic demonstrations were given by the
Yankees, much to the disgust of the murderers of the old mar
tyr, and would-be-murderers of every Northern soldier now tread
ing the soil of Virginia. No American flag greeted the regiment
here, save that which indicated the presence of a Union cavalry
force, stationed at this point to remind the rebel citizens of their
relation to the Union. After inarching about six miles, halt for
an hour, ate hard-tack and salt junk, marched again until eleven
o'clock A. M., and then rested until six P. M. That night en
camped within half a mile of Berryville. It had been a very hot
day, a few men fell out by the way, a few were sick, and all
were more or less foot-sore. Extra blankets and clothing were
at a discount. Although the inarch of this day was only about

94 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

eight miles, yet it was a hard one, and many threw away their
overcoats and blankets, an act which they soon repented. All
along the route from Harper's Ferry were numerous exidences
of the war — fences destroyed, buildings gutted or burned, dead
horses along the route, and man)- other signs of the desolations
of war. The realities of war began to look more serious to the
Eighteenth. Soldiering was no boy's play. We shall state onl)'
the truth if we say that man)' a one that night looked back to
ward Baltimore, and up the road, with longing and appreciative
desires. Eighteen miles of marching under a burning sun told
heavily on men who had been doing guard or post duty for nine
months, and if the)^ did not sleep that night it was because
they were too tired and foot-sore. Many felt, too, the loss of
the blankets and overcoats they had recklessly parted with on
the march. Monday morning. May 25th, passed through Berry
ville at about six o'clock, which was another intensely traitorous
town. The people generally could not refrain from manifesting
some tokens of their displeasure at the presence of Union sol
diers, a few only, appeared friendly. On the next three or four
miles made one or two halts, and forded one or two "runs."
Near the last were several dwellings, where a halt was taken,
and many of the men obtained milk and bread to go with their
rations. One man showed considerable rebel spite, and some of
the soldiers handled him rather roughly. The last stream forded
was about knee deep. The water made the men's feet more
tender and sensitive, yet the)- trudged on, and reached Winches
ter, after a march of twelve miles, in good spirits, going into camp
about two miles below the town. The situation was a pleasant
one, rations were good, water excellent — the best the reo-iment
had found as yet — and life wore a more cheerful aspect. The
Eighteenth had got through playing soldier and were preparing
now for an active campaign, )-et they were cheerful and hopeful.
Everything in the vicinit)' of Winchester indicated livel)' times
at hand. Rumors were rife of an advance of the rebel army

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 95

down the Shenandoah valley. The defeat of Gen. Hooker at
Chancellorsville, and his rapid retreat over the Rappahannock,
made the Confederates more exultant and defiant than ever.
True their losses were great and serious, and their pursuit of
Hooker's left wing, consisting in part of the Eleventh corps, under
Gen. Howard, had been effectually checked, causing them morti
fication and chagrin, as they supposed that the Federal army was
totally clefeated at one time, and a signal victory had been
achieved. The rebel papers, however, were full of glowing des
criptions of Stonewall Jackson's famous onslaught on the Yan
kees, and the almost total annihilation of Gen. Howard's division.
But the rebels were more or less deceived as to the real injury
they had inflicted upon the Union army. Gen. Hooker, though
out-generalled by Lee, was not disheartened, and with great
boldness and skill had moved his shattered forces to a position
of security and defence, which greatly surprised the enemy and
baffled pursuit. Still the enemy were hopeful and defiant. The
general sentiment in the South at that time was in favor of an
aggressive movement, Lee was urged to make an immediate ad
vance, and every day's delay made the Southern people more
restless and clamorous. The golden opportunity might be lost.
The rebels chafed because the Northern people were in compara
tive securit)- and prosperity, their homes undisturbed by destruc
tive armies, and their property untouched by the hands of the
invaders. The South were fighting at arms' length and with
great odds against them. In their ignorance of the situation,
they believed the time had come to carry the war into the very
heart of the North, and hence urged their generals to push on
their victorious columns into the rich farm lands of Pennsylvania,
and give the people there a stinging impression of the superiority
of Southern armies, and a keener sense of the stern meaning of
war Bitter retaliation on the North! Carry the war into the heart
of the enemy's country was the Southern cry everywhere. It
was known too that there was a peace-party at the North, ready

96 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

to betray the cause of freedom, that there was dissatisfaction and
demoralization in the army of the Potomac after the battle of
Chancellorsville, and other things of a depressing character, all
of which encouraged the Confederates in their boastful anticipa
tions. The rebel generals e.xpected to accomplish as the result
of Hooker's defeat, the capture of Washington, a general forage
of Pennsylvania, and conse(|uently the taking of Baltimore and
other places of great advantage to their cause. That such a
magnificent plan should have seemed feasible to Gen. Lee was not,
under the circumstances very surprising. And yet it was a military
mistake, freighted with the most terrible consequences to the
rebel cause. The rebel press made no secret of the purpose to
humilate the North and conquer a peace. They published
their intentions widely and boldly, and discussed the comparative
advantages of different routes, by which their armies might suc
ceed in their project. Each da)- revealed some new movement
on the part of Lee. His whole arm)' was now in motion, but
Gen. Hooker was also on the alert, and by a bold and suc
cessful dash on Stuart's cavalry by Gen. Pleasanton, he brought
about the general order for a rebel advance. It was at this
juncture that a force was collected at Winchester, under com
mand of Gen. Milroy, a part of which embraced the Eigh
teenth Connecticut.
From the time of our arrival in Winchester the valley began to
swarm with guerillas and rebel cavalry, under Imboden and
Jones, ready to "gobble up" the Union soldiers. It was not
thought that the Federal force at this point was suificient to cope
with the hostile force in front, as it consisted of not more than
six or seven thousand men, and was intended to keep watch of
Lee's army, and serve as a check to his advance;. Gen. Milroy's
little arm)- was kept busy working on the defenses and making
reconnoissances, and the Eighteenth did its full .share of this work
"We begin now," writes a regimental correspondent, "to see what
a soldier's life is, but we like it. Our camp is on the battlefield

-'^^J '"ssw-

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-- - >»^ V t

19

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i «.

,f .1^ p^u ratw^ M- '

if I

n

S'
'AA^l
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\^^^^i^'r^fff'^^^^Mi^^^'%^
Sketefiert by J. H. Sawvkk.
Camp of 18th, Conn., June, 1863, Shawnee Springs, Winchester, Va.
CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 97

where Gen. Banks met Gen. Stonewall Jackson's forces, and the
former retreated. The gateway that opened to give us admit
tance was where the F"ifth Connecticut lost so many men just one
year previous to the day of our arrival."
The camp was near the Shawnee Springs. In a southwesterly
direction, about twenty rods away, was a house said to be the
place where Gen. Washington's wife was born and bred. An old
lady, who lived in the house, gave an interesting account of tlie
battle referred to above, pointing out the place where she count
ed sixteen South Carolina dead after Banks' retreat. The Eight
eenth was now fairly at the front, there being only videttes be
tween them and the rebel line. The first day's work at Winches
ter was full of interest. A large party was sent out on Front
Royal road for picket duty, and to be a guard to the wood-
choppers, as it was considered very unsafe to go on that business,
or any other, without a protective force in front. ,A sharp look
out was kept through the day for bush-whacking rebels, who
were thought to be not far away. But on the whole the men
were pleased with their new situation. The surroundings of
Winchester, at this season, were beautiful — the view of the
mountain scenery magnificent, and the valley was filled with in
teresting pictures on either side.
But Winchester itself did not present many attractions. It al
ready showed us plainly the marks of war. Here and there might
be seen an attractive building, but most of them indicated that
their owners were at least "fifty years behind the times." The
presence of old houses, the cracks filled with clay, and the absence
of churches and school houses were a subject of general remark.
Everything indicated a lack of intelligence and enterprise. The
curse of slavery was everywhere visible, and the degradation
and humiliation of the poor whites and blacks was a sad sight to
men who had been blessed with a home of intelligence, and plenty
in New England.
Nine teams arrived with tents and camp utensils, which
13

98 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

were set up during the day. A squad of men came in from picket
duty and said they liked it first rate. Also a foraging party came
in at night with one hundred sheep, fifty head of cattle, one old
mule and nine or ten wagon loads of grain, taken from the
citizens. This was thought to be a pretty good day's work for
the first one. The men enjoyed their discoveries and took special
pleasure in the account of their captures. If any citizens took
the oath of allegiance they were said to be adequately paid for
their stock and grain. Company A also came in from a scout,
giving a pleasant account of their experiences while absent.
Thursday, May 28th, opened with a splendid morning; battalion
drill in the afternoon, lasting about one hour and a half. Next
formed a line of battle and marched into the woods over stone
walls, rocks and other obstructions, the men keeping a splendid
line; drilling the order of the day when not otherwise employed.
May 29th. A squad of the regiinent were sent in different
directions to-day, some of the men entering a fine agricultural
region, famous for wheat mills, but the army had made sad havoc
with the whole country, and spread desolation everywhere. At
five P. M. a squad of Company K were sent out, who spent the
night near an old flour mill. All tpiiet along the lines. Lieut.
Blanchard who had been detailed the day previous with twenty
men, accompanied by two of Uncle .Sam's scouts, returned to
camp. He had marched about twent)' miles, to put into effect
the emancipation proclamation. They arrived at the place of
their destination, says a correspondent, a splendid and costly
dwelling, about ten P. M., and surrounded the J-iouse. When
the inmates, all females, saw the blue backs, there was skedad
dling for the doors, but the glistening ba)onets so effected their
imas/inations that they retreated to the attics and extinouished
the lights. It was sometime before an)- one could be ff)und to
answer the summons for admission. When the household
did appear, the)- were inforn-ied that quarters for twenty-five men
were needed. The lady of the house told Lieut, j^lanchard they

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 99
could stay in the barn. That would not answer, the boys ma)- get
to smoking and set the buildings on fire, was the reply. At length
the lieutenant was invited to enter the parlor for consultation.
The result was the boys slept where they pleased, and helped
themselves to such rations as they could find. There were fifteen
or twenty slaves on the premises, and these were set to work mak
ing hoe-cakes; and a plenty of milk being found, cakes and milk
were served up for supper, much to the enjoyment of the whole
detachment. It was ascertained that the owner was a rebel
quarter-master, and the boys thought they had a right to put in
a requisition for anything they wanted, and iJiey did so. After
a good sleep the men were muclj_ refreshed, and the next morning
found them bright and hopeful. Breakfast was ordered with as
much freedom as though they were in a Northern hotel, and was
promptly served. Lieutenant Blariehard and the scouts were
invited to breakfast with the ladies, and were not slow in accept
ing the invitation; on which occasion Northern gallantry was not
wholly unappreciated. The lady of the house said she had been
visited several times in this manner, and sometimes rudely
treated, but this company had been considerate, and she thanked
them for their kind and gentlemanly treatment. All the slaves,
who wished to do so, had the privilege of returning with Lieut.
Blanchard, and one family did so. The requisition on this rebel
quarter-master was two yoke of oxen, one wagon and two hand
some cream colored horses.
May 30th, -was an unusually interesting and exciting day. It
was Sunday, and the day had been appointed by the rebels for
the transfer of any families, who desired, to enter the Union lines.
A squad of cavalry were ordered to accompany the Eighteenth
with a flag of truce toward .Strasburg, with transportation, to
receive those families whose husbands had deserted the rebel
cause, and enlisted in the Union army. The regiment proceeded
to Newtown, eight miles. Company B being the advance guard,
and leading the regiment about one mile. Halted in front of a

JOG EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

house occupied by a rebel physician. He was courteous and
brought out chairs, aad permitted the company to seat them.selves,
or lie down on the grass in his front yard, under the trees. Re
mained here four or five hours, while the cavalry went into the
rebel lines, and returned with about a dozen families, which were
poorly dressed, had little or no furniture, and looked the picture
of want and starvation. The boys collected what food they could
for them, and it was pleasant to see the appetite with which these
poor creatures ate hard tack and pork. The whole party re
turned to Winchester about six P. M., tired and hungry. The
return march was rapid, some of the time on the double quick,
but in good order. No rebels were seen during the day. Such
expeditions became of frequent occurrence, and indicated more
lively times at hand.
But for the desolations war had made, the situation of the
Eighteenth would have been exceedingly interesting and beauti
ful. Every one was full of admiration for the natural scenery
around Winchester But windowless, dilapidated, and tenantless
houses and the presence of martial paraphernalia, and the fre
quent movements of the army, hardly comported with the quiet
beauty which seemed to reign everywhere. There was company
drill in the morning, and regimental target firing in the afternoon
Company K made the best shot — not a single gun missed fire.
A very pleasant day, and nothing exciting occurred, save a rumor
that Gen. Lee was on his way down the Valley. Company F was
detailed for service on the earth-works above the town, preparing
to give the rebels a warm reception.
June 2d, an exciting day. Had the usual company drill in
the forenoon, and battalion drill in the afternoon. Col. Ely
commanding. There came a rumor that the pickets had been
driven in and an attack was expected. Company D worked on
artillery road. At nine P. M. muskets were loaded and every
thing was in readiness to repel at attack. The regiment slept on
their arms that night, but some of the mpn were incredulous as
to the near approach of the enemy.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. loi

June 3cl. Had the first rain since the regiment left Baltimore
— -eleven da)'s. ,'\ large guard was sent to do picket duty at the
Union Mills, on the Strasburg road. At this time these mills
were doing a heavy business for the government. The situation
was fine and commanding. At three P. M. there was an alarm,
and about fifty cavalry and four or five scouts were sent out
towards Newtown. .A.t dusk one hundred and seventy more
cavalry went in the same direction, and six companies of the
Eighteenth followed as a supporting column. About ten P. M.
a cavalryman came in with a report that there was fighting at
Newtown. The alarm was given, and the guard at the mills ran
down to a bridge, a short distance awa)', in order to rip it up if
there was an advance of the rebels. It proved to be a false
alarm. A party of Pennsylvania cavalry had come unexpectedly
upon a coinpany of Virginia Union cavalry, which had caused the
unusual excitement.
June 4th. Several parties were sent out scouting, while others
worked on the rifle-pits near the fort. Company B was prac
ticed in skirmish drill, and highly complimented as being a well
drilled company. One scouting party came upon a squad of
five bush-whackers in a "bush-house" asleep, but succeeded in
capturing only three of them, an achievement that excited much
criticism and laughter among the men, as it was thought to be
hardly the proper thing to let such a sleepy set of fellows get
away. June 5th. Lively times to-day. Hard drilling in the fore
noon. The Sixth Maryland and Twelfth Virginia regiments went
into camp near the Eighteenth. About three P. M. the order
was given to "strike tents." In fifteen minutes the work was
done, and the regiment moved about forty rods and tents were
pitched again. Some of the men went out foraging for leather
and nails to fit up gun racks. They were successful, and every
thing went on merrily. Extra pickets were thrown out that night,
and at half-past seven o'clock many of the men went to their

102 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT
posts supperless. Subsequently, however, the "slaughter house"
was visited and a supply of beef obtained.
The men were beginning to bear the many interruptions, and
sudden movements of a soldier's life with light hearted philosophy.
Matters -were daily becoming more serious, and no one knew
what an hour might bring forth.
June 6th. About this time the squad of Company A, which
had been left in Maryland and Delaware arrived at Winchester,
via Martinsburg. While at the latter place there had been great
excitement in expectation of an immediate attack from the rebels.
The prospect of joining the regiment was at one time nearly
criven up by the squad, but at length the order was given to
march. The detachment left Martin.sburg about noon, and after
a forced march, arrived in camp about nine o'clock, the same even
ing. It was a hard march of twenty-two miles, and the men were
much exhausted.
The re-union was very pleasing to all, and Company A was
placed on an equal footing with the other companies, as to number
and efficiency. The same day a detachment with Coinpany C,
Eighty-Seventh Pennsylvania were sent out on a scout, accom
panied by two guides. Marched out on the Front Royal road,
about one mile, then struck into the woods, and after a tramp of
nearly ten miles, came near the Shenandoah river, where they
camped for the night. Rain fell during the night; however, a
good sleep was obtained and the next morning, at four A. M.,
were on the march again. After two miles, halted for breakfast
of hard tack and pork. "A very good meal," said one of the
company, one of the hungry ones, we presume. The detachment
followed a stream for a while, then crossed it on a rail, after
which the companies divided, a part taking the valley, and the
other marching over the hills.
After going a considerable distance, halted and rested about
two hours. Nearly all citizens on this route had protection pa
pers from Gen. Milroy. Found a large deserted stone mansion

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 103

furnished in the finest style. Its surroundings were beautiful, be
ing in the midst of a splendid white-oak grove, while rich mead
ows, green and luxuriant, opening but a short way from the
scene, were very inviting. A fruitless search was made for
"bush-whackers," but something better was discovered — a large
pork ham, which was speedil)- captured and placed under guard;
coffee was made, and after the soldiers' usual report, pickets
were thrown out, and the command lay down to sleep. Were
awakened about three o'clock next morning by the firing of two
muskets. Instant preparation was made to receive the rebels,
but instead of those visitors two negroes rode up who had been
fired upon by the Union pickets. During the night three rebels
were taken prisoners. .After this scare, and breakfast being over,
resumed inarching and in a short time took another prisoner.
Rations began to fail, and another search was made for food.
About noon came to another largfe farm-house — the owner had
gone to Winchester to take the oath. But little provision was
obtained here, and the troops plodded on until about four P. M.
when they arrived in camp after marching forty or fifty miles.
Nothing of special interest occurred on the 9th and roth save
that there was more trouble with the pickets. It was growing
daily more apparent that the rumors of Lee's advance were only
too true. A large force was reported on its way from Manassas
Gap. At two A. M., the iith, there was an alarm; tents were
struck, the regiment was soon in line, and arms were stacked,
waiting for further orders. At eight o'clock A. M. an order was
given to unload the wagons and pitch tents, and in a short time
the camp of the Eighteenth assumed its usual appearance. At
this juncture Company K was ordered to proceed to the old
camp ground and take down the flag-staff. Before the work was
completed the bugle sounded the "general assembly," and there
was a return to camp on the double quick to join in a general
review. Gen. Milroy and Gen. Tyler reviewed eight companies
of the regiment, which were complimented for their fine appear-

I04 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

ance, although they had been out all the night before and were
tired and jaded. To-day ten men of Company D were ordered
to arrest a man named Baldwin, a rebel doctor, and belonging to
the aristocracy of the town. But the man was rebellious and re
fused to obey Gen. Milroy's order, and accordingly he was given
only one hour to move with his whole family further south. His
wife was very indignant, and with the usual spirit of rebel ladies
joined her neighbors in invoking all manner of curses upon the
Yankees, and especially upon Gen. Milroy, the general having
made himself very obnoxious to the rebel citizens by treating
them with but little consideration. Notwithstanding this mani
festation of Southern spirit, the doctor and his family were taken
beyond the Union lines and left to the tender charity of their
Southern brethren.
At this time but few citizens were left in the town except old
men and women, and some of these were looking every day for
the Confederates to appear and drive away the hated Yankees.
It is not surprising that the presence of the Union army was
very annoying. The iron rule of a provost marshal was not to
be acquiesced in without a display of a bitter animosity. No
person, male or female, was allowed to purchase any article at the
store without a permit from the powers that be, and no one was
given such a permit unless he or she took the "iron-clad oath."
Coinpany D had not a little of this unpleasant work to do in
compelling from citizens a proper respect for the Federal gov
ernment, and an acknowledgment of its rights.
This compan) was quartered in the town, occupying buildin<j-s
each side of the court-house on Main .Street, and they had all the
room they wanted, though man)' of the houses were without
windows and doors.
A soldier correspondent at this date, takes the followino- view- "I
do think the rebels will venture to attack this place, but if they do
we are prepared to receive them." ( )n that very day Gen. Mil
roy received information from his scouts of the approach of Gen.

:;hai;lain '/.'ILLIA.'.I C, 'A'ALICEH.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 105

Ewell's corps of Lee's army, consisting of a large force, with sixty
to seventy pieces of artillery, the advance of which reached the
Union pickets on Friday, the 12th. Early next morning the
Eighteenth was ordered to work on the fortifications.
The Eighty-Seventh Pennsylvania Infantry were ordered out
in the direction of Newtown, the rebels having been reported there.
After a few hours the Eighteenth w(;re startled by a "low rumb
ling sound in the distance, and the cr)^ was heard on every side,
'they have found the rebels and the Eighty-Seventh Pennsylvania
are giving them grape.'" And while they listened to the distant
roar and din of battle for the first time, it created intense excite
ment and a desire to participate in the tray. Said one: "I wish
we could only get one chance at them. They never give us any
thing to do." Lieut. Caruthers, Company H, who heard the re
mark and who had smelt powder at the first battle of Bull Run,
said to himself, "Don't be in a hurry, boys, you will have your
full share of fighting at no distant day." But perhaps he did
not think the time would come so soon as it did.
The 13th day of June was a memorable one in the history of
the Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers. From the time of their
arrival at Winchester, on May 25th, the regiment had occupied
the right of the Second Brigade, Milroy's division, under the im
mediate command of Col. Ely, Lieut. Col. Nichols was in command
of the regiment. Before day-break the rebel cavalry made an at
tack upon the Federal pickets, but were promptly repulsed.
By this time Gen. Milroy was fully apprized of their design, it
became evident that a strong rebel force was advancing. It is
unaccountable that Milroy did not find this out before. Why he
should have been so completely surprised with the means of in
formation at his command, being in a valley bounded both right
and left by mountain ranges, so favorable for observation, has
never been satisfactorily explained. The latest dispatches from
Winchester even on the 12th of June, represented the situation as
perfectly safe, the army in the best spirits, and more than willing
to meet the enemy, so great was the assurance of success.
14

io6 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

"Let the rebels come" was the cry on every hand, "we'll give
them all they want;" and come they did. When the firing com
menced on the F^ront Royal road there was intense excitement.
The order was given to strike tents, the rebels were advancing in
force. This was quickly done, but soon the order was given to
pitch tents again. It was said that the reported advance of the
rebels was only a scouting party. Tents were soon replaced, and
the word went down the line, "rest and take it easy." By this
time there was some loud criticism, if not swearing, by a few of
the men who were wholly ignorant of the state of affairs and
knew not their danger. "Why don't the rebels come on?" was
heard from many lips. "Wait a while," was the comment of
others. Then came the order to strike tents. This order was
obeyed with dispatch for the report of an advance of the rebels
was true enough. The regiment was soon in line, muskets were
loaded, and everything was ready. "This looks like business,"
said a soldier looking down the line. Many anxious eyes were
piercing the fields and woods in the distance. Not a word, not
a murmur was heard. It was the most anxious moment the
Eighteenth Regiment had ever experienced. Finally Compa
nies A and B were ordered out on the skirmish line, and were
followed by Companies H, F and I, with a section of Randolph's
United States regular battery, as a support. The latter took a po
sition on a small eminence, while Companies A and B felt their
way to the woods where the enemy awaited them, and who
opened a brisk fire as soon as these companies came within
range. But the men pushed on, seemingly without the least ap
prehension of receiving a serious check. Just then Lieut. Spoon-
er, in command of the battery, gave the order: "Number one,
fire, and be sure of your aim. Number two. fire;" and the shells
went whizzing and screaming into the woods in advance of our
skirmishers, causing a great commotion among the concealed
rebels. At this time all of the five companies mentioned above
were under fire for the first time. The rebels had planted a six

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 107

gun battery within easy range of our line, in spite of the skirmish
ers, and were working it hotl)- right and left. Shells were flying
and bursting, and it became painfully evident that the rebels
were in greater force than was anticipated. The order was given
to our skirmishers to fall back, following in the rear of the bat
tery. This movement was effected in good order, and a new po
sition was taken in the outskirts of the city, where the whole regi
ment, with the exception of Company D, acted as a support to the
battery. This battery had one caission blown up, killing one
man and wounding another. Michael Hanley, of Company A,
was wounded in the leg soon after the skirmish commenced.
From this new position Battery L opened a brisk fire, which was
responded to with great vigor, the shells flying over the Eio-ht-
eenth, which lay as a support behind a wall immediately in the
rear of the Federal guns. At this juncture the large guns from
the main fort, located a half mile to the northwest of Winchester,
joined in the contest, and the united fire proving too much for
the rebels their batteries were silenced and withdrawn. This
closed the first day's skirmish with the rebels.
All reports say the Eighteenth behaved well, and did honor
to themselves and their native state. That night Gen. Milroy
gave orders to have all baggage and stores removed from the
town by the orderlies and teamsters; one of them said, "I never
worked so hard in my life, but we had everything safely trans
ported to the fortifications by day light, Sunday morning," Durino-
the night the telegraph wires were cut, and communication vvith
the Union lines was interrupted. On the whole, the prospect
was not very flattering, yet the men had kept up good spirits
through the day. The wounded from the front inspired confi
dence and courage. A member of Company A says, "I saw a
number of the wounded that day when they were brought in, and
as they passed us they raised their heads, swung their caps and
cried, "boys, we are giving it to them bully." Defeat was the
last thing they thought of, but Gen. Milroy doubtlessly com-

io8 ELGHTEENTH REGLMENT

prehended the situation by this time and disposed of his small force
to the best advantage.
Information being received that the enemy were advancing
from Berryville — a place ten miles north east of Winchester — the
Eighteenth was withdrawn from the Front Royal road and
thrown into the rifle-pits, commanding the approaches from Ber
ryville. Flere they remained a part of Saturda)' night, without
blankets or shelter, and the men were anything but comfortable.
To add to their discomforts it began to rain, which means that it
poured, and all were drenched through and through, and suffered
not a little from the cold. It was a dismal and depressing night.
To add to the fear and confusion of the hour, the artillery of
heaven shook the earth and by far out-did the crash of battle on
the preceding day -embh^matic of the thunder of battle to
come. The emotions of the men during that scene can better be
imagined than described. There was but little sleep if any that
night, as the boys stood upright, the water streaming down their
backs to their feet, and filling the trenches several inches deep,
causing much discomfort if not actual suffering. After midnight
Company K got up a counter illumination, buildinga large camp-
fire at which they made coffee, and attempted to warm their
chilled bodies, but did not meet with remarkable success. Before
day-break the welcome order came to move, and the regiment
fell back inside the Star Fort near the town. Through the
darkness over old timbers, stone-walls and ruins, the regiment
made its way, being followed closel)' by the rebels, who took
possession of a part of the east-portion of the town, including the
old camp of the Eighteenth. At day-light the situation was any
thing but encouraging to the Union arin)'. All night the rebel
commanders had been bringing up their forces, drawino- in their
lines and pressing us back, giving the boys "another taste of
Virginia mud," which, owing to the pouring rain of the previous
night, was quite deep. At this time the rebels were in full view,
and were seen "prowling about on the edge of the town," ap-

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 109

parently in high glee over the success they had achieved. The
rebel citizens of Winchester also were delighted with the situ
ation, rejoicing at the prospect of the capture of the entire Yan
kee force within a few hours. They knew the rebel force was five
to one, and thought it was only a question of time with reference to
Gen. Milroy's surrender While in or near the Star Fort, rations
were issued, but before the men had time to cook them, the
order was given to adva,nce and re-take that part of the town in
the hands of the rebels.
The order was splendidly executed. While a portion of the
regiment proceeded to the Southern portion of the town for the
protection of some quartermaster's and commissary stores, which
were in process of removal, being deemed insecure on account of
the son-iewhat defenceless condition of that part of the city, an
other portion skirmished with the enemy, who slowly retired, and
in thirty minutes there was not a rebel to be seen in the town.
Very soon the whole regiinent was ordered to the defenses on
the northeast, commanding the Berryville road, in which direction
the lines of the enemy could be distinctly seen. Thus far the
movements of the regiment were prompt, and highly satisfactory
to the commanding general. As the regiment advanced that
morning and the rebels fell back, it is said Gen. Milroy highly
complimented it to one of his staff, saying, "If 1 had ten regiments
like the Eighteenth Connecticut I would whip^the rebels out of
their boots before sunset." Up to noon the loss of the regi
ment was smal'l, although there had been some sharp skirmishing
which lasted several hours. Lieut. Col. Nichols being sick, the
command devolved upon Maj. Henry Peale. At this time the
regiment was confronted — as it was afterward learned — by at
least ten thousand men. But such was the disposition of our
force, it made quite a formidable appearance, seeming much
larger than it was in reality. The rebels thought at one time we
had about twelve thousand men lying back of us and in the
rifle-pits, and waited for this force to advance on their lines.

IIO EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

There was a large brick house, within rifle distance, immedi
ately in front Company H, which had been taken possession of
by the rebel sharp-shooters, who greatly annoyed the Eighteenth,
by delivering their fire whenever a head showed itself above the
rifle-pits. The order was given to Companies F and H, to dis
lodge them. A twenty-four pound brass howitzer was pro
cured from the fort and turned upon the building. The gun was
served by Capt. McDonald, of the commissary department. After
the firing of several shots, some of which penetrated it, and at a
given signal, which was a shell from a thirty-two pounder from
the fort, Capt. Bowen with the companies under his command
sprang out of the pits, and amid the crashing of shot and shell
charged upon the house. The work was short and bloody. Several
of the enemy were killed and wounded and thirteen prisoners
were captured.
"Never shall I forget" says Lieut. Caruthers, who was severely
wounded in the abdomen, "the desperate charge, fighting
away from our main force, with great odds against us. Our
work being accomplished, the next thing was to get back; being
nearly surrounded, we cut our way through into the rifle-pits. So
gallantly was it done that cheers went up from our commander
in the fort who saw it all." Before making the charge the boys
said to each other "Let us each do our part well." And they
did The official reports .says, "In this affair private Charles Bald
win, Company F', while attempting to capture two rebels, was
killed, Second Lieut. William Caruthers, serving with Company H,
severely wounded, and was carried to the rear, and taken in
an ambulance to a house on the Martinsburg Pike where his
wound was dressed." The regiinent was kept in the rifle pits until
about four P. M., when it was ordered to the fortifications again.
Up to this time the rebels had not used a single piece of artil
lery, and many were wondering what could be the reason; now
the mystery was explained. While this brisk skirmishing had

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. iii

been kept up on the east and south of the town, the enemy had
been busy in other directions. Fie had prolonged his right line
to a point north of the Berryville road, while his left extended
across the Front Royal, Strasburg and Romney roads, to a point
near the city. This latter position had been gained by cut
ting a road through the dense woods a considerable distance, by
which he had placed several batteries directly in front and rear
of the main fort, west and north.
That Gen. Milroy should not have anticipated these flank
movements is surprisingly strange. Although brave and daring
almost to a fault, his superior generalship may well be questioned,
when it is admitted that the first evidence of the approach of the
enemy from the quarter indicated was in the shape of a solid
shot which flew over the fort and fell in the town beyond. This
showed the enemy had been shrewd, and understood the position
of the Federal forces, and wh-at to do to dislodge them with the
least loss of life, for a serious loss in this direction at this time
could not be afforded, and yet the delay proved disastrous to the
enemy in the end.
At five P. M. the enemy made a furious attack upon the ridge
with infantry, to the right of the main fort, and captured a bat
tery, driving the support back in confusion, though not without
desperate resistance on the part of the latter. The excitement
by this time became intense, but the Federal batteries replied to
the enemy with great coolness and effect. Gen. Milroy elicited
the admiration of his command by his coolness and firmness,
taking an exposed position near or a little distance from the flag
staff, appearing entirely self-possessed and unmoved while shot
and shell flew thick and fast around him. About dusk the rebels
charged upon the main fort twice, but were handsomely repulsed.
"Many of them, ".says one of the men "were laid low in death,
as we waited until they came very near, and then our aim was
sure." Thus ended the second day's fight.
Sunday afternoon, from the firing of the first gun and for

1 1 2 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

three hours the Eighteenth was exposed to a storm of shot and
shell, making their position extremely hot and uncomfortable.
"It was the most terrible thundering," says an eye witness, "I
ever heard." At this time the city was three fourths invested.
All forces were withdrawn from the outer defenses and concen
trated within the earth-works of the main fortifications, with the
exception of the first brigade, which, since the beginning of the
action had been stationed with a battery on the ridge, directly in
the line of the enemy's approach. The position of the Eighteenth
was a little to the left of the main fort, in a circular form, with
a battery of artillery in the center, on the top of a round hill, and
here they awaited with much anxiety the terrible canonading,
which sent the missiles of death flying Sround them in dangerous
proximity. It had been such a Sabbath as most of the
Eighteenth had never witnessed before. The day had been full
of stirring incidents. One incident early in the morning created
considerable excitement and enthusiasm. The fifth Maryland, a
plucky little regiment, had driven the rebels out of a portion of
the rifle-pits to the east of the town, and occupied them until the
advance of the Eighteenth, which had been ordered to relieve
them. As the Eighteenth entered the rifle-pits, the plucky Mary
land boys were singing: "We'll rally round the flag boys.
We'll rally once again,
Shouting tlie battle cry of Freedom."
The effect was stirring and inspiring. It was not the first time
many of the Flighteenth had heard that patriotic song, and it
created much enthusiasm among the boys, one of whom says, "I
never shall forget the effect of that glorious national song."
There is no doubt but the rebels suffered terribly in their last
charges upon the Union works, Sunday night. They had
anticipated a speedy victory, but the firmness of Gen. Milroy dis
couraged them, and they abandoned the idea of completing
the capture until daylight. All reports agree that the Eighteenth

¥P|'5)>

Capt, HEHR'x- C. DAVIS,

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 113

performed good service throughout the whole day. Both officers
and privates were cool and determined, and prompt in obedience ti >
orders. Our losses were not large, however, fighting most
of the time behind breast works. Stephen H. Oatley, and George
W. Pickett of Company G, were killed near the close of the
da). The thunders of battle ceased with the darkness, Gen.
Milroy called a council of officers, and it was decided to evacuate
the works as soon as possible. Silence reigned until about
twelve o'clock, when the order was given to be ready to move at
a moment's warning. The night was intensely dark and great se
crecy was enjoined; not a loud word was spoken. The horses had
been quietly cut from the wagons, and mounted by teamsters,
moved off, being followed by the cavalry and infantry. By two
A. M., the rear guard had left Winchester, and the whole column
moved in good order on the road leading to Martinsburg, the
Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers forming the advance of the
center brigade. Lieut. Col. Nichols, though still sick, was in
command. So quietly was this movement effected, it is said, the
rebels knew nothing of it until daylight the next morning.

15

ri4 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

CHAPTER IV.

THE BATTLE AND CAPTURE.

, During the night the rebels had been bringing up their artillery,
eighty-seven pieces in all, and were ready to open on the fort at
early dawn, "but the bird had flown."' This movement had been
anticipated on the part of the rebels and when the Union force had
proceeded about four miles, at daylight, the First Brigade
suddenly encountered the right of the rebels posted in strong
force, in a piece of woods skirting the right of the road. The
rebels with great rapidity threw forward a sufficient force to en
gage the whole of the First Brigade, and a portion of the Second.
The attack of the enemy was prompt and furious, and though our
men were nearly exhausted, they returned the fire sharply and
defiantly, but owing to the extreme darkness, the firing on both
sides was not very effective at first. The First Brigade charged
the enemy, and having driven back the force immediately in their
front, passed on and continued their retreat to Harper's F'erry.
At this juncture the remainder of the First Brigade fell back, to
gether with the second, into a field to the left of the road.
The line of the latter had been badly broken b)' the cavalry,
which had retreated in great hurry and confusion from this sudden
advance of the rebels, rushing through our lines, and entanglino-
themselves with the infantry. Order, however, was restored with
the Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers and the remnant of the
first Brigade. Two successive charges were then made upon the

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 115
rebels in their defences, and upon a battery that poured shot and
shell into our lines. The fire of the encMuy was too high else the
regiment would have been cut to pieces. .Says an eye witness:
"For two and a half hours the musketry firing was incessant
and our boys fought bravely. It was the hardest fighting they had
experienced." The brigade after the second charge was some
what disorganized, and some of the regiments, believing the day
vvas lost, scattered so as to render it impossible to bring them
into line again. At this time the official report says, "The
Eighteenth was reformed with considerable difficulty and charged
the third time alone, but was immediately repulsed with a loss of
some thirty killed and wounded."
The railroad leading from Harper's Ferry to Winchester, runs
parallel with the "Pike." At the place where the fight occurred,
the railroad runs through a bank, forming a cut about six feet
deep. This cut formed a ready-made entrenchment for the
rebels. A small country road crossed the railroad at a right an
gle with the turnpike. The rebels formed their line in this cut,
their heads only being visible, their left resting on a bridge, where
they had planted a battery which swept the cross road, on which
the right of the Eighteenth advanced, with no artillery to cover
them. This was a murderous trap which was not seen in the
gray dawn of that fatal morning, and ic was first discovered by
the flash of rebel rifle.s. The Union forces could see nothing else
as they charged into the woods, and up the cross road, hence
the rebels had every advantage, and were not slow to improve it.
Nevertheless the Eighteenth charged up to the battery and
silenced it, by killing or wounding every man on it, but posi
tion and a superior force prevailed. The enemy had plenty of
artillery in reserve, and a long line of fire streamed from thou
sands of rifles to check the advance of our brave men. Again
and again did our men charge with great odds against them. Says
a correspondent, "Those who think the Eighteenth cannot fight
should have gone into those dark woods with us, and see how

ii5 EIGHTEENTH REGIME: NT

brave men can stand fire." It is a wonder they stood so well.
To charge up that cross road in face of a battery so well sup
ported, and so many times in succession, was enough to dampen
the courage of the bravest men.
The last charge was fatal to the preservation of the Eigh
teenth, but it saved Gen. Milroy and his staff. The rebels were
exceedingly bitter against Milroy, and very sure of his capture
at one time, and when they found he had made his escape, were
indignant and full of wrath. As the Eighteenth started on the
third charge, the General knew it was his last chance. He
improved it at the expense of the officers and privates of a noble
regiment. It was sad to see the broken ranks, the dead and
wounded and the scattered condition of the regiment at this time.
Col. Ely, Lieut. Col. Nichols and all the officers of that brave
band of men, had hoped for a different result and did all they
could to avert such a calamity. It has been said that the ofificers
were full of fight, that morning, and were determined from the
first, to fight their way through the enemies' lines at all hazards.
Col. Nichols rode after a Maryland regiment that had a fine op
portunity to escape, and induced it to return to the fight. The
men after their capture, however, were very indignant at the
colonel as their chances for escape were so good at the time.
It was evident to the most sagacious, after the second charge,
that the day was lost. Milroy saw it, others saw it and left the
Flighteenth with fragments of other regiments to their fate. In
the second charge, Capt. Warner and Lieut. Merwin received
slight wounds. In the third, Capt. Porter was killed, and Capts.
Bowen and Bates were severely wounded. The men then scat
tered in all directions, but meeting the enemy at nearly all points
were forced to turn back, and a large number were captured.
Company D alone escaped -intact. Having been detailed as
provost guard of Winchester, it left that place with the third
brigade and did not participate in the action. On being made aware
of the attack, it was marched to the rear by its commanding of-

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 117

ficer, and made its way across the country to Pennsylvania.
After the escape of the first brigade, as before mentioned, the
rebels had prolonged their line to the right, with a view of cut
ting off the remaining force from Harper's F"erry, and at the
close of the third charge, it was seven-eighths encircled. Escape
under these circumstances was exceedingly difficult. Col. Ely
then raised a white flag. This consisted of a rubber blanket, the
white side of which was turned in the direction of the enemy,
who was advancing, or making preparations to do so. This was
not discovered at first, or if it was, the rebels kept up a brisk fire
for some little time, much to the annoyance of the Union
force. The following reasons are assigned for the surrender: "Gen.
Johnson's Division, which had been charged that morning, was
in the woods preparing to charge, and at the same instant the
Stonewall Brigade was thrown across the path of escape on the
left flank, and advancing rapidly so that capture was inevitable,
and nothing but immediate surrender could prevent great slaugh
ter of officers and men who had fought gallantly and obeyed
their orders to the letter." The Eighteenth and other regiments
were wearied by two days' watching and fighting, and badly cut
up by three successive charges on the enemy, were twenty-five
miles from supports and entirely surrounded. Under these cir
cumstances surrender was inevitable. Immediately afterwards,
eighty-seven pieces of artil-locy, supported by Gen. Early's entire
command, marched rapidly over the battle-field, and all day long-
detachments of Gen. Milroy's command, who had not fought
that morning, were brought in, till in all, the captured forces
numbered five thousand men. Col. Ely said- during the engage
ment that the officers and men of the Eighteenth Connecticut
did so well that it was difficult to make distinctions.
Lieut. D. W. Hakes acted as aid to Col. Ely, and distinguished
himself by promptness and daring. Capt. Bowen, with two com
panies, charged upon a company of rebel sharp-shooters, securely

1 1 8 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

posted, and came back with fifteen prisoners, and all the ofificers
were gallant and serviceable during the engagement. From all
accounts, there is no doubt that the regiment, as a whole, did its
duty, making three desperate charges upon the enemy, and only
surrendering when the day was completely lost. It is said that
the rebels cheered loudly over their victory, but Gen. Walker
checked them by saying, "they had been fighting that morning
only about one regiment, and that was the Eighteenth Con.
necticut." He also said to Colonel. Ely, "You have made
us a good deal of trouble this morning," and when the
colonel gave up his sword, the rebel general, observing that the
hilt and blade were broken, inquired: "Colonel, when was this
done ?" "This morning, sir, in the fight," was the reply. Gen.
Walker said, "You deserve to keep this, — here are the marks
of bravery and honor I will give orders that it be returned to
you, sir." The sword was sent to Gen. Flarly, who directed that
it be kept in the prison office at Libby. Two or three months
thereafter, it was sent through the lines, under flag of truce, to
the father of Col. Ely, while the latter was yet a prisoner A cor
respondent of the New York Herald at that time says: "Col. Ely
endeared himself to his command by the tenacity with which he
stood by his men, and shared with them the privations of captiv
ity." Gen. Milroy, in an address to the Eighteenth at Martins
burg, a few months later, said: "Boys, you stood that day where
only brave men could stand." As already said, Col. Ely gave all
his officers and men a high compliment for their bravery on that
fatal 15th day of June, 1863.
Our killed, wounded and captured amounted to five hundred
and ninety-seven. Col Ely and Lieut. Col. Nichols, being dis
mounted, were easily captured. Major Peale was well mounted,
and seeing the day was lost, called around him about thirty of the
scattered men and made his escape with them to Harper's F""erry
by a circuitous route, his horse being wounded in the attempt.
In the confusion that followed the sudden attack upon the Union

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 119

forces, and after the surrender, more than two hundred men es
caped rebel capture. Flad the captured officers and men of the
Eighteenth known what awaited them in rebel prisons, or in cap
tivity, it is more than probable that many more of the regiment
would have been of the number who took refuse in the moun-
tains and made their way into the Union lines.
It was mortifying, indeed, to be compelled to surrender to the
rebels, who were dirty, ragged, and insulting in their taunts and
jeers. They asked our boys how they liked to fight under Mil
roy. How they liked the situation; and taunted them with being
Milroy's thieves. Inquired if we had not better staid at home,
and said they were on their way to Philadelphia, Baltimore and
Washington. But the Eighteenth answered them in plucky
style, telling them that they would "see the elephant" before they
reached the places they had named. (And they did.)
The captured were: — Field and Staff. — Col. William G. Ely,
Lieut. Col. Monroe Nichols, Surgeon Lowell Holbrook, Quarter
master Dwight W. Hakes.
Non-Commissiond Staff. — Hospital Steward J. D. Riple)', Ser
geant Major, Albert S. Granger, Commissary Sergeant, Timothy
Parker. These and twenty-one commissioned officers of the line, whose
names will appear elsewhere, with four hundred and eighty-seven
privates were marched back to Winchester.
After the defeat of Gen. Milroy, the wildest rumors were
spread over the North, as to the extent of the disaster. As
might have been expected. Eastern Connecticut was excited, and
the most distressing fears prevailed as to the fate of the Eigh
teenth. The letters of those who escaped into the Union lines
were filled with the most exaggerated statements, as to the ex
tent of the casualties, deaths and captures. One writer said:
"When I left, the Eighteenth were fighting like bull-dogs, and I
expect they are all cut to pieces. Lieut. Col. Nichols was report
ed wounded. Surgeon Holbrook was seen to leap from his saddle

I20 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

and fall to the ground, and was supposed to be dead; Captains
Bowen and Warner were reported killed. The former was
wounded in both legs, and as they were carrying him from the
field on a litter, he raised his head, and a rifle-ball struck him in
the head, killing him instantly. Lieut. Caruthers was shot in
the breast, and was surely dead." Another report said, "There
are nine officers killed and wounded and the remainder are pris
oners." Another wrote, "I fear the Eighteenth Connecticut is
annihilated." Of course, these reports increased the general
anxiety, and elicited the deepest sympathy from all in the com
munity. In the midst of this distress and uncertainty, the editor
of the Windham County Transcript wrote as follows: "We have
no need to say to our readers, that the past ten days have been
days of intense and painful an.xiety, on the part of the citizens of
this county; and the heavy burden has not now been fully lifted
from the minds and hearts of our people. In these hours of sad
ness we have one consolation, the Eighteenth never flinched.
They met the shock of battle with a bravery and determination
that has not been surpassed in the present war. The Eighteenth,
with their gallant Col. Ely, who proved himself worthy to lead
as brave men as ever went to battle, will receive the homage due
to the heroic."
"To how many has come the last bugle call to duty, we cannot
now ascertain. Some we know to have been killed and wounded,
and for the friends of these, the hearts of all beat with solemn
sympathy. But such always is the fruit of war, and such has
been from the beginning." It was several weeks before the fate
of the regiment was fully ascertained. The news grew better
every day. Not so many as some feared were among the dead
and wounded, though Milroy's command was nearly destroyed.
and it was a wonder that so many escaped.
The officers and men marched back to Winchester, where they
arrived about noon of the same day. The town was filled with
rebel soldiers and the greatest excitement prevailed. The

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 121

woinen were out in full force to rejoice over the capture.
Winchester did not appear like the same place as when it was
occupied b)- the Union forces. The prophecy of the rebel women
had been fulfilled, and great was their joy. It was amusing to
observe with what contempt they looked upon the hated Yan
kees. One would have supposed they regarded the war as nearly
ended, and they thought Lee was sure to go to Baltimore and
Washington, and make short work of the war.
The captured remained in the town but a short time, and then
were marched back to the Star F"ort they left so secretly in the
morning. The rebels called this "Fort Jackson," in honor, no
doubt, of "Stonewall Jackson." Here the men were closely
watched, and every precaution taken to prevent their escape.
Their condition was miserable indeed, being crowded into the
fort with about three thousand other prisoners, without shelter
from the rays of a burning sun by day, and mostly without
blankets during the cold dews of night. In the daytime it was
hot and dusty, with wind enough to blow the sand from the par
apet, completely covering the men from head to foot. No rations
were issued until the second day late in the afternoon, and these
consisted only of seven hard-tack and a small piece of salt junk
to each man, for twenty-four hours. These rations were grate
fully received, as most of the men had had nothing ,to eat since
early the previous morning. The men, however, took other
measures to supply their wants. The rebels guarding the very
stores which had been intended for us, and which we were
obliged to abandon in our retreat, a plan was devised to re
capture a portion of them. It was this: one would engage the
rebel pickets in conversation, while another would seize a barrel
of pork, tip it over, and roll it into the crowd. The head would
be smashed in, and the pork distributed in less time than it takes
to relate the transaction. The boys cut up a great many pranks
vvith the rebels, while in the fort. They even took the linch
pins from the wheels of the gun-carriages and caissons, which
16

1 2 2 ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT

annoyed the rebels very much. They offered fifty dollars to any
one who would tell who did it, but of course no one knew. The
Yankees were captured but not conquered, or subdued, and if the
rebels taunted them, they were ready to talk back with vigor
The rebels were thus greatly annoyed by their unsubdued
prisoners, and it was quite evident it would not do to keep
such men long at Winchester They were too near the Union
lines, hence [jreparations were made to send the "saucy and
troublesome Yanks" farther down into Dixie. About noon, on
Tuesday, the i6th of June, the officers were sent back to the city
and the privates remained in the fort and drew one day's rations,
as before stated. On the i 7th, the boys found their condition
worse than ever. The dust was so thick on their faces that
they could hard!)' tell one from another. At length the order
came to march which was a great relief, for an)' change seemed
better than to remain in the fort. No order was ever obeyed
more willingly, although the boys knew not whither they were
going, with certainty, nor what awaited them. It was late in the
afternoon when they inarched out under the command of Col.
Board. As they passed through Winchester again it was ascer-
tai led that their officers were a little way in advance, and were
not permitted to have the slightest intercourse with their men.
The first night they marched about ten miles, and camped in a
beautiful place not far above Newtown, the march being up in
stead of down the volley. The women in Newtown offered every
insult to the hated Yankees whenever opportunity offered. The
place where they camped that night furnished good water, which
was highly appreciated, and besides there was a clean place to
sleep. In the opinion of one man: "This seems like Heaven
compared with our quarters in Fort Jackson." They slept sweet
ly that night. Early the next morning they resumed their march
passing through Middletown, and about a half mile further on
halted for breakfast. Rations consisted of a pint of flour and a
little piece of bacon. The flour was mixed with water, and baked

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 123
in thin cakes over the fire, or in the ashes. These cakes were
called "Jeff Daxis' custards," and "tough yarns." Flere the men
caught sight of their officers and gave them three hearty cheers
which were returned with a will; but there was no time to talk
with them, as the)- were hurried off at once. Here also many of
the men had a chance to wash although they could not change
their linen.
About noon the march was resumed, and in the middle of the
afternoon the prisoners passed through .Strasburg. The secesh
hatred was more viciously displayed here than in an)' previous
place. The men, howi'ver, w^ere getting accustomed to their
treatment and did not mind it much, responding with some
Union songs, appropriate to the occasion, or dealing out a little
Yankee wit for variety. About this time a heavy shower of rain
and hail came, the hailstones being as large as birds' eggs.
No shelter was to be had, and so the men trudoed on throuo-h
the mud and water for four or five miles, passing over Fisher's
Hill, and stopping near where a bridge had been burned. The
rain continued without cessation. However the men gathered a
pile of rails, and after a while had a camp fire well burning,
around which they assembled and made themselves comparative
ly comfortable. Many were kept up all night, being so thoroughly
wet that they were afraid of taking cold if they should lie down.
"Ten months ago to-day," said one of the prisoners, "we were
mustered into the service of the United States. Quite a contrast
between our condition then and now. Then we were taking up
arms; now we are marching as prisoners of war, without arms, to
Richmond. .Such is the fate of soldic^rs."
Col. Board, it is said, was considerate and kind, more so than
was at first anticipated. He used no harsh or unkind language,
and seemed disposed to do what he could for the comfort of his
prisoners. During the night referred to, he halted his command
on a side hill, informing the prisoners that he could do no better
for them. The rain continued to pour, the water did not stand

124 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

in pools, on account of the sloping nature of the position. Some of
the officers found lodgings in a barn, which was already occupied
by whole divisions of fleas. These little rebels proved very
troublesome through the night, and left the evidence of their
fighting qualities upon their victims in the shape of great blotches
on the men, who had to strip themselves nearly naked to get rid
of them. The men who took refuge under the arches of the burn
ed bridge, or stood, or sa't up, fared as well, if not a little better
than the others. One man sat down on a stump, drew his blanket
over his head and spent the night in painful reverie. The situa
tion was decidedl)' unfavorable to flow of spirits, but all seemed
inclined to make the best of it. If the Jordans sang that night,
"Hist up the flag," there is no record of it. The rebel guard vvas
also thoroughly wearied and sleepy. So much so that it was
thought that an escape might have been easily effected, to the
mountains on either side— -the Blue Ridge and the Alleghanies.
One of the officers said afterwards: "How often in my prison
hours I looked back to that time and wished I had made my es
cape on that eventful night." Earl)- Friday morning we were
again on the move, marchine through tall orass, the men sfot
o O O O ' o
their feet thoroughly wet by the time they reached the pike, and
they went on slipping about in their shoes. Passed through
Woodstock, twenty-eight miles from Winchester, about eight A.
M. A very hot day, halted for rest, and cooked a custard or two
for lunch.
Woodstock is quite a pleasant place. Here, as elsewhere, the
presence of so many prisoners attracted universal attention and
surprise. Early in the afternoon, reached Edenburgh, a low, dingy look
ing place and thoroughl)- rebellious. At one house a queer look
ing old lady came out, leaned over the door yard fence, and look
ing over her glass in wild astonishment, cried out, "Lizzie, do
look here, we have got all of Lincoln's men. I don't believe he has
got a dozen left." The bo)s, tired and foot-sore as they were,

'*' **^- m

,¦< •

Capt. THOMAS K. BATES

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 125

could not refrain from hearty laughter at tht^ old lady's ignorance.
"On to Richmond," howexcr, soon began to be rather serious busi
ness. Poor, scant)' rations and continuous inarching, was telling
on the constitutions of the men, and taxing their powers to
the utmost.
But the prevailing belief, among officers and men, was that in
twenty days they would be back again in the Union lines, helped
to keep up courage and endurance.
Those who at first fancied it might be a pleasant jaunt to go up
the valley, see the beautiful country, take a view also of the rebel
capitol and perhaps see Jeff. Davis him.self, were now quite wil
ling to abandon the enterprise to other parties, who might have
any special craving for it. Thirty-nine miles from Winchester,
we passed through a dilapidated looking place called Morgan-
town, and a little further on halted in the woods, and some of
the boys were soon asleep.
Their slumbers were soon disturbed, and shortly after resum
ing the march, it began to rain very hard, the storm being at
tended with a driving wind, drenching the men completely to the
skin, which was anything but comfortable. Four miles further
we came to Mount Jackson, where the night was spent, the men
occupying comfortable barracks, which had been erected either
by Gen. Banks or Gen. Fremont, in their occupancy of the valley
a year before. The officers were assigned to these barracks and
the men had an opportunity to see them once more. The bar
racks, however, soon became very wet and muddy, owing to the
terrible rain, but the men, after cooking rations, more at their leis
ure than usual, enjoyed a good night's rest, some of them
stretching their weary limbs upon a hospital bedstead.
The trip of the Eighteenth to Richmond was full of interesting
incidents. The boys were ever ready, in true Yankee style, "to
give their enemies as good as was sent" in the way of jokes and
repartee. One incident ought not to be overlooked, as showing
that the Yankees were not to be outdone in the line of sarcasm

126 ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT

and misrepresentation, and thereby affording fun for every one in
the most trying situation. "Tom." Jordan, Company H, was
always ready for an emergency. On one occasion he took the
liberty to approach a rebel officer, and began to discuss the pro
bable issues of the war Among other things "Tom." inquired;
"What do you expect to do with all us fellows ? The South will
not be able to raise enough to feed us." The officer replied
that the "South could furnish enough to keep the whole Federal
army for five years," and then added, "The North will have to
submit. Just see how short they are of all the necessities of life.
In the city of New York last v\'eek, according to a reliable state
ment, there was not to be found more than eight hundred barrels
of flour. Beef and pork were thirty cents per pound, and there
is a fine prospect of the North soon coming to want."
"Why man," said Tom., "if the North have as much as you sa)',
they will get along well enough up there;" and then, to make the
rebel statement appear as ridiculous as possible, he went on: "All
the North have has been loaned them by tht; Canadians. There
has been nothing at all raised in the North since the first gun was
fired on Sumpter, and all through New England the people are
pretty much exhausted for want of something to eat. The city of
New York has only two barrels of flour, and beef is worth ten
dollars per pound." This was a little too broad even for rebel
credulity, and the officer, raising himself up, and looking over
the crowd yelled: "I sa)' you red whiskered fellow, over
there, you are an infernal liar I have been North myself." It
is needless to say that this reply was greeted with shouts of
laughter While waiting for the cars at .Staunton, the men,
though completely tired out, were still read)' to joke the rebel
crowd as usual, and gave them to understand, that when the
prisoners came that way again the table would be turned and the
Yankees would have things all their own wa)'.
The first train moved out of Staunton about two P. M., and a
second soon followed. About fifty men were crowded into one

CONNECTLCUT VOLUNTEERS. 127

box, or cattle car, with the int('nt, it would seem, to make them
as uncomlortable a.*^ possible. Then an engine, which had evi
dently seen its best da)-s, was attached to the first train, and pro
ceeded very slowly over an upgrade, hitching and jerking along,
and occasionall)- coining to a dead halt, which caused a concus
sion between the cars. Had there been any space between the
unfortunates, the bunting process would have been not only dis
agreeable, but decidedly dangerous.
"I cannot say," writes a comrade, "that our first impression of
railroad travel in the Southern Confederacy was very favorable;"
and another comments: "It was about the roughest riding I ever
saw. We had to sit on the bottom of the cars, and do the best
we could. Added to all, we had no rations and suffered much
from hunger."
The grade was steep, the track peissing through a mountainous
country. The first stopping place vvas called Fisherville, about
one hundreti and thirty miles from Richmond; the next was Way
nesboro. Then came a succession of tunnels of pitch darkness,
and of unusual length, one being over a mile long. T)ie night
that followed was a long and weary one to those whose condition
was so painful that they could find little or no sleep or rest. Hap
py for those who could say, "I had no realizing sense of what
passed during that long ride through the mountains." At day
break the next morning, stopped at Flanover Junction, twenty-
seven miles from Richmond. Here a portion of the second train
changed cars, taking a first class platform conveyance, which af
forded a fine opportunity to see the country. Some of those who
were fortunate enough to have money, bought something
to eat, paying one dollar for sixteen cakes, one inch square, a
price that was said to be very cheap. Passing on we began to
encounter object? of interest which attracted general attention.
The position that General McClellan occupied, when he was so
near the rebel capital, was pointed out. His headquarters, and
the rifle-pits occupied by his troops, were shown to the inquisitive

128 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

Yankees, by a brakeman, as also a place where many of the fed
eral and rebel dead were buried. "A feeling of awe came over
us," says one of the boys, "as we realized that we were in the
vicinity of the places where so many terrible battles were fought."
It was about sunrise when the first train halted in the suburbs
of the Capital of the .Southern Confederacy. At the words "fall
in," the men were in line, the officers heading the column, and
the march for Libby began, the spectacle attracting general
attention, as the long line of rough and wearied Yankees passed
through the streets. The rebel citizens were very jubilant over
the capture of so many officers, there being about one hundred
and thirty in the squad, to which the officers of the Eighteenth
were attached. On the way, a little girl came along with bread
for sale, twenty-five cents per loaf, and those who could command
that sum readily parted with it for the staff of life, as they were
almost famished, having had no rations since the Sunday preced
ing, three days of rebel barbarity. Continuing the march the
line soon reached a large brick building, bearing the sign "Libby
& Sons," upon one corner. While we were being marched into
this famous rebel prison, (once a tobacco manufactory), some
boys, seated on the fence opposite, were singing:
"Jeff Uavis is a wise man,
Lincoln is a fool;
Davis rides a white horse
While Lincoln ridss a mule."
Then followed derisive laughter, and- various other insults,
to which the men were not long in learning, they must submit in
silence. Late in the afternoon another squad of the Eighteenth
arrived, and the remainder came in the next morning. After
being fairly within the prison walls all the men were subjected to
a rigid examination, the officers having been previously put into
a different department. Then rebel examiners, armed with re
volvers and bowie knives, began their search of the men. They
first took away the rubber blankets and canteens, and writing
materials. Then each man was compelled to empty his pockets.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 129

Many of the officers and men lost what little money they had.
Ever)- means were used b)- the prisoners, lunvevc'r, to prevent the
rebels from getting hold of their mone). ()ne officer s.ived sev
enteen dollars by ripping open a corner of his under shirt, and
concealing his greenbacks from rebel scrutin)-. Of course, these
examiners were very anxious to (jet hold of all the crreenbacks
-0 o
they could, and they spared nothing which was considered of any
value to their prisoners.
After all the officers had been searched, they were put into an
other room, with about one hundred and fifty others, consisting
mostly of Col. .Straight's raiding party, taken at Rome, Georgia,
about a month previous. Many amusing incidents occurred
during the examination. After the men had given up what they
felt obliged to part with, the rebels passed their hands over the
prisoners' clothing from head to foot, taking such articles as they
pleased. When they came to George H. Ray, of Company A, he
passed out his bible. The rebel looked blank enough for a mo
ment but recovering, said, "This is a good book" and handed it
back. Ray then gave him the Christian Examiner This was
scrutinized closely, and then passed back with the remark, "I
guess this is a good paper." It was provoking to the men to
have articles taken from them, which were of no real value to any
one but then-iselves, such as photographs of loved ones at home
and other mementoes of friendship. But the rebel tormentors
vied with each other in their graceless treatment of the prisoners.
The examination being over, the men were ordered to a depart
ment on the third floor, and were threatened with death if they
presumed to look out of the window, or made the least demons
tration towards the outer world.
There were about scn'en hundred men in this department of
the prison, and all the light and air received were through three
small windows at each end of the room. It is needless to say that
the stench, arising from such close confinement, was almost intol
erable. But few of the men dared to go near the windows for

17

I30 ELGHTEENTH REGLMENT

fear of being shot, as the rebel guard seemed anxious to get a
shot at the hated Yankees.
The rations consisted of bread, fresh meat and pea, or bean
soup — a pailful for twenty men. The first supper in Libby
consisted of four ounces of bread, and a pint of very thin soup.
The night following will never be forgotten. With the hard side
of an oak plank for a bed, and the oppressive atmosphere of the
room, it required great fortitude and patience to bear up. Wed
nesday morning, June 25th, was a memorable time for the cap
tured of the Eighteenth, as another squad came from .Staunton and
passed through the same ordeal, so trying to those who had meet
a similar experience the day before. It was hard for the men to
remain submissive, while they were being stripped of every article
of value they possessed.
,A sergeant belonging to a Kentucky regiment, brought in with
our boys that morning made the remark, as they took his haver
sack, that he thought it rather hard they should take so many
things from the boys, when one of the guard replied: "What
business have you to say anything about it. I will learn you to
mind your own business." He then drew a stout cord from his
pocket, placed the sergeant's arms behind him, firmly tied his
thumbs together, then putting the cord over a beam drew him up
until his toes just touched the floor, and kept him suspended in
the air fifteen minutes, the poor fellow suffering the greatest
agony and nearly fainting away. A few days afterward another
on'ender was punished in the same manner for forty-five min-
u tes. One of the Eighteenth was standing near the window as a rebel
'officer was passing on the opposite side of the street, when the

'ntter calling to the guard, said, ".Shoot the d — n Yankee in that
window. Report says that it was very common to shoot Yankee

prisoners under similar cirumstances.

CONNECTLCUT VOLUNTEERS. 131

CHAPTER V

(.IN HELl.E ISLAND.

About noon to-day six hundred prisoners including a large
portion of the Eighteenth were inarched out of Libby and on to
Belle Island. About three o'clock in the afternoon the remainder
of the regiment excepting the officers followed.
The Richmond papers call Belle Island the .Southern paradise.
The island is situated in the James River, about half a mile from
Libby, and is connected with the main land by a long bridge.
This bridge was very heavily guarded. The camp for the prisoners
occupied about two acres of ground, surrounded by a ditch from
six to seven feet wide and four deep, outside ot this was a strong
rebel guard. Into this enclosure were crowded about four thou
sand men. The tents were very few and poor at that, and many of
the men slept on the ground without shelter or blankets.
The water was better than in the prison, but the rations were
not so good, nor so plenty. It did seem as though the men would
perish from hunger alone, to say nothing ol the continued ex
posure to the weather, it being so cool at night, and so hot
through the day.
The men were divided into squads of one hundred each under
the care and inspection of a sergeant who drew and distributed the
rations for them, each man receiving the same amount per day,
as when in Libby. The bread, says one of the boys, was very
good, but there was not enough of the meat to ascertain whether

1 2,2 EIGH TEEN TH REGIMEN T

it was good or not, and as for the soup, had we been at home
we should have thought it hardly fit for the hogs, it was so filthy.
None of us ever knew what it was to be hungry before we landed
on that island. While awake our minds would be continually
occupied in thinking about something to satisfy the demands of
hunger, and when asleep, we would dream of bounteous repasts
spread before us, but always just out of our reach. It was a
terrible feeling and would haxc destroyed the reason of the men
in a short time. We would pick up old bones that had been
lying around camp and boil them to get what nourishment we
could in that way. We were all so weak from hunger, that we could
hardly exercise at all. Those men who had money could buy
bread once in a while, but those of us who had no money were
obliged to content ourselves in hoping for better days to
come." About this time rumor was busy in circulating reports of a
speedy release from captivity, on a parole of honor. One day
the boys were full of hope and the next, their jubiliant feelings
were depressed, hope deferred makes the heart sick. In the mean
time, every means within our power were employed to make
our sad condition endurable. The water for washing or drink
ing purposes was extremely bad, and relief was sought by digging
small holes in the camp, about four feet deep. The water thus
obtained, was thought to be a little better than that procured from
the river, but it was far from being fit to use, and was the cause
of more sickness among the men than all other causes combined.
There was such a large number of prisoners on the Island, the
rebels were constantly under the apprehension that an effort
would be made to escajie b)' o\ erpowering the guard. To pre
vent this there were three or four pieces of artillery brought to
bear on the Island and a small force of infantry were posted a
short distance a-\vay, to be ready for any emergency. The o-uard
had strict orders to keep a sharp lookout and shoot the first man
immediately who was found beyond a certain line. Conversation

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 133

was prohibited with the prisoners, but this order was not strictly
obeyed as some of the guard were ver)- anxious to strike a bar
gain vvith the "Yanks" on every convenient occasion. It was
perfectly amusing to see how anxious the rebels were to get hold
of the United .States currency. Greenbacks were in great de
mand both with soldiers and citizens. Those of the prisoners
who were so fortunate as to have an)' of this currency could buy
four times as much in quantity of any article as with the same
amount of Confederate currency. The boys who sold bread to
the soldiers, would cry out, one loaf of bread for a Confederate
dollar and four loaves for one dollar "greenback." What was this
but owning the Confederate cause was already lost. This was
virtually the case when the following reply was given to the ques
tion: "Why do you sell more bread for one dollar in greenback
than for a Confederate dollar ?" "Oh, that is easily answered,
your money will be worth more than ours bye and bye."
Quite a brisk trade was carried on with the rebels in tobacco.
The weed was not bread nor as necessary, yet there were many
who Would have it, as a good "quid" now and then seemed a comfort
to them in their misery. "Tom" seemeJ to have a great faculty to
trade with the rebels in anything, and in this article it is said, he
did quite a successful business, buying of the "rebs" and selling
to his fellow prisoners at a small profit. One man in Company
H thought he could compete with "Tom" in the trade,
"Tom" was to furnish the article for his competitor. He
did so and after two days' trial, having sold only twenty cents
worth, he returns his unsold stock to "Tom" with the emphatic
exclamation, "There "Tom" take this infernal stuff, I could sell
anything else better than tobacco." It is true "Tom" was a great
trader but the men wanted bread. More bread was the daily cry
at Belle Island at that time.
Sunday, June 28th, 1 1.30 o'clock, the usually small pittance of
rations were issued. "We were very hungry, says one of the boys,
it having been nineteen and a half hours, since we received a

134 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

ration." He adds: "Alas, this was too soon gone and we smacked
out lips for more."
The rebels were greatly frightened on that Sunday. A Union
raid up the peninsular approached within four miles of Richmond.
It was observed by the prisoners that there was great e.xcitement
in the city. Troops were sent on the Richmond and Petersburg
Railroad as rapidly as possible all day long, and citizens were under
arms, including boys fifteen and sixteen years old, and every
means and precaution were used to give the hated Yankees a
warm reception.
At night, however, the trouble was over and next day all was
quiet as usual.
The evening of the 30th, was a time of great joy to the cap
tives, rumors had been rife through the day of a speedy parole.
About dark the order was given, "fall in," and was obeyed on the
double quick. The boys were then marched outside the camp
and told that they were to be paroled that night and start for
City Point at 3 o'clock the next morning. A correspondent .says:
A more joyous and light-hearted body of men were never together
than we were on the reception of this news. Many of the boys
hardly knew what to do with themselves, being so completely
overjoyed at the thought of so soon bidding adieu to rebel
"hospitality" and sitting under the old flag once more. Our
small allowance of meat and bread was dealt out to us for the
next day, but was quickly devoured by a majority of the boys in
somewhat of a greedy manner, after this, were told we could lie
down and sleep. It was a beautiful night and our accommodations
for sleep far better than inside of the camp. But the boys were
so elated at the idea of their freedom there was but little sleep
done that night. One of the boys who has since slept that "sleep
that knows no waking," wrote as foll(.)ws in his journal the next
da), "I lay two or three hours watching the stars. The full moon
shone brightl)-, making the night almost as light as the day, and
although we were prisoners yet it seemed very pleasant to get out

Capt, CHARLES D. B.CWEK.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 135

upon the green grass once more." At length the hour of three
A. M. came, nearl)- ever)- man was awake and anxiously waitino-
to hear the order, "F^ighteenth Connecticut fall in," but no such
order was heard. The joyous sound had been anxiously waited
for, and what a disappointment. In painful suspense the boys
waited until six o'clock, and then they were informed that the
order for their release had been countermanded, the reason as
signed was that a bridge on the Richmond and Petersburg Rail
road had broken down and they must wait repairs. The men were
then ordered back into camp, and they obeyed with feelings which
no pen can describe.
What a change came over the spirits of those men. Every
countenance so radiant with joy but a few hours before now gave
the clearest evidence of sorrow, too deep and painful for expres
sion, — one of Coinpany A says: "I think, none of as were more
thoroughlv disheartened during the whole time we were prisoners
than at that moment." And it is no wonder, the thousjht of
returning again to that filthy miserable camp, was almost enough
to drive one to distraction and madness. Those who have not
been captive in a Southern prison, can have but little conception
of the real soul agony of that hour.
To add to their misery on their return it was found that even
the poor tents which some had occupied were in possession of
others, and we were obliged to receive the rays of a scorching sun
without the least protection. "All we could do says one, was to
make the best of it. I bought three small biscuits for one dollar
and very poor at that."
About ten A. M, another order came to remove three hundred
of the prisoners over to Libby. This number consisted of a por
tion of the cavalry, artiller)- and each of the different regiments
of infantry represented in the camp.s. Coinpany A and the non
commissioned officers of Company B were the only ones of the
Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers, which the order included.
Bjt wi will let Gsorge H. Ray, of Coinpany A, tell the rest of

136 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

this story. "We knew not what was to be done with us, but
hoped we were to be fortunate enough to be paroled. The re
mainder of our poor boys crowded as near the embankment as
they dared to bid us good-bye, and to say what message to send
to their friends at home, should they be fortunate enough to
reach Yankee land. Never shall I forget the earnest, longing
look depicted on their faces as we marched away. Reached Libby
about noon, and were ordered to make our quarters on the first
floor. While marching over from the Island, a little incident oc
curred which is perhaps worthy of notice. Some of the boys who
had a little money, wished to purchase bread of the little fellows
selling it in the streets of the city, but were not allowed to do so
by the guard. I was much amused to see one of the little fellows
who had been trying for some time to get near enough to us to
sell some of his bread, but was driven away several times. Com
ing up again and getting as near as he could, and keeping his
eyes upon the guard, he threw two or three loaves to our boys, at
the same time exclaiming "there, they have them in spite of you."
The afternoon was devoted to cleaning our persons as we had
opportunity, water being brought into the prison from the river,
by means of pipes. Wc made a business of it too, for each one
had accumulated a pretty respectable portion of mother earth
during our stay on the Island."
Rations were issued about dark, after which we prepared for
sleep. About eleven o'clock we were aroused by the entrance of
the prison officials, one of whom exclaimed in a harsh voice, "fall
in." This command brought us to our feet at once, and we were
in line just as soon as each one could scrape together the few
articles remaining in his jjossession. We wert: then counted by
one of thc^se rascals, who immediately began to curse in a hor
rible manner, declaring that there were ele\('n more men in the
room than belonged there, and that they had better step out
and go up to the second floor, or he would take means to find
them out and punish them severely. No one stirred, so he con-

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 137

tinued cursing and threatening until he was nearly out of breath,
when he commanded us to remain where we were, and not move
an inch under penalty of very severe punishment while he went
up stairs to count the prisoners on the second and third floors.
After doing this, he came down, raging worse than ever, threaten
ing if those eleven men did not step out, he would send us all
back to Belle Island, and that we should be the last to be paroled.
But all remained quiet as before. We began to fear that our last
hope had vanished, when he came to the conclusion he would
count us once more, and by comparing the number with his mem
orandum, learned that he had made a mistake, and that we were
all right. He then left us; a short time afterward we were or
dered to fall in, this time for parole. A rebel captain then came
in, and ordering a certain number of us to raise our right hands,
proceeded to read the parole, the substance of which was, that
we would not take up arms again against the Government of the
Confederate States of America until we were lawfully exchanged.
Each man was required separately to assent to this parole. The
officer then went to the second and third floors above and paroled
those there, eight hundred in all. We were then left to ourselves
again until about two o'clock, when we were ordered to march out.
This order was obeyed in excellent time. Every one who had
a blanket was ordered to leave it in the prison, under penalty of
being sent back to Belle Island, and to cap the climax, as we
passed out, our cups, knives, forks, spoons and plates were taken,
thereby depriving us of everything we had when we were cap
tured, except the clothing on our backs. Each man then received
a small piece of bread, after which we took up our line of march
for the R. & P. R. R. depot with a light step and much lighter
hearts. As we passed Castle Thunder we were greeted by a
number of ladies, who had been held as hostages, and who were
to go on the same train with us. Not a word was spoken by
either party, but the silent waving of handkerchiefs and hands,
in that early dawn, expressed the feelings of all as well or better
IS

138 ELGHTEENTH REGLMENT

than words could have done. Arriving at the depot we were or
dered into old, and worn-out freight cars, the ladies having
been provided with a passenger car. and soon after we started for
Petersburg. Progress was very slow, and about two-thirds of the
distance was completed when we were obliged to switch off, and
wait for trains. Here we were detained about an hour, which seemed
much longer. Passing along a little further, we came to where
a bridge was broken down, and were obliged to change cars on
the opposite side. Here we met the eight hundred rebel prisoners,
on their way to Richmond in exchange for us. They presented
a striking contrast to us, were all hale and hearty, had their blan
kets, knapsacks, canteens and haversacks with them, while we had
not a single article in that line left us. This made the boys feel
unpleasant, but concluding discretion to be the better part of
valor, they said but little. Reached Petersburg about ten o'clock,
having been si.x hours making the distance from Richmond. Here
we changed cars again, and were delayed but a few moments,
when we started for City Point. Nothing of special interest oc-
cured on the route until we came to the river and saw the flag
of truce boat, with the old flag waving in the breeze. Then the
cheers that went up from the boys were fairly deafening. It was
a moment of profound interest, and the impression one never
to be effaced. I doubt if any of us ever experienced a happier
moment. The first paroled squad of the Eighteenth, Coinpany A and
ten men of Company B, never saw the "old flag" under such in
teresting circumstances before. To them it was the emblem of
liberty, peace and plenty. Under the dominion of the "rebel rag"
they had been shamefully abused, degraded, almost starved, and
treated like dogs, but the day of redemption had come, and no
wonder the boys were filled with transports of joy. Cheer after
cheer went up for the old fl.ig, much to the chagrin and discom
fort of the rebels, who w(ire soon to surrender these men to the
protection of the "Stars and Stripes." The last act vvas accomp-

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 139

lished about ten o'clock A. M., July 2d. The men went on board
the steamer New York, and were soon luxuriatingon Uncle .Sam's
coffee, meat, and good bread. Such a feast, and it was made the
most of. The voyage to Annapolis, Md., vvas delightful, at which
place the New York, with its joyous occupants, arrived Friday,
July 3d, and the men were sent to the parole camp.
There still remained on Belle Island the remainder of Com
pany B, about fifty members of Company G; of C, fifty-four; D,
eight; E, sixty; F, fifty-three; FI, forty-nine and forty-one of Com
pany I. It was a matter of great wonder to them why they
could not have been paroled with the others. It seemed to them
harder and more cruel than ever to submit to their fate. The fourth
of July was a gloomy day on Belle Island; never had these men
seen the return of "Independence day" under such deplorable
circumstances. Some of the boys tried to make the best of the
situation, and celebrate by singing patriotic songs, and bidding de
fiance to rebel hate and power. On the whole as one of the boys,
James M. Smith, Company K, wrote in his daily journal, "It
was about the most lonesome Fourth I ever saw." During the day
the men were ordered out into line and counted. The rebels were
sure to keep a sharp lookout for the liberty loving Yankees, es
pecially on 'Independence day.' If the boys had been well in
formed as their comrades at Annapolis on that memorable Fourth,
they would have made the ears of the rebels tingle with their
shouts. For on that day the tide of rebellion was turned at Get
tysburg — the National Unity was virtually restored, and the
Stars and Stripes rose again with new splendor and glory.
But the boys had no way of getting the news except by smug
gling rebel papers. For several days about this time copies of a
paper were in some way secured; or as late as the 7th of July a
Richmond paper was obtained, but it had no news of importance.
The news at that time was not of the right kind to circulate very
freely at the rebel capital. Nearly half of Lee's army was de
stroyed, and the remaining portion, in a shattered condition, was

I40 ELGHTEENTH REGLMENT

in full retreat up the Shenandoah. The men who had jeered
and laughed at the misfortunes of the Eighteenth Connecticut,
on the 15th of June, were either lying wounded or dead on the
fields of Gettysburg, o.r a discomfited, disorganized mass seeking
safety from Union bullets and bayonets. They had learned to
their sorrow that "one rebel could not whip five Yankees." On
the sixth day of this month one thousand more Union prisoners
were paroled. Among this number there was another squad of
the Eighteenth, who arrived at Annapolis on the 9th of July.
On the lOth rebel papers were obtained again. By this time
they began to publish a part of the truth with reference to the
disaster to Lee's army, and the hope of a speedy deliverance was
aroused among the remainder of the regiment on Belle Island.
On this day an event occurred which inspired great indignation:
a rebel ruffian stabbed a Union soldier who accidently slipped
into the ditch beyond which none were allowed to pass. On
July I 2th it was rumored that the remainder of the Eighteenth
would be paroled the next day. But "I take this rumor," said
the Smith already quoted, "without giving it much credit."
Hope deferred had made the heart sick. No wonder he was un
believing. But the next day vvas one of great joy to him and
other comrades, but not to all. The welcome order came,
"Eighteenth Conne'cticut fall in." This was obeyed instantly,
even those who had been so reduced by want and hardships that
they could hardly stand, were prompt in getting into line. Yet
some were doomed to disappointment. Four non-commissioned
officers of Company C, and some of each company, were marched
back again wearing sorrowful faces.
The rest, in company with others, about seven hundred in all,
were marched over to Libby prison and shut up for the nio-ht.
On the way an old woman gave one of the men a large loaf of
bread, refusing to receive any pay for it.
July 14th this squad was subjected to the same process as
former companies, and received in return for their knives, blank-

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 141

ets, cups, plates, &c., only a small ration of bread. Soon the
men were on the way to the cars, which were to convey them to
Petersburg. Here we will retire and permit comrade Smith, of
Company K, to tell the story of deliverance from rebel rule:
"We started for the land of plenty, but at a slow rate, looked
on Belle Island as we passed for the last time, rode through a
rough-looking country, though abounding with blackberries, on
which the men made attacks whenever the cars stopped. Ex
changed cars at Petersburg for City Point, nine miles, where we
went on board a transport — the New York. In a short time we
drew our rations, consisting of coffee, half a loaf of good bread,
and a large piece of bacon. It was the best meal we had eaten
for a month. We had also all the coffee we wanted. Soon we
were under way, and passing down the smooth waters of the fa
mous river came in sight of two monitors and three or four other
iron-clads. Our men cheered lustily, and the gallant tars re
sponded with a will. What a difference the coffee had made in
our spirits; all were smiling, cheering, laughing and talking.
Reached Newport News and Hampton Roads about seven o'clock
P. M., and cast anchor off Fortress Monroe." From this place
the men had a pleasant passage to Annapolis, where we shall
leave them for the present with their comrades, who had preced
ed them, in comfortable quarters, with good rations, new cloth
ing, excellent facilities for bathing, and possessing almost every
convenience and blessing of home-life. "It seems like home "
said one, "to be once more under the old banner and to go and
come as one pleases." Under these circumstances most of the
men soon gained their health and spirits, took delight in visiting
places of public interest, and viewing the delightful scenery of
the surrounding country lying along the river.
Having followed the captured portion of the regiment to the
rebel prison and to parole camp, we will now trace the wan
derings of the uncaptured.

142 EIGH TEEN T H REGIMENT

CHAPTER VI.

THE ESCAPE FROM WINCHESTER.

As soon as it had been determined to evacuate Winchester
the teamsters were ordered to cut their horses and mules from
the wagons and save them from capture if possible. After the
attack of the rebels on Monday morning many of the teamsters
ran their horses and mules to the mountains. Several of the
Eighteenth teamsters escaped in this way. Henry M. Durfcy,
wagon master, writes on Wednesday, as follows: "At half-
past two o'clock brought up at Hancock. I have had nothing to
eat since Sunday noon. One of the men has just brought in
a loaf of bread for five of us. No sleep till last night since Fri
day night; slept and fed in a wheat field last night. But in
comes a cavalryman who says the rebels are within four miles of
us and I must put out for Pennsylvania. June 19th, at Bedford,
Pennsylvania. At four P. M. we left Hancock, went seven miles
and were driven back, and at noon started for Cumberland.
When we arrived at Flintsville, thirty miles from Cumberland,
heard the rebels were already there. So we took to the woods,
sixteen miles from Chaunceyville, and camped for the night. In
the morning started for this place, twenty-six miles distant. We
had received nothing to eat for forty-eight hours, except what
we begged as we jogged along. At Rainsburg — every soldier
will remember that place — the ladies set their tables with the
best the place afforded, and every man was made welcome. I

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 143

ate dinner with ten others and tears stood in almost every eye
as we sat at the table. Only twenty of the Eighteenth are here;
where the rest are the Lord only knows. The rebels are only
six miles away, our forces are scouting, the bugle sounds, and
we must be off for Bloody Run. Many others had a similar ex
perience; we at length arrived at Bloody Run, and on July 14th
were among the first to enter Hagerstown, Maryland, after Lee's
evacuation of the place.
George Torrey, Company D, color sergeant, saved the State
banner, being among the number who escaped by way of Bloody
Run. It was a noble deed, as well as a very hazardous one. It
was too galling for the officer in command, to see his own State
colors surrendered to the proud and exultant enemy. But there
seemed to be no alternative, unless they could be destroyed, and
it is said an order was given to that effect. But Torrey boldly
resolved to escape, taking the colors from the staff, and winding
them around his body. He followed the trail of his retreating
comrades over the mountains, and the precious burden was cheer
fully borne along, during all the long and weary march, and
at length restored to the shattered and depleted regiment, which
had fought to the very last to preserve it from falling into the
hands of the enemy.
Thus the men who had been sworn to stand by their State and
country's flag, were not wanting in the hour of trial. Every
member of the regiment felt a glow of pride, that the rebels had
failed to capture the beautiful flag, the gift of the ladies of Nor
wich, Conn., and felt bound by special obligations to comrade
Torrey, for his successful effort to thwart their purpose. All
honor to the soldier who saved the state colors.
On the morning of the fifteenth of June 1863, the Eighteenth
regiment vvas broken into several divisions, the largest of which,
487 men, we have followed from Winchester to Richmond, and
thence, after eighteen or twenty days, to Annapolis, Md. There
were about two hundred men who escaped capture, by a flank

144 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

movement over the mountains to the west, and finally arrived
at Bloody Run, Penn. It has been stated elsewhere that Com
pany D, under the command of Capt. Joseph Mathewson was
on special duty on the morning of the fatal fifteenth of June,
in charge of about forty rebel prisoners. This company, with
Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-Third, Ohio, and
Company D, Twelfth Virginia, had been doing guard duty in
Winchester, during which time the above number prisoners had
been entrusted to their care. These companies received orders
from Gen. Milroy to take the prisoners to the rear, or to the
left, towards the mountains. They did so and then halted. Very
soon an orderly from Gen. Milroy arrived, with an order to leave
the prisoners in charge of a few picked men, and join their regi
ment in the fight, for the battle seemed to be going against
them. The order was being obeyed on the double quick, when
another orderly met them, and informed them of the surrender
of the Union forces, and ordered them to flee to the moun
tains. This order was immediately obeyed. Company D, thereby,
escaped capture. Then commenced a long and tedious march,
the hardships and privations of which can never be fully des
cribed. During the day this flying detachment was joined by a
large number of the Eighteenth, and other regiments, who had
participated in the morning fight, making a force in all of about
twelve hundred men, under the command of Col. Washburne,
One Hundred and Sixteenth Ohio. It is said that this force
marched forty miles the first day, an achievement, however, that
seems hardly credible. No doubt the distance seemed as great
to those who marched over it, The column moved early the
next morning, passed through the village of Bath, forded the
Potomac at .Sir John's Run, and arrived at Hancock, Md., soon
after noon. At this place, the boys drew some ham and were
on the point of cooking it, when the alarm was given that the
rebels were coming. Formed a line of battle, on a hill near by,
but no attack was made, However, the boys lost their supper

Capt, SAMUEL H. KHAPP.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 145

Were ordered from this place to Orleans Station, to take the
cars for Cumberland. Started about ten o'clock P. M., marched
nearly all night, arriving at Orleans about noon on Wednesday,
a distance of twenty-five mile.s. Here the unwelcome intelligence
was received that Cumberland was in the hands of the rebels,
and the railroad was destroyed in that direction. On the inarch
again Thursday morning early, and all day, a long weary day
it was, and at night slept among the mountains in Pennsylvania.
Friday, at daylight, the almost exhausted column was march
ing on, and about two P. M. arrived at Bloody Run, in Bed
ford County, after five days of almost unprecedented marching.
Three nights the column marched constantly and the longest
rest at one time was thirty minutes. Generally a stop of
five minutes was made each hour. The route pursued was
circuitous, to avoid the rebels, and it was thereby made all the
more tedious and embarrassing. The days were very hot, and
F. G. Bixby, then Orderly of Company D, says that many of the
men fell out on account of sun stroke. One day the men were
short of water, and it was so hot that their tongues swelled terri
bly. At Bloody Run, Gen. Milroy was found, who had a force
with him of six hundred men, which swelled the retreating col
umn to about eighteen hundred. The whole distance marched
was at least one hundred and fifty miles. By June 25th, there
were collected at Bloody Run about two hundred and fifty of the
Eighteenth, vvith only six commissioned officers, and three of
these belonged to Company D. It should be stated that the
forty rebel prisoners in charge of Corapany D, at the commence
ment of the retreat, gave out on the fourth day and were paroled
by Col. Washburne. The march over the mountains, with little
or no food, was too severe on them. At Bloody Run, the boys
found enough to eat, and felt comparatively safe from their rebel
pursuers. Besides Company D, and members of other compa
nies of the Eighteenth, who joined them in their hasty retreat,
there were little squads of the regiment scattered all along the
IS

146 ELGHTEENTH REGLMENT

way from Winchester to Bloody Run. These made their way
into the Union lines, and at length joined their comrades, mak
ing the whole number as stated above. If the personal advent
ures of these men were recorded, they would form a large and
interesting volume. Two or three incidents are here given as a
specimen. Lieut. Horatio Blanchard, Company B, writes from
Bloody Run to his parents, June 23d, as follows: "We are safe
as yet, thank God ! After the last charge, I heard that Captain
Bates was wounded throu^rh the arm, so I took one man and
o
went to look after him. We went on until the rebels were close
upon us and then we left. We could find none of our forces at
all, but Caleb (his brother) and George Heath. We cut our
way through the skirmishers, and then their cavalry dashed after
us. We ran through a cleared lot, over a hill, and doubled and
came back and laid down in the grass. The cavalry passed on.
We could see them all around us, and expected every moment
to be taken, but, thank God! they did not see us. We lay in
the grass till all had left, and then started and went about
three miles when women came out and begged of us to hurry
and hide. We crawled under a fence, and again the rebels came
all around us. After they went away the women brought us
something to eat and drink, and at dark we went into the mount
ains. We started for Martinsburg, but the rebels were there,
then we struck for Blooming Gap, and arrived there Tuesday
night. We started again Wednesday morning, and got into
a village about nine A. M., and found something to eat; then
went down the canal, through the tunnel, and sat clown to rest.
About one mile from the village a man came dashing throuo-h
saying, The rebels are coming,' he rushed away for the
mountains. We went about two miles and came to a house,
where were good Union people who brought us somethinu- to
eat, and we staid there four days. Th'^n started for this place,
travebJ chirty-iix; milsi yest-erday. Arrived h:;re this mornincr
'D )iit nine o'clock, marching ten miles without any breakfast.

CONNECTLCUT VOLUNTEERS. ,47

Twenty-one of our boys (Compan) B,) are here and glad to see
us. We ate breakfast, and then reported to Gen. Milroy for
duty, I lost everything but my sword and revolver."
On the 1 8th of June, Maj. Peale and his little band, with the
Twelfth Virginia, were ordered to join the Flighty-seventh Penn
sylvania Volunteers, and they remained with this regiment two
or three days assisting in work on the fortification of the Heights
After this. Gen. Tyler of Norwich, Conn., being in command
of the Heights, ordered Maj. Peale and men to his headquarters.
While on duty here, H. H. Starkweather and Dr Carleton, from
Norwich, paid us a visit to rencler assistance, and ascertain
further particulars concerning the fate of the regiment.
Remained at this post about ten days. Gen. F>ench, who re
lieved Gen. Tyler in command, ordered Maj. Peale to report
again to the Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania. While in this posi
tion the boys had a plain view of the rebels crossing the Poto
mac at Williamsport; at the same time Gen. Hooker was
crossing the river below at Point of Rocks. The spectacle was
grand and impressive.
Gen. Hooker soon ordered the evacuation of the Heights, and
directed that all the military stores be put on board the canal
boats, to be conveyed to Washington.
When Gen. Meade relieved Gen. Hooker, the force on the
Heights were ordered to join the army of the Potomac, excepting
a division which was placed in charge of the stores above men
tioned. The Eighteenth was included in this division. It took
them two days to reach Georgetown, where the)' remained one
day, July the 4th. Just at night marched to Ten nally town, a
short distance from Georgetown. Remained there one night and
day. On Monday morning, the following day, inarched through
Georgetown and Washington, and passing by the principal public
buildings of the Capital, at last reached the Baltimore depot,
nearly exhausted. 'Fhe mud vvas very deep, making the march
difficult, and exceedingly tiresome. Remained quiet the balance
of the day.

1 48 EIGH TEEN TH REGIMENT

Left Washington on the evening train for the Relay House,
and were then transferred to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad,
reaching Frederick City, Md., after two or three days of the
slowest railroading ever experienced. Passed through this place
to South Mountain, and were in line of battle nearly two days.
Then joined the army of the Potomac. Took an active part in
the campaign of Maryland after the battle of Gettysburg, march
ing, countermarching, and skirmishing with the rebels, until Gen.
Lee recrossed the Potomac. Major Peale remained with the
third army corps on its return to Virginia, by the way of South
Mountain, Pleasant Valley, Sandy Hook, Harpers' Ferry, Loudon
Heights, up the Loudon Valley as far as Snicker's F'ord, and Ash-
by's Gap, intercepting fragments of the rebel army, in full retreat up
the valley and capturing in all about five thousand prisoners. The
night after leaving Harper's Ferry was rainy and dark, and the
road rough and difficult of passage. Went into camp about mid
night, and early the next morning marched on leisurely, picking
blackberries by the way, and at night went into camp near a place
called Pepperville.
Next day Major Peale at his own request, was ordered to return
to Maryland, in search of that part of the regiment which es
caped from Summit Point by way of the mountains and Bloody-
Run. This was on .Saturday, and on the following morning, while
the army of the Potomac was marching further south. Major
Peale and his men were marching toward Harper's Ferry, where
he arrived the same day, recrossing the Potomac, and passing up
the river road and arrived at Sharpsburg about nine o'clock the
same evening, having marched over thirty miles during the day.
The other portion of the regiment did not know of the arrival of
Major Peale, until the next morning, when the boys exchanged
the most joyful greetings, and related with great interest their
experience during the time of their separation. It was about six
weeks since they had met, though it was ascertained that they
had been very near each other several times, during the Marv-

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 149

land campaign. The boys who met near the old barn on that
eventful morning, will never forget the emotions of the hour
While the greater part of the regiment were suffering hard
ships, sickness and want in Libby, and Belle Island, or actual peril
from their enemies Major Peale and his command were enjoy
ing comparative rest, and recruiting their spirits and energies, re
duced by long and tiresome marches, painful want and privations.
Gen. Smith was in command at Hagerstown, and Capt. Mathewson
of Company D was provost Marshall until the eighth of August,
when he was relieved, and Maj. Peale took the position. It was said
that Capt. Mathewson discharged his duty so faithfully that the
rebel sympathizers seconded his removal. If this was so, they
gained nothing by the change, as Major Peale performed his duty
fearlessly, and to the satisfaction of the loyal citizens of the place
Lieut. Morrison, Company I, with about thirty men was engaged
with an ambulance corps, to bring in sick and wounded soldiers.
After Lee's retreat, the country, for miles on his route, was filled
with the sick and wounded, and almost every house had its share
of these unfortunates. Through the efforts of the Eighteenth,
the hospitals at Hagerstown were filled with these men, where
their every want was supplied through the proper channels, and
by the assistance of patriotic citizens of the place. In no town in
Maryland did wounded or sick soldiers receive more care and at
tention, than in Hagerstown. At length the headquarters of the
Eighteenth were removed just outside of the town, as the wound
ed of both armies were being gathered into tents at that point.
This arrangement kept the whole regiment very busy, and the of
ficers were unremitting in their care ot their men, but the weather
was excessively hot. Dysentery and other summer complaints
prevailed extensively. The regiment remained in this position
until the last of September, displaying those praise-worthy quali
ties for provost duty, which had characterized them elsewhere,
and winning the respect of all loyal citizens and their kindest at
tentions.

I50 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

It is needless to say that under these circumstances the Eigh
teenth enjoyed comparative rest, and rapidly regained its former
health and vigor, during the beautiful weather of the first autum
nal month. Mutual acquaintances and attachments were formed,
which afterwards were renewed with the greatest pleasure and
cordiality. The Eighteenth will never forget the kindness of the
loyal citizens of Hagerstown.
At this point we will leave Major Peale and his command for
the present, returning to Summit Point to look after another
squad of the regiment. While one part of the comn-iand was on its
way to Richmond, and another was flying over the mountains to
the west and north, and still another retreating with all haste
toward Harper's Ferry, there was also, another portion of the regi
ment left on the field, wounded, dying or dead, together with those
who remained to care for them. 'Fhe noble dead of Winchester
and Summit Point, belonging to the Eighteenth, and its pride
and glory, must not be forgotten.
Honor.able mention should be made of each and all who so
bravely withstood the terrible shock of battle and suffered so
horoically the pains and horrors which followed. Comrades and
relatives, of these martyrs and sufferers for their country's flag,
should see to it that full justice is done to the memory of their
noble deeds, and every man receive his due reward of merit, or
meed of praise. This record is more especially for those of com
ing generations. In future time the history of the great rebellion
will be read more eagerly than now. 'Phe grand children of those
men who held back that murderous horde of rebels for three long
days, who fell wounded or dead to save the North from annihila
tion, will be anxious to read the record of their fathers' heroic
devotion and firmness, and will feel a just pride in rehearsing to
their children the noble deeds which saved the flag of their
country from disgrace and ruin. Every name of the heroic
wounded and dead, of the war, should be written in letters of
gold, and record made of their self-denying acts, and deeds of

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 151

daring, in characters that shall be as i:nduring as time. Let
one generation declare to another the names of the distinguished
patriots in the war for the Union, until the latest '^(meration.
Are the names of L)'on, Sedgwick and Mansfield immortal?
-So should be the names of the humblest heroes of the war, the
noble dead, and scarred veterans of everv rank.
It was a little remarkable that so few of the non-commissioned
officers were wounded in the battle of Winchester and Summit
Point. One sergeant. Orderly William Caruthers, Company H,
and three corporals, Samuel D. Worden, Company A, George
W. Blake, Coinpany F any Edwin S. Tabor, Company G, com
prised the whole member. Orderly Caruthers was badly wounded
in the bowels, on Sunday afternoon, June 14th, the ball passing
entirely through hirn. He was removed to the rear by Corporals
Thomas Jordan, John E. Barrows and Patrick J. Heverin, placed
in an ambulance;, and carried to a house two miles on the Martins
burg pike, and there left in the care of Heverin. His wound was
dressed by the surgeon of the F'ifth Maryland, who pronounced
it mortal, and ordered the grave marked, so his friends might in
clue time recover his body. But the plucky sergeant, though re
duced very low, had no idea of surrendering thus.
It is remarkable that all but one of the dead were killed in
the last day's fight at Summit Point, and most of those in the
third and last charge, made on that fatal morning, June 15th.
No wonder Gen. Milroy gave the order for that charge with
tremulous voice. He had every reason to believe that the fear
less act would be followed with terrible results to the Eighteenth
Connecticut. And so it was; and yet it was to the regiment the
path to glory, by it they signified their entire devotedness to
the country, and their obedience to the orders of their superiors.
There was one officer especially, of the line, who has not been
out-done in heroic valor and daring. First among the foremost,
he pressed on in the terrific charge that resulted in silencing a
whole battery of the enemy, killing or wounding every man at

152 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

the guns, and, for the time, spreading fear and consternation
among the enemy. That officer was Capt. Edward L. Porter,
Company F, who fell with his face to the foe, his forehead
pierced by a rebel bullet. He was the only son of Dr. Isaac G.
Porter, New London, Ct., and entered the service of his country
from a sincere conviction of duty. Virtuous, amiable and intel
ligent, in every way qualified for a high position in civil life, yet
when his country called for his services in the capacity of a sold
ier, he did not hesitate to obey that call. Just before leaving
Baltimore for Winchester, he bought a watch, and after his death
it was returned to his surviving parents, and in it was found writ
ten these words in Greek: " For the night cometh." This
sentence was characteristic of his general thoughtfulness, and as
the event showed, seemed not a little prophetic. Porter was a
general favorite in the regiment, and hence his death occasioned
deep sorrow among all his surviving comrades. Lieut. Rock
well, under date of June 30th, 1863, wrote as follows: "Captain
Porter fell in our last charge, mortally wounded by a bullet
in the head. He was universally loved and respected by the
regiment. He did his whole duty as a brave and true soldier,
and died honorably, charging with his men to the front." An
other who knew him well writes: "Captain Porter was a graduate
of Yale, a fine scholar, and had entered the profession of law
with excellent prospects." The following tribute is from the pen
of his surgeon, Dr L. Holbrook, in a communication to the af
flicted parents:
"With your honored son, Capt. Porter of the Eighteenth Con
necticut Volunteers, I had formed a pleasant acquaintance,
though of short duration, and I remember him as one of the
noblest of the company of martyrs, who, on that mem.orable
morning, offered up their lives on the altar of constitutional lib
erty. At my suggestion he went to the post hospital at Win
chester, two or three days before our evacuation of the place,
being sick with what I feared might prove typhoid fever. I vis-

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 153

ited him the day before the battle, and found him very weak, and
hence was very much surprised to find him at the head of his
company, but a sense of duty and a strong desire to be in his
place, in time of action, caused him to forget his physical suffer
ings. One of the officers of the regiment informed me that he
seemed possessed of superhuman strength and energy in the
battle, and gallantly led his men in the charge against the ene
my, when he was struck by a rifle bullet in the head and died
almost immediately. Captain Porter left a bright record of hon
orable manliness, was dignified and gentlemanly in manner,
always prompt in the conscientious discharge of duty, and with
his whole soul he espoused the cause of his country, and died in
the fore-front of battle, attesting by his death the sincerity of his
patriotism, and sealing with his blood his love of liberty, strug
gling against armed treason. His memory will long be cherished
in the hearts of his companions in arms, and I trust his grave
will long remain honored by his countrymen, as that of one of
the noblest in the long list of our country's martyrs."
These are just and beautiful tributes to the memory of Capt.
Porter, and others would cheerfully add theirs to swell his fame,
if it were necessary. We do not wonder that his record was so
bright and glorious, for he was the son of a mother who said,
"Edward is my only son, and well beloved, but if I had six sons
like him I would give them all to the service of my country."
Such were our country's soldiers. They counted not their
lives dear unto themselves, but fearlessly braved the storm of
death, and fell with face to the foe. If a faithful history of
these patriots could be written, a large volume would hardly con
tain the record. Special refererence ought to be made of each
man who fell in those terrible charges that were instrumental in
checking the advance of the foe for three days, and thereby en
suring the Union army the victory at Gettysburg. The men
who died at Winchester and Summit Point fell in one of the
grandest and most important fights for the Union. They were
ao

154 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

gloriously victorious in their death. Had they not stood fast
and fallen at their post, the enemy would have had comparative
ly an easy task to have reached Gettysburg three days sooner,
and who could have computed the results to Harrisburg, Phila
delphia and Baltimore? It would have been a miracle if
Washington itself had not been captured. The men who fought
and died, during those three days, died not in vain, and each man
seemed to understand the situation, the momentous interests
involved, and shrank not from the exigency. The Eighteenth
Connecticut need not fear that they wrought nothing for the
Union because they were defeated and mainly captured in those
memorable battles. They were overpowered, it is true, but not
dispirited. They were captured, or dispersed, but unyielding
and defiant in spirit and purpose, determined to fall into line
again at the first opportunity. The memory of such men is
blessed, they shall be held in everlasting remembrance, their
heroic deeds are immortal. Their death is inspiring, ennobling,
and encouraging to those who shall come after them.
'Historic band of herof-s.
Whose glories ne'er can fade.
While lives, a bard to chronicle
The record they have made."
Monday, Caruthers, who was supposed to be mortally wound
ed, had rallied and his prospects seemed good for recovery. The
first intimation he had of the capture of his regiment was received
from Harry Gilmore — a guerilla — and Gen. Stuart, who took
breakfast at the same house with Caruthers. Gilmore, at one time,
was a prisoner at Baltimore, and was acquainted with him, and
hence was disposed to show him favor. He sent an ambulance
at three in the afternoon which conveyed Caruthers to Taylor's
hotel at Winchester Here he found Geo. Ward and Hospital
Steward Ripley, with several others of his regiment. It was for
tunate for him that .Surgeon Holbrook and Ripley were there, and
permitted to serve the wounded in the hospital, both being spoken
of as especially serviceable to their wounded comrades.

. ''it>'

Capt. JOHH E. V/OOD'A'ARD.

CONNECTICUT VOL UN TEERS,

'f5,S

It should be mentioned that a finv of the citizens vied with
each other in kind attentions, among them being the two Misses
Sharps and others who canie and ministered to the Union sol
diers in their unfortunate condition. On the fourth of July, Rip
ley obtained leave to return to Summit Point to designate the
grave of Captain Porter and those of two meinbers of Compan)^
A, from Greeneville, but most of the time the Union prisoners
were watched very closely, and allowed but few privileges. If any
extras were enjoyed, they were obtained through strategy on the
part of surgeons or Union attendants. Many will doubtless re
member the secret passage in the hotel, through which not a few
comforts were obtained, without exciting the suspicion of the
rebel authorities, but deliverance came at last. All the officers
of the Eighteenth, as before stated, had been sent to Richmond
on the third of August. Three days after the last squad had been
sent off, Maj. Gibson of the Third Virginia Cavalry, (UnionJ,
made a dash into Winchester and charged through the town. In
the confusion, Lieut. Caruthers, who had partially recovered from
his wound, and Ripley made their escape, by getting into Gibson's
ambulances which had been provided for the purpose of rescuing
wounded prisoners. They had barely time, however, to get away,
for as soon as the Union Cavalry had driven the rebel guard
through the place, they, in turn, were attacked by rebel forces,
stationed at different points outside, and driven back in great
haste. But the ambulance train kept in advance of the Union
force, and the rescued prisoners were thus saved. They reached
Harper's Ferry the same day, though hotly pursued by the rebels.
Lieut. Caruthers, however, was put in great danger of his life by
this sudden and hasty movement. His wound bled freely ao-ain,
and he was nearly senseless from the loss of blood. Ripley gave
him every attention, and but for his timely and kind attentions,
Caruthers would probably have lost his life. After two days at
Harper's Ferry he was able to go to Baltimore, thence he returned
home on a furlough, where he remained about forty days. Hav-

156 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

ing nearly recovered, he returned to his regiment, joining Col.
Peale at Washington depot, Baltimore, in charge of the paroled
portion of the regiment, on its way from Annapolis to Martins
burg. Corporal S. D. Worden, Company A, was among the paroled
wounded, but was sent to Richmond, and from there to Annapo
lis. His wound was not serious, being on the ear, but the
inhuman treatment of his captors at Belle Island ruined a natur
ally strong constitution, and there were planted the seeds of a
disease which finally resulted in his death. After his parole he
became an inmate of the New Haven hospital, where he re
mained until March 8th, 1864, when he received an honorable
discharge and returned to the home of his brother, in Wind
ham county. Soon after, he received a final discharge from
the Great Commander, when he was in the thirty-second
year of his age. Worden was a worthy man, liberally educated,
being a graduate of the Meadville, Pa., Unitarian Theological
School, and had occasionally occupied the pulpit of that denomi
nation in Lowell, Mass., and other places. He left Lowell for
Greeneville, Ct., but after his arrival at that place, heard the call
of patriotism, and enlisted in the company then forming in ihat
village. Worden will ever be held in grateful remembrance by
his comrades in arms, who esteemed him highly for his noble
qualities of mind and heart.
Privates John Crawford and Islay B. Martin, Company A,
died of wounds, at Winchester, July 2d. Their bodies were
after a time returned to their parents in Greeneville, and buried
vvith imposing funeral rites from the Congregational church, a
large audience attending. Nelson C. 'Phompson, of the same
company, died June 30th, in .'\von in Hartford county. Of the
others, who received honorable scars in the memorable fight at
Winchester, almost the entire number finally recovered.
The officers captured, not wounded, were as follows: — Col.
William G. Ely, Lieut. Col. Monroe Nichols, Surgeon Lowell
Holbrook, Quartermaster Dwight W. Hakes.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 157

Capts. Flenry C. Davis, George W. Warner, Ezra J. Mathew
son. First Lieuts. A. H. Lindsay, Andrew W. Loomis, John T.
McGinnis, John E. W^oodard, I. N. Kibble, George Kies.
Second Lieuts. James D. Higgins, E. D. Carpenter, Henry F.
Cowles, Frank McKeag, Joseph P. Rockwell, John Francis,
William H. Locke, M. V. B. Tiffany, Ashael G. .Scranton, twen
ty-two. in all.
The last of these arrived at Libby, August 5th, viz. Holbrook,
Bowen and Merwin, and like their predecessors they were sub
jected to all sorts of rebel indignities, strict search was made,
money, rubber blankets, haversacks, officers' sashes and every
thing of value that could be discovered was taken, and they
were left entirely to the tender mercies of their captors.
The officers wounded and captured numbered four, viz.:
Capts. Thomas K. Bates, Company B; George W. Warner,
Company G; Charles D. Bowen, Company H; and Lieut.
Merwin, Company C. From the commencement of the fioht
until the close, there was great confusion and excitement, but
amid it all, preparations were made for the best attention possi
ble for the wounded, by the Union surgeons, who resolved to
remain with their regiments. The surgeon of the Eighteenth,
Lowell Holbrook, took possession of the nearest house and es
tablished a field hospital. The usual signal was raised by hano--
ing a small flag out of the upper window, but for a time the
rebels did not see it, or did not care to see it, and continued to
shell the house, to the great danger of the wounded who had
been conveyed there, or who had sought shelter in the rear of
the building. Ninety-three men in all were received at this
place, thirty-five of whom were members of the Eighteenth.
The hospital steward, J. D. Ripley, who had been partially dis
abled by a shock, the result of concussion produced by the
explosion of a shell, had the surgeon's case of instruments taken
from him by the rebels, and this greatly embarrassed and hindered

158 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

the work of giving proper attention to the wounded. Other
regiments fared no better in this respect; the hospital stores
generally sharing the same fate. Dr Holbrook had no surgical
instruments except such as he happened to have in his haver
sack. The surgeons were thus deprived of the necessary means of
properly dressing wounds of an ordinary character, and what
was of still greater importance, deprived of the means of render
ing timely aid to several, in whose cases immediate amputation
of limbs was necessary to ensure preservation of life. Among
others, Capt. Bates was badly wounded in the arm, though at
the time he did not think his injury very serious, it was at length
decided that amputation would be necessary. As soon as it
could be effected the wounded men were conveyed to Winchester,
and Dr. Holbrook, who had received an order from Gen. Early
soon after the surrender, to remain in charge of the field hospital,
which he had established in the morning, made a request that am
bulances should be sent for this purpose, but only one ambulance
was forwarded the first evening. A similar request of Gen. John
son, the next day, resulted in the acquisition of a few more. It
was not until Wednesday afternoon, the third day after the battle,
that all the wounded of .Summit Point arrived in Winchester.
Capt. Bates was under the immediate care of Surgeon Holbrook,
who thought the captain's arm might be saved. The rebel sur
geons insisted upon amputation, but at length gave away, on ac
count of the earnest pleadings of the captain, that it should not
be done. It required, however, great care and skill on the part
of Dr Holbrook to save the arm, and Capt. Bates declared that
he owed his lift to llu: faithful attention of his surgeon. But he
o
was reduced very low b) his wound, which was exceedingly
troublesome. He was now at Taylor's hotel, which was used for
hospital purposes. Dr Holbrook made arrangements with parties
to bring, as often as possible, a few necessary comforts for the
wounded, and in this wa)' the wants of the wounded, were in part

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 159

supplied. About the last of July Capt. Bates made his escape
by strategy. F"rec[uent proposition had been made, and times set
to send him to Richmond, but he had pleaded so earnestly, say
ing that he would rather be shot than sent to Richmond, that the
time for his departure had been deferred.
It became evident, however, that his removal would not be de
ferred much longer, and Bates determined to make his escape. A
party of rebels having been ordered out toward the Union line,
for observation, under a flag of truce, Capt. Bates, by a change
of suit, managed to join them, in the garb of a rebel private.
Proceeding toward Harper's Ferry, this squad of observers very
unexpectedly fell in with Union Cavalry that took them as pris
oners into the Union lines, and thus Capt. Bates obtained his lib
erty. From Harper's Ferry, he was sent to Baltimore, from
whence he returned home on a furlough. Continuing to suf
fer from his wound, and his prospect not being very flattering for
recovering the use of his arm very soon, if ever, he was, by his
own request, honorably discharged for disability on the 17th of
November following. Capt. Bates was an excellent officer, and
one of the best disciplinarians and tacticians in the regiment, and
his loss to the regiment was universally regretted.
Capt. Bowen having received a dangerous wound in the right
lung, had been left on the field for dead. .At length reviving, he
was taken to the hospital, but for several days, it vvas the opinion
of the surgeon that he could not recover He remained at
Winchester about four weeks, and was then so far recovered, that
he was sent to Richmond, in company with Lieut. Merwin,
who had a wound in the foot. Capt. Bowen and Lieut. Mer
win were put into an old rickety army wagon, with nineteen
others, and sent to Staunton, where they were detained three
weeks, suffering greatly from their wounds, and the want of
proper food and care, having no shelter, or medical care of any
kind, and but for the aid of a rebel sergeant they must have died
on the way. He marched all day, and then sometimes went two

i6o ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT

or three miles to get rations cooked for the wounded. His kind
ness was highly appreciated. At Staunton they were surrounded
with a guard, their money was taken from them, and they suf
fered other cruel annoyances. The officer in command, excused
his conduct, saying that it was the most disagreeable duty he
ever had to perform, and throwing the responsibility upon higher
rebel authorities. Surgeon Holbrook marched as far as New
Market, and then, in company with six others, rode to Staunton
in a two horse coach, for which each paid twenty dollars in Con
federate money. On reaching Staunton, they were marched to
the top of a hill, in the vicinity of the place, and within the limits
of twenty rods square, on a barren mountain peak, closely guard
ed, were left to shift for themselves. Nothing in the shape of
a covering, from the scorching rays of an August sun, was
provided, and there was no protection from storm, or the dews ol
night. A protest was met by the declaration that "surgeons were
held as prisoners of war, to be treated like officers of other rank."
A temporary shelter was made by the use of rubber blanke.ts,
fastened together and thrown over a frame work of rails, under
which the two men were made more comfortable, but they still
suffered much, especially for want of proper food. After a few
days the surgeons were sent on to Richmond and Libby. A day
and a night were spent on a platform car, or freight box, huddled
together so closely, that there was no room to lie down without
lying upon each other It was a very tedious journey. The men
would have nearly suffocated in the closely packed car, if they
had not kicked out about one third of its side. The opening
let in fresh air, and thus the ride to Richmond was rendered tol
erable. The Libby so famous in the history of the war has been so
many times described it is hardly necessary to say much about it
here, and it will be sufficient to give only a brief description. Two
hundred feet long, and forty wide, three stories high, with a par
tition cross-wise in the middle, making six rooms loo by 40 feet.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. i6i

CHAPTER VII

THE OFFICERS AT LIBBY.

There was a cellar below paved with cobble stones, adjoining
Libby but separated from it by a wall, which cellar was said to
have been mined for the purpose of blowing up Libby with its
inmates, in case the city should be taken by the Yankees. As
cending from the ground floor is found a long oblong room, with
two rows of stout wooden posts to support the ceiling. The win
dows were iron-grated, those of the front looking out upon the
street, and those of the rear commanding a view of the canal close
by, and the river just beyond it, and the opposite shore. Above this
was an immense garret, embracing the entire area of the floor
This is the famous Libby prison, converted into a den of misery,
starvation and death. At the time the officers of the Eighteenth
were incarcerated here, there was present in all, about one thou
sand officers of all ranks and of every department of the service.
There were representatives from all parts of the country, from
Maine to Minnesota, and from Michigan to Tennessee, and they
were as diverse in their nationality as in their place of residence.
Yankees, Germans, French, Spanish and Irish were mixed up in
discriminately, and were not a little incommoded by this close
proximity of discordant elements. But they were not long in
choos'ing their intimate associates, and every one found his ap
propriate sphere of social intercourse and action. Here was found
the erudite scholar, the cultivated gentleman, and genuine chris-

31

i62 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

tian, and their opposite, and although shut out from the world,
the inmates of Libby were subject to almost every variety of in
fluence, and hence, those not doomed to intellectual torpor,
or moral degeneration, cultivated a literary taste by the
study of languages. French, Spanish, Latin, Greek, English,
history, and science here found her admirers and votaries. A
literary society existed, in which questions of national policy,
morality, civiliza'tion and Christianity were ably discussed. A
paper called the "Libby Chronicle," devoted to facts and fun,
was edited with marked ability, in which articles appeared that
might vie in merit with those of the best periodicals of the day,
both in prose and in verse.
On the whole the officers of the Eighteenth had very good
company while in Libby, as among their number were nine
clergymen, chaplains from the army, men of talent and zeal.
These conducted religious meetings on the Sabbath and held
frequent prayer and conference meetings during the week.
Their fare at first was none of the best, and the officers did not
grow fat as fast as they would have done had beef-steak been a
little more plenty.
In looking back upon their scanty fare, it seems almost impos
sible that the men could have stood it as well as they did. It
is true their labors were quite light, not having much occasion
for muscular strength.
One day's rations — One-fourth of a pound of beef, nine ounces
of bread of variable quality, sometimes wheat, sometimes a
mixture of flour and corn-meal, and sometimes of coarse, unsift
ed corn-meal mixed with water and about a gill of rice, was a full
daily ration, and to men who had been full fed or accustomed to
good fare, this seemed rather hard. After the battle of Gettys
burg there was a marked difference in rebel treatment of these
prisoners, as the tables were turned; Lee, having been soundly
whipped, was in full retreat for Richmond, and many rebels had
been captured by the Union army. The number of prisoners

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 163

greatly preponderated in favor of the North, and the opportunity
to retaliate was now given to "Lincoln's Government," hence
the authorities at Richmond began to be more lenient, and by
simple force of circumstances, there was a great change for the
better The buildings were thoroughly cleansed, white-washed
from ceiling to floor, water from the James river introduced into
all the rooms, and the officers were allowed the privilege of send
ing to the market by the prison officials for fruits and vegetables,
while the rations issued to them in a raw state they were permit
ted to cook for themselves. Here was a fine chance for the
display of Yankee ingenuity to make the best use of their means
for health and comfort. For a while they were permitted to re
ceive boxes of food and clothing from home, and no one can
realize the delight ot these men in the reception of the kind re
membrances of the loved ones at home, but those who have been
placed under similar circumstances. In this way, gold and even
greenbacks were smuggled into Libby and the prisoners received
pocket money to buy comforts, without which they must have
suffered great inconveniences and actual hunger A ball of but
ter, or a loaf of cake would contain the golden coin, and a
very pleasant sensation would be produced by these happy
revelations. The following is from the "Connecticut Record during the
Rebellion." This monotonous life was occasionally varied by a distinguish
ed arrival. Col. Straight, then famous, enlivened the prison by
his able and fearless debates on the slavery question with any
rebel who came within reach. Gen. Neal Dow arrived from
Mobile, where he had been a prisoner in the enjoyment of a
considerable degree of freedom and intercourse with the citizens,
and he repeatedly addressed the officers, informing them of the
inner life of the Confederacy and its waning hopes and prospects.
These speeches were frequently interrupted by the sudden ap-
peara,nce of the rebel sentinel, when the speaker would continue.

1 64 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

unterrified, "As I was saying, this indulgence in alcoholic stimu
lants is ruinous to the mental, moral and social character of men,"
&c. Officers came in from all the armies constantly, and the oc
cupants of Libby were probably better informed in regard to the
condition of the Rebellion than were their friends at home. By
a constant interchange of news and sentiments, they were kept
in cheerful spirits.
In February of 1864, Col Ely escaped from Libby with one
hundred and eight other officers, through the famous tunnel.
They had obtained entrance, through a hole in the floor, to aa
unoccupied basement; and thence had dug directly out under
Twentieth street, loosening the earth with an old hinge, and re
moving it in a broken sugar-scoop taken from the hospital. The
sand was then drawn out in a carpet-bag, and secreted about the
cellar They were at work upon the tunnel for fifty-five da)'s,
when the pioneer, Capt. J. N. Johnson of the Sixth Kentuck)-
Cavalry, reached daylight, and came up under an old shed acro.ss
the street. That night, at nine o'clock, the first man left, and
at five the next morning the last rnan had gone. About fifty
were finally recaptured by the cavalry, who scoured the State in
all directions; among them being Col. Ely, in a state of great
exhaustion. He was taken by the cavalry, forty-two miles out,
after being absent four da)'s.
In March, 1864, Col. William G. Ely, Lieut. CoL Monroe
Nichols, Capt. G. W. Warner, Lieuts. I. N. Kibbe, M. V. B.
Tiffany, J. P. Rockwell and John A. Francis were paroled and
returned to the North, their exchange following. The other
officers of the Eighteenth were, on May 7th, sent to Dan
ville, Va., and after a few days transferred to the new stock
ade prison at Macon. In December, Lieut. D. W. Hakes
and Capt Charles D. Bovven, with Lieuts. A. H. Lindsay,
George Kies and A. G. Scranton were paroled and went North.
In February, 1865, the men and balance of the officers of the
Eighteenth were sent to Charlotte. On the way, Lieut. Flenry

CPC^^^

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 165

¥. Cowles jumped from the cars, was secreted by tht negroes,
and joined Sherman's advance cavalry. Lieut. Ezrt D. Carpen
ter escaped from the hospital, and occupied Columbia the day
before Gen. Sherman. The remaining officers were paroled at
Wilmington, N. C, in March 1865; having been in captivity
twenty-one months, without the loss of a man.
The following letter from Surgeon Holbrook, written soon
after his release from Libby, will give a truthful idea of the life
the officers of the F^ighteenth led, while confined in that memor
able prison:
•'Some account of the daily round of duties and occupations in
Libby, might be worth recital. With the first grey dawn of the
morning, the sleepers scattered over the floors of the various
rooms, as thickl)' as they could well be stowed, were aroused to
consciousness by the stenatorian voice of a stalwart darkey, crying-
out, 'All four copies of the morning papers!' 'Rise gentlemen and
buy the morning news!' 'Great news in the papers!' 'Great news
from the Rappahannock!' 'Great news from Charleston!' 'Great
news from James river!' 'Great news from Ireland!' 'Are all the
gentlemen supplied with the morning news?' 'I'm bound for to
travel!' He brought copies of the daily Richmond papers, each
a small half sheet of dingy, brown paper, generally containing
little that we could regard as reliable. They usually had a lead
ing article, filled with the most exaggerated statements and false
hoods of Yankee barbarity, and thoroughly imbued with the
most uncompromising hatred for the Union, and all who remained
loyal to the government. The next business in order for the now
thoroughly aroused prisoners is, for those whose turn it is to act
as cooks for their respective messes, to commence their culinary
labors, which consist in preparing a hash from the meat boiled
the previous day, and whose juices well extracted in boiling with
rice, had served for yesterday's dinner.
"Then the rattle of cooking utensils, the slamming of stove
doors, the crowding around the fires of a hundred men, each with

1 66 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

his tin cup, intent on preparing for himself some extra dish, af
forded a lively and amusing scene. Each mess of twenty five or
thirty enjoyed its privileges of the mess kettles and tables, in reg
ular order, and one succeeds another in the greatest rapidity
practicable. After breakfast follows a general preambulation
through the different rooms, all of which communicate, and an in
terchange of mutual greetings and discussion of the news of the
day. Next the class in French, or Phonography, or German, or
Battalion drill is announced, and the students betake themselves
to the room and corner designated.
"In the meantime a troupe of some dozen negroes appear with
brooms to sweep and scrub the floors, which they do in a hurry,
leaving instead of the dust removed, a quantity of water which
will be evaporated in the course of the day. Some pass the
hours in writing, reading, or in games, among which chess, check
ers and various games with cards are included. Among the
variety of pursuits and amusements, music claims no small share
of attention, and groups may here and there be found, intent
upon rendering in most melodious accents, the choicest selections
from Handel, Mozart, and other masters of sacred song. In
other places, proficients upon the violin discourse Ethiopian mel
odies, to which some charmed listeners are keeping time, giving
lively motion to their pedal extremities, and so wears ayvay
the day, till at length the sable curtains of night again cast their
shadows over the crowded rooms.
" At early candle lighting, evening services are announced for
some particular room, when all, who are religiously inclined, re
pair thither to engage in the exercises of the meeting. But
among such a company, perhaps less than one-fourth move in
that direction. Others are gathered in groups around the rooms,
busy with games, and thus pass away the time.
"Among soldiers, it is a remarkable fact that smoking is
almost universal, and a person of sensitive olfactories, who dis
likes tobacco, if in Libby, must be a martyr, with no possibility

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 167

of escape. He must eat it in his hash, drink it in his coffee
inhale it at every breath, and experience no relief, till lost in the
unconsciousness which sleep brings to his offended senses.
" But some of the most ludicrous incidents in Libby life occur
after all its inhabitants have arranged themselves, each in his
chosen spot, upon the floor, with, his army blanket around him.
Then commences a succession of conundrums, questions and re
plies, technically called the catechism. This embodied a general
censorship of the habits, opinions or peculiarities of whatever
kind, of any, who might attract special attention. And among
such a collection of persons of such diversity of opinions, and
such a variety of habits, enough could always be found to fur
nish means for an hour of uproarious hilarity. Such questions
as the following would be proposed:
'Why ought the best of English poetry to emanate from this
room ?'
' Because we have a Spencer and a Burns here, and they live
in a garret — the poet's usual abode.'
' Who stole Mosely.s hash ?'
' Carpenter'
' Who says he does not belong to the Abolition Army ?'
' Glasboro.'
' Who offered to enlist in the rebel army, if he could be released
frbm prison ?'
' Pierce.'
' Who said he had more meat than he could eat ?'
' Ketchum.'
' Who sold his boots for money, to buy extra mutton chops ?'
' Ketchum.'
' How does Libby differ from another public institution in
Philadelphia ?'
' That is a Northern home for friendless children — this is a
friendless home for Northern children &c., &c.'
At last all seem satisfied, and sleep and silence, except the sub-

1 68 ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT

bass of heavy snoring from many up-turned noses, reigns supreme
till the dawn of another day. Thus it will be seen that live
Yankees, even when prisoners in Rebeldom, and subject to all the
discomforts which semi-barbarism can impose, will be Yankees
still, and find amusement in the exercise of the mental vivacity
peculiar to the race. But in the day time, the numerous speci
mens of mechanical skill, wrought from the bones of the thin,
blue beef which supplied us food, were truly worthy of admira
tion. Here were manufactured finger rings of exquisite work
manship; crosses inlaid with hard rubber, cut from the baqk of a
pocket comb, napkin rings, wrought with the most elaborate
designs, miniature toilet tables, &c., in great profusion.
But in all this activity and bustle, when all seemed cheerful,
if not contented, there was none, whose thoughts did not often
revert to the scenes and affections of home; and none failed to
enquire daily for the news in relation to exchange. Many were
the rumors that daily went the rounds, to elate or depress the
poor prisoner, who, whatever else he might do, or think, ceases
not to long for the happy hour which shall place hirn again under
the folds of the "Star Spangled Banner," and return him once
more to the society of loved ones at home. Examples of these
ever recurring, hope inspiring and depressing agents, were the
following: 'Commissioners of Exchange met yesterday, and effected a
cartel ! — All to be exchanged immediately !'
'Then in the same hour, purporting to come from some of
fical —
' Commissioners could not agree ! — No exchange probable for
months to come !'
' Another would affirm —
' All to be exchanged except the surgeons !'
' 'Fhen —
¦ The surgeons will go in the next boat !'
' The negro question prevents all exchange !'

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 169

• Then —
' The negro question has never been an issue !'
' One comes directly from the commandant of the prison and
informs us— -
'That we shall be here only a short time longer !'
' Aiiother says —
'It has been advised from the same authority, that we had
better prepare for winter quarters, and send home for cloth
ing and provisions !'
But this will suffice for a sample of prison-life in Libby, as re
cording the varying hopes of alternate lights and shades, con
flicting hopes and fears.
To one who has endured it for four months, never for a mo
ment walking abroad into the outer world, and never breathing for
once the pure air of heaven, and finally has passed once more
to the comforts a|id enjoyments of freedom and home, it is more
pleasant to forget, than to cherish the memory of this long, dark
period of sharp discomfort and privation."
August 15th, Major Peale, with about two hundred and
fifty men, was at Hagerstown, Md., doing provost duty — about
four hundred and eighty paroled men were at Annapolis, or on a
French leave to their homes in Connecticut, and a few others
were in hospital, either at Baltimore, or Harper's Ferry. The
remainder, mostly officers, were in Richmond, having a taste of
rebel hospitality, in Libby prison.
Returning to parole camp August 15th, we find some change
in the position of affairs at that place. So large a portion of the
regiment having nothing to do, but to enjoy themselves as well
as they could, it was not surprising that the men became restless.
Doing nothing was most tedious of all things. The men becom
ing disatisfied, longed for a change. As they had not been ex
changed, and there being no prospect that they would be for
sometime to come, they began to think that they might as well
make an effort to reach home, as to stay where they were, They
3?

170 ELGHTEENTH REGLMENT
made known their intention to one of the officers who replied:
"If they did not set out for home, it was because they were not
smart," which was plain intimation for them to go. Of course tjie
officer in charge could not give permission, but the boys under
stood that if they could succeed, he would make no trouble. N^ot
one of the men, however, had the least idea of deserting, but t/i.y
were of no use to the government where they were, and :oe)-
might as well go home on a short visit, returning as soon as it
was announced that e.xchange had been effected. They did go,
at least a portion of them, some one way, and some another.
They remained at home about a month, or until an order was is
sued for their return, from the Provost Marshal, in the district to
which they belonged in Norwich. They made arrangements to
return at once, and would have been back at Camp Parole,
several days earlier than was the case, but for the deception
practiced upon them by two men from Hartford, named Chapman
and Calhoun. Among the number were eleven men, from
Putnam, who were basely imposed upon by meddling officials.
The night before the boys intended to set out on their return,
these men visited Putnam and informed the soldiers that they
would furnish them transportation, cheaper and quicker than
they could get it for themselves. This quicker passage proved to
be via Hartford, New London and Governor's Island, New York.
At the latter place they suffered great indignities, and were put
into "Castle William," where they were compelled to lie on the
bare floor, without blankets, or bedding, suffering not a little from
the cold, it being about the middle of September. It was the
opinion of the victims that they were safer in the hands of the
rebels, than with their Hartford friends, whose infamous conduct
will not be forgotten. With reference to this affair one of the
boys wrote as follows from Annopolis:
Once again, owing to the philanthropic and patriotic efforts of
the friends of the Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers, our regi
ment is somewhat numerously represented here. On our arrival

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. iji

we found it was not our loved and respected Uncle Sam. who
wanted us, but some individuals who wished to demonstrate, to
the wondering eyes of all beholders, tht; mighty power resident
in 6he small body, and smaller soul of some of the petty officials
of Connecticut, who, we suppose, consider their office almost, if
not quite, equal to that of President of the United States, and are
afraid that some may not be aware of the fact."
It would have been a great deal more instructive than flat
tering to those friends of the soldier, if they had heard the opin
ions of the boys concerning their character, and the kind wishes
expressed for their present and future state. At this time the
paroled prisoners had been removed from the old camp, into the
new barracks built this summer, about a mile from the old loca
tion. The barracks were more comfortable than the old tents,
but they were not comfortable enough to eradicate from the
minds of the boys, their hatred and contempt for the "petty of-
ficals" referred to above. Nor are they to be blamed for this.
The officers knew that the soldiers were not deserters, they ac
knowledged they were not deserters, and, moreover, had said
that had they been in their places they would not have done
otherwise. After this, matters resumed their usual appearance at Camp
Parole, and the boys tried hard to be contented with their idle
life, though it was difficult to be contented. The camp was pleas
antly located, on a level piece of ground, about a mile and a half
from the cit)- of Annapolis as before stated. There was a wood
lot near by, which furnished excellent shade in the heat of the
day but at the same time, it harbored .swarms of mosquitoes
and flies, that persisted in desperate charges on the men at every
opportunity. Finally it became the general opinion that fighting-
mosquitoes, vvas about as unpleasant and dangerous as fighting
rebels. Good bathing places were within a short distance, and
other pleasant surroundings and conveniences, made the situa
tion tolerable. If any one was not cleanly and measurably

172 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

healthy, it was chiefly his own fault. Rations were drawn regu
larly, and in sufficient quantity, and the men, divided into squads,
suiting themselves as to the number in a squad, took tiirns in
cooking and doing housework generally. Not a few boasted of
their accomplishments in the culinary art, and man)- a "better
half" at home, was informed of what she might expect in the
line of instruction, if "Johnny should be so fortunate as ever to
come marching home again." Hospital tents, a few rods in the
rear of the camp were kept clean and comfortable, and the sick
apparently were well cared for Near at hand, also, was a good
reading room, free to all, and furnished with tables, writing ma
terial in abundance, and a variety of things for the convenience
and pleasure of the soldiers. The good Union people of Balti
more had the credit of providing all these comforts and conveni
ences. Religious meetings, singing schools, and debates, were
held in one tent, where those disposed could spend much of their
time pleasantly, and profitably. In fact the boys had nothing to
do, but please themselves through the remainder of the month
of September, and they succeeded as might have been expected.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 173

CHAPTER VIII.

THE REGIMENT REUNITED.

On the 27th of September, 1863, Col. Peale was ordered to
report to Gen. McReynolds at Martinsburg, Va. This being
done, he vvas then ordered to Annapolis to conduct the paroled
portion of the regiment to the same place, as it was reported that
an exchange had been effected. The reunion occurred Octo
ber 3d, and was a time of great interest. For nearly four
months the regiment had been in a condition of disruption and
uncertainty, not at all favorable to military order and discipline,
and the boys were glad to see each other once more. With
reference to these movements we find the following recorded:
The first is from a correspondent, FI. C. T., of the Windham
County Transcript, under date of October i6th, as follows:
"Two weeks ago we left our encampment near Hagerstown,
and marched to this place, and find ourselves once more with
the brigade that escaped from Winchester. Fifty of our regi
ment were left at Hagerstown, for provost guard, and Lieut.
Spaulding, Company D, is provost marshal there. The men have
plenty of guard duty, as the force here is not large. Some of
the boys became very much attached to Hagerstown, and were
sorry to be ordered away, but last Tuesday orders came from
the war department to remove all government stores to Harper's
Ferry, and the sick were sent to Cumberland. The troops were
then ordered to have three days' rations cooked, and to be ready

1 74 EIGH TEEN TH REGIMENT

to fall in at a moment's warning. Sutlers and store-keepers
packed their goods, and many sent them off on the cars, negroes
and non-combatants prepared to leave, and rumor said that Gen.
Lee with his whole army was again in the valley. Our cavalry
went out in all directions, but did not discover that any force of
rebels had been near the place, with the exception of Imboden's
cavalry. Forty of the rebels were captured and brought in last
night. We miss our brave officers, the most of whom are still
in Richmond and we feel rather weary of the situation here. The
past three days have been full of excitement, but things are
more quiet now."
There were serious doubts with some of the regiment about
the validity of the exchange, and hence some hesitation in
resuming duty, as the following letter, signed "Transcript De
partment," will show:
"We are once more in camp with the regiment, having been
brought from parole camp by Maj. Peale. Our arms have not
yet been offered to us, and there is a disposition on the part of
a majority, to refuse them, believing, as we do, that the exchange
was unlawful. Therefore the men hesitated to return to duty,
as in case of a re-capture they would be subject to be shot in
stantly and without trial."
The difficulty, however, was soon satisfactorily settled, and
the men resumed duty under the government which justly de
manded and needed their service.s. At this time the regiment
numbered about six hundred, with nine officers, four staff, and
five of the line. Of the field officers were .Maj. Henr)' Peale, in
command; E. Benjamin Culver, adjutant; Josiah V. Harrington,
first assistant surgeon; William B. North, second assistant sur
geon. Of the line, three were captains, Joseph Mathewson,
William L. Spaulding and John H. Morrison; Lieuts. Floratio
Blanchard and Noadiah P. Johnson. It was a small number of
commissioned officers lor so large a number of men. Surgeons
Harrington and North were not in very good health, the latter

m^

'/-"""¦' ''<sii^

Capt. FRANKLIN G. BIXBY.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 175

&

having but just recovered from the typhoid fever which attacked
him soon after his escape from Winchester, and which had been
induced by the exposure and fatii'ue of that hdsty retreat. Dr.
Harrington had suffered severely f' " ^ the same causes, but the
h'.^alth of the regiment, as a whole, at this time, was remarkably
guj.,. Phe camp was located about one-h,ilf of a mile west of
the town, upon a slight elevation of wood-land, and was beauti
ful in its situation. The growth of timber was very fine and
large, and the near proximity of the F'ederal troops furnished an
excellent market for it as it rapidly tlisappeared, being converted
into log huts, and fuel for camp fires. However, the boys were
obliged to go a long distance for water for drinking and cooking
purposes. Between the camp and the town there was a beauti
ful plain, a quarter of a mile in width, and half a mile long,
which was used for company and regimental drills, and dress pa
rades. No place could have been better adapted for these pur
poses in dry weather, but after rain it was like most Virginia soil,
muddy and slippery. The Eighteenth were not without pleas
ant neighbors. On the north was the camp of the Third and
Fourth Regiments of Pennsylvania infantry; on the south, the
One hundred and sixteenth and One hundred and twenty-third
regiments of Ohio infantry; and other regiments of infantry and
cavalry were in close proximity, besides several batteries, making
a large force in and about Martinsburg. All this force had ac
cess to the parade ground, drilled when it was convenient,
thus making lively times during the fall and winter months.
On the whole, the Eighteenth was as pleasantly situated
for winter quarters as one could reasonably expect. Many
rumors were now becoming rife as to the near approach
of the rebels. On the i8th of October, there was quite
a lively fight at Charlestown, eighteen miles away, and
while this was progressing the roar of artillery was distinctly
heard at Martinsburg, producing no little excitement. An order
broke up the camp of the Eighteenth, and the paroled prisoners

176 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

were sent off toward Williamsport, with the trains, while other
regiments were drawn up in line of battle. After marching
about eight miles, news came that the rebels had been forced to
retreat, and in obedience to orders the regiment returned to
Martinsburg, arriving in their old camp about nine o'clock in the
evening, tired enough, and quite profane in their compliments
for almost everybody, and the rebels in particular. It was their
first really tiresome march, as a regiment, since their reunion,
Life here was somewhat different from that, either at .\nnapolis.
or Hagerstown.
In speaking of the little scare on the i8th, it might be men
tioned that our Suiter, showed a little nervousness, as the firing
continued and the troops began to move. He became very bene
volent all at once, and began to distribute his effects among the
boys, some getting one thing and some another. The paroled pris
oners who marched toward Williamsport that day, were under the
command of Lieut. Blanchard, Company B, some of whom thought
the march to Richmond not much worse. The weather at this
time was delightful and the regiment continued in excellent
health. The boys entertained each other with a variety of good
things, which they bought (confiscated) of the farmers in the
vicinity of the camp. Hard tack and milk was the common dish,
though, and on the whole it was not a disagreeable one. It is
true the men sometimes forgot to pay the farmers for the privi
lege of milking their cows, (on the run too), into their canteens,
"but then they would make it all right, when they came that way
again, or when the war was over" We were a happy jolly crew, in
those days, says one of them. October 21st, the regiment
was ordered to report to headquarters, and arms were offered to
the men, but some were still in doubt about the legality of the ex
change. Later in the day the regiment was ordered to the
parade ground, when an officer from the general headquarters as
sured the boys, upon his "honor as a gentleman and an officer,
that the exchange was all right." All then received arms and
were ready for service again.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. lyj

October 23d^ — a beautiful day. — Battallion drill in the after
noon and some of the men had cracker toast for supper. The
latter was relished cjuite as well as the drill.
October 29th, had the first drill, forenoon and afternoon since
the reunion, as it was four months at least since most of the men
had handled arms, and it was a little hard at first,
October 25th, there was an inspection. It had been a long
time since the regiment had had one, and Capt. Mathewson, Co.
D, was the inspecting officer Apple and bread for supper that
flight. It was luxurious living, some thought, for a soldier, but all
were not quite so lucky. Next day there was guard mounting
down town, and a large picket guard was sent by a round about
way to the north, where they camped in the woods and lay around
during the day, and at milking time assisted the farmers, as usual.
The men rarely forgot to be helpful when out on picket duty, and
hence they fared sumptuo'as. In camp everything had gone
on bravely; with logs and boards, comfortable tents and huts
were made, and the general appearance was more like civilization.
Special attention was given to the cook houses, and to make brick
ovens in which to bake pork and beans. The latter arrangement
proved to be an excellent institution as "Pork and beans day'
suggested many pleasant recollections, and furnished occasion for
the boys to brag about their proficiency in the culinary art.
October 27th, George Hayes, Coinpany H, died and was
buried with military honors. Poor fellow, he had been sick a
long time, but his discharge came at last.
On October 30th, company drill as usual in the forenoon, but
it was soon brought to a halt, to give the boys an opportunity to
sign the pay-rolls. This delightful service had not been perform
ed by some of the men for four months, and the prospect of
receiving all of sixty-four dollars at one time, was quite exhilara
ting. The last day of October was cold and blustering, but the
men did not mind it, as they were marched on to the parade
ground, for muster.

1 78 ELGH TEENTH. REGIMENT

During the day companies K, D and E, were ordered into town
on provost duty, and were quartered in Grantham Hall, an
old structure, not a little dilapidated and defaced, inside and
out, though it still furnished quite comfortable quarters. Surgeon
North was sent down from camp and had a room in the
same building, but his health was so poor that he was really
not able to attend to his duties.
November 2d, Col. Rogers, post commander, reviewed his
troops, and artillery, infantry, and cavalry marched through the
town, making a fine display. It pleased the Union people of the
place, but the rebels looked as black as night. The army blue
had no charms for them, and Lincoln's government was an
abomination not to be endured. These fellows, however, could
not help themselves; and there was some comfort in this thought.
On November 5th there was another scare, as the rumor ran that
Imboden's cavalry was coining. A citizen was mistaken, and
soon everything became quiet again.
November 6th, three companies were sent to town, the
rest of the re iment being still in camp. Several promotions
had been made before this time, to fill vacancies: F'irst Lieut.
John E. Woodward, Company F, was promoted captain, October
10th; First Lieut. John H. Morrison, Company I, was promoted
captain, October 19th; Second Lieut. M. V. B. Tiffany, Compa
ny I, was promoted first lieutenant, October 19th; and Second
Lieut. Henry F. Cowles, Company C, was promoted first lieu
tenant, October loth. Other changes had been effected up to
November, which had increased the numerical strength of the
commissioned officers. Previously, on August 12th, private D.
L. Wilson, Company C, vvas promoted second lieutenant. Third
Maryland cavalry. No doubt these promotions were well de
served and not merely complimentary.
On November 12th, the paymaster came again, and the Eigh
teenth went to bed that night with their pockets lined with
greenbacks. Pay day was a gala day, and it was emphatically so

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. ijg
that time, as it had been so long since the men had been paid
off. On the day previous. Gen. .Sullivan had been expected,
and the troops all turned out to give him a salute, but he did
not come. Before paying off the men, the provost marshal had
closed all the drinking saloons in town, and this was fruitful in
keeping the money in the regiment. Nevertheless, the saloon
keepers resorted to all sorts of ways to smuggle in the poison,
but a close watch was kept for them. One day a lot of barrels
came to the depot, marked flour, salt, potatoes, &c, but when
examined each barrel was found to contain a large keg of
whisky, with above articles packed around them, but on the whole
prohibition worked well. 'Fhere was better order among the
soldiers, and less disturbance both in camp and in the town.
November i8th, scouting parties and foraging trains were
sent out in all directions, and they were quite successful. One
party brought in thirteen prisoners, and a foraging train came
with three hundred bushels of wheat, and a large quantity of
corn. The next day one hundred bushels of wheat and two
hundred and fifty bushels of corn were brought in. This kind
of work was exciting, and often resulted in important captures,
and the seizures of rebel property, which was confiscated for
use of the Federal government. In the meantime company, bat
talion drill, and dress parade were daily duties, as circumstances
and weather permitted. The old interest and pride of the
Eighteenth seemed to be revived in these matters, and the
promptness and efficiency of the men received the hearty com
mendation of regimental and brigade commanders. This was
all the more creditable from the fact that their condition, for
months previous, had been anything but favorable to progress
in military science; it requiring constant activity and persever
ance to make a good soldier, as in other things.
At the depot there was special work to do upon arrival of all
the trains, and this duty was attended to by a corporal and
twelve men from Company K, after November 21st. All sus-

i8o EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

picious looking trunks and boxes were examined, and in some
instances the wardrobe of a single lady was found to be enor
mous. An excellent way was this to smuggle dress goods into
"Dixie," and there was a great deal of it done, in spite of the
closest vigilance on the part of the provost guard.
November 25th. This was the second Thanksgiving spent
in the service, and the friends at home did not forget their ab
sent ones. Boxes from various points in New London and Wind
ham Counties, had been arriving for several days in succession,
so that by Thursday there were many happy hearts in the Eigh
teenth. Of course all the turkies eaten this day, did not come
from Connecticut, foi- some of the stay at homes omitted to
send contributions. Some had none to send, and some sent them
too late, but most of the boys had a good timie. One of them
shall speak for the whole number on this question, though if all
the letters could be produced, that were sent home about the
"dinners" of that day in Martinsburg, they would make an inter
esting volume. One of Coinpany D, writes as follows to the
Windham Co. Transcript;
"Again have we passed a thanksgiving away from home and
loved ones, but it was not forgotten by us. We thought of the
many Thanksgivings spent at the old homesteads, where children
and grandchildren met, and in peace and happiness partook of
the sumptuous fare. We remember that there are many who, as
they meet upon this day, will miss those, who in former years,
have always been with them. Yes, Thanksgiving day will be
a sad time for many families throughout the land, and nearly
every one will mourn the absence of father, brother, or son. Yet we
have reason to give thanks for the blessing that so many of us are
spared, and that our armies are victorious; and let us hope and
pray that before another year rolls round, the rebellion will be
crushed, and we shall be permitted to return to our homes. Many
of the companies here had a good supper, and if the turkies were
raised in Virginia, I think they were Union before we got through

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. i8i

with them. Our own company had turkies and plum pudding,
served in a style that reminded us of home, and even the sick
grew better at the sight of the heavily laden tables, and claimed
their share of the good things. After supper remarks were made
by meinbers of the company, and I venture to say that if we live
to return, we shall look back with pleasure to this time. But we
would not have our readers believe we live like this all the time,
for fear 'Uncle Sam.' would have more volunteers than he could
f^nd use for. There was preaching in the Methodist Church, both
forenoon and evening, by the chaplains of regiments stationed
here, and it was well attended by Companies D, E and K, station
ed in town, but those in camp were not allowed to go, having
but little time for religious meetings. Our regiment is very much
in want of a chaplain at this time.
A member of the Company K, gives a similar picture of affairs
vvith them. They had turkey too, and other "fixins" all of which
were pronounced very good. At this time the weather was
splendid, the days being warm for the season though the nights
were cooi. The men were in excellent spirits, Bragg's defeat in
Tennessee, and retreat into Georgia, and some successes of the
Army of the Potomac creating much good feeling generally, and
the hope" was strong that the Eighteenth would soon be on its
way home. Patriotism ran high in the Eighteenth, and many
letters were written home by individual members of the regiment
to induce young men to enlist, and help put down the rebellion.
Phe following is, perhaps, a fair specimen and worth preserv
ing, and shows the spirit that prevailed at the front. It was written
by a member of Company D, Frank W. Cheney, to his sister in
Eastford, Conn. Frank was a good fellow, every inch a soldier
and brim full of patriotism ; but we shall let him speak for him
self. He writes:
" I have the same things to do, day after day, but I consider
that it is for my country^ and if I live to get home, after the war
is ended, I shall be satisfied. There is one thing about it that

i82 ELGHTEENTH REGLMENT

is sure, I would not be a young man at home in security at such
time of our country's danger. It seems to me that I could not
sleep if I was at home now, knowing how much my country
needs me. Thank God, I am fighting to save it ! You girls, at
home, are not half as patriotic as you ought to be. If you were,
our army would be full of young rnen. You ought not to speak
to a young man who will not go where duty calls. Kate, now I
am going to give you some good advice, and do heed it, if you
love your poor brother at all. Don't ever marry a man who has
not been a soldier. I consider that there is very little true
manhood in any young man, who continues at home, when his
country has called so long, and is still calling for all her loyal
sons to rally for her support. What we want is more men.
Our armies have been successful all through the summer cam
paign, and of course have got thinned out, now more men are
wanted to press on the rebels while they are discouraged. I^n
all your actions, dear sister, remember you are sister to a soldier,
and allow no one, who has not patriotism enough to do what he
can in the cause, to have anything to say to you. Perhaps you
think I write too much and too strongly on this point, but it is
true. The North is not half awake. While you are living in
security at home, you do not realize that there is a bloody war
going on, that is to decide whether we have a country or not.
If we loose our cause, it will show to other nations what a de
generate race we are — not willing to save tfie free institutions
our fore-fathers fought seven years to bestow on us, their
descendants." Noble sentiments! They ought to be handed down to future
generations, as indicative of the noble qualities of the men com
posing the Eighteenth and of the Union Army as a whole. On
November 30th, Second Lieut. Noadiah P. Johnson, Company
D, was promoted to first lieutenant, and Sergeant Franklin G.
Bixby was promoted to be second lieutenant of the same com
pany. These officers had done excellent service, and well de-

CONNECTLCUT VOLUNTEERS. 183

served their new honors. Both of them were successful teachers
before the war, and left remunerative positions to take part
in the war for the Union. And there were many more in the
ranks who would have filled an officer's position, had there
been offices enough for all.
As the cold weather came on, the number of deserters from
the sinking confederacy, greatly increased. Refugees from up
the valley were glad also to partake of Union hospitality. It was
a sad story that most of them told, of want and destitution and
high prices of living. They were a care-worn pitiful looking set.
A deserter from Stuart's cavalry came in one morning and took
breakfast with the Eighteenth pickets, after which the poor fel
low said: "I feel the happiest now I have for many months, and
there are thousands who would leave if they could."
A great many of these unfortunates were glad to take the oath
of allegiance, declaring they were sick of the war. Large numbers
of contrabands came in also, and were employed as waiters and
teamsters. On the whole the Eighteenth had very interesting
experiences with Confederate deserters, who seemed glad to get
away from the dominion of "Jeff Davis." It was pleasing also to
note the growing sentiment of the citizens in Martinsburg and
vicinity, in favor of the Union cause, as the opinion was gaining
ground that the "Confederacy" must soon be destroyed.
Capt. Thomas K. Bates, Company B, wounded at Winchester
June 15th, was honorably discharged November 17th, as there
was no prospect of his speedy recovery. This was a matter of
general regret, especially in his company, as Capt. Bates was a
strict disciplinarian, much respected, and his loss was deeply
felt. Of the twenty-four officers taken to Libby, Surgeon Holbrook
was the first to be exchanged. On November 23d, the follow
ing record was made by an inmate of Libby. "The prospect
of an immediate exchr.nge having vanished, there seems to be
no hope, for at least two months to come. We can with but

1 84 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

slight certainly predict the future." Five long months have
passed, and "hope deferred makes the heart sick." It was
therefore a joyful surprise, when on the 25th of November, the
surgeons in Libby, or a part of them, were informed that they
were exchanged. Major Turner issued the order for the sur
geons to fall in, early in the morning. There was a general
desire on the part of the remaining prisoners, to send some word
to their friends at home, at the hands of the liberated. Though
the medical gentlemen were quite willing to oblige their com
rades, they had to be exceedingly careful not to be detected.
All the exchanged were carefully searched, and all contraband
articles found on their persons Were noi only taken awa}', but all
such persons were retained. If only one or two had been going
away, it would have been possible to make a rigid examination,
and if nothing objectionable was found, to let them pass. But
there being so large a number, there was no time for so minute
an inspection, and hence all articles found were confi.scated.
But the sharp rebel officials, in some instances, were outwitted.
Letters written on tissue paper were concealed in coat-buttons,
under the soles of boots and shoes, and the crowns of hats, and
cuffs were ripped open and filled with letters, and then sewed to
gether again. " Every device was resorted to, which promised
success." The prisoners were, of course, anxious, in some way
to convey to their friends the "secret of communicating with
them, without the knowledge of the rebels." Thus: " Hold this
paper to the light," wrote one, while another directed a box to
be sent him with greenbacks hidden in a roll of butter, or in a
piece of cheese, or inside a pickle, or a bottle of vinegar" It
was hoped that the surgeons would make such representations
at Washington, as would bring about a general exchange. Sur
geon Holbrook was the bearer of important information to the
friends of his comrades, in different parts of New London and
Windham counties. He remained in Wachineton no loncrer
^ O
than was necessary, and made his way home to New England,

/(«*'¦*'

-o

o p.

0)

CO0)CO

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 185
He went direct to Providence, R. I., and thence to Thompson,
Conn. Flis arrival in Connecticut was an event of importance
to home friends. He was besieged evei-if^where, and plied with
questions with reference to the condition of the remaining officei^s
of the regiment, and as to the probability of their release.
There was a general desire to hear the surgeon on this subject,
hence he wrote an address portraying hiji "Experiences in
Libby." A public meeting was called in Putnam, on Monday
evening, December 14th, and Quinebaug hall was filled with the
friends of the Eighteenth, who listened for one hour and a half,
with unflagging interest, to his able address. His views of the
character of the leaders of the l^ebellion, its objects, and the mel
ancholy results that must follow a failure to suppress this dete)*-
mined onset against republican institutions, together with his
portrayal of the patriotic endurance of his many fellow prisoners,
who were willing to suffer to the last rather than have our gov
ernment yield to any terms of exchange that would be dishonor
able to our cause, were given with the force and energy of one
who had seen and felt the monstrous and outrageous tyranny of
the Southern Confederacy. This address was published after
ward in the Windham County Transcript, in a series of articles,
which gave universal satisfaction.
Dr Holbrook's experiences were read by the regiment at
Martinsburg with the deepest interest. The boys were pleased
to hear directly from their officers in Libby whom they greatly
missed. Their continued absence was the topic of daily conver
sation, and there was a growing desire for their return, as their
presence was needed. There could be no promotions while they
were still members of the regiment, hence officers of a lower
grade were obliged to do the work ot the higher Most of the
companies were under the command of lieutenants and orderly
sergeants doing the service of a higher grade. In some instan
ces one lieutenant had charge of two or three companies. Thus
the regiment suffered not a little for the want of more commis-

1 86 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

sioned officers. This want was felt more seriously at a later
period when it was ordered again to the front. However, but
few regiments ever showed more proficiency in drill and disci
pline under the same circumstances than did the Eighteenth.
The few officers remaining performed their dut) well, and took
commendable interest and pride in having their command under
good discipline and drill. It was very creditable, however, to
the whole regiment that absentees were kindly remembered, and
their return ardently«»desired. It is not to be expected that the
best of feeling will always prevail among officers, or between the
officers and privates of the same regiment. There will be feuds
and jealousies, detractions and evil speakings. The Eighteenth
was blameworthy in some of these respects, still it is but just to
say that there was not a regiment in the servic in which a bet
ter spirit was shown in all grades, and among all grades than in
this; and a contrary feeling and action were the exceptions. In
proof of this, it is only necessary to refer to the kind manner in
which the men often referred to their absent officers, and the
general wish on the part of both officers and privates at Martins
burg for the return of that portion of their regiinent in Libby.
Whether in writing home to their friends, or in conversation
with each other, the same kind and appreciative language was
observable. It is due to all concerned, and as a very pleasant
feature in the history of the Eighteenth, that some of these
comments should be recorded. ?
A private, writing home, says: " We miss our brave officers
greatly; most of whom are still in Richmond." Another writes:
" We feel proud of our officers. They were in the thickest of
the fight, and displayed the best qualities of soldiers." Another
comments: "Little knots of us gather and talk of the bravery
and coolness of our officers and men, and could strangers listen
they would know how deep is the affection of the soldiers of the
Eighteenth for their comrades. All are lavish in their praises.
As a child treasures up the recollection of his parents, so do we

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 187

treasure the recollection of our commanders." Many an evening
was spent in the tents at Martinsburg discussing the merits of
different officers and privates who distinguished themselves in
the battle at Winchester All were agreed that Capt. Kibble's
excursion to Richmond might have been better managed by the
Yankees in every respect. That it was so was not the fault of
the commanders, either of the field or line. Col. Ely's name
was often mentioned with, pride, and Lieut. Col. Nichols aston
ished all his command by his bravery and daring, winning
universal admiration. Maj. Peale was fearless and brave, and
it was universally admitted that almost every line officer was
worthy of promotion. It is no wonder then that the men often
wrote home that their officers in Libby were mi.ssed, and an
ticipated the time of their return with unfeigned pleasure.
About this time a letter was written by Lieut. Scranton, Compa
ny K, in reply to some of these commendations, calling attention
to the fact that Capt. Matthewson, of the same company, de
served the highest praise for leading his company in three
charges in the face of thegre.atest dangers.
Among other matters of special interest about the first of
December, was an extensive revival of religion in Martinsburg.
The Methodist church was open nearly every evening for a while,
and there was preaching by the chaplains of the One Hundred
and Sixteenth and One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio regiments
of infantry. The meetings were attended by many of the sold
iers, and among oth( rs, Companies D, E and K, Eighteenth
Connecticut, stationed in town. Soldiers and citizens bowed to
gether in worship, and many sougfrt and found the Saviour.
The influence of this revival was very salutary, and a' great
change was manifest in the deportment of the soldiers. Home
friends were made glad by the glowing accounts which the new
ly converted sent them of the pleasing work. The members of
the church took great interest in this revival, and often invited
the men to visit them, when off duty, for religious conference,

1 88 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

singing and prayer. One custom of the people here was new to
New England men, viz.: that of kneeling in public prayer on the
Sabbath. It was an interesting sight to see a crowded assembly
fall at once upon their knees and join in the public prayers of
the pulpit, as well as of the conference meeting. Many soldiers
will never forget those interesting and impressive scenes of re
ligious enjoyment.
On December loth seven companies were ordered to Charles
town, rumor being rife of the near approach of rebels. Gen.
Averill, with a body of cavalry, was to go up the valley at the
same time with the Eighteenth. At "Strasburg thirty rebels
were captured. The Eighteenth had a rough time at Charles
town, and were absent eighteen days. Returned to camp at
Martinsburg on Christmas day. As they passed through the
town, on their way back, three hearty cheers were given for the
old flag. Their transit through the town created considerable
excitement. The men were glad enough to get back to camp.
During their absence twenty-two recruits had arrived for the
regiment. They came on December 17th, and the men were
distributed among the diflerent companies. Company D having
seven of the number, and lacking only five of having its full com
plement, including a few who were absent on account of sickness.
On December 19th Martinsburg was barricaded, aline of posts
being driven across the street. These were eight or nine feet in
height, and intended to prevent the rebel cavalry from surprising
the town, Many of the men received a portion of their .State
bounty at this time, ten dollars each, and Christmas day passed
very pleasantly. At the beginning of the holidays, some of the
boys in town had roast turkey and other good things, while the
principal part of the regiment, having just come in from their
eighteen days' visit to Charlestown, were glad to take what they
could, after their arrival in camp. Company E, Capt. Palmer,
relieved Company D, and the latter was ordered to report at
Hagerstown, Md. This change caused some complaint in cer-

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 189

tain quarters, but there was no help for it. Soldiers must obey
orders without asking questions. Lorenzo N. Buck, Company
B, died December 28th, and his body was sent home to his fami
ly in Putnam, Conn., the next day, being escorted to the depot
with military honors. Buck was an excellent man, a good sold
ier, who enlisted from sincere convictions of duty. His loss was
deeply felt in his company. His body was taken to Connecticut
and buried in the same grave with that of his son, who died two
days later. The funeral services were held in the Baptist church
in Putnam, the sermon being preached by W. C. Walker. On
December 31st, the regiment received light marching orders.
Next day the order was given for the three companies in town
to fall in, and they did so, stacking their arms in front of head
quarters. Gen. Averill was in command of the post. Next, the
Fourteenth Pennsylvania cavalry came in from a scout up the
valley. The whole cavalry force at that time amounted to about
three thousand men, but they were badly broken down, men and
horses having suffered greatly in the valley, for lack of food and
clothing. At that time Gen. Averill had his boots stolen, and
his feet were frozen. His good-humored remark was, that if any
one needed the boots more than he did, he was welcome to
them. All the soldiers'were loud in the general's praises. He
was a man of medium size, quick in his movements, and of fine
appearance. The first day of 1864 vvas an exciting one, the
rebels being expected, though they failed to come. At night,
the Eighteenth was in its old quarters, in town and camp. On
January 6th, Company H was ordered from camp, to do duty in
the town, the weather being cold, with some snow. Two more
scouting parties came in, after a skirmish with the rebels, and
brought in one prisoner.
January 8th, what is this that sounds so much like Yankee
winter music ? The merry sleigh bells ! But what sleighing !
" All slush, and nothing else !" " It does very well, however,
for Virginia." But how the sight and sound of sleighs and bells

I90 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

made the boys sigh for home and the merry sleighing parties of
old Windham county. The Baltimore train was quite late, on
account of the snow which was about four inches on a level.
Sunday, January 23d, there was considerable excitement, be
cause William Taylor, Company K, fired at a railroad man,
though nothing serious came of it. Gen. Averill had been
relieved of the command of the post, and a Col. Rogers ap
pointed in his place. In the meantime the men, both in camp
and town, made the most of the situation, and enjoyed them
selves as best they could. The rations were of excellent quality,
and of sufficient quantity, each company having its own cook
and meals served at regular hours. This arrangement gave gen
eral satisfaction and gave the men an opportunity to display
their Yankee ingenuity in trade, and to supply themselves with
many luxuries, in exchange for coffee and sugar. It was quite
amusing to see the men leaving camp with their haversacks and
pockets loaded with articles for barter, and in appearance re
sembling Yankee peddlers. On their return they seemed well
pleased with their success. In this way some companies raised
quite a fund to draw upon for extra occasions. The citizens
generally were well satisfied with the arrangement. They were
generally as anxious to get the coffee and sugar, as the soldiers
were to obtain butter, eggs, hams and milk, which was an im
provement on Uncle Sam's rations.
Another matter of considerable interest was the establishment
of a singing school in town, under the leadership of A. C. Green,
Company A, in which the citizens were invited to participate.
Of course this entertainment attracted the Union ladies, who
attended in respectable numbers, their presence and singing
adding much to the pleasure of the school, which always drew
crowded houses. Green was well supported by the Hoveys,
Kerr and Parker, of his own company, Amesbury of Company
B, the Jordans of Company H and the Prays of Company K,
and other members of the regiment, equally interested in the

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 191

success of the entertainment. Instrumental music also was in
troduced, which kept the "choir steady on the key," and gave life
and zest to the whole affair Clergymen and their wives, and
other leading citizens lent their presence and influence. The
recollections of these scenes will be among the most pleasant in
the experiences of the Eighteenth in Virginia.
During the month of January, 1864, recruits arrived almost
weekly, and were distributed among the different companies, as
they were needed to fill up the quota. Dr Holbrook had re
turned from Libby after the close of his furlough, and the regi
ment began to assume more of its former appearance, in numbers,
drill and efficiency. Among other recruits, came a new chap
lain, Rev. W. C. Walker, of Putnam, Conn. He arrived in camp
and reported to Major Peale's headquarters on the afternoon of
the first day of February, and was assigned temporarily to the
surgeon's quarters. These consisted of a long tent, with two
apartments, one of which was occupied by Surgeons Holbrook
and Harrington, the other by the hospital steward, Dick Ripley.
There was one spare bed, and here the new chaplain began his
new life "on the old camp ground." 'Phe weather was quite cold
and for the first few nights it was difficult to keep off the shivers.
However, the hardening process went on bravely, and the new
comer began to accommodate himself to the situation. The
regiment had been without a chaplain for more than ten months,
and a desire had been frequently expressed, by some of the regi
ment, that another be appointed; hence the presence of this
recruit gave very general satisfaction.
It was evident, however, that the chaplain had never studied
the tactics very thoroughly, for when he came out on dress pa
rade, for the first time, it was thought by some that he would be
a better Walker, than a marcher. It was remarked, however,.
that the chaplain "talked prettv well, and would become popu
lar," even if he was a little awkward on dress parade.
The first religious service was held in a soldier's tent, or log

192 EIGHTEENTH REGIM'ENT

hut, in Company D, which was quite large and convenient, and
it was crowded while many stood outside to hear It was a
meeting of peculiar interest. Several of the soldiers prayed with
great fervency, thanking the Lord that he had sent them a
"chaplain to care for their souls." They seemed to take special
delight in singing, which was heard all over the camp, producing
a pleasing impression. On February 3d a funeral service was
held in the open air.
On F"ebruary 6th Maj. Peale ordered a large board tent to be
erected for the chaplain in which religious meetings could also
be held evenings, and the men could meet in the daytime to
read, sing, and write letters to their home friends. This proved
a place of pleasant resort, and seemed to be highly appreciated.
Arrangements had been made to furnish the regiment with read
ing matter, consisting of the home papers, viz.: Norwich Week
ly Courier, Windham County Transcript, Willimantic Journal,
Christian Secretary, New York Independent, Boston Recorder,
and other papers obtained at the Christian Commission rooms in
Martinsburg. 'Phese were distributed regularly, and each week
the men received the local news from home. The Christian
Commission, before this, had done excellent work in the regiment,
its agents visiting it nearly every week, making a general dis
tribution of papers, and supplying writing materials and other
much needed articles for the use and comfort of the soldiers.
On February 7th the chaplain preached in the German church
in Martinsburg, a large number of the men being allowed to
leave camp to attend the service with the con-ipanies in town.
There was a large congregation, chiefly soldiers, a few citizens
being present, a very small proportion of whom were women.
The camp hospital had but few inmates at this time, the regi
ment being in remarkably good health. Those who were ill
were furnished with pleasant accommodations, and Surgeons
Holbrook and Harrington managed this department to the gen
eral satisfaction. " We could not have better care if at home,"

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEELIS. 193

was the comment of an invalid. David M. Colvin and John Har
rington, Companies B and K, had the care of the sick and gave
them every possible attention. A short religious service was
held every evening, which was conducted by the chaplain.
The month of February passed very pleasantly. The duty
vvas not hard. When the weather and grounds would permit,
company drill in the forenoon, and battalion drill in the afternoon
was the order of the day. In these disciplinary exercises the regi
ment recovered its former interest and pride in military tactics,
and won the hearty commendations of its own officers, and of the
brigade inspectors. There was one alarm during the month.
The rebels had robbed a passenger train a few miles from
Martinsburg, near Duffield Station, on the morning of the 12th,
and the Eighteenth was sent out early on that morning on the
road toward Winchester — -troops being dispatched in all directions
with a view to cut off the retreat of the robbers, but they escaped.
The Eighteenth, however, went as far as Winchester, returning
early the next morning, having marched forty-four miles. It was
a tiresome march. This was their first visit to Winchester since the
three days' fight of June previous. The rebel citizens gave the
regiment a cool reception, and they were glad to get back to
Martinsburg. On Sunday, the 14th, the chaplain preached in the
Methodist Church. The men in camp were permitted to attend,
in company with those of the regiment in the town, a larger num
ber of citizens being present than at the church on the .Sunday
preceding. At the close of the service the pastor of the church
thanked the chaplain heartily for his sermon, and invited him to
come again. A day or two previous Oliver B. Burnham, Com
pany K, accidentally shot himself and died a short time
afterwards. His remains were sent to Killingly, Conn., where his
family resided. Flis sad death produced a deep impression. He
had been a convert at the recent revival, and died the death ot a
Christian. On the 16th there was great excitement in the hospital on ac-
S5

194 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

count of the breaking out of the small-pox. The poor soldier who
was thus afflicted was sent to the small-pox hospital on the road
to Harper's Ferry, two or three miles away. To the surprise of
all the disease did not spread. On February 25th two companies
went out on a scout but returned in the evening, making the camp
jubilant with their good spirits. On the 2gth the regiment was
mustered for pay. For several days following the weather vvas
very disagreeable, but all made the best of it, and enlivened the
time with an occasional "sham snow fight."
March 6th proved our last Sabbath in Martinsburg for a long
time. Had preaching in the old court house. In the evening,
while a religious service was being held in camp, an order came
to move. This announcement was a complete surpri.se.
There was not much sleep in camp that night, and at day
light the camp was fairly in a blaze, everything that would burn
being destroyed. The scene was one not soon to be forgotten.
Before sunrise the order came to "fall in," and all things being in
readiness to move, the regiinent was marched through the town
to the depot, and stowed away in box cars for Harper's F"erry.
Companies A and G were sent on to Frederick City, Md., com-
panies B and D to Monocacy Junction, and Company C to a
place near Berlin on the Potomac. Fhe remainder of the regi
ment was sent to Bolivar Heights, and occupied a camp just
vacated by the Thirty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers. It was
very pleasant thus to find a camp all in readiness for occupation.
The officers were quartered in an old government building, except
ing Maj. Peale, who had his headquarters in a tent. The weath
er was disagreeable indeed, alternating from rain to snow, and
with high winds. Camp fires were as much a necessity as in the
dead of winter The teamsters had to go a long distance for
wood, and all in all, though the regiment found tents in readiness,
the men soon learned their change had not been for the better.
'Phey bemoaned their warm log houses at Martinsburg, which
they had so lately reduced to ashes. Of course there was grum-

Lie-at. i Adj. GEORGE W. BRADY,

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 195
bling, but soldiers are permitted to grumble so long as they obey
orders. Remained here twenty-one days, during which time Capt
Spaulding, with a portion of his company, returned to the regiment
from Hagerstown, Md. The captain also had left very comfort
able quarters, and his command was as much disturbed by the
change as the main body of the regiment. However, all seemed
in good spirits. At this time there was considerable excitement
and camp rumors in great variety were the order of the dav. The
spring campaign was about to open, and what would be the posi
tion of affairs the next day, or even hour, was a matter of ab
sorbing interest to every soldier. Constant changes were going-
on, troops were passing every day on the Baltimore and Ohio
railroad, and scouting parties were sent out in various directions.
The Eighteenth was sent over Loudon Heights, and up the val
ley as far as Snickersville for three days, but they found no
rebels in arms, and only a few old women, who were in the habit
of harboring and feeding Moseby's cut-throats, and other bands
of guerillas. Loudon valley, from the beginning of the war, was
a popular resort for rebels, and from this point were started nu
merous raids into the Union lines. It was not until late in the
war that Sheridan succeeded in driving them out of the valley.
Had this been done before far less injury would have been in
flicted on the Union cause in the vicinity of Harper's Ferr)-
during the war There was hardly a day, while this place was
occupied by Union troops, that rebel spies or scouts were not
taking a view of the situation from Loudon Heights. Union
soldiers knew they were being watched daily by men within
easy musket range, and they hardly ever felt safe in penetrating
the outskirts of the place. The capture of the rebel spies and
cut-throats was a thing of daily occurrence. Refugees also
were constantly coming in from the Shenandoah valley. The
old jail on the island was full of prisoners of war, and the upper
story of the Lockwood house, on the heights near the camp of
the Eighteenth, was crowded vvith refugees. Corporal John E.

196 ELGHTEENTH REGLMENT

Barrows, Company H, had charge of this department for some
time. Many of these men had a sad story to tell of the oppres
sion and outrages of the Southern confederacy.
It is exceedingly difficult to keep pace with all the changes in
a regiment of soldiers for three or six months, there are so man)'
on the sick list, while others are discharged for disability, and
for promotion in other regiments, and some desertions. Dur
ing the winter and spring of '63 and '64 but few deaths occurred,
except what have already been noted. Of Company A, William
H. Tovvne died March 28th ; Wallace Fox, Company E, died
February 2d; Julius J. Rood, Coinpany E, died February 3d;
Nathan B. Green, Company F", died February 24th; Henry
Apley, Company H, died January 9th. Fourteen men had been
discharged for disability in all the companies; seventeen had been
transferred to the invalid corps, and several others to the veteran
reserve corps. As evidence of the good material of which the
Eighteenth was composed, from fifteen to twenty of all grades
had passed a rigid examination before a military board at Wash
ington for promotion to other regiments under commissions.
This fact was considered a compliment to them and to the
regiment. The names of those promoted will appear in the
roll of the regiment at the proper time and place. Most of
those receiving the appointments left the regiment during the
months of February and March, and they were a severe loss
which could hardly be afforded at this time as so many of the
officers were still in Libby. But about the last of March the
welcome news was received that a portion of the officers were
exchanged, viz.: Col. Ely, Lieut. Col. Nichols, Capts. George
W. Warner, and John E. Woodward ; Lieuts. I. N. Kibbe, John
McGinnis, M. V. B. Tiffany, Joseph P. Rockwell and others.
This news created considerable interest in the regiinent, the
return of so many of the officers to their respective posts of duty,
being anticipated with great pleasure, and as a hopeful sign of
greater efficiency in the campaign then opening. Col. Ely, as

coxy EC ' TICUT J 'OI UN lit ERS. 1 97

early as February, had made his escape from Libby through the
famous tunnel or " Yankee Wonder," as the rebels called it, but
he had been recaptured, and on account of the failure of that
effort, it was a very agreeable surprise to hear of his release and
speedy return to his post with his old command.

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

CHAPTER IX.

GOING IIO.ME TO VOTE.

Every day the regiment had some new cause for excitement.
All sorts of rumors were afloat, when, to the surprise of almost
everybody, the order came on the 28th of March to report as
soon as possible at Norwich, Conn. This order was received
with shouts of joy. The prospect of going home, no matter for
what purpose, vvas cheering enough, and produced the greatest
excitement. No man reported at sick call that morning unless
he was forced to do so, going home being the best treatment for
a sick soldier "Hurrah for Connecticut!" " Hurrah for Gov
ernor Buckingham," and "hurrah for everybody in the land of
wooden nutmegs," was the watchword of the hour. At three
o'clock in the afternoon the regiment was homeward bound, crowd
ed into box cars, and one old rickety passenger car for the officers
and several ladies, wives of either the officers or soldiers. It took
nearly all the following night to reach Baltimore, where the regi
ment arrived at four o'clock next morning. Some of the men jok
ingly declared that the engineer and conductor must be rebels,
that they mistrusted for what purpose the Eighteenth were being
sent home, and therefore determined on delay so that the men
should not reach the land of steady habits until after the election.
However there was some swearing aswell as joking, but neither
the one nor the other put more speed into the sleepy engineer.
Remained in Baltimore about four hours; after breakfast at the

CONNEC TICUT V( ^L UN TEERS

199

Soldiers Relief marched across the city and took the cars for
Philadelphia, where the train arrived about five P. M. The troops
were thirteen hours on the road. This record surpassed the
Baltimore and Ohio road for slowness. At the same rate of pro
gress it was thought that the year would not be long enough in
which to reach Connecticut. Marched to the Cooper Relief As
sociation rooms, where there was a bounteous supper in waiting, to
which full justice was done by the weary and hungry soldiers.
About dark crossed to the Camden and Amboy station, and took
the cars for New York. Arrived there next morning, about one
o'clock. At New York found a small steamboat in waiting, too
small by far to accommodate so large a number of troops. But
the men "piled in" before day-light. There was scarcely room to
step without putting a foot on somebody, and the situation was
anything but comfortable. In the meantime a northeast storm
set in with great fury, and withal it was very gloomy and cold.
The remarks made on the situation were not complimentary to
railroad accommodations and steamboat companies, as there was
a general feeling of indignation that such a small craft should
have been provided to convey the regiment through the sound to
Norwich. Luckily, or providentially, the plan of sending the
men by boat was abandoned, as the storm increased, and greatly
to the delight of all the soldiers, many of whom seemed to think
they had had a narrow escape. Accordingly the regiment was
transported by rail to New Haven, and thence set out at 9 A. M.
for Norwich, by the way of New London, the storm grow
ing worse and worse. At the Connecticut River were detained
about three hours on account of the storm and a strong tide.
The ferry-boat was obliged to cross thrice, and at one time there
appeared to be great danger of her being swept out into the
sound. But at last a landing was effected, and in a short time
the regiment was on the move again, arriving in Norwich
about twelve o'clock the same night. Nearly three days had
been consumed on the way from Harper's Ferry to Norwich.

200 ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT

Marched at once to Treadway's Hall, where a collation was in
readiness, and that part of the regiment who had not already
reached their homes in the city <"njoyed the hospitality of Nor
wich friends, which was very acceptable excepting the floor
mattresses; but these seemed easier than the soft side of a pine
board or the ground of Virginia. On the whole it was a joyful
occasion. The next day, April ist, the regiment was scattered
through New London and Windham Counties enjoying the warm
congratulations, hospitality and love of friends. The next three
short days, were spent in delightful intercourse with old-time
neighbors and friends.
The time seemed so short that on the Sabbath allusion was
made almost in every pulpit in Eastern Connecticut to the arrival
of the Eighteenth and many blessings were invoked in their
behalf. On many accounts it was a solemn and interesting oc
casion. The Eighteenth had come home, but not all of them.
Many had slept their last sleep, and their remains were resting in
Southern soil, they having fallen either in battle or by disease.
Others were still prisoners of war, literally starving to death, or
suffering from rebel hardships. In many a home that day
there was weeping for the hopelessly absent. The widow
sat solitary and disconsolate. The arrival of the Eighteenth had
awakened only painful recollections of departed hopes, and heart
rending losses and disappointments. Children mourned for their
fathers, and loving sisters for their brothers. 'Fhere was only
one thing that afforded sorrowing ones the least comfort. They
could make inquiries of the living and learn more particulars of
their lost ones from lips of comrades than by correspondence.
On the whole, it was a day of conflicting emotions to the visitors
themselves. It was a great joy' to be with their families, but
in a few days separation would come again with added sadness.
The rough, self-denying life of a soldier had taught an impressive
lesson of the priceless value of home comforts, and the thou<d-it
of returning again to a life of comparative want and barbarism

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 201

was exceedingly painful and distressing; ne\'e'rtheless it mrst be
done. The cup of pleasure pressed to their lips by loving hands
would soon be dashed away. The country still needed their
services. The old flag must be defended to the last The power
oi treason at home and Rebellion in the South mu ¦, b." broken.
A campaign was about opening which would in all p bability
decide the question whether the cause of the Union shouia live or
die. The government at Washington expected every man, every
sokiier, to do his whole duty. When they sent the Eighteenth
home on the 28th of March they expected it to serve their cause
as much by votes as could possibly be done by arms in the
field. This duty done, and a man re-elected to fill the chair of
the .State who vv^ould stand manfully by the general government
in its work of crushing the Rebellion, the soldier must return to
the field to face the men who had sworn to pull down the stars
and stripes and place in their stead the emblems of Secession.
It is to the g^'ory of .... , ,_,;ghteenth that it was as loyal at the polls
as in the field. H.inoe ic never did a better deed for the countr)'s
honor and perotiijity than on the 4th day of April, 1864, when
it cast nearly its -MUire vote for William A. Buckingham for
Governor of the S'ate of Connecticut. Tkis was a glorious charge
on the enemy in the rear A telling victory over the opposition
to a holy cause at home. Three cheers for the paper bullets of
the Eighteenth Connecticut.
Monday, April 4th, 1864. was an earnest working-day with the
Eighteenth. Before twelve that night the wires flashed the jo)'-
ous result to the anxious President of the United States. William
A. Buckingham, the faithful ally of the government in its struggle
with the Rebellion, re-elected Governor of the State of Connecti
cut. By this act the State vvas kept true and faithful to the
cause of the Union through the dark and terrible days of 1864,
when the enemies of Lincoln's administration put forth their
most earnest 'and cruel efforts to save the Confederacy from defeat
and failure. The adherence of Connecticut to the President had

202 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

its significance and power It greatly strengthened the courage
of the Unionists, both citizens and soldiers, and was the pre
cursor of the re-election of Abraham Lincoln in November
following. It may be repeated, the Eighteenth never made a
better fight tor the Union than on that eventful first Monday of
April. Every such victory had a telling and disheartening effect
upon the disunionists everywhere. It had its influence on England
and France also, in preventing their recognition of the Southern
Confederacy. This work being accomplished the Eighteenth
was ready to return to the front and measure strength with armed
rebels. Having smothered the fire in the rear they could meet
vvith more courage and hope the fire in the front. In making
this record there is no design, however, to reflect upon that class
of persons who looked upon the participation of the Eighteenth
in the election, under the circumstances, with evident disfavor if
not with alarm. The act was severely criticised in their favorite
journals, called impolitic, undemocratic, misuse of political power,
squandering the public money, and the soldiers were alluded to
as Lincoln's hirelings. Allowing for honest differences of opin
ion, and for somethings that were dishonest, it must be admitted
that the end secured by this action of the government was dis
couraging the Rebellion and hence justifiable as a war measure
in strengthening the hands of the civil and military power of the
country. It was strictly an act of self-defense, the State at that
time not permitting its .soldiers to vote in the fields and hence
was perfectly justifiable. The enemies of the government under
stood its significance and effect, and hence their opposition.
Looking at the measure from a present stand point all true
friends of the Union will acknowledge its wisdom and necessity.
They can afford to be generous toward those who opposed it, and
with "Charity for all, and malice toward none, pursue the right as
God shall give them the sight to see."
Wednesday, April 6th, was another day of intense interest and
excitement to the Eighteenth, The early railroad trains from

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 203

every point were freighted with soldiers and their friends, on
their way to Norwich.
At two o'clock P. M. the Flighteenth stood once more in line
waiting for the order to inarch. Fhe city was crowded with
people from the country, and the city turned out once more to
give the Eighteenth another farewell. The Wauregan presented
a lively scene. On the balcony appeared Governor Buckingham,
Col. Ely and prominent citizens. The presence of the Governor,
and of Col. Ely, who had just been released from Libby prison,
was warmly greeted and their words of interest and welcome were
highly applauded.
After this review the regiment marched about the city until
about three P. M. when it halted near the old railroad bridge, and
near the wharf, where a steamboat was in waiting to convey the
men to New York on their return to the seat of war. Flere friends
flocked around to tender tearful farewells, and good wishes for a
speedy and final return.
It was a .source of sorrow and regret to the friends of the regi
ment that anything should occurto mar the tender interest of the
occasion. Some persons took it upon themselves to "treat" a few of
their friends in the regiment, who drank to excess, and created con
siderable disturbance while the regiment \yas in the act of going
on board the steamboat. However, at four o'clock P. M. lines were
cast off, the boat swung around into the stream, while the
air was filled with cheers from the boys and the crowds of
people upon the wharves, and the Eighteenth was off again for
the war. It was a solemn moment. Many had exchanged the
"last farewells on earth." As long as the boat was in view
crowds stood on the shores gazing with swimming eyes, while the
sun-browned men, with sad, lingering looks crowded the upper
deck of the boat, their hearts swelling vvith sorrow at the painful
parting. Home never appeared more sweet and precious than
at that hour. When the evening shadows fell that night dear
old Connecticut was hid from the eyes of an anxious company of

J04 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

men, and from some of them forever. After the fatigue and ex
citement of the day rest and sleep were very welcome. Fhe boat
made a fine run through the sound, and at seven o'clock next morn
ing she toudied at Jersey City. At half-past eight o'clock the
train was on the move, bearing the Eighteenth on toward the city
of "brotherly love," where it arrived about noon. In Philadelphia
refreshments were furnished at ;he Cooper Relief Association.
"We never had a better dinner," was the comment of all. The
day was ver)- fine. Good air and fasting brought an excellent
appetite. Left Philadelphia at five P. M. and reached Baltimore
at one o'clock A. M. Friday. At dayli-jbt '.r.Drched through the
city to the Washington depot. Re' ained in Baltimore until
Saturday at half-past ten o'clock A. lil. It vv;'s said that the
waiting was on account of the lack of cars for transportation. It
was a tedious hinderance. "Got off" at last orj Saturday about
i;leven A. M. in a terrible rain storm, wliich inc. eased all day and
th(^ following night. Arrived at Sandy nook ?': nine P. M. The
storm was so violent that the regiment rei-.,ciir,e,''i 'r, their "boxes" all
night. It was a sure sign of proximity to rt ul lorn when soldiers
were compelled to ride in box or cattle cii's without straw or
anything to make a comfortable bed. The rriboid.-^ made enough
out of the governmenfto have furnished bert^^r a':o:minodations
for transportation; and if it was imposs;!'';'.' o furnish passenger
cars their cattle-pens might have been '-i^.o endurable. Sunday
morning, April 9th, the regiinent arrived at Harper's Ferry,
marched up to their old camp on Bolivar Heights and found it
occupied by the 'Phirty-F^ourth Massachusetts Volunteers. Were
quartered in old government buildings through the day and fol
lowing night. Next day put tents on the south side of or in
front of the Lockwood House. A fine place for a camp in pleasant
weather, but in rain was dangerously slippery in the streets.
The Lockwood House was used for headquarters. The laroest
east room was assigned to the chaplain for a reading and writing
room, and for public worship. The Christian Commission, as

V v>.

Lieut. ADAH H. LIHDSAY.

CONNECTICUT VOLUN T/^ERS,

205

usual, furiiisln;d the regiment with writing material, paper.s, sink
ing books, testaments and "conilort li.tgs." F^very soldier w-ill
know what ''comfort bags" or housewiv(.'s wc^i'e, and the mere al
lusion to them will awaken manv pleasing recollections cjf their
camp and hospital experiences. These were m.ide of different
material and lillcvl with a variet)- of useful articles iiidispi,;nsable
to the comfort of the soldiers. lleiue their name was very ap
propriate, their contents being adapted to keep alive pleasant
and loving thoughts of "home, sweet home." It was said that
these domestic reticules were prepared by little Northern and
Western girls. Whoever suggested the idea conferred a great
fa\ or upon every soldier who received one of these comforts.
The recipient, on opening his bag, would be filled with inexpress
ible delight to find a needle case and pin-cushion well filled; also
thread, woolen yarn, wax, a thimble and combs, and in some a
letter full of kind words, vvith the request that the recipient would
send a repi)- in due time. It was afterward found that some
pretty large girls had a hand in writing a few of these letters,
which resulted in a correspondence of life-long interest to the
parties concerned therein. Most of these letters of course
came from little girls who had fathers and brothers perhaps in
the army, or who, if they had none, wanted to do something
for the comfort of those who had. It was a common thine- for
the soldiers to visit their chaplains and show some of the letters
received from different parts of the country. One of these vvas
too good to be read merely by the one receiving it. It was sent
to one of the home papers and was read by thousands of people,
and others were thereby incited to go and do likewise. It be
longs to the histor)- of the Eighteenth, and if the soldier who
received it is now living, he will read it in this connection vvith
new and tender interest. HoLLiUAVSiiVRG, Pa.; January 16th, 1864.
Dear Soldier. — I know not who you are. yet it is enough for
to me know that you are fighting in the cause of our now bleed-

2o6 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

ing country, and be assured that you are often thought of and
prayed for by the good people at home. I am a little girl — a
Sabbath school scholar. On last .Sunday our superintendent
said that our soldiers stood in need of "housewifes, " and at once
little brains and fingers were active in planning and working for
your comfort. I attend the Lutheran .Sunday school. It mat
ters but little what church we belong to here on earth, only so
that we are good Christians, and are members of the church on
high. If you have any little girls at home I hope you love them,
and often pray for them. And I have no doubt they often pray
for your safety, and if you are not a Christian that you may be
come one. O, dear soldier, love Jesus Christ, and then if you
should fall in battle God will take you home where there shall be
no more -fighting, suffering, parting or death. I hope before long
this unfortunate war will be over, and our dear countr)^ once
more united and happy, and all you soldiers permitted to return
home to your dear families, and the rebels taught a lesson that
may be alarming to them so long as the world stands. Fight on,
brave soldiers, and may God protect you all from danger. I hope
this "housewife" may prove of much comfort to you. Write to
me and let me know if you love Jesus, the sinner's friend.
Lcjuise S. Leiserino.
Our location was very pleasant, the scenery in every direction
being the finest in all Maryland and Virginia. To an admirer of
natural phenomena, the whole view from Bolivar presents a sub
ject for profound study and thought. At the right flows the
beautiful Shenandoah, ranging along the Blue Ridge for one hun
dred miles, and forming a junction with the Potomac, with Lou
den Heights frowning on the one side, and Maryland fleights
looking down with awful grandeur on the other Directly in
front, and through the cleft of the rocks, there is a fine openinu-,
revealing a variety of scenery, grand and beautiful. The Potomac
flows on with increased volume and power, with here and there
terrible precipices hanging in fragments over it, as at Sandy

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 207

Hook and Point of Rocks, and then in the distance appear the
blue horizon and patches of plain country, inviting one from the
riot and tumult roaring around to participate in the quiet below.
The view to the left of Bolixar, along side, and on both banks of
the Potomac, is grand and imposing, impressing one with the
truth of Jefferson's declaration, in his "Notes on Virginia," that
this whole scene "is w^M-th a voyage across the Atlantic." FIvery
dav's observation reveals some new object to interest and won
der. The subterranean passage, supposed to lead across Bolivar
at a point nearly a mile wide, between the Potomac and the
Shenandoah; the "table rock," weighing many tons, with a nearly
flat surface, containing perhaps one hundred square feet; the old
engine house near the junction, and the house up the Potomac
in Maryland side, both of "Old John Brown" notoriety; and not
least, the natural scenery of Maryland Heights and the military
defenses of the place, were a few of the many objects of interest
and thought to Yankee soldiers. The officers and privates of the
Eighteenth were very busy when not on duty in examining these
several places of natural beauty and sublimity, and were well paid
for their difficult and fatiguing excursions. 'Phe more an intelli
gent soldier studied his surroundings in such a place the more
he admired his country, and the more he felt that these grand old
mountains, beautiful rivers and rich valleys were worth fighting
for to save them from the power of a Confederacy that would
wrest them from the domain of the Union. The sight of such
grandeur gave a fresh inspiration to the cause of freedom. To the
"tramp, tramp" of men keeping step to the music of the Union,
the mountains of the old dominion echoed:
"From every mountain side
Lei freedom ring."
They re-echoed the language of the prophet of God: "Let every
yoke be broken and the oppressed go free," and they were witness
ing the glorious fulfillment. There rang out on every breeze,
from rocks and rills, from woods and templed hills,
"Sweet freedom's song."

2o8 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

The "table rock" was often visited, as it was but a few rods
from the camp of the Eighteenth. The cifizens had wonderlul
stories about this rock. One was that in "^ e olden time" a dis
tinguished couple in the first families in Virginia celebrated their
nuptials on the rock; and it was said that while Jefferson was pre
paring his "Notes on Virginia" he visited this rock and sat upon it
while he sketched his notes of the place and its surroundings.
There was an ancient burying place near by often frequented for
the purpose of reading the curious epitaphs there found. On the
whole it was hardly possible for the Eighteenth to spend the
same number of days in any one place so well calculated to
gratify a taste for things curious, good and beautiful as in this.
And the regiment as a whole enjoyed and e.xpressed its delight
with the situation.
The latter part of the month of April was spent in preparing
for the spring campaign. It was the general impression that an
early movement would be made up the valley, and that the
Eighteenth would participate. Accordingly Maj. Peale and Ad
jutant Culver were very busy in work of preparation. Company
I, under the command of Lieut. Lilley, had been sent to Falling
Waters, on the Potomac, to guard that point against the incursions
of scouting bands of the enemy; anci on the evening of the 26th
of April Maj. Peale received orders to move early the next day
with the remaining nine companies. Consequently on the morn
ing of the 27th the Eighteenth started on the road to Martins
burg. The day was cloudy and chilly, and the road rou'di and
hilly for the first few miles, and hence progress was slow and dif
ficult. Flowever, it was a change, and on the whole the day's
march was a lively and pleasant one. At noon the "raw recruits"
were quite amused at the novelty of eating their rations for the
first time by the road-side. It did not take them lono-, however
to become initiated into the process ot making coffee, and break
ing and splitting rails to make fires for culinary purpcscs Of
course rations relished well with "minute coffee" to men who

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 209

were as hungry as bears. ,\t nightfall the regiment had
marched twelve or fourteen miles, two-thirds of the distance from
the Ferry to Martinsburg. In the mean time the clouds had
passed off and it vvas clear and cold. Camped for the night in a
beautiful wood-lot at the right of the road near the house of Dr.
Magruder. The doctor and his wife professed to be friendly to
the Union cause, while their two daughters gave unmistakable
signs of being in sympathy with Jeff Davis, whom they thought
to be a very fine man, and a "heap smarter than Abe Lin
coln." However, several of the officers were "kept over night,"
and furnished with good beds, supper and breakfast free of
charge. The evening was spent in pleasant conversation on
national affairs, Yankee and Southern phrases, and in singing.
The young ladies played on the piano and sang finely, and
among others sang a few national and "secesh" songs with fine
effect. Their guests left early the next morning expressing many
thanks for their pleasant and hospitable entertainment, and prom
ising to repeat the visit at the earliest date possible. Of course
acceptance of such comfortable quarters, while most of the rank
and file lay out of doors shivering in their blankets, was not very
soldierly and perhaps a little selfish; however, the act was thought
to be pardonable as Surgeon Harrington was nearly an invalid
and the new chaplain had not become acclimated or accustomed
to "sleeping out." Arrived in Martinsburg about ten o'clock
A. M. on the 28th, and went into camp on the east side of the
town. Here it was ascertained that the Eighteenth was to join
the force which Gen. Sigel had been collecting at this point for
a forward movement up the Shenandoah Valley. The day was
full of care and work, both on the part of the officers and men.
From every point came news of startling interest. It was evi
dent that the campaign of 1864 would be earnest and decisive.
The enemy everywhere was as defiant and persistent in appear
ance as ever; Gen. Bank's ill success in Texas and some reverses
to the Union troops at other points having raised the expecta-
87

2IO ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT

tions of the rebels, and their papers were full of exaggerated state
ments of what Gen. Lee and other rebel commanders would ac
complish toward the ultimate defeat of the plans of Gen. Grant.
A united and simultaneous forward movement was expected. The
enemy was to be engaged at every point to prevent reinforce
ments being sent to Lee at Richmond, or Johnson in Tennessee.
Gen. Sigel was to approach Richmond in the rear, and detach ^a
portion of Lee's army from the defense of that stronghold of the
enemy. The magnitude of this plan was not fully estimated on
account of the small force at Sigel's command. Up to this time
it had not been generally known that another advance was to be
made toward Richmond by the way of the valley, and mariy of
the men, remembering their unpleasant experiences of the pre
vious year in that direction, were not so jubilant and confident as
they would have been under other circumstances. It seemed to
them next to madness to think of sending a force of only ten
thousand men, all told, into a hostile country, with every advan
tage in favor of the rebels, and where at almost an)^ point a force
twice or three times as large as their own could be thrown against
them, and that too when they were a long way from their base
of supplies and reinforcements. Before leaving Martinsburg
the general conviction, among those who were acquainted with
previous valley movements, was that Sig-el's force was altoofether
too small for the purposes intended, and the campaign at the
start was considered extremely difficult and uncertain. The re
mark was ofti-n made: "We want at least fifty thousand men for
such a camp.iign. What can Gen. Grant be thinking of to send
such a little handfiil of men on such a hazardous expedition?" INIost
writers on the late civil war have been pleasc:d to spc^ak of the
movements of Sig(;l and Fluiiter as "miserable; iailures," as
though th(; blame of not accomplishing all that was inteiuUxl was
to Ik; ascrib(;d entirely to tht;ir want of tact or braver)'. Now
all such st.'itenients show either ciil[)able {(.^noranci- or unpardon
able spite on the part of the writers. Thi; vallo) campaign of

a )NNEC TICUI^ 1 'C )I UA ' TEERS. 2 1 1

1864 was not <i miserable lailure, but on the other hand, consider
ing all the circumstances, the difhculti(;s encounlered, and the in
adequate means to counteract them, the results were all and
more than those best acciuainted with previous valley operations
anticipated, as the secpiel will abundantly jjrove. 'Fhe writer well
remembers a conversation about this time which indicates that
at the start the expectation of great success was not indulged
generally either by officers or privates.
"Well, what is it now ?" "On to Richmond," was the reply. "Re
member Winchester," said another. "We shan't get farther than
Fisher's Hill," remarked another, "for a thousand men at that
point will stop -our whole force." But another more hopeful said:
"Boys, I want you to remember that we are going to fight mit
Sigel." Others thought that it was quite as important to have
an adequate force as to numbers, as to have a competent leader.
However, the work of preparation went on, and every one seemed
inclined to make the best of the situation.

212 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

CHAPTER X.

ON TO RICHMOND.

Friday, April 28th, were early on the move. Joined Gen.
Sigel's division for a raid up the Shenandoah Valley; or as one
facetiously remarks: "To march on Richmond with six or eight
thousand men and attack Lee in the rear, while the army of the
Potomac, two hundred thousand strong, held him in check in front."
Maj. Peale and Adjutant Culver were early in the saddle and
promptly moved the Eighteenth to the right of the first brigade.
The number of rnen in line, about five hundred, were well armed
and equipped, with a few exceptions. Company A was commanded
by Orderly Kerr, who took the right of the regiment. He was a
prompt, energetic officer, of Scotch blood, and ready for any move
ment. Sergeant Murray commanded Company F, which came next
in order, and was prompt and efficient. Capt. Joseph Matthewson
led Company D, the largest in the regiment, and well com
manded. Company I was absent, as before stated, at Falling
Waters, under the command of Lieut. Lilley, a good officer.
Company C, color bearers, was commanded by Lieut. Hinckley.
The lieutenant was not quite so finely attired as some others of
the line, but no officer took more pride in his command than he,
and the commanding officer had no occasion to be ashamed of
his men. Company H was in charge of William Caruthers,
an efficient officer The other companies were equally well
commanded, including Company B on the left, under command

CO.VXi:CTIC(^T I'CVA/NTEERS. 213
of Capt. Spaulding, who had no superior The FLighteenth was
embarking on a long and dangerous expedition with only a few
officers, but who, it is only just to say, were reliable and faithful.
The quartermaster's and commissary's departments were well
manned — Lieut. N. P. Johnson in the former, and Timothy
Parker, Company A, in the latter. There was great excitement
when the regiinent marched through Martinsburg on that
memorable Friday morning. The citizens, including the blacks,
cro'vvded the sidewalks and cheered heartily-, while many ladies
waved their handkerchiefs from the windows of their houses. A
large number of citizens ran out into the streets to bid their sol
dier acquaintances adieu, and many a "God bless you !" came
from the lips of true and loyal men. These friendly regards were
appreciated and met a hearty response from the boys, who re
turned the cheers of their friends with a will. If the writer's
memory is not at fault a few of the men stole out of the ranks
to pay their compliments and bid more delicate adieus to fair
friends, who greeted them with smiles of recognition and ap
probation. The day was lovely. The sun shone in a cloudless
sky, the air was mild, genial and exhilarating, and the scene one
not soon to be forgotten. As the troops went marching on in
such excellent spirits, everybody seemed pleased and hopeful,
and yet there were deep regrets at parting with warm friends
and the sad thought would press into the mind, "When shall we
meet again." The Eighteenth had formed many warm attach
ments the previous winter in Martinsburg, and the parting was
a sorrowful one. Just in the edge of the town halted for a short
time to let a body of cavalry pass, who, moreover, created a little
confiision by their tardy movement; and then after a mile or two
away halted again in a fine field of grass or clover, in which the
horses seemed quite willing to tarry. While here an incident
occurred on the opposite side of the road more amusing to the
bystanders than profitable to one of the parties more immediately
concerned. It seemed that a cavalryman was bent on swapping

2 1 4 ELGH TEENTH REGIMENT

horses with a farmer of rebel proclivities, or at least on capturing
it. 'Fhis man was well known to Union scouting parties and had
become obnoxious to them. Both the man and his wife ran into
the lot to thwart the cavalryman's design, and for a time there
was a spirited race to decide which should have the horse. As
the line moved on the contest was not decided, though the
cavalryman seemed bound to win. If he was successful it is prob
able that he consoled the old people with a "promise to pay" at
some future day. Marched only about eleven miles the first day,
arriving at Bunker Hill about sundown, and camped near a
"run." Found the macadamized road a hard way to travel, and a
march of eleven miles far enough for one day. Spent two nights
at this place, for what purpose the commanding general was not
questioned. The time was occupied in viewing the town, which
consisted of two or three old dilapidated houses and a sort of a
mill. The Massachusetts boys, of the Thirty-F^ourth Regiment, in
the second brigade, had a fine opportunity to compare this F.
F. V.'s Bunker Hill with a place of the same name in their
own State. The puns and jokes on the Southern Bunker Hill
were numerous and ingenious. The "first families" in Virginia
might give Northern names to their lands and towns, still the
opinion was that it would be some time before the) could com
pete with the "mud-sills of the North" in building houses of re
spectable appearance. May ist, Sunday, marched to Winchester,
halting at noon at the old battle-ground near Summit Point, and
remaining about an hour. In the mean time visited the grounds
where the Eighteenth made its gallant fight the year before. Of
course: the boys were very much interested in recalling the scenes
of that occasion, and pointing out the places where its most
thrilling incidents occurred. "Flere is where the brave Adjutant
Porter fell and was buried; also, privates Noyes, Woodmancy,
McCracken, Baldwin, Burnett, Dilliber, Tracy and others, who
fell in death on that eventful day, June 15th, 1863," reflected one.
"Capt. Bates vvas wounded here, Capt. Bowen there," and

<.', /f"

Lieut. JOHN T. HAGINNIS.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 215
various localities were pointed out where different soldiers fell or
distinguished themselves. It was exceedingly interesting to visit
these grouncLs — the place where the last charge was made, where
there were hair-breadth escapes, the place of the surrender, and
to recafl reminiscences of f;illen comrades. Every spot seemed
full of tender recollections of the past. It was holy ground, be
cause of the blood of brothers shed there. The march through
Winchester was peculiarly exciting. There was quite a contrast
between their present circumstances and the day when they
marched through the places' as prisoners of war subject to rebel
ridicule and insult. Now they came as victors, flaunting the
beautiful flag, which was both the scorn and terror of the traitors
of the Shenandoah Valley, in the faces of their former contem
ners and revilers. The white citizens crowded round, many of
them looking cold and reserved, and at only one or two points
was the Union flag displayed, or cheers given for the Union
army. Phe colored people, on the other hand, seemed greatly
delighted to see the Yankees once more, and gave significant
looks and signs to each other as the army moved on through the
town. Camped that night aboiit two miles away, near the
junction of the .Strasburg and Front Royal roads. This, was a
part of the old battle-ground of the Eighteenth and the One
Hundred and Twenty- Third Ohio Volunteers the year before.
The latter was now camped near by, and was reviewing the
ground in search of the graves of their fallen comrades. The
body of one was found to be only partially buried, within a few
rods of the Eighteenth's encampment, and the company to which
he belonged gathered in tht; twilight to give their brothera de
cent soldier's burial; the chaplain of the F2ighteenth officiating,
his tent being within two or three rods of the grave. It was a
solemn and impressive oct:.ision. Contrary to all expectation
we remained here (;ight or nine days, waiting it was said for
wagons ai>d supplies. Nothing of special interest occurred. The
troops were drilled, inspected and revif^wed nearly e\'ery day;

2i6 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

and a general review took place on the i8th of May by Gen.
Sigel and his staff, and the army was then ready to move farther
up the valley. It was the fault of some one that it was not ready
before. Gen. Sigel vvas called slow.
The week in camp at Winchester passed very quickly. The
last day vvas Sunday, May 8th, a beautiful day, more than usually
quiet for a soldier's life. It was understood the army was to
move early the next morning; just at sunset the chaplain of the
Eighteenth held a reli"-ious service on the brow of a hill in rear
of the Eighteenth's camp, a large number being present from
other regiments. The stillness of the evening hour was broken
only by the voice of song by hundreds of voices, and then fol
lowed the utterances of heartfelt prayer and exhortation. The
most earnest attention was given, and many a soldier united in
the public worship of the Father of all for the last time. The
evening of that day was unusually quiet and solemn. Many a
farewell was written in the last hours of that Sabbath to loved
ones at home. On Monday morning the army moved slowly
away, the Eighteenth occupying the same position as before.
There was much interest manifested in this march. The boys
who had passed over this road, through Newtown, Middletown
and Cedar Creek, pointed out to their comrades places where
interesting incidents occurred when they marched as prisoners of
war. One thing, of special note, was the great change in the de
portment of the citizens. The people who met these soldiers
the year before with taunts and threats, were now very quiet and
undemonstrative. In fact there seemed to be fewer people in all
the places which were passed. The men had either been forced
into the rebel army or had run away in the mountains, and the
women were not fond of showing themselves to the hated Yan
kees. Only few looked out of their doors and windows unless it
was to answer the loud calls of some of the boys for water, milk
or bread. At night camped very near Cedar Creek, some fording
the stream and others by a temporary bridge;, as the rebels had

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 217

destroyed the old one in order to delay .Sigel'.s progress. Passed
through Strasburgh, the most squalid looking town yet. As at
Newtown the people kept out of sight, not seeming to relish the
, presence of Yankees with muskets in their hands so much
as they did when passing that way without arms. Soon
Fisher's Hill, universally dreaded before the march began, came
in full view. This place, of such formidable natural defense,
was thoroughly scanned and the opinion freely expressed that the
rebels were unwise in not giving Sigel battle at this point where
every advantage was in their favor Passing over the hill halted
for an hour for rations and rest. Marched about twenty-five miles
that day, camping at night at Woodstock. Arrived in the midst
of a heavy shower and camped in a wheat field. This field was
fenced on three sides by a board fence, not one of which was
standing in five minutes after stacking arms. Each man was
anxious to have a board floor to sleep on that night instead of
the mud of that wheat field, and one could not blame them. On
the whole everybody was made quite comfortable for the night.
Remained here for two or three days and it was the general re
mark that Sigel did not seem much in a hurry. The small town
of Woodstock was visited by n-iany of the men and officers. The
name sounded home-like to that portion of the Eighteenth en
listed from Windham Couniy, but the place itself bore no com
parison with the Woodstock of the little nutmeg State. Saturday,
May 14th, the Eighteenth, with one battery, was ordered to ad
vance on Edinburg to the support of Col. Moore, of the Twenty-
Eighth Ohio, who had been out to look for the enemy in the
direction of New Market. Toward night there was sharp skir
mishing in front, showing that Col. Moore had been successful in
his search. The firing was rapid for a while and the enemy re
treated. In the mean time Maj. Peale was in readiness to move
at a moment's warning. He took a few prisoners at this point,
one of whom was a rebel captain, who was quite reticent and dis
posed to keep his own counsels. He warned the major, however.

2 1 8 EIGHTEEN TH REGIMENT

that his force could not go much farther without encountering
hot resistance. He seemed to have obtained in some way quite
an exact statement of the number of the Union forces, and the
object of their movements, and was certain that our small force
would be driven back in a day or two, if not entirely out of the
valley. The regiment's camp was about one mile south of the
town on a commanding position, and in easy supporting distance
of the battery mentioned above. Found the people here of
very strong rebel sentiment, who seemed to share the rebel
captain's convictions that the Yankees would "find their match"
before going much farther. It was evident there would soon be
more lively times than had been encountered. They came
sooner than Gen. Sigel expected, if one might judge by the dis
position of his forces, for on that night his main force was
twenty miles in the rear of his advance — a great mistake or a
serious accident. During the night Maj. Peale received an order
to move in great haste to the support of the Twenty-Eighth Ohio,
Col. Moore, that regiment being threatened by a greatly superior
force. Accordingly by daylight the Eighteenth was on the march
and advancing as rapidly as possible toward the threatened
danger. The following is the official account of that day's operations
which we insert entire: —
Headquarters Eighteenth Regiment Conn. Volunteers,
Camp near Strasburg, Va., May 21st, 1864.
Brigadier General Horace J. Morse,
Adjutant General State of Connecticut, FIartford, Conn.
General: — I have the honor to represent that at three o'clock
on the morning of May 15th the Eighteenth Connecticut Volun
teers, then on picket one mile south of Edinburg, Va., and six
miles in advance of the main army under Sigel, received orders
to proceed without delay to New Market, Va., at which place a
cavalry fight had occurred the previous day, and which was then

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 2ig

held by our cavalry and a small body of infantry, who were
seriously threatened by the enemy. The regiment, consisting of
seven companies. Companies F, I and K having been detailed
under Capt. J. H. Morrison, Company I at signal station, marched
without breakfast, and in a drenching storm, reached our ad
vanced forces about eleven o'clock A. M.,. the distance thus
traveled was fifteen miles. At this moment the artillery
discovered the position and designs of the enemy and com
menced operations; The regiment was ordered to assist in the
support of a battery. 'Phe position of our forces was on a hill
northwest of New Market, and distant from the town half a mile.
The enemy soon replied to our batteries from a wooded eminence
three-fourths of a mile south, and slightly commanding our po
sition. After an hour's cannonading the regiment was ordered to
advance, and with One Hundred and Twenty-Third Ohio and
First Virginia regiments in support of Snow's Maryland battery,
formed line immediately upon the brow of the hill, and the Eigh
teenth constituting the right.
We here awaited the approach of the enemy, whose skirmishers
in double line could be seen issuing from the woods covering his
position. The artillery duel still continued with considerable
vigor, and the enemy shelled our line with great accuracy, al
though without inflicting any considerable damage. Companies
A and B were immediately deployed, and descended the hill.
Severe skirmishing shortly ensued, our companies retiring very
slowly. At this time Capt. William L. Spaulding, Company B,
was mortally wounded in the abdomen and carried to the rear.
The enemy, in three strong lines, now issued from the woods
and charged down the hill at double quick, his skirmishers also
increasing their step and driving ours more rapidly.
It was at this time decided that a small knoll, some two hun
dred yards to the rear, would afford a better position, especially
for the artillery, which could thereby inflict greater damage upon
the enemy, who would be forced to pass over an eighth of a mile

220 ELGHTEENTLT REGLMENT

of nearly level ground before reaching our lines. The line ac
cordingly marched in retreat. The new position of the regiment
was most unlortunate for its efficiency, being in a lane backed by
barns and two rows of fence. A continous rain of five days had
rendered traveling on other than the roads extremely difficult,
and the men stood knee deep in mud. As the lane was entered
by the flank, so nothing but a flank movement could extricate the
regiment in order. Companies A and B were now strengthened
by Company D, leaving only four companies in line, in all some
what less than two hundred men.
The skirmishers of the enemy now appeared on the brow of
the hill, and rapid firing ensued, in which Capt. J. Matthewson,
Company D, was wounded, as also several men of his company.
As our skirmishers retired around our flank, the line fired several
volleys, when it being apparent that the line of the enemy greatly
outnumbered our own, and that further stay in that position was
worse than useless, the commanders of regiments of left brigade
gave the order to retreat, which movement was followed by the
Eighteenth. The regiment, marching by the flank at a double
quick, on emerging from the lane found itself some distance in
rear of the retreating line, and was thereby thrown into some
confusion, but with some exceptions the men were rallied, and
were reformed with the rest of the first line in rear of the second
line which now awaited the shock. The cannonading was at this
o
time extremely rapid, the rebels shelling our position with areat
accuracy, while the batteries of our first and second lines poured
grape and canister into their infantry, which came on in a splendid
line. As they drew near, our second line fired and claarged,
partially checking their advance, but having suffered severely
was forced to retire. For the same reason the enemy contented
himself with sending forward strong lines of skirmishers to harass
our now retreating force, himself advancing very slowly.
Desultory fighting was continued for three hours by our first
and second lines alternately, when two fresh regiments arriving,

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 221
the broken forces were asst;mbled in rear of them, and marched
on the pike to the north bank of the Shenandoah, whence it con
tinued to march until within two miles of Woodstock, where it
halted at five o'clock A. M., having marched nearly thirty five
miles in twenty-six hours, in addition to the march incident to its
participation in the action.
The whole number engaged in the action vvas somewhat less
than three hundred and fifty men. I am happy to bear testimony
to the good conduct of the few officers of the regiment present
for duty and to the efficient aid rendered by them throughout
the action.
The death of Capt. Spaulding is sincerely regretted by us all.
He was a good officer, and stood firm in the brave performance
of duty.
I am, sir, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
Henry Peale,
Maj. commanding- Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers.
It is beyond question that the Eighteenth did all that could be
expected of it, under the circumstances, and the number of
the killed and wounded shows that the regiment were not a little
exposed to the fire of the enemy, losing about one-fifth of their
number in killed, wounded and missing. The regiment went into
the battle exhausted by a forced march of fifteen miles, a part of
the way in a pouring rain, and in want of food. True, hard tack
was issued to the men just as they arrived at the scene of action,
but before they had finished their coffee they were ordered into
line of battle in the woods and marched thence in line until or
dered to halt. When the enemy came in view the situation was
appalling. The Union line consisted of only about one thousand
two hundred men, all told, while the enemy numbered seven thou
sand men, advancing in three compact lines of battle. "Notwith
standing the great odds, the Union line fired several volleys," says
Adjutant E. B. Culver, "when finding further continuance in that
position worse than useless, the commanders of regiments on

222 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

left of brigade gave the order to retreat, a movement which was
followed by the Eighteenth, which finding itself some distance in
the rear of the retreating line was thereby thrown into slight
confusion; but with few exceptions, the men were rallied and re
formed with the rest of the first line in the rear of the second line,
which now awaited the shock. It was no wonder that there was
some confusion in the retreat, the ground being in a horrible con
dition; the mud so deep from previous rains that it was almost
impossible to keep in line when no hasty movement was required.
And to add to the confusion the rain began to pour again in
torrents, greatly retarding the progress of the army. But for
three hours the fighting was kept up, and at length two fresh
regiments arriving, the enemy was checked and the whole Union
force marched slowly in retreat to the north bank of the Shenan
doah." One incident the writer well remembers while the Eigh
teenth was falling back. At one point the men rallied around
their flags, cheering and encouraging one another, and Sergeant
Hillard, of Company E, cried out to the chaplain as he rode up:
"Here, chaplain, is the old flag and we will stick to it." Lieut. F.
G. Bixby, of Company D, coming up at the same time with a
squad of the boys, extended warm congratulations, and seemed
not at all disheartened by the disasters of the day. Maj. Peale
and Adjutant Culver did all in their power to encourage their
command, and keep up the fight, being themselves severely ex
posed to a hot fire from the enemy at several points. The
bravery of Capt. J. Matthewson, of Company D, is specially note
worthy; he rallied his men on the retreat and charged with a
portion of the Thirty-Fourth Massachusetts of the second line, re
ceiving a severe wound in the wrist.
Maj. Peale bears testimony to the good conduct of all his of
ficers. The official report shows that some of the best men of
the Eighteenth were killed or wounded that day. Capt. William
L. Spaulding, Company B, was wounded in the abdomen early
in the battle, on the skirmish line. He was brave to a fault.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 223
standing up in full view of the sharp shooters and giving orders
to his men. Members of his company entreated him to take
better care of himself and not make himself a target for the
enemy, but he remained at his post and fearlessly gave the word
of command until he fell, exclaiming "I am shot." He was borne
at once to the rear, his wound was pronounced mortal by Sur
geons Holbrook and Harrington, and he was placed in an ambu
lance in care of a comrade and the chaplain. The ambulance
moved out on the pike to the rear, and was then ordered toward
Mount Jackson. But it had proceeded but a little way before
Capt. Spaulding expired. He was rational almost to the last, and
after expressing his trust in the Father of Mercies, he expressed
some anxiety about the fate of the day by inquiring: "Chaplain,
are they driving us?" He was told, "I hope not." Tbey were his
last words.
The death of Capt. Spaulding was a great loss to the regiment,
and caused deep sorrow in his company, among his fellow officers,
and the regiment generally. After the death of Capt. Spaulding,
the chaplain returned again toward the front to find the whole
army in full retreat, though by no means panic-stricken, however.
The pike was crowded with cavalry, ambulances and broken in
fantry, and not a few who were wounded. The wounded in am
bulances were being conveyed either to the hospital, an old church
on the right of the pike, or to Mount Jackson. As the retreat
continued the former hospital was abandoned, and its inmates
were sent to the latter place. Most of the wounded of the
Eighteenth were saved from capture, and before night had
reached the barracks at Mount Jackson. The main force having
reached the north side of the Shenandoah the enemy appeared
to give uip the pursuit. Gen. Sigel, however, continued his re
treat. About dark nearly all the wounded were placed in ambu
lances and the train moved on slowly toward Edinburg, where it
halted about midnight, waiting for further orders. Corporal
F. H. Converse, Coinpany D, barely escaped being left, a fate

224 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT
that he avoided only by his own almost superhuman exertions.
He was severely wounded in the abdomen and forearm, and car
ried to Mount Jackson where his wounds were dressed as well as
was possible under the circumsiances. He was almost the last
to leave the barracks. The chaplain and Surgeon Harrington in
passing through the barracks after nearly all the wounded had
been removed, found Converse and assured him that he would
be sent for soon, while the)- passsed into other rooms to see if
there were others of the Eighteenth still in the barracks. When
they returned. Converse was missing. In the meantime he
he had crawled out of his room unassisted to the road side and
hailed some battery men just passing, who allowed him to get
upon one of the boxes, and in this way he rode all night and thus
escaped capture. All were astonished by his cheerful endurance
and determination not to fall into the hands of the rebels. But
he suffered terribly, and is yet a sufferer from the terrible wounds
of that fatal day. The march that night was slow and difficult.
Camp fires blazed along the way lightning up the country for
miles around. On reaching Edinburg, a halt was made for
some time on account of the delay of the ambulance train. The
officer in charge declared that he had been ordered to fall
back to this place, and could not move further without special
orders. While delayed in this manner, the chaplain rode in
several directions about town to find the headquarters of the
division. At the same time he came upon several wounded men
on foot, who had walked all the way from New Market and
were quite exhausted. Found accommodations in an ambulance
for them with Moses Streeter, of Company D, as driver, or in
charge of the wounded. After a tedious delay the train moved
on again; at sunrise reached Woodstock, and when two miles
farther on halted for rest and rations. The army needed both.
For nearly thirty hours the troops had been constantly on the
move, marching or fighting, and the exertions followed by the
disasters of the day had produced a woful looking set of men.

rf'-\)^

'¦m!\y:j^

\'^^\'^

Lieut. WILLIAH CARUTHERS.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 225

May 1 6th, continued the retreat through the day, reaching
Cedar Creek about dark. Camped in the woods, sleeping on
the ground without covering. The men were so much exhausted
they thought little of the discomforts of the situation. May 19th,
passed over the creek about eight o'clock A. M., Company I
joining the regiinent here, also Companies F and K, which had
been detailed at a signal station. Marched to the old camp
ground. Found the ambulance train with the wounded here.
Gen. Sigel visited each ambulance and talked encouragingly to
the poor fellows, who cheered the General heartily when he told
them: "Boys, we got a little the wor§t of it this time, but will fight
them again." In the afternoon of the same clay a squad of men
were detailed to bury the body of Capt. .Spaulding, of Company
B, with military honors. The service took place under a tall black
walnut tree about fifty or sixty rods east of the camp, the chaplain
officiating. It was a sorrowful occasion. Every soldier of the
Eighteenth sincerely mourned the loss of his brave and fearless
comrade in arms. He was an officer of great promise. He en
tered the service from Eastford, August, 1862, as second lieuten
ant in Company D, and soon after was promoted to be first lieuten
ant of the same company. Two years previously he graduated
at the Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn,, with the highest
honors. After which he entered the law office of Judge Carpen
ter of Danielsonville. He was young, of excellent character, and
indomitable energy, perseverance and resolution. Although some
what reserved, he made many fast friends. He brought into the
service all the qualities of an educated gentleman as well as of an
heroic patriot. With a full knowledge of the dangers of war, he
deliberately chose what he considered the path of duty, and did
not murmur when face to face with its fatal consequences. No
man in the public service loved his country better or suffered
with more cheerfulness in its behalf than Capt. William L. Spauld-
ino-. Ttie Eighteenth remained at this place nine days. Inthe
mean time Gen. Sigel was relieved and Maj. Gen. Flunter took

226 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

command. An event of more interest to the regiment than this
occurred at the same time.
Col. William G. Ely, who had been a prisoner since June 15th,
1863, returned to his regiment. As he rode into camp on a
noble black stallion, there was a good deal of stir among the boys,
who received him with loud cheering and hearty congratulations.
The colonel made a happy speech which was well received. There
returned with him Capt. Warner, of Company G, and Lieuts. I.
N. Kibbe, of Company G, J. T. McGinnis, Company E, and J. P.
Rockwell. Capt. Warner, being in poor health, returned to
Martinsburg, and Lieut. Kibbe was put in command of Company
B, Lieut. Rockwell of Company G, and Lieut. McGinnis of
Company E. This reinforcement of officers seemed to inspire
new confidence. It was not without regrets, however, that the
regiment parted with Maj. Peale as their commander. For nearly
a year he had been with them on familiar and friendly terms and
they had regained in a great measure the drill and discipline that
distinguished them before the battle of New Market.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 227

CHAPTER XI.

HUN'rER S raid  BATTLE OF PIEDMONT.

We come now to a very important chapter in the history of the
Eighteenth, where Gen. Hunter was ordered to retrieve the losses
and failures of Gen. Sigel. Accordingly another movement up
the valley was ordered and in order to increase the speed and ef
ficiency of his army, stringent orders were issued reducing the
amount of transportation allowed to each regiment two-thirds,
thus allowing to each regiment one eight-mule team, and direct
ing regimental commanders to send to the rear all surplus bag
gage belonging to the officers and men in their commands. This
order left the officers without a "change of linen," and the men
lost some of their most useful articles of comfort. Such being the
case no one could doubt but that the regiment was under "light
marching orders." Fortunate, indeed, for all was it that this
proved true, for the next thirty days were days that "tried men's
souls," the darkest days of the war. On May 27th, Hunter's army
moved early on its way up the valley. Arrived in Woodstock,
about six o'clock in the evening, and remained there for the
night. May 29th, marched to near New Market where the army
rested five days. In the mean time visited the old battle-ground
in search of the dead. Found that the rebels had very carelessly
buried the Union dead, while their own had been carried
to a cemetery a few hundred yards di.stant and decently buried
with head and foot-boards, the names of the dead being printed

228 ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT

on the head-boards. Inthe hospital were found several of the
wounded, among them Hauerwas, of Company C, who had a leg
amputated. It was thought at the time that he could not survive,
but he eventually recovered and in due time was taken back into
the Union lines, and returned to his family in Lebanon. The
band of the Thirty-Fourth Massachusetts serenaded the wounded
while here, and it was affecting to witness the emotions and
cheers of the poor fellows who had suffered so much from their
wounds and their enemies. It should be said, however, to the
praise of the good women in New Market, that many comforts were
provided for the sick and wounded, even at the risk of their own
comfort if not their lives. June 2d, on the march again. Passed
through New Market at an early hour The citizens kept quiet.
Those who did show themselves looked angry and threatening.
The day was extremely hot and the men fell out constantly.
Whenever a spring of water vvas reached they rushed pellmell
toward it, thus provoking the anger of their officers. Towards
night, heard firing in front. The advance had overtaken the rebels,
w ith whom they were exchanging compliments. Drew near to Har
risonburg, a pleasant little town, through which the Union cavalry
drove the rebels in a panic. Camped near the town for the
night. Remained here until the morning of June 4th. Found
a large number of rebel sick and wounded in the hospitals, who
seemed anxious to be paroled, being heartil)- sick of the war It
was evident from their youthful appearance that they had not
been long in the service. Perhaps they were a part of the home
guard, and had been forced into the war within a few days to
impede Hunter's progress. Found none of the Eighteenth
wounded here, but the adjutant of the rhirty-F"ourth Massachu
setts, who had been badly wounded in the shoulder at New
Market. Left Harrisonburg early in the morning, and after
marching a mile or two left the pike and turned off to the
left over a crooked, rough, hilly road leading toward Port Repub
lic. Reached a branch of the Shenandoah early in the afternoon.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 229

A squad of Union cavalry had forded the river and captured a
rebel foraging party of two or three wagons. The river was so
deep that it was necessary to lay a pontoon bridge, which caused
considerable delay. Gen. Hunter superintended the work him
self and seemed much annoyed at the apparent unnecessary
delay. While the troops were waiting a number of cavalrymen
forded the stream, as much for their own amusement as anything.
Two or three, more courageous than the rest, attempted to cross
at a new place, where the water was so deep their horses had to
swim. When about two-thirds of the way across, one of them was
in some manner unhorsed, and he immediately sank to the bottom
like lead. Thousands of men were looking on in breathless
silence and seemed more affected than they would have been to
see hundreds of their comrades shot down in battle. All possible
means were used to rescue the unfortunate man. In less than
two minutes several soldiers stripped themselves and plunged into
the water, and swimming to the .spot began to dive for the
poor fellow. Again and again this act was repeated by different
ones, but no trace of the drowned man could be discovered, and
at last the attempt was given up in despair. About that time the
pontoon bridge was completed, and the army began to pass over.
It was late in the afternoon when the Eighteenth marched over,
and here they suddenly turned to the right, and crossed another
stream, which had a very rough, stony bed. At last reached the
main road, when it was quite dark and rain was beginnii-ig to fall.
Marched about two miles and camped in a dense wood-lot, the
underbush being so thick it was impossible to move alono-. At
length halted for the night vvith the rain pouring down; but the
tired men slept soundly, and alas, some had their last natural
sleep that dreary night.
June 5th was a memorable day in the history of the Eighteenth
Connecticut. After a miserable night rose very early and had
breakfast before sunrise. The boys were unusuall)- thoughtful
and silent as though startling events were anticipated. The im-

230 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

pression prevailed that there would be a fight soon, if not on that
day, and Adjutant E. B. Culver remarked to Col. Peale that he
was prepared to receive his d( ath wound before the close of the
day. The regiment moved out of the wood into an open field
and halted for a half hour. The sun was just rising over the Blue
Ridge and a heavy mist hung over the Shenandoah, which ran
tranquilly along at the mountain base. For an hour the weather
threatened to be unpleasant. In the mean time the Eighteenth
was ordered back into the woods and inarched along single file
for a considerable distance, the undergrowth being very thick and
a serious ob.struction. Progress was slow. After a while emerged
into an opening near the main road which was occupied by the
artillery and the trains. The infantry were marching on the op
posite side of the way. This order of movement indicated that
Gen. Hunter was suspicious of danger, and was preparing to
protect his trains from a sudden dash of the enemy's cavalry.
Had not proceeded far before the Eighteenth was formed in line
ol battle and marched up to a hill heavily wooded, then filed to
the right over a very uneven surface, with occassional deep gul
lies, almost impassable by mounted men. A short distance fur
ther on passed through a large wheat field, formed another line
of battle, charged into a wood-lot and halted. Here Gen.
Hunter rode down the line and said a few words to the differ
ent regiments. The writer will never forget the deep impres
sion the speech of Gen. Hunter made upon the regiment.
It was the most solemn moment he had witnessed since
his connection with the service. It gave one to understand
that there was earnest work to be done, and that too very quickly.
The regiment was ordered to advance again, but it had not pro
ceeded far before rapid firing was heard at the front. The Union
cavalry had met the enemy in its attempt to check the movements
of Hunter; charged them furiously and drove them back, taking
several prisoners, most of whom were wounded and in a pitiable
plight. Arriving at the place of this encounter found un-

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 231

mistakable evidences of an rapid and severe hand to hand fight.
About a mile in advance was discovered the rebel position. Al
ready the artillery had opened on the Union advance. The
smoke of their guns was plainly seen, and everything indicated a
severe and speedy conflict. A nearer approach to the enemy
showed the great advantages of their position, but the Union
forces steadily and firmly advanced in line of battle, and presently
were within range of the enemy's artillery, which kept up a rapid
fire, though their shot passed over, falling a short distance in the
rear, filling the air with smoke and dust. The rebel position was
in the form of a semi-circle as it proved, with a strong line of
skirmishers in advance, occupying the brow of a hill thickly set
with timber, near a wheat field. In this position the rebel skir
mishers were concealed, their sharp-shooters climbing up into the
trees, prepared to pick off the Union officers and do as much in
jury as possible. Both sides seemed determined to fight it out
at all hazards. The excitement was becoming general and Gen.
Hunter, occupying a position in full view, watched the movements
with intense interest.
The rebels, as usual, had the advantage of position. The Union
force was obliged to charge over a long space in an open field,
under a brisk artillery fire, and then over a run into another open
field of rising ground, then through a field of wheat on a side hill,
the brow of which was skirted by a strip of woodland, affording
a good shelter from the fire of Union guns. Still the Eighteenth,
which had the right of Hunter's line, pressed on under a severe
fire of shell and musketry and drove the rebel skirmishers rapidly
before them. It was a brilliant charge. While nearing the enemy's
lines the Eighteenth seemed to be more exposed to the enemy's
fire than any other portion of the line, receiving several volleys
of musketry which rapidly depleted their ranks, but did not in
the least check their progress. The rebels did not tarry long
after reaching the top of the hill, but continued to fall back over
a space of clearing, about five hundred yards wide, until they

232 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT
reached their main defenses in the edge of another wood-lot. At
first the Union line was for following up their seeming advantage,
when Col. Ely, being mounted, discovered defenses of the enemy
and cried, halt. It was apparent that the enemy had chosen a
strontr line of defense, and it was necessary to proceed with the
utmost care and caution. Hence the Union line fell back a few
rods into the strip of woodland on the brow of the hill from which
they had just dislodged the enemy. Up to this time the loss of
the Eighteenth had been considerable. Among others Adjutant
E. B. Culver fell early in the charge mortally wounded in the
head while executing a special order of his commander. Private
J. P. Adams, of Company D, was also killed instantly by a musket
ball through the head. Several others were severely wounded,
both in rank and file. Severe skirmishing continued for two
hours. In the mean time several charges were made upon the
whole line with severe loss on both sides. Previously, however,
a German New York brass battery of two guns, twelve pounders,
was brought up to the left of the Eighteenth, in plain view of the
rebel works, and it did execution in weakening the enemy's line.
This battery was brought up at the suggestion of Col. Ely, who
from his position had a better view of the enemy's position than
almost any other officer in the line. At the suggestion being made
to Col. Moore, the brigade commander, that possibly rebels might
be lyingbehind some rails which were plainly to be seen, he replied:
"I tink dere is no rebels dere," but after one or two well directed
shots, which sent rails and rebels' limbs flying alike into the air,
he changed his opinion. F^very successive shot told with great
effect, rendering some portions of the rebel position untenable,
and giving them great trouble. Inthe mean time. Gen. Hunter
was preparing to make a general attack from all sides. He sent
a force by a circuitous route to attack the enemy's rear In the
mean time, it was necessary to keep a bold front and the charges
before referred to were made, in which the Eighteenth suffered
severely. There was a knoll, or rising ground, about half way

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 233

between the rebel line and the main position of the Eighteenth
which it was very necessary to hold. This was accomplished by
the men lying on their faces. It was a terribly close, hot place,
and here the regiment suffered its greatest losses. While the
force in the rear was coming into position there was an interval
of fearful suspense. The German battery was expecting a charge
every moment from the line it so much annoyed, and to all it
appeared exceedingly doubtful what would be the final result.
But at length the signal was given, the left of the line began to
cheer, then the right and center moved at once and together
upon the enemy's works, and carried them in a few moments.
The musketry firing was awful, while the rebels, perceiving they
had been out-generaled, broke and ran in great confusion. The
victory was complete. The flank movement w-;is a great success,
and seemed to have been entirely unexpect(;d. Fifteen hundred
rebels threw down their arms and surrendered at discretion, and
the dead and wounded were lying around in all directions. In
this sanguinary and successful battle it is but just to say that the
Eighteenth behaved splendidly, and did a noble day's work for
their country. In the official report Col. Ely says: "The
Eighteenth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers were on the right
of Gen. Hunter's line of- battle. Its colors took the lead in the
first charge, and floated defiantly till we triumphed. All the
color guard were wounded except one, our banner riddled by
minnie balls and cannon shot, and a loss of one hundred and
twenty-seven killed and wounded tells our story. Officers and
men all behaved most gallantly, obeying orders with alacrity,
even in the thickest of the fight."
When the first charge was made it was a grand sight to see
the whole line move forward so steadily and confidently. A
captured rebel said: "We knew you Yankees meant fight in the
morning when we, saw you advance without the least hesitancy
or confusion under our artillery fire." After the first charge
through the wheat field, the drum corps was sent to look for the

234 ELGHTEENTH REGLMENT

dead and wounded and they came upon a suspicious looking pile
of wheat beside a large stump. There was the appearance of a
bundle of rags, but a closer examination revealed a rebel lieuten
ant who had secreted himself behind the stump and covered
himself as well as he could with the growing wheat. Upon being
discovered he instantly sprang to his feet, and seemed greatly
confused and ashamed when Judson Gager, of the drum corps,
commanded him to surrender, and took from him his sword and
pistol, then marching him off to the hospital. It is unnecessary
to add that the drum corps was not a little proud of their rebel
prize. In another part of the field, a wounded rebel was found
sitting under a tree deeply affected by the kindness of his captors.
He said: "I did not expect such kindness as this," and similar ex
pressions fell from his dying lips. He said that the rebel Gen.
"Bill Jones" told them that morning they might as well die fight
ing, for if they surrendered the Yankees would surely kill every
one of them. Hence the surprise and gratitude of this prisoner
at his kind treatment by his Northern brethren. The prisoners,
generally, were agreeably disappointed at the manner of the
Northern soldiers, and many of them expressed themselves as
heartily sick of the war. An exceedingly critical time in the
battle was the period when the Eighteenth held the rising ground
between the two lines ot the opposing forces. Col. Moore, of the
One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Ohio, had suggested they had
better retreat to the woods or they would be compelled to do so
by rebel numbers, but Col. Ely and Maj. Peale insisted on hold
ing their position, urging that if they did fall back the movement
would be extremely dangerous and might cause the loss of the
battle. Both these officers deserve highest credit for their reso
lute courage and for the inspiration they gave their men at .such
a critical junction.
At about this time, FI F. Bickford, Company D, color guard,
was severely wounded and fell, and the "old fl-ig" went to the
ground; but at the same moment Charles Lynch, Company C

. '*'^> ^ :'^j% ^-^^ >p^

.A

I

f1#>4

Charge c:' the 18th Conn,, on the first line ef retel wctIls at Piedn-.cnt. '.':.. J'jne 5th, l-i-

CONNECTICUT VOLUN JIiERS, 235
who had had his gun stock shot off, instanti)' caught up the ban
ner and raised it to its proper position. Subsequently he ex
changed the flag for a musket and resumed the fight.
Soon after the German battery had reached position the reb
els raised a black flag with a single star on it, which the Germans
looked upon as a ver)' fine target. After one shot, which seemed
to strike near the murderous ensign, it suddenl)' disappeared and
was seen no more. A captured rebel said: "If it had not been
for that "Dutch" battery we should have whipped you."
At one point of the battle the rebel rifle pits needed reinforce
ments, and a rebel officer, riding a fine looking black horse,
attempted to furnish them. He started with a squad of men, but
had not proceeded far before a well directed shot from the battery
fell among them and the men fled in every direction. The rebel
officer, however, was, full of the spirit of defiance, as riding out in
full view, he turned his face toward the Yankees and seemed
perfectly at ease. But it was not long before he was seen to fall
from his horse and there were at least eighteen men in the Eight
eenth Connecticut who claimed the honor of shooting him.
A captured rebel said they had no doubt in the morning but
that the Yankees would be driven back and perhaps most of
them captured. The situation was not favorable for a retreat
they well knew, and it vvas this fact that made the Union troops
fight with such desperation. They knew they must gain a vic
tory as defeat would be their ruin.
Most of the prisoners taken seemed surprised that they were
treated so kindly by the hated Yankees. Some expressed a wish
to have no more to do with the war, but others were sullen and
not inclined to be talkative about the situation. Among these
was a lieutenant colonel, who lay on the ground near the hospit
al in sullen mood. He was a, fine looking man, and received
every possible attention.
Gen. "Bill Jones," who commanded the rebels, was instantly
kiUed, having been hit over the eye by a Minnie-ball. This

236 ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT

must have been in the last charge, as the retreating rebels were-
in such haste they could not take his body with them. It was
found by members of the Eighteenth a few rods from the rebel
line in the woods. In a few moments every button on his coat
was cut off for relics. I he death of Jones, it was thought, hast
ened the defeat and retreat of the rebels. He was a noble
looking man and no doubt a brave soldier.
Phe Union men could not restrain their shouts of joy at their
victory, and the Eighteenth, especially, were exceedingly jubilant.
It was their first victory. They had wiped out New Market ef-
lectually, though not without severe loss. It was both a time
of joy and sadness, as the official report shows how terri
bly the regiment suffered. Nearly one-third of their number
were among the killed and wounded, and it is not saying too
much that these were among the most brave and faithful com
rades, whose example was always inspiriting and encouraging.
Maj. Peale had been ordered in the morning, about five o'clock,
with Companies A and B, and two companies of the New York
Fifth heavy artillery, to follow closely on the track of the cavalry
sent in advance to ascertain the position of the enemy. These
companies had to start off before they had breakfasted, and they
found but little time for eating before the enemy began to feed
them vvith shot and shell. Th(> men found more hot work than
hot coffee that morning. But not a man flinched from dut)' or
left his post unless wounded. Compan)- A had many hair
breadth escapes, especially after the general charge before re
ferred to, which drove the rebels from their first position. In
feeling the left of the enemy's line, to ascertain its strength, there
vvas sharp practice on both sides. It was by this movement that
the rebel position was more fiilly discovered and reported by Maj.
Peale to Col. Moore and Col. F^l)-.
A complete record would reveal many narrow and wonderful
escapes from death during the day. 'i hat part of thi; line occu
pied by the Eighteenth was very much exposed from the first,

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTIiERS. 237
the extreme right and advance being on the skirmish line, as be
fore stated, consisting of Companies A and B, together with two
companies of the New York Fifth heavy artillery, under com
mand of Maj. Peale, who had orders to hold the position taken
at all hazards. This line was so near the enemy that their
works were plainly seen, and the orders of the rebel officers at
times were heard. Some very sharp shooting was done, and
both sides suffered severely. Col. Ely had his horse shot under
him, and had a very narrow escape himself from death.
A farm house, about half a mile from the batttle-field, was taken
possi'ssion of for one hospital, and another was selected a mile to
the rear of this. Both were literally crowded with the wounded,
and the door yard of the first named was thronged with wounded
men. The first man carried to the rear was Adjutant E. B.
Culver. He was mortally wounded, as before stated in the first
charge, b)- a bullet in the head; the injury rendering him sense
less from the first. He fell directly under Maj. Peale's horse.
At the same time the major caught the adjutant's horse by the
bridle and prevented his escaping, the steed being excited by the
fall of his rider. The horse was given in charge of an orderly
who took it to the rear, and as soon as possible the major went
to the aid of Culver. He could not do so at once as the regi
ment was in the act of charging, and required the presence of
every officer in his place. The wounded officer was conveyed to
the rear and laid under the shade of a tree near the road, where
a surgeon of an Ohio regiment. Dr. Harrington of the F2ight-
eenth, and the chaplain soon found him. Everything that was
possible was done for him. He was placed on a stretcher and
conveyed to the nearest hospital, and there he died the following
night, not having regained consciousness after his hurt. Adju
tant Culver was sincerely mourned by the whole regiinent, espec
ially by the officers of the staff who knew him best. He enlisted
from Norwich, Conn., quitting a fine situation in the drug store
of Lee & Osgood, by whom he was held in high esteem on ac-

238 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT
count of his intelligence and fidelity. He was assured when he
enlisted that if he returned from the war he could have his old
position if he desired it. He carried into the service of his
country all the qualities of a scholar, gentleman and a good
soldier. He was a superior officer, prompt, energetic, obedient,
brave and faithful. He shrank from no duties, and shunned no
dangers. He went into an action prepared and determined to
do his whole duty. He was a general favorite. His deport
ment was such as to elicit the respect and praise of the privates,
as well as his superiors in rank, and it was a pleasure to witness
his soldierly bearing at dress parade. Every man in the regi
ment loved him and was proud of him. His loss was deeply felt
and regretted. Both Col. Ely and Maj. Peale felt that his loss
was almost irreparable, and this conviction was shared in by all
their fellow officers of the staff and line. His remains were
buried near the hospital, his grave marked, and the following
week his remains were removed and buried in his native town in
New York state.
Lieut. McGinnis, Company E, was shot through the head
late in the fight, and died the same evening. The following rec
ord has been furnished by a friend, which is here inserted entire:
John T. McGinnis was born in Stamford, Conn., September 25th,
1825. With only the advantages of a common school education
he learned the trade of a printer, and was for some time engaged
in the New York Herald office as foreman, and afterwards as
compiler and proof reader. Most of his life was spent in this
way until 1849, when he engaged in mercantile business. At
the first outbreak of the Rebellion he wished to enter the field at
once, but was prevented by the persuasions of his family. When
the President made his call for 'three hundred thousand more,'
he said: 'My country is in great danger; I am going now.' He
immediately commenced recruiting for the Eighteenth Regi
ment Connecticut Volunteers. With noble modesty he declined
any position of honor until he should have earned it. On the

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 239

1 8th of .August, 1862, he was commissioned second lieutenant of
Company E, Eighteenth Regiment. While stationed at Perry
ville, Md., he was promoted to first lieutenant, December 26th,
1862. Although not called immediately into active service in
the field, yet he acquired a high reputation among those who
knew him for faithful discharge of his duties as a soldier Leav
ing Baltimore with his regiment on the 25th of May, 1863, he
was engaged in the Winchester battles, under Gen. Milrov, June
13th, 14th and 15th. On the morning of the 15th, after some
hard fighting, he was taken prisoner, together with most of the
officers and men of his regiment, by Johnson's division of
Ewell's corps. They were immediately marched to Libby Prison,
Richmond, suffering greatly from fatigue, thirst and hunger,
where they arrived June 23d, 1863. Lieut. McGinnis was not
discharged until March i6th, 1864. At one time while in prison
he was very sick. From cold, privation and suffering he con
tracted a cough from which he never recovered. Receiving a
furlough he returned home to his family for a few weeks, and
though still suffering from illness, when his leave of absence ex
pired he expressed an ardent desire to return to his regiment.
many of whom he had not seen for ten months. His lungs were
visibly affected. Many of his friends endeavored to have him
obtain an extension of furlough, but his reply was: 'My boys are
already in the field; they are on the march; they need me. My
country needs the help of every single arm. Of what account is
my poor life, and of what account are the lives of a million men
if thereby our nation is saved.' It was hard parting from his
family, but God gave him strength. He joined his regiment,
then under Gen. Hunter, near Strasburg, Va , May 24th, 1864.
His last words were true to himself and his great nature. He
writes from Woodstock, Va.: 'I regret that my health is not suf
ficiently good to justify much exposure, but poor as it is I wish
you to know and feel that I shall not shirk my duty in the hour
of trial.' On the morning of Sunday, June 5th, 1864, Gen.

240 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

Hunter's command met the rebels, under Gen. Jones, at Pied
mont, Va. Lieut. McGinnis led his company into action, and by
his coolness and bravery, as in former battles, won the praise and
admiration of his brother soldiers. At mid-day he fell mortally
wounded in the left forehead, killed by an EngUsh Tower rifle
ball. 'If I am to fall,' said he, 'let it be on a victorious battle
field, amid the cheers of the boys in blue, and under the trium
phant shadows of our noble flag.' The prayer of the brave
lieutenant was answered. He proved himself, like thousands of
his countrymen, a true patriot, a brave soldier, a noble man.
His name is honorably mentioned by Col. Ely, of the Eighteenth
Regiment, in his report to the adjutant general, 'as a valuable
officer, who in camp inspired the soldiers to excel in the faithful
discharge of military duties, and on the battle-field encouraged
the men by gallant examples.' One who knew him best has
written: 'Lieut. McGinnis was an honest, upright, whole-souled
man; everywhere and under all circumstances a true gentleman.
No officer in the regiment had more attached and devoted
friends than he, and among his military companions, as well as in
a wide circle of relatives and friends, his loss will be deeply
and sincerely felt.' "
"Sergeant William Henry Paine was the only son of William
Paine, of Woodstock, Conn., and was a young man of much
promise. Having no ta.ste or inclination for camp life, only at
the call of duty did he with others volunteer to defend his coun
try. Boasting no courage, he was ever to be relied upon in dif
ficult and dangerous service, and never was known to shirk duty,
even in the face of death. His superior officers relied much up
on his vivacious disposition to keep the men in good spirits,
and they testified that his services in this respect were invaluable.
It was during what was known as Hunter's raid in Virginia, the
5th of June, 1864, that Paine lost his life. At the battle of Pied
mont, in the face of a shower of bullets, while faced about to give
directions to the men in his charge, a bullet from the enem)' en-

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 241

tered his body, and in a few hours ended his life at the age of
twenty-four. His remains were at length conveyed to his native
town, and interred in the family cemetery. On his tomb-stone
is inscribed these truthful words: 'A precious sacrifice.'"
From personal observation we are prepared to endorse the
testimony here given concerning his excellent qualities, both as a
Christian, gentleman and a soldier.
In addition to Adjutant Culver and Lieut. McGinnis, there
fell at Piedmont as noble a band of men, as ever gave their
lives for their country. "Death loves a shining mark," and
it seemed that rebel bullets were aimed at and struck down
some of the best men in the Eighteenth Regiment at Piedmont.
Such honor has been freely accorded to these men by their sur
viving comrades. Never was the loss of soldier comrades more
sincerely regretted and mourned than in this instance. It was
the general remark after the battle. These men stood bravely
to their post until they were shot down. It would be invidious,
perhaps, to particularize. Phe name of every one is immortal,
and their memory will be very dear to those who knew their
worth as brave soldiers in a righteous cause, for which they be
came martyrs. But there were those who were more than re
spected as good soldiers, who were loved as intimate companions
and friends for their many virtues. Each company had its spec
ial favorites, who were greatly esteemed for their general useful
ness in their respective positions. The writer regrets that per
sonal reminiscences of these men have not been furnished by
their surviving comrades or relatives for this history. It ought
to have been done in justice to the memory of these patriots and
defenders of their country's flag. They died that the nation
might live; that our free government and institutions of learning
and freedom might be preserved and handed down in their puri
ty to the generations to come.
Had they and their fallen comrades not bared their breasts to
rebel bullets and fought to the last, our Union would have been

242 ELGHTEENTH REGLMENT
rent asunder, and Southern hate and revenge would have com
mitted the same atrocities here at the North as they did at
Richmond, or Andersonville, or Columbia. Blessed be the
memory of the men who gave their lives to destroy the .Southern
Confederacy, thus preventing the barbarism of negro slavery
from spreading over the whole country, and thus warding off
further inflictions from the hands of divine justice.
Nor should the maimed and wounded of the Eighteenth at
Piedmont be forgotten. They too, as a whole, conducted them
selves in a manner that deserves special commendation and even
admiration. It was a sad sight to see more than one hundred
men suffering from their wounds, and e.xposed to the extreme
heat of that terrible hot day. The hospital was filled early in
the battle, and then the poor sufferers were laid in rows in the
adjoining yard, covering a large space of ground. It was a
long time before all could have their wounds properly cared
for. Some were constantly calling for water to quench their ex
treme thirst, and others for relief from their acute sufferings.
Others were dying, while others still were enduring amputation
with the hope of saving themselves from the grasp of the pale
messenger. On the whole, it was a sight that once seen woiild
never be forgotten, and the wonder is that more of the wounded
heroes did not give way to impatience and despair. On the
contrary, they were remarkably cheerful and hopeful under the
circumstances. They bore their pains without murmuring or
complaint. The writer was amazed, in going from one to an
other of his regiment, to find them so reconciled to their distress
ing condition. They seemed to forget their pains in their great
interest in the result of the battle that was being so hotly con
tested. When the news came that the rebels had broken and
were retreating in wild confusion, and our cavalr)' were in hot
pursuit, the wounded men seemed to forget entirely their painful
condition. They were almost beside themselves with joy. They
cheered, clapped their hands, and those who were able sprang to

CONNECTICUT VOLUN TET:RS. 243
their feet, threw up their hands and caps, and amid shouts and
tears of joy cheered again ;t d again for the Union. The im
pression of that scene will never be effaced from the hearts of
those who participated in it. .''Jot a few of the wounded who
made the air vocal with their ihouts that day were soon num
bered among the dead. In nearly two-thirds of the cases the
wounded were saved, bnt i^i several instances death ultimately
ensued. God bless the "cripple brigade," in which the Eight
eenth Connecticut had its full share. May their sufferings and
privations ever be gratefully remembered by the American
people. It was nearly dusk when the dead were buried and the Eight
eenth lay down in the woods for the night, only a little way in
advance of the rebel position, greatly reduced in numbers and
nearly exhausted from the constant fighting and fatigues of the
day. Nevertheless, all felt jubilant over the result. They had
whipped the rebels and sent them flying over the Blue Ridge;
yet the victory had been dearly purchased, as the list of the dead
and wounded clearly showed. This thought chastened the joy
and the men lay down that night serious and thoughtful.
There were several promotions after the bat-tie. Lieutenant
J. P. Rockwell, Company G, who had received a slight wound in
the abdomen but still remained on duty, was promoted adjutant
in place of the lamented Culver Orderly Robert Kerr, who had.
commanded Company A, was promoted to a second lieutenan
cy for gallant conduct. Other promotions were made, equally
well deserved, and the regiment was ready and eager for further
service. On June 6th moved early on Staunton. As the regiment
filed out of the woods into the highway. Gen. Sullivan and staff
were sitting on their horses near by, and the general cried to
his staff: "Three cheers for the Eighteenth Connecticut who
saved the day at Piedmont," and they were given with a will.-
Gen. Hunter also complimented the regiment for its gallant

244 ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT

conduct. The boys went on cheering and singing. There
was great enthusiasm along the whole line. It was a day
of triumph, and the march of fifteen miles or more was performed
with less fatigue than usual. The march was through a fine
country. The citizens were mostly civil, belonging to a religious
sect generally called "Dunkers," who were believers in true im
mersion, and in their views concerning war something like the
Quakers. Many of the able-bodied men had run away to escape
the draft, some of whom had been met at Harper's Ferry before
the Union force moved up the valley. One old man and his
wife stood at their gate as the army moved on, and very freely
expressed their views with regard to the war, denouncing the
Southern people for resorting to arms to secure what they called
their rights. The old man said: "I have been telling the people
round here that it would come to this if they did not cease their
agitation and their violent threatenings. Now," he added, "we
have this cruel war, and the end is not yet." These people
seemed gn^atly excited by the movements of Gen. Hunter's ar
my. The)' had reason to be.
Staunton was reached about five P. M. Here the boys be
came very much excited and enthusiastic. Not quite a year
before most of the Eighteenth had passed through this place on
their way to Richmond as prisoners of war. Then the citizens
were as numerous as bees, cheering and laughing derisively, and
asking many impertinent question; among others: "How do you
like 'on to Richmond' as far as you have got," and otherwise
insulting them. The men had replied by cheering for the Union
and the old flag, and predicting: "We are coming this way again
before long, and shall bring our muskets with us." This proph
ecy was now being fulfilled, as much to the delight of the
Yankees as the previous experience had been delightful to the
proud and exulting rebehs. Jt was mortifying enough to the
Staunton people to hear the Yankee music, and see the Union
colors flying, to listen to cheers of triumph as Northern soldiers

Lieut. JOHH A. FRANCIS.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 245

marched through the town. The men as usual kept out of sight,
while the women looked out of their doors and windows in sul
len silence or in spiteful defiance. Some of the citizens expect
ed the hated Yankees would commit all kinds of violent acts in
town, but afterward confessed that the troops appeared more
orderly than they expected. Went into camp about half a mile
west of the city, in the midst of a heavy shower, where the grass
was tall and heavy.
Remained here three days. In the meantime different regi
ments were sent along the railroads to destroy the tracks and
burn the bridges. The Eighteenth was absent one day; cap
tured several fine horses, and helped themselves to the good
things of the land. Great quantitiesof tobacco were destroyed.
Houses were searched for fire-arms, ammunition, and provisions,
and property generally well shaken up. In the midst of this
work. Gen. Averill's cavalry came marching into town, the
band playing "Yankee Doodle." The men were nearly crazy
with delight, and told the new comers to help themselves
to tobacco, and the latter proceeded so to do after a soldier's
most approved style. Every pocket was crammed with the luxu
ry. Gen. Crook came into town soon after with a force of in
fantry. Crook and Averill had reached Staunton by another
route, and now were joined to Gen. Hunter's command, making
a force of some fifteen or sixteen thousand men. The Eight
eenth wrote great quantities of letters while here to their old
homes in Connecticut. The time of the Twenty-Eighth Ohio
having expired, the) were ordered home in charge of a train, by
a mountain road through West Virginia. A number of our
wounded were sent to the rear by this train. Most of the
badly wounded at Piedmont were removed to the hospital in
Staunton, several of whom soon afterward died. After our force
left the town, the poor fellows seemed to become discouraged,
and it was said they died of home-sickness.
June gth, reconnoitered in force a few miles west of Staunton,

246 ELGHTEENTH REGLMENT

a rebel force having been seen in that direction the night previ
ous. Halted about noon near a railroad crossing for rest and
rations. In the meantime made considerable work for the rail
road company in repairing bridges and laying new rails and ties.
Returned to Staunton and spent another night. The men found
it quite as pleasant staying here with their muskets as without
them a year before. They would have been quite willing to
have remained a longer time.
Staunton is beautifully located on a small branch of the Shen
andoah near its source, and on the Central Railroad in Virginia,
one hundred and twenty miles from Richmond. Gen. Hunter
caused this road immense damage while here, besides destroying
quantities of military stores and tobacco. The Western Lunatic
Asylum was located here. There was also an institution for the
dumb and blind. One or both of th(;se buildings were in use as
hospitals for sick and wounded Confederate and Union soldiers.
The town contained five or six churches, two academies, two fe
male seminaries and two banks. The capture of this place was
quite an achievement, as the destruction of rebel property here
was estimated at over a million of dollars. It was a terrible
mortification to the rebel citizens of Staunton to see the Yankees
in power The old men, however, said but little, but the young
men were very bitter and fierce in their denunciations and deter
mination to carry on the war to the bitter end. The writer
recalls a conversation with one of this class, in substance as fol
lows: "What right have you to come down here to fight us and
destroy our propertyl*" "We are here in obedience to our gov
ernment, and to defend its honor and flag." "Why do you employ
the niggers to fight for you?" "For the same reason that you
employ them as servants, to dig your trenches, build your fortifi
cations, and wait on your officers of the army. They serve us
equally well as soldiers. We have left white folks enough to
rai.se food for our armies. We do not need niggers for that,
but only to fight." "But you will never whip us." "Yes we shall,

CONNECTLCUT VOLUNTEERS. 247

for we have the most men and the most money, and besides we
have right on our side. If you should kill off our present armies
our government could raise others like them, while you have got
already your whole available force in the field, and you cannot
raise another man and you know it. Now take good advice:
return to your allegiance to the United States government and
be loyal citizens, and it shall be well with you." "We shall not do
it; we will die first." "Very well, then make up your mind to die,
for we shall put down this Rebellion if it takes twenty years."
"We can't see it." "You will see it, and besides we will introduce
free schools and the free institutions of the North all over this
Southern country, and in ten years you will see the good effects
and thank us for whipping you. If you do not, your children will,
and rise up and call us blessed."

248 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

CHAPTER XII.
hunter's RAID  ON TO LYNCHBURG.

On the loth of June the united forces of Hunter and Averill
left Staunton for Lynchburg. The day was very hot and the
march was in silence. Halted at one time near a very fine spring.
While here a train overtook us from Martinsburg and some of
the Eighteenth came on it. Received a mail, which the chap
lain distributed, greatly to the delight of those who were lucky
enough to get news from home. A member of Company A says:
"I received a letter from my wife and was very thankful. In it I
found a little green tea. She little knows the good it will do me
when we go into camp to-night, for I have no coffee." Passed
on a little way and found an old man standing by his gate, who
said with deep emotion: "It does me good to see the old flag. I
have not seen it for more than three years.
Went into camp that night at a place called Medway, near an
old brick church. Rations had begun to be scarce. The boys
cooked their meat by holding it in the blaze of their fires.
However, made the best of it, the boys having considerable sport
in this novel process of "broiling steak." Next day, Saturday,
June I Ith, after a tiresome march arrived at Lexington, the seat
of Washington College and the Virginian Military Institute.
Found Gen. Crook skirmishing with a rebel force on the opposite
side of the north branch of the James River. The firing was
kept up for several hours. In the meantime a force was

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 249
sent to the enemy's left, by fording the river a mile or two
above the town. The rebels rushed out in great haste. The
Union force took possession of the town and burned the Military
Institute and Governor Letcher's house, and destroyed not a
little rebel property. The statue of Washington, in front of the
Institute, was taken away and sent to Washington. Next day,
Sunday, the whole force was moved across the river. The rebels
had burned the bridge, but the river, being low on account of the
drouth, it was easily forded and the Eighteenth went into camp
a little east of the town. The situation was delightful. Lexing
ton lies in a valley, and the mountain scenery on all sides is
grand and beautiful. Moreover, the town itself was very pleas
ant. It had not suffered much from the effects of the war until
now, with the single exception of Washington College. This
had been occupied by the rebels previous to its occupation by
the Union army, and everything was in a poor and dilapidated
condition. The books of the library were scattered over the
floor of the building, and the injury done was very great. This
was not all the work of Yankees, the rebels did their full share.
This place is about one hundred and forty-six miles from Rich
mond, and about thirty-five miles northwest from Lynchburg.
It is noted as having been the home of several leading rebel
commanders, especially "Stonewall Jackson," and also the place
of his burial.
When Hunter's army entered Lexington the rebel flag was
found flying on a staff at the head of Jackson's grave. It was
taken down, and during the two days' stay of the Union forces
the flag-staff, and the head and foot-board of his grave were
fairly whittled away and carried off for relics. The house of
Jackson was pointed out, as well as other places of note, owing
to their relations to the Rebellion. Mayor Adams — as he was
called — was very polite and gentlemanly — the son of a Northern
man — and did not seem to be very hearty in his support of the
war. He expressed the hope that Hunter would take every

2 50 ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT
black man from the county (Rockbridge.) Slavery he said was
not at all profitable to the owners, and they were tired of it.
Provisions seemed to be very scarce among the citizens. The
mayor invited the chaplain of the Eighteenth to take breakfast
with him, and there was nothing on his table but rye coffee —
called Jeff Davis coffee — and one plate of very small biscuit
made of poor flour "This," said he "is the best we have." On
the whole, the stay of two days at Lexington was very pleasant.
Tbe men needed rest. The chief pastime was making rings and
other trinkets from the black walnut boards captured from Stone
wall Jackson's grave.
June 14th, left Lexington about seven A. M., and marched all
day through a romantic country, passing within two or three
miles of the Natural Bridge, which Lieut. Johnson and several
other officers visited. Arrived at Buchanan about sunset.
Here the rebels had committed a most foolish vandalism —
burned a very fine bridge which spanned the south branch of
the James River. This place was the head of navigation, and
connected also with Richmond by the James River canal. The
canal boats were used to convey the troops across the river to
Pattonsburg, and this viHage the burning of the bridge set on
fire. The Union advance extinguished the flames, and thus
saved the rebels a greater loss from their own malicious folly.
A large portion of the troops crossed on the remains of the
bridge which had faMen into the river. The timbers and boards
were so arranged as to make a passable foot-bridge. The
horses and mule teams forded the river a mile or two above, but
not without difficulty. Just before crossing the river the Yankees
were greeted with cheers of welcome, and the old flag was waved
by a company of people on the veranda of a large house a little
to the left from the line of march. This was the first demon
stration of the kind since the departure from Winchester, and
each regiment responded vvith hearty cheers as they passed,
causing no little excitement in the staid-looking town. The men

CONNECTLCUT VOLUNTEERS. 251

thought the very name was proof enough that it was an old fogy
town and they wondered if the people would sufficiently awake
to know that the Yankees had come. The crowd that had
cheered were called "Northern people," and they showed about
the only signs of life in the place. The Eighteenth camped in
a wheat field that night about a mile above the crossing. All
were weary and slept soundly. 'Fhe wheat straw made a very
good bed, but did not furnish very substantial food for stomachs
which at the time began to cry for bread.
June 15th, Wednesday, arose about sunrise. Being but a
short distance from the river, many of the boys repaired thither
for washing, near the place of fording. Several wrecked team
wagons were still in the river, besides one or two single-horse
wagons belonging to the contrabands following Gen. Hunter's
trains. Two darkies, a man and woman, were sitting in a wag
on, minus a horse, waiting for a power of locomotion to "take
them over Jordan," which they evidently began to find a "hard
road to travel." About nine A. M. the order came to move tow
ard a gap in the Blue Ridge, which was but a short distance
away. Here a rebel spy was detected trying to decoy into the
mountains one of Gen. Averill's trains. He was instantly shot
and his body left in the road as a warning to others. Soon after
ward began to ascend the mountains by a narrow, rough road,
that was as crooked as a ram's horn, and in some places very
steep. The rebels had made marching more difficult by felling
trees across the way in many places, and by bush whacking.
One of these wayside murderers was brought to grief by being
shot, and his body laid out by the roadside some way up the
mountain. Several others were taken prisoners, among them a
rebel colonel and his son. The colonel was a fine looking man
and showed a good deal of spirit, and he became a marked char
acter thereafter. The march was tiresome, but the scenery was
grand and inspiring. The air in the ascent was cool and bracing,
and the whole scene one never to be forgotten. Reaching the

252 ELGHTEENTH REGLMENT

highest point, the Peaks of Otter were in full view, and the lesser
heights, with their intervening valleys dotted here and there with
signs of agricultural life, formed one of the most picturesque
and charming views in Virginia. A nearer approach to the
peaks revealed a signal flag station. This at first was supposed
to be rebel, but when it appeared to be Union there was great
excitement and joy in the Union line. That night the Eight
eenth slept among old logs at the base_ of the Peaks of Otter,
a rough, barren place, with but little to eat either for man or
beast. But the night passed quickly and revealed a splendid
morning among the mountains. The day previous had been hot,
and but for the great elevation must have been wilting to the
already worn out men, some of whom were mounted during the
day, having exchanged places with several of the horsemen,
one or two old men must have been left in the mountains but
for the aid thus given them. Now there was the promise of a
still hotter day, and the descent into the valley east of the ridge
did not give much encouragement to sore-footed and tired-out
men. A march of two hours or more over a very rocky road,
part of the way, brought the army into a splendid country —
level, smooth and very productive. Here we struck the Ten
nessee and Lynchburg railroad at a town called Liberty, a very
pleasant place, but strongly rebel in its proclivities, like most
other places on the line of march. Gen. Hunter did all the
damage he could by burning railroad bridges, bending rails,
etc. A short way out of the place halted for rest and rations.
The men found an out-building where bacon had been hid away,
and helped themselves, marching into the woods with hams ele
vated upon their bayonets. But no one hurt themselves by over
eating that day. The heat, however, had become dreadful, and
the men fell out in large numbers. 'Fhere were also a large
number on the sick list. Among others was Surgeon Harring
ton, who had found the mountain air of the day previous too
bracing for his weak lungs. This, with great fatigue, brought

CONNECTLCUT VOLUNTEERS. 253

on hemorrhage of the lungs. He bled quite freely at night at
Little Otter Creek, where the regiment went into camp for the
night after a march of eighteen miles. The advance had skir
mished with the enemy most of the way from Liberty. A large
number of men had foraged through the day with indifferent
success. Had to live mostly on the country, and the inhabit
ants did not leave much that would feed Yankees about their
premises. Sam Taylor, of Company A, foraged three pints of meal at
one house, the family declaring that it was all they had in the
house. But Sam thought it was all right to take it, they being
the cause of the war and the ones who ought to suffer for it. At
Little Otter Creek some of the men, with the chaplain, went af
ter strawberries, and found them quite plentiful a short distance
away. The best thing for supper that night was the dessert
usual in Yankee land.
June 17th, fought the heat, which was intense, and the rebels
who persisted in placing every obstruction in the way. At Big
Otter Creek had to build a bridge before the trains could pass.
Some of the men and horses forded the stream above while this
was being done, and enjoyed themselves in looking on, and talk
ing with citizens of different color on the opposite bank. One
man asked various questions as to the number and strength of
the Union force, but was not made much wiser for his pains.
The respondent was sure to give pretty big figures in every in
stance, which not a little bewildered the inquisitors. Several
old darkies, in a shy way, asked several questions with regard to
chance for going off with the Yankees. Of course the replies
were somewhat indifferent, as the prospect was not flattering at
that time of the Yankees themselves getting very far unless it
was in the direction of Libby or Andersonville. Things began
to look rather dark. It was evident that another fight was close
at hand, and Hunter was a long way from his base of supplies.
Surgeon Harrington, who had become worse, was put into an

254 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT
ambulance, and placed in charge of the chaplain. Skirmishing
grew hotter, like the climate, as the army advanced. Passed
through a place called New London, which had the appear
ance of an old broken down London. Found near by the
way an alum spring, with stone steps leading down to the water.
Many canteens were filled here, as it was thought the water was
very healthy for men in the condition of the soldiers at that time.
True, the water was a little "puckering," but some thought the
stomachs of the men needed to be brought into a compass to
correspond with the amount of their rations, which began to
grow uncomfortably small at this time. At all events the men
were determined to make the best of the situation, and numer
ous jokes were passed with reference to the stringent water of
New London, for there began to be a severe stringency in the
forage market. Passing on from this place in the course of two
hours there was brisk firing in front. The rebels had made a
stand about three miles this side of Lynchburg, and there was
quite a smart fight near an old church. Gen. Crook drove them
back, however, and captured several guns and a few prisoners.
Night put an end to the pursuit. The Eighteenth was ordered
on picket duty, about three-fourths of a mile in front of the scene
of battle near the church, and within speaking distance of
the rebel line. Indeed the rebels were heard many times during
the night talking and cheering, and giving signs of an immediate
advance. There was considerable activity during the night.
Maj. Peale, in looking after his picket line, came near being cap
tured, finding himself at one time in perilously close proximity
to the rebels. The regiment did not get much rest during the
night, fearing an attack.
Early the next morning an artillery duel commenced, lasting
several hours, during which time both armies remained compar
atively quiet. While this duel was in progress, two shells from
the enemy's battery exploded in the line of the Eighteenth while
they were enjoying their pipes, seriously wounding the color

'^---''-

Lieut. JAHE5 D. HIGGINS,

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 255

bearer, Sergeant C. A. Tourtelott, Company FI, and private E.
R. Wood, Company B. Soon after Col. Ely was slightly wound
ed in the throat by a piece of a shell. From this time the com
mand devolved on Maj. Peale. The troublesome battery was
soon silenced. Shortly thereafter it was discovered that the ene
my was massing his forces on Hunter's left, and they began to
yell with great vigor. The Eighteenth, with other forces, were
moved quietly to the left in support of Snow's Battery; four lines
of battle were formed to repel a charge from the enemy,
which was successfully done, the rebels being driven back
behind their entrenchments, where they waited for reinforce
ments. About four P. M. the car whistles at Lynchburg
indicated that the rebels were being reinforced — drums were
beating, and there was great cheering and rejoicing. In the
meantime Gen. Hunter, comprehending the situation, was com
pleting his arrangements for a retreat. A portion of his train
was kept in full view of the enemy, but the greater part was
quietly moved to the rear, and headed towards Liberty. The
charges of the rebels had been repelled in the afternoon, so that
this movement was not discovered until it was handsomely exe
cuted. Not a single wagon or ambulance was captured. At
sunset the relative position of both armies was about the same
as in the morning, with the advantage in favor of Gen. Hunter
for a successful retreat. By dusk the whole force was following
the trains, excepting the Eighteenth Connecticut, which was left
on picket duty in a perilous situation. The enemy was within
speaking distance. 'Pheir conversation could be distinctly heard.
Gen. Hunter had kept up a good show of fight through the day,
and it was necessary that appearances should be maintained to
the last. This was admirably done by the Eighteenth until after
dark; then the regiment moved out as silently as possible on to
the pike, and at a double quick followed in the wake of the re
treating forces, overtaking them near New London.
It seemed the enemy had not made calculations for this

256 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT
sudden movement, and hence the great share of the force
eluded the grasp of Gen. Early, who was in Lynchburg. The
wonder is that Gen. Hunter, with an army in front of him of at
least thirty thousand men, got away with so little trouble and
loss. If Gen. Hunter made a mistake in going to Lynchburg
instead of Charlottsville from Staunton, it must be admitted
that he displayed fine generalship in conducting the fight at, and
in his retreat from Lynchburg in the presence of such a large
force of the enemy. The loss of the Eighteenth was nine
wounded. E. R. Wood had a leg amputated, as also had C. A.
Tourtelott. The latter died at College Hospital, Lynchburg, on
the 15th of August following. He was a brave and excellent
soldier. Soon after he was wounded he was carried, with Wood, to the
hospital, a little to the rear and in full view of the enemy's line.
Before his leg was amputated, and while our line was successful
ly repelling the charges of the enemy, he was told by the chap
lain that the rebels were retreating. Lying on the ground, rais
ing himself up and clasping his shattered knee in both hands he
exclaimed: "Chaplain, I care nothing for this if we can only whip
the rebels." Both he and Wood were very cheerful when the
ambulance train left that evening to follow the retreat, but after
ward Tourtelott lost all courage, and it is said he died broken
hearted. Col. Ely had a narrow escape, as before indicated.
All the wounded were left in the hospital with Surgeon Harring
ton, who was too feeble to be removed. This necessity was a
source of deep regret to Surgeon Holbrook' and Col. Ely, and a
severe loss to the whole regiment. Harrington was a well-
informed, considerate and faithful surgeon, and will always be re
membered vvith gratitude by the members of the Eighteenth.
He returned no more to his post of duty. He remained a pris
oner until the 3d of September following, when he was ex
changed at Charleston, S. C. Ten days after he wrote the
following letter to his chaplain, which speaks for itself.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 257

New York Harbor, General FIosi'ital, Sept. 23d, 1864.
Chaplain Walker — M\- Dear Sir: — I am at liberty again;
free from the clutches of the barbarians, but still a prisoner to
disease, and held in pretty close confinement. 1 have seen some
pretty hard times since I saw you, and reviewing them now I
wonder how I could have endured what 1 have passed through.
God was very good to me or I never could have withstood the
hardships of my prison life. After my capture, for five weeks
my health improved considerably, and then 1 was sent with about
three hundred captured officers and men to Macon, Georgia.
The hardships of the journey, and subsequent exposure, brought
on an attack of pleuro-pneumonia from which I have not yet
fully recovered. I am much debilitated. In fact my chief
trouble is lack of strength almost to breathe. I remained in
Macon about six weeks, was then taken to Charleston, .S. C, ar
riving there on the .d instant, just in time to be exchanged with
other non-combatants on the 3d. After reaching our lines went
into hospital immediately, and have been in hospital on sea or
land ever since. From here 1 shall try and get home and recruit
awhile. Whether 1 shall ever return to the regiment again is
very doubtful. Time will soon decide. At all events, I am in
the Almighty's hands, and his will be done.
Most respectfully yours, J. V Harring-lon,
Assistant .Surgeon Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers.
This letter will be read by many of the officers and men of the
Eighteenth vvith tender hearts and moistened eyes. It will re
call many deeds of kindness and faithful attentions, which dis
tinguished Surgeon Harrington in his official capacity and in
social intercourse. He reached his home in Sterling, Conn., in a
short time after writing the above, but lived only a few days. The
news of his death caused general sadness among his former com
rades in servdce and hardships for the flag of his country. It is
no wonder then that the Eighteenth deeply regretted the neces-
33

?58 ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT

sity of leaving such an officer as Surgeon Harrington to the
tender mercies of the rebels at Lynchburg on that ever memor
able day when it turned its face to the mountains of Western
Virginia. It was said that when Gen. Hunter ordered the Eighteenth to
cover his retreat from Lynchburg on the night after the battle, he
expected the regiment would be captured. It seemed necessary
that some regiinent must be sacrificed to give the main force the
start in the race that was to follow. But a good fortune favored
the Eighteenth and nearly every man escaped. A few fell down
by the way from fatigue, went to sleep, and were captured.
Among this number was Sergeant Bently Shaw, of Norwich,
Company I. He had a long confinement in rebeldom before his
return to the regiment. r\\\ night long the weary march was
kept up. Halted early-the ne.xt morning near Little Otter Creek,
not far from the camp-ground of the night previous.
At this point, on the morning of the 19th, the different detach
ments of the Eighteenth were again united. 'Fheir escapes
were truly wonderful, especially Companies H, under Lieut.
Caruthers, who skirmished with the enemy until passing the
Quaker church, and D and G, under command of Lieut. Bixby.
'Fhese companies had been left on the skirmish line in front of
Lynchburu early on the previous evening with instructions to keep
up a brisk fire, in order to better conceal the real movements of
Idunter 'Fhey were not relieved until a very late hour and then
made excellent time in joining the main body of the regiment,
which vvas very much exposed throughout the whole of that first
night's march from Lynchburg. Col. Peale asked Col. 'Fhoburn,
who had acted as a brigade commander during the battle, why he
left the Eighteenth in such an exposed position unsupported, He
replied: 'Because the Ei-hteenth Connecticut stay where they are
put." It was necessar)- they should hold the position assigned them
the night previous until the last minute, and they did so. The
compliment of Col, Thoburn was well deserved.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 259

In this reference there is no desire to make invidious compari
sons. Other regiments did nobly and their record ought to be
preserved. In writing the history of a single regiment it is im
possible to say much with reference to others without making
the work too large. But this much should be said, that it was
the good fortune of the Flighteenth to be associated with the
most true and gallant of all the Union army. Among them
might be named the First, the Fourth and Twelfth \'irL',inia In
fantry, Snow's Maryland Battery, the Fifth New York Heavy
.Artillery, and the Thirty-Fourth Massachusetts Infantry. The
West Virginians were not noted for the very best order on the
march, but they were splendid fighters and as true every time as
steel. Their officers, among whom was Col. Thoburn, were noble
and brave. Of the Thirty-Fourth Massachusetts, and their officers,
much could be said in their praise. At New Market, where the
gallant Lieut. -Col. Lincoln was severely wounded, they bore the
brunt of the battle and covered themselves with glory. At
Piedmont they made a splendid flank movement and charge,
which contributed greatly to the glorious victory of that day. At
Lynchburg, and on the retreat, they maintained th(;ir credit well
and proved themselves worthy of the gratitude of the people of
the old Bay State, the honor of whom they did so nobly sustain.
The One Hundred and Sixteenth and One Flundred and
Twenty- Third Ohio Infantry, also deserve to be honorably men
tioned in connection with Hunter's raid. A faithful history of all
these regiments, and others, the names of which do not now occur
to the writer, would form a work of great interest and honor to
all concerned. Would some pen might write it!
Whatever were the mistakes in generalship on the part of
Hunter, the rebels had but little to boast of on their part. It
was greatly to the discredit of their commanders that the whole
Yankee army was not captured. It is proof that the Union force
fought well, and especially that the Eighteenth made a handsome
show of fight until the very last. In one report of the rebels it

26o EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT
was confessed that "had the Yankees remained until morning
they would all have been captured." It was an official rebel re
port which acknowledged the retreat, and also that during the
battle, and the retreat as far as New London, only forty prisoners
were captured. Another report said that three pieces of artillery
were captured, but this was admitted by the same authority after
ward to be a mistake, while not a wagon of the whole train was
taken, as before stated. However, it must be admitted that the
failure to capture Lynchburg was a great disappointment to Gen
erals Hunter, Sullivan, Crook and Averill, and to the whole
army also. It was thought by many of the officers and men that
the great mistake of Hunter was that he did not press on after
his success at the "Quaker" church on the previous evening,
where one piece of artillery was captured from the enemy, and
the rebel force was somewhat demoralized. Gen. Grant, in an
official report of Hunter's movements up the valley, says: "Owing
to a want of ammunition to give battle. Hunter retired from be
fore Lynchburg and was left no choice of return but by the Ka
nawha. I have no doubt he acted within what he considered the
spirit of his instructions, and the interests of the service. The
promptitude of his movements and his gallantry should entitle
him to the commendation of his country. It is saying only the
truth, however, that Gen. Hunter was never very popular with
his command as a whole. He was called a good fighter but was
regarded as careless of the wants of his men. It was a common
saying among a certain class of his men that he thought more of
the negro than he did of a soldier, because negroes rode in
the wagons while wearied and wounded soldiers inarched.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 261

CHAPTER XIII.

THE RETREAT FRO.M LVNCHBURG.

The rebels were evidently deeply disappointed too in the move
ments of Gen. Hunter. After Early's appearance with his thirty
thousand men, they hoped to "bag" the whole Union force within
a few miles of Lynchburg. But the "bird had flown." Flowever,
the rebels pursued on the 19th of June, while Gen. Hunter re
treated from Otter Creek at his leisure, arriving again at Liberty
Sunday afternoon about three o'clock. It was exceedingly hot,
and the boys began to suffer severely from fatigue and heat. Gen.
Hunter marched his forces in the direction of .Salem, leaving the
Peaks of Otter to the right. The view from this point was
beautiful and grand. After marching a few miles halted,
the Eighteenth lying on their arms all night in the wood.s. In
the meantime, or about sunset, the rebels made a furious attack
upon our rear guard, which was handsomely repelled by Gen.
Averill, who captured fifty of the enemy. The Union loss was
not known. 'Fhere was no disturbance during the night, though
the renewal of the rebel attack was momentarily e.xpected. It was
a dismal, disheartening night, during which, however, some of
the men who had been prostrated with the extreme heat of the
day rejoined their companions; among whom were Sergeant Wm.
Hillard, Company E, and Frank W. Cheney, of Company D.
'Phe former was taken quite ill before reaching Liberty, and fell
to the rear A large dose of the "Balm of Gilead" revived

262 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

him, and he was put upon a horse belonging to one of the
staff, and both came into camp at last in pretty good condition,
all things considered. It was a marvel that men could endure
such hardship. It was the third night since the regiment
had had an undisturbed rest in sleep, although the rear guard
was known to be in great danger. The men were so weary
they could sleep under almost any circumstances. June 20th,
as soon as it was light were on thi; move again. About noon,
halted at a place called "Big Lick" and rested in a fine wood-lot,
on a hill to the right of the pike, until near sunset. At this place
a little altercation took place among some of the boys about
rations, but the matter vvas soon adjusted, and a few hours of
real rest were enjoyed. It was the intention to have remained
in this place all night, but the rebels had come up with our
rear guard again, and for a time the firing was quick and sharp.
Then came the order, "fall in." "'Fo(j bad," say a score of voices.
But no matter, the Eighteenth soon marches down the hill, on to
the pike, and is put in charge of the wagon train for the night, •
moving on to Salem. It was a tiresome march, but orderly, al
though some of the men fell asleep by the roadside. They
would sleep riding or marching, and at every halt most all
would be asleep at once. During the night halted at Hot
Springs, the first place of pleasurable resort on the route, but no
one had any idea of remaining for their health. Most of
the time we were near the line of the Virginia and Tennessee
Railroad; the bridges were burned and the flames lighted up the
country around. Reached Salem about seven A. M.
Soon after the arrival of the Eighteenth at this place, sugar
and coff'ee were issued, with fresh meat, and the boys made haste
to prepare a breakfast after their long night march, but the
rebels commenced blazing away again in the rear, and before
breakfast was half ready the order came to "fall in." This was
downright provoking. One mess had a nice soup, well flavored,
just ready to serve up. "Kelly," the butcher, had caught a fine

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 263

sheep that morning which was "sliced up" for the occasion, other
things had been foraged, and there was the promise of a L',ood
time generally, until that command "fall in" was sent down the
line. But there was no help for it, and the FLighteenth, with other
regiments, vvas marched a half mile to the rear, and placed in line
of battle in the woods waiting for something to turn up. And
something did turn up in front, however, instead of at the rear.
Col. 'Phoburn's A. A. G. soon came alony, and to the inquiries:
"What is up now? Where are you going?" He replied: "Back
a little way after the rebels." "But you are going the, wrong
way to look for the enemy," said his inquisitor "This demon
stration in the rear is only a ruse of the rebels to get into our
front," he replied. And so it proved, for while the Union forces
were lying on their arms in the woods, at the expense of their
breakfast too, the enemy had managed to get into a fine position
in front, a mile or two from Salem, in the mountains, and had
nearly destroyed one whole battery of artillery, capturing nearly
eighty horses, unlimbering several guns and wounding many men.
Of course after this mischief was done, Flunter thought it vvas
time to be marching on. 'Fhe Eighteenth, having advanced
into the woods, marched out again, and passed through Salem
under a scorching sun. Salem seemed to be surrounded vvith
mountains — a small, low place. With the sun pouring down its
intense heat upon the poor, hungry, tired men, the advance was
almost unendurable, just as the troops began the ascent of a steep
hill, and at a short turn in the road. Gen. Flunter suddenly
appeared in front looking blacker and more savage than ever
That little matter in front had excited him, and his appearance
just then was amusing to say the least. It was really a sober
affair, and yet one could hardly restrain from laughing to see the
gruff old general "fly about," forming his line of battle at the
foot of the hill. The "rebs" who had caused all this excitement
were now fairly out of the way, looking out from some of their
hiding places and enjoying the excitement they had made among

264 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

the Yankees. Very soon the Eighteenth arrived at the scene of
disaster The place was well chosen by the rebels, and it was a
great wonder that they did not effect more injury than they did.
Their position was upon a high cliff within fair musket range of
the top of the hill on the opposite side of the wa) over which the
Union troops were to pass. It was a place of concealment, and
had the enemy been so disposed they might have remained
there the whole time Hunter's army was passing without being
discovered. But watching their opportunity, and seeing the bat
tery passing without proper protection, they improved the time
to make an attack, which was so sudden and unexpected that the
men in charge made no attempt to defend themselves, but left
their guns and ran for their lives. It was well they did so, or all
of them would have been killed or captured. The unresisted
rebels made quick work of it, and in less time than it takes to tell
the story were off with their captured horses, and such light
articles as they could conveniently carry. The guns were left un-
limbered by the wayside. The attacking party was thought to
number about one hundred. The whole affair made quite astir
along the line of march that day. A few miles farther on we came
to a place called Mason's Cove, and halted there an hour or two
for rest, to finish breakfast and get a warm dinner. To say that
the occurrences of the day thus far greatly dispirited the men is
only a faint expression. The general impression vvas that as the
Union army had fairly got into the mountains all would be cap
tured or starved to death. But this was only the "beginning of
sorrows." Had the men known at that time all the dangers
before them for the next six days, every heart would have fainted
and every man given up at the outset. Happily they were
unconscious of what awaited them. The next move brought
the Eighteenth to the ascent of 'Walker's Mountain," a difficult
ascent, long and in some places steep and rough. It vvas
passed at length, and a place called "Sinking," on the Salem and
Catawba pike, was reached a short time after sunset, where the

HUNTER'S RAID. Retreat from Lynchburg.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 265

night was spent in a refreshing rest. The next morning, June
22cl, was very fine. Fortunately the boys had come very une.x-
pectedly upon a half dozen barrels of flour just before going into
camp. There was a flour mill and a few farm houses near by,
and the forage contributed a little to the comfort of the boys.
But what was this among so many. "Foe jams" were more
common than usual the first morning in the mountains. "Toe
jams!" and what were these ? Let us see. Flour or meal mixed
with water, shortened with water, salted with water, and fried in
well-water, if no "grease" could be found, and then eaten with
water, if we had no coffee, and perhaps a bit of fresh meat.
Many a hungry officer or private was thankful enough for this
poor stuff for breakfast on that sad morning. 'Phe writer will
never forget the sorrowful faces that met him at Sinking. The
spirits of the men tallied well with the name of the place.
One soldier, whom the writer will call "Bill," and whom every
member of the Eighteenth will recognize by that name, was an
indispensable adjunct to the teams on a march, and to the hos
pital when in camp. Well, Bill sat eating his "toe jam," with a
face so elongated as to be catching. At length, with an inde
scribable sigh, he looked up and said: "I tell you. Chaplain, we
are in a serious fix; we never shall get out of this in this world."
The look and the tone "brought down the house," and poor "BiU"
looked on in mute astonishment to see his chaplain laugh so
rudely under such serious circumstances. A little way off were
the smoking ruins of Hunter's pontoon train, the army was far
away from their base of supplies, and the men were weary, faint
and hungry, and "Bill" didn't see much to laugh at. Neither did
the chaplain, but he laughed though. Some of the boys, how
ever, thought the laugh was something put on for the occasion
and they were more than half right. It vvas a serious time, but
yielding to fear and despair did not help matters.
The second day's march of the regiment among- the moun
tains of Virginia was one of peculiar interest. Every hour's ad-
b4

266 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

vance revealed new wonders and marvellous experiences. The
scenery became grand and imposing. The road lay between the
mountains, or through the valley, and was not very hilly. The
day, however, vvas excessively hot, and the men suffered severely.
There were but few houses on the route, and these gave evidence
of the great poverty of the people. The log houses of the moun
tain regions of the Alleghanies looked anything but comfortable.
There vvas hardly a man to be seen, and the women were coarse,
sallow, and altogether unlovely — gawky specimens of ill-dressed
humanity, having ropy hair, and were barefooted or stand
ing in clouted brogans, and exhibiting great clawing hands. The
general appearance of the women, almost without exception,
bore unmistakable signs of uncultivation, of rusticity and degra
dation. In some cases their condition was most pitiable and
heart touching. While the men had run to some hiding place on
the approach of the army, the women in most instances would
remain in or near their miserable looking cabins, with their little
children, to protect what little they had of this world's goods
that was not secreted. It was their plan to hide what they
could, or a great part of their domestic possessions, and then make
a great ado about the soldiers taking what there was left. 'Fhe
women could manage this programme better than the men. This
plan did not always succeed. The boys learned the ways of these
mountain people after a while, and sometimes showed them a few
Yankee tricks in their foraging expeditions. At Sinking, where
a little foraging was done, the boys entered one house and in
quired: "Have you got any flour ?" "No, not a bit, the soldiers
just gone took everything, and we have nothing left," was the
quick reply. 'Phey did not believe her, and went looking into
things. FJirectly the oven door in an old fashioned chimney
was opened, and the ashes began to fa'l on the floor, and a little
"digging" revealed three sacks of flour "Oh," said one of the
men, "I thought you had no flour," "Well, you have found it,''
was the cool reply.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 207

At another poor, miserable looking house, a woman was found
with three or four as dirty looking children as ever were seen,
making a great ado about her lasses and the prospect of her chil
dren starving to death. There she stood crying and wringing
her hands, saying: "O what shall we do? The soldiers have taken
the last bit out of the house, and these poor little children will
starve." The children looked more frightened than hungry. But
there is no doubt there were many cases of actual want, and
this might have been one of them. But these signs of distress
were assumed for effect as a close search of their premises testified.
However, there was much in the appearance of the mountaineers
to excite pity, and if actual want and starvation had not stared
Union soldiers in the face there was not a place on the route that
would have been searched for food on account of their unprom
ising appearance. The whole country from Liberty to Gauley
Bridge would be the last place to send foraging parties.
Even Newcastle, where we camped for the night was a
poor, barren looking place, containing only a few dingy
houses, and a poverty stricken people. Arrived at the
borders of the town about dark, slept in the open air, but tried
to find a place to sleep where one's body would not be cut with
sharp stones. If any one found anything for man or beast to eat
that night he was more fortunate than the writer. The next
morning, June 23d, there was not much improvement in the way
of rations. Passed through the town early, and about a mile
away began the ascent of "Little Mountain," and then passed
through Barber's Creek, and over Pott's Mountain, a rough, wind
ing road, and in some places almost impassable. Team horses
and mules began to give out more frequently, and were shot to
prevent them becoming serviceable to the mountain guerillas. It
has been said that one hundred and ninety dead horses were
counted that day. No doubt the number was very large, and the
prospect of greater fatality was quite apparent. The ascent
of Pott's Mountain, especially, was exceedingly trying to man and

268 ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT

beast. This was begun about two P. M., and consumed the re
mainder of the day until about sunset. From the top of this
mountain vvas obtained the grandest view of the whole march.
As far as the eye could reach, for miles in every direction, the
mountains appeared like a vast rolling sea, or like waves of the
ocean rising one above the other in awful grandeur. "Alps on
Alps arise." The last rays of a golden sunset gave a beauty and
glory to the scene perfectly enchanting and indescribable. It
was a sight that was worth all it cost of privation and suffering to
enjoy. The impression of the majestic wonders of creation will
never be effaced from the minds of those who could at that time
appreciate them. The descent was almost as difficult as the ascent;
the men were so weary they could hardly stand up, and they
went on stumbling and staeeerinsj until they halted about dark
at "Sweet Springs." Those on horse back were not much better
off and it seemed that the command, halt, would never come.
The experiences of that day were terrible. All slept soundly
that night.
'Phe morning of June 24th was clear and beautiful, and the
Eighteenth was stopping at one of the most fashionable watering
places in the Alleghanies. It has been said that one of the most
noticeable things of the late civil war was the discovery of Virginia
and the Southern States by the Yankees. Here was a new dis
covery, a "sweet spring." The morning of June 24th was de
voted to the discovery and examination of the large hotel near by,
and the valley generally. A large number of the men engaged
rooms for the season, or to be occupied when they should have a
little more leisure to enjoy the fine scenery of the place. Many,
however, who tried the "sweet waters" had tasted better in
Connecticut, or even in the Shenandoah, and abandoned the idea
of foraging on the spring for future use. There was a fine arti
ficial place for bathing purposes in the hotel — a large room or re
servoir in the centre of the building, with sky-lights, about twenty
feet square, and dressing-rooms adjoining for the use of the

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTE.EtiS. 269

guests. All these advantages for bathing were well improved
that morning, and the bath house was alive with Yankees for
once. The water was about five feet deep and seemed peculiarly
invigorating and refreshing to men who had been marching
without change for so many days in succession. Nearly a whole
day spent here was a great treat to the Eighteenth. They had
a little time to rest, wash and "slick up." About nine P. M.
we were placed in charge of the wagon train for a night's
march. At ten P. M. halted in a mountain pass as dark as mid
night. It was one of the most frightful looking places encountered
yet in the mountains. The march to this point had been very
rapid and fatiguing, and the men were so exhausted that as soon
as the command was given to halt every man fell down
on the ground and was asleep apparently in a minute. Here
the force waited for an hour or two, it was said, for the moon to
rise. At length the moon rose over the mountains to the right,
and lighted up the narrow gorge. The men were awakened and
began to make their coffee. The order came to march before
they had time to drink it, and they went marching on, coffee
smoking in hand. Directly rapid musketry firing was heard in
the rear, and there vvas almost a panic. Soon the way was jammed
full of soldiers on foot and horse, and the cry was heard: "The
"rebels are coming." After a little talking by the chaplain the
boys fell back and then marched on as usual. It was only a scare
on the part of the rear guard to rouse up the sleepers. It was
successful, as some can testify who came very near being "run
down" by the stampeders. The morning soon came and re
vealed the largest number of soldiers who had fallen asleep by the
wayside, seen at any time during the raid. Poor fellows,
they looked completely worn out, but on being summoned to
"wake up here, wake up, the rebels will catch you," they were
soon in line, such as it was, marching on. Reached White Sul
phur Springs, another famous watering place, about six o'clock
A. M., and halted about half a mile from the hotel stand near the

2 70 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

healing waters, although it is said it is not so much as an invalids
resort that these springs are famous. One thing is sure, those
famous springs never had more invalids in proximity to them
than on that June morning, the 25th. Of course the boys said
they were there tor their health and intended to stay until they
fully recovered. Some of them began operations by making
a "change of linen," waiting in the meantime for their garments
to dry. Being shirtless for two or three hours was no hardship in
view of the prospect of feeling clean once more.
White Sulphur Springs is a beautiful post village of Greenbrier
County, containing the principal mineral spring of Virginia, on
Howard's Creek, two hundred and five miles west of Richmond,
eighty from Lynchburg, and nine miles east of Lewisburg. It
consists of buildings or cottages arranged in a circular form, with
a large hotel located near the springs, at the lower end of the
village. The springs are covered with a dome supported by twelve
Ionic columns and crowned with a statue of Hygeia, the goddess
of health, and a daughter of Esculapias. The artist represents
her as a virgin in flowing garments feeding a serpent from a cup.
The poets speak of her as the smiling goddess. The springs are
about two thousand feet above tide water and yields about thirty
gallons per minute. This water was used for medicinal purposes
at first in 1 778; in 1 820 the place had become a fashionable resort,
and at the time of the visit of the Eighteenth Connecticut Vol
unteers, the buildings would accommodate from one thousand
five hundred to two thousand guests. The proprietors, no
doubt, had not expected so large a company as Hunter's whole
army, and of course were not prepared to entertain them. Indeed
it was quite evident they did not relish the idea of so large a
number of guests, as they did not remain at home to welcome
them. This gave the boys the opportunity of discovery and
helping themselves. They paid their respects to nearly every
house and the hotel, and did not forget to drink of the "healing
waters." A half day's stay, however, was hardly sufficient to

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 271
secure all the advantages of the place, but the time was well im
proved, and not a few wished that "when this cruel war was over"
they might come this way again.
Now appear two cavalrymen riding, one on Col. Peale's horse,
and the other on Dr Holbrook's. The night before these chaps
had stolen the horses, and as a kind providence would have it,
they come riding very unexpectedly into the lines of the Eight
eenth. They were not a little "struck back" when they learned
the real situation. However, the colonel and surgeon were
highly delighted to see them, and especially their horses. But
the fellows did not steal them; O! no, they only found them loose
on the way and picked them up. Chaplain Woodford, of the
F'ourth Virginia Infantry, lost his horse in the same way, but he
never was fortunate enough to find it again. If any man with
out a horse did not steal one on that raid or inarch over the
mountains, if he had an opportunity, he was a mighty honest
fellow. On the whole, the rest at this famous place was quite
eventful and interesting. It was ever so much needed to
recruit the sick, weary, and sore-footed men. The march
began to tell with fearful effect, but as yet not fatally.
A great many had been transferred to the wagons and ambulance
train. These conveyances were by this time crowded, and
nearly all of the regiment looked as though a rest of several
weeks at the springs would be very beneficial. Among this num
ber was "Dick Ripley" the hospital steward. Poor fellow, he was
really sick, and so also was "Uncle Rufus," Company D, belong
ing to the surgeon's staff. He was nearly fagged out, and "David,"
Company B, grew as thin as a shadow, and the whole regiment
began to look as lean as Pharaoh's lean kine. Even Col. Ely,
Major Peale, Surgeon Holbrook and others on the staff appeared
as though a little rest and more hard tack would be highly ap
preciated. Saturday, June 25th, until about three o'clock
P. M., was a memorable day in the history of the regiment.
When the order came to forward, it vvas exceeding by hot, and the

2 7 2 EIGH TEENTH REGIMEN T

beautiful valley seemed almost ablaze with the sun's heat. Passed
on a few miles and struck the left bank of the Greenbrier River,
by an unfrequented way. The bridge had been burned
a little time before when Averill came this way to punish the
rebels of Greenbrier County, as he did quite effectually. The
destruction of the bridge, however, interfered with travel. The
season being very drv, the river was quite low, and hence Hunter s
army found it not very difficult fording. This the Eighteenth
accomplished about five P. M., and soon struck the railroad again.
Then began the climbing of mountains once more to reach
Lewisburg. Arrived at this place about dark after one of the most
wearisome marches of all as yet. Hills were frequent, rough and
steep. Men became weary and sleepy. Those on horse
back were so tired they could hardly sit on their horses, and rode
for miles in perfect agony, while the sufferings of the footmen
were indescribable. It seemed that the order to halt that night
would never come When passing through Lewisburg, some
of the rebels vented their spite by firing from their houses
and yards at the boys in the dark. Fortunately no one was
hit. The rebels of Greenbrier County, were noted for their
cruel hatred of Union soldiers throughout the war, but at this
time they were more revengeful and inhuman than ever. They
seemed to feel toward Gen. Hunter a peculiar spite because he
was a Virginian, and spared no pains to do all the harm they could
this occassion. They bestowed on him all sorts of epithets, such as
traitor, butcher, house burner and negro worshipper, and of
course held his army in utter detestation and abhorrence. Between
nine and ten o'clock that evening turned into a barren lot to the
right and halted for the night. The men having little to
eat had nothing to do but lie down on the ground and go to
sleep, except those on picket, and it would not have been sur
prising if the picket men slept that night. In fact for days before
it was almost impossible to find men that could watch even for
an hour at their post, so great vvas their fatigue. There was

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 273

scarcely a man in the regiment that night but that was nearly
famished with hunger Itven the officers lay down supperless.
Oh, the thoughts and dreams of "home." Loved ones there
were very an.xious about the wants and sufferings of husbands,
brothers and sons in the army, but what would they have
suffered if they could have seen the "boys" at any time during
that eventful week in the Alleghanies. God be thanked that
they did not.
June 26th, Sabbath. Resumed the march early over a hilly,
difficult road. .\ most welcome visitor to-day came in a refresh
ing shower, the first rain for twenty-eight days. Never was a
shower more gratefully hailed. It gave new life and strength to
everybody, and was the precursor of a greater blessing, the arrival
of a supply train from Gauley Bridge. Camped for the night at
"Meadow Bluffs." The next day, Monday, June 27th, was a
memorable day. Marched until noon, halted in a dreary looking
place, but it looked pleasant as here the supply train was wel
comed with cheers and shouts of joy. Once more hard tack was
issued, the first time for nearly a week or more. 'Fhe scene that
followed was indescribable. The boys fairly danced with delight,
and a large number, in a more sober way, expressed their joy and
thankfulness to God for succor afforded in such a peculiar time
of need. Spent the night following here. The spirits of the men
were high. The greatest danger of the whole raid was passed,
that of famine. Tuesday, the 28th, marched to within eight
miles of Gauley Bridge. Drew hard tack again. The danger
now was in over eating, as was proved to be the case with many.
June 29th, on the march early. The scenery was grand and
imposing. Passed two great natural curiosities, one called the
'Hawk's Nest," the other, "Lover's Leap," on the New
River The former was a ledge of rocks about one thousand one
hundred feet high, from the top of which thousands of soldiers
gazed with wonder upon the surrounding scener)', and cast stones
into the river flowing at its base. Halted here some twenty
b5

2 74 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

minutes. There is a romance c(?ifhected with "Lover's Leap,"
the legend being that the daughter of a celebrated Indian chief
had tw® suitors, and as usua^, the daughter's choice was at
variance with her father's. .A.t length, the daughter requested
her father to meet her at a certain point on the New River, and
she would give her final decision. He did so in company with the
man of his choice. 'Fhe surprise and wonder of the old chief was
overwhelming- when he arrived at the spot indicated to behold
his daughter standing on the edge of a fearful precipice with him
she loved by her side. She then expostulated with her father to
yield in favor of her preference, threatening at the same time to
cast herself into the river if he would not. While this parley
was going on the rejected young man, who vvas concealed near
the girl's father, let fly an arrow which pierced the heart of his
rival, but as the latter vvas about to fall, his fair mistress caught
him in her arms and vvith one super-human effort, leaped into the
air and was dashed in pieces on the rocks below, thus preferring
death with the man whom jealousy had murdered by her side,
than to live in wedlock vvith the person whom she never could
love. Of course a visit to these places was a real pleasure and
gratified that feeling of curiosity for which Yankees are generally
celebrated. In a few hours arrived at Gauley Bridge, or the
place where it once was. The bridge had been burned in the
early part of the war, when Rosecrans drove Gen. Lee out ot
West Virginia. On reaching the place, the infantry turned sud
denly to the right and after a half mile march forded the river
where it was quite difficult to find footing, the rocks being thick
in the bed of the river. The wagons were taken over near the
usual crossing in a horse ferry-boat. It used up the remainder
of the day to effect the crossing and we camped that night near
the old battle-ground of 1862. Thus in ten days the regiinent,
with Hunter's army, had performed one of the most diffi
cult and dangerous retreats of the war, marching about twenty
miles a day under a broiling sun, and in the face of appalling

Lieut. ROBERT KERR.

CONNEC7VCUT VOLUNTEERS. 2^75

dangers from starvation and death, for days in succession. No
soldiers were more painfull)' tried in their courage and powers of
physical endurance, and still the)- were patient, orderly, obedient
and uncomplaining in a wonderful degree. Phey had fought
well, marched well, and suffered heroically. If Hunter had led
them poorly and unwisely, it was no fault of theirs. Rather it
vvas all the more to their praise that they discovered the best
qualities of good soldiers under trying circumstances entirely
beyond their control. It was necessary for the salvation of
Hunter's army that this retreat should be made. It required
pluck to do it. No regiment in the command displayed that
quality more than the Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers. It is
not known that a single man perished in the mountains. A few
were taken prisoners at the beginning of the retreat, but none
afterwards. But all the men, with hardly an exception, were
thin, haggard and careworn on their arrival at Gauley Bridge.
"Dick Ripley" was so e.xtremely ill it was thought at one time
he must die after he had escaped the dangers of the mountains.
The liberal rations, after so many days of comparative fasting,
were decidedly injurious, and stomach disorders prevailed ver)
extensively the ne.vt day after Gauley Bridge was reached. The
medical supplies had been exhausted for several days, and there
was great inquiry for medicine, but Dr. Flolbrook was unable to
furnish the much needed supplies, and other surgeons were simi
larly situated. Of course there was some complaining under
these circumstances. In fact, it is surprising that there was no
more. If officers and men were nervous and even selfish, the-
wonder is that they were not more so. The writer at the time
was surprised that the rank and file pre.served such good spirits
as they did. Had they been more surly and fault-finding, no
one could have blamed them, and it could have been easily ac
counted and apologized for. These were times that tried men's
souls, their tempers, their patience and faith, and as a whole
they stood the test weU. They are good soldiers who endure
hardships well.

276 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

After two days' rest at Gauley Bridge, in which the regiment
was once more mustered for pay, and somewhat recruited,
the order was given to march. Accordingly on .Saturday, July 2d,
started for Camp Piatt, twenty-six miles away. At noon, halted
at a place called Tompkin's farm for a few hours. At this place
it was said a sister of Gen. Grant resided and of course her house
was made the headquarters of the command. Many of the boys
professed to have seen the wonderful lady, but whether they did
or not, or whether there was any such person, the stories answered
very well to give variety to the day's march, which proved to be
ah extremely hard and tiresome one. It being very warm, and
the boys having had a little reaction of physical energy after
their escape from the mountains, the inarch was all the more
wearisome and e.xhaustive. More than the usual number fell out
of the ranks, and in a few instances men found refuge in the
houses of loyal citizens by the way. The Eighteenth was now
in the famous valley of "Kanawha." The citizens generally were
friendly, and gave aid to the weary, sick soldier in not a few in
stances. The valley is narrow but the scenery is exquisitely
beautiful, the soil very productive, and the mountains abound in
coal and minerals. Much interest was elicited in passing .several
coal and oil wells. The frequent railways up the sides of the
mountains showed that every one in that reoion had not oone to
the war and that some were making money while the soldiers
were marching on. Arrived at Camp Piatt about dark, and slept
in the open air, after delivering up the teams and horses into the
hands of the teamsters to be taken overland to Cumberland,
nearly a hundred miles distant. It was a night of con-iparative^
qiiiet anfl rest. 'Fhe great march from Lynchburg was ended.
The race, however, with Early for Martinsburg had but begun.
Early by this time was well down the .Shenandoah.
July 3d, Sunday, remained at Camp Piatt until nearly noon
waiting for transportation. At length two large double decked
steamers arrived. These two-story transports were a novelty to

CONNECTICUT lUV. UNTEERS, 277

most of the boys, and their appearance excited no little interest.
Camp Piatt is not much of a place, and if it had been there
would not have been much business at sight seeing as the men
were in a too depressed and dilapidated condition to take much
notice of anything but the transports which were to bear them
away from the dismal place. Went on board about noon, eight
companies on one boat, and two on another, and were not crowded.
The passage down the Kanawha vvas very pleasant. The day
being fine, and no duty to perform, the boys lay around and took
things easy. Never did men need rest more, and still the sudden
change from hardship to ease, and from want to plenty, had its
dangers and was attended with considerable sickness. At sunset
hauled up at a place called Charleston for the night, as the river
was so low it could be navigated only by daylight. About
dark the boys gathered on the upper deck and had one of their
old fashioned singing meetings. Their voices seemed to have the
old Martinsburgf ring to them, and the season was one of tender
interest and filled the mind with thoughts of "home, sweet
home." The rest of the night that followed was refreshing, if
the boys did not repose upon a bed of down. The "soft side"
of the deck floor was ftill hard enough for comfort.
July 4th, Independence Day. This one will never be forgotten
by the Eighteenth. Very pleasant. Started early. The boys
in excellent spirits. The country on each side beautiful, and
near the river, rich and fertile. About noon arrived at Mount
Pleasant, at the junction of the Kanawha and the Ohio. Rightly
named, it is a beautiful spot. From this point sailed down the
Ohio four miles, to Gallipolis, went on shore and remained about
an hour. Many letters were sent home from this place. After
looking about the place awhile went on board another boat and
started up the Ohio. Passed Mount Pleasant again, also other
places, viz : Middleport, Coal Point, Coal and Salt Works, Pom-
eroy and Syracuse on the Ohio side, and Hartford on the Virgi
nia. All these were enterprising looking places and did not

2 78 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

show very much the effects of the war, especially on the Ohio
side. There was a marked difference between the appearance of
the Buckeye State, and the sacred soil of Virginia. The people
all along the line of the sail di i not forget it was the Fourth
of July, and they made the "welkin ring" with their cheers and
shouts of hearty welcome. At every landing, men, women and
children crowded down to the shore, laughing, singing, clapping
hands, waving handkerchiefs and cheering. At one place two
companies of the regiment, as the boat stopped, were invited
on shore to participate in a collation which had been prepared for
the Sabbath School children. The children all fell back and let
the soldiers have the first chance at the good things, and seemed
delighted at the opportunity to show the brave boys this mark
of respect. It is unnecessary to say that the boys could not re
strain from tears and thanks of joy for the kind demonstrations,
and cheer after cheer was given for the little folks, and the good
ladies, and for Independence Day. Surely, this was a day of in
dependence and joy to Hunter's raiders, and they were not slow
in drawing their comparisons between the Ohioans and the
Virginians. "This isn't New Market, nor Woodstock, nor
Staunton, nor Lexington, nor Buchanan, nor Liberty, nor Salem;
is it?" "This is rather better fare than we got at the watering
places in the mountains," and other like expressions were heard.
The boat, containing most of the regiinent, did not stop only at
one place. The boys did not go on shore, but the people crowded
as near as possible to the shore, and threw cakes and bread, and
even pies to the men, amid the most hearty shouts of joy and wel
come. The boys responded most heartily with cheers and patri
otic songs, and really it was a big day indeed to them all, excep
ting those who were so sick they could not go on deck. A few
miles above Hartford cast anchor for the night. Another quiet
night of rest. None but those who had been marching for two
months or more, night and day, can fully appreciate the quiet rest
of that Fourth of July night of 1864. Tuesday, the 5th, started

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 279

early, but proceeded only a little way and then stuck fast at the
head of the river where there was an unlooked for hindrance at
Rainswood, near "Big .Sandy Creek." Remained here all day and
night. Now rest began to grow tedious. Men began to grow
dull and stupid, and the sick more ill. George FI. Locke, of
Killingly, seemed to be almost in a dying state as he had been
very sick for several days, and had to be fed with brandy
and water out of a tea spoon to keep the breath of life in him.
On Wednesday morning a large number of the men went on
shore, on the Virginia side, and walked a long way up the river,
passing Buffington bar, and there waited several hours for the
boat, which aflength got afloat. 'Fhe chaplain and a few others
procured breakfast at a humble looking house on the bank of the
river, consisting of corn cake and bacon. The people seemed
friendly and disposed to do what they could for their visitors.
About noon the boat made its appearance, and in a short
time all were on board again. Arrived at the island Blenner-
hasset, of Aaron Burr fame, at four P. M., and the river being so
low, landed just above and immediately commenced to march on
the road to Parkersburg, five miles away. The officers, as well
as privates had to foot it, as their hprses, as before stated, had
been sent overland from Camp Piatt. It was a delightful even
ing, however, to march, and the journey was accomplished
easily, passing through a beautiful coi ntry about sunset. The
inhabitants were friendly and seemed like New England people,
and on inquiry found this part of Ohio was settled originally by
people frotn Connecticut. One of the most prominent citizens
at that time was William Piatt Putnam, aged seventy-three years,
great grandson of Israel Putnam of Revolutionary fame. Halted
in front of his house a long time. The old man and his family
were delighted to see the Union boys and to be introduced to
Col. F21y, Maj. Peale, Surgeon Holbrook, the chaplain and
other officers of the regiment. He exhibited several relics of his
great grandfather, among which was a powder horn which he

28o ELGHTEENTH REGLMENT

made at Fort William Henry in 1756, and a brass bullet mold
which he used in the old French war It vvas intimated that these
relics properly belonged to the State of Connecticut, but the old
man would not part with them, but some day it is hoped they
may find a place in the Atheneum at Hartford. Arriving at
Parkersburg, found a train of box cars in waiting for us. Here,
also, received another mail and news from home; although rather
old it was really refreshing. Remained long enough to get a
good supper, and read the letters from the loved ones far away.
Left one or two sick men down the river in the care of
detailed nurses, among them George H. Locke; and it is a won
der no more were left behind. About nine P. M. the box-cars
were loaded with soldiers, well crowded. Some had a little straw
for a bed, more would have hurt the bones of the boys less. Rode
all night, arriving in Cumberland the next morning, and stopped
an hour or more. Sent other men to the hospital.
Thursday, July 7th, rode two hundred and eighty miles
through a wild and romantic country. The scenery of the Al
leghanies and along the Potomac was grand — the boys wakeful
and cheerful. Arrived at Cherry Run, twenty inile^ from Martins
burg, and stopped for the night. On Friday, moved on three miles
down the railroad and camped at Back Creek. Here saw the
mischief of the rebels who had beat us in the race for Martins
burg, The railroad bridge vvas destroyed anci a part of Early's
force was in possession of Martinsburg. Remained here over
Sunday. In the meantime, clothing and shoes were issued to
the men, who began to improve in their personal appearance.
A large number of the men had been barefoot for some time.
Albert M. Lathi'op, Company E, had marched the whole route
barefooted, and never entered a wagon or ambulance to ride
a step. He wore a number eleven shoe and none were issued of
that size when the regiment left its base of supplies to go up the
valley. He stood the long march well, in good health all the time.
The chaplain was taken suddenly ill here, and a religious service

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 281

was thereby prevented. "Dick Ripley," who was so ill at Gauley
Bridge, was much better, and able to be on duty.
Monday, July 1 ith, the regiment marched down the railroad to
Martinsburg, and on the way discovered more work of the rebels.
The officers had received, the day previous, their horses. These
were taken along by the main traveled road most of the way,
and the chaplain was able to ride in company with Surgeon Hol
brook. The people in Martinsburg were overjoyed to see the
Union boys again, who had been absent seventy-three days. The
rebels had left that morning and retreated toward Winchester.
The whole valley was in the possession of Early's forces, while
himself, with his main army, was in the vicinity of Frederick
City, Md. Remained all day, July 12th, in Martinsburg. The
officers found that most of their baggage sent back from Cedar
Creek in June had been captured by the rebel raiders and carried
off. But few were excepted. Among this number was the
chaplain, who had left an entire new suit in the care of G. W.
Wysong, the postmaster The Wysong family were ardent friends
of the Eighteenth and showed them many favors. But it was a
great mystery how they escaped the vigilance of the rebels at
that time. More than > one of the regiment, however, were
thankful that they did. Other families were equally serviceable
in this department.
When the Eighteenth reached Martinsburg, on the afternoon of
the 1 2th, it was hoped a few days of rest among their old friends
would be enjoyed. The regiment sadly needed it. For nearly
seventy-five days they had been constantly on the move, and had
grown weary and were worn out with long -marches, want and
privations, and their ranks had been fearfully thinned by three
battles. More than half of the number who had left Martinsburg
to go up the valley were among the missing, either killed or
wounded. It was no wonder the people on the streets inquired,
as the Union army passed through, "What, is that the Eighteenth
Connecticut? How changed! They have seen pretty rough
36

282 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

times. They look as though a little soap and water and some-
thiuCT to eat, a new suit of clothing, some new shoes and a little
rest would not hurt them." The boys would like to have remained
in Martinsburg long enough to have effected some of the needful
changes here indicated. But this could not be. Early was
threatening Baltimore and Washington, and Hunter must follow
him up. Only three days before Early had beaten the
Union forces at Monocacy Junction, and was marching on. But
on the I 2th, the very day the Eighteenth arrived in Martinsburg,
Frederick City was re-occupied by Union troops. Great excite
ment prevailed all through Maryland and in the vicinity of the
capital, and there was no time for the soldiers to rest. Conse
quently on the 13th the remnant of the Eighteenth was on the
move again, and marched ten miles in the direction of Harper's
Ferry under a scorching sun, and at night slept in a wheat field.
Bundles of wheat were freely used for bedding, and on the whole,
we were made quite comfortable. It was a beautiful night,
the moon shining brightly. Next day passed on to the Ferry
and crossed the Potomac on a pontoon bridge, and halted at
night at Knoxville, near the canal.
Friday, July i 5th, marched down the Potomac about two miles,
following part of the way the "tow path" of the canal, and then
forded the river just above Berlin. This proved quite an exciting
movement, especially the passage of the river, it being of con
siderable width and depth at this point. In some places the
water was nearly waist deep. Many of the men stripped off their
shoes and pants, carrying thenr on their backs. Even the officers
who rode took off their boots and hung them on their saddles
and rolled up their pants above their knees. The passage was
very slow, the bed of the river being very stony. Every one had
to look well to his feet that his footsteps "slid not. ' But in
spite of the greatest care, now and then a poor fellow would make
a plunge of considerable depth and a splash which "brought
down the house" in roars of laughter, and tun and jokes were

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEELiS, 283

the order of the da)'. < )ne or two of the horses made missteps
that resulted in giving their riders a plunge which somewhat
dampened their "linen," while others were in so deep the
water came up half wa)' to their knees, cooling them off finely.
However, all agreed that on the whole the passage was quite a
success as a wetting down and cooling off process. For a half
hour afterwards the men were employed in dressing their feet,
and drying their pants. Those who got their shoes and stockings
wet, either purposely or otherwise, did not increase the comforts
of the march that followed. It was a rough, hard looking place
where the landing was made, and it seemed at first as though
there was no way out. A little way from the river we came to one
or two houses, where a few of the boys, and one or two offi
cers obtained some milk. Ask a Virginia woman for bread
and milk and she will bring in a pitcher of milk and a loaf
of bread, and say: "Now help yourself." The idea does not seem
to occur to them that a bowl and spoon will greatly facilitate,
until it is suggested. This latter mode of eating bread and milk
seemed to be wholly a "Yankee notion." The writer will never
forget how amused the women of the house seemed to be when
some of her guests insisted on eating bread and milk vvith a spoon,
out of a basin or bowl.
When over the river and up the steep bank the line of march
led directly through the rich Loudon valley. Had not gone far
before it was evident there was an enemy near, and the prospect
was fair for another fight. Speedily the advance began to skirmish
with the rebels, and before night several captures had been made.
Proceeded slowly as far as Hillsboro, camping about sunset just,
west of the town for the night, and judging from the squealing
heard in various directions, the proper name for this place would
be "Pigville." Col. Thoburn, however, came to the rescue, and
at onetime there was quite a squad of "pig-killers" in front of his
headquarters, guarding the work of their own hands. It did
seem a little too bad that the boys were interfered with in the

2S4 EIGHTEEN TiT REGIMENT

distribution of fresh pork rations that night. Hillsboro was rebel
to the backbone — the headquarters of the guerrillas of Loudon
County, of which Moseby was the "chief of sinners." There was
every reason to believe that the citizens, and especially the
women, were in full sympathy with the rebel thieves and cut
throats who had long annoyed the government authorities at
Harper's Ferry and Martinsburg. The boys thought Col. Tho
burn was a little too lenient towards these fellows, and it made
them angry to be put under guard for killing their pigs. On the
whole this had been a very lively day and the prospect was en
couraging for more lively times.
At night there was a rumor in camp that the chaplain had been
captured. He turned up all right, however, the next morning,
having been well fed on "roast pig" at Col. Thoburn's headquar
ters in the meantime.
Remained here half a day or more, during which time there was
heavy artillery firing in the direction of the Potomac, and the
Union cavalry brought in some twenty-five rebel wagons, and
several prisoners.
A large detachment of rebel infantry passed by Hillsboro un
molested, because Gen. Sullivan was not in a proper condition
to give orders, it was said, or his command was not in condition
to make a successful fight.
Gen. Sullivan was relieved as corps commander at this time,
and Gen. Crook was put in command, who gave the order to
move in the afternoon. Followed directly on the track of the
retreating rebels, arriving at a place called Purcellville, on the
road to Snicker's Ford. Remained here all night, and slept in
in a beautiful grove.
The next day was Sunday, July 17th. A beautiful day. In
the morning rations and some clothing and shoes were is.sued, but
not enough of the latter to meet the demand. 'Fhere were a large
number of men barefoot, or in a worse condition, with shoes
so extremely poor and hard they gaffed the feet of their
owners.

Lieut. FRANCIS HoKEAG,

CONNECTICUT VOIUNTEE.RS. 285
At eleven o'clock a religious service was held in the camp, in
which man)' of the second brigade; participated. Chaplain
Woodhull of the fourth division infantry, assisting the chaplain
of the Eighteenth in the services. Ver\- (juiet through the day — ¦
the most quiet Sunday for three months. It was highly appreci
ated by offictM-s and men. .\t dark the boys had one of their old-
fashioned social singing meetings, and for a whole hour the
woods rang with the sound of vocal music. It was an hour of
real enjo)'ment, mingled with tender thoughts of the loved ones
at home. "When shall we meet again?" Alas, there were several
members of the regiment who would have been saddened to
have had that question answered that night vvith reference to
themselves. They had their last sleep that night.
With Monday morning came the order again to move in the di
rection of "Snicker's Gap." About one hundred men, sick and
barefoot, were sent back to Harper's Ferry, and the remainder of
the regiment, less than one hundred in all, went marching- on.
The day was very hot, and all along the way were seen traces of
Early's retreat the day before, viz: dead horses and fragments of
broken wagons, etc. Things began to look more serious, and
every hour's march lessened the distance between conflicting
forces. Early had done a great deal of mischief in Maryland and
given "Old Abe" a good fright at the White House, but he was
mortified and chagrined that he had not done more." Hunter's
raiders had returned too soon for him, and the Sixth Corps were
between him and Washington. Matters began to look serious
for the old Maryland raider, and he moved off towards Winches
ter, but evidentl)- watching his opportunity to strike a stunning
blow at his pursuers. This was soon offered him. Having
reached the west bank of the Shenandoah, he left a picket line on
the river and moved his main force back into the woods and
waited for the Yankee's approach.
The advance of Gen. Crook passed the gap and reached the
river before noon and began to skirmish with the enemy at the

1^6 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

fording and at first it was said, the "firing was quite hot and
rapid." It was evident the rebels intended to give battle if the
Union force made the attempt to cross the river. When the
Eighteenth arrived at the gap the scene was both inspiring and
exciting. From that point could be seen the beautiful valleys of
Loudon on the one hand, and the Shenandoah on the other.
While a Union battery was occupying the attention of the
rebels, the Eighteenth, with the Fifth New York Heavy Artillery,
the Fourth Virginia and several other regiments were ordered
to pass down the east bank of the Shenandoah by a narrow cart
path. The distance was more than a mile to a fording. A cross
ing was effected with little or no opposition, as the rebels lay
back in the woods, half a mile away, in full view of Gen. Crook's
operations. They understood the ground and were pleased, no
doubt, at the strategy of Gen. Wright, which gave them a fine op
portunity to punish the Yankees. An officer of the regiment
remarked to the colonel of the Fourth Virginia, soon after the
crossing was effected, that if the rebels understood the situation,
they would not be slow in improving it to drive our little force
back into the river. They did understand it, and it was not long
before they began to show themselves. A strong line of skir
mishers was thrown out on the rebel right, which was met with a
noble resistance by a similar line on our left. This move
ment was only a ruse to conceal the point of real attack on the
right where the Eighteenth was posted. At the same time
our skirmishers were driven back on to the main line, a heavy
force of the enemy appeared on the right, completely flanking
the Eighteenth, the line stretching out into the river to cut off
more effectually our retreat. The Union line delivered several
volleys into the advancing foe, but it was evident that some
one had been out-generaled, and the order was given to re-
cross the river By this time the whole rebel line advanced rap
idly and in good order, and p«)ured volley after volley into the
retreating force. The fording was exceedingly difficult, and in

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 287
the hurry of the moment many of the men rushed into the river
regardless of the depth of the water, when in many cases the boys
had to swim for their life, and quite a number struggled in vain,
and at length found a watery grave. Other r(;giments, however,
suffered more in this way than did the Itighteenth, who lost but
few drowned, among which was Orderly Sergeant Thomas J.
Aldrich, Coinpany D. His body floated at length down the river
and was recovered by some of the citizens and buried.
Most of the wounded were saved from falling into the hands
of the enemy by recrossing the river. This was very difficult to
do, and most of them had hair-breadth escapes. It was a sad
time for the Eighteenth. Many of the officers and men had nar
row escapes, and it is surprising that no more of them were
wounded, killed or drowned. At the commencement of the fight
the officers sent their horses over the river and stood their chances
of escape equally with the privates. Col. Ely had a narrow es
cape, and other officers were in imminent danger. In this fight
the regiment acquitted itself wefl. Although it was exposed to a
cross-fire, still it did not waver, nor retreat until the order was
given to recross. This was the only way to escape capture en
tirely, as the rebels greatly outnumbered the Union force and came
on in a splendid line, in spite of a hot artillery fire, until they
reached the river, a distance of nearly half a mile. After the re
crossing was effected, the Sixth Corps came up a little too late.
About this time a rebel battery opened upon the Union force
with some effect, and would have done great harm if it had not
been checkmated by a battery of the Sixth Corps, which by a
well directed shot blew up a rebel caisson. The darkness put
an end to this artillery duel, and the regiment marched back near
by Snicker's Gap, and went into camp with heavy hearts. Again
the tide of fortune had turned against them, but it was no fault of
theirs, as they did all that men could do in the circumstances in
which they had been placed, and obeyed orders when the men
who planned the battle were alone responsible for the results.

288 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT
Col. Ely and other officers of the regiment wept that night at
the useless slaughter and broken up condition of the regiment.
"Boys," said he, "I am willing to lead you against an equal, or
even double your number of rebels, but this being shut up in a
slaughter-pen I cannot stand." The Eighteenth did not stack
over sixty muskets on that sorrowful night. Their dead were in
the hands of the enemy, and some of the wounded, and this
added to the sorrow of the occasion. The march of the morn
ing had been begun with perfect confidence in Gen. Crook. He
was a special favorite with all, and wherever he lead there was a
general feeling that success would follow, The result greatly dis
appointed the officers and men generally, and all felt mortified
and chagrined at the result. Rumor said that it was a plan of
Gen. Wright, of the Sixth Corps, who ranked Gen. Crook, to dis
grace the latter. It would be hard to believe this if similar mean
ness had not been e.xhibited before by other officers under more
trying circumstances.
July 19th was an extremely hot clay. Remained in camp car
ing for the wounded and repairing damages. About twenty-five
men who had been left at the ferry sick or shoeless rejoined the
regiment here. The Thirteenth Connecticut, of the Nineteenth
Corps, lay near all day, but it was not generally known to the Eight
eenth. Surgeon Holbrook was very busy at the hospital through
the day. The wounded men, as a whole, were quite cheerful and
hopeful. The work of the preceding day was severely criticised
by all. Remained here until the next afternoon, when the
wounded having been sent to the ferry the order came to advance
again. Moved down to a regular fording and crossed the riv
er in the midst of a terrible thunder storm. The rain poured
down and the men were drenched, and suffered no little in
convenience the remainder of the day. Marched down the
left bank of the Shenandoah to a beautiful grove or wood-lot
nearly opposite the battle-ground of the day before. Details
were made up to proceed to the battle-field in search, of the

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 289

Union dead. F'ound that the rebels, as usual, had outraged
the dead, leaving them but half buried, feet and arms in some
instances were left in full view and exposed to the sun and
storms. It was a painful, sickening sight. It made one feel in
dignant and even revengeful toward the inhuman creatures who
could be guilty of such acts of wicked barbarity. The rebels
buried their own dead with more care, and it was not for want of
time they did no better for their Yankee foes. Everlasting in
famy will be attached to the memory of the rebel leaders who
allowed the soldiery to treat with so much neglect and cruelty
their patriotic opponents in war. For this reason alone their
cause richly deserved defeat, utter annihilation, and it is no won
der it was so. Justice could not sleep while such atrocities were
practiced by those who were pursuing a causeless war against
their government. Camped at night in the woods. While
here the regiment sent out a large foraging party, which
brought in large quantities of ham and bacon. F'rom a rebel
farmer were taken a number of fine looking horses. A negro
acted as a guide to the several places where produce of all sorts
was stored away to elude the vigilaRce of the men. It was
quite amusing to see them return to camp with their booty,
making a marked display of the same. The boys thought
that "nigger" was somewhat scared when he was called up
and made to show them around that old rebel's premises in
the dead of night. But the old planter himself was "some mad."
However, he took things quite coolly under the circumstances.
Several of our wounded men were found in a farm house not far
away. Among them was R. Corey, of Company C. Poor fel
low, he was badly wounded in the ankle, but he seemed glad
enough to be in the Union lines once more. The chaplain part
ed at this place with his old "tall sorrel," chaplain Woodhull, of
the Fourth Virginia, wanting him more than he did. "Sorrel"
was a kind, faithful animal, had done excellent service, and if he
could not run he was quite a "fast Walker," which was more than
a?

290 EIGHTEENTH kEGlUENf
could be said of his rider. However, more than one man of t^he
Eighteenth had occasion to cherish grateful remembrances of
"old stiff sorrel" in their march over the mountains. It was not
without some regrets that the separation took place, although he
bore the Confederate "C."
On July 2 1st, after a good night's sleep in the woods, and
an early breakfast, made ready for another march. Early had
fallen back to, or below Winchester, and Gen. Crook was ordered
to follow him up. The Sixth and a part of the Nineteenth Corps,
that preceded the Eighth Corps over the river, for some reason
had been ordered back toward Washington. The Eighth Corps
was on the move again about eight o'clock A. M. Proceeded
slowly toward Winchester Fhe day was very hot. Halted at
Berryville, and some thought another fight might come off soon;
in fact it was possible to have a brusli with the enemy almost at
any hour. The rebels were not far away, that was sure. Ar
rived in Winchester about four P. M., passing over a portion of
the battle-field of the year previous. The old stone house was
pointed out in which Company H, vvith others, charged and cap
tured a squad of rebels. As the Union forces passed through
the streets of Winchester the people were unusually grave and
silent, as they were sure of another fight soon, and such an event
did not promise any good to them. Poor, rebellious Winchester,
how it did suffer during the war And still the Union army was
received generally vvith more complacency than the Confederates.
But most of the people had become weary and disgusted with
both armies, and no wonder Camped at night near the old mill
at Kearnstown, two miles on the Strasburg road. Most of the
regiment was on picket during the night, as it was evident the
rebels were not far away.
Saturday, 23d, the regiment was posted to the right of the
Romney road in the woods, where they threw up defenses and
lay quiet through the day until about four P. M. The regiment
then advanced in line of battle across an open field into the

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. ^91

woods again; then filed left and halted. Remained here until
near sunset. It was a fine place to rest, but for the fear of an
attack. It was not quite satisfactory to leave the defenses for
the open field. Passed the out-posts on the way. A cavalryman
sat on his horse peering into the woods as though he expected to
see the rebels every moment. The situation just then was con
sidered dangerous, and still some circumstances attending it were
a little ludicrous and even laughable. Another view of the situa
tion was very painful. The Eighteenth had only about one
hundred and twenty-five men in line. Not- two years before
the roll was nine hundred strong on this very ground. Then
when the regiment advanced on the rebel line it was taken for
a brigade. Now in comparison they made but a corporal's guard.
About sunset this fragment of a regiment returned to their
camp near the mill, but it was the general expectation that the
rebels might send their usual compliments to the Union men at
any moment. Up to this time the latter never had met with
much success in fighting around Winchester. The rebels had
every means of knowing the full strength of the Yankee force, and
then out-number them and drive them back.
July 24th, the regiment left camp about eight A. M., and
returned to their position of the previous day, and remained in
line of battle four or five hours; then took up a position in ad
vance on the west side of the Strasburg road, well on to New
town, where there was a brisk skirmish in progress. It was evi
dent the rebels meant to fight, and the position was very excit
ing. The main line began to advance, and soon was under fire,
the Eighteenth being on the right and not a little exposed.
Sergeant Hillard, in command of Company E, was wounded.
The command was ordered to lie down behind a rail fence, at
the same time keeping up a brisk fire upon the enemy. About
four P. M. the rebels made a furious attack upon the left and
centre; the latter point was defended by Maryland and Vir-ginia
troops, and some New York troops under Col. Mulligan, who

^92 ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT

fought Early at Monocacy Junction a week or two before. A
gallant defense was made here, but the rebels flanked them and
poured upon their line a destructive enfilading fire and the
then fell thick and fast. The line wavered, fell back, fighting
and contesting every inch of ground. It was an awful crisis, and
the sight was one of the saddest of the campaign. The writer
will never forget the sorrowful impressions of that hour. He was
sitting on his horse between his own regiment and a Maryland
battery, the latter occupying an eminence from which the move
ments of nearly the whole line were visible. From this point
the rebel flank movement was in full view, as when first discov
ered. An officer, an aid of Col. Thoburn, exclaimed very excit
edly: "Good God, they have broken the centre!" A retreat
was ordered. Then the rebels came down upon the whole line
in great fury. However, the retreat was effected in good order,
the left wing being pressed the hardest, while the centre and
right wing were closely followed, being subjected to "right smart
shelling" from the enemy. The retreat of the right wing was at
the left of Winchester, passing over the ridge west of the place,
and near the forts where Milroy fought so desperately the year
before. The Eighteenth was familiar with every inch of the
ground. Col. Ely and his brave men felt sad to be obliged to
retreat again from this spot of exciting memories. But there
was no help for it. The rebels sent their compliments thicker
and faster, and the shells screamed louder and louder Just
above the town, and nearly opposite Fort Jackson, a large shell
fell exactly in the line of the regiment, another struck the
horse of Col. Thoburn on the hip, and strange to say the col
onel escaped unharmed. A fragment of shell, after hitting and
bending his musket, struck Corporal William H. Boyden, of
Company H, and produced a bad flesh wound in the thigh. He
would have been made prisoner but for the efforts of Job Metcalf,
of the same company, who seeing the perilous situation of Boy
den declared he would not leave him, although entreated to save

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS 295

himself, but would share his fate. With his assistance Boyden
hobbled into the woods, two miles toward the mountain, where
they both concealed themselves the following night in the bushes
and thus escaped capture.
The second day they left their places of concealment in search
of a human habitation, and at length came to the residence of a
Mr. Baker, who, standing at his gate, saw the Union sol
diers coming, and exclaimed: "There comes another of God's
poor unfortunates," and his eyes filled with tears as Corporal
Boyden approached and told his story. He then invited the
strangers into his house, where his wife and daughter prepared
for them a good supper. Mr. Baker then conducted them to a
place of concealment in a clump of bushes which proved to be
their home for the next eighteen days. During all this time he
carried food to them every day, and they obtained water from a
spring near at hand. Rebel scouts passed their place of conceal
ment several times, and once or twice it seemed as though they
would surely discover them. They had no visitors, however, but
Mr. Baker's family, excepting an old hen with a brood of chick
ens, and a copperhead snake which they discovered crawling past
their feet one day. The former visitor seemed determined at
one time to quarter her whole family on these Yankees, but at
length was frightened away.
On the llth uf August, Boyden and Metcalf, learning that
Sheridan had driven the rebels through Winchester, bade Mr.
Baker's family an affectionate farewell, found conveyance to
Martinsburg, and went to the post hospital and were admitted.
While the rebels kept up the shelling, the rebel cavalry made
a furious charge on the right of the retreating line, driving back
the main cavalry in great confusion, as the infantry were ap
proaching the old battle-ground at Summit Point. This hap
pened just after sunset, and produced a panic among the battery
men and teamsters. The former left several guns in the road,
and some of the teamsters cut their horses from their wagons

294 Eighteenth REGIMENT

and left loads of shoes and other supplies to be captured. But
the infantry kept cool and did not share the fright of the runa
ways, but helped themselves to shoes as they marched along,
and seized the abandoned guns and drew them by hand to a
place of safety.
The line of retreat was at the left of the pike, which was fol
lowed until they reached Bunker's Hill. At this place a halt
was made, and the troops rested several hours between midnight
and daylight About this time it began to rain, and the retreat
was resumed for several miles. Arrived at Martinsburg about
nine A. M. The rain had ceased and the sun shone bright and
hot. The streets of Martinsburg were crowded with soldiers,
many of whom had lost their regiment during the night. While
order was being restored, the lost men were finding their respect
ive regiments, and the pursuing rebels were shelling the town.
Previous to this the regiment halted above the town on the
Williamsport road. The whole retreating force was soon in mo
tion, the Eighteenth having in charge a wagon train. For a few
miles the teamsters were in great fear, and there was danger of a
panic. The chaplain pleaded with the wagon-master, or officer in
charge of the train, to make an effort to allay the fears of his driv
ers, but all to no purpose. He seemed to be as much beside him
self as any one; rode on with his teams pellmell, and was soon out
of sight. Under the circumstances it was impossible for the in
fantry to keep pace with the teams, and their escort was left for
awhile at a respectful distance in the rear. But when the train
reached "Flailing Waters" there was more order in the retreat.
Arrived at the Potomac, opposite Williamsport, about six P.
M., and spent the night, the teams only fording the river. One
or two of the officers of the Eighteenth crossed the river in search
of the regimental -wagons, but did not ;succeed in finding them.
The men generally had to look out for themselves, and were as
tired and hungry as they had been at any time on the raid.
July 26th, forded the Potamac and marched down the river

H:.3!:. Steward, J, DICKINSON RIPLE'/.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS 295
road toward Harper's Ferry. Camped at night near Sharpsburg,
Md. Next day proceeded to Harper's Ferry, and from thence
passed on through Sandy Hook to Pleasant Valley, and went
into camp. Here the regiment received another mail, which
gave general satisfaction. About four P. M., on the 28th,
command was given to march back to Harper's Ferry, and then
to Halltown, four miles on the road to Charleston. Remained
at this place Friday, the 29th, and received another mail in the
meantime. Col. Ely having been made brigade commander, the command
had devolved upon Maj. Peale, but Gen. Hunter, having taken
umbrage at the major for telling some of his staff at the Ferry the
simple truth about the sufferings and privations of the men on
the raid to Lynchburg, put the major under arrest. Every man
of the regiment, and many others who knew the circumstances
of the affair, felt indignant at Gen. Hunter for his unjust, arbi
trary and wholly uncalled for proceedure. However, it gave the
major an opportunity to rest, and he needed it as well as the
whole regiment. He had been a faithful and efficient officer
through a most hazardous and important campaign. No charge
prejudicial to his. honor or bravery was preferred against him or
could be. He was brave and patriotic, and shared the esteem
and confidence of his fellow officers, and indeed of the whole
regiment. He had offended his chief, not by any criticism on
the campaign, but by simply telling what he knew to be true with
reference to his own regiment This was all; he never had any
trial, and after a few weeks was restored to his command without
the least shade of dishonor resting upon his character.
During his absence Capt M. V. B. Tiffany, of Company E,
was in command. He issued his first order at Halltown, July
30th, and on the same day marched the regiment through Harp
er's Ferry in a general move of the Eighth Corps into Mar) land
in search of Early's raiders, who had gone north as far as Penn
sylvania. This movement was unexpected and required dispatch,

296 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT
Passed through the ferry at three P. M. It seemed like
the hottest day of the season, and as the regiment passed
through Sandy Hook the heat was awful. Men of other regi
ments had fallen out by the hundreds, and the roadside was com
pletely lined with prosprate men, many of whom were sun-struck,
and a few seemed to be in a dying state. Their comrades were
throvifing water on the heads of the sufferers and doing all in
their power to prevent the fatal effects of the heat. For miles
the same sad sight was seen, soldiers suffering intensely in
great numbers. The Eighteenth suffered not a little with
other regiments. At no time during the raid did the regiment
appear to so great a disadvantage. Certainly it had not suf
fered more, or was in greater danger from the heat The writer
will never forget that lonely, disastrous march. It seemed
more lonely because of the absence of so many familiar faces,
both of the rank and file. The absence of Col. Ely, Maj. Peale
and Surgeon Holbrook from the head of the regiment made a
great vacancy. Capt. Mathewson and Lieut. Bixby, and other
wounded officers, were necessarily absent, and it really seemed
that the Flighteenth Connecticut was about used up, as there
were less than one hundred men all told.
Camped at night at Bankesville, twelve miles from the Ferry.
No sooner was the order given to halt than it seemed almost as
if every man laid down and went to sleep instantly. The next
day was Sunday. We rose early, and after breakfast went
marching on. This last day of July proved hottest of all, and
before twelve o'clock there was not a coinpany in line of march
in the whole brigade. The officers who rode could not withstand
the scorching heat, and fell out nearly as soon as the men on
foot There was no help for it, as the men were completely
overcome and prostrated. Lieut. Caruthers was stricken down
and left at a private house, and was supposed to be in a dyino-
condition, but he finally niccjvered and joined the regiinent after
a few days. Most of the regiment at length found refuge in a

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 297

grove at the left of the road. No more marching was done that
day until six o'clock in the evening, when we proceeded about
three miles and halted for the night The men looked more sad
and weary than ever.
There was a great deal of complaint among the officers and
men, and it vvas hardly possible to help it. The regiment was
nearly exhausted before leaving Harper's Ferry, and then to
march two such days as the last two was calculated to crush the
life out of the men, who lay down sick and completely discour
aged that night Among others, the chaplain was sick — the first
time he had shown any signs of giving out — and Col. Ely and
Surgeon Holbrook, at brigade head-quarters, were not in much
better condition. The general complaint was "we are about
used up." The chaplain at a late hour found lodgings at a farm
house with a very fine family, who did everything for his health
and comfort in their power.
Next morning, August ist, we were on the march again early,
and marched to the mountains, and went into camp at a place
called Wolfsville. It seemed refreshing to get into the woods,
and find some protection from the burning sun, and there was a
fine stream of water near by which added much to the comforts
of the place. Remained here two days; the men lay down under
the trees and took things easy, and it was the first real rest they
had enjoyed for four weeks. They were delighted bathing in
the brook, eating and sleeping, and it was a good time generally,
in which the weary became rested, and the sick grew better.
The chaplain was quite sick the first day at this place, but was
much better the second. If the regiment could have remained
here a week it would have been a great benefit to all. But the
rebel raiders had burned Chambersburg, in Pennsylvania, and re
turned to Virginia another way, carrying their booty with them.
It was said the present movement was made to intercept the
raiders, but it seemed as much a plan to evade them as anything.
Early was having things pretty much his own way, and Hunter

298 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT
had marched his men out of his way nearly to death to let him
continue unmolested. Matters had come to a serious pass in
the yalley of the Shenandoah, and were growing no better.
Wolfsville was a fine place for reflection on one's ways, but not
much of a place in which to fight rebels. The situation was per
fectly ridiculous, and provoked many a witticism at Gen. Hun
ter's expense.
.August 3d. Made another move and marched to Monocacy
Junction, four miles below Frederick City. The passage over
the mountains was delightful, the scenery grand and imposing.
The people in Frederick City came out in crowds to see the men,
and showed them great kindness. Some came with pails of
water, women came out with loaves of bread and pitchers of milk,
and many of the men had a good time of it and will never forget
the good people of that staid old Union town. The place itself
seemed more like a Yankee town than any in all Maryland, and
the men were loud in its praises.
There was a large post hospital here at the time, and several
of the regiment were here sick, or detailed on duty. It was a
good place, as many of the regiment can testify.
Forded the Monocacy River and went into camp about one
mile below in a lonely place. Remained here Thursday and
Friday, August 4th and 5th; in the meantime had a visit from
Gen. Grant

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 299

CHAPTER XIV.

GEN. SHERIDAN IN COMMAND.

Gen. Hunter was removed, and the Eighth Corps became
a part of the command under Gen. Phil. Sheridan. The
change was generally satisfactory, although it was the universal
conviction that it meant hard marching and harder fighting.
Received another mail here on the second day, and towards
evening the whole command was drawn up in line to witness the
shooting of a deserter. Being just at night, and quite dark, the
poor victim of his own folly could hardly be seen from the point
the Eighteenth occupied. It was a most solemn and impressive
scene. No doubt the time was chosen more especially for its
effect; at least so it seemed.
August 6th. As evidence that "Little Phil." was in earnest,
the order came early in the morning to march to Harper's Ferry,
and the regiment was on the move again in the midst of a
pelting rain. The chaplain, being too ill to march, was sent back
to Frederick City in an ambulance.
It proved a hard day for the regiment, as the road was very
muddy. It cleared up during the day; still the march proved
very tiresome. During the whole campaign thus far there
had been but little rain. The season had been uncommonly
dry, and the regiment had not been compelled to march scarcely
a mile in the rain. Reached Sandy Hook at night, and camped
at Pleasant Valley.

300 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT
The next day was Sunday, pleasant and warm. Lay here all
day and it was truly a day of rest On the afternoon of Monday,
the regiinent was ordered to Halltown again, and went into
camp on the north side of the town, near the railroad.
Thus had the Eighteenth passed through Harper's Ferry for
the eighth time since the 20th of March previous. Arriving
this time the regiment had traveled, in one way and another,
nearl)' two thousand and five hundred miles in nine different
states, participated in five battles, and reduced its numbers from
five hundred strong down to less than one hundred men, all
told, fit for service. No regiment perhaps in the whole Union
army had a more varied experience, and suffered greater expo
sures, with greater losses in the same time.
If the Eighteenth did have an easy time, as many said, the first
nine months of service, it must be confessed they suffered enough
the remainder of their time to make up for it.
It is hardly possible that any regiment could have suffered
more during the campaign of 1864. The friends of this regi
ment would have been greatly amazed to have looked into
their camp on the 9th day of August. Few in numbers, tired,
jaded and dispirited, not a commissioned staff officer present.
Col. Ely and Surgeon Holbrook still on brigade duty, Maj. Peale
on a leave of absence to gratify the spite of Gen. Hunter, and
the chaplain sick at Frederick City. Such was the fate of the
Eighteenth Connecticut Regiment.
Capt. M. V. B. Tiffany in command, however, was doing all
he could to maintain the dicipline and efficiency of the remnant
of the regiment, and under the circumstances it appeared well,
and was prompt in the performance of its duty.
August loth. Left Halltown and marched up the right bank
of the Shenandoah River for several miles, and thence across the
country to Berryville, and went into camp. The day was ex
tremely hot, and several of the men fell out from the heat, and
their sufferings were greatly increased from the want of water.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 301

The springs were dry from the continued drouth, and this state
of things made it a serious business to inarch across the country.
The next day we left Berryville and advanced in line of battle
all day, skirmishing with the rebels for fifteen or twenty miles.
There was much suffering on this march for the want of water.
Water! water! was the cry through the day.
Gen. Early was evidently retreating up the valley for the pur
pose of drawing Gen. Sheridan from bis base of supplies. Little
Phil., however, did not seem afraid to follow him up, which he
did closely.
On the 12th, we marched direct for Cedar Creek, where the
regiment halted about noon for rations in the woods. There
was severe skirmishing across the creek, and a battle seemed
inevitable. At night the regiment was marched to the left of the pike,
formed in line of battle, and was on picket through the night, ex
cepting Company C, which remained in position with the colors.
Remained here four days. In the meantime a part of the Sixth
Corps carried the creek, and drove the rebels back on Strasburg;
at the same time brisk skirmishing was going on across the
river. On the 15th, the regiment was in line of battle all day. All
quiet on both sides. The next day the regiment lay near the
Creek, and all was quiet as the day before.
It was now Little Phil.'s turn at a strategic movement. Hence
he began to retreat slowly on Winchester the evening of the
i6th. We marched all night, passing through Middletown,
Newtown and Winchester. At the latter, place stopped about
three hours, and then passed on to Berryville on the evening of
the 1 7th, very much fatigued.
August 1 8th. It rained all day and we marched six miles to
ward Charlestown, and went into camp in the woods near a large
cornfield; it was a very uncomfortable day.
Remained here until the morning of the 20th. Lieut Hinckley

302 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

returned to the regiment. He had been absent since the depart
ure of the regiment from Staunton, on its way to Lynchburg,
from a wound received at Piedmont His return was a source
of pleasure to Company C, of which he again took command.
August 26th. Marched to near Charlestown and went into
camp. The next day, Sunday, took up a position a little west of
the town and formed in line of battle near the Smithfield pike.
The ruse of Sheridan was working well. The rebels were fol
lowing him up, and to-day there was severe skirmishing again in
front. The rebel artillery opened on our main line, and for a
short time the shelling was severe and sharp. The shells just
reached us but did no harm. The work of the day was the con
struction of rifle-pits, in expectation of an attack of the enemy in
force. Before daylight next morning the regiment fell back to
near Halltown, and formed in line of battle, while the skirmish
ing was hot and sharp.
Remained in this position four days. In the meantime the
third brigade of the Eighth Corps advanced on the rebels and
after severe fighting we drove them back on Charlestown. The
chaplain returned but was not able to remain, and went to the
hospital at Sandy Hook. These were days of great excitement,
and a great battle was every day expected, until the rebels fell
back of Charlestown on the 27th.
On August 28th there were still lively times at the front
Our brigade was ordered through Charlestown, and camp was
made on the south side of the town. Brisk skirmishing all day
between the pickets. For the next six days we lay in this vi
cinity. The weather was pleasant. One day was spent in pick
et duty at the front by the whole regiment The duty was not
hard, but the men were obliged to keep their eyes open, as the
rebels were near, and likely at any hour to pay their usual
compliments to the hated Federals.
September 3d was a gala day with the regiment, it being
pay-day. Most of the men received six months' pay, and felt rich

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 303

once more. But what should they do with"so much money while
in such close proximity to the rebels? If they were led into bat
tle the chances were- that they might be relieved of their pocket
books to the advantage of the enemy. The rebels cursed the
Yankees whenever they had an opportunity, but they loved
'•greenbacks," and were glad enough to get them.
While the men were rejoicing over their good luck and fat
purses, the order came to march toward Berryville. About four
P. M. halted and began to put up tents. But this order was
soon countermanded, for the pickets were being driven in on
the Winchester road, and a battle was imminent Fhe regi
ment was soon marching in line of battle toward the front.
The whole of our corps formed in line of battle on both sides
of the Winchester pike, a little west of the town, the regiment
being on the right of the line. The enemy opened on the
whole line with a fierce artillery fire for a short time, and then
the infantry charged with great fury, forcing back our line
about one hundred yards. At this point a determined stand was
made, a counter-charge executed, and the rebels fell back. A
constant fire was kept up until dark. The regiment lay in line
of battle all night, and for several hours it rained quite hard.
The discomforts of the night added very much to the fatigue
and hardships of the day. There was but a handful of men,
as it were, on duty, and these were poorly prepared to perform
such severe and crushing service as the fortunes of the day de
manded. Before daylight, however, we -were on the move again,
and falling back about four miles were drawn up in line of bat
tle on the left. Company C being detailed to guard a wagon
train about a mile in the rear There was severe skirmishing all
day. September 5th. Company C was still in charge of the train,
and the remainder of the regiment hard at work in rifle-pits
at the front At night there was another rain storm and it was
quite cold.

304 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT
The next day Company C was relieved from guarding the
wagon train, and joined the regiment at the front. It was not
long before this company was ordered out on picket duty, with
our cavalry only a little way in advance of them. It was a
wet, cold and exciting day. The rebels seemed to want to fight,
but did not risk a battle. September 7th, the Eighteenth was
together again and lay behind rifle-pits most of the day. On the
8th, the regiment did another hard day's work for their country,
marching to Summit Point, on the right about six miles, in line
of battle, through rain and mud, and then went into camp.
September 9th. By way of variety, had company drill in t'he
forenoon, and battalion drill in the afternoon, and dress-parade at
evening, but it is needless to say the regiment was so reduced in
numbers it made rather a sorry appearance. The next two days
it rained almost incessantly.
In the meantime an order was received to report to Col. Rogers,
the commander of the post at Charlestown, who assigned the
regiment to picket duty for the protection of the trains.
September 13th. Our wagon trains fell back to Halltown, and
the regiment was placed in charge of a portion of it. Pleasant
all day.
At night went into camp as usual. On the 14th, the regiment
was quiet all day. This rest was greatly enjoyed by the men,
who employed their time in telling stories and writing letters.
The 15th was very pleasant with no special incidents. On the
1 7th, there was quite an excitem.ent, as Gen. Grant passed
through the town for a conference with Sheridan. Of course
everybody was astir, anxious to see the great general and to know
what was coming. It was the general opinion that this unexpected
visit meant work and fighting.
Gen. Grant had begun to grew uneasy, it was said, about
Sheridan's movements in the valley. There had been a whole
month of marching and countermarching, and almost constant
skirmishing with the enemy with varying results. This state of

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 305

things could not remain so much longer. The conference proved
of great importance to the Union cause, for it was on this occa
sion that General Grant gave his permission to "Little Phil, to
go in."
It was evident to a casual observer that affairs were about to
assume a more serious and positive aspect There had been too
much boys' play — "marching up the hill and marching down
again." Sheridan and Early had been simply trying each other's
strength and wisdom in strategic movements. The constant
change of position and bad weather had imposed a hard and try
ing service on the men, and they began to grow uneasy and dissat
isfied with the situation. The cavalry portion of the army of the
Potomac found the Shenandoah valley a hard road to travel.
Gen. Early having made them a great deal of trouble, some of
whom were "swearing mad." The writer recollects meeting one
of the Potomac cavalrymen after a severe brush with the rebel
infantry in the direction of Martinsburg, in which engagement
the Union forces came near being gobbled up, and had been
driven across the Potomac River pellmell. He was swearing like
a pirate. Among other things he said: "This Shenandoah valley
is the d — dst place I ever got into; indeed it is." "And you
have found it out, have you?" said I. "I am glad you have
found it out at last. You Potomac boys have been thinking
that it was only boys' play to fight the rebels up here, and have
ridiculed our little corps for its ineffective campaigns, for its fruit
less marches and counter-marches in the valley, and now I am
heartily glad you are satisfied that this country is a very difficult
place for military operations, because it is favorable for flank
movements." It was by just such a movement that his regi
ment had lost heavily and came very near being captured a day
or two before. After this conversation the cavalryman rode off
in haste and apparently in thought
At this time Gen. Early was entrenching himself between Ber
ryville and Winchester, preparing as well as he could for the
39

3o6 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

shock which was evidently at hand. Sheridan evidently hastened
it When the sun went down on that i8th day of September,
1864, Gen. Early's prospect of success had passed forever; the
decisive moment had come, and Sheridan was ready to "go in."
Col. F21y, having been in the service three years and seven
months, resigned his commission, took a cordial leave of his
regiment, and returned home to fulfill an engagement more
pleasant and perhaps more important than any he had partici
pated in during all the time of his service in the Shenandoah
valley. Those who understood the situation warmly congratu
lated the colonel on his success, both in the field and at home,
and although they parted with him with regrets, still they
wished him abundant success in his "home campaign." On
taking leave of his command. Col. Ely made the following parting
address to the men, which was received with unfeigned sorrow
and tender memories of the stirring events in which they had
participated during the term of their united service in western
Virginia. Head-Quarters Eighteenth Connecticul Volunteers, )
Charlestown, Va., .Sejitember 20th, 1864. f
To the Officers and Soldiers of 'lhe Eighteenth Con
necticut Volunteers:
I believe the campaign in the Shenandoah valley is at an end,
and that your remaining term of service will be free from such
arduous marches and sanguinary battles as have fallen to your
lot during the past campaign. At Piedmont, Lynchburg, Snicker's
Ford, Winchester, Cedar Creek and Berryville you have borne
a noble part in the contest for Union and liberty, and earned a
title for valor which none can dispute. As your commanding offi
cer I thank you for your prompt and cheerful obedience to orders
at all times. When foot-sore and weary with marching, and when
advancing under the fire of artillery and musketry to meet the
enemy, you have with undaunted spirit executed your orders to
the letter, although you have suffered the loss of many of your

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 307

best officers, who are held as prisoners of war; and although you
have been reduced by the casualties of battle to one-half of
the number with which you entered upon this campaign, you
yet maintain an efficient organization, and are able to cope with
an equal number of the best forces of the enemy. Although
separated from you, I shall watch your career with affectionate
interest, feeling confident that you will ever sustain the reputa
tion for bravery and honer which is now yours.
That you may soon return to your homes to enjoy a victorious
and honorable peace, and that I may be one of the many who
will give you a warm welcome, is the hope of Wm. G. Ely.
To this admirable address Capt M. V. B. Tiffany, command
ing the Eighteenth, responded in substance, as follows: — "In
your retirement. Col. Ely, to civic life, our best wishes go
with you. Crowned with military glory, honored and respected
by all who know you for your pure and patriotic devotion to the
interests of your country, and for your earnest zeal in crushing
out those who have dared to raise their hand to overthrow our
government, may )'our social life be as peaceful and happy as
your military life has been glorious and honorable."
While this important change was being effected, Sheridan had
fought a great battle with Gen. Early, routed his whole army,
and sent the defeated cohorts of Rebellion "whirling through
Winchester" in fear and dismay. The regiment was under
arms all day in charge of a wagon train, but at the same time
were held in readiness for more active service if it should be
needed. It was a day of wonderful excitement The 19th day
of September, 1864, will ever be a memorable day in the history
of the country, as well as in that of the Eighteenth Connecticut
The tide of Rebellion in the Shenandoah valley now began to
recede and flow with fearful effects toward the rebel capital.
The regiment did its part that day in effecting this object.
If not at the front in a valiant fight, it yet remained by the

3o8 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

"stuff," and hence its part of the victory was as important as of
those who obeyed orders in another part of the field. It did good
service where it was, for the protection of wagon trains imposed
no light service in Sheridan's command, during the rapid move
ments of the army to defeat and destroy a vigilant enemy.
Picket duty, or guarding trains, was earnest business at that
time, as Moseby and Gilmore improved each opportunity to
capture every train that was not strongly guarded; and Sheridan
was not a little annoyed by their prompt and vigorous move
ments, by which they had become a terror to Union guards and
pickets. Sheridan had no idle soldiers in his department when there was
anything to do, and just then the times were unusually lively and
interesting. He had done his work with such dispatch and completeness
thus far that it made the authorities at Washington and the
people of the North fairly intoxicated with wonder and delight.
He had gone in to win, and had won one of the most important
battles of the war. The blow which sent Gen. Early up the val
ley in a whirlpool of confusion and destruction gave fresh cour
age to the friends of the Union everywhere, and greatly strength
ened the national arm at all points. The press of the North
and West made the best use of the great victory to inspire fresh
courage and determination among the people to fight it out
to the last During the three months preceding this joyful
event the public mind and the spirit of the army had been
greatly depressed. Gen. Banks' failure in Texas, and the poor
success of military operations in the Shenandoah valley; and
the seemingly little effect produced upon the bulwark of the
Rebellion at Richmond and Petersburg by the terrible and rapid
blows of the army of the Potomac under the lead of Gen. Grant,
and a growing dissatisfaction with the conduct of the war in many
parts of the country, had its effect to increase the general gloom
and despondency. Many of the people had serious doubts of

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 309

final success, and the opponents of the war predicted an utter
failure of the Lincoln government and seemed to rejoice over
the prospect. The writer will never forget the feeling of
doubt and despair which for a time seemed to prevail in the
army of the Shenandoah. The hardest and most persistent
campaign of the war had been apparently barren of good results
to the Union cause. Gen. Early's raid into Maryland and Penn
sylvania, and threatening Washington itself, in spite of the ut
most vigilance on the part of the government and Gen. Grant,
did not encourage the hope of final success. The rebel leaders
and generals, after all had been done to weaken their cause, ap
peared as hopeful and as defiant as ever, while the rebel press
continued to fire the Southern heart with lies and braggadocio.
And afl this had its effect The soldiers who had been home on
furloughs returned with gloomy reports concerning the coming
presidential election. It was confidently predicted in various
quarters that Lincoln would be overwhelmingly defeated at the
polls by Gen. McClellan, and thus the South might take new cour
age and expectation respecting the recognition of the Confed
eracy by European governments. Several of the regiment
brought very discouraging reports even from Norwich. They
reported that it was believed by many that McClellan would
carry Connecticut, the feeling of dissatisfaction with Lin
coln had become so great and earnest. And had the presi
dential election taken place in September instead, of Novem
ber, there would have been a fair prospect of the fulfillment
of this discouraging prophecy. But the great victory of Gen.
Sheridan inspired fresh courage and raised the public spirit
wonderfully, and every succeeding day added new interest and
effect to this joyful event. Early had lost at least five thou
sand men, killed and taken prisoners. Rhodes, one of his
most vaunting and confidential generals, was instantly killed, and
his corps, which he swore could not be whipped by the "damned
Yankees," was nearly annihilated. Every day new and sub

3 TO EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

stantial evidence was given of the thoroughness of the rebel
defeat. The Eighteenth, being on picket duty so near the pike
leading from Charlestown to Harper's Ferry, had an excellent
opportunity to witness the results of the battle, and were greatly
rejoiced to see the Confederates marching to the rear in such
large numbers as prisoners of war. They had met those fellows
at Lynchburg under quite different circumstances, and it was
now their turn to be jubilant. If the boys indulged in a few
Yankee jokes they were pardonable under the circumstances.
"Halloo, rebs, glad to see you; have been waiting for you some
time; this is what we went down to Lynchburg for. We meant
to bring you up here to Charlestown to bag you, and I reckon
we have done it How do you like it as far as you have got."
Charlestown was decidedly Rebellious and its people had often
railed the Yankees on Confederate victories, bragging of the
great things the rebel army would do before the close of the war,
and there was some satisfaction to witness their chagrin and
disappointment after the battle, and as the evidences of a glorious
Union victory daily multiplied.
September 23d. Received orders to march to Martinsburg,
which were immediately obeyed. Arrived at that place the same
day, and were the first troops on the ground after the retreat of
Gen. Early's forces on the 19th. Capt. Tiffany reported to Col.
Rogers, of the Second Maryland, in the street, before the colonel
had reached his head-quarters. The regiinent was put on pick
et duty to guard all the roads in every direction, and the
camp was in Faulkner's woods, on the south side of the town.
Fhe boys were very much fatigued after this movement, but
there was no release from duty on this account, there being no
other force to guard the town from the attacks which were ex
pected at any moment On the next day, in addition to picket
ing the roads, a detail was made to work on the railroad. The
rebels, as usual during their occupancy of the town, had done all
the damage they could by breaking up our lines of communica-

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 311

tion. They owed the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad a peculiar
spite because of its great advantage to the Union cause. Stone
wall Jackson, in his various raids down the valley, had destroyed
a vast amount of railroad material by burning bridges and rollint>-
stock, but as soon as the rebels disappeared there was a large
force put on the road to repair damages. At this time especially
a great force was needed for this purpose, and the Eighteenth
lent a helping hand. The regiment could accommodate itself to
circumstances and do various kinds of work as well perhaps as
any in the service. The government required other service
besides fighting, and the men who could "turn a hand" to any
thing were of great use to the general interests of the country.
The events following the removal to Martinsburg were of a
stirring character, and required the utmost vigilance on the
part of the forces in and around Martinsburg and Harper's
Ferry. It vvas known that rebel guerrillas were watching for fav
orable opportunities to capture trains, and do any other mischief
in their power. At this point a large number of rebel prisoners
were brought in from up the valley every day, adding new evi
dences of the completeness of the victory over Jubal Early.
September 29th. Flight hundred prisoners were met by a por
tion of the regiment outside of Martinsburg, and marched through
the town to the depot to take the cars for Harper's Ferry, where
they were left in charge of the provost marshal. The regiment
returned to Martinsburg by cars and resumed picket duty as usu
al. In the meantime Companies E and H were sent to North
Mountain to guard a signal corps. There was enough to do at
this time, and the frequent changes to which the troops were
subjected gave interest and variety to the service, yet it was dif
ficult and tiresome. From October ist until the 13th the regi
ment remained at Martinsburg on picket duty. During this time
several important events occurred. Maj. Peale and Surgeon
Holbrook had returned to the regiment, and Charles F2. Rowe,
of Farmington, Conn., became first assistant surgeon. The re-

3 1 2 EIGH TEEN TH REGIMENT
turn of the old officers was heartily greeted by the men. Maj.
Peale was pleased to resume the command, and the regiment
was equally well pleased to have him do so. The rank and file
began to fill up again, and the appearance of the battalion on
duty was greatly improved. Various rumors were afloat as to
the movements and destination of troops, and every day had its
excitements, and occasionally there were real causes for alarm.
On the 13th of October the regiment was sdddenly called out
on the double quick and remained under arms for a short time,
and then were ordered back to their tents. Moseby had made
one of his sudden dashes upon the Baltimore and Ohio railroad,
and captured an express train, helping himself to money and
prisoners as best he could. These rebel movements made the
times exciting, and almost every day something alarming would
transpire to keep up the excirement In the meantime, Sheridan
was watching Gen. Early, and as events proved. Early was watch
ing for an opportunity to give Sheridan a surprise party. The
arrangements for this nearl) successful purpose were completed
by the 18th, and before daylight on the morning of the 19th "thf
play began." Our old corps for the first time was completely
surprised, and many of the brave men who had been associated
with us in the early part of the season in the valley operations
were either killed or taken prisoners. Among the number who
fell that day, in whom the regiment felt a special interest,
were Col. Thoburn, of West Virginia; and Col. Wells, of the
Thirty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers. They commanded some
of the best troops in the service, and were among the very best
officers in the valley that season. How the Union troops rallied
that day! "Sheridan's ride from Winchester, twenty miles away,"
has been told again and again, and the people do not tire of
hearing about it.
While the scenes which have been so many times described,
and every time with new interest, were being enacted, there was
the highest degree of excitement in Martinsburg and vicinity

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 313

among citizens and soldiers. The cannonading was distinctly
heard at first, growing louder ai-id louder, but at length the sound
began to grow less and less, and at dark it could scarcely be heard
at all. The troops in Martinsburg, however, were in readiness
to advance at a moment's warning, but happily their services
were not required. Sheridan was master of the situation, having
turned an apparent defeat into a glorious victory, thus immortal
izing his name, and giving that ride from Winchester to Cedar
Creek an enviable place in the history of the country for whose
sake it was performed. It was a matter of deep interest to behold
the fruits of this victory if one was not permitted to share its dan
gers and glory. This was made apparent every day by captured
prisoners, cannon and war material of various kinds. The result
gave great joy and encouragement to the country, and to the
soldiers especially. It began to look as though the war would
soon close. The next day four months' pay was received, and
every one was happy, such an event being rated next in importance
to the longed for cessation of hostilities. Fhe men had begun to
feel the want of money as they were anxious to make some change
in their diet. A little pocket money would help them to do this
in such a place as Martinsburg.
The effect of Sheridan's victory, however, was on the whole
grand and overwhelming. The rebel citizens of Martinsburg had
become as silent as the grave, though they had been quite hope
ful since the summer campaign, and the successes of Early up to
the 19th of September But the defeat at that time, followed by
another a month later more effective and crushing than the first,
nearly extinguished all hope of the success of the .Southern Con
federacy. There was but one prop more on which they leaned,
and that was the sympathy of Northern allies, and this too had
been greatly weakened, as the pending presidential election
promised nothing for their cause. The North was in a blaze of
excitement over Sheridan's victories.
October 26th. A report prevailed that Moseby was coming
40

3T4 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

again, and the truth was he was much nearer than many were
willing to believe. About half way between Martinsburg and
Winchester he had made a dash and captured Gen. Duffie, of
the cavalry, who was on his w.i)- to the former place. This was
a bold deed. Gen. Duffie was doomed to go to Richmond a
prisoner There was no help for it. Many thought that he was
righ*|ly served, though regretting the act itself, as it caused so
much rejoicing on the part of rebel sympathizers at home and
abroad.' The troops were called out at Martinsburg as usual after the
mischief was done and could not be pre\'ented. It vvas rjuite
evident that although Sherid'-in had given Early a hopeless de
feat, and was at that time following up his advantage over him,
and pursuing his scattered forces almost to Richmond, nearly
capturing the old rcb'-^l himself, still he had left a vigilant enemy
to the Union cause in the rear, who understood the situation
and was read)' to improve his chances to be revenged on Sheri
dan. Gen. Duffie had never been very popular with the Shen
andoah army after the defeat at New Market, the belief being
that he might have changed the fortunes of that day had he
done his whole duty. Nevertheless, to have a Union general
captured within the Union lines caused great chagrin, especially
as the deed was achieved so near to Martinsburg.
The presidential election was now pending. 'Fhe party at the
North, opposed to coercing the South, had been hopeful of carry
ing the national election as late as the 19th of September. At
least there seemed to be an earnest effort made for this purpose,
and with many it was feared that it would be successful; but
after the victories of Sheridan in the valley. Northern sympathiz
ers began to grow less confident; still it was thought that every
Union vote at home and in the army would be required to give
the government all the aid and comtort desirable under the cir
cumstances. Accordingly all laudable ineans were employed to
secure a full vote, both of citizens at home and soldiers in the

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 315
army. After all the privations and sacrifices of the soldiers, the
great majority of them were in full .sympathy with Lincoln's ad
ministration, and in favor of prosecuting the war until the rebels
should lay down their arms and return to their allegiance to the
government. That there should 'nave been any division of opin
ion among Northern men was a matter of great surprise. It was
viewed as a shameful thing that any portion of Northern terri
tory required the presence of soldiers to secure good order at the
polls at such a crisis in the history of the war. But such was the
fact. Gen. Butler was ordered to New York to keep the peace,
and other military movements were regarded as necessary for the
same object in other states. In some instances this movement
perhaps might have been avoided, but the impression was that it
was best to be on the safe side and guard against possible clanger
that might arise in the large cities; for it was in these alone that
any serious efforts were apprehended hostile to the public peace.
On the whole a large force was .sent home, and distributed as
public interests demanded. Among other troops, the Eighteenth
Regiment was ordered, October 29th, to report at New Haven,
Conn., and on the 30th the regiment broke camp and took
the cars for that city. As the boys marched off from their
old camp ground they met an Iowa regiment on its wav to take
their place. When the Iowa men learned that the regiinent
was going home to vote for Lincoln they made the air ring with
their cheers for "Old Abe" and the Eighteenth Connecticut
These western men were running over with enthusiasm for the
great leader of the Union cause and wished their Connecticut
comrades success in the object of their home visit. Great en
thusiasm was manifested by both regiments in their brief ac
quaintance. The passage from Martinsburg to New Haven was rapid and
pleasant. Nothing of special interest occurred save in New York
City. While passing from the foot of Cortland Street to Twenty-
Seventh Street to take the cars for New Haven, the regiment

31 6 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

was subjected to all manner of insults from the roughs of New
York. The "rebel heathen" showered on the soldiers all sorts of
vile names and their conduct generally was extremely abusive
and outrageous, although they knew better than to attempt vio
lence on any of Sheridan's men. In Martinsburg the men were
cheered and complimented for their devotion to the flag of the
Union, but in the streets of New York, within a few hours' ride
of their own homes, the men who had hazarded their all to save
this same New York from being burned and pillaged bv Southern
fire-eaters and traitors, marched through the streets under the
most trying circumstances. Had not the police force been in the
interest of the Rebellion it might have easily protected the de
fenders of their country from such a mean and contemptible out
rage. Nowhere in Virginia or Maryland had the regiment wit
nessed more hatred to soldiers than the New York bullies mani
fested during that never-to-be-forgotten march from the Hudson
River to the depot on Twenty-Seventh Street. Arrived at New
Haven about four o'clock P. M., where a part of the regiment were
allowed to go to there homes, while the other part was put on
duty at the conscript camp.
The regiment remained in the State until after the 8th of
November, on which day Abraham Lincoln was re-elected Presi
dent of the United States by an overwhelming majority, to the
great joy of all Union men, both citizens and soldiers, and to the
chagrin and disappointment of the rebels, both North and South.
It was the greatest Union victory during the war It destroyed
every vestige of hope of success remaining in the Confederacy.
The verdict of the people was that the war should be prosecuted
to the bitter end.
Every Union soldier had as much reason to be as proud of his
vote on that day as if he had sent a bullet through the heart of
the Confederacy. In fact votes on that occasion were more fatal
to the success of rebels than bullets, and hence every soldier
who voted as he had shot was doing the greatest possible service

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 317

for his country in bringing the war to a speedy and successful
termination. 'Fhe Eighteenth Connecticut had a proud record
on the 8th of November, 1864. It never performed a more im
portant service for its country during the war than on that day,
for nearly every man "voted as he had shot" After a few
days furlough the regiment was ordered to return to Virginia.
It arrived in Martinsburg on November 13th, and again resumed
its old service at the front. Lieut. Caruthers, with a detachment
of the regiment, was ordered to drive all the cattle recaptured
from Early in the valley to York, Pennsylvania. Nothing else
of special interest occurred until Thanksgiving, which passed off
very pleasantly, many of the boys being supplied with boxes of
poultry and other goodies from home. These kind remembrances
were none the less gratefully received because of the late visit to
friends at home.

3i8 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

CHAPTER XV.

WINTER QUARTERS AT HALLTOWN.

November 23d. Received orders to report at Halltown. This
order was not so cheerfully received as some others had been.
The boys liked Martinsburg and hoped to go into winter quarters
there, but "the powers that be" ordered otherwise, and there was
no help for it. Arriving at Halltown, the work of preparing
winter quarters began in earnest. Log and board huts were put
up in a substantial manner in regular order, as laid down in the
regulations, and the whole appearance was fine. The situation
was excellent, being a short distance to the north of Harper's
Ferry and Winchester Railroad, on elevated ground, affording a
pleasant prospect. There were several farm houses near, among
them the fine residence of Col. Washington, of [ohn Brown fame,
who was afterward killed in one of the battles near Richmond.
There was a beautiful stream of water a little to the south, on
which was a saw-mill, where the boards were sawed for the regi
mental city. This was found to be a great convenience. Five
large barns on the premises, and but a few rods away, afforded
good accommodations for the horses and mules belonging to the
regiment. It being but three or four miles to Harper's Ferry,
that place could be frequently visited, on leave of absence, for
such supplies as could not be obtained nearer the camp. The
mails for the regiment came to that place, and were regularly
brought to camp every day. Setting up housekeeping in this

,l« III

to01

X

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 319

delightful place was attended, on the whole, with but little incon
venience, and few accidents, that of private Joseph Weaver, who
received a severe cut in the thigh by an axe in the hands of a
comrade, being the most serious. The duty of the regiment was
to guard the i-ailroad leading from Harper's Ferry to Winchester.
On the whole the situation was as pleasant and convenient as
one- could reasonabl)- expect, but not so desirable as that at
Martinsburg. December opened pleasantly and found the boys very com
fortable in their new quarters. The camp hospital was finely
located and was made very acceptable to the sick of the regiment.
Surgeon Holbrook, assisted by Surgeon Rowe and Steward Dick
Ripley, succeeded in establishing excellent quarters for the un
fortunates of the regiment, and paid every attention to their
wants. Orderlies John Harrington and David Colvin, Company
B, and William Coinins, Company. K, were in attendance, so
that there should be no lack of care and attention in this depart
ment. No complaint was ever made in the Eighteenth of want
of attention to the sick when the regiment was situated so that
supplies could be readily obtained. At Halltown, as well as at
Martinsburg the winter previous, the writer often heard the
patients say: "We could not be better cared for at home than we
are here." Perhaps a comparison with other circumstances in
army life had some thing to do with -producing that feeling of
satisfaction which many of the men experienced at such times.
On the fifth of the month the chaplain returned to the regi
ment after a more than two months' sick furlough. His return
was an agreeable event to himself, and he had every reason to
believe that it vvas equally pleasing to the regiment. It was un
expected, however, by all parties, for his health had suffered so
severely by chills and fever that his life had been despaired of
for several weeks, and no one who saw him at that time sup
posed he would ever be able to return to the service. But in
twonty days after he was able to go out into the open air he re
turned to his regiment, though still in feeble health.

320 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT
His return was highly gratifying to him because of the hearty
congratulations he received from all parties. The next Sunday
religious services were resumed in the hospital as there was no
chapel tent on the ground. The following Sabbath there was pub
lic service in the same place. The two Sundays following the
chaplain preached in the open air On the evening of the last
there was a very interesting religious service at a private house a
short distance to the south of camp, Christmas and New-Year
passed off very pleasantly. Several boxes of good things were re
ceived from friends at home. Some of the boys went "foraging"
and carried on quite a trade with the natives for milk and eggs, and
the chaplain and Surgeon Flolbrook had Christmas dinner at Mr.
Elsee's near by, where the Surgeon's wife was boarding at the
time. The doctor's example became contagious. Other mem
bers of the regiment sent for their "better halves" and began to
"board out" and seemed quite happy in their new quarters. The
sight of a Yankee woman in camp occasionally was a great rarity
and always had a pleasing effect. "Tom," of Company H, said
he would give more to see a Yankee checked apron than all the
women of Virginia.
The first week in January fitted up Sutler Kingsbury's tent
for a chapel. Obtained boards from the saw-mill for seats, and
used a box about a foot and a half square for a platform, to which
was attached a pulpit desic, consisting of a board five or six inches
wide, of sufficient height, square on top for a small bible and
hymn book. The ground floor was finely carpeted with saw
dust, three or four inches in thickness. On the whole it was
quite convenient and comfortable, and by crowding would ac
commodate about one hundred persons. Through the kindness
of Rev. E. Cushman, of Hartford, Connecticut, the tent was sup
plied with seventy-five hymn books and over two hundred volumes
of other books for a regimental library. In addition to these,
there was received a number of home papers, such as the Chris
tian Secretary, Norwich Courier, Willimantic Journal., Windham

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 321

County Transcript, and several monthlies. Altogether this made
quite a respectable library, being arranged on a shelf reaching
across the end of the tent. There was a table also for papers
and writing material, the latter being furnished by the Christian
Commission at Harper's Ferry. The chapel was accessible at all
hours of the day and lighted up every evening, and the members
of the regiment often frequented it, where they read, sung, chatted
and wrote letters as freely as they pleased. The month of
January passed off pleasantly. John Harrington had charge of
the tent and library, and on the whole the men found a great
deal of pleasurable employment in their daily visitations. Once
a week they met for a singing school. This proved a source of
great enjoyment, and many an evening was spent in this way.
In addition to these religious and social privileges, there were
distributed religious papers in every tent in camp, procured from
the Christian Commission. This was done generally every Sun
day morning. A large number of testaments and small hymn
books were received from the same source, all of which seemed
to be highly appreciated by the regiment During this month
Company A, under Lieut. Robert .Kerr, was ordered to Harper's
Ferry on provost duty, and Companies D and I were sent to
Duffield Station, up the B. & O. R. R. These companies did
exceUent service in their new position and received commendation
from their superior officers.
During the month of February, there was considerable relig
ious interest in camp. The military service of the regiment was
as usual, doing picket duty in various directions. On the 5th
there was a lively time; the pickets reported to Lieut. Caruthers,
who was in command, that they had seen what was supposed to
be rebels creeping along the edge of a wood-lot a mile away to
the southwest of the picket line. The lieutenant credited the
report' and laid his plans to gobble them up if they did not ford
the Shenandoah River Accordingly, with a detachment of men,
under cover of the woods, he advanced towards the river in a

41

322 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

crescent line of battle, himself occupying the center When
the right and left wings reached the river, the center began to
close up through the woods, but had not advanced far before five
rebels jumped up and began to run, but they did not get very
far as they perceived that they were surrounded, and surren
dered. They were taken into camp and marched up to Col.
Peale's head-quarters for examination. As they approached the
camp all hands turned out to see them, and for a time there
was considerable excitement The men railed them, and asked
many provoking questions, such as: "Halloo, Johnny, where are
you from?" "Have you seen Jeff, lately?" "Sheridan has gone
up the valley to bring down the Confederate treasury. He is
going to pay you off in your own coin." "How is Anderson
ville?" "Are you going down to Washington to make a treaty
of peace?" "Say, boys, Jeff, has sent down five 'rebs' to make
peace." Up to this time the prisoners had kept up a very sour
countenance, and looked daggers at the hated Yankees, but they
gave in at last, and joined with the men in a good hearty
laugh. One of them said: "I reckon you are having some fun
at my expense. Have you got any whisky?" This response
brought down the house again, and the cry rang through the
regiment: "Peace commissioners ! Peace commissioners !" After
an examination at head-quarters, these gentlemen were sent off
in the direction of Washington on their peace commission.
The officers in command at Halltown were: Lieut. Col. Henry
Peale, commanding; Maj. Joseph Matthewson on duty. Surgeon
Lowell Holbrook, Chaplain W. C. Walker, .'\ssistant Surgeon
Charles H. Rowe, Adjutant George W. Brady, Acting Quarter
master Lieut. N. P. Johnson, Commissary Sergeant T. Parker.
The following officers were in command of companies: Capt.
I. N. Kibbe, Company B; Capt. J. P. Rockwell, Company C;
Lieut. F. G. Bixby, Company D; Capt. M. V. B, Tiffany, Compa
ny E; Lieut. John Francis, Company F; Lieut. Albert S. Grang
er, Company G; Lieut. Caruthers, Company H; Capt. John Lil
ley, Company I; Lieut. H. Blanchard, Company K.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 323

Capt. Charles H. Bowen, Company H, who had been absent
from the regiment as a prisoner of war, appeared again on the
monthly report, at Annapolis. Capt. Joseph P. Rockwell was
absent on detached duty at department head-quarters, Flarper's
Ferry. Lieut. Frank G. Bixby was reported at Martinsburg,
on duty at department head-quarters, and Lieut. E. S. Hinck
ley was in command of Coinpany D, at Brown's Crossing,
near Duffield Station. At this latter place Capt John Lilley
was in command of Company I. Lieut. Robert Kerr was still
at Harper's Ferry, in command of Company A, doing provost
duty under Capt A. D. Pratt, of the Thirty-Fourth Massachusetts
Volunteers. Capt Pratt occupied the position of provost marshal
for a long time at the Ferry, and was in high repute as an officer
of the government. He gave Company A, of the Eighteenth
Connecticut Volunteers, an excellent name as a provost guard.
He gave the men a new suit after their summer and fall campaign,
of which they were in great need. The officers and soldiers of
the Eighteenth cherish kind remembrances of Capt. Pratt. At
one time there was a little unpleasantness between the Eighteenth
and the Thirty-Fourth Massachusetts, but as a whole they lived
on excellent terms. The Thirty-Fourth were ever regarded by
us as a brave, patriotic regiinent, and marched and fought well in
the valley campaigns of 1864.
There had been a steady increase in the rank and file of the
regiment from the time it was ordered to Halltown. The sum
mer and fall campaigns had greatly reduced the regiinent, a large
number had been killed and wounded in battle, and many more
w^ere disabled from sickness, and other causes contributed to
reduce its numerical strength. At the close of the campaigns
the monthly reports showed less than two hundred men for duty,
and not more than eight or ten con-imissioned officers, but by the
first part of February, 1865, there was a perceptible change for the
better. Several of the old officers had returned from their long
imprisonment in Dixie, and other officers had been promoted.

324 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

so that at length the regiment could boast of twenty commis
sioned officers and four hundred and seventy-eight men present
for duty.
In the meantime the following promotions were made: First
Lieut. Floratio Blanchard to be captain of Compan) G, commis
sion to date from January 30th; Second Lieut. John A. Francis
to be first lieutenant of Company B; Second Lieut. William Caru
thers to be first lieutenant of Company E, date of commission
January 7th; First Sergeant Charles A. Murray, Company F, to
be second lieutenant of Company F, commission to date from
January 30th.
The constant changes which were taking place, and the "polite
attention" of the bushwhacking rebels in the vicinity of Charles
town and up the Shenandoah River, and the fear of raids on the
B. & O. R. R., kept the regiment on the alert.
The guerrillas made a dash on Company I, at Duffield Sta
tion, spreading alarm all along the line. No special harm was
done, but it kept the boys from going to sleep and from
indifference to the situation. Rumors of peace almost daily
produced a healthy excitement, and the boys discussed freely the
"good time coming." Letter writing was a pastime, and the
Eighteenth maintained its reputation as a writing regiment. At
one time there was great excitement in regard to two deserters
who were to be shot at Harper's Ferry. The time appointed
arrived, (F'ebruary 1 7th) and nearly all the troops in the vicinity
were called out to witness the scene. The execution was to take
place near the Ferry on the afternoon of the day designated, but
after all the arrangements had been completed, the prayers of the
clergymen ended, the eyes of the condemned were bandaged, and
they were sitting upon their coffins waiting for the fatal order
which would send their souls into eternity, an orderly rode up
from head-quarters bearing a reprieve from President Lincoln.
During the preliminary exercises, a death-like silence prevailed
among the vast number of spectators to the awful scene, and al-

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 325
though the pardon was wholly unexpected by the deserters them
selves, still its promulgation scarcely broke it. Even the poor
deserters seemed stupefied with amazement, and manifested but
little emotion. There were a few faint cheers at one or two
points, but as a whole th(> bystanders walked away in thoughtful
silence, a silence almost oppressive. The whole scene was on^
not soon to be forgotten.
February i8th. Rev. Mr Grosvenor, of Canterbury, Conn.,
made the regiment a visit He was in the service of the Chris-
tain Commission, and it was quite cheering to see a friend from
home. The regiment will never forget the severe winter of 1864-65.
At least the numerous "cold snaps," as they were called, which
rendered the situation at times very uncomfortable. The first
snow appeared in December, and during the three winter months
there were at least ten snow storms. At one time the snow
fell two inches deep, at another four inches, and February 19th
the snow was nearly a foot and a half deep. This was thought
to be doing pretty well for old Virginia. At one time there was
good sleighing for a day or two; sleigh-bells reminding one of
"home, sweet home," of sleighing parties and the like, but the
boys did not try to get up any sleighing parties at Halltown.
The severe weather interfered very much with company and bat
talion drills and dress-parades. There were but a few of these,
comparatively, during the cold season, for it was extremely cold
for the climate, and the men on guard and at out-posts had
bitter experience.
Company inspections occurred generally once a week, and bat
talion as occasion required. During the month the regiinent
was inspected by Gen. Seward, from Martinsburg, and Gen.
Crook and staff, and official reports give great credit to the
officers for faithful and competent discharge of their duties.
The inspector general expressed his satisfaction with the dis-.
cipline and moral bearing of the regiment, and remarked at

326 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

the time to the writer that in these respects "the Eighteenth
Connecticut was more than an average." Col. Peale was com
mended for the completeness of the official records of the regi
ment, and paid a well-deserved compliment to Adjutant George
W. Brady.
The second day after the arrival of the regiment at Hall
town, CoL Peale was ordered with his command to Keyes Gap,
five miles from Harper's Ferry. Arrived about noon the same
day, and remained four days, when the colonel returned to camp.
Nothing of special interest occurred, except that another pig ran
against the men's bayonets, and as a natural consequence they
had fried pig while they remained at the gap.
Corporal James H. Sawyer, Company B, drew a picture of
Col. Peale's tent, interior as well as exterior. Corporal Sawyer
showed remarkable ability and taste in other sketches he drew
of camp scenes while at Halltown. One description of the
camp was sent to New York and engraved. A large number
of copies was sold among the members of the regiment. The
picture gave great satisfaction, and now adorns many a parlor
in New London and Windham Counties. Sawyer was a general
favorite, and he drew many sketches of a soldier's life, which
gave him quite a notoriety as an artist. It is needless to say
that he was a good soldier, always true and reliable.
During the winter a detail oi one hundred men was sent to
the Ferry to work on the suspension bridge, which fell through
on account of defective wires, and several men were injured by
the catastrophe. Later the same number of men were sent to
aid in the completion of these repairs. The service was no
boys' play, and was attended with considerable risk.
On the night of February 24th there was considerable excite
ment at one of the out-posts. A scouting party of the Twelfth
Pennsylvania Cavalry came upon the pickets of the regiment,
and shots were exchanged, but no harm was done. Both parties
mistook each other for rebels and blazed away "right smart"

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 327

Company B turned out and went in the direction of the firing,
under the command of Capt. Kibbe. It is unnecessary to say
that great bravery was displayed by all the parties concerned in
the affair. A certain lieutenant exhibited great courage in the
"retreat" The whole affair was a nice little joke, which did not
lose its interest for a long time. ,
Great excitement again at a picket-post Wonderful dexterity
displayed, and at last the enemy was captured — an "opossum" —
a queer-looking, carniverous animal, characterized by its prehen
sile tail. This vvas pronounced a smart-looking animal and was
carried into camp at night, much to the amusement of the men,
who congratulated the captors on their remarkable feat
Occurrences of this kind relieved the monotony of camp-life at
Halltown, and rendered its disagreeableness more endurable.
The month of March opened cloudy and chilly, with the wind
blowing hard all day. The position was such that when there
was a blow ever)^ man knew it and felt it The mud often pre
vented drilling by companies or in battalion, and dress-parades
were dispensed with. About this time Gen. Hancock's corps
went into camp near Halltown, on its way to join the army of
the Potomac for the investment of Richmond.
On March 9th, commissioners arrived from Connecticut to re
ceive the vote of the regiment for State officers, and most of the
men voted once more for their old friend, William A. Bucking
ham. In this service they were very earnest and enthusiastic.
Another good day's work for their country, fur Governor Buck
ingham stood up nobly in aid of the government in its efforts to
crush out the spirit of Secession, both North and South.
March 13th, about four P. M., had another scene at picket-
post A squad of rebels came suddenly upon our men, being in
hot pursuit of a citizen who was escaping from rebeldom. On
seeing the Yankees they halted, fired a volley, and then turned
and rode away in great haste. The pickets deployed at once,
formed a skirmish line and pursued the rebels, but to no pur-

3.28 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT
pose. Being well mounted, the enemy had no difficulty in
getting away.
The next day the One Hundred and Thirty-First Ohio In
fantry camped near Halltown. It was a new regiment and
numbered one thousand men. The men appeared so "green" in
their movements that no little merriment among old soldiers was
occasioned by their action, the veterans forgetting that they were
"green" once themselves. On the 15th, Col. Peale received or
ders to remove to Martinsburg. The regiment was relieved by
the One Hundred and Forty-Fourth Indiana Regiment at six
o'clock P. M. In one hour everything was packed in readiness
to march, but did not move until the next morning at seven A.
M., when the regiment marched to the Ferry and was boxed up
for Martinsburg. The day was stormy and cold. The train
was delayed on account of the breaking down of the trestle-work
on a bridge. The regiment was made exceedingly uncomfortable
through the day. Did not arrive in camp at Martinsburg until
eight o'clock in the evening. Relieved the Ninety-Fifth Ohio
Infantry a little distance from the town. It was a very dark
night, and much difficulty was experienced in finding a position
and establishing pickets.
Next day was pleasant and warm, but windy. The -work of
getting settled for housekeeping progressed finely. Companies
B, I, G and D pitched their tents on the bare ground. The
whole day was devoted to hard work upon the quarters, which
were none too comfortable at first The camp was near the road
leading toward Winchester The field and staff were upon the
east side of the road and the regiment, with its line officers, were
upon the west On the whole, the location was very good. A
short distance away there were a number of dwelling houses, and
a little to the left of Col. Pealls's quarters there was a large log
house, wHich had been used for a chapel tent. It had no cover
ing when the regiment arrived, but the Christian Commission
soon furnished one, and the tent was put in good order for the
purposes bf a library and religious services.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 329
The removal of the regiment to Martinsburg proved to be the
last change until the war closed and the regiment was mustered
out of service and ordered home. At least the head-quarters of
the battalion was at this place. There were many changes, how
ever, in companies, and in the officers and privates during the
month of March. While these changes favored the numerical
strength of the regiment,, still there were missing several familiar
faces in the rank and file.
Assistant Surgeon Charles H. Rowe was on duty in the hos
pital at Harper's Ferry, to which place he was ordered January
6th. Capt Joseph P. Rockwell was also on detached duty at the
same place, as A. A. I. G. fifth division, department of West
Virginia, and had been there since January 17th. F'irst Lieut.
Frank G. Bixby was still at third division department head
quarters. West Virginia, at Martinsburg; part of the time as
judge-advocate of a court marshal, and afterwards as recorder of
a court of inquiry.
At about this time the good news reached the regiment that
another squad of its officers, reported as missing after the action
at Winchester, June, 1863, had been released on parole, and had
arrived at Annapolis, Md. These were Capt. Henry C. Davis,
Company A; Capt. J. E. Woodward, Company F; Capt. E. J.
Mathewson, Company K; First Lieut. A. H. Lindsay, Compa
ny A; Quartermaster D. W. Hakes; First Lieut S. T. C.
Merwin, Company C; First Lieut A. W. Loomis, Coinpany H;
Second Lieut. A. G. Scranton, Company K; Second Lieut. E.
D. Carpenter, Company B; First Lieut H. F. Cowles, Com
pany F; Second Lieut Frank McKeag, Company E; Second
Lieut W. H. Locke, Company H; and Second Lieut. George
Kies, Company K — thirteen in all. It was a time of general re
joicing when it was announced that these officers had been re
leased from their long confinement in rebel prisons, and their
return to the regiment was looked for with the deepest interest.
But this return was not expected until they had been permitted
43

330 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT
to visit their homes on a leave of absence, which was readily
granted, and consequently there was great joy in many a Con
necticut home.
Lieut E. D. Carpenter, Company B, writes of his release as
follows: "I arrived home on March 2 2d, 1865, haying been ab-^
sent thirty-one months. I was received by a large concourse of
friends and citizens with joyful congratulations, as one returned
almost from the dead. My wife dare not meet me at the depot,
being so completely overcome with emotion by the joyful event"
Similar scenes were witnessed in other parts of Windham and
New London Counties, and the daily papers had much to say of
these unexpected arrivals, and the exciting incidents attending
them. The change from rebel prisons to the sweet homes in
Yankee-land was to the released prisoners like a transition to
Paradise, as during the war the South was properly designated
as the "no-God country," and a rebel prison as "hell."
About this time letters began to be received at Martinsburg
from the paroled officers to members of their respective compa
nies with reference to their return, which was anticipated gener
ally with great pleasure.
On March 22d a number of deserters came into camp, and
were taken to head-quarters, or to the provost marshal's office
to take the oath. The bringing in, also, of four horse thieves
by the sheriff of the county created no little stir. They proved
to be deserters from Cole's cavalry, and were taken to Gen.
Seward's head-quarters.
March 23d was a very cold, blustering day. The location of
the camp was such that of a windy day, let the wind come from
any quarter it would, it seemed to carry all before it In the af
ternoon, at battalion drill, there was a tremendous shower of
rain and hail, which forced the regiment back to camp in a
hurry. The next morning it snowed and blew severely, and then
followed a gale which lasted all the afternoon. The unpleasant
aspect of things was somewhat relieved, however, by a rumor

^^^^Z^S^r»04 ^J^^'-'^^<^ 4**^^*^

skrfrli.-d bv ,T, II. SAwvr

Camp on Winchester Pil-ie, near Martinsburg, Ya. March, 1865.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 33I

that the paymaster would come the next day. The presence of
this important personage was considered an effectual panacea
for disagreeable things at any time.
From the time that the regiment went into winter quarters at
Halltown, until it was ordered to Martinsburg, there had been a
gradual and commendable interest manifested by the officers that
the regiment might assume a more military appearance. The
uniforms were improved, or old ones were exchanged for new,
muskets were kept cleaner and brighter, and both officers and
men seemed to vie with each other in their attempts to regain
their former popularity as a well equipped and weH drilled regi
ment. As the weather became milder, and the grounds for drill
and dress-parades jmproved, by the last of March the battalion
made a fine show as to numbers and discipline. Their move
ments on dress-parades, especially, attracted great attention and
won for them many compliments, both from the officers at de
partment head-quarters, and the citizens who were generally
present in respectable numbers. Gen. Seward was occasionally
present, or some member of his staff, and always seemed pleased
with the manner in which the Eighteenth attended to ijts duties.
March 27th was a beautiful day. In the afternoon had bat
talion drill on the old grounds on the south side of the Tuscaro
ra road. Field and staff turned out, and the occasion was quite
novel and exciting.
The log house which had been furnished with a canvas roof
by the Christian Commission, as previously stated, proved a very
convenient place for religious services on the Sabbath. Preach
ing service was held at eleven o'clock A. M., bible class in the
afternoon, and services again in the evening. The chaplain was
often assisted by some of the Christian Commission — Rev. A.
V. Tilton, of Massachusetts, and Rev. Mr Redlan, of Maine,
preaching occasionally, much to the gratification of all. Bibles,
testaments and other religious papers were furnished by the com
mission upon application- on the part of the chaplain, and also
writing material.

332 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

The library which had been used at Halltown was removed to
the chapel tent, and was consequently in use by the regiment
Private John Harrington still had charge of the tent and the
library, and was very useful in this department as well as in the
hospital. The tent had a platform and seats made of hewn logs, and
was carpeted with wheat straw or sawdust. It made a pleasant
place of resort during the day and evening for reading, writing,
or singing. The Eighteenth retain very pleasant recollections
of this building and its associations. It was especially visited
on the Sabbath by citizens of the town, who seemed well pleased
with the intellectual and' spiritual privileges of the soldiers. It
was quite agreeable to the men to receive these visits from the
towns-people, both in camp and in their chapel.
The month of April opened with beautiful weather and excit
ing news from the front For several weeks previously much
interest had been felt in rumored movements of the army of the
Potomac, and the expectations of all were most hopeful and
cheering. At dre.ss-parade on the 2d there was unusual interest,
and many citizens from town were present, and on the next day
at dress-parade a dispatch was read from department head-quar
ters that Richmond was taken. Glorious news! The whole
line broke out in the most vociferous cheering, in which most of
the spectators joined. FIverybody seemed almost frantic with
joy, and greeted each other with the most hearty congratulations
and expressions of delight. Cheers went up for the Union, Gen.
Grant, and everybody. It vvas the most joyous day since the
commencement of the war Other great victories for the Union
arms had given great joy to the nation, but the jubilation over
this event exceeded all former den-ionstrations. It was the cli
max, the end of the terrible struggle which had cost so many
precious lives, and desolated so many happy homes. When the
men broke ranks that night it was with feeUngs of "joy unspeak
able," and their minds filled with delightful thoughts of the

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 333
speedy end of the war. "This," said one of the men, "is what
we have been striving for since the commencement of the war."
The sun never went down on a happier set of men than the
Eighteenth Connecticut on that eventful day. .Singing, shout
ing, cheering, serenading by the band, and other demonstrations
were the order of the evening. But what shall be said of the
doings of the following day, Tuesday, April 4th. Another great
day; "a high day." The papers were full of glorious accounts of
the fall of Richmond, and the joyous acclamations and rejoicings
of the people all over the north and west. The whole people
seemed to be almost delirious with joy, and every conceivable
mode and manner were adopted in efforts to express it. And
then to add, if possible, to the public excitement, a dispatch was
received at Martinsburg that Gen. Lee's whole army had sur
rendered to Gen. Grant. The sensation and excitement were
profound through the day, and no language could do the occa
sion justice.
In the eveninof the citizens illuminated their houses, and
everybody who could went into the town and joined in celebrat
ing the glorious event. The Union citizens were almost fran
tic with joy, and adopted a variety of ways to entertain and
honor the soldiers, and the joy in all homes of the Union was
sincere and unbounded. The men returned to camp to continue
the celebration, and the band and drum corps played until nearly
midnight There was but little sleep in camp that night
The next day was another joyful occasion as the paymaster
appeared at head-quarters with a pile of greenbacks. The regi
ment received four months' wages, the disbursement commenc
ing with Company A at eight A. M., and ending with Company
K at three P. M. Some of the men felt so good over the news
that they went off "for a time," which, however, did not pay
very well in the end, as most of them realized when they found
themselves without most of their money, and suffering badly in
mind and body. As a natural consequence it was very dull in

334 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

camp next day, and the weather being unpleasant and rainy most
of the time there was not much to do but to wonder what would
turn up next, and how soon the regiment would be "marching
home again." It was the general opinion that there would be
no more fighting, and the soldiers would soon be on their way
to their Northern homes. But how mistaken everybody was in
their calculations. When the companies were ordered out for
drill the next day it is no wonder there was grumbling. "What
is the use of all this, now the fighting is all over?" was the com
plaint heard on all sides. The men did not realize how much
service they must yet render the government in order to square
the account with the Rebellion, and the idea of remaining three
months longer was not indulged in for a moment. But stay they
did, however, and the men had ample time to do a large amount
of grumbling.
April 14th was a day of great rejoicing, and in the evening
there was a grand illumination over Lee's surrender. Every
body seemed nearly crazy with joy. The Eighteenth, Coles'
Battalion, (cavalry) Second Maryland, and a battery, marched in
the procession through the streets of Martinsburg amid the most
joyful demonstrations.
It was a beautiful day, and the most joyful one the men had
seen since they entered the public service. "We shall have
peace now," was the happy thought that filled every breast
But when the shades of evening gathered around the camp that
night they were emblematic of the darkness of the coming day,
when a cloud of sorrow would envelop the nation. At "taps"
the lights went out, and silence prevailed throughout the camp.
It was the calm that often precedes the terrible storm.
Early the next morning, April 15th, the astounding announce
ment was made from head-quarters that President Lincoln had
been assassinated the previous evening in Ford's theatre at
Washington, and that an attempt on the life of Secretary Seward
was made at about the same time. If a thunderbolt from a clear

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 335

sky had struck in camp, the event could not have been more un
expected, and the effect more terrible. It is impossible to de
scribe the effect of this sad news. The scene that followed nt^.v-
er had its parallel in the history of the nation. For awhile every
one seemed paralyzed with grief and dread; many sat in solemn
silence, others wept like children at the death of a father, while
others seemed almost frantic with indignation and anger against
the perpetrators of the foul and distardly deed that had plunged
millions of the true and loyal of the land into an ocean of sorrow
from the very height of joy and triumphant expectation.
Through the day officers and privates sat or stood about in
groups discussing the awful news, or reading the papers, eager
to obtain further particulars of the fearful tragedy.
At length the expected announcement came: "The President
is dead. He died at half-past seven this morning. A nation
mourns his loss." If the assassin Booth and his associates had
been in the hands of the soldiers that day they would have been
literally torn in pieces, so great was the indignation and rage.
No regiment in the service mourned more sincerely the death
of the President than the Eighteenth. Almost to a man they
had voted for him the second time, and they loved him as the
saviour of their nation, and the father of universal freedom in
their country. There was hardly a man of them but who would
have died to have saved his life to the country. But a myste
rious providence had ordered otherwise. It was the saddest
day of the war. Profound sorrow prevailed throughout the
north and west, and the people trembled with fear at events
which came so suddenly upon them.
April 16th. Sabbath. The chaplain preached a sermon at
eleven A. M. Subject: "Confidence in God in times of public
distress," in which frequent allusions were made to the great na
tional calamity. Unusual seriousness was manifested during the
services. On April 19th, the day of the funeral of President Lincoln, all

336 EIGH TEENTH REGIMENT

business and drilling was suspended, minute guns were fired,
houses of citizens were draped in mourning, and flags were dis
played at half mast The citizens almost universally participat
ed in the mourning, displaying many tokens of grief; among
others burying a coffin with appropriate ceremonies. There
were a few Rebellious spirits who did not hesitate to express
their satisfaction at the death of the President, both at the time
of the first news concerning it, and on the day of his burial.
But they were made to understand if they did not keep quiet
they would be dealt with in a severe and summary manner. At
one or two places in Martinsburg there was a slight disturbance,
but it was soon suppressed. Some of the loyal citizens declared
they would shoot the first man who openly rejoiced that the
President had been shot. It was quite evident that it would
not have been safe for any Secessionist to have shown his colors
that day in Martinsburg, while in many Northern towns and
cities the rebel sympathizers did not hesitate to denounce the
nation's martyr, and in some instances raised the rebel "rag,"
while citizens of Martinsburg were ready to shoot down the first
man who should attempt such an insult. But it was a day of
great and general sorrow when Abraham Lincoln was carried to
his grave in the State of Illinois.
The last half of the month of April was full of interesting in
cidents. A complete statement of the Washington tragedy, and
the capture of Booth, the principal actor, and the surrender of
Lee's army, continued to excite great interest. There seemed
to be a general breaking up and dispersing of the rebel forces.
Rossar and Imboden, noted cavalry chiefs in the Shenandoah
valley, surrendered to Gen. Hancock at Winchester Quite a
number from Lee's army came in at the Eighteenth picket-
posts, and also a lieutenant of Moseby's command. They were
very civil and seemed to rejoice that the war was over and they
were going home.
The news of Johnson's surrender was received with acclama-

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 337

tions of joy. The Southern Confederacy seemed to be crumb
ling fast, and none appeared to regret it, but rather rejoiced in
its downfall, and were exceedingly anxious to bid it "good-by" as
soon as possible.
Capt Charles D. Bowen was reported this month as in com
mand of Company FI, and it is needless to say this vvas very
pleasing to his company, and to the whole regiment.
Lieut Scranton, of Company K, was reported on duty with
the regiment.
Lieut E. D. Carpenter, Company B, and others, came to the
regiment at the very last of the month, and all received a cordial
welcome to their respective posts of duty.
First Lieut D. W. Hakes, regimental quartermaster, also re
turned, but was reported as honorably discharged for another
post of duty.
First Lieut A. H. Lindsay was discharged for disability. His
long imprisonment had destroyed his health and rendered him
unfit for duty. His retirement was -a source of deep regret, both
to himself and Company A, of which he was an honorable and
worthy officer,

43

338 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

CHAPTER XVI.

THE CLOSING SCENES — DEPARTURE FOR HOME.

The surrender of Lee and Johnson wrought a marvelous
change in the general aspect of things in and around Martins
burg, as well as elsewhere, and by the last of April there seemed
to be a general breaking up of the Rebellion.
Confederate soldiers were coming in every day and delivering
themselves up to the proper authorities, or returning to their
homes in a quiet and unobtrusive manner. They began to find
that the Rebellion was stamped out, and they were willing to
own it. But occasionally one and another would show a Rebel
lious spirit, soon recognizing, however, that silence was the bet
ter part of valor
The constant change of Union troops, the collecting of war
materials and the disposition of the same, made the times rather
lively just then.
Orders had been issued at Washington to reduce the army
immediately, or as soon as practicable, and it is needless to say
that the Flighteenth began to look for their discharge and return
to Connecticut. Other regiments were ordered away, and troops
were passing through Martinsburg, it was said for a final dis
charge. On the first day of May the rumor was current that the Eight
eenth would be ordered home that week, and there was great
excitement over the prospect It was expected that the regi-

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 339

ment would be ordered to Washington, and the probability pro
duced a lively discussion among the soldiers.
"Madam Rumor" came into camp every day to tell of some
new thing she had heard, and but for this the times would have
been dull indeed. Company drill had become a nuisance, and it
was evident that every time the companies went out for this
duty they were inspired with no intention to over exert them
selves. There was a general disposition to take things easy, and
as the weather grew warm and pleasant the officers would amuse
themselves by riding out into the country, and occasionally call
on the "natives" to discuss refreshments and probable results of
the war, and the times generally.
The first Sabbath in May the Rev. Mr. Redlan preached in
the chapel tent and was present also at dress-parade at five P.
M., as was also Rev. Mr. Tilton, and a large number of citizens
from town. It was an unusually interesting occasion. It was
evident the regiment was not losing its interest and pride in
dress-parades, but on the other hand every officer and private
seemed to vie with each other in attention and promptness in all
their movements.
What added very much to the interest of these occasions was
the music furnished by the new band, under the leadership of
Drum Maj. Alfred Pray. This was a fine acquisition. The instru
ments were furnished by a subscription among the officers and
others favorable to the enterprise, and the members of the band
gave special attention to their duties from the first, winning enco
miums from all for their excellent music at various times. At
dress-parade, May 7th, the band came out in full dress for the
first time, and made quite a sensation by their neat appearance,
good music, and exact movements. The regiment felt justly
proud of them. Their uniforms were made in Baltimore, and
were very becoming.
Capt. Mathewson, Company K, Capt. Woodward, Company F.,
and Lieut Loomis, Company H, who had returned from their

34o eigHteentu regiment

prison life two days previous, were present on duty with others
who had lately returned to the regiment. The regiment seemed
to be improving in appearance as to numbers and drill everyday.
At this juncture of affairs there were some changes made that
\vere not so favorable for this purpose. Capt Woodward was
ordered on duty as provost marshal in town, and Capt. Kibbe
and Lieut. Bixby, with their respective companies, were sent to
Hagerstown tu pick up old army saddles, and other property
belonging to Uncle Sam, which were found stored away in barns
and dwelling houses in that vicinity. Capt Mathewson was sent
up the road, and Company A, under the command of Lieut
Kerr, down the road towards Harper's Ferry to guard the
bridges and the railroad.
Companies B and D arrived at Hagerstown on May loth.
The first night they spent in the court house, and the next day
went into camp a short distance from the town. In a few days
comfortable quarters were secured in tents and log huts. For
the latter some logs were found already for use, which saved not
a little time in completing the arrangements for setting up house
keeping again. These companies were much pleased with their
location and accommodations. One or both of them had been on
duty in this place before, and had become acquainted with some
of the loyal citizens of the place and secured their good will, hence
it seemed like being at home, the people were so friendly. As
before intimated, the object of their presence at Hagerstown was
to look after government property, and collect all they could find
scattered among the citizens in the shape of saddles, muskets, sa
bres and the like. The search for these was somewhat success
ful, and often quite exciting and amusing. The result of the first
day's work in the town produced fifteen muskets, twenty-five sad
dles, ten carbines, twelve sabres, three Spencer rifles, and some
minor articles.
Another raid the next day on Funkstown resulted in securing
ten muskets, two saddles, and one carbine; and on the same day.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 341

in the direction of Sharpsburg, the men obtained two muskets,
three sabres, and a good dinner and supper in an old farm house.
The dinner and supper were the great captures of that day, over
which the raiders had a fine time generally.
The great event of the month of May was a large wedding in
the Southern Church among the "upper ten" of the place.
On May 2 2d and 23d detachments were sent out in the direc
tion of Lightersburg and Greencastle, Pa., and returned with a
few old saddles, muskets and one horse.
Most of these expeditions were generally attended by an ar
my wagon to carry away the captures of the day.
May 25th. The regimental band from Martinsburg- arrived,
creating quite a sensation. They remained two nights. In the
meantime they serenaded the citizens of Hagerstown, much to
their apparent delight, on two evenings until a late hour. The
visit was a mutual pleasure, and when the musicians started on
their return trip they were most vociferously cheered by the men,
who thanked them again and again for their excellent entertain
ments. The same day another expedition went off in the direction of
Cavetown and Simsbury, ten miles away, and was quite success
ful in picking up old muskets and trumpery belonging to Uncle
Sam. A visit was also made to a celebrated cave in the vicinity
of the former place, consisting of two apartments capable of hold
ing one thousand men each, and connected by small passages.
This place was considered a great natural curiosity, and worth
the pains to visit it
June 4th. Both companies went in a body to attend the fu
neral of Col. Israel Nesbitt, a prominent citizen of the town; the
services being held in the Presbyterian Church, and largely at
tended. June 6th. The chaplain and Surgeon Holbrook arrived tVom
Martinsburg on a visit The latter returned the next day.
The chaplain remained through the week, and on the Sabbath

342 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

following preached in the Lutheran Church to citizens and sol
diers. A few days subsequently. Col. Peale and Quartermaster
Johnson arrived, and remained a day or two. The colonel told
the men they were soon to be mustered out of the service, which
was good news indeed. The stay at Hagerstown was getting to
be monotonous, and the duty irksome. There was but little go
ing on to relieve the tedium after the raidings ceased; some
camp sports, such as playing ball, tossing the blanket, pitching
quoits, going down town to the big spring to call on citizens, who
in return visited the camp and brought "goodies" with them for
general entertainment, and the like, completing the programme
of exercises. Many of the men have very pleasing recollections
of "Old Mother Kennedy's cakes, gingerbread and cherries, and
the kindness of other citizens of the place, and would have it that
the Hagerstown people were among the very best they had found
in any place they had visited in the South.
When not visiting in town the men managed to keep up their
spirits by means of the sports already mentioned, and in getting
up an occasional row in camp for variety, merely to show that
some things could be done as well as others. This latter sport,
however, was not relished very well by officers Kibbe and Bixby,
and some of the "irregulars" were sent away to Martinsburg.
Officers Carpenter and Francis attended to the drilling and in
spection of the companies at various times, and a show of order,
at least, was kept up. There did not seem to be so much neces
sity for strict military discipline, and when the lines were drawn
there was more restiveness and complaint than would have been
under other circumstances.
There was quite an excitement in camp on one occasion over a
paroled rebel, who was brought in by the officers for protection,
but the men made such a noise about it that the rebel was hur
ried away in fear of his life. No rebel could be tolerated by the
men of the Eighteenth anywhere.
The i8th of June was a memorable day. Capt Bowen and

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 343

Lieut Locke arrived in camp, and at five P. M. an order was
read to be ready to march at four o'clock the next morning.
This order produced great excitement. It had been anxiously
awaited for many weeks. The men began to grow impatient to
be on the way home, and this order was all the more welcome,
as it was equivalent to an order to go home in a few days.
The next morning both companies were early on the march for
Martinsburg, where they arrived about six P. M. quite exhausted
after the heat and fatigue of the day. Not any strict discipline
was enforced on the march, nor was it necessary. The men were
properly allowed to make the distance with as little fatigue as
possible. Nevertheless the men were more than glad when
they arrived at the regimental head-quarters, amid the hearty
greetings or salutations of their comrades.
Company A had a pleasant position on the "Opequon," guard
ing a bridge.
Much to the disappointment of the whole company Capt
Davis did not return after his release from rebel prisons, owing
to poor health. He was honorably discharged on April 17th,
about a month after his return from the South. The company
always entertained a high regard for him as a gentleman and a
soldier, and sincerely regretted his inability to return to duty.
This company, under the command of Lieut. Kerr, maintained
its reputation well for discipline and efficiency, and occupied an
important position all the time it was in the service. Although
the war was virtually closed on the ist of May, still the whole
regiment was usefully employed in guarding and protecting the
public interests.
By the ist of June they were the only troops at Martinsburg,
and Col. Peale was in command of the post The six companies
at head-quarters were kept hard at work in collecting and guard
ing public property, maintaining exceflent order and discipline,
and were highly complimented, both by post commanders and
the citizens generally, for the faithful discharge of duty.

344 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

Inducements were held out to many of the men to remain in,
or to return to Martinsburg and vicinity, and become permanent
citizens after their discharge, and the remark was often made:
"We want heaps of you Yankees to come down here and help us
after the war."
The last month the Eighteenth remained in the service at
Martinsburg was spent in pleasant intercourse with the loyal cit
izens in that town and vicinity. Many of the men had found ex
cellent places for foraging, and hardly ever returned empty
handed after a half day's tramp into the country. Farmer
Thatcher's was an excellent place, some three miles away, for
hungry soldiers, and the old "hard shell Baptist," two miles south
of Martinsburg, was a good place to go for the "doctrines," but
it was the general opinion that he was an old rebel when it was
for his interest to be.
The big Spring on the road to Winchester was a favorite place
of resort, and the Baptist spring, a mile to the southeast, was
often visited and canteens of water transported from that place
to the camp. Some of the men were delighted to find places of
pleasant resort, and then invite the officers to go with them on
their favorite expeditions; of course the leader of these explor
ing expeditions was furnished with a horse, and rode with the
fleetest of the company.
"Tom," of Company FI, led his too willing followers into the
fat places of the land, while "Father Boyden," of the same com
pany, and "Bill," of Company K, and "John" and "David," of
Company B, and others equally well disposed, stood ready to
lend a helping hand in anything that was good and entertaining.
The country was beginning to look beautiful, and on pleasant
days the raiding parties went out in all directions, gathering
flowers, picking strawberries and cherries in their season, and
having fine times generally. These pleasant trips furnished op
portunities for some of the officers' wives to become experts in
the art of fine horsemanship. Among these ladies were Mrs.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 345

Capt Bowen and Mrs. Surgeon Holbrook, and those officers who
had no "better halves" to conduct showed their gallantry either
in inviting citizen-ladies to accompany them, or rendered them
selves useful in polite attentions to the whole company, or rode
a little in the rear to see the fun. It was observed that whenev
er Capt B. rode, his companion's horse was very restive, and
subject to sudden fits of starting, and sometimes there was real
danger of a runaway. At one time the surgeon had his lady
dismount, and the saddle was removed and examined to ascer
tain where it chafed or hurt the poor animal. "Yes, doctor,
something must be the matter with this saddle," vvas the joking
remark among the boys. But the search was in vain for the
cause of the trouble, until it was observed that Capt. B. had a
mischievously sly way of doing some things as well as others.
"Wasn't he a scamp," said one, "to conceal his riding whip in his
sleeve, and then come along side looking sober and honest, while
he plied the animal with his concealed tormentor, and then too
he was seemingly so alarmed to see the smarting beast almost
runaway; I never saw such a hector." Of course some of the
party did see the point, and even the grave and dignified sur
geon had to join in the laugh once in a while, while the chaplain,
on account of his profession, was excused entirely from the duty
of manufacturing pleasantry for the occasion, or of showing any
demonstrations of special interest in the same.
A ride in the direction of the mountains at this season was
exceedingly pleasant. Stopping one day at a farm-house and
calling for water, the coinpany was invited into the "spring
house," where there was not only an abundance of the best water,
but a large quantity of milk in earthen jars, which were standing
in the spring to be kept cool and for the cream to rise. There
fore instead of water, the company was invited to help them
selves to all the milk they could drink, which all were quite
willing to do.
The fact that the farmers in the vicinity of Martinsburg were
44

346 ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT
hospitable and cordial rendered such excursions agreeable as well
as profitable. Some of these persons had very sad stories to tell
of their losses and privations during the war. At first many
of the c'tizens sympathized with their State, and sent or al
lowed their sons to enlist in the rebel army; but after the second
year of the war, finding they had espoused a lost cause, they en
deavored to prevent the rest of their sons from entering the
rebel army.
These pleasure seekers of the Eighteenth were often entertained
with thrilling accounts of the narrow escapes which some had
experienced in their efforts to elude the rebel conscriptors. They
had places of concealment in barns or in the mountains, to which
they would resort whenever the rebels made their appearance in
the valley, and it was amusing to hear them relate their adventures
and narrow escapes.
Farmer Thatcher, living at the base of the mountain, took con
siderable pride in describing to his visitors the wonders of his
mowing machine. The war had done him some good, he thought,
for it had made him acquainted with one Yankee invention which
saved the labor of seven men. At the time referred to he had
just come from his field to see who had come — it was the first: or
second day of his trial with the new machine. He had paid one
hundred and fifty dollars for it, but he said it would soon pay for
itself in labor saving. He felt so elated at his success he could
not talk about anything else. After a good dinner his Yankee
visitors left him with a promise to call again at his urgent request.
And they did.
While the main body of the regiment was doing service in
Martinsburg, Company K was, as before stated, doing duty among
the natives of Sleepy Creek and Back Creek, on the B. & O. R. R.
The duty was very light and the inhabitants in the vicinity were
kind and well disposed. The boys used to go back two or three
miles into the mountains on friendly visitations to the people, and
were treated to the best the house could afford. The inhabitants
generally were very loyal.

CONNEC TICUT VOL UN TEERS.

347

On the day of President Lincoln's funeral, most of the company
•at Sleepy Creek went back into the country to hear a Methodist
minister preach the President's funeral sermon. Although the
population was quite sparse in that region, still a good congrega
tion was present, of all ages, who listened with deep interest to
the patriotic utterances of the Methodist veteran. In all the land
perhaps there was not a more loyal spirit manifested than on this
occasion. The whole plot of the Rebellion, from the beginning to end, was
severely denounced, as well as the leading conspirators, especially
the murderers of the President, while the cause of the Union was
most earnestly defended and justified, and an eloquent eulogy
was pronounced upon the character of the noble band of martyrs
who had been slain for their country, among whom Abraham
Lincoln was chief.
It is needless to say that this sermon gave the members of
Company K great satisfaction, and they returned to camp loud
in their praises of the old patriotic Methodist, who had done such
ample justice to his subject They did not believe a better ser
mon had been preached anywhere that day, and wished more
Northern men could have heard it.
' Among the pastimes of Company K were the "flag raisings"
among the patriotic mountaineers. These were quite frequent
^fter the fall of Richmond and the surrender of Lee and Johnson.
Flag poles were raised in many places, and frequently the Eight
eenth Connecticut boys were invited to assist. These invitations
were accepted with the greatest interest and enthusiasm, and
sometimes one or more of their number would be called upon for
a speech. Among the foremost who used to astonish the natives
with his Yankee eloquence was "Jim Taylor" Now Jim was a
queer genius, always full of oratory, and he would often get off a
very good and appropriate speech. He was the same Jim that
used to fire off patriotic speeches at the visitors to Camp Aiken,
at Norwich, while the regiment was getting ready for its three

348 ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT

years' trip down South to "hang Jeff. Davis to a sour apple tree."
He had rather improved by practice, and it was thought by some
that he could "spout" about aswell as he could fight It is certain
he was considered quite a prodigy by the mountaineers, and was
often invited to address them at "flag raisings," amid the most up
roarious enthusiasm. After their return to Martinsburg, Jim was
sent for once or twice by his mountain friends to address them
on other patriotic occasions.
While at Sleepy Creek, Capt. Mathewson was very sick, and
Surgeon Holbrook was sent to his assistance, who after spending
a few days vvith him brought the captain to the hospital at head
quarters. He did not return to Sleepy Creek. Lieut Caruthers
was ordered there on duty for a short time.
On the first day of June quite an unusual and interesting event
occurred, which produced considerable merriment among the boys,
especially in Company E. The fact was Orderly Sergeant An
thony Staubly, in some of his visits about Martinsburg, had cap
tured a prize, a Miss Jennie Schelkey, and the question soon
arose as to what disposition should be made of this fair acquaint
ance as spoils of war After much consultation and talk it was,
finally agreed that Jennie should go home with the Eighteenth
Connecticut under the special command of Orderly Staubly, with
-the understanding that Miss Schelkey should become Mrs. Staubly,
an arrangement the German lady was quite willing to give her
consent to. Hence on the evening of the first day of June, (the
month of roses,) there was a wedding in the east part of the town,
in a very neat looking cottage occupied by the bride's parents,
who seemed to be in pleasant circumstances, and quite well
pleased with the contemplated change.
A large number of the officers of the regiment were present,
and several members of Company E. Among the number was
the chaplain, who had the pleasure of showing how the North
and the South could be united in the bonds of peace, and a per
manent union secured between the two sections. Anthony and

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 349

Jennie were married in the presence of a house full of citizens
and soldiers, all of whom seemed to enjoy the occasion extremely
well. Then followed an entertainment after the good old fash
ioned German style; wine and beer, cake and fruit were passed
around in great profusion, and until a late hour there was music
and dancing.
The invited guests returned to camp very much gratified with
the evening's entertainment. All agreed in the opinion that Or
derly Staubly had captured a splendid prize, and the uninitiated
were recommended to "go and do likewise." Indeed the chap-
Iain remarked before leaving the wedding party that
"The problem is solved; we've learned how to carry
All sections for the Union — it is to intermarry;
To mix well the blood of the Johnnies and Yanks,
As the most likely way to cure rebel pranks."
He then added the following impressive exhortation:
"O come boys and girls of the South and the North,
Haste to Hymen's altar, and then go forth.
Being firmly united in marriage communion.
And forever will banish the idea of disunion."
This exhortation was quite appreciated, as Lieut Caruthers
and several others of the regiment testified to a few years later.
The Christian Commission removed from Martinsburg the first
week in June, as there were but a few soldiers remaining, and
hence but little nece.ssity for the continuance of its benevolent
ministries. The members of the regiment, however, parted with
the friends of this cause with much reluctance.
The agents of the commission generally had proved true and
reliable friends and helpers in time of need. First and last the
regiment had received a thousand acts of kindness — reading mat
ter in great variety and abundance had been furnished without
remuneration, and all kinds of hospital stores, medicines, fruits,
stimulants, hosiery of all kinds, and other wearing apparel for the
comfort of the sick and the wounded, and writing material of

350 ELGHTEENTH REGLMENT

every description. The Christian Commission was the "Good
Samaritan' in the arn-iy, performing its compassionate mission
with the utmost tenderness and fidelity.
No regiment in the service cherished more grateful recollec
tions of the Christian Commission than the Eighteenth. Hence
it was with a feeling of affectionate sadness they saw the agents
of this great institution remove their effects from Martinsburg.
The canvas roof which belonged to the commission was re
moved from the chapel tent, and this created the necessity for
breaking up public service in camp on the Sabbath, and for dis
tributing the regimental library to those who desired to preserve
a copy of the books as a relic of army life.
The chapel, with its reading and writing arrangements, and its
Sabbath and evening religious services, and singing schools, had
been of great service to the regiment Those who appreciated
their privileges bade farewell to them with many tender memo
ries, and at this distance are prepared to say, with reference to the
pleasant times in the old "log chapel:"
"Those were happy golden days
Sweetly spent in prayer and praise."
Religious services often appeared more refreshing and joyful
than under more favorable circumstances at home.
June 5th. A detail was made to bury a soldier of Sheridan's
army, a part of which passed through Martinsburg about this
time for their homes in the west As one of the trains was start
ing from the depot, this poor fellow by some means had been
run over and killed outright. It was an affecting scene. He was
the only son of a widow. It was a sad duty indeed for the chap
lain of the Eighteenth, with his men, to perform the funeral rites.
How many soldiers' graves there were near the spot where this
strange soldier was laid to rest. On his way home, full of hope
and expectation, but in an hour when he thought not the voice
of the great commander called him -away to receive his final
orders.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 351

The corral was an enclosure on the southeast side of the town,
where were collected army horses, and all sorts of war material con
nected with the trains, in which had been collected a motley mass
of material which was finally disposed of by the agents of the
government at auction. This property was guarded by a daily
detail of men from the regiment, and on the whole the duty was
quite an annoyance. The old broken down horses and dilapi
dated wagons and ambulances were hardly worth the pains taken
to protect and save them for "Uncle Sam," and hence it was a
great relief when the whole batch of mules, and trumpery gener
ally, was sold off to the highest bidder. "Let 'em slide," said the
boys, "we are going home to the tune of Yankee Doodle, in a
few days; we've seen enough ot old horses, and dumb-founded
miiles and jackasses." There was one mule, however, in which the
whole regiment felt quite an interest, the one that Jim. Lafferty
rode on the raid; "the old patriarch," as he was called, being quite
white of old age. But he was gone, and, alas for poor Jim, he
has gone too! But if Jim had had no worse enemy than the old
patriarch he might not have gone so soon. Peace to his ashes.
The old jail was another noted place which the boys had to
guard at different times, and if none of their own number were
ever guarded here the regiment was remarkably fortunate. At
all events it has its memories and incidents of considerable inter
est. Guard duty ceased here about the 20th, as all the prisoners
had been released.
June rSth. Attended religious service in town, as the chapel
was in ruins, as before stated. Had a short speech and prayer
at dress-parade by the chaplain.
June 23d. Had dress-parade down town in front of head-quar
ters. Considerable indignation was felt by the boys at the ap
pearance of "Old Faulkner," as he was called, among the officers
on the portico. But the old traitor himself seemed to enjoy
it, and this was what was the matter with the men. It did not
look enough like making treason odious. However, they had

352 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT
had a little revengp on the old fellow by cutting down his beautiful
grove that he thought so much of.
At the commencement of the war Faulkner was one of "Uncle
Sam's" foreign ministers, but he came home and espoused the
cause of the Rebellion, and the boys could not forgive him. His
will was good enough at one time to have destroyed the Union.
He did what he could to effect it, and Union soldiers thoroughly
hated him.
Many tender and stirring events were crowded into the last
week of the Eighteenth's stay in Martinsburg. For ten days or
more it was generally known in the regiment and among the
citizens that the "mustering out" was near at hand. The com
panies which had been doing duty outside were called in, and
their officers were very busy in making out papers for the
final discharge. These were received as early as the 21st, and
the next day (Wednesday) Col. Peale told the boys that they
were to leave on the Monday following. This news was received
with a universal, shout of joy, and every man commenced at once
to make arrangements for his departure.
For sometime previous much leisure time had been employed
in making trinkets and fancy articles, such as finger rings, picture
frames, boxes, and many other curiosities to surprise the friends
at home. These articles were made principally of black walnut,
and showed the varied ability and ingenuity of the boys in the
mechanical arts, and besides the work whiled away the time. Con
siderable time was spent in "packing up" for the final move. Calls
and farewell visits were made to good and friendly people in and
around Martinsburg.
After all the talk and worry about going home for weeks and
months, still as the time drew near for the departure, there was
a general regret in parting with the good friends of the
place. For neariy two years these friends had improved ev
ery opportunity to show their appreciation of the friendship
and services of the men who had left their quiet homes in the

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 353

North to expose their health and lives in behalf of the loyal and
true of the South, and of the whole country. The names of these
benefactors will ever be cherished with interest and affection by
the Eighteenth. Among the most prominent of these were the
Wysongs, the Gardners, the Staleys, the .Suters, the .Shaffers, the
Snyders, the Wilans and others too numerous to mention.
The young ladies of many families showed every possible at
tention to the sick and wounded of all Union soldiers in the hos
pitals, and the blessing of many, once ready to perish, will always
be with them. In some instances a friendship existed which
ripened into a union for life, and now many a once brave soldier
is rejoicing in the capture he made while "away down South in
Dixie." It is not surprising then that so many of the boys con
templated their departure from the scene of such friendships with
sincere regrets.
Unusual interest was also taken in the exchange of friendly
congratulations among the members of the regiment at the glori
ous termination of the war; at their own preservation amid its
dangers; the many hair-breadth escapes they had experienced,
and at the prospect of being once more quiet citizens and neigh
bors in the "land of steady habits."
Every day the officers' quarters, and every tent in camp, were
the scenes of excited demonstrations with reference to "going
home." Among others the chaplain's room, in a building a few
rods from the camp, was often filled with the men singing old
familiar hymns, and talking over the wonderful past, and the
prospective future. Several very affecting social meetings were
held in that room after the dismantling of the chapel tent, which
will never be forgotten. The chaplain had some difficulty in
obtaining the room at first, owing to the opposition of some mem
bers of the family which occupied another part of the building,
but the unpleasantness soon passed, matters assumed a very pleas
ant aspect, and "all was quite on the Potomac."
The chief article of furniture vvas an armed chair made, of
45

354 ELGHTEENTH REGLMENT

black walnut rails, with a cherry-wood seat. Thi^ was the work
and gift of Father Boyden, of Company H. It was such a curi
osity and convenience, of course it could not be left in Virginia,
and hence one of the boys took it in charge to bring home to
Connecticut, and after a y'ear or two it found a place in the edi
torial department of the Soldiers' Record. Little did the maker
think when he was working away with only an ax, a saw and jack-
knife, that he was whittling out an editorial chair, in the special
interest of the soldiers of Connecticut, and of the country in
general. Stranger things and more unlikely have happened and
may happen again.
Farewell visits also were made to various farm houses where
the boys had been so often entertained. In one instance a party
went out black raspberrying and had a fine time; stopped at a farm
house and were treated to bread, milk, honey, butter and other
good things in abundance. A farewell ride was made by several
officers to Thatcher's farm, Dr Magruder's, Mother Kennedy's,
old "hard shell," and various other pbces of interest and profit
to them at different times. The citizens, both in town and
country, seemed to regret the anticipated departure of the regi
ment They complimented the men for their good behavior, and
wished them a safe and happy journey home.
The last Sabbath was a beautiful June day. A memorable day;
one of conflicting emotions of joy and regret. Those not neces
sarily employed in home arrangements went into town to church.
It was difficult, however, to keep one's mind on the sermon in
thinking over the changes of one year and a half.
The heavy tramp, tramp of armed soldiers, and the clatter arid
noise of the cavalry were no longer heard in the streets, and
worship was not disturbed by the startling sound of the "long
roll," as in the winter of 1863 and 1864. Those were stirring
times, filling men's hearts with fear and dismay. Now all was
quiet and orderly, no noise and no confusion. Peace, sweet
peace, was the blessing and privilege of the hour, and both citizens

CONNECTLCUT VOLUNTEERS, 355

and soldiers seemed to appreciate it as they sat together that
day in holy quiet, praying, "Our Father which art in Heaven,"
after which many tender farewells were given.
At five o'clock, dress-parade, there was a service by the chaplain;
prayer was offered and parting counsels and advice were given.
There was a great concourse of spectators present, and the scene
was very solemn and impressive. The order to be ready to move
the next morning at five o'clock was received with great joy; and
then the regiment returned to their quarters to spend their last
night in Martinsburg, Va., as soldiers. No pen will ever be able
to do justice to the parting scenes of that day, and the mingled
emotions of the men as they lay down to take their last sleep, as
they thought, in camp.
The lights went out that night at "taps" as usual, but there
kept burning a brighter light in the heart a long time after, be
fore the boys closed their eyes in sleep. How many times while
in the service they could not sleep for pain or fear, and now they
could hardly sleep for joy. Did any one dream of home, sweet
home? June 27th, 1865, was a memorable day in the history of
the regiment. Having served their government until the Re
bellion was crushed and peace restored, it was with feelings of
exultation, and a ju.stpride, that this movement of the Eighteenth
Connecticut, who had participated in the stirring events which
had secured such a glorious result, turned their faces once more
toward their native State, and the loved ones at home. Twice
during their term of service had the regiment been ordered home
with the expectation of returning to the scenes of strife and death,
but this time the order came to move under very different cir
cumstances. Every man awoke early. "Boys, do you hear that
music?" — morning reveille. "Listen, you won't hear that again
in l\^artinsburg very soon." "Thank God," was the response
from many a soldier who had long been sick of the "noise of
war." The last relief turn their steps toward the camp, exulting

356 ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT

at the thought of no more challenging the sentries, and at an early
hour the tents were struck for the last time, and about six o'clock
A. M. the regiment was in line awaiting with intense excitement
the command to march. This soon came, and the line moved
through the town amid the cheers, waving of handkerchiefs, and
farewells of the patriotic citizens of the place. The scene was
intensely exciting and affecting.
The Eighteenth left a host of friends in Martinsburg, and a
"God bless you" for every one of them. The skies that morning
were dull and heavy, but not so the hearts of the boys, they were
light and happy, even if Uncle Sam did not send them easy chairs
to ride in to Harper's Ferry. For once the old box cars were
quite tolerable and decent. At all events they would not be
boxed up in that way many times more.
The train moved off about seven o'clock A. M., while soldiers
and citizens cheered loudly, and bade each other a hearty good-
by. Arrived at Harper's Ferry between nine and ten o'clock.
Spent the day in getting ready for the final muster out, which
took place at six o'clock P. M., on the very ground where a little
more than two years before the regiment formed in line for the
first time on Virginia soil, preparatory to an advance on Win
chester What a change! Then the battalion was fully one thou
sand strong, and subsequently increased by recruits to twelve
hundred; now it numbered less than six hundred present and
absent All of the original members of the field and staff were absent
but three, viz: Capt Joseph P: Rockwell, First Lieut William
Caruthers, and Commissary Sergeant Henry Hovey; and these
officers were not at this time acting in their original capacity, but
were with their respective companies, excepting Hovey.
Of all the officers of the line, June, 1863, only one-half were
present at the final muster out And the same was nearly true
of the other members of the regiment Considering the vicissi
tudes of nearly three years' service, it is a wonder that there were
as many as the last roll indicated.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS 357

The complete catalogue, which will be found hereafter, will
show the exact number of all the officers and men, the date of
their enlistment, promotions, casualities, and time of discharge.
The little time the regiment occupied the old grounds of their
first experiences in Harper's Ferry was full of interesting remi
niscences, and the men seemed to live over their whole soldier life
in a few hours.
This place had been one of very exciting scenes at various
times; their present farewell visit being the twelfth time they had
passed through this town during their sojourn in Maryland and
Virginia. It will be memorable as the place of the last regimental
muster, and official relations to the general government as sol
diers in the war of the Rebellion.
June 28th. On the morning of this eventful day, at eight A. M.,
the Eighteenth bade a final farewell to the sacred soil of Virginia,
passed over the iron bridge which spanned the Potomac, and was
"homeward bound."
Arrived in Baltimore at four P. M., and at six o'clock of the
same evening took the cars for Philadelphia, arriving about day
light the next morning. Marched directly to the Cooper Institute
rooms, where the regiment was served to a good breakfast.
Nearly half a dozen times did the good people of the City of
Brotherly Love bountifully supply the wants of the regiment
during the war, and the most pleasant memories of their repeated
acts of hospitality will ever be cherished by the meinbers of the
Eighteenth. At nine o'clock A. M. the regiment passed over the river to
the Camden and Amboy Railroad Station, and took the train for
Amboy and thence proceeded to New York by boat Had a
very pleasant passage. Marched to Castle Garden, where re
freshments were provided, after which went on board of the
steamer Granite State, and soon passed up the East River through
Hell Gate, and when the sun went down the Granite State was
making excellent time for Hartford, arriving safely at that place
the next morning at seven o'clock.

358 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

The whole passage from Harper's Ferry was very expeditious
and pleasant. The best of order prevailed throughout, and on
arriving at Hartford the regiment was in excellent condition and
spirits. The regiment as a whole would have been much better pleased
to have been sent directly to Norwich, from whence it originally
set out for war, and for the return thither considerable preparation
had been made; still all were exceedingly glad to set their feet
anywhere on Connecticut soil once more as citizens of a com
monwealth which had maintained such a glorious record during
the war for the Union.
The march from the boat into the city, and through some of
its principal streets, created no little excitement, and was splen
didly executed.
The Eighteenth had come by boat — the Granite State — from
New York, and reached Hartford shortly after seven o'clock A.
M. This was earlier than they were expected, but the ringing
of bells notified the people of their arrival, and a crowd soon col
lected and saw them disembark five hundred and fifty strong. The
command was escorted by the city guards and was met every
where by a hearty welcome from the citizens.
It was received by Governor Buckingham, the Hartford com
mittee on receptions, David Clark, Esq., chairman; the City
Guard, Capt John K. Williams; the Governor's Guard, Maj.
L. E. Hunt, and by the senators and representatives from New
London and Windham Counties, in which counties the regiments
were mainly recruited.
Marching up State Street a line was formed on Central Row,
and the soldiers' were addressed by Governor Buckingham, who
spoke earnest words of welcome, commended them for their en
durance and valor, and referring in fitting terms to those who
had fallen while gallantly performing their duty. His remarks
were admirably adapted to the occasion, and he was loudly
cheered upon concluding.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 359

Hon. George Pratt, representative from Norwich, then ad
dressed them substantially as follows: "Officers and soldiers of
the Eighteenth regiment: In the name of the citizens of Nor
wich and New London County, whom I in part represent, I bid
you welcome home. My mind cannot fail to go back to that day
when a thousand strong you marched forth from the streets of
Norwich full of hope, bearing with you our love and admonition.
We welcome you back sadly thinned in numbers, and as I look
upon your ranks, I look in vain for the many faces I once knew
and loved. Porter and Maginnis who lie buried beneath the
sod of the Shenandoah Valley. I look in vain for Payne and
Culver, who lie by their side, and for the many heroes who are
silent in death. All honor to them, and all honor to the return
ing brave. We have looked upon your record with pride. Al
though overwhelmed by numbers in the bloody battle of Win
chester, your honor was untarnished and your fame has been
brightened by successive victories. Words fail me as I attempt
to find fit expressions of welcome for the returning heroes. You
have helped to dedicate anew the cause of freedom, and save our
glorious Union. May God bless you for your heroic endeavors.
Your country will hold you in lasting honor, and your children's
children will point with pride to your glorious record." Mr.
Pratt closed by alluding to the glorious termination of the regi
ment's career, and expressed the hope that the regiment would
be assembled in Norwich.
Hon. E. H. Bugbee, of Killingly, State senator from the four
teenth district, was next introduced. He said in substance:
"Officers and soldiers of the Eighteenth Regiment: In the name
and in behalf of the representatives of the County of Windham,
assembled here to do you honor, I bid you a most hearty and
cordial welcome. Yes, thrice welcome. Soldiers of the Eight
eenth, three years ago, of your own free will, you became soldiers
of the Republic. Forsaking, of your own accord, the peaceful
vocations of life, you went forth to do battle for the rights and

36o EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

the life of the nation, and because of your valor and heroism we
have a national existence. We are free — all the people of this
land are free — because when the war came we found brave men
who swore that the nation should not perish, but that it should
live. To you and the soldiers of the great grand army of the
Republic we are indebted for the preservation of the Union, and
a race is also indebted to you for its freedom. Your names and
your great deeds have become immortal, and this people shall
erect monuments to the memories of those who have fallen, and
inscribe thereon in letters that shall never fade, the names of
the fallen braves, and your names too shall be preserved
through all the centuries of our national existence. We cannot
repay you tor the services you have rendered your country, but
we again welcome you to the .State, and to your homes.
At the suggestion of David Clark, Esq., the citizens gave three
cheers and a tiger for the soldiers; following which Hon. John
T. Wait, of Norwich, State senator from the eighth district,
was called upon and spoke briefly. His remarks were very touch
ing, his emotion being so great that he was almost overcome.
[He lost his only son, a noble young men, at the battle of Antie
tam, and the thought of him was natural on such an occasion.J
In his expressions of love for the old flag, and his allusions to
the war and its results, he was earnest and eloquent. Three
cheers were given him as he concluded.
CoL John T. Bissell then received the regiment in behalf of the
citizens of Hartford. Though they came from another section
of the State, yet it afforded him no less pleasure to speak of their
valor and patriotism. His remarks were very appropriate, and
the usual cheers were given upon his conclusion.
Breakfast was served to the regiment after these ceremonies
at the United States Hotel, Trumbull House, Allyn House, and
subsequently the men were escorted to the Park Street camp
where they were to be mustered out of State service.
The officers who returned were: Lieut. Col. Henry Peale,

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 36-1:

Maj. Joseph Mathewson, Adjutant George W. Brady, Chaplain
William C. Walker, Surgeon L. Flolbrook, Asst. Surgeon C. H.
Rowe, Quarter-master N. P. Johnson, Captains I. N. Kibbe, J.
P. Rockwell, M. V. B. Tiffany, J. E.Woodward, Horatio Blanch
ard, C. D. Bowen, John Lilly, E'. J. Mathewson, S. T. C. Mer
win, F. G. Bixby; Lieutenants John A. Francis, William Ca
ruthers, A. S. Granger, A. W.. Loomis, E. S. Hinckley, E. D.
Carpenter, Frank McKeag, C. A. Murray, Robert Kerr, and
A. G. Scranton.
At once the regiment were furloughed to their homes.
On the fifth of July the Eighteenth returned to Hartford. On
the sixth they turned over their arms, equipments, colors, etc.,
to the State authorities, and on the 7th were paid off, received their-
final discharge, and were no longer an organization.
In a few hours thereafter the trains for the eastern part of the
State were crowded with happy men singing "Homeward-
Bound," and elated with the most joyous anticipations.
The war was ended, the Rebellion was crushed, the "old flag"
and the nation were redeemed, and the institutions of freedom
made secure.

46

362 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

CHAPTER XVII.

PRISON LIFE.

War at the best is cruel sport, and its darkest aspects but a
ref)ulsive record of trials, hardships, sufferings and death — a
sombre picture that is brightened and redeemed only by exhi
bitions of those higher qualities of manhood in heroic deeds on the
battle-field or in uncomplaining fortitude in hospital and prison.
Fhe writer was an eye witness of the sufferings of men on the
march, in hospitals and amid the horrors of the battle-field, and
often wondered how the soldier could endure such heart-crushing
experiences. Of prison life he had no personal knowledge, and
it belongs to those who were subjected to the cruel barbarism of
the rebels in prison-pens to give a detailed account of their e.x-
pericnces. It is an "old story" now, but it is due the memory of
the heroes who suffered, starved, and in too man)- cases died in
rebel prisons that a partial record should be handed down to the
generations to come. In chapters VI. and VII. we have given a
detailed account of the capture at Winchester, Va., and im
prisonment of a large portion of the rank and file of the Eight
eenth Connecticut \'olunteers. In those chapters will be found
a description of Libby prison; scenes in the daily life there, and
of the ever memorable "tunnel enterprise;" also a reference to
the time when the officers of the reo-iment were exchan^red and
sent back into our lines. The following extracts will show how
those officers fared who were not fortunate enough to be included

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 363

in the exchange made in March, 1864. Fhe experiences of one
prisoner were very nearly the experiences of all in Danville, Va.,
Andersonville and Macon, Ga., Columbia, and elsewere.
NARRATIVE OF SECOND LIEUl'. JAMES D. HKKUNS, CO.MRANV A.
This officer was taken prisoner near Winchester, June 15th,
1863, and confined in Libby prison till May 7th, 1864, when he
was sent to Danville, and thence on May 12th to Macon, Ga.
The change from the prison to the stockade, he says, was greatly-
enjoyed, as in the latter place he was out of doors; but the
rations were poorer, if possible, than in Libby.
A very small, poor piece of bacon and a similarly small allow
ance of corn meal, without salt, made a very unpalatable meal.
On the Fourth of July four comrades raised money enough to
buy one small onion and they congratulated themselves that they
would provide a treat for dinner in the shape of a soup. They
placed their bacon and onion in a pot over the fire and the
stew was progressing finely when they heard a great commotion
outside — a crowd of soldiers were cheering and shouting joy
ously. The diversion was caused over the exhibition by a new
recruit of a tiny silk flag — -the old stars and stripes, which some
of the prisoners had not seen for a year or more. It vvas a glad
sight, and all cheered and sang lustily.
The guard ordered them to disperse, but as soon as he was
out of sight the prisoners crowded around the recruit and his
flag, cheering and singing. This was kept up for several hours;
but, alas for the dinner! When the cooks returned to their soup
they found it burned past redemption. No dinner that day.
Lieut. Higgins further says: "When the rebels saw that Gen.
Sherman was likely to capture Atlanta, they concluded that
Macon was not safe from his raids, and hence all the prisoners.
excepting the sick, were ordered to Charleston. 'Fhere were
twenty-three officers in the hospital, among whom were Dr. Har
rington and Lieut. Scranton, and myself. Learning that they

.364 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT
-were to be left without nurses, I applied for and received per
mission to remain and care for them. The rebels now began to
fill up the stockade with the wounded from Sherman's army, and
during the three weeks following I saw more human suffering
than I had ever witnessed before. Men wounded in every con
ceivable manner were brought in in army-wagons, and dump-
carts, piled upon each other almost like cord-wood, and in
a manner entirely regardless of the nature of their wounds. The
rebel guard apparently paid no more attention to their shrieks of
agony than they would to the howling of a dog.
"At length, on account of the capture of Atlanta, an order came
to send all the Yankee officers, the sick as well as the sound, to
Charleston. On the day of our departure the officer in charge
made out a roll of the officers, but accidentally my name was
not taken. About two o'clock P. M. several ambulances arrived,
and the officers, as their names were called, were placed therein.
I -was left alone. Lieut. Davis, the officer in charge, inquired:
'Hasn't your name been called?' 'No, sir,' I answered. 'What
is your name?' he asked. 'J. D. Higgins,' I replied. 'Run
along,' said he, scribbling my name on the roll without asking
anything further. Arriving at the depot, the whole party, now
numbering thirty-four men, were placed in an ordinary freight
car, with straw mattresses for four of the worst cases. We left
•Macon about three o'clock P. M., and arrived at Augusta the
next morning; and thence were sent to Charleston, S. C. I pro
cured a morning paper, and my attention was arrested by a tele
gram announcing that all non-combatants in Charleston were to
be released on the next day under a flag of truce. I congratulated
Dr Harrington on the probability of his being included in the list,
when it suddenly occurred to my mind that here was a chance for
me. I soon saw the corporal of the guard reading the roll bf
prisoners, and he allowed me to look at it, holding it himself.
"On coming to my name, I pretended to be indignant because
the' column opposite to it was not filled out, and asked the

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 365
reason. He replied that probably it was a mistake, but he would
make it right Taking his pencil he filled the blank as I dictated:
'Assistant Surgeon One Hundred and I wenty-Third Ohio Volun
teers, captured at Lynchburg, Va., June i8th, 1864.' I retired well
pleased and confided my secret to Dr Harrington and my inti
mate friends. When we arrived in Charleston the provost
marshal met us at the depot, and after looking over the roll
called for the three surgeons whose names he noticed. We im
mediately presented ourselves, and were told that the ne.xt morn
ing we could be sent into the Union lines, or wait until the next
boat. We preferred to improve the first opportunity, and after
the rest had been sent to the hospital went with the officer to his
quarters, remaining there until midnight. I stretched myself
upon the floor and tried to sleep, but it was impossible. The
uncertainty of my position strained my nervous system to its
utmost My heart felt as large as my head, and I could hear
every beat as plainly as the stroke of a hammer The welcome
morning dawned, but I could eat nothing, the food stuck fast in
my' throat About seven o'clock we were formed in line and
'marched to the truce-boat, which started at nine o'clock A. M.
There was no cabin on the boat, so we were placed on the for
ward deck, made to sit with our backs to the rail and a guard
was placed over us to keep our heads bowed down so that We
could not see the rebel fortifications. '
"We met the Federal truce-boat, the Wyoming, half a mile
below Fort Sumter, and as the rebel craft hauled along side,
we were allowed to rise, and the first thing that met our eyes
was the glorious stars and stripes waving protectingly over our
heads. An involuntary shout burst from all as we sprang to our
feet, which was promptly suppressed b)^ the guard. After an hoi^r
and a half, which seemed an age, each prisoner, as his name was
called, marched on board the Wyoming. That gang-plank seemed
to me the dividing line between life and death. At one end life,
liberty and all I held dear on earth, at the other a loathsome

366 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

dungeon, starvation and perhaps death. I hurried forward,
crossed the plank and reached the deck of the Wyoming, but the
feeling of dread that I might not yet be safe caused me to get out
of sight at once. When the bow of the boat was turned in the
opposite direction, and we got under way, then did I realize that I
was free, and my pent-up feeling^s found relief I danced, I
laughed and cried like a lunatic, till the other doctors stared in
amazement. But why should they understand my feelings? Not
one of them had been a prisoner over lour months, while I had
had a bitter experience of fifteen.
When the boat arrived at Hilton Head, and Harrington was
taken to the hospital, Lieut. Higgins went before Lieut. Col.
Woodford to prove his identity, and the colonel immediately
said: "I know you; you are a line officer. You can go to the
pay-master and draw some money with which to buy clothing,
and be ready to go back to-morrow." One of the surgeons who
had been a prisoner only four months had betrayed him. •
At this di.scovery Higgins became desperate, and said: "I nev
er will go back alive." Fhe colonel replied: "It is no use to
talk in that way; )ou must go back." Higgins responded: "Why
not send a well line officer back in my place, now that I have got
so far? Fo send me back now would be sending me to death.
F shall be thrown into a dungeon and that will end all, lor I can
not bear much more."
"No," was the reply, "they had agreed to exchange only non-
combatants, and you must go back."
Higgins says; "Imagine my feelings; thrown from the moun
tain top of expectant joy dovvn into the valley of deep despair
I then went to see Dr Harrington, but he hail been sent to
Beaufort. I felt ni)- last hope was gone, and 1 must devise some
way fjf escape, for 1 could never go back. I thought of a friend
of mine, Charles Dennis, of Norwich, and to him I went and
told my story. He said he thought he could help me. He had
a ship that would sail for New York the next day. The cap-

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 367

tain came in at that moment and went with me into an adjoining
room, where I told him my story, and the kind-hearted sailor
said: 'I will help you. M)- ship sails to-morrow at noon. Come
on board in good season, and I will sec what I can do for you.'
Towards night, as I was walking on the beach, I met Col. Wood
ford, and as he walked slowly by, without looking at me, he said:
'The ship, Carnac, sails to-morrow at twelve o'clock. You will
be searched for' Whether his heart had softened, and he
wished me to elude the searchers and escape, so that he would
not have to send me back, I never knew, but my feelings toward
him were changed for the better Next day, toward noon, I
went on board the ship without being challenged, as I had on Dr.
Harrington's coat — alter that I sent it to him at Beaufort The
captain accompanied me down to the steward, who took me in
charge, gave me a cap and apron and set me to work. Just be
fore twelve o'clock the soldiers came on board the ship in search
of me. Phey came into the steward's room and said: 'Who
have you here!'' The reply was: 'None but my men.' The sol
diers seemed satisfied and went away. Then I came out from
my hiding place, and felt as though I was on my way to freedom.
Arriving in New York 1 began to fear again lest I might be tak
en back. I did not leave the ship for an hour or more, and then
I hurried into a street car, went to a hotel and did not go out till
dark, when I took the cars for Flavre de Grace. I began to
think then I was a free man, and yet I could hardly realize it
I felt as if I were dreaming. I would pinch myself to see if I
was not asleep. It vvas man)' weeks before I could feel a cer
tainty of my freedom."
Lieut. Fliggins was very ill for a number of weeks after his re
lease, and although he lived a number of years after the war, he
died a victim of the re'oel prisons. No one will question his
methods to regain his liberty after so many months of suffering
from the barbarisms of the Southern Confederacy.

S-6S. EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

• EXPERIENCES OF SECOND LIEUT. E. D. CARPENTER, COMPANV- B.
This officer was captured on June 15th, 1863, at the Winches
ter battle, and was sent to Libby prison where he remained ten
months and a half. Then he was taken to Danville and thence
to Greensboro, Salisbury, Charlotte, N. C, Columbia, S. C, and
Augusta, Ga. At this place he made his escape, and after pro
ceeding north for two days was captured. He was treated kind
ly, however, and taken back to Augusta and placed in jail for
one night; thence being sent to the stpckade at Macon. He
says: "I found upon my arrival that the rebels had made no
preparation for our shelter, and we had to construct such as we
needed. We were in a stockade containing about two acres of-
ground. We remained here about two months. Our fare con
sisted of corn meal, and poor bacon alive with maggots, and a
very little rice. We remained until fears were entertained of a
raid from Sherman, when we were sent to Savannah, and thence
to Charleston. While at Savannah I was attacked with a diar
rhea, which never left me while I vvas a prisoner. At Charleston
I -was put in the city jail yard, one of the most abominably filthy
places I ever saw; and there I ate and slept in grit and dirt.
"Remained about two weeks, while the Union shells were cout
tinually passing over us, going steadily farther and farther into
the city each day. The yellow fever breaking out among us,
after a three weeks' stay we were taken to Columbus, fifteen
hundred of us in all, to a high tract of land about three miles
from the city, including four acres nearly covered with pines,
and here we were turned loose to browse with no shelter The
rebels allowed us one ax to every two hundred men. Those
who had money purchased additional ones, and after two months'
work we succeeded in providing ourselves barely a shelter from
the cold storms. But other poor fellows were not so fortunate,
but remained for weeks with no shelter, and little clothing, ex
posed to the pouring rains. This state of things produced uni
versal discontent Having no stockade around us, many of us

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 369

made efiforts to escape, and altogether three hundred succeeded
at various times in getting away.
"On December loth, 1864, I was moved for the last time, being
obliged to go to the hospital. I had become so weak that I could
hardly keep about; but relief came at last in the advance of
Sherman's arm)-. On February 13th, 1865, at about nightfall,
while it was raining in torrents, word came tor our officers to get
ready for removal to Charlotte, N. C. All the men were able to
go except four, myself being one of the number 1 was trans
ferred to another hospital in the city which was used for Con
federate sick and wounded soldiers. Two days after the shells
from Sherman's batteries began to fly over the city, causing
great consternation among the rebels, and preparations were
made to remove the inmates of the hospital out of the range of
the firing. I felt perfectlv' calm; indeed the noise and hissing of
the shells was the most enjoyable music that had greeted my ears
for a long time.
"I was in hopes that the officers in charge would allow me to
remain quietly where I was to be recaptured by our forces; but
the order soon came to get up and dress and be ready to move.
I was greatly disappointed. The hospital was a large building,
consisting of two wards. No. 1, and No. 2, and I was in the upper
story. The guards began to remove the inmates and had cleared
the upper ward. I was below waiting my turn. I returned up stairs
to get something that I had left behind, and while there the
thought occurred to me of trying to escape. I hastily concealed
myself under a bunk, pulled down the blankets to the floor, and
there I lay quietly until the rebels retired, and was not missed.
They had carried all the sick away and as I was not visible evidently
they supposed I must have been among the first to be moved. The
rebels next put a large gang of negroes to work removing the
bedding; and as they worked away one of them came along
where I was, and lifting the blankets seemed much alarmed on
discovering me and sprang back instantly. I motioned to him
47

370 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

to be quiet and go away, and he did so. But as soon as he
was alone, he returned and inquired who I was. When I told
him, he seemed much pleased and expressed the hope that I might
get safely away. He told me that as soon as the bedding had
b en removed the rebels would lock up the building, and asked
me how I would be able to get down stairs. I told him that I
would find a way. It was about two o'clock P. M. when I got
under the bunk, and at about four o'clock all was still. I re
mained quietly until after dark, when the door was unlocked and
I heard voices. The ward masters and assistants had come in to
spend the night. So here was a fix. How would I be able
to get out unobserved. There was a fire-place at each end of the
room. My visitors built a fire in the one opposite to me, and
while they were all .seated and busy talking I made my way to
the door, got under a bunk and waited for a favorable opportunity
to escape.
"I heard them talking about myself and wondering how I dis
appeared so suddenly. At about nine o'clock I got out un
observed. My first purpose was to find a negro who would direct
me to a place of safety till .Sherman should enter the city. I was
not successful, and I learned afterward that the negroes were
locked up during the night in their cpiarters. I had become very
faint and hungry and as all the stores were closed up, m)' only
chance was to apply at a [)rivate house. I went to a large dwell
ing, rapped, was admitted, and four or five ladies came into the
hall and surveyed me from head to loot 'Fhey asked me where I
lived, and 1 replied: '.\t .Savannah;' 'but' said I, 'the Yanks arc
there now, and I cannot go home.' 'Fhey asked me to what regi
ment 1 belonged, and 1 told them that 1 was connected with none,
being on hospital service, and that I had been moving patients
that day so as to be able to g(;t them out from under fire of Yankee
batteries. In the meantime one of the ladies had orot me some
cold meat and bread, and invited me to sit down and eat. But
I explained that it was late and that I would prefer to take the

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 371

food in my hand and be going. I gladly went on my way, anx
ious to escape further questions. I then made a bold push to
get lodging for the night, as I found that I was failing fast in
strength. I at once proceeded to a hotel where I found lodging,
I registered as 'J. C. Cady, Charleston, .S. C.,' and immediately
retired to a good bed in a room by myself. I lay till nine o'clock
the next morning, when one of the servants came and told me
they were going to shut the hotel as there was great excitement
in the city. I arose and after long waiting got a pretty good
breakfast I found that I had been stopping- at Gen. Beauregard's
head-quarters, and that he had left about an hour before. As I
went out of the hotel, I saw the Confederate cavalry on all sides
and about me. At about eleven o'clock I saw a flag advancing
up the street, and I could hardly believe my eyes as my glance
fell on the stars and stripes, the dear old flag, which had not
greeted me before for two years.
The flag came up rapidly in the direction of the State house
and as it passed me I took ofl my cap and cheered lustily, causing
some astonishment in the street. Soon I saw the infantry ap
proaching, Gen. Sherman at the head, with Gen. Howard by his
side. Their presence called forth cheer after cheer from the
soldiers. That night Columbus was burned. It was a grand and
awful sight. I was taken in charge by the surgeon-in-chief, put
into an ambulance and accorded the best of treatment." From
this place Lieut. Carpenter was taken to Lafayette, N. C, thence
to Wilmington, and thence by steamer to Baltimore, where he
arrived safely, and found himself once more among old friends.
After a short visit to Connecticut he returned to the regiinent in
early spring, and was mustered out of the service on June 27th, at
Harper's Ferry. CAPT. JOHN E. WOODWARD, COMPANV F.
This patriotic officer was another victim of the first Winchester
fight. His experiences in rebel prisons was much the same as
those already described. In his account of his prison-life he

372 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

speaks first of his comparatively pleasant ride by rail, under the
Blue Ridge mountain, of his arrival at Libby, which he designates
"a hell upon earth," and of the greetings from Gen. Straight's
command, which awaited all the new arrivals of "fresh fish and
Milroy's thieves." He goes on to say that the severity of Libby's
barbarities was somewhat mitigated for a while by the arrival of
boxes of food and clothing from the dear ones at home, also of a
large box of similar articles from his own company, which were
divided among our squad.
This transfer to Danville, and thence to Macon, was rather an
improvement on Libby. He speaks of Gen. Stoneman's failure,
and the presence of so many of his command as prisoners, as an
occurrence that "brought tears to our eyes." He was placed
under the "fire of the Yankee batteries at Charleston." "The
rebel officers, however, treated us kindly and respectfully for
prisoners of war, giving us more and better rations than we had
at any other point. The reason was that they had been
prisoners themselves at the North, and knew the difference
between our treatment of them and that which was our lot to
suffer by orders of their government." FVom Charleston he was
sent to Columbus and suffered barbarities characteristic of that
place which have been already described. The guard was composed
of "Georgians and Marylanders, cold-blooded beings — the worst
type of men." He adds: "We often thought the Virginians were
bad enough but this set could discount them fifty per cent." On
the arrival of Sherman's army at Columbus, the Yankee prisoners
were dispatched, about the 15th of F'ebruary to Charlotte,
N. C; thence to Greensboro and thence to Raleigh. In these
transfers the captain saw a probability ot an exchange being sent
to Waldoboro. "On the following day, March 1st, 1865." he
says, "to our great joy we bade good-by to Southern Confeder
acy at the Northeast Bridge, N. C, after twenty months and
fifteen days of suffering confinement in rebel prisons." The
rest of the story must be told in his own language. "Outside of

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 373

Wilmington, N.C., we were received into the Union lines by our
own State volunteers, the .Seventh Regiment, who were acting as
provost guard; and here, for the first time since the beginning of
our imprisonment, our eyes, full of tears, saw the old flag, which
seemed dearer to us than ever before. Never can I forget that
glad day, nor the joyful excitement experienced by those of us who
had suffered such a long confinement. At Northeast Bridge
our troops had erected an arch of flags and evergreens, inscribed
with the word, 'Welcome,' and under this v\'e inarched
dancing with joy and with clapping of hands, while the bands
played, and the air rang with wild huzzas! Phis was the first
time that we had seen our colored comrade.s. Four brigades
were drawn up on each side of our route to receive us.
"I have often thought of the enjoyment of children at play,
in connection with our feelings that day, but no group of little
ones might be compared, except in their emotions, vvith our worn
out, starved and half-dead officers who acted out their childhood
again. Slept at Wilmington that night after receiving our first
rations at the hands of colored troops, and on the day following
sailed for Annapolis, Md., arriving there on Sunday evening.
Here I donned a new suit of blue, and was granted a leave of
absence to my home; the reader can guess the rest
"Rejoined my regiment May 6th, 1865, at Martinsburg." Capt.
Woodward gives the names of the officers who were with him in his
prison life, according to his best recollection, as follows: Capt.
Henry C. Davis, First Lieut. Adam H. Lindsey, Company A;
Capt Ezra J. Mathewson, Second Lieut Asahel G. Scranton,
Company K; Capt Charles D. Bowen, First Lieut. Andrew
W. Loomis, Second Lieut William H. Locke, Company H;
Second Lieut. Francis McKeag, Coinpany F2; First Lieut. Samuel
T. C. Merwin, Company C.
Could the experiences of all these men, together with those of
other officers of the regiment named elsewhere, be written,
the record would be sufficient to fill a large volume. From the

374 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

narratives in these pages we may learn at least something of the
sufferings and hardships of all. In some instances the men suf
fered worse than a thousand deaths, and their names may be
justly enrolled on the roster of those who were martyrs for the
salvation of their beloved country. It is a remarkable fact that
of the officers who were incarcerated in rebel prisons, most of them
for over twenty months, not one of them actually died in prison.
How it was possible that so many should have survived this bar
barous, and inhuman treatment, is a marvel. It must be said,
however, that very few of them returned but with shattered and
broken-down constitutions and afflicted with a complication of
diseases that resulted in early death. Nearly one-half since then
have obeyed the call of the great commander and their battle of
life is ended.
If the officers suffered thus severely in imprisonment what
shall be said of the fate of the private soldiers? 'Phey wore no
stars and straps to entitle them to respect, or at least to more
humane treatment, it being generally admitteil that an officer was
accorded more privileges, either out of regard to his rank, or on
account of his having more means at his command to purchase
comforts of life. 1 f every soldier had written the story of his priva
tions and sufferings while in prison, the record would equal in its
pathetic and affecting incidents any bookof martyrs ever penned.
James S. Bigelow, Coinpany I, was six months a prisoner at
Belle Island and Danville. He was marched barefooted from
Winchester in June, 1863, to Staunton, thence conveyed to Rich
mond in a rickety cattle car, thence to Lynchburg and then on
to Danville, where he was placed in prison No. 4, about the
7th of August. His narrative begins at this time. He says:
"My prison-life now began in earnest. Had 1 at that time known
the privations and misery 1 was to endure for the next six months
I think 1 should have given up all hope of surviving. But the
daily expectations ot a parole or exchange sustained me. No one
but a comrade prisoner can know what it is to suffer the pangs of

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 375

hunger, week after week and month after month. Our rations
were corn-cake only, one cake, six inches square and two inches
thick, being a ration for two men for one day. It was equally
divided, each man performing this service alternately and each
piece was handed from one to the other .several times for each to
see if there was any difference in the size, for wc felt that each
crumb represented moments ol life. These rations were not
snatched and hastily eaten as one might suppose that starving men
would do."
On October 13th, a well-organized plan of escape was executed
by the men who were driven in their starving condition to go
out in squads to work on the rebel fortifications. Bigelow was
one of about one hundred men, guarded by twenty rebel soldiers,
who went out to work on that eventful day. Two men had been
assigned to each guard, and at a given signal they were to disarm
them and then make a dash for the woods. The signal was the
word "corn-dodger." At the instant this was given a simulta
neous break vvas successfully made and the race for life and liberty
began; to end in death for some and for others indescribable suf
ferings and recapture. Bigelow had taken the precaution to
bind up his feet in some old rags, but these were only a slight
protection from the briers and roughness of the way. He was
retaken. "After this," he says, "it was close confinement for us
all. I managed to live but it was only an existence. As the
cold weather came on our sufferings increased, and each day wc
had less strength to resist the cold.
"At last the guards gave us a stove, but fuel was scarce and
poor, and we could get but little heat. On the coldest days we
formed in circles around the stove, and as the inner circle got
warm, it would fall back and give place to another. Oh! it was
a terrible winter, many dying daily of starvation alone, forbad
we received proper nourishment, we could have better withstood
the cold weather In conclusion I would say that Danville
prison-life sapped my very life-strength. I entered it in good

376 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT'

health with a robust constitution. I left it with a sickly, emaciated
body that daily reminds me of the cursed inhumanity of the
Southern .soldiers, rank and file. Yet the prisoners were most
obedient and my experience tells me that even when the most
brutal orders were given, the privates were not slow to execute;
and that almost to a man the)- exceeded the requirements of their
orders. We may forgive but as long as they live Union prisoners
can never forget,"
Charles J. Richards, ot Company A, in addition to his ex
periences at Belle Isle, Lynchburg, Danville and Florence, was
also a boarder at Andersonville for six weeks. He was at length
taken to Wilmington, N. C, where he was released and sent to
Annapolis, Md.
Jt is believed that the most of those members of the regiment
who were so unfortunate as to be sent to Andersonville, the worst
of all the rebel prisons, died of the barbarous treatment there
received. The horrors of that death-pen have never yet been
adequately described. "The scenes inside the stockade, near the
gate, were often too terrible to be pictured with the pen. Here
would be gathered in the morning, on their way to pass through
the gate where medicines were distributed, the sick, often creeping
upon their hands and knees, and also those who were too sick to
creep and who were borne by feeble, staggering companions.
Here, also, were stretcher-bearers with their burdens of the
dead, all waiting in a densely-packed throng of thousands, often in
the rain or sultry tropical sun, where not a breath of air stirred
to revive the fainting. Frec|uently the sick, abandoned by those
who carried them, were left in the crowd where no air could reach
them, and thus uncared for they died. This neglect was caused
not so much by want of feeling on the part of comrades as
by the inability of the latter to longer care for them. Those who
bore stretchers often fell fainting, and died in the throng bf
waiting misery, and on one day in July twenty men breathed
their last in less than four hours among the crowd around the

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 2>77

prison gate. Equally great was the mortality arhong the prisoners
who were transferred to the hospital outside the stockade." That
this picture by Mr Richards is not overdrawn will be- seen when
it is considered that three thousand five hundred prisoners
were crowded into a space of not more than two ;icres of land,
and subjected daily to such treatment, in respect to shelter, food
and medicine as would be a burning disgrace to the most barbaric
race. "All over camp," says an eye-witness, "men mi^ht be seen
creeping out of holes like half drowned kittens." (See the
soldier's story, pages 145 and 146.) Actually the prisoners bur
rowed in the earth like wild beasts, or be exposed to the fury
of rain and sun, and the frosts of night Add to the miseries
of the situation that of the poor medical treatment, combined with
the horrors of starvation, and the air that was filled with pesti
lence and death, and is it any wonder that the prisoners died
by scores and hundreds every day. During one week, it is said,
the death-roll numbered thirteen hundred and eighty men.
It was in this rebel "hell" that eleven members of the Eight
eenth Connecticut Volunteers suffered a demoniacal martyrdom.
In February, 1864, Col. Ely and one hundred and eighty officers
made their escape from Libby through the famous tunnel, on
which some fifty-five days of hard work were spent, and the
Richmond Inquirer thus describes this ingenious undertaking:
"It appears that the tunnel under Twentieth Street was dug entire
ly with an old hinge, and the loosened earth — a brittle marl and
sand -removed with an old sugar scoop stolen from the hospital
quarters. As the tunnel progressed, the miner took with him,
besides his tools, an old-fashioned knapsack made upon a wooden
frame, to which a cord was attached. When he filled this with
earth it was drawn out by an accomplice who remained in the
cellar The contents safely deposited out of the way, it was
then shoved back to the digger with a pole. The basement in
which this work was carried on was kept constantly locked, never
used, and the v/indows being tightly nailed, it was dark as pitch."

378 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT
About fifty of those who e.scaped, including Col. Ely, were
recaptured, and had to pay for this by close confinement in the
underground cells of Libby, which were infested with rats, and
foul with a dampness that dripped from the walls. Still our
boys kept up a brave heart during their long and exhausting im
prisonment We give the following experience of Col. Ely, who got out of
Libby by means of the tunnel just referred to: "Just as the rebel
guard appeared to see that all was right we had started on our
slide, feet foremost, through a hole in the brick chimney into the
cellar below. Dropping on the cellar bottom, we crept across it
in the dark, found the opening to the tunnel occupied by the
retiring boots of another aspirant for liberty. As wc wore rather
stalwart in size, hitching along three inches at a hitch, was the
best we could do. It was all elbow work, the limited area of the
tunnel not admitting any use of the legs. Hitching and persever
ance' brought us to the exit of the tunnel. Here we waited with
head out of the hole (marmot style), took a survey of the empty
boxes under the shed that once had been filled by the United
.States Sanitary Commission supplies, waited for oiir comrade
from Willimantic. with whom we had sworn to make a strike for
liberty. We waited about ten minutes, when we felt a pull at
our leg, and speedily emerging from the tunnel made room for
Lieut. Clifford, of Ohio. Next came Quarter-master  ¦ — ,
from New York. Through the cracks of the shed which separated
us from the street the rebel guard could be plainly seen patroll
ing in front of the prison, and watching it closely. It was not a
good place to wait even for sworn friends, and the ten minutes
seemed like ten hours.
"Here we quietly took off our shoes and walked on tip-toe to
the corner of the shed. It was evident that we must pass the
width of the shed on the beat of the guard. 'Fhe only time to
do it vvas when he was walking towards the prison. It was done;
and safely around the corner, we three agreed to stand by each

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 379

other till we reached the Union lines. If ragged uniforms could
have disguised us we were well disguised, but not knowing the
city we ran plump on to a rebel guard around the City Hospital.
'Halt! who goes there?' rang like a death knell to our hopes of
freedom, but the prompt reply, 'None of your business; can't a
fellow see his girl without being halted?' proved a pass-word,
and the striking up of 'Dixie' in a half-drunken songster style
by Cliftord disarmed any suspicion that the sentinel may have
had. "We crossed the street in front of the sentinel, and threaded
our way to the outskirts ol the city on the east side. Every
house was dark, and the streets were deserted. When fairly out
side of the city we proceeded with great caution, but found our
selves close upon the fortifications before we were aware of
it. These appeared to be unoccupied, and further observation
showed us that this was even the case. A single man with a
handful of files might have spiked forty or fifty pieces of artillery.
Peering over the parapet, the faint glow of camp-fires revealed
long lines of stacked muskets and rows of tents. Dusky forms
could be seen grouped around fires farther distant, that were
supposed to be reserved picket fires. Several spots were tried
before we succeeded in finding a gap in the picket lines. We
soon found one that promised to be a good outlet, and pushed
through without disturbing the sentinels, who could be plainly
seen counteracting the chill of a frosty night by the warmth of a
few embers.
"We were hardly outside of the picket lines, well under way
putting as much distance between us and the City of Richmond
as possible before dawn, when the sudden neighing of a horse
brought us to a stand, and not a second too soon, for careful
examination showed that a large cavalry picket was dead ahead.
The cavalry picket proved more easily evaded than the pickets
just passed, so on we pushed, through woods, and over brooks,
sometimes floundering in the cold water up to our arm-pits. The

38o EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

night was cold, but exercise and excitment kept us warm. The
increasing light of early dawn warned us that it was time to seek
a hiding-place for the day. The spot selected was a bushy hill
side covered with scrub oaks. Here we sat down to rest and
wait for the night
"Col. Ely now found to his astonishment that he was the only
one of the party who had any provisions. A boiled tongue,
shriveled and mouldy, three months' old, kept in anticipation of
this emergency, with eighteen soda crackers, comprised the entire
stock of provisions, which was divided into three equal lots. A
light breakfast was eaten, and by turns two slept, while the third
kept watch. Our hiding-place proved well selected, overlooking a
road a half-mile distant. Twice during the day a company of
rebel cavalry passed by, also several foot soldiers. Unable to light
a fire from fear of attracting attention, we suffered greatly with
the cold. At night the march was resumed.
"Keeping the North Star in view as a point for reference, we
aimed in the direction of Charles City Court House. The second
night was much like the first, with fewer indications of the enemy.
The next morning's breakfast finished all that was left of the
tongue and soda crackers, but lailed to satisfy the cravings of our
hunger Our refuge the second da)' was a large swamp. Want
of sleep, want of food, as well as suffering from the cold began
to tell on systems already debilitated by long imprisonment. A
search was made for acorns to eat; but it was evident that the
acorn crop had been disposed of earlier in the winter by the
squirrels and turkies. The latter were freqiuiutly seen, but showed
great lack of confidence in us refugees, who looked at them with
longing eyes, and wished in vain for a shot-gun or rifle. The
swamp seemed sufficiently unfrequented, dark, and dense to give
a feeling of ';ecurity from cavalry and infantry. At night the
march was resumed, and as we knew that we had already left
Bottom's Bridge in the rear we confidently anticipated being
within the lines of General I'-utler's corps the next morning.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 381
"The third night's march was one of ^re.it suffering and faint-
ness from hunger. The New York Quarter-master showed signs
of extreme weakness, and retarded the march of the other two
greatly. The last two hours of the night was over mostly open
country, and the gray of dawn founrJus wearily struggling through
a thinly wooded tract of timber We much disliked the appear
ance of a lonely house three-quarters of a mile distant, — there
was no shelter where we were, and we pushed on as rapidly as
possible, hoping to reach what seemed to be a dense swamp
about a mile ahead, and expecting there to find a secure hiding-
place, from which we could watch for the blue coats of Uncle
Sam's cavalry.
"Just now the sound of cavalry was heard in our rear, but it
came from the wrong direction. Only a half a mile to the swamp,
and no place to hide even a man's head till it was reached. So
on we pushed, the quarter-master falling behind from exhaustion.
The sound of horsemen came nearer and a triumphant yell
announced that the quarter-master was again in the hands of the
rebels. We had succeeded in getting out of the timber, and were
going down the hill-side for the swamp, going at a lively pace,
too. Soon we heard shouts of, 'Halt!' but heeded them not.
Crack! crack! crack! crack! went the carbines till there was a
rattling fire, nearer and nearer sounded the horses' feet, till these
seemed more fearful than the fusilade and whistling of bullets.
Only one hundred yards, and horses would not have been able to
follow! Another yell, and Clifford was taken, A horseman dashed
by us, sprang from his saddle, and intercepted us with a Colt's
navy pistol leveled at our head.
"Libby prison loomed up again! The captured were gathered
together, three in number, in company with our pursuers, who
were Major Robertson's cavalry, forty in number.
" 'I say, Yank, ain't you hit?' was a frequent inquiry. And
'No; wish I had been,' the sullen reply. And some laughing was
done at the expense of the crack shots of the company by their

5^2 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

comrades. A proposition was made to us by the sergeant of the
company: 'Say! You tell the major that I did the right smart
thing in overhauling you, and you shall have a good breakfast'
The proposition was accepted, and we breakfasted with Major
Robertson, and received handsome treatment that day. We
now learned, much to our chagrin, that we were captured on
ground held by Gen. Butler's command forty-eight hours
previously, and were several miles above Charles City Court
House. "The next morning we were turned over to the home cavalry
guard, a mean, cruel set of devils, who marched us till noon, and
then turned us over to a relief, who marched us to the doors of
Libby Prison, forty miles in one day.
"Dick Turner, jailor, smiled grimly upon us, and ordered us to
the cells below, and put us on a diet of corn bread and water.
Below, we found companions, — forty men, stowed away in four
cells, seven feet by twelve feet each, — man)' of whom, like our
trio, had the entire soles of their feet blistered in the attempt to
escape. Ten men were confined for three weeks in a cell seven
feet by twelve, with not room for then-i all to lie down at once,
and when they did lie down wharf rats and vermin were too plenty
to permit rest"

CONNECTICUT VOL UNTEERS.

383

ROLL OF HONOR.

Casualties at battle of Winchester, Va., June 13th, 14th and
15th, 1863. KILLED.

Ja.s. McCracken, prv. Co. A
Thomas Simmons, pri., Co. B.
Asher D. Holmes, prv. Co. C
A. D. Woodmancy, prv. Co. C
Edward L. Porter, capt. Co. F"
Albert Burnett, prv. Co. F'
Stephen H. Oatley, prv. Co. G
Wallace Smith, prv. Co. G
Earle Ashley, prv. Co. II
A. M. Dillaber, prv. Co. H
Anson A. Fenton, prv. Co. H
Robert Sharkey,

Thomas F. Jones, pri., Co. A
James Daggett, prv. Co. B
Chas. C. Noyes, prv. Co. C
H. FI. McCracken, prv. Co. E
Charles Baldwin, prv. Co. F
W. O. Parsons, sergt., Co. G
George W. Pickett, prv. Co. G
George E. Howard, prv. Co. G
Charles A. Barber, prv. Co. H
Alfred E. Tracy, prv. Co. H
Daniel G. Bennett, prv. Co. K
prv. Co. K

WOUNDED.

J. D. Ripley, non-com. staff
John Crawford, prv. Co. A
Islay B. Martin, prv. Co. A
Albert H. Pitcher, prv. Co. A
Thos. K. Bates, capt. Co. B
David M. Colvin, prv. Co. B
C. F. Keables, prv. Co. C
Geo. Bromley, prv, Co. C

S. D. Worden, corp. Co. A
Michael Hanly, prv. Co. A
D. B. Sullivan, prv. Co. A
N. C. Thompson, prv. Co. A
Richard Frazier, prv. Co. B
S. T. C. Merwin, lieut Co. C.
B. M. Upham, prv., Co. C
A. J. Comstock, prv. Co. E

384

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

A. G. Franklin, prv. Co. F!
M. Tourtelotte, prv. Co. E
G. H. Crawford, prv. Co. E
Geo. W. Blake, corp. Co. F
Daniel A. Botham, prv. Co. F
Geo. W. Warner, capt Co. G
Peter Bercune, prv. Co. G
Chas. D. Bowen, capt Co, H
Joseph Metcalf, prv. Co. H
Emery D. Rogers, prv. Co. H
Wm. J. Whiteside, corp. Co. H
Wm. H. Miller, prv., Co. H
J. O. Lathrop, prv. Co. I
Leonard Bowen, prv. Co. K
Charles Youn

B. Fitzpatrick, prv. Co. E
Thos. E. DeWolf, prv. Co. E
Silas J. Alger, prv. Co. E
Daniel B. Church, prv. Co. F
Edwin S. Tabor, corp. Co. G
James Stone, prv. Co. G
Wm. Caruthers, lieut. Co. H
F. S. Harrington, prv. Co. H
Geo. H. Wilber, prv. Co. H
Geo. D. Harris, prv. Co. H
George R. Bliven, prv. Co. H
Chas. H. Richardson, prv. Co. I
Almond Bartlett, corp. Co. K
D. P. Jordan, prv, Co. K
g, prv. Co. K.

Casualties at battle of New Market, May 15th, 1864.

KILLED.

Wm. L. Spaulding, capt. Co. B William H. Hall, prv. Co. H

WOUNDED.

Lewis Hovey, sergt Co. A.
Erastus Baker, prv. Co. A
S. K. Spalding, prv. Co. B
L. Hauerwas, prv. Co. C
B. B. Brown, prv. Co. C
James Curley, prv. Co. C
Lemuel A. Manning, prv. Co. C
F. M. Truman, prv. Co. C
Elisha R. Potter, prv. Co. C.
Thos. J. Aldrich, sergt Co. D
Joseph Heath, prv. Co. D
Warren A. Burgess, prv. Co. D
J. W. Robinson, prv. Co. D.

Joseph Hancock, prv. Co. A
John S. Greene, prv. Co. A
Chas. W. Smith, prv. Co. B
Charles M. Avery, prv. Co. C
Martin Cryne, prv. Co. C
Frank H. Gordon, prv. Co. C
E. Washburn, prv. Co. C
Wm. H. Withey prv. Co. C
J. Mathewson, capt. Co. D
F. H. Converse, corp. Co. D
Edward P. Ryan, prv. Co. D
Patrick Clark, prv. Co. I )
C. J. Williams, corp. Co. E

CONNEC TICUT VOL UN TEERS.

385

B. W. Taft, prv. Co. E
W. G. Ilayward, prv. Co. E
Frank Reed. prv. Co. G
G. W. Underwood, prv. Co. (i
William Lewis, prv. Co. 11
Patrick Heverin, prv. Co. H
Joseph Abby, prv. Co. H
A. D. Wilber, prv. Co. H

James Mussey, prv. Co. E
C. A. Jillson, prv. Co. E
Josiah W. Whitney, prv. Co. G
Tracy Rogers, corp, Co. G
Eben R. Eaton, prv. Co. H
Chas. U. Brooks, prv. Co. H.
John F. Gager, prv. Co. H
Joseph Golding, prv. Co. H

Wm. Caruthers, lieut. Co. PL
Casualties at battle of Piedmont, Va., June 5th, 1864.

KILLED.

E. B. Culver, adjutant
J. T. Burnham, prv. Co. C
Chas. T. Fanning, prv. Co. C
Wm,. L. Adams, corp. Co. D
Thos. D. Cooper, prv. Co. D
Isaiah Leonard, prv. Co. D
Albert G. Franklin, prv. Co. E
J. T. Bradle)^ corp. Co. F"
Thos. McMahon, prv. Co. F
John B. Scott, sergt Co. G
Jerome Cahoo

John S. Greene, prv. Co. A
Wm. FI. Hamilton, prv. Co. C
W. H. Paine, sergt. Co. D
Joseph P. Adams, prv. Co. D
Edwin F". Johnson, prv. Co. D
John T. Maginnis, lieut Co. E
Hiram D. Rose, prv. Co. E
J. M. Weeks, prv. Co. F
C. F. Sheridan, prv. Co. F
Jabez H. Bogue, prv. Co. I
ne, sergt. Co. K.

WOUNDED.

Henry C. Gaskell, corp. Co. A
Wm. H. Johnson, prv. Co. A
Henry F. Paine, corp. Co. B
Martin Cragan, prv. Co. B
C. C. Chappell, sergt. Co. C
Joel Cary, corp. Co. C
Calvin Bramble, prv. Co. C
S. H. Freeman, corp. Co. C
C. C. Lee, prv. Co. C

George S. Town, prv. Co. A
Stephen H. Spencer, prv. Co. A
Charles Campbell, prv. Co. B
E. S. Hinckley, lieut Co. C
S. Downer, color sergt. Co. C
A. P. Durfee, corp. Co. C
C. H. Ellsworth, prv. Co. C
A E. Gates, prv. Co. C
Lemuel A. Manning, prv, Co. C

40

386

ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT

Walter H. Muzzy, prv. Co. C
J. A. Tilden, prv. Co, C
J. E. York, prv. Co. C
John R. Carter, corp. Co. D
E. F. Bickford, corp. Co. D.
James F. Buckley, prv. Co. D
Otis Brown, prv. Co. D.
Oscar Coman, prv. Co D
Wm P. Johnson, prv. Co. D
Paris H. Aldrich, prv. Co. D
Charles E. Bates, prv. Co. D
Michael Clark, prv. Co. D
S. J. Alger, prv. Co. E
John Johnson, prv. Co. E
Hiram Snow, prv. Co. E
E. T. Albertine, prv. Co E
James Kelliher, prv. Co. E
S. B. West, prv. Co. E
Geo. W. Kegwin, prv. Co. E
Charles H. Carroll, sergt Co. F
Henry Appleton, corp. Co. F
F. R. Greene, prv. Co. F
John Valentine, prv. Co. F
Charles L. Humes, prv. Co. F
James Nugent, prv. Co. F
S. H. Gallup, corp, Co. G
Peter Gerue, prv. Co. G
Albert Fliscox, prv. Co. G
Ichabod C. Davis, prv. Co. G
S. Comins, color sergt. Co H
M. V. B. Farnham, prv. Co. H
William B. Brown, prv. Co. H
James Carney, prv. Co. H
Alonzo Weldon, prv. Co. H

F. W. Taylor, prv. Co. C
Aaron Wolfe, prv. Co. C
Nelson P. Lord, prv. Co. C
Chas. R. Conant, corp. Co. D
Lyman M. Aldrich, prv. Co. D
Chas. E. Brayton, prv. Co. D
Joel T. Converse, prv. Co. D
David C. Fox, prv. Co. D
Edward P Ryan, prv. Co. D
Thomas Cooper, prv. Co. D
Luther White, prv. Co. D
John L. Coman, prv. Co. D
C. A. Beckwith, prv. Co. E
Charles Lewis, prv. Co. E
Geo. Parkinson, prv. Co. E
John Fogtmar, prv. Co. E
John McKusker, prv. Co. E
John Weller, prv. Co. E
C. D. Hartsgrove, prv. Co. E
Charles T. Thurber, corp. Co. F
Wm. L, Davis, prv. Co. F
Roswell Butler, prv. Co. F
Geo. Carroll, prv. Co. F
Charles T. Setchell, prv. Co. F
J. P. Rockwell, lieut. Co. G
James E. Tripp, corp. Co. G
Samuel C. Ockery, prv. Co. G
Hiram Smith, prv. Co. G
William Caruthers, lieut. Co. H
James K, Brown, prv, Co. H
Dennis Sullivan, prv. Co. H
Wm. W. Griggs, prv. Co. H
Daniel K. Sweet, prv. Co. H
N. W. Bennett, prv. Co. H

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 387

John Lilley, lieut. Co. I Flenry D. Gleason, corp. Co. I
S. P. Keppler, corp. Co. F Linneaus Wild, corp. Co, I
Isaac Roath, corp. Co. I J as. E. Benjamin, prv. Co. I
Joseph O. Lathrop, prv. Co. I Wm. J. .S. Thornhill, prv. Co. I
D. N. Williams, prv. Co. I Adam Oechler, prv. Co. I
S. P. Miner, prv. Co. I Palmer S. Greene, prv. Co. I
Owen McShean, prv. Co. I John A. Wilbur, prv. Co. I
A. M. Holmes, prv. Co. I John Taylor, prv. Co. I
W. H. Albee, prv. Co. I Joseph D. Hall, sergt Co. K
Davis U. Handy, corp. Co. K John Glinn, corp. Co. K
R. D. Curtis, prv. Co. K David D. Lathrop, prv. Co. K
Levi Short, prv. Co. K W. H. Newel, prv. Co. K ¦
Almanzo M. Smith, prv. K Chas. O. Penery, prv, Co. K
Casualties at battle of Lynchburg, Va., June 18th, 1864.
WOUNDED.
William G. Ely, colonel Samuel J. Lee, sergt. Co. A
Wm. C. Mitchell, prv. Co. A Daniel Carney, prv. Co. A
Edwin R. Wood, prv. Co. B Albert Hibbard, prv. Co. B
Dennis D. Mahony, prv. Co. F C. A. Tourtelotte, sergt Co. H
Amos G. Crandall, prv. Co. H Thomas Conner, prv. Co. H
Otis S. Wade, prv. Co. K Edwin Spalding, prv. Co. I.
Casualties at battle of Snicker's Ford, July i8th, 1864.
KILLED.
G. B. Hartford, corp. Co. A John Delany, prv. Co. A
Thos. J. Aldrich, prv. Co. D M. J. Weeks, prv. Co. G
John Carney, prv. Co. H James M. Smith, prv. Co. K
WOUNDED.
James Dewing, prv. Co. A Daniel H. Johnson, prv. Co. A
Elmer D. Cook, prv. Co. B C. M. Greene, prv. Co. B
Geo. E. Comins, sergt. Co. C R. Corey, prv. Co. C

3^8 ELGHTEENTH REGLMENT
Joseph Mathewson, capt. Co. D F. G. Bixby, lieut. Co. D
Nathan Chase, prv. Co. D Patrick Clark, prv. Co. D
Thos. J. Leonard, prv. Co. D Geo. C. Johnson, prv. Co. D
N. G. Gardner, prv. Co. E John Jones, prv. Co. E
Orrin Cook, prv. Co. F Wm. W. Comins, prv. Co. G
John H. Wilcox, prv. Co. G Henry G. Tracy, prv. Co. H
Joseph A. Tracy, mus. Co. H E. W. Bingham, prv. Co. H
Joseph Kenworthy, prv. Co. H M. V B. 'Fiffany, capt Co. I
Geo. S. Cogswell, sergt. Co. I Chas. S. Miller, prv. Co. I
O. W. Champlin, prv. Co. K Thos. T. Bates, prv. Co. K
Casualties at battle of Winchester, July 24th, 1864.
WOUNDED.
A. J. Huntington, corp. Co. A Andrew Bishop, prv. Co. A
Wm. C. Hillard, sergt. Co. E L. H. Newcomb, prv. Co. H
J. S. Colburn, prv. Co. H Wrn. H. Boyden, corp. Co. H
Thos. D. -Spencer, sergt. Co. H
Casualties at battle of Berryville, September 3d, 1864.
WOUNDED.
John Lilley, lieut. Co. I John F^ Corey, prv. Co. I
Died at Andersonville, Ga.
Prv. Andrew Bishop, Company A.
Prv. Albert Flibbard, Company B, November i8th, 1864.
Sergt Sylvanus Downer, Company C, November 5th, 186^.
Prv. Gilbert H. Gott, Coinpany C, August 30th, 1864.
Prv. George W. Ward, Company C, February 6th, 1865.
Prv. Joseph H. Winship, Company C, November 5th, 1864.
Prv. Joseph W. Robinson, Company 1), September 29th, 1864.
Corp. Chauncey J. Williams, Coinpany E, August 18th, 1864.
Prv. William G. Hayward, Company E, September i ith, 1864.
Prv. Nathaniel W. Bennett, Company FI, October r3th, 1864.
Prv. Linus C. Short, Company K, September 7th, 1864.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 389

Died at Florence, S. C.
Prv. George W. Dodge, Company D, October iith, 1864,
Prv. Chas. A. Jillson, Coinpany E, December 5th, 1864.
Prv. James Massey, Company E, January 7th, 1865.
Prv. Israel Varney, Company E, February loth, 1865.
Prv. W. W. Adams, Company G, November 15th, 1864.
Prv. Geo. W. Underwood, Company G, January 27th, 1865.
Prv. John F. Gager, Coinpany H, February 15th, 1865.
Died at Charleston, S. C.
Prv. William H. Pike, Company B, September 26th, 1864.
Prv. Joseph Golding, Coinpany H, October iith, 1864.
Prv. William Lewis, Coinpany H, September 7th, 1864.
Died at Danville, Va.
Prv. Henry C. Gaskill, Company A, February 20th, 1865.
Prv. Jonathan S. Colburn, Company H, February 15th, 1865.
Prv. Lucius H. Newcomb, Company H, February 13th, 1865.
Died at \A'^inchester, Va.
Prv. J. Crawford, Coinpany A, of wounds, July 2d, 1863.
Prv. Islay B. Martin, Coinpany A, of wounds, July 2d, 1863.
Prv. N. C. Thompson, Company A, of wounds, June 30th, 1863.
Died at Staunton, Va.
Prv. A. E. Gates, Company C, of wounds, June loth, 1864.
Corp. John R. Carter, Company D, of wounds, July loth, 1864.
Corp. Chas. R. Conant, Company D, of wounds, June 26th, 1864.
Prv. C. A. Beckwith, Company E, of wounds, August 4th, 1864.
Prv. John H. Wilcox, Company G, of wounds, July loth, 1864.
Prv. W. W. Griggs, Company H, of wounds, June 15th, 1864.
Prv. S. P. Miner, Company I, of wounds, June 30th, 1865.
Prv. Levi M. Short, Company K, of wounds, June 30th, 1864.

390 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT
Died at Lynchburg, Va.
Sergt. C. A. 'Fourtellotte, Company H, of wounds, Aug. 15, 1864.
Corp. H. D. Gleason, Company I, of wounds.
Prv. Charles Haskell, Company H, died F"ebruary 19th, 1865, at
Saulisbury, N. C.
Prv. Adam Acksler, Company I, died October 5th, 1864, at
Madisonville, Ga.
Corp. Charles Bartlett, Company K, died February 20th, 1864,
at Richmond, Va. Died while in service.
Company A.
Prv. Horatio Burdick, October 19th, 1862, Fort McHenry.
Prv. Elias H. Chapman, July 30th, 1863, Annapolis, Md.
Prv. Wm. H. Town, March 28th, 1864, Sandy Hook, Md.
Company B
Corp. Henry F. Paine, August loth, 1864.
Prv. John Q. Adams, May, 1864, Martinsburg, Va.
Prv. Lorenzo H. Buck, December 28th, 1863, Martinsburg, Va.
Prv. David Green, June 20th, 1863, Balto, Md.
Prv. Hazel E. Mathewson, December 1 ith, 1864, Annapolis, Md.
Prv. William Roy, October 27th, 1864, Annapolis, Md.
Company C.
Prv. Lucius G. Pember, December 27th, 1864, Annapolis, Md.
Prv. John Schalk, August i6th, 1863.
Prv. Francis W. Taylor, March 28th, 1865, Annapolis, Md.
Prv. Patrick McNamara, January 19th, 1F65.
Company D.
Prv. John Lummis, November, 1864.
Prv. Peter Randall, March loth, 1865, Thompson, Ct.
Prv. Luther White, March r4th, 1865.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 391

Company E.
Prv. Nathaniel S. Carr, May 25th, 1864, New Haven, Ct.
Corp. Stephen A. Franklin, August 20th, 1864, Sandy Flook, Md
Prv. Wallace Fox, F>.bruary 2d, 1864, Martinsburg, Va.
Prv. Thomas Kinrey, May ist, 1864, New Flaven, Ct.
Prv. Julius J. Rood, February 3d, 1864, Martinsburg, Va.
Prv. George W. Tarbox, August loth, 1864, Cumberland, Md.
Company F.
Corp. J. Forestner, August 9th, 1863, Camp Parole, Md.
Prv. Alfred S. Chappell, September 17th, 1863, Philadelphia, Pa.
Prv. Wm. H. Campbell, September loth, 1863, Camp Parole, Md,
Prv. George W. Fox, April 17th, 1865, Martinsburg, Va.
Prv. Nathan B. Green, F"ebruary 4th, 1864, Martinsburg, Va.
Prv. Daniel Wilbur, Company E, killed January 5th, 1863, at
Flarewood, Md. Company G.
Corp. C. A. Bosworth, December 27th, 1862, Camp Emory, Md.
Corp. Samuel L. Marcy, July 15th, 1863, Annapolis, Md.
Corp. Edwin S. Tabor, August 22d, 1863, Annapolis, Md.
Prv. Asa H. Bund), February 6th, 1863, Balto, Md.
Prv. John Morrison, missing in action May 15th, 1864. Sup
posed to be dead.
Prv. Stiles Rawson, December 3d, 1862, Camp in Md.
Company H.
Corp. Seth H. Chapman, September 17th, 1863, Annapolis, Md.
Musician Jos. A. 'Pracy, of wounds, August 7th, 1864.
Prv. Russell W. Adams, August 8th, 1863, Annapolis, Md.
Prv. Henry Aple)^ January gth, 1864, Annapolis, Md.
Prv. Iznart P. Cushman, April 7th, 1863, Balto, Md.
Prv. Franklin E. Gurley, October 17, 1864, Cumberland, Md.
Prv. Alfred A. Snell, August 25th, 1863, Annapolis, Md.
Prv. Lester C. Smith, July 26th, 1864, Martinsburg, Va.

392 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT
Prv. Edwin Thomas, June 4th, 1863, Willimantic, Ct.
Prv. Amariah D. Wilbur, May 3d, 1865, Wilmington, N. C.
Prv. Laughlin Brady, July 28th, 1864.
Prv. George S. Hayes, October 27th, 1863, Martinsburg, Va.
Company I.
Prv. Chas. H. Beckwith, December ist, 1862, Norwich, Ct.
Prv. Martin Carl, September 25th, 1S64, Sandy Hook, Md.
Prv. John P. Herrick, January 26th, 1864, Martinsburg, Va.
Company K.
Prv. Oliver B. Burnham, of wounds, F"ebruary 12th, 1864, Mar
tinsburg. Va.
Prv. John Penry, November 28th, 1862. Havre de Grace, Md.
Sergt W. Young, killed January 6th, 1863, Havre de Grace, Md.
Unassigned recruit
Prv. George F. Avery, March 7th, 1864, West Haven, Ct.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS.

393,

ORIGINAL ROSTER OF THE REGIMENT.

FIELD AND STAFF.

Name and Bank.

Residence.

Colonel,

William G. Ely

Norwich

Lieut, Colonel.

Monroe Nichols

Thompson

Major.

Ephraim Keech, Jr.

Killingly

Adjutant,

Edward L. Porter
N. London
Quarter-master,
Dwight W. Hakes
Norwich
Surgeon,
Charles M. Carleton "
\st Asst, Surgeon,
Josiah V. HARRINGT0^
\ Sterling
2d Asst. Surgeon,
Henry W. Hough
Putnam
Chaplain.
Varnum a. Cooper
N. London
Sergt, Major.
Joseph P. Rockwell
Norwich
Q. M. Sergeant,
William Caruthers
ii
Com. Sergeant.
Henry Hovey
a
Hosp. Steward.
J. D. Ripley
ii
Date Muster Remarks.
1862.
July 24 Wd. Discharged Sept. 18 '64.
Aug. 8 Resigned April 26 '64.
Aug. 8 " disability. May 20 '63.
Aug. 4 Pro. Capt. Killed Win. June is'63.
Aug. 4 Disc, for promotion April 13 '65.
Aug. 6 Resigned, disability, April 17 '63.
Aug. II Died Dec i '64, Sterling, Ct.
Sept. 20 Resigned March 6 '63
Aug. 27 " "4 '63
July 26 Wd. Pr. Capt. M. O. June 27 '65
July 14 Wd. Pr. istLt. " "27 '65
Aug. 4 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
July 16 " , " > 27 '6.5,
(I <(
60
394

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

COMPANY A.

Name and Rank.
Captain ,
Henry C. Davis
ij/ Lieutenant.
Adam H. Lindsley
id Lieutenant.
James D. Higgins
Sergeants.
Robert Kerr
David Torrance
George S. Town
Samuel J- Lee
Lewis Hovey Corporals,
George B. Marshall
Gabriel B. Hartford
Asa Dillahy
¦William J. Ross
Alfred J. Huntington
Benjamin F. Jaques
Lyman Frisbie
George (" Setchell
Musicians.
Alex. R. Cochran
Andrew F. Whiting
Wagoner.
William H. Burdick
Privates.
Adams, Milan W.
Adams, William N.
Avery, Edwin P.
Button, Guy D.
Bishop, Andrew
Brand, Lewis
Burdick, Horatio
Brady, Patrick
Burdick, Samuel
Byron, James
Bennett, Ebenezer S.

Residence. Date Muster. Remarks.
1862.
Norwich Aug. 8 Hon. discharged April 25 '65.

Aug. 8
Aug. 2

" 17 '65.
Oct. 27 '64.

Scotland

July 18 Pr. ist Lt. M. O. 2d Lt. June 27 '65.
July 17 Dis. Ap. Capt. 29th C.V. Dec. 25'63
July 21 Wd. June 5 '64. M. O.June 27 '65.
Aug. 2 " 18 '64. " " 27 '65.
July 26 AVd. May 15 '64. " " 27 '65.

Norwich Jul}- 29 M. O. June 27 '65, Har[)er's Ferry.
Canterbury July 18 Killed July 18 '64, Snicker's Ford.
Norwich July 18 M. O. June 27 '65, Harjier's Ferry
" July 23 Disc, for app. in C. T. Jan. 21 '64
Bozrah July 22 Wd. July 24 '64, M. O. May 23 '65.
Norwich July 22 M. O, June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Aug. 4 " " 27 '6s,
Aug. 2 " " 27 '65,
" Aug. 7 Deserted May 22, 1863.
July 23 Discharged Feb. 18 '64.
" July 26 M. O, June 19 '65, Baltimore, Md.

Canterbury Aug. i
Aug. II
Norwich July 17
Aug. 2
Bozrah July 21
July 21
Norwich July 23
July 26
;; July 25
Aug. 6
Canterbury Aug. i

M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry.
Tr. Inv. Corps. I\I. O. July 14 '65.
Discharged Oct. 4 '64.
Disc, disability, June 18 '65. ,
Wd. and capt. Died July 24 '64.
Discharged, disab., Aug. '63.
Died Oct. 19 '62, Ft. McHenry.
M. O.June 27*65, Harper's Ferry.
Discharged, dis., Jan. 4 '64.
M. O. June 27 '64, Harper's Ferry.
Discharged, dis., Feb. 3 '64.

CONNECTICUT VOL UN TEERS,

395

Name and Rank.
Clark, Wm. T.
Chapman, Elias H.
Clark, John S.
Card, Charles P.
Chappell, Samuel H.
Carey, Charles W.
Campbell, Peter
Carver, James
Carney, Daniel
Crawford, John
Clark, James
Cushman, David F.
Clark, Francis L.
Capwell, George W.
Chalmers, John
Dian, John S.
Durfey, Henry M.
Delaney, John
Fanning, George W.
Gaskill, Henry C
Gilroy, Charles
Gorry, .John
Gibson, Savillian F.
Greene, Alberi C.
Greene John S.
Holdridge, William A.
Hill, Elisha D.
Hancock, Joseph A.
Hanley, Michael
Johnson, Daniel H.
Kelley, Andrew J.
Kerr, John
Kingsley, Jared L.
Laird, John
Leonard, M. Luther
Latham, Albert
Martin, John W.
Matthewson, Alfred
McCracken, James
Martin, Islay B.

Residence. Date Muster.

Remarks.

Bozrah Aug. 5 M. O. June 27 '64, Harper's Ferry.
Griswold July, 31 Died July 30 '63, Annapolis, Md.
Norwich Aug, 2 M.O.June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry.
Canterbury Aug, 3 Tr. Invalid Corps Sept. 30 '63.
Norwich July 19 Deserted May 22 '63.
July 24 M. O. July i '65, Cumberl'd, Md.
Preston July 21 " June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry.
Norwich July 28 '" " 27 '65, " "
" July 22 Wd. June 18 '64. M.O. May 28 '65.
" July 22 Died July 2 '63, of wounds.
" July 23 Tr. to V. R. C. M. O. June 27 '65.
" July 21 M. O. June27 '65, Harper's Ferry.
Lebanon Aug. 4 " '' 27 '65, '" "
Bozrah Aug. 4 " " 27 '65, " "
Norwich July 22 " " 27 '65, " "
Hampton Aug. 3 Deserted Nov. 8 '64.
Norwich Aug. 9 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry.
" July 17 Killed July t8 '64.
" July 29 Discharge, dis, March 25 '64.
" '^ug. I Wd. June 5 '64. Died Feb. 20 '65.
" July 24 Deseried .Vug. 2] '62.
" July 22 M.O Tune 27 '65, Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 2 " " " 27, '65,
Canterbury .Ang, 4 " May 31 '65. Frederick, Md.
¦Aug.. 4 Wd. May 15 '64, Killed June 5 '64
^Vaterford Aug, 4 M.O.June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry.
Norwich July 21 " "27 '65. " "
" July 23 Wd. May 15 '64. NL O.June 27 '65.
" July 22 Wd. June 15 '63. Disc. June 16*64.
July 29 Wd. July 18 '64. M. O. June 27 '65
" Aug. 2 M. O.June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry.
'¦ July 23 Jl'r. to Invalid Corps -May i '64.
" Aug. 4 M. O.June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 8 •' " ¦' 27 '65,
July 25 Disc, toenter U. S.C T. Mch4'64.
July 25 Discharged .\pril 10 '64.
" July 17 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry.
Bozrah July 21 " " 27 '65,
Norwich .Aug. 8 Killed June 15 '63, Winchester, Va.
" Aug. 5 Died July 2 '63, of wounds.

396

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

Name and Kank.
Mitchell, William C.
Muzzey, Benjamin H.
Marshall, Wilson C.
Miner, Charles H., Jr.,
McDavid, George
Mossman, Alexander
McClure, John
Pitcher, George
Pitcher, Albert H.
Parker, Timothy
Robinson, Francis
Ray, George H.
Richards, Charles J.
Service, Thomas
Sherman, Horace U.
Schofield, LeGrand
Spencer, Stephen H.
Shaw, Daniel
Semples, James W.
Service, John
Sullivan, Daniel B.
Sweet, Edwin
Town, William H.
Thompson, Nelson C.
Taylor, Samuel
Tifft, John H.
Wood, Asa F.
Wood, .Alfred
Worden, Samuel D.
Young, Robert

Residence. Date Muster.

Preston Norwich

Canterbury Aug. 4

Norwich

Aug. 2

ii

Aug. 5

a

July 23

t(

July 17

ii

July 26

(£

July 25

ii

July 26

((

July 17

<C

July 25

Canterbury

Aug. 4

Norwich

Aug 7

ii

Aug. 4

a

July 22

t.

Aug. 4

4t

Aug. 6

((

July 23

Canterbury

Aug. 4

Norwich

July 2?

Remarks.
July 21 Wd. June 18 '64. M. O.June? '65.
July 31 M. O. May 20 '65, Hartford, Ct.
July 23 " June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 5 " " 27-65, " _ "
July 19 Discharged, dis., March i '63.
July 19 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry.
July 19 " " 27-65,
Aug. 4 " " 27-65, "
July 23 Wd June 15 '63. M. O. June 27 '65
July 23 M.O. June 27 '65 Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 4 Discharged, dis., March 2 '63.
M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry.
" May 22 '65, Jarvis Hosp.
" June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry.
" 27 65
" 27 65
Wd. June 5 64. M. O. June 27 65.
M. O. June 27 65, Harper's Feiry.
" June 27 65,
" June 27 65 " "
July 25 Wd. June 15 63. M. 0. May i8 65.
Discharged, dis , Feb. 7 63.
Died March 28 64, Sandy Hook.
Died June 30 63, of wounds.
M. O. June 27 65, Harper's Ferry.
" June 27 65,
" 27 65,
" " 27 65, "
Wd. June 15 63. Disc.,dis. Mch.864
July 25 M. O. June 27 65, Harper's Ferry.

COMPANY B.

Captain. 1862.
Thomas K. Bates Brooklyn July 16 Wd. Disc, disability, Nov. 17 '63
\st Lieutenant,
Horatio Blanchard Killingly Aug. i Pr. Capt. M. O. June 27 '65, H. F.
2d Lieutenant,
Ezra D. Carpenter Putnam July 14 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS.

397

Name and Rank.
Sergeants.
Edgar Amsbury
Sim C. Chamberlain
Caleb Blanchard
Stephen W .Aldrich
(ieorge Torry
Corporals,
Anson Withey
Laurens Card
Stephen J. Lee
Henry F. Paine
Samuel R. Davis
^Villi.lm H. .Austin
Edwin L. Joslyn
Thomas M. Day
Musicians.
Henry B. Fuller
Dwight C. Brown
Wagoner.
William A. Handy
Privates,
Adams, John Q.
Adams, William A.
Adams, Olney
Aldrich, Welcome B.
Anderson, William H
Arnold, Lorenzo B.
Armington, Joseph
Burroughs, George H
Burroughs, Francis
Bemis, Harrison O.
Buck, Lorenzo H.
Bartlett, Edwin S.
Bacon, Abner F.
Brown, Harlan P
Bolles, Darius A.
Baker, George R.
B.irtlett, George W,
Brewster, Sidney M.
Cragan, Martin 50^

Residence. Date Muster.

Remarks.

Killingly July 14 M. O. May 17 '65, Frederick, Md.
Brooklyn Aug. 2 " " 20 -65, " ''
Killingly July 18 " " 20 -65, Hartford, Ct.
Brooklyn July 28 " June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Woodstock July 16 Disc, for app. in C. T., Dec. 8 '63

Killingly Putnam
Killingly

Aug. 4 8 63
Aug, 2 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry

July

27 '65,

July 21 Wounded. Died Aug. 10 '64.
July 28 Discharged April i '64.
Aug. I " disability, Dec. 24 '62.
Aug. 26 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Aug. 2 " " 27 '65,

July 16

" 27 '65

July 21

" 27-65

Brooklyn

July 12

Killingly

Aug. I

((

Aug. 4

Putnam

July 14

ct

July 22

Brooklyn

Aug. 4

Killingly

Aug. 5

ii

July 29

ii

Aug. 2

<c

Aug. 2

Putnam

Aug. 4

Woodstock

July 15

Killingly

Aug I

.fc

Aug. 2

4-

July 14

Woodstock

Aug. 5

t;

Aug. 5

Putnam

July 25

Killingly

July 23

July 21 Discharged, disability, Feb. 15 '64.

Died May -64, Martinsburg, Va.
M. O. June 27 65, Harper-s Ferry.
" May 18 65, New Haven, Ct.
" June 27 65, Harper's Ferry.
" May 24 65, New York City.
" June 27 6":, Harper's Ferry.
" " 2765", "
•' " 2765, "
May 23 65 "
" June 27 65 " "
Died Dec. 28 63, Martinsburg, Va.
M. O. June 17 65, Worcester, .Mass.
" May 20 65, Hartford Ct.
Discharged, dis , March 2 63.
M. O. June 27 65 Harper's Ferry.
" " 2765, "
" " 7 65, Annapolis, Md.
" " 2^7 65, Harper's Ferry.
" "2/ 65, "

398

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

Name and Rank.
Clark, Allen
Colvin, David M.
Cook, Elmer D.
Chesbro, George L.
Campbell, Charles
Corcoran, Thomas
Coomes, Ransalaer
Chaffee, Myron J.
Danielson, Daniel D.
Dye, Van Buren
Donahue, John
Dagget, James
Emerson, David
Freeman, Frederick M.
Fox, John A.
Frazier, Richard
Franklin, Edmund
Gordon, Elias K.
Green, David
Geer, Henry H.
Green, Clarendon M.
Gould, Henry K.
Gochie, Joseph
Hart, Lewis
Heaih, George W.
Harrington, John
Houghton, Amasa
Hall, William A.
Hibbard, Albert
Kilfoyle, Patrick
Kelly, Norman
Kinney, Nathan
Mathewson, Hazel E.
Mclntyre, William
Morse, Stephen H.
Matthews, Altiery K.
McLaughlin, Hugh
Morse, Needham
Miller, Josiah
Neff, Hamilton H.

Residence.
Killingly
Brooklyn PutnamKillingly
PlainfieldPutnam
Woodstock Killingly Brooklyn
Killingly .i
Brooklyn
Killingly

Brooklyn
WoodstockKillingly Brooklyn Putnam ii
Killingly
Woodstock ii
Killingly

Brooklyn
Killingly
Brooklyn Killingly PlainfieldKillinglyPutnam Brooklyn

Date Muster. Remarks.
July 24 M. O May 30 '65, Hartford, Ct.
Aug. 4 " June 2765, Harper's Ferry.
July 25 Wd." " 27 65,
Aug. 4. Discharged, dis., March 2 63.
July 17 Wd. M. O. June 2 65, Jarvis Hos.
July 14 M O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 2 Discharged, dis. March 2 6t,.
fuly 21 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferr)^
Aug. I " "27 -6s,
July 22 " " 27 '6s,
July 26 " May 30 '65, York, Pa.
July 23 Killed June 15 63, Winchester, Va.
July 26 M. O. June 27 65, Harper's Ferry.
July 18 " " " 27 65,
Aug I " May 30 65, Hartford, Ct.
Aug I Wd. discharged, dis,, Dec. 14 '63.
Aug. 4 M. O. July 14 65, Hartford Ct.
July 15 " June 2; 65, Harper's Ferry.
July 28 Died June 20 63, Baltimore, ild.
July 21 Discharged, dis., March 2, 63.
Aug. 4 M. O. June 27 65, Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 4 " " 2765, " ^ "
July 29 Discharged, dis., Dec. 18 '63
July 22 M. O June 19 65, York Pa.
July 21 " " 27 65, Hamper's Ferry.
Aug. 4 " " 27 6s, "
July 24 Discharged, dis. Oct. 1362,

July 18
July 28
July 23
July 31
July 28

Aug. 4
July 28
July 3'
July 31
Aug. 4

" Dec 31 63.
Wd.Died Nov.18 64, And'ville.Ga.
Deserted.M. O. June 27 65, Harper's Ferry.
" " 2765, "
July 29 Died Dec. 11 64, Annapolis, Md.
July 30 M. O. June 27 65, Harper's F"erry.
Aug. 4 _" " 27 65,
Discharged, dis., Oct. 12 62.
M. O. June 27 65, Harper's Ferry.
Discharged June 18 63.
M. O. June 27 65, Harper's Ferry.
" 27 65.

CONNEC TICUT VOL UNTEERS.

399

Name and Rank.
Olney, William F.
Olney, Charles E.
Paine, John M.
Pike, William H.
Potter, Alvah D.
Pollock, William H.
Richmond, Calvin H.
Randall, John W. '
Randall, Smith H.
Smith, Isaac W.
Stewart, John F.
Simmons, Thomas
Spaulding, Samuel K,
Sawyer, James H.
Spaulding, Edmond W.
Scofield, Uri B.
Trask, William A.
Taylor, Lucian A.
Taylor, James .A.
Trask, Adelbert R.
Ward, William H.
Wood, Edwin R.
Watson, James

Residence. Date Muster. . Remarks.
Killingly Aug. i M. O.June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
July 31 '¦ " 276s,
Woodstock July 30 Disc, for appt. U.S. C'T.,Mch.6,'64.
Plainfield July 29 Died Sept. 26- '64, Charleston, S C
Putnam July 30 M. O. June 27 65, Harper's Ferry.
Killingly Aug. 5 Discharged June 18 63.
" July 25 M. O. June 27 65, Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 2 " " 27 65,
July 14 " " 2765, "
July 22 Discharged, dis., March 2 63.
" July 14 M. O. May 2065, Frederick, Md.
" Aug. 4 Killed June 15 63, Winchester, Va.
Putnam July 28 Wd. M. O. June 27 65, Harper's F.
Woodstock Aug. 4 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Killingly Aug. i " " 10 65, Annapolis, Md.
" Aug. I " " 27 65, Harpers Ferry.
Plainfield July 29 " "27 65,
Woodstock July 15 " " 27 65, " "
Killingly Aug, 4 Discharged, disability, Ma>' '(>-^.
Plainfield July 14 M. O. June 27 65, Harper's Ferry.
Putnam July 29 " " 27 65,
" July 16 Wd. Discharged, dis.. May 4 65.
Plainfield July 14 M. O.June 27 65, Harper's Ferry.

COMPANY C.

Captain,
Isaac H. Bromley Norwich
\st Lieutenant,
Samuel T. C Merwin "
2d Lieutenant,
Henry Cowles "
Sergeants.
Reuben B Brown "
Andrew Washburn Lebanon
Charles Robinson "
Edward S. Hinckley "
Charles H. Carpenter Norwich
Corporals.
Samuel H. Freeman "

1862.
July 26 Honorably disc, March 31 '63.
Aug. 7 Pr. Capt. M. O. ist Lt. June 27 '65
July 26 Pr. ist Lt. Hon. disc. May 15 '65.
Aug. 5 M. O. June 23 '65, Hartford, Ct.
July 31 Pr. 2dLt. Ap. U.S.C.T. Feb. 24 '64
Aug. 13 Pr. 2d Lt. Disc, for ap. U. S. C. T.
Aug. 8 Pr. ist Lt. M. O. June 27 '65, H. F.
Aug. 6 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Aug. 7 Wd. M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's F

400

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

Name and Rank.
Thomas C. Abell,
George R. Bill
Restcome Peckham
E. Benjamin Culver
Alonzo S. Mather
Sylvanus Downer
George E. Comins
Musicians.
Charles E. Case
Judson A. Gager
Wagoner,
William A. Wetmore
Privates.
Abell, John W.
-Anderson, Charles W.
Avery, Charles M.
Avery, James H.
Bacon, Harrison E.
Blackman, B. Burrell,
Bingham, Henry A.
Bramble, Calvin
Brand, Christopher A.
Brady George W.
Brockway, Thomas C.
Burdick, Gilbert A.
Carey, Joel
Carpenter, Charles H.
Coggswell, George
Congdon, Peleg C
Chappell, Charles C.
Clark, Joseph P.
Clark, Henry T.
Cross, George W.
¦Crosby, Hiram B.
Davoll, Joseph G.
Dorrance, George E.
Durfee, .Abisha P.
Ellis, William H. H.
Ellsworih, Charles H.
Ellsworth, David

Residence. Date Muster

Remarks.

Lebanon Aug. 8 M. O. May 19' '65, Harper's Ferry
" July 31 Discharged April 7 '64.
" Aug. 8 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Norwich July 26 Pr. Adjt. Died of wds. June 6 '64.
Lebanon Aug. 8 Discharged March 28 '64.
Norwich Aug. 1 1 Wd. Died Nov. 5 '64, Ander'ville.
" Aug. 24 Wd. M. O. J une 27 "65, Harper's F.
" July 29 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Lebanon Aug, 7 " " 27 '65,
" Aug. 7 M. O. June 2 '65, Jarvis Hospital.

M O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
" 27 -65, ¦ "
Wd. M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's F
M. O. May 30 '65, Hartford, Ct.
M. O. May 23 '65, Frederick, Md.
App. in U. S. C. T. March 23 '64.
a i^ ii „ ,. ^ ^ .
23 04-
Wd. M. O. June 27 '65, H F.
Trans, to 21st C. V. Aug. 18 '62.
Pro. Adj. M. O. June 27, H. F.
Discharged, disability, Dec. 23 '62
M. O. June 22 '65, Frederick, Md
Wd. M. O. May 22 '65, Jarvis Hos.
Discharged for app in U. S. C. T.
Wd. M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's F.
M. O. June 27 '65, Harpei's Ferry
Wd. M. O. June 27 '65, H. Ferry.
M. O. May 18 '65, New Haven.
" June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
27 05,
Pr. Col. Disc Lt. Col. Sep. 14 '64
Discharged, disability. May 6 '63.
Tr. to Inv. Corps March 15 '64.
Wd. M. O. June 27 '65. H Ferry
M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Wd. M. O. May 18 '65, N. Haven
M. O. June 5 '65, Annapolis, Md.

a

Aug. 4

Norwich

Aug. 7

Preston

Aug. 8

ii

Aug. 6

Norwich

Aug. I

ii

July 26

Lisbon

Aug. II

Lyme

Aug. 7

Norwich

July 25

a

Aug. 8

Lyme

Aug. 7

Freston

July 26

Norwich

Aug. 2

LC

Aug. 7

ii

Aug. 6

Lebanon

Aug. 13

((

Aug. 8

Scotland

Aug. 5

Norwich

Aug. 4

"

Aug, 6

(.

July 26

Lebanon

Aug. 9

Norwich

Aug. 4

Lebanon

Aug. 12

Norwich

Aug. 6

Griswold

Aug. 8

Berlin

Aug. 21

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS.

401

Name and Ratik.
Fanning, Charles T.
Fitch, Edwin S., Jr.
Fletcher, FreeRorn O.
Gates, .Alfred E.
Geer, Ch.irles F.
Green, Joseph B.
Greenman, George
Hamilton, William H.
Hempstead, Albert
Holmes, John
Holmes, Asher D.
Huntington, J. L. W.
Jewell, Willi.uu C.
Keeler, George W.
Keables, Charles F.
Kidder, Edwin M.
Kraus, .Adam
Leach, Edwin T.
Loomis, Adgate L.
Lord, Nelson P
Lombard, Marcina
Lumis, Thomas J.
Lynch, Charles
Manning, Lemuel A.
• MeWhirr, John F.
Muzzy, Walter H.
Noyei, Ch.irles C.
Ormsby, Henry B.
Pember, Lucius G.
Potter, Elisha R,
R.eynolds, John M,
Richards, Wm. H. H.
Robinson, Myron W.
.Schalk, John
Spencer, Frederick L.
Stone, William
Sullard, Albert
Taylor, Francis W.
Tilley, Charles H.
Tilden, Joseph A.
51

Res'doncc. Date Muster. Remarks.
Norwich July 31 Killed June 5 '64, Piedmont, Va.
" Aug 8 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
July 28 " " 27 '65,
Lebanon Aug. 13 Wd. Died at Staunton June ro '64
" Aug. 5 M. O, June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Griswold Aug. 6 " " 27 '65,
Norwich Aug. 18 App, in U. S. C. T. Man;h 23 '64.
'' July 29 Killed June 5 '64, Piedmont, Va.
Aug. 8 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Preston July 26 " " 29 '65,
Lebanon Aug, 7 Killed June 15 '63, Winchester, Va
Franklin July 30 Disc, to enlist U. S. A. Feb. 11 '64
Norwich Aug. i Discharged, dis., March 28 '63
Preston Aug 8 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Norwich Aug. 6 Wd. Tr. V. R. C. M. O. Aug. 1765
Lebanon Aug. 13 M. O. June 27 '65,, Harper's Kerry
Norwich Aug. 6 " " 27 '05, " "
" Aug. 7 App. in U. S. C. F. Feb. 24 '04
Lebanon -Aug. i " " March 23 '64.
" July 31 Wd. Disc, disa., Dec. 16 '63.
" -Aug. 9 Discharged, disa., March 4 '63.
Nor'H'ich Aug. 5 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
" Aug. 6 " " 27 '65,
July 29 Wd. AI. O. June 27 '65, H. Ferry.
" Aug. 4 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry.
" Aug. 12 Wd. M. O. June 27 '65, H. Ferry.
" Aug. II Killed June 15 '63, Winchester, Va
Lebanon July 31 Discharged, disa., March 4 '63,
" Aug. 8 Died Dec. 27 '64, Annapolis, Md.
Norwich Aug. 8 Wd. .VI. O June 9 '65, "
Lyme .Aug. 7 Discharged, disa., March 4 '63.
N. London Aug. 8 " "' about Sep. 10 '63
Lebanon Aug. 16 Enlisted U. S. A. Nov. 16 '62.
" Aug. 7 Died Aug. i6 '63.
'' Aug. 9 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Lyme Aug. 12 Tr. to V. R. C. M. O. June 6 '65
Lebanon Aug. 6 Disc. June 5 '64, New Haven. Ct
Norwich Aug. 7 Wd. Died Mar. 28 '65, Annapolis
Lebanon .Aug. 7 M. O. May 24 '65, Annapolis Jnc.
" Aug. 9 Wd.- M. O. June 27 '65, H. Ferry

402

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

Name and Rank.
Tilden, Ebenezer
Tisdaie, James W.
Tracy, Joseph A.
Tracy, Gilbert A.
Tucker, George W.
Upham, Benjamin M,
Ward, George W.
Weaver, George A.
White, Edwin
Williams, John
Wilson, Dee Laroo
Winship, Joseph H.
Woodmancy, Albert G.
York, James E,

Captain.
Joseph Matthewson
jst Lieutenant.
William L. Spaulding
id Lieutenant.
Noadiah P. Johnson
Sergeants,
Thomas J. Aldrich
Franklin G. Bixby
Norton Randall
Joseph E. Marcy
Corporals.
William H. Paine
Henry H. Brown
James H. Rickard
John R. Carter
Chas. W. Grosvenor
George W. Phettenlace
William J. Arnold
Charles R, Conant
Musicians.
George H. Jacobs
Wanton A. Weaver, Jr.

Residence. Date Muster. Remarks.
Leb.inon Aug. 4 M. O. May 30 '6s, Hartford, Ct.
Norwich July 29 " June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
" Aug. 7 Died of wds. Aug. 7 '64.
Griswold Aug. 8 Discharged June 16 '63.
Lyme Aug. 12 " disability, Sep. i '63,
Norwich Aug. 6 Tr. to V. R. C. Jan. i '65.
" Aug. 6 Died Feb. 6 '65, Andersonville, Ga
Lebanon Aug. 8 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Norwich Aug. 4 " " 27 '65, " "
Lebanon Aug. 9 " " 27 '65, " "
Norwich Aug. 11 Pr. 2d Lt. 3d Md. Cav. Aug. 12 '65
" Aug II Died April 5 '64, Andersonville.
Stonington July 30 Killed June 15 '63, Winchester, Va
Norwich July 30 Wd. M. O. June 27 '63, H. Ferry
COMPANY D,

PomfretEastford Thompson ti
If ti
Eastford
WoodstockThompson Pomfret
ThompsonPomfret Thompson

1862.
Aug. 10

Tw. Wd. Pr. Maj. M. O. Jun, 27 '65
Aug. 15 Pr. Cap. Killed May 15 '64, N. M
Aug. 15 Pr. 1st Lt. M. O. June 27 '65.

July 26
Aug. 9
July 25
Aug. 4
Aug 1 2
Aug. 8
Aug. 8
July 28
Aug. 10
Aug, 6
July 28
Aug. 6
Aug. 8
Aug. 4

Wd. May 15 '64. Killed July t8 '64
Pr. Cap. M. O, as 2d Lt. June 27 '65
M, O. June 27 '65 Harper's Ferry
" " ^-1 '65, "
Killed June 5 '64, Piedmont, Va.
App. in U. S. C. T., Feb. 25 '64.
" March 19 '64
Died of wounds July 10 '64.
M. O. May i8 '65, New Haven.
June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
" 27 '65,
Died of wounds June 26 '64.
M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
" 27-65, "

CONNEC TICUT VOL UN TEERS.

403

Name and Rank.
Wagoner.
George H. Wilson
Privates,
Aldrich, Parris H.
Adams, Joseph P.
Adams, Willi.am L.
Aldrich, Lyman M.
Brown, John D.
Burgess, Warren A.
Bicklord, Erskine F.
Bickford, Joseph
Blakely, Daniel
Buchanan, Anson A.
Bates, Tyler
Buckley, Joseph
Burdick, Dwight
Baker, Solomon H
Buck, Edward C.
Brown, Otis
Chaffee, Francis B.
Converse, Jesse F.
Coman, Oscar
Clapp, John W.
Coman, John L.
Curtiss, Prescott P.
Converse, Frank H.
Child, William L.
Cooper, Thomas D.
Chase, Nathan
Clark, Michael
Cheney, Frank W.
Daggett, Nelson
Dearth, Thomas H.
Frissell, .Albert
Fitts, Daniel B.
Gifford, Silas B.
Gay, Horace
Gould, William
Green, Rufus
Griggs, William H.

Residence. Date Muster.

Remarks.

Pomfret Aug. 13 Tr. to V. R. Corps March 15 '64.

Thompson, t(
Eastford
Thompson

Hampton Thompson

Hampton Eastford
Thompson

Pomfret Thompson

Woodstock Pomfret
Thompson HamptonEastford Thompson

PomfretThompson
PomfretThompson Pomfret

Aug. 7 Wd. App. U. S. C. T. July 10 '64
Aug. 9 Killed June 5 '64, Piedmont, Va.
Aug. 4 " " 5 '64,
Aug. II Wd. June 5 '64. M. O- June 27 '65
Aug. 8. App. in U. S. C. T, March 16 '64
Aug. 6 Wd. M. O. May 18 '65, N. Haven
Aug. 8 Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. May 25 '65
Aug. I Discharged, disability, March 5 '63
Aug. 4 Tr. to Invalid Corps Dec. 15 '63,
July 29 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Aug. 4 " ' " 27 '6s, "
Aug. 7 " " 27 '65,
Aug. 4 " " 27 '6s, "
Aug. 5 " " 27 '6s, "
Aug. 4 " " 27 '6s,
Aug. I Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. June 27 '65
Aug. 9 M. O. June 27 '65, Harpers Ferry
Aug. 4 Discharged at Baltiraore, Md.
Aug. 9 Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. June 12 '65
Aug. 7 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Aug. 9 Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. June 14 '65
July 26 Discharged, disability, Oct. 27 '62
Aug. -> Wd. Disc, disability, ^larch to '65
Aug. 18 M. O. June 19 '65, Philadelphia.
July 29 Killed June 5 '64, Piedmont, Va.
Aug. 6 Wd. June i3 '64. M. 0. May 23 '65
Aug. 4 " " 5 '64- " June 27 '65
Aug. 8 App in U. S. C. T. Oct 12 '64.
Aug. I M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
July 25 Tr. Inv. Corps. M O. Aug. 17 '65
Aug, 7 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Aug, 7 " " 27 '65, Annapolis, Md
Aug. 8 " " 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Aug. 2 Discharged, disa., March 25 '63.
Aug. 7 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Aug. 6 " " " 27 '6s,
Aug. II " " 27 '65,

404

ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT

Name and Rank.
Griggs, James H.
Grow, Thomas W.
Hall, Horatio A.
Hibbard, George D.
Heath, Joseph W.
Johnson, William P.
Jennings, Daniel
Johnson, Parris G.
Johnson, George C.
Joslin, Silas R.
Jones, Samuel N.
Johnson, Edwin F.
Leonard, Isaiah
Lvnch, William
Lummis, John
Leonard, Thomas J.
Mav, George A.
Miller, James F.
Miller, Abial A.
Maguire, Frank Y.
May, Willian-i
Munyan, Rufus P.
Perrin, John N.
Potter, Lucius H.
Penniman, Silas M.
Potter, Charles H
Rvan, Edward P.
Richardsrin, Sherman
Robinson, Joseph W.
Randall, H. Monroe
Rvant, Thomas
Robbins, Elisha K.
Rand.-ill, Peier
Randall, Joseph
Sprague, Elias
Sheldon, William E.
Streeter, Moses
Sheldon, Albert F.
Seaver, George T.
Sharpe, Edwin

Residence. Date Mu.<iter Remarks,
Pomfret Aug. 7 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Hampton Aug. 5 " " 27 '65,
Thompson Aug 7 " " 27 '65,
Pomfret Aug. 7 Disc, disa., May 10 '65, N. Haven
Thompson Aug. 8 Wd. May 15 '64. M. O. June 27 '65
" Aug. I Wd. June 5 '64. " " 14 '65
Brooklyn Aug 2 Discharged, disability, March 5 '63
Thompson Aug. 6 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Aug. 9 Wd. July 18 '64. M. O. June 27 '65
" Aug. 10 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Woodstock Aug. 15 " " 29 '65,
Thompson Aug. i Killed June 5 '64, Piedmont, Va.
Aug. 8 " "5 '64,
" July 28 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Poiufret Aug. 7 Died .Nov., 1864.
Union Aug. 18 Wd. App. in U. S. C. T. Oct. 9 '64
Woodstock Aug. 12 Discharged, disability, July 10 '64.
Thompson Aug. 10 App. in U. S. C. T. Aug. 8 '64.
Aug. I M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Pomfret Aug. 10 " " 27 '65, "
Woodstock Aug. 12 Disc. Feb. 10 '64. Furnished sub.
Thompson July 28 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
July 29 " " 27 '65,
Killingly .Aug. 8 App Hos. St. U. S. A. Nov. 22 '64
^^'oodstock Aug. 17 Discharged, disability, March 8 '63
" Aug. 12 " March 17 '65.
Thompson Aug. 5 Wd. M. O. June 27 '65, H. Ferry
" Aug. 9 Discharged March 28 '64.
Aug, 6 Died wounds Sep, 29 '64, .^nd'ville
" Aug. 8 Discharged, disability, April 17 '63
Aug 9 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Eastford July 31 Enlisted in U. S A. Oct. 14 '62.
Thompson Aug. 8 Died March 10 '65. Thompson, Ct
Aug. 8 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
;; Aug. 7 " " 27 '65, "
Aug. 6 Discharged, disability, April 14 '63
Aug. 8 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Aug. 8 " " 19 '65, Hartford, Ct.
July 29 " " 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Pomfret Aug. 10 " " 27 '65, " ";

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS.

405

Name and Rank.
Taylor, Amos W.
Torry, Henry C.
White, Luther
Whitmore, Harvey
A'oung, George E.

Residence. Date Muster.

Remarks.

Thompson July 28 Discharged, disa., March 5 '63.
Woodstock Aug. 8 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Thompson Aug. 6 Died of wounds March 14 '65.
Pomfret Aug. 7 M. O. June 27 "65, Harper's Ferry
" Aug. 9 " " 10 '65, Hartford, Ct.

COMPANY E.

Captain.

1862.

Isaac W. Hakes, Jr.

Norwich

July 12

Resigned Dec. 26 '62.

\st Lieutenant.

Frederick .A. Palmer
a
July 12
Pr. Cap. Discharged May 28 '64
2d Lieutenant.
John T. Maginnis
Salem
July 25
Pr. ist Lt. Died June 6 '64, of wds
Sergeants,
Francis McKeag
Norwich
July 14
Pr. 2d Lt M. 0. June 27 '65.
-Anthony, Staubly
a
July 17
M. 0. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
William H. Douglass,
Colchester
July 25
" " 27 '6s, "
John J. Franklin
Columbia
July 16
" " 27-65, "
William C. Hillard
Norwich
July 14
Wd. Discharged Dec. 3 -64.
Corporals,
Edwin Fitch
Colchester
July 25
Discharged disa., March 21 '65.
Josiah A. Coleman
ii
July 25
M. 0. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Gordon Wilcox
Norwich
July 21
" " 27 '6s, "
Hylon N. Perry
a
Aug. 4
" " 27-65, "
James McKee
ii
Aug. 5
" •' 27 '65, "
Chauncey J. Williams
Colchester
July 25
Wd. Died Aug. 18 '64, Ande'ville
Stephen A. Franklin
Columbia
July 25
Died Aug. 20 '64, Sandy Hook, Md
William C. Tracy
Lebanon
July 29
M. 0. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Musicians.
John H. Post
Andover
July 19
" " 27-65, "
George Maynard
Salem
Aug. 6
" " 27-65, "
Wagoner.
Edward S. Clark
Norwich
July 29
"¦ " 27 '65, "
Privates,
-¦^llen. Nelson R.
Norwich
July 16
" 27 '65, "
Alger, Silas J.
ii
Aug. 4
Wd. June 15 '63. M. 0. June 2 '65
Adams, Anthony
a
July 17
M. 0. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Avery, George
Colchester
Aug. 4
"27 '65, "
oAIbertine, E T.
Sprague
July 16
Wd. June 5 '64. M. 0. June 19 '65
^V4
4o6

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

Name and Rank. Residence.
Avery, Henry E. Salem
Avery, Samuel H. N. Scotland
Burdick, Joel Norwich
Bromley, George Griswold
Burdick, .Abel "
Brooks, Lorin F. Coventry
Bogue, Henry Bozrah
Brown, Mulford G. Salem
Beckwith, Charles A. Colchester
Brown, John H. Salem
Comstock, Alfred J. Lebanon
Coil, John Norwich
Cleveland, Henry F. Andover
Carr, Nathaniel S. (.'( iventry
Crawford, George H. Salem
Clark, William P. Colchester
Dailv, Charles H. Norwich
De\\'olf, Thomas E. Salem
Douglass, Reuben P. Colchester
Franklin, All)ert G. Giiswold
Fox, Horace W. Salem
Fox, Wallace Salem
Fleming, Patrick Colchester
Fitzpatrick, Bernard "
Ford, Alexander "
Ford, Christopher "
Gardner, Nicholas G. Andover
Gott, Chaunccv E. Colchester
Gimball, John "
Hollien, Chas. F. J. A.
Haslem, Wesley W. Norwich
Harris, George L. "
Hayward, William G. "
Hennessey, Thomas J. "
Holloway, Joseph C. Salem
Hartsgrove, Chilion D. "
Jillson, Charles A. Sprague
Jillson. Edward T., Jr. "
Jones, John Colchester
Johnson, John "

Date Muster. Remarks.
Aug. 4 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Aug. 7 " " 27 '6s,
July 25 Discharged Aug. 25 '62.
July 29 Wd. June 15 '64. M. O. June 27 '65
.Aug. 6 M. O., June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
July 14 27 65,
July 19 " "27 '65,

27 '6

Aug. s " 2/ u^,
July 25 AVd. June 5 '64. Died -Aug. 4 '64,.
Aug. I JNI. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
July 25 Wd. Tr. V. C. Disc. July 25 '65.
Jul\- 19 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Julv 17 " " 9 '65, Annapolis, Md
July 25 Died May 25 '64, New Haven, Ct
Aug, I- Wd. June 15 '63. M. O. June 27*65
July 25 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
July 24 Discharged Feb. '64.
July 29 Disc. Oct. I '62,, -Annajjolis, IMd.
July 25 '' disability, Dec. 22, '62.
July 16 Wd. June '63. Killed June s' 64.
Aug. I M. ('). June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
July 28 Died Feb. 2 '64, Alartinsburg, Va.
July 27 Tr. V. R. C. M. O. July 17 '65.
July 27 Wd. June 15 '63, M. O. June 27 '65
July 25 Deserted July 24 '63.
July 25 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
July 16 \Vd. July 18 '64. M.O. June 27 '65
July 25 Tr. In\'. Corps. M. O May 30 '65
Aug. I M. (). June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
July 25 " " 27 '6s,
July 25 " May 18 '65, New Haven, Ct
July 19 Tr. Invalid Corps Se|). i '63.
-Aug. I Died Sep. 11 '64, Andersonville.
July 31 -M. O. June 27 '65, Harpers Ferry
July 29 Discharged, disa., Nov. 16 '64.
July 30 Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. June 27 '65
Aug. 2 Died Dec. 5 '64, Florence, S. C.
-Aug. 6 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
July 25 Wd. July 18 '64. M.-O. June 27 '65
July 22 " June 5 '64. " " 27 '65

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS,

407

Name and Rank.
Jenner, Elias B
Kegwin, George W.
Kellihe:-, James
Kinney, Thomas
Kegwin, Dwight R
Lathrop, Albert M.
Lewis, Henry F.
Lewis, Daniel C-.
Lewis, Charles, 2d
McCracken, H. FI.
Mitchell. Charles H.
Massey, James
McCusker, John
McCusker, Hugh
Parkinson, George
Palmer, Isaac
Payson. Ebenezer F.
Potter, James N.
Palmer, Josiah C.
Rose, Hiram D.
Rood, Julius J.
Reynolds, Samuel W.
Rathbun, George W.
Spencer, Lorin T.
Staubly, Michael
Tarbox. (xeorge W.
Taft, Bezaleel W.
Tourtellotte, Marvin
Upham, George R.
Varney, Israel
Wood, Ezra H.
White, Albert P.
Weller, John
Wolf, Henry
West, S-th B.
Wade, Sylvester
Wade, Henry H.

Res'dence. Date Muster. Remarks.
Scotland July 22 Disc. Baltimore, by return Oi t '63
Griswold Aug. 4 Wd. Junes '64, .\I, ( ). June 27 '65
Colchester July 25 " '' 5 '64. " " 27 '65
" Jul) 25 Died May i '64, New Haven, Ct.
Scotland Aug. 7 i\I. 0. June 10 '65, Hartford, Ct.
Griswold July 25 " " 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Columbia July 27 " '' 27 '65, " "
July 27 " " 27 '6s, "
Colchester July 25 Wd. June S '64. M. Tl. June 27 '65
Lebanon Aug. 4 Killed June 15 '63, Winchester.
Colchester July 22 M'. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Norwich July 15' Died Jan. 7 '65, Florence, S C.
July 25 Wd. Tr.V. R. C. M. O. June 28' 65
" Aug. 4 M. (). June 27, 65, Harper's Ferry
' July 17 Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. June 27 '65
Coventry July 22 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Andover .Aug. 4 Discharged, disabilitv. Feb. 3 '64.
Colchester July 25 M. O June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
July 2^ " " " 27 '65, "
Lebanon July 25 Killed June 5 '64, Piedmont, Va.
.Andover July 26 Died Feb. 3 '64, Marlinsburg, Va.
Norwich July 14 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
.Salem July 28 Discharged, disability, Dec. 23*62
Columbia July 16 M. O. June 5 '65, Annajiolis, Md.
Norwich -Aug. i Deserted -Aug. 26 '62.
Columbia July 23 Died Aug. 10 '64, Cumberland, Md
July 14 Wd. May IS '64 M. ( >. June 27 '65
Norwich July 25 " June '63. Dis,, di^., Feb. 15 '64
" July 18 M. O. June 27 '65, Harpers Ferry
" July 16 Died Feb. 10 '65, Florence, S, C.
Griswold .Aug. 6 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Andover July 14 " -May 23 '65, "
Norwich -Aug. 6 Wd. June 5 '64. M. (). June 27 '65
" Aug. II M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Colchester July 25 Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. June 27 '65
Salem July 29 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Colchester July 25 Discharged, disability, April 13 '63

4o8

ELGHTEENTH REGLMENT

COMPANY F,

Name and Rank.
Captain ,
Henry Peale
\st Lieutenant.
John E. Woodward
2d Lieutenant,
John -Albert Francis
Sergeants,
Joseph M. Parker
Nathan F. D. -Avery,
Edward P. Rogers
Charles H. Carroll,
-Austin G. Monroe
Corporals.
Caleb R. Corey
Joseph Forestner
William H. Webb
Charles D. Burdick,
Jesse Wilkin'ion
Charles K. T. Trenn,
George W. Loomis
George W. Blake
Musician,
Julius Palmer, Wagoner.
Joseph W. Carroll
Privates.
-Appleton, Henry
Aldrich, Albert C
Brown, John A.
Billings, Samuel D.
Butler, Roswell
Booth, John
Blake, Charles S.
Baldwin, Charles
Bradley, John T.
Brown, Russell M.
Bowtn, Ezra P.
Bennett, John A.

Residence. Date Muster

Remarks.

1862

Norwich Preston Norwich

Franklin Norwich

Preston
Norwich

Voluntown Norwich

Mansfield
Norwich PlainfieldNorwich

July 12 Pr. Lt. Col. M. O. June 27 '65.
July 12 Pr. Capt. M. O.June 27 '65, H. F.
July 14 Pr. ist Lt. M. O. June 27 '65, H. F.
July 15 App. in U. S. C. T. March 13 '64_
July 16 Discharged, disability, March 6 '63
Aug. II App. in. U. S. C. T. Jan. 21 '64.
July 12 Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. June 27 '65
July 19 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry.
July 21 " May 10 '65, "
Aug. 7 Died Aug. 9 '63, Camp Parole.
Aug. 7 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Aug. 6 " " 20 '65, Hartford, Ct.
July 12 App. in U. S. C. T. March 13 '64.
Aug. 9 M. O. May 30 '65, A'ork, Pa.
July 26 " June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Aug. 7 Wd. June 15 '63, M. O. June 27 '65
Aug. 4 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
July 14 Tr. Inv. Corps. M. O. Aug. 17 '65
July 17 Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. June 27 '65
Aug. 15 M. O. July 18 '65, Hartford, Ct.
Aug. II " June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
Aug. 4 " " 27-65, "
July 14 Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. June 27 '65
July 22 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
July 21 Deserted May 25 '63.
July 30 Killed June 14 '63, Winchester, Va
Aug. 8 '' "5 '64, Piedmont, Va.
Aug. 7 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
July 12 " May 29 '65, Annapolis June
July 18 Discharged, disability. May 3 '63

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS.

409

Namo and Hank.

Ilc8iaonce.

Uute MtiHtcr,

Botham, Daniel A.

Waterford

July 25

Er.aman, Lucius R.

Norwich

July 30

Burnett, Albert

t.

Aug. 9

Bennett, Jose])h H.

Chaplin

July 23

Cole, George

Griswold

A ug. 1 1

Cook, Orrin

Preston

Aug. J T

Church, Daniel B.

Norwich

July 25

Chappell, Alfred S.

tt

July 22

Carroll, George

tt

Aug. 4

Clark, William H.

Preston

July t6

Caswell, Gilford

Ledyard

Aug. 6

Campbell, William H.

Mansfield

July 2 1

Davis, William L.

Norwich

Aug. is

Deming, Alfred H.

"

Aug. 9

Draper, Albion

"

Aug. II

Draper, George

t<

Aug 18

Doyle, Timothy 0.

tt

Aug. T I

Earle, Ralph W.

Bozrah

Aug. 6

Eldridge, Daniel D.

Norwich

Aug. T2

Fenton, James E.

tt

Aug. 9

Fuller, Alden

Griswold

Aug. II

Fox, George W.

Norwich

July 26

Green, Francis R.

Griswold

Aug. 7

Green, Nathan B.

Scotland

Aug, 8

Guile, Samuel A.

Preston

July 30

Humes, Charles Ij.

Bozrah

Aug. 8

Hyde, Henry R.

Franklin

July 29

Howard, William FT.

Norwich

Aug, 14

Hicks, James W.

tt

July 30

Hyde, John P.

ft

July 12

Kenyon, Edwin

Canterbury

Aug. II

Kinney, William H.

Norwich

Aug. 12

Loomis, James W.

tt

Aug. 14

Lamb, Horatio R.

Franklin

Aug. I

Ladd, Daniel

Norwich

July 24

Murray, Charles A.

ft

July 12

Moffat, Nelson

Griswold

Aug 13

Marshall, John

Norwich

Aug. 12

Murphy, Frank E.

tf

July 16

Mowry, Bernard R. O.

ft

Aug. 7

Wd. June '63. Dis., dis., Mch. 14-64
Discharged, disability, Nov. 16 '64
Killed June 15 '63, Winchester, A'a
Tr. to Inv. Corps Jan. 15 '64.
M. O. May 18 '65, New Haven, Ct
Wd.July 18-64. M.O. Junt' 27-65
Wd. June 15 '63. " " 27 '65
Died Seji. 17 '6^,, Philadelphia, I'a
Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. June 27 '65
All i. shot. Tr. to I. (.' Jan. 15 '64
Discharged, disability, July 16 '64
Died Sep. 10 '63, Canqi Parole.
Twice wd. M. O. June 27 '65.
M. (). June 27 '65, I-Iarper's Ferry
a ft ^., V « tt tt
27 ^S.
Discharged, disability, Oct. 22 '63
M. O. July 14-65, H.artford, Ct.
" May 30 '65, York, Pa.
" June 27 '65, Har|)er's Ferry
" " " 27 '65, "
" " 20 '6s, "
Died April 17 '65, Martinsburg, Va
Wd. Died April 17 '65, Staunton,
Died Feb. 24 '64, Martinsburg, Va
Deserted Aug, i '^t,.
Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. June 27 '65
M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
" " 27 '65, "
Died April 13 '64, Martinsburg, \'a
M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
" " 27 '6s, "
" 27 '65, "
Disc. Nov. I '64, New Haven, Ct
M. O. June 27 '65, Harper-s Ferry
" " 27 '6s, '•
Pr. 2d Lt. M. O. June 27 '65, H. F.
M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
" " 27 '6s, "
" " 27 '6s, "
Deserted Aug i '63.

4IO

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

Name and Rank.
Nicholson, Levi P.
Olin, Edward
Palmer, Roswell
Pearce, Martin
Palmer, Andrew
Palmer, Almond B.
Rudden, John
Spicer, Erastus
Simmons, John H.
Spencer, Orrin N.
Setchel, Charles Tracy
Shurnway, Millen
Sanders, Ralph G.
Smith, James
Sheriden, Cornelius F.
Sullivan, Timothy
Sweet, William H.
Trinnier, Richard
Thurber, Charles F.
Teflt, Willian H.
Valentine, John
West, George A.
Warren, William
Wright, Alanson
Whaley, George G.
Weeks, James M. Jr.
Ward, James
Welden, Leonard P.
Whaley, William H.
Wright, Albert
^\'ilber, Daniel

Residence.

Date Muster.

Preston

July 25

Griswold

July 14

Norwich

Aug. 6

It

July r6

"

July 25

tf

-Aug. 18

Colchester,

July 21

Griswold,

Aug. 9

Norwich,

July 22

Norwich

July 30 I

Colchester Griswold
LedyardNorwich

Canterbury Preston
Mansfield Griswold Norwich
Griswold Norwich
BozrahPreston
GriswoldNorwich

July 25 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry
" 27-65, "
" 27-65, "
" 27-65, "
" 27.65, "
" 27-65, "
" 27-65, "
" 27-65, "
" 27-65, "
July 30 M. f). June 27, 65, Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 1 1 Wd. June 5,-64, M. O. June 27,-65.
Aug. 9 M. C). June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 2 Trans, to Invalid Corps Jan. 15, '64
Aug. 6 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
July 17 Killed June 5,-64, Piedmont, Va.
Aug. 4 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 9 " " 27,'6s, "
July 14 " " 27,-65, "
July 28 Wd. June 5,-64, M. O. 27,-65
July 26 M. O. May 30,-65, York Pa.
July 29 Wd. June 5,-64, M. O. June 27,-65.
Aug. 6 M.O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
July 21 " May 24,-65, Annap June, Md.
Aug. 4 Deserted June i, 1865.
Aug. II M. (). June 27, '65, Harper-s Ferry.
Aug. 9 Killed June 5,-64, Piedmont, Va.
July 16 M. O. June 27,65, Harper-s Ferry.
-Aug. 6 " " 27,-65,
July 25 Deserted August i, 1863.
Aug. 4 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
July 23 -Accidentally killed Jan. 5, 1863.

COMPANY G.

Captain, 1862.
George W. Warner Woodstock July 9 Wd. Discharged Oct. 4,-64.
1st Lieutenant,
Israel N. Kibp.e Putnam Aug. 6 Pr. Capt. M.O. June 27,-65, H. F.
2d Lieutenant.
Luther E. Rawson Woodstock .Aug. 7 Resigned Dec. 22, "62.

CONNEC TICUT VOL UN TEERS.

1 1

Name and Rank. Sergeants.
Albert S. Granger
Prescott M. Lyon
Edward T. \Varner
Daniel A. Lyon
John B.Scott Corporals.
Charles A. Bosworth
Samuel L. Marcy
Moses J. Chandler
Joseph E. Rawson
Edwin S. Tabor
Lucian H. Medbury
James Clapp
Shrimpton H. Gallup
Musicians.
William E. Card
Edward Welch Wagoner,
William H. Chamberlin Privates,
Aldrich, Charles C.
Arnold, George E.
Adams, Wellington W.
Bostow, George
Baker, Darwin W.
Burrows, Joseph
Birch, WiUiam H.
Brainard, Michael
Bundy, Henry M.
Boutelle, Lorestus V.
Bugbee, George F.
Bundy, Asa H.
Burrows, Charles
Blackmar, Francis
Burnes, Robert
Bercume, Peter
Chandler, Seth E.
Cummings, William W.
Currier, George

Residence.

Date Muster.

KentarkB.

Putnam July 31 Pr. 1st Lt. M. ( ) June 27, '65, H. F.
Woodstock July 21 Discharged, disability, Dec. 22, 63.
" July 16 M. O. June 27, '65 Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 9 Dis for appt. in U.S.C.T. ,Feb.24,'64
Putnam Aug. 7 Killed June 5, '64, Piedmont, Va.

Died Dec. 27, 62, Camp Emory,Md.
Died July 15, '63, Annapolis, Md.
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
" " 27,-65, "
Wd. Died -Aug.22, '63, A'apolis,Md.
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
" " 27,'6s, "
Wd. Disch'ed, disability. May 4,'6s.

Woodstock

Aug.

8

"

July

16

Putnam

Aug.

7

Woodstock

July

ID

tt

July

21

Pomfret

Aug.

7

Woodstock

Aug.

8

Putnam

Aug.

7

Putnam

Aug.

6

Lebanon

Aug.

18

M. O. May 19,-65, Frederick, Md.
" June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.

Putnam Aug. 11 M. O. June 7, '65, Jarvis Hospital

Trans. Vet. Res.C'ps. M.( I.Aug 9,'6s
M. O. June 27, '65, Har[)er's Ferry.
Died Nov. 15, '64, Florence, S. C.
Trans.Inv. Corps. M.O.June 29,-65.
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
" " 27,-65, "
Discharged, disability, Feb. 15,-63.
M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
" " 27,-65, "
" " 27,-65, "
" " 27,'65, "
Died Feb. 6,'63, Baltimore, Md.
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
tf ft .... ><,- tt tt
27, 65,
Deserted Aug. '63.
Wd. Trans. Inv. Corps Feb. 15, '64.
M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry
Wd. Disc'd May 27,'6s,N.Hav'n,Ct.
Tran. Inv. Corps. M. O. July 11,-65.

Woodstock

Aug.

9

t'

Aug.

8

tt

Aug.

8

Killingly

Aug.

8

Windham

Aug.

4

Woodstock

July

16

Sprague

July

21

Bozrah

July

21

Putnam

Aug.

6

Woodstock

Aug.

16

ft

Aug.

8

ft

Aug.

8

ft

July

16

Putnam

Aug.

8

Woodstock

Aug.

15

tt

July

21

tf

Aug.

12

Putnam

July

30

Woodstock

July

12

412

ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT

Name and Kank.
Davison, Peter
Davis, Ichabod C.
Darby, Daniel R.
Davenport, Cyrus C.
Eddy, Albert S.
Fox, Walter T.
Foster, Alonzo
Gleason, Lawrenc F.
Gerue, Peter
Hempstead, Charles J.
Howard, Willis G.
Howard, George E.
Kinnie, Thomas
Ladd, George W.
Leitcher, Gilbert
Lapoint, Stephen
Morrison, John
Main, Gershom P.
Marcy, John N.
Moore, William F.
Newton, Enoch E.
Neill, Henry P.
Ockery, Samuel C.
Oatley, Stephen H.
Pettit, Matthew
Parsons, Willard O.,
Pickett, George W.
Robinson, Henry
Redhead, Frederick W.
Rawson, Stiles
Randall, Prescott J.
Rogers, Tracy
Riley, John
Read, Frank
Smith, Abner P., Jr.
Smith, Henry A.
Sanders, John
Smith, Joseph
Snow, William N.
Smith, Hiram

Iteaideucc. Date Muster. Remarks.
Woodstock Aug. i M. O. June 27,-65, Harper-s Ferry.
" Aug. 21 Wd. and captured June 5, '64.
Putnam Aug. 5 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
Woodstock -\ug. 8 Discharged, disability, Feb. 2 7, '64.
Putnam July 31 M. O. June 27, '65, Flarper's Ferry.
Woodstock Aug. 12 " " 27,'65,
Putnam Aug. 11 " " 27, '65,
Aug. 13 " " 27,-65, "
Woodstock Aug. 13 Wd. ALO.May i8,'6s. New Haven.
Windham July 28 M. ( ). June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
Woodstock Aug. 12 " " 27, '65, "
Aug. 13 Killed June 15,-63, Winchester, Va.
Colchester July 25 Discharged, disability. Mar, 25,-63.
Tolland July 26 Tr.Inv.Corps.M.O.Jun.29,'65,Phila.
Woodstock July 26 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
Putnam July 28 " " 27,-65,
" July 19 Mis. in action, May 15,-64. Sup. d-d.
Windham Aug. 6 Discharged, disability. Mar. 1,-63.
^Voodstock July 16 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
July 18 " " 27,'6s, " "
" July 26 " May 18,-65, New Haven.
Norwich July 28 " June 27,-65, Harper-s Ferry.
Putnam July 26 Wd. M. O. June 27,-65, "
Killingly Aug. 9 Killed June 14,-63, Winchester,Va.
Woodstock July 16 Discharged, disability. Mar. 25,-63.
July 16 Killed June 15,-63, Winchester,Va.
Putnam -Aug. 8 " " "
July 30 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
Woodstock Aug. 5 " " 27, '65 " "
Aug. 8 Died Dec. 3,-62, at camp in Md.
Putnam Aug. 8 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 6 Wd. M. O. June 27,-65, "
Windham July 30 Discharged, disability, Dec. 22,-62.
Putnam Aug. 12 Wd. M.O. Jun. 27, '65, Harper's p-y.
Woodstock July 17 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper-s Ferry.
Killingly July 30 Tr.In.Corps.M.O.Jul.i4,'65,Elmira.
Putnam Aug. 5 Disch'd May 28, '64, New Haven.
Windham July 22 M. O. May 31,-65, Harper's Ferry.
July 26 " June 27,'65,
Tolland Aug. 6 Wd. M. O. May 30,-65, York.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS.

413

Name aud Rank.
Stone, James M.
Scott, John G.
Smith, Wallace
Spaulding, Francis M.
Taft, Lowell
Thornton, Cyrus
Tripp, James E.
Underwood, George W.
Whitney, Josiah W.
Weeks, Marquis J.
Walker, Vernon E.
Wilcox, Lowell
Wells, John D.
Weeks, Benjamin P.
Wilcox, John H.
Young, Richmond A.

Woodstock
Windham Woodstock
Putnam
Killingly Putnam
Windham
Putnam
Eastford Woodstock

Eastford Woodstock

Date Mlls((.r.
Aug. 9
.\ug. 7
Aug. 1
Aug. 6
Aug. 14
Aug. 9
Aug. 21
July 25
Aug. 7
Aug. 4
July 12
July 21
Aug. 6
July 16
Aug. 30
July 22

lU'lniirltH.
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
Discharged, disability. May 14, '64.
Killed June 15, '63, Winchester.
M. (). May 17, '65, Grafton.
June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
" " 27,'6s, " "
Wd. Dis. May 27, '65, New Haven.
" Died Jan. 27, '65, Florence.
Dis. May 30,-65, Worcester.
Killed July 18,-64, Snicker's F'y.
M. O. June 27, '65, Hariier's Ferry.
tt ft yr ,( ,,
27,65,
" " 27,-65, " "
" " 27,'6s, " "
Died July 20, '64, w'ds rec in ac'n.
Trans, to Inv. Corps Sept. 30, '63.

COMPANY H.

Captain.
Charles D. Bowen Windham
1st Lieutenant,
James F. Long, Jr. Windham
2d Lieutenant,
-Andrew W. Loomis Tolland
Sergeants,
William H. Locke
George E. Jordan
Thomas Spencer
Chester A. Tourtelott
Albert S. Blish Corporals,
Sanford A. Comins
John E. Barrows
Hezekiah Thompson
Seth S. Chapman
William H. Boyden
Thomas Jordon
Charles H. Chase
William J. Whiteside

Windham

Tolland
Windham Windham

ChaplinWindham

Coventry

1862.
July 22 Wd. June 15, '64. M.O. June 27, '65
July 24 Resigned November 9, '62.
July 22 Pr.ist Lt.Nov.9,'62.M.O.June27'6s
July 12 " 2d Lt. " Hon.dis May is'6s
July 22 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
July 22 " " 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
July 21 Died of wds Aug. i5,'64,L'chb'g,Va.
July 24 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
July 24 Wd. June 5, '64. M.O.June 27, '65.
Aug. 5 -M. O. June 2 7, '65, Harper's Ferry.
July 24 " '• 27,-65, " "
Aug. 5 Died Sept. 17,-63, Annapolis, Md.
July 22 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
July 24 " " 27,-65, " "
Aug. 4 Deserted April 11, '63.
July 29 Wd. June 15,-63. M.O. June 27,-65.

414

ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT

Name and Rank. Musicians.
William W. Perry
Van Buren Jordan Wagoner.
George W. Herrick Privates,
Adams, P.ussell W.
Adams, John Q.
Apley, Henry
Ashley, Earl
-Apley, Andrew J.
Bingham, Elsworth .W.
Barber, Charles A.
Buchanan, Moses
Briggs, George S.
Buckley, Alfred
Babcock, Courtland, Jr.
Buckingham, Wm. H.
Bennett, Nathaniel W.
Bull, George A.
Backus, Albert H,
Blivin, George R.
Brooks, Charles U.
Brown, William B.
Cushman, iznart P.
Connor, Thomas
Colburn, Jonathan S.
Carney, James
Crandall, Amos G.
Carney, John
Dean, William
Dawley, Andrew H.
DiUiber, Andrew N.
Eaton, Eben R.
Farnham, Martin V. B.
Fenton, Anson A.
Foss, Ambrose
Farnham, Dwight C.
Gurley, Franklin E.
Gleason, Willbur H.

Residence. Date Muster.

Windham July 23 M. O. May 18, '65, New Haven, Ct.
July 24 " " i8,'6s,
Windham July 24 M. O. May 30,-65, York, Pa.

Tolland
Chaplin

Tolland
Windham

Windham ft
Tolland tt
Windham ft
Chaplin
Windham

Hampton
Windham

Tolland Chaplin Coventry
Tolland
Chaplin
Windham

July 31 Died Aug. 8,-63, Annapolis, Md.
Aug. 5 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 4 Died Jan. 9, '64, Annapolis, Md.
Aug. 4 Killed June 15, '63, Winchester, Va.
Aug. 4 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 5 Wd. July i8,'64. M.O. June 27,'65
July 22 Killed June 15, '63, Winchester, Va.
July 23 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
July 26 Tr.I.C-psMayis,'64.M.O.Julyis'65
July 23 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 6 " " 27,'65, " "
July 21 " May i8,'6s. New Haven, Ct.
July 25 Wd. June 5, '64. D.Oct. 13, -64,An-vle
July 12 Trans. V. R. C. M.O. June 28,-65.
July 26 M. O.July 5,-65, Hartford, Ct.
July 22 Wd.June 15,-63. M.O. June 27,'6s.
Aug. 6 " May i5,'64. " " 27,-65.
July 22 " June 5, '64. Disc.dis.Mar.25'65
Aug. 5 Died April 7,-63, Baltimore, Md.
July 16 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 6 Died Feb. 15, '65, Danville, Va.
July 23 Wd. June 5,-64. M. O. June 27,-65.
July 28 " " i8,'64. " " 27,-65.
Aug. 9 Kid. July 18,-64, Snicker's Ferry,Va.
Aug. 7 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 5 Discharged, disability, Oct. 14,-62.
Aug. 5 Killed June 15, '63, Winchester, Va.
July 28 Wd. May 15,-64. M.O.June 27, '65.
July 24 " June 5, '64. " " 27,-65.
Aug. 2 Killed June 15,-63, Winchester, Va.
Aug. I Deserted May 13,-63.
Aug. I M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 4 Died Oct. i7,'64, Cumberland, Md.
Aug. 5 Tr.I.Cor.Jan.15,'64, M.O.'Jul.2,'65.

CONNEC TICUT VOL UN TEERS.

415

Name and Rank.
Gager, John F.
Green, Amos P.
Golding, Joseph
Griggs, William \\'.
Grundy, John
Holland, Eber S.
Harris, Horatio .A.
Harris, George D.
Haskell, Charles
Harrington, Francis S.
Hall, William H.
Hall, Origen
Heverin, Patrick J.
Johnson, Richard M.
Kenyon, Otis G.
Kenworthy, Joseph
Lewis, William
Lewis, Francis E.
Lewis, Charles H.
Long, James F.
Metcalf, Job
Miller, Frederick
Newcomb, Lucius H.
Niles, John
Pilling, James
Perkins, Joseph M.
Palmer, Pierce
Reffelt, Frederick
Rogers, Emery D.
Ripley, Edward F.
Robinson, John M.
Robertson, Lacon W.
Sullivan, Dennis
Snell, Alfred A.
Smith, Lester C.
Shay, John
Sweet, Daniel K.
Thomas, Edwin
Tracy, Alfred E.
Tracy, Henry G.

ltn,sitlnitco. Date iMiistor. Remarks.
Coventry Aug. 5 Died Feb. 15,-65, Florence, S. C.
Aug. 5 Tr.I.Cor.Feb.is,'64.M.O,Jul.i4,-65
Windham July it^ Died Oct. [1,-64, Charleston, S. (.'
Ellington Aug. i Wd. June 5,-64. Died June 15, '64
Windham .Aug. i M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry
" July 22 Discharged, disability. Mar. 25, '63
July 24 " " s.''''3
July 23 Wd. June 15, '63. M. O. Jun. 27, '65
" July 25 Died Feb. 19,-65, Salisbury, N. C.
Coventry Aug. 5 \Vd. June,'63. M. O. June 27, '65^
Windh.am .Vug. 6 " May 15, '64. Killed May 2o,'64
" Aug. 8 M. O. June 27, ''65, Harper's Ferry
" July 23 Wd. May 15, '64. M.O. June 27,'65
" July 23 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry
Aug. 4 " " 27, '6s,
" July 23 Wd. July i8,'64. Disch. June 9,-65,
" July 23 Wd. May 15,-64. Died Sep. 7,-64.
" Aug. 6 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Feriy
" Aug. s Discharged, disability, Sep. 20, '63,
July 24 " May 28,'64. S.O.W.D,
" July 24 Wd. June 15,-64. M.(.).June 27,-65,
Tolland July 29 M. 0. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry,
Coventry July 29 Died Feb. 13, '65, Danville, Va.
P'ranklin July 15 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry,
Windham July 23 " " 27, '65,
Aug. 4 " " 27,'6s,
Tolland July 24 Tr. Inv. Corps Sept. 3o,'63.
Coventry July 29 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry,
Tolland Aug. 6 Wd. Dis. June 3,'6s,ap.in U.S.C.T,
Windham July 22 Tr.In.Cor.Mayi,'64.M.O.Jul.2i,'6s
Coventry .\ug. 6 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry,
Aug. 5 " " 27,'75,
Windham July 24 Wd. June 5,-64. M. O. June 27'65
Tolland July 25 Died Aug. 25, '63, Annapolis, Md.
ChapUn Aug. 5 " July 26,'64, Martinsburg, Va,
Windham July 18 Deserted Aug. 27, '63.
Thompson July 26 Wd. June 5,-64. M. < ). June 27,-65
Windham Aug. 7 Died June 4,-63, Willimantic, Ct.
Tolland July 30 Killed June 15,-63, Winchester, Va,
Coventry Aug. 6 Wd. July 18,-64. M.O. June 27,-65,

4i6

EIGH TEENTH REGIMENT

Name and Rank.
Wilson, Albert C.
Watts, Joseph
Webster, John R.
Wise, Jacob
Weldon, Alonzo
Wilber, Amariah
Williams, Everett
Wilber, George H.

Residetlce. Date Muster. Remarks.
Windham July 25 M. O. May 19, '65, Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 4 " June 27,-65,
Tolland July 21 " " 27,'65,
Coventry July 29 Deserted Aug., 1863.
Thompson July 26 Wounded and captured June 5, '64.
Coventry July 26 Died May 3, '65, Wilmington, N. C-
Willington Aug. 7 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
Coventry Aug. 5 Discharged, disability. Mar. r4,'63.

COMPANY I,

Captain.
Samuel R. Knapp Norwich
1st Lieutenant.
John H. Morrison "
2d Lieutenant,
Martin V. B. Tiffany "
Sei geants,
John Lilley

1862.
Aug. 21 Resigned June 6,-63.
Aug. 21 Pro. Capt. Dismissed Sep. 1,-64.
Aug. 21 Wd. Pro. Capt. M. O. June 27,-65.
Aug. 14 Wd. Pro. Capt. M. O. June 27,-65.

James R. Pilkenton Middletown Aug. 20 Deserted August 26,'64.

Bently Shaw
Allen L. Moore
James A. Allen Corporals,
William Finken
George Cook
Gardner .A. Lewin
Daniel E. Beebe
Sebastian P. Kepler,
Charles Derby,
Isaac Roath
Henry D. Gleason Musician,
Harvey L. Muzzy Wagoner.

Norwich

Preston
Putnam Norwich

Preston
Norwich

Aug. 4 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 13 " ¦" 27,-65,
July 30 " '• 27,-65,
Aug. 6 " " 27,-65, " "
Aug. 14 " " 27,'65,
Aug. 5 Deserted May 4,'63.
-Aug. 5 M. O. May 3o,'65, York, Pa.
Aug. 12 Wd. M.O.June 27, '65, Harper's F'y.
Aug. 4 M. O. " 27, '65,
July 30 Wd. M.O. " 27,-65,
Aug. 6 " Capt'd " iT,'64,Staunton,Va.

May 30 M. O.

" io,'65, Hartford.
" 27, '65, Harper's F'y.

Henry Frink Plainfield July 30 "
Privates.
Albee, William H. Lyme Aug. 8 Wd. M. O. " 27,'65, " "
Acksler, Adam Norwich July 15 " Died Oct. 5,'64, Madisonville.
Sprague, July 22 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.

Brown, Wheaton

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS.

4'7

Name and Rank.
Bigelow, James S.
Beckwith, Charles H.
Bogue, Jabez H.
Bliss, William H.
Bliss,- Levi C.
Bingham, Charles K.
Benjamin, James E.
Biggs, Abram
Barnes, William
Carpenter, Judson T.
Corey, John F.
Couch, Thomas T.
Carl, Martin
Church, Charles H.
Clark, Lucius P.
Donahue, Daniel
Dean, Andrew
Eccleston, Thomas H.
Earl, William R.
Gordon, Archibald
Green, Palmer S.
Hall, William S.
Harris, George W.
Hall, William
Hall, Charles H.
Hayes, William
Handy, Hiram
Hall, Harvey
Herrick, John P.
Hills, Herman
Higginbothom, D. P.
Kent, Harrison A.
Lathrop, Joseph O.
Leary, Timothy
Laferty, James
Linton, Benjamin
Long, John
Miller, Charles S.
McEwin, Hugh
Miner, Charles C.

Residence. Inilis Muster. Itontarks.
Sprague July 22 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
Norwich fuly 30 Died December i,'62, Norwich.
Lyme Aug. 8 Killed June 5,-64, Piedmont, Va.
Plainfield Aug. 5 M. O. " 27, '65, Flarper's Ferry.
Aug. 5 " " 27,'65, " "
Canterbury July 25 Deserted Sept. 9, '62.
Preston Aug. 8 Wd. M. O. June 23, '65, .Annapolis.
Norwich Aug. 4 Deserted Nov. i],'64.
Tolland July 24 Discharged, disability, Mar. 8, '63.
Mansfield July 17 " " Dec. 23, '62,
Norwich Aug. 7 Wd. M.( ).June27,'65,Harper'sF'y.
Griswold Aug. 7 M. O. " 27, '65, " "
Norwich Aug. 8 Died Sep. 25, '64, Sandy Hook, Md.
Lyme Aug. 7 M. O. July 25, '65, York, Pa.
Mansfield July 21 " June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
Sprague July 22 " " 27, '65, "
Tolland July 17 " " 27, '65,
Preston Aug. 10 " " 27, '65, " "
Sprague Aug. 11 " " 27, '65, " "
Brooklyn Aug. 19 Discharged, disability. May t8,'64.
Griswold Aug. 8 Wd. M.( ). June 27,'65,Harper'sF'y.
Lyme Aug. 9 M. O. 27,-65, " "
Preston July 19 Discharged, disability, Feb. 15,-63.
Norwich Aug. 1 1 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper-s Ferry.
Lyme Aug. 9 " " 27,-65,
Norwich .Aug. 2 Deserted December 16, '62.
Griswold Aug. 7 M. (J. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
Lyme Aug. 8 " " 27,'65,
Griswold -Aug. 8 Died Jan. 26,-6.1, Martinsburg, Va.
Norwich Aug. 8 Deserted -Aug. 30,-62.
Coventry July 18 Discharged, disability, Mar. '&.'C>1.
Willington Aug. 6 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
Norwich Aug. 6 Wd.M.O. " 27, '65,
Griswold July 26 Discharged, disability, Dec. 16, '63.
Norwich Aug. 11 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
Griswold Aug. 2 Discharged Dec. 27, '62.
Norwich July 15 M. O. June 27,'65, Harper's Ferry.
Sprague Aug. 13 Wd. M. O. May 2o,'65, Frederick.
Aug. 9 M. O. June 27,'6s, Harper's Ferry,
Lyme Aug. 8 Discharged, disability, -April 28,'63.

4i8

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

Name and Rank.
Morfitt, James
Newcomb, Jason
Peckham, Gardner C.
Peter, William
Porter, Charles F.
Quinley, James K. P.
Quigley, Edward
Ringross, Michael
Rand, William G.
Rogers, Henry
Robertson, William
Robbins, Miner
Spencer, James G.
Stocking, Theodore B.
Spaulding, Edwin
Stanton, Solomon
Steers, Thomas A.
Taylor, William H.
Thornhill, William S.
Wallace, William
Wilber, John A.
Woodward, Elisha -A.
Wright, Franklin S.
Wild, Lineaus
Williams, David

Residence. Date Muster. Remarks.
Killingly Aug. 5 M. O. July 25, '65, York, Pa.
Tolland July 23 " " May i8,'65, NewHaven.
Lyme -\ug. 8 " June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
Norwich July 28 Deserted Aug. 30,-62.
Tolland July 17 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
Lyme Aug. 8 " " 27,'65,
Griswold Aug. 21 Discharged, disability, Mar. 8, '63.
Norwich July 28 Discharged Nov. 23, '63.
Lyme Aug. 9 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
Griswold Aug. 11 " " 27,-65,
Sprague Aug. 13 " " 27,-65,
Plainfield July 25 " " 27, '65,
Preston Aug. 7 " " 27, '65,
Norwich -Aug. 11 " " 27, '65,
Preston Aug. 12 Wd. M. O. June 27, '65,
Plainfield Aug. 10 M. O. June 27, '65,
Norwich Aug. 21 " " 27,-65,
" July 14 Discharged June i,'64.
Sprague Aug. 9 Wd.M.O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y.
Norwich Aug. 14 Deserted August 22, '62.
Aug. 17 Wd. Dischd., disability. May 8,-65.
Canterbury July 20 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
Norwich Aug. 17 Discharged, disability, Jan. 26,-65.
Griswold Aug. ii Wd. June 5,-64. Cap. June 1 1, '64.
Willington Aug. 17 " " 5,'64. M. O. July 5.'6s.

COMPANY K,

1862.

Captain.
Ezra J. Matthewson Killingly
/st Lieutenaiit,
George Kies "
2d Lieutenant.
Asahel G. Scranton "
Sergeant?,,
Atwood Kimball " Aug. 8 " " 27 '65
Reuben W. Scott Plainfield -Aug. 9 " " 27,''6s,'
Walter Young " Aug. 7 Killed Jan. 6,'63, Havre de Grace
Jerome B. Cahoone " Aug. 9 " June 5, '64, at Piedmont, Va,

Aug. 8 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 10 " " 27,'65,
Aug. 5 " " 27,'65,
Aug. 8

CONNECTICUT VOL UN TEERS.

.19

Name and Rank.

liesidoucc.

Date I\Ui

i,yt(.r. Homarkfi.

Corporals,

Joseph D. Hall

Killingly

Aug.

13 Wd. June 5, '64. M. 0. June 27'65.

Alonzo B. Potter

tt

Aug.

8 M. <). fune 27,-65, Flarper's Ferry.

George H. Curtiss

Brooklyn

Aug.

S " " 27,'65, "

Joseph F. Griffiths

Killingly

.Aug.

9 " " 15/65, "

James L. Adams

Plainfield

Aug.

9 " " 27,-65, "

Charles Bartlett

Killingly

Aug.

9 Died Feb. 20, '64, Richmond, Va.

Erastus E. Potter

tt

Aug.

9 M. 0. June, 21, '65, Anapolis, Md.

-Alfred Pray

tt

Aug.

9 " " 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.

Musicians,

Daniel Pray
Plainfield
Aug.
9 " " 27,'6s, "
Daniel G. Bennett
Killingly
Aug.
9 Killed June 15, '63, Winchester, Va.
Wagoner.
William Comins
u
Aug.
9 M. 0. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
Privates,
Adams, William H.
1(
July
31 27,65,
Burroughs, Cyrus
((
July
27 Trans. Vet. Res. Corps Mch. 4,-64,
Bassett, Thomas D.
"
Aug.
4 Discharged, disability, Feb. 15,-64.
Burdick, Asher
if
Aug.
5 M. 0. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
Brown, George
"
Aug.
6 " " 27,'65, "
Bowes, Edward E.
ii.
Aug.
8 " " 27,-65, "
Burnham, Oliver B.
((
Aug.
13 Died of wds. Feb. 12,-64, Mart-bg.
Bates, Sheldon, Jr.,
((
Aug.
8 M. 0. June 2 7, '65, Harper's Ferry.
Billington, Randall
((
Aug.
9 Deserted Sept. 2, 1863.
Bowen, Jabez L.
u
Aug.
9 M. 0. June 27, '65, Hq,rper's Ferry.
Bowen, Leonard
u
Aug.
9. Wd. June ()i. M. 0. June 27/65.
Baker, -Albert
u
Aug.
9 M. 0. June 2 7, '65, Harper-s Ferry.
Babson, Henry W.
((
Aug.
.. ft ft „.. '/; .. tt ft
9 27,65,
Bartlett, Almond
((
Aug.
9 Wd. June '(>t,. M. 0. June 27,'65.
Bates, Thomas T.
((
Aug.
13 Wd. July 18,-64. "
Burroughs, Cyrus, Jr.,
(C
Aug.
13 M. 0. June 27, '65, Harper-s Ferry,
Burns, John W.
u
Aug.
tj ft ft „«,/;.. ft ft
^ 27,65,
Curtis, Rufu« D.
C(
Aug.
I Wd. June 5,-64, M. 0. June 27, '65.
Crandall, Thomas
ii
Aug.
8 M. 0. June 26,'64, Harper's Ferry,
Covell, Arba R.
(t
Aug.
7 " " 27,'65, "
Champlin, Oliver W.
Plainfield
Aug.
7 Wd. July i8,'64. M. 0. June 27,-65.
Casey, Michael
Killingly
Aug.
8 M. 0. June 27,'65, Harper's Ferry,
Chase, Frank A.
((
Aug.
11 " " 27,-65, "
Carder, James A.
«
Aug.
II " " 27,-65, "
Day, Charles
(C
Aug.
9 " " 27,'65, "
420

ELGHTEENTH REGIMENT

Name and Rank.
Duprey, John H.
Fisk, Erastus E.
Goodell, William
Griffiths, Charles K.
Graver, Edwin P.
Glinn, John
Handy, Davis U.
Harrington, Ira
Hughes, John
Handy, F'rancis H.
Harrington, William B.
Halleck, Moses
James, Roland R.
Jackson, Jerome A.
Jordan, Denison P.
Keach, John
King, Benoni
Kelly, John
Leavens, William H. H.
Law, Parris M.
Moffit, Eber, Jr.,
Miller, Jabez
McDougal, Daniel
Miller, James D.
Niles, Sumner
Niles, Edmund
Newell, William H.
Potter, James
Penry, John
Penry, Charles O.
Pike, Reuben -A.
Pike, John
Robbins, Albert
Reynolds, Charles
Sharkey, Robert
Short, Levi M.
Sweet, William W.
Sullivan, Lawrence
Scholes, Robert
Smith, Barnard

Plainfield tf
BrooklynPlainfield
Killingly
Plainfield Killingly

Aug.Aug.Aug.
Aug. Aug.
Aug.
Aug.
Aug.

Residence. Date Muster. Remaiks.
Killingly Aug. 8 Deserted Aug. i6, 1863.
" Aug. 9 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 8 " " 27,-65, "
Aug. 13 " " 27,'6s, "
Aug. 3 " " 27,'65, "
Aug. 9 Wd. June 5,-64. M. O. June 27/65.
Aug. 10 ¦' 5,'64. " May 18,-65.
Aug. 13 Tr. V. R. C. M. O. Aug. 13/65.
-Aug. 9 Deserted June 18, 1863.
5 Discharged, disability, Feb. 3,-64.
7 Deserted May 13, 1863,
8 Dis. Feb. 22,-64, order Sec. of War.
9 M. <). June 27,-65, Harper-s Ferry.
I " " 27,'65, "
9 Wd.Tr.Inv. Corps. M. O.July 3,-65.
9 M. C). June 27,-65, Harper-s Ferry.
5 " May 25,-65, Worcester, Mass.
July 30 Discharged June 9, 1864.
Aug. 4 M. (). June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 13 " " 27,-65,
Aug. 8 Discharged, disability, Mch. 2,-63.
-Aug. 8 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper-s Ferry.
Aug. 5 " " 27,-65,
Aug. 9 " " 27,-65,
Aug. 13 " " 27,-65,
Aug. 13 " " 2,'65, Jar. U.S.A. Hos.
Aug. 8 Wd. June 5,-64. M. O. June 27/65.
Aug. 8 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper-s Ferry.
.\ug. 13 Died Nov. 28,-62, Havre de Grace.
Aug. 13 Wd. June 5. M. O. June 27,-65.
Aug. 7 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 7 Discharged Nov. 26, 1863.
Aug. 8 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
Aug. 13 Deserted Aug. i, 1863.
-Aug. 7 Killed June 15,-63, Winchester, Va.
Aug. 9 Wd. June 5/64. Died June 30,-64.
Aug. 4 Discharged, disability, June 15,-63.
Aug. 8 " " Dec. 19,-63.
Aug. 7 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
-Aug. II Deserted May 23, 1863.

Plainfield Killingly
Sterling Killingly

Plainfield Killingly

Plainfield Killingly

CONNEC TLCUT VOL UN TEERS.

421

Name aud Rank.

Residence.

Date Muster.

Sweet, John H.

Killingly

Aug. 5

Short, Daniel S.

"

Aug. 9

Smith, Samuel

tt

Aug. 9

Smith, James M.

ft

Aug. 9

Smith, Almanzo M.

"

Aug. 8

Sparks, Henry K.

"

Aug. 5

Trask, Albert D.

Plainfield

Aug. 11

Taylor, William A.

Sterling

Aug. 11

Taylor, Henry G.

ft

Aug. 11

Wade, Henry L.

Pomfret

Aug. 8

Wilmot, Felix W.

Killingly

Aug. 8

Wood, Franklin

f.

Aug. 10

Wilson, George L.

ft

July 29

Walker, Lewis

if

Aug. 8

Young, James H.

Pomfret

Aug. 9

Young, Maxcy

Killingly

Aug. 8

Young, Charles

ft

Aug. 10

Roniarks.
M. ( ). May 19,-65, Harper-s Ferry.
Discharged, disability, Mch. 2,-63.
M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
Killed in act'n July 18,-64, S. F.Va-
Wd. June 5,-64. M. O. June 27, '65.
M. < ). June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
" " 27,-65, "
" " 27,-65, "
" " 27,-65, "
" " 27,-65, "
Deserted Dec. 8, 1862.
M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's Ferry.
Disch. May 19,-65, New Haven, Ct.
M. O. June 27,-65, Harper-s Ferry.
;' " 27/65, "
Discharged, disability, July 1863.
Wd. June,'63. Dis. disab., June 8,-65.

422

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

RECRUITS.

COMPANY A,

Name and Rank.
Allen, Alonzo N.
Allen, Charles
Baker, Erastus
-Brown, Francis
Congdon, Benjamin
Carver, William
Clark, John
'''Carpenter, Daniel
Dewing, James
Jones, Thomas F.
Johnson, William H.
McDavitt, Arthur
McKackine, James
Phinney, John
Wells, Joseph A.
AVetherel, Benjamin S.

Residence. Date Master.

Remarks.

Canterbury Norwich
CanterburyStonington Lebanon
Norwich On roll
Canterbury Bridgeport Canterbury
Stonington Putnam Canterbury Marlboro-Norwich

Jan. 4,-64
Dec.28,-64 Dec. 29,-63
Jan. 17/65
Jan. 2,-64
Apr. 2 1,-64
Dec. 24,-64
Feb.28,'6s
Dec 29, '63
Mayi3,-63 Dec.29,'63
Jan. 17/65
Jan. 18,-65
Jan. 4,'64
Dec.31,-64
Jan. 3,-65

M.O. June 27,-65, Harper-s F'y.
" " 27,-65, "
" May 31,-65, "
" June 27,-65, "
" " 27/65, "
Dishon. discharged May 8,-65.
M.O. June 27,-65, Harper's p-y.
" " 27,-65, " "
" " 27,-65, "
Killed June 15,-63, Winchester.
M.O. May 31,-65, Harper's F'y.
" June 27,-65,
" " 27,-65,
" " 27,-65,
" " 27,-65,
" " 27,-65,

Armington, Samuel
Armington, Charles
Blanchard, C. F. C.
Clemons, George
Durfee, Leonard
*Substitute or drafted.

COMPANY B
Killingly

Dec.31,-63 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's p-y.
Dec.31,'63 " " 27,-65, " "
Feb. 5/64 " " 27,-65, " "
Jan. 25,^-64 " " 27,-65, " "
Dec. 3,-63 Discharged disability Oct. 13,-64.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS.

423

Name and Rank. Etisidenrc
Jencks, Albert L. Sterling
Knowlton, George H.
McRoy, William Lebanon
Ninis, William "
Smith, Charles W. Killingly
Smith, Elisha
Smith, John F.
Sherman, Willet H. Lebanon

Date MiiMtcr. liriiiaiitH.
Dec. 7, '63 M. (). June 7,-65, Jarvis FIosp.
Nov. 23,-63 Trans. July 15,-64, to 15th Ct.
Mar. 2,-64 Died f)ct. 27,-64, Annapolis.
Mar. 2,-64 J\F < '• July 15,-65,
Dec. 3,-63 " June 27,-65, Harijer's F'v,
Dec. 1,-63 " " 27,'65, " "'
Feb.29,-64 " " 27,-65,
Mar. 2,-64 " " 27/65, " "

COMPANY C,

Adams, Judson M. L
Brown, Benjamin B.
Bates, Charles E.
Burnham, James T.
Cady, James
Cryne, Martin
Connell, Joseph
Corey, Richmond
*Crudy, Patrick
Fry, Joseph R.
Gamble, James
Gott, Gilbert H.
Gordon, Frank H.
Haggerty, James
Hauerwas, Ludwig
Lee, Charles C.
Lombard, Orvando
Loomis, Thomas A.
McNamara, Patrick
Munroe, Thomas
Trueman, Frank M.
Warren, John E.
Withey, William H.
Wolf, Aaron
Washburn, Edwin

KillinglyLebanon
ThompsonWillimanticWoodstock Windham
NorwichLebanon Pomfret HartfordCanterburyColchester Windham LebanonNorwich
Lebanon ft
Norwich
Sprague Norwich
Woodstock New Haven
Lebanon

Feb. 5,-64
Dec.30,'63Jan. 4,-64
Dec 30,-63
Dec. 1 6,-63
Jan. 5,-64
Jan. 25,-64
Mar. 16,-64
Sept. 2,-64
Dec.21,'63 Dec. 21, '63
Jan. 23,-64
Dec.30,-63Jan. 5,-64
Dec. 22, '63
Dec.24,-63
Jan. 15/64
Feb. 5,-64
Jan. 1,-64
Feb. 1 1,-64
Dec. 16, '63
Dec.i6, '63
Dec. 2,-63
Dec3i, '63
Feb. 5,-64

M. O. June 27,-65, Harper-s p-y.
May 18,-65, New Haven.
M. O. June 27,-65, Harper-s p-y.
Killed June 5,-64, Piedmont, V.
M. O. June 27,-65, Harper-s F'y.
" '; 27,-65, " "
Disch. disab. June 21,-65, N. H.
March 25,-65.
M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's p-y.
" 27,-65,
" " 27,-65, " "
Died Aug. 30,-64, Andersonville.
M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's F'y.
" " 27,-65, " "
Disch. disab. May 6, '65, N. H.
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'-y.
" " " 27,-65, " "
" " 27/65, ' "
Died January 19, 1865.
M. O. June 27, 1865.
Deserted November 27, 1864.
M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's F'y.
¦' 27,-65, Harper's F'y.
Deserted June 2, 1865.
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y.

''' Substitute or drafted.

424

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

Name and Rank.

Aldrich, Frederick A.
Buck, George C.
Brayton, Charles K.
Buckley, James F.
Bickford, Vernon
Babbitt, Allen
Buck Joseph W.
Bates, Samuel H.
Bradley, Mitchell
Converse, Joel T.
Clark Patrick
Dodge, George W.
¦*Ellis, Lutus C.
Fox, David C.
Green, Lyman W .
Grealy, John
¦*Griggs, Stephen A.
Handy, William H.
I^ong, Edward
Miller, Melancthon
O'Donnell, George
Sanford, John
Wakeley, Clarence

Residence. Date Muster.
COMPANY D.

Remarks.

Thompson

Woodstock ThompsonPlainfield
Thompson Norwich
Eastford Stonington
Woodstock

Aug. 18-64
Dec. 1,-63
Dec. 1,-63
Nov. 2,-63
Dec. 14, '63
Dec. 14, '63
Dec.21,'63Jan. 4,'64
Sept. 9,'64
Jan. 4,-64
Feb. 29, '64
Dec. 10, '63
-Aug. 9, '64
Jan. 29,'64

New LondonSept. 10,-63
Hampton Feb. 25,-64
Aug. 1 8,-64
Franklin Aug. 5,-64
Apr. 16,-63
Apr. 13,-64
Apr.16,'63 Feb.2S,'64
Jan. 17, '65

P. Thompson Croton
Waterbury

M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's P"y.
" " 27,-65, " "
Trans, to V R. C, May 7, 1865.
M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's F'y.
" " 27,-65, " "
" " 27,-65, " "
27,65,
" 27,-65,
" "27,-65, " "
Wd. and captured June 5, '64.
M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's F'y.
Died Oct. 11/64, Florence, S. C.
Deserted November 14, 1864.
Disch. disab. Aug. 18,-65, N. H.
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y.
" " 27,-65, " "
" " 27,-65, " "
" " 27,'65, " "
Deserted September i, 1863.
M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's F'y.
Deserted September 1, 1863.
Deserted November 14, 1864.
M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's F'y.

COMPANY E,

Clark, Albert A.
Clark, Henry G.
Fogtmau, John
Lewis, Horatio H.
McKenna, Tole
Martin James F.
Palmer, Frank J.
Snow, Hiram
Simson, William
Wallace, Michael

Bozrah Dec. 7, '63 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's F'y.
WethersfieldOct. 4,'64 " " 27,-65,
Colchester Jan. 4, '64 Disch. disab. May 27, 1865.
Columbia April 9,-63 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's F'y.
Woodstock Sept. 28, '64 Deserted.
Middletown Nov.26,-64 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y.
Colchester Jan. 4, '64 Disch. dis. Nov. i,'64, N. H.
Dec.22,'63 " " March 25, 1865.
Saybrook Nov.22,'64 Deserted January 6, 1865.
Canterbury Sept. 27, '64 Deserted.

' Substitute or drafted.

CONNEC TICUT VOL UN TEERS,

425

COAfPANY F,

Name and Rank.

Residence.

llutc M

ll,s|('f.

Avery, Northam F. D.

East Haver

1 Dec.

2/64

Edwards, Thomas L.

Montville

Jan.

4, '64

Edwards, Alfred

ft

Jan.

4, '64

McMahon, Thomas

Norwich

Nov.

16,-63

Miner, Sylvester P.

Bozrah

Jan.

2,-64

McGrath, John

Norwich

Jan.

6,-64

Mahoney, Dennis D.

Colchester

Jan.

5, '64

Martin, James W.

Ledyard

Apr.

7, '64

Nugent, James

Colchester

Jan.

5,'64

Palmer, Orrin V.

Norwich

Jan.

14, '64

Rath, Ferdinand

Essex

Jan.

8,'64

Smith, Samuel J.

Jan.

2i,'63

Sweet, James L,

Norwich

Jan.

8, '64

Tough, George E.

Hartford

Dec.

21, '63

West, Albert K.

Preston

Dec.

29,'63

-HVilliartis, Robert

Pomfret

Sept,

. .3,'64

*White, James W.

Preston

Sept,

6,'64

IlciiiJirlcft.
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y.
" " 27,'6s, '- "
Disch. disability, Feb. 13, 1865.
Killed June 5, '64, Piedmont, Va.
Captured June 1 1, 1864.
Deserted November 13, 1864.
M. ( ). June 27, '65, Harper's F'y.
" " " 27,'65,
" 27,6'5,
" 27, '65,
" 27, '65,
Deserted May 29, 1864.
Disch. disability, March 25, '65.
M. O. June 2 7, '65, Flarper's F'y.
" " 27,'65, " "
Deserted November 13, 1864.
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y.

COMPANY G,

Bowen, David A.
Browning, James
Hibbard, Henry W.
Hiscox, Albert
Henry, Charles E.
Lake, Thomas A.
Mark, Louis
Navin, Patrick
Smith, Abner P.
Smith, Abner
Smith, Theodore
Stuart, David
Underwood, Charles H.
Weeks, Francis E.

Woodstock Greewich
Woodstock Union on rolls
Woodstock Bridgeport
Putnam Woodstock
Stonington Salisbury ft
Windham Union

Dec.30,'63
Feb. 1,-65
Jan. 4,-64
Jan. 28,-64
Feb.28,'65Dec. 16,-63
Jan. i8,'64
Nov. 9, '63
Dec. 21, -63
Jan. 4,-64
Jan. 25,-65
Jan. 28,-65
Dec. 8,'63
Feb. 25, '64

Deserted November 14, 1864.
April 12, 1865.
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y.
" " 27,'65, " "
Trans. 2d C.V. Art. Mar. 7, '63.
M. O. June 27,-65, Harper-s F'y.
27, '65,
Deserted June 15, 1865.
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y.
Dis. Oct. 17, '64, on furlough.
M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's F'y.
" " " 27,'65, " "
Deserted May 17, 1865.
M. O. Aug. 1,-65, Washington.

* Substitute or drafted.
54

426

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

Name and Rank.
-•Abbe, Joseph
Brown, James K.
Brady, Laughlin
Chappell, Cortland G.
Hayes,- George S.
Harris, Elijah F.
Kaiser, Matthias
Miller, William H.
Spencer, Thomas D.
U'ilson, Jared F.

COMPAN Y H,

Residence.
Wolcott Windham

Date Muster.

Mar.22,'64 M. O. May 3o,'65, Hartford, Ct.
Dec.10,'63 " June 27,-65, Harper's F'y.
" Jan. 5,-64 Died July 28, '64, on furlough.
" Dec.10,'63 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's F'y.
Dec. 1,-62 Died Oc. 27-63, Martinsburg, Va.
Jan. 5,-63 M. O. June 27,-65, Harper's P-y.
So. Coventry Feb. 23, '64 " " 27, '65, " "
Mayi3,'63 Deserted August 27, 1863.
Windham Dec.14, '63 M- O- June 27, '65, Harper's F'y.

Dec. 10, '6 5

27,-65,

COMPANY I,

Bugbee, Henry S,
Buchanan, John M.
Donahue, John
Foster, Charles
Glasgow, John
Grant, Albert F.
Harbison, William C.
Holmes, Asa L.
*Haskell, Albert L.
King, Andrus H.
Keigvvin, Daniel
Kenyon, Leander A.
McShean, Owen,
Quigley, Patrick J.
Richardson, Charles H.
Robinson, Franklin E.
Tucker, James
Town, I^ranklin
Taylor, John E.
Weaver, Joseph
\Vaite, Prescott
A'annon, Christian J.

Hamden

Dec.

28,

'63

Thompson

Jan.

4,

'64

Sprague

Jan.

5,

'64

Norwich

Jan.

18,

'64

Nov,

30,

'62

Mansfield

Dec,

,V,

'63

Killingly

Sep.

15,

'62

Lebanon

Jan.

2,

,¦64

New LondonJune28,'64
Woodstock Sep. 24, '62
Norwich Dec. 19, '63
Canterbury Sep. 27, '64
Killingly Oct. 7, '62
Woodstock Sep. 28, '64
Killingly Oct. 9, '62
Mansfield Dec.31,'63
E. Windsor Dec.30,'63
Thompson Jan. 4, '64
E. Windsor Dec.30,'63
Sprague Dec. i,'63
Mansfield Dec.31,'63
Pomfret Oct. 28, '62

Deserted November 11, 1864.
M. ( ). June 27, '65, Harper's F'v-
" " 27,'65, " "'
" " 27,-65, " "
Deserted January 23, 1863.
M. O. June 19,-65, Ballio, Md.
Tr. Inv. C. M. O. Sep. 14,-65.
M. ( ). June 27,-65, Harper's F'y.
' 27,-65,
Discharged May 30, 1865.
M. ( ). June 27,-65, Harper-s Y\,
" " 27,-63, " "'
" " 27,-65, " "
" 27,-65,
" " 27,-65, " "
Deserted November 11, 1S64.
M. O. June 27,-65, Harper-s F'y.
" " 27,-65, " "
" " 27,-65, " "
" 27,-65,
Tr. istU.S.V. M.O. Oct. 20/65
Deserted October 28, 1863.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS.

427

COAL PAN Y K.

Name and I\:iuk.
Baker, Henry E.
Baker, William C.
Cooper, George P.
Cole, Thomas W.
Geer, Nelson
Hall, George F.
Hyde, William J.
Hopkins, Michael
Lathrop, David D.
Locke, George H.
Potter, Rouse
Robbins, Thomas J.
Randall, Henry F.
Shepardson, Albert I
Short, Linus E.
Stewart, Charles
Taylor, James A.
\Vade, Otis S.

Ktisidoitcc.

I>iil(i Muster.

Remarks.

Killingly

Feb. 29 -64

M.O.

June 27,-65, Harper's p-y.

"

Feb. 29,-64

"

" 27,-65,

"

Dec 1 7,-63

"

" 27,-65, " "

Putnam

Feb. 25,-64

"

" 27,-65, " "

Killingly

Jan. 4,-64

"

" 27,-65,

Plainfield

Feb. 4,'64

ft

' 27,-65,

"

Mar. 3 1, '64

"

¦' 27,-65, " "

"

Oct. 4,'64

ft

" 27,-65, " "

Brooklyn

.Apr. 10, '63

Disch

arged, disability, July6,'65

Killingly

Jan. 4,'64

M.O.

June 27,-65, Harper's F'y.

27, ''S,
27, '65,
27,'65,

Feb.29,'64 "
Dec. 1 7,-63 "
Dec. 29,-63 "
Plainfield Feb. 4,-64 " " 27, '65,
Killingly Feb.29,'64 Died Sept. 7, '64, Andersonville.
Montville Mar. 7, '64 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y.
Plainfield Dec.i 1,-63 " " 27,-65,
Killingly Dec. 17, -63 " " 27,-65, " "

428

ELGHTEENTH REGLMENT

UNASSIGNED RECRUITS,

Name and Rank.
-Avery, George F.
Brady, Charles
Baker, Arthur C.
Brown, Charles
Brady, Edward
Clark, Warren A.
Collins, Daniel
Coleman, John T.
Clancy, John J.
Crowley, Frank
Clark, Oliver
Clarey, Michael
Daggett, Henry A.
Ellis, Thomas S.
Eaton, Thomas
Pinner, Thomas
Greene, Lafayette
Harrington, Parley
Littlefield, George T.
Leonard, Charles
Loonun, John
Marsh, George W.
Neuergert, John
Noble, John
0-Neal, Timothy
Owen, James
Roberts, Orrin
Ryan, Patrick
Shay, Jeremiah
Sweet, James L.
Stewart, William J.
Shepard, George W.
Townsend, Charles
Warren, Charles A.
Woods, Patrick
West, Charles W.
Williams, George
Yarrington, Henry

Iteeidence. Ltate Muster.
Preston Feb. 27, -64
Salisbury Mar. 19,-64
Sterling May 25, '64
" May 25, '64
Plainfield Oct. i8,'64
Milford Dec. 9,'63
Sterling May 5, '64
Granby July 29, '64
July 29/64
Salem Sep. 3,-64
Washington Nov.15,-64
Saybrook Nov.22,'64
Oct. 9, '62
Norwich Mar.23,'63
Portland Mar. 17, '64
Hartford Jan. 8, '64
Preston Se]). i,'64
Bozrah Dec.25,'63
iVlontville Jan. 18,-64
Portland Mar.17,'64
Stonington Feb. 3,-65
N. Canaan Dec. 16, -64
Canton Dec. 5,-63
Lyme Mar. 7,-64
Granby July 29,-64
Colchester Dec. 13, '64
Middletown Apr. 3, '63
Berlin July29,'64 Sep. 29, '62
Norwich Dec.31,'63
Salisbury Mar.19,'64
Preston Sep. 3,-64
Sterling Apr.21,'64
Woodstock Sep. 14,-64
Bridgewater Sep. 17,-64
Middletown Dec. 16,-64
Stonington Feb. 3,-65
Preston Apr. 7,-63

Remarks.
Died March 7,-64, West Haven.
Ford. April 7,-64. Not on roll.
t f T n , .r ft t f
June 28, 64.
" " 2,-64. " "
Dis. Nov. 18,-64, draft rend.
Ford. Dec. 16,-64. Not on roll.
" June 2,-64.
" Sep.17,-64.
" " 17,-64.- " "
" " 17,-64. " "
Deserted Nov. 18, 1864.
Ford. Jan. 29,-65. Not on roll.
Deserted Oct. 22, 1862.
" June 19, 1863.
Ford. Apr. 7, '64. Not on roll.
Deserted Jan. 17, 1864.
Dis. Nov. 18, '64, draft rend.
Not taken up on roll Dec.31,'64
Deserted March 28, 1864.
Ford. Apr. 7,-64. Not on roll.
Deserted en route.
Ford. Dec. 30, '64. Not on roll.
Not taken up on roll Dec.31,'64.
Ford. Dec. 7, '64. Not on roll.
" Sep. 17,-64. " ^'
" Dec. 30,-64. " "
Deserted April 23, 1863.
Ford. Sep. 17,-64. Not on roll.
Deserted Oct. 10, 1862.
" Jan. 14, 1864.
Ford. April 7,-64. Not on roll.
'' Sep. 17,-64. "
" June 2,-64. " "
Dis. Oct. 8, '64, draft rend.
Ford. Sep. 26, '64. Not on roll.
Dis. Jan. 15,-65, draft rend.
Deserted en rout,
Dis. April 13,-63, Ft. Trumbull.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. .129

CHANGES AND PROMOTIONS

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

Name and Rank. Residence. Date Muster. lientatks.
Colonel,
William G. Ely, Norwich July24,'62 Dis. Sep. 18, '64. Pr.Bvt. Brig. Gen.
Lieut. Colonels,
Monroe Nichols, Thompson Aug. 18, '62 Resigned -April 26, 1864.
Henry Peale, Norwich Sep. 24,-64 M. (). June 27, 1865.
Majors,
Monroe, Nichols. Thompson .\ug.i8,'62 Prom. Lt. Col. .Aug. 18, 1862.
Ephraim Keech, Jr, Killingly -Vug. 18, '62 Hon. dis. May 20, 1863.
Henry Peale, Norwich May 20,-63 Prom. Lt. Col. Sep. 24, 1864.
Joseph Mathewson, Pomfret Oct. 3,-64 M. O. June 27, 1865.
Adjutants,
Edward L. Porter, New London-Aug. 4,-62 Prom. Capt. May 20, 1863.
E. Benjamin Culver, Norwich May26,'63 Killed in action June 5, 1864.
Joseph P. Rockwell, '" Jun. 5, '64 Prom. Capt. Oct. 17, 1864.
George W. Brady, " Oct. 17, '64 M. O. June 27,-65.
Quarter-Masters,
Dwight W. Hakes, Norwich Aug. 4, '62 Dis. for prom, .\pril 13, 1865.
Noadiah P. Johnson, Thompson Jun. 22, '65 M. O. (as ist Lt.) June 27, '65.
Chaplains,
Varnum A. Cooper, New ]jOndonAug.27,'62 Resigned Mar. 4, 1863.
William C. Walker, Putnam Jan. 19, '64 M. O. June 27, 1865.
Surgeons,
Charles M. Carleton, Norwich Aug. 6,'62 Hon. Dis. April 17, 1863.
Lowell Holbrook, Thompson Apr.23,'63 M. O. June 27, 1865.
1st Asst, Surgeon,
Josiah V. Harrington Sterling Aug.i 1,-62 Died Dec. i, 1864.

430

ELGHTEENTH REGLMENT

Name and Rank. Residence.
2d Asst, Surgeons.
Henry W. Hough,

Date Muster.

NorwichBrooklyn
NorwichThompson Norwich Woodstock

Killingly Pomfret
Killingly Norwich

William B. North,
Charles H. Rowe, Captains.
Henry C. Davis,
Thomas K. Bates,
Isaac H. Bromley,
Monroe Nichols,
Isaac W. Hakes, Jr.,
Henry Peale,
George W. Warner,
Charles D. Bowen,
Samuel R. Knapp,
Ephriam Keech, Jr.,
Joseph Mathewson,
Ezra J. Mathewson,
Frederick A. Palmer,
Edward L. Porter,
John E. Woodward,
John H. Morrison,
William L. Spalding,
Israel N. Kibbie,
Martin V. B. Tiffany,
Noadiah P. Johnson,
John Lilley,
Joseph P. Rockwell,
Horatio Blanchard,
Samuel T. C. Merwin
Franklin B. Bixby,
1st Lieutenants.
Adam H. Lindsay, Norwich
Horatio Blanchard,
Samuel T. C. Merwin
Joseph Mathewson,
Frederick A. Palmer,
John E. Woodward,
Israel N. Kibbie,
James F. Long,

Putnam Sep. 20, '62
Nev/ Britain Mar.20,-63
Farmington Sep. 2,-64

Aug. 8,-62
Aug. 8, '62
Aug. 8,-62
Aug. 8,-62
Aug. 8, '62
-Aug. 8, '6 2
Aug. 8, '6 2
Willimantic Aug. 8,'62
Norwich Aug. 8,-62

Aug. 8,'62
Aug.18,'62
Aug.18,'62 Dec.26,'62

New LondonMay2o,'63
Preston Oct. 10, '63

NorwichEastford Putnam
Norwich Thompson
Norwich Killingly
Norwich Thompson

Killingly
Norwich Pomfret
Norwich
Preston Putnam

Oct. i9,'63
Nov.30,'63Aug. 12, '64
Aug. 1 2, '64
Oct. 17, '64
Oct. 17, '64
Oct. 17, '64
' Jan. 30,^63
Jun. 22, '65
Jun. 22, -65
Aug. 8,'62
Aug. 8, '6 2
Aug. 8, '62
Aug. 8, '62
Aug. 8,'62
-•Vug. 8, '62
Aug. 8,'62

Willimantic -Aug. 8, '62

Kemaiks.
Resigned March 6, 1863.
Resigned May 9, 1864.
M. O. June 27, 1865.
Hon. dis. April 25, 1865.
Res. for disability Nov. 17, '63.
Hon. dis. Mar. 31, 1863.
Prom. Major Aug. i8, 1862.
Resigned Dec. 26, 1862.
Prom. Major May 20, 1863.
Hon. dis. Oct. 4, 1864.
M. O. June 27, 1865.
Resigned June 6, 1863.
Prom. Major Aug. 18, 1862.
" Oct. 3, 1864.
M. O. June 27, 1865.
Dis. May 28, 1864.
Killed in action June 15, 1863.
M. O. June 27, 1865.
Dismissed Sep. i, 1864.
Killed in action May 15, 1864.
M. O. June 27, 1865.
Declined commission.
M. O. June 27, 1865.
" " 27, "
• 27, "
" (as ist Lt.) June 27, '65.
t >f tt ft ,/-
27,65.
Hon. dis. -Apr. 17, 1865.
Prom. Cajjt. Jan. 30, 1865.
June 22, 1865.
Aug. 18, 1862.
" " Dec. 26, 1862.
" Oct. 10, 1862.
Aug. 12, 1864.
Resigned Nov. 9, 1862.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS.

431

Name and Rank. Resideucc.
JohnH. Morrison, Norwich
Ezra J. Mathewson, Killingly
William L. Spalding, Eastford
George Kies, Killingly
Andrew Loomis, 'Polland
John T. Maginnis, Salem
Henry F. Cowles, Norwich
Martin V. B. Tiff"any,
Noadiah Johnson, Thompson
John Lilley, Norwich
Edward S. Hinckley, Lebanon
Albert S. Granger, Putnam
Franklin B. Bixby, Thompson
William Caruthers, Norwich
John A. Francis,
Robert Kerr, "
2d Lieutenants,

James D. Higgins,
Ezra D. Carpenter,
Henry F. Cowles,
William L. Spalding,
John T. Maginnis,
John A. Francis,
Luther E. Rawson,
Andrew W. Loomis,
Martin V. B. Tiff'any,
George Kies,
Noadiah P. Johnson,
Asahel G. Scranton,
William H. Locke,
Joseph P. Rockwell,
Francis McKeag,
Andrew Washburn,
John Lilley,
Franklin B. Bixby,
Edward S. Hinckley,
Robert Kerr,
*William Caruthers,
Charles A. Murray,

Norwich PutnamNorwich
Eastford Salem
NorwichWoodstock 'PollandNorwich
KillinglyThompson Killingly
Windham Norwich tt
Lebanon
Norwich
Thompson Lebanon Norwich

Date Muster. IlGmarks.
Aug. 8, '62 Prom. ('apt. Oi.t. 19, 1863.
Aug. 8,'62 " " Aug. 18, 1862.
Aug.18,'62 " " Nov. 30, 1863.
Aug.18,'62 M. O. June 27, 1865.
Nov. 9,'62 " " 27, 1865.
Dec. 26,-62 Killed in action June 5, 1864.
(Jet. 10, '63 Hon. dis. May 15, 1865.
Oct. 1 9, '63 Prom. Capt. Aug. 12, 1864.
No\-.3o,'64 " Quar-Master June 22, '65.
Jun. 5,-64 " Capt. Oct. 17, 1864.
Aug. 1 2, '64 M. O. June 27, 1865.
Oct. 8,'64 " " 27, 1865.
Oct. 17, '64 Prom, ("apt. June 22, 1865.
Jan. 7, '65 M. O. June 27, 1865.
Jan. 3o,'65 " " 27, 1865.
Jun. 22, '65 " (as 2d Lt.) June 27, '65.
Aug. 8, '62 Hon. dis. Oct. 27, 1864.
Aug. 8,'62 M. O. June 27, 1865.
Aug. 8,'62 Prom, ist Lt. Oct. to, 1863.
Aug. 8,'62 " " Aug. 18, 1862.
-Aug. 8, '62 " " Dec. 26, 1862.
Aug. 8, '62 " '' Jan. 30, 1865.
Aug. 8, '62 Resigned Dec. 22, 1862.
Aug. 8, '62 Prom, ist Lt. Nov. 9, 1862.
Aug. 8,'62 " " Oct. 19, 1863.
Aug. 8, '62 " " Aug. 18, 1862.
Aug.18,'62 " " Nov. 30, 1863.
-Aug.18,'62 M. O. June 27, 1865.
No\-. 9, '62 Hon. Dis. May 15, 1865.
Dec. 22, '62 Prom. Adjt. June 5, 1864.
Dec.26,-62 M. O. June 27, 1S65.
()ct. 10, '63 Dis. (as Sgt.) Feb. 24, 1864.
Oct. 19, '63 Prom, ist Lt. June 5, 1864.
Nov.30,'63 " " Oct. 17, 1864.
Apr.12,'64 " " Aug. 12, 1864.
Jun. 5, '64 " " June 22, 1865.
Jun. i2'63 " '' Jan. 7, 1865.
Jan. 3o,'65 M. O. June 27, 1865.

^Recommended for promotion.

432 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

CHANGES AND PROMOTIONS
IN
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

."^TAFF
Sergt-M.ajor, George E. Comins. Promoted from corporal.
(,), M. Sergeant, Albert FI. Pitcher. Promoted from private.
Com. Sergeant, 'I'imothy Parker. Promoted from private.
Drum Major, -Albert Pray.
Fife Major, Judson M. Gager.
Wagon-master, H. M. Durfey. Promoted from private.
COMPANY A.
Tst Sergeant, Samuel J. Lee. Promoted from sergeant.
2d " George C. Setchel. Promoted from corporal.
4th " John Chahners. Promoted from private.
5th " Benjamin F. Jaques. Promoted from corporal.
3d Corporal, John W. Martin. Promoted from private.
4th " John Laird. Promoted fiom private.
5th " Milan V\^. Adams. Promoted from private.
6th " Horace U. Sherman. Promoted from private.
7th " John Service. Promoted from private.
COMPANY B,
ist Sergeant, Thomas jVI. Day. Promoted from corporal.
3d " Laurens Card. Promoted from corporal.
4th " William A. Trask. Promoted from private.
5th " Harrison O. Bemish Promoted from private.
ist Corporal, Frederick M. Freeman. Promoted from private.
2d " John W. Randall. Promoted from private.
3d " James H. Sawyer. Promoted from private.
4th ' William H. VV-'ard. Promoted from private.
5th " Sidney M. Brewster. Promoted from private.
6th " Charles E. Olney. Promoted from private.
7th " Calvin H. Richmond. Promoted from private.
8th '' Smith E. Randall. Promoted from private.

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS.

433

COMPANY C.
ist Sergeant, Edwin S. Fitch. Promoted from private.
2d " Frederick L. Spencer. Promoted from private.
3d " Charles C. Chappell. Promoted from private.
4th " William H. H. Ellis. Promoted from private.
5th " Restcome Peckham. Promoted from corporal.
ist Corporal, George W. Cross. Promoted from private.
2d " Abisha P. Durfee. Promoted from private.
3d " Thomas J. Lumis. Promoted from private.
4th " Charles H. Lynch. Promoted from private.
5th " Joseph B. Green. Promoted from private.
6th " -Adam Kraus. Promoted from private.
7th " Charles M. Avery. Promoted from private,
8th " Lemuel A. Manning. Promoted from private.

COMPANY D,

ist Sergeant, Joseph E. Marcy.

Promoted from sergeant.
3d " George W. Phetteplace.Promoted from corporal.
4th " William J. Arnold. Promoted from corporal.
5th " Henry C. Torrey. Promoted from private.
ist Corporal, Edwin Sharpe. Promoted from private.
2d " John N. Perrin. Promoted from private.
3d " John W. Clapp. Promoted from private.
4th " Joseph W. Heath. Promoted from private.
5th " Thomas W. Grow. Promoted from private.
6th " George T. Seaver. Promoted from private.
7th " William Lynch. Promoted from private.
8th " Abial -A. Miller. Promoted from private.

COMPANY E.

ist Sergeant, Anthony Staubly.
4th " James McKee.
5th " Hvlon N. Perry.
4th Corporal, Nelson R. -Allen.

5 th
6th yth
8th

John Weller.
Albert M. Lathrop.
George Crawford.
William P. Clark.

Promoted from sergeant.
Promoted from corporal.
Promoted from corporal.
Promoted from private.
Promoted from private.
Promoted from private.
Promoted from private.
Promoted from private.

434

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

COMPAN Y F.

ist

Sergeant,

Richard Trinnier.

Promoted from private.

.3d

ft

William H. Webb.

Promoted from corporal.

4th

"

Henry Appleton.

Promoted from private.

ist

Corporal,

Daniel B. Church.

Promoted from i)rivate.

3d

"

Charles F. Thurber.

Promoted from private.

4th

"

Samuel D. Billings.

Promoted from private.

5 th

tt

Levi P. Nickolson.

Promoted from private.

6th

"

Edwin Kenyon.

Promoted from private.

7 th

"

William L. Davis.

Promoted from private.

8th

tt

Frank E. Murphy.

Promoted from private.

COMPANY G.
ist
Sergeant,
Edward T. Warner.
Promoted from sergeant.
2d
"
Joseph E. Rawson.
Promoted from corporal.
3d
"
Lucian H. Medbury.
Promoted from corporal.
4th
"
Prescott J. Randall.
Promoted from private.
ist
Corporal,
Benjamin P. Weeks.
Promoted from private.
2d
"
Willis G. Howard.
Promoted from private.
4th
''
Lowell Wilcox.
Promoted from private.
5 th
"
Tracy Rogers.
Promoted from private.
6th
"
Lawrence F. Gleason.
Promoted from private.
7th
"
Charles Burrows.
Promoted from private.
COMPANY. H.
ist
Sergeant
, George E. Jordon.
Promoted from sergeant.
4th
"
Sanford A. Comins.
Promoted from corporal.
5 th
"
William H. Boyden.
Promoted from corporal.
3d
Corporal
, Moses Buchanan.
Promoted from private.
4th
If
Joseph Watts.
Promoted from private.
5 th
tt
Eben R. Eaton.
Promoted fron-i private.
6th
"
Elsworth W. Bingham,
, Promoted from private.
7th
"
Job Metcalf.
Promoted from private.
8th
"
Frank S. Harrington.
Promoted from private.
ist Sergeant, Bently Shaw.
2d " William Finken.
3d " George Cogswell.
4th " James G. Spencer,
5th " Charles Derby.
COMPANY I.
Promoted from sergeant.
Promoted from corporal.
Promoted from private.
Promoted from private.
Promoted from corporal.
CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS.

135

3d Corporal, Levi C. Bliss.
4th " Hugh McEwen.
th " Andrew Dean.
William Hall.
7th " Charles Foster.

56th

Promoted from private.
Promoted from private.
Promoted from private.
Promoted from private.
Promoted from private.

COMPANY K,

3d Sergeant, Joseph D. Hall.
4th " .Alonzo B. Potter.
5th " James L. Adams.
ist Corporal, Charles K. Griffiths.
2d " Roland R. James.
3d " Almond Bartlett.
4th " Williaiu A. Taylor.
5th " Frank A. Chase.

Promoted frora corporal.
Promoted from corporal.
Promoted from corporal.
Promoted from private.
Promoted from private.
Promoted from private.
Promoted from private.
Promoted from private.

436 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

RECAPITULATION.

The muster rolls of the regiment bear the names of 1,170 officers and enlist
ed men.
The regiment participated in the following battles and skirmishes :
Winchester, Va., June 13 and 14, 1863.
Summit's Point and Carter's Farm, V'a., June 15, 1S63.
New Market, V^a., May 15, 1864.
Piedmont, Va., June 5, 1864.
Lynchburg, Va., June 18, 1864.
Snicker's Ford, Va., July 18, 1864.
Kearnstown and Winchester, Va., July 24, 1864.
Cedar Creek, Va., Aug. 12, 1864.
-Berryville, Va., Sept. 3, 1864.
Harrisonburg, V^a., June 3, 1864.
Lexington, Va., June 11, 1864.
Buchanan, Va., June 14, 1864.
Liberty, Va., June 16, 1864.
Quaker Church, Va., June 17, 1864.
Salem, Va., June 21, 1864.
Hedgesville, Va., July 10, 1864.
Kearnstown, Va., July 23, 1864.
Martinsburg, Va., July 25, 1865.
Stoney Point and Middletown, Va., Aug. 11 and 12, 1864.
Hupp's Hill, Va., -Aug. 13, 1864.
Opequon, Va., Aug. 21, 1864.
Halltown and Charlestown, Va., Aug. 22 to 26, 1864.
Casu-^lties.
Killed, . . . 55
Wounded, . ' . . 246
Died of wounds while prisoners, . 13
Died of disease while prisoners, ' 27
Died of wounds and disease, . . 50
Discharged prior to mustering out of regiment, 323
Missing at mustering out of regiment, 12

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 437

ERRATA

Page 143. Should read Color Sergt, Geo. Torrey, Co. B.
Page 148. Should read Upperville, instead of Pepperville.
Page 151. Sergt. Caruthers should read 2d Lt,, who hadbee}i recommended for
promotion June 12, and acting as such with Co, H, jvhen wounded June 14, r86j.
Lt. McGinnis should read Maginnis,
Page 176. Should read Sutler, instead of Suiter.
Page 296. Should read Burkittsville, not Banksville.
Pages 297 and 298. Should read Wolf sburg, instead of Wolfsville.

438 EIGHTEENTH REGIMEN!

APPENDIX.

The following Account of the Defence and Capture at Winchester is partly
TAKEN FROM GEN. O. O. HoWARd's " REMINISCENCES OF THE WAR."
In the soberer judgment and temper of twenty years after the war, not only
has the storm of sectional passions and prejudice nearly spent its bitter fury,
but, also, in a large degree in our military record has truth been sifted of error,
misconception or misrepresentation given place to accurate appreciation, and
many an act that was strange at the time, with the seal of popular condemnation,
is now justified — even lauded — as eminently wise and patriotic.
A notable example of the fallibility, often injustice of hasty judgraent, is af
forded in the case of General Milroy, who commanded the division of the Union
army operating in the Shenandoah Valley prior to Gen. Lee-s invasion of Penn
sylvania, and who has been severely criticised for allowing hiraself to be sur
prised by the Rebel general, Ewell, in command of a portion of the invading
forces. Recent dispassionate examination of the situation in Virginia at that
critical period in the rebellion proves conclusively that Gen. Milroy could not
reasonably have foreseen the Rebel advance into the Valley; that he was act
ing by orders frora the comraander of the Army of the Potomac, who was to no
tify him of any formidable movement in his quarter on the part of the Confed
erates ; that his force was numerically inadequate to cope with such a movement,
and that the blame of his discomfiture, if blame there was, must rest on other
shoulders than his. It is always easy to discern and interpret the shadow of a
coming event after that event has become a part of history. The fact is in this
case, that Lee's first movements in his north-west march in 1863 was totally mis-

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 439

apprehended by the Union commanders. There were several courses that he
might follow in his anticipated offensive movement. He might simply turn the
right of the Union army, or he might cross the Shenandoah with his army,
drawing the Union forces to a selected battle ground, defeat them, and advance
toward Maryland and Virginia ; or, he might do what he really did do, send a
corps under co\-er of his light infantry to make feints here and there on the
Union front, and by thus deceiving the enemy with a show of force, enable the
rest of his array to slip across the Shenandoah Ri\'er, rapidly advance against
Gen. Milroy's little command, surprise and destroy it, and thence push north
west before the -Army of the Potomac had fairly apprehended his purpose.
The Rebel commander's wily policy was entirely successful. On the tenth of
June the old Stonewall Jackson corps, now under command of Gen. Ewell, was
on its march for the Valley. The situation of the Union forces at this time raay
be briefly noted : Gen. Milroy, who was of the department which had its head
quarters at Baltimore, under Gen. Schenck, was stationed with about 7,000 men
at Winchester ; and west of him, at Harper's Ferry, was Gen. Tyler, of the sarae
department, with between 9,000 and 10,000 men ; Hooker was to cover Wash
ington and Harper-s Ferry, and yet the troops at and beyond the last named
station were not under his command. Gen. Schenck was in the mountains, guard
ing the Baltiraore .S: Ohio Railroad, and whose supplementary duty it was to
prevent an invasion of Maryland It would be difficult to imagine any disposi
tion of the Northern army that would have been more scattered, or that would
have been more satisfactory to the Rebel commander. All circumstances seemed
conjoined to deceive Gen. Milroy, and facilitate his destruction. For months
the Rebel Jenkin-s cavalry brigade had been giving his little army plenty of
lively work up and down the Valley, cutting telegraph wires, destroying railroad
crossings, and capturing adventurers, officers and stragglers. This force, which
was still operating in front, was at once attached to Gen. EwelTs column as
scouts, skirmishers and flankers, and afforded an excellent cover lor the Confed
erate advance. What more natural than that Gen. Milroy should credit a hos
tile demonstration before any part of his lines to the restless operations of this
turbulent cavalry, particularly as Gen. Milroy received no intimation from head
quarters to expect an organized Rebel advance ? The Confederate general, Im
boden, was already in the mountains to strike a blow at Schenck, and to cut the
Baltimore eSi Ohio Railroad west of Winchester, and thus prevent that general
from moving any of his troops to the assistance of either Milroy or Tyler. Thus
is clearly apparent the trap that was swiftly closing around Gen. Milroy and his
comraand. To render his situation still more desperate, the country roundabout
was intensely Rebel in its sympathy, and men and women vied with each other
in carrying accurate information concerning the Federal forces to the Confeder
ate general. The result was, that Ewell's army was enabled to approach even to

440 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

the outposts without exciting Gen. Milroy's suspicions; and it was not until after
the initial collision between the opposing forces that the Union commander was
apprized that"he had to do with other than marauding bands of Jenkin's cavalry.
The surprise was complete, and it is a matter for no small wonder that Gen.
Milroy, with his small command, was able to hold the Rebel column in check
during'three days of desperate fighting — a delay in the Rebel advance that ma
terially interfered with the complete success of their plans. This fact is unde
niably a splendid attestation of the military capabilities of Gen. Milroy, as well
as those of his brave and able lieutenants, Gen. Elliot and Col. Ely in comraand
of brigades, who contested every inch of ground as they fell back before an
overwhelming enemy. Later and impartial history has not only cleared away
whatever of doubt had been thrown around Gen. Milroy's fame as a soldier and
a patriot, but has stamped his military record in the Shenandoah A^alley and at
Winchester as that of a w ise, loyal and able commander.
The story of Winchester and its results has already been related, and it is not
necessary' to repeat it. Though the immediate wager of battle was overwhelm
ingly with the Rebel commander, the indirect results, as has been urged else
where, were of incalculable benefit to the Union cause.
II.
Recollections of the Fight.
Surg. Goldsborough, of the 5th Maryland Regt., in his account of the battle
of Winchester, Va., under Milroy, June 13, 14, and 15, 1863, says: "that after
se\'ere fighting against great odds for two days, a retreat was ordered and begun
the 15th, about one a. m., Elliot's leading, followed by Ely's brigade, then
McReynolds', who had come up the night before from Berryville. The head of
the column, Elliot's brigade, having reached Carter's house — about four miles
out on the Martinsburg pike was met by part of Johnson-s division, who imme
diately opened fire frora his batteries and infantry. Here Elliot's brigade passed
and continued on. Ely at once formed his brigade in line and charged the guns,
which Walker's brigade and Johnson-s division were supporting, and who drove
us back, but only to form for a second charge, which was a bloody one — the men
fighting with desperation, although our line was fast melting away.
" It was now getting towards daylight, and the 5th Maryland, i8th Conn., and
a part of the 87th Penn., finding themselves cut off, surrendered; also, an Ohio
regiment just across from us in the woods. These regiments had been the nu
cleus of the battle while the rest were leaving.
" My recollection of the last I saw of Gen. Milroy was after the last terrible
charge. He galloped from the field with some others off to the left, with the
most pained expression on his face I ever saw. After the surrender, we were

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 441

marched back to Winchester, where I found my Rebel brother the major of the
2d Maryland, who had been appointed provost marshal of the to'Afn for gallantry
displayed in the fight. -After obtaining a pass and parole, 1 set about collecting
our wounded from the field, and moving them to the Taylor Hotel in town, used
by us for a hospital. Among them was a lieutenant of the i8th Conn., whom I
had seen fall on the afternoon before, shot through the body, and picking him
up I left him at the house of Mr. Lewis, where I extracted the bullet. As I was
sent off to Libby Prison in a few days I never saw him afterwards, and often
wondered if he ever recovered. '- III.
Another Account.
It is due Gen. Milroy to say that if he, with his little army, numbering less
than 7,000 men, had not held in check the advance of Lee's army at Winchester
for three days, by which the Army of the Potomac gained time, the battle fought
at Gettysburg would probably have taken place nearer Philadelphia— and, per.
haps with different results. IV.
Letter from Chaplain McCabe, of the 1220 Ohio.
On the evening of June 12, 1863, I stood, with a company of singers in the
streets of Winchester, Virginia, singing a patriotic song to General Milroy, com
mander of our division, who was standing at the window of what was known as
the Logan mansion, listening to our song. A scout galloped up and announced
to the general that the enemy was approaching in great force. General Milroy
sent for his cavalry, and went in person to reconnoiter, and struck the advance
guard of Lee's army a few miles south of Winchester. Considerable skirmish
ing ensued, and Milroy withdrew for the night to his defenses. He might have
retreated then, but he chose to stop and fight, and impede Lee's march all he
could. He succeeded in holding his position during the thirteenth and four
teenth of June, and on the morning of the fifteenth, at two o'clock a. m., he
made an effort to cut his way out to Harper's Ferry. Four miles from Win
chester the road was blocked by a large force of the enemy. .\ terrible battle
ensued, which resulted in great loss of our forces in killed, wounded and pris
oners. The chaplains and surgeons and captured officers, among them Col. Wra. G.
Ely and Lieut-Col. Nichols, of the 18th Conn., were marched to Libby Prison,
and confined there for months. It was the most exciting time of the war. Tid
ings of constant victories for our arms filled our hearts with exultation for many
56

442 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

days. We heard first of Gettysburg, then of Vicksburg and Port Hudson ; and
patriotic songs, sung by 500 voices, announced to Richmond that the Yankee
prisoners had heard the glorious news. Milroy has often been blamed for re
maining at Winchester so long. But, although his action resulted in disaster to
his gallant little army, the outcome was a great blessing to the Army of the
Potomac, for the Winchester fight occasioned three days of delay to General
Lee in getting his advance into Pennsylvania.
His plans were disconcerted; he had to call another council of war, and make
new plans for his campaign. Meantime the -Army of the Potomac reached Penn
sylvania and secured the strong position at Gettysburg, the strength of which
was needed in the mighty conflict which was impending. If it had not been for
Milroy's defense at Winchester, Lee would have been in Pennsylvania June ^¦r,,
instead of 16, and the Army of the Potomac would have been corapelled to fight
the eneray in an inferior position, and without rest, after a forced march. And
I verily believe the Union army would have been defeated under such circum
stances. Milroy stubbornly refused to retire without a fight, although strongly
advised to do so by many of his best officers. The authorities at Washington
supposed he would retire in presence of such overwhelming odds ; and he was
tried before a military court in Washington after the campaign was over for his
action at Winchester; but when the facts above mentioned were brought out,
the i^rosecution was summarily stopped, and a gallant officer restored to the
army. As to our life in Libby Prison, we tried to make it as cheerful as possible. We
could not be depressed, even with empty larder and scanty wardrobe, in a prison
reeking with filth and vermin, when the news of so many glorious victories an
nounced to us that whatever should become of the inmates of Libby Prison,
government for the people and by the people was not to perish from the earth.
Col. Ely was my intimate friend, as were Lieut. -Col. Nichols and Dr. Holbrook.
They were members of our literary circle, and perhaps Col. Ely will remeraber
that his efforts to get me to pronounce the French u were not very successful.
With such men it was easy to become absorbed in hard study and inspiring con
versation until it may be said that in Libby Prison we had a " feast of reason
and a flow of soul." The songs we sang, and the stories we told, will live in our
memories forever. Amours, faithfully, C, C, McCabe,

CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 443

V.
-V Loi'terv, and Like as a Prisoner.
While at Libby Prison, I had a part in the lottery in which Captains
Sawyer and Flynn drew tickets for " immediate execution." They were plunged
into the dungeon, but never executed, for reasons well known. We were
in Libby Prison, on the hard floor, barely subsisting on short rations, till May 7,
1864, when we were sent to Macon, Ga., arriving there July 30. While at Macon,
firing was heard, and on the evening of August i Gen. Stoneman and his
officers were brought in prisoners. I ara bareheaded and barefooted, and
sick beneath a burning sun. .Aug. 1 1, 1864, a squad of 300 officers were start
ed for Charleston, S. C. Here I parted from Lieuts. Lindsay and Higgins,
leaving them at Macon. On arriving at Charleston we were confined in the
county jail, under fire of Federal guns — the batteries on Morris Island pouring a
torrent of shells into the city. The rations were better here than in Richraond
or Macon, but the prisoners being extremely filthy, yellow fever broke out, which
was given as a reason for moving. On Oct. 5, 1864, we were jammed into box
cars and started for Columbia, S. C, a distance of 137 miles from Charleston,
arriving there Oct. 6. That night we camped out in a drenching rain, without
shelter, and many without blankets. The cold tells on men unused to such ex
posure. I tried to keep awake all night, but exhausted nature could not be
prevailed on, so I wrapped myself in my wet blanket to lie down on the wet
ground and sleep in the rain till morning. Oct. 7 we were marched out to camp
— two miles from the city. Here I met Lieut. Lindsay, and others. It seems
more social than to mess alone, as I did at Charleston. While here I saw a P"ed-
eral prisoner shot down several yards from the dead line, and knew that his
murderer was rewarded by a furlough. Such was Southern chivalry at this time.
The last of October, 1864, I, with others, escaped from Columbia, intending to
reach Federal lines, but was apprehended in Edgefield District, S. C, by one
Chamberlain, and after a fight with dogs which had been set on our trail, a mus
ket was pointed at my head after several blows had been struck, inflicting severe
bruises, and with loud threats about blowing Yankee brains out the scene closed.
We were then remanded to prison in Columbia, arriving there Nov. 10, 1864.
In February, 1865, we were sent to Charleston for exchange. At this time I was
sick, and feared I should be left behind, but arrived in Annapolis soon after
wards, having passed through Federal lines March i, 1865. Capt. H. C, Davis,

444

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT, C. V.

VI.
Speech of " Daddy Milkoy" at Martinsburg.
Soldiers of the Eighteenth :
I am glad to see you once more : I am happy to see you looking so hearty
and well : happy to welcome you back again beneath the folds of your own stars
and stripes, which you so nobly defended at the three days- fight at Winchester.
Since I last saw you, you have suffered captivity in Rebel prisons. We have
been separated since then ; but I have come to see you, and to praise you for
your gallantry. I saw you in the second days- fight as you charged the enemy
from your rifle-pits and drove them back upon their reserves, holding them in
check until night ; when you fell back, but with your face to the foe. Again I
saw you the next morning, facing as hot a fire as I ever witnessed. I looked in
vain to see you waver. Boys, it was a hot place, — a hot place. I saw you go
where none but brave men dare to go ; saw you make three successful charges,
preserving your line as well as if on dress-parade. I witnessed it all. I saw
you as you broke the first line of Rebel infantry, and charged up to their batter
ies ; driving away their gunners, still pressing on, and breaking their reserves.
But a third line was too strong for you. I knew it was. Only then did you fall
back, when your lines were broken, and many brave Connecticut men lay bleed
ing on the field, i But you only fell back to reform, and give them another taste
of your steel. I knew it was madness to order you forward again ; it was order
ing you to death and annihilation ; for I well knew you would attempt anything
for your general. Boys, I watched you with pride as you charged the third time;
but when I saw your ranks withering, and your comrades falling, it made ray
heart grov\' sad within me, and I ordered you to fall back. You know the rest.
A'ou were surrounded, and there was no escape. But I miss your noble com
mander. Col. Ely ; may he soon return to you ! Boys, to your valor I owe my
safety. You come from a State whose soldiers never disgrace" theraselves nor
their flag. I am proud of you, and ever shall be of such soldiers.
And now accept my wishes for your safe return to your New England homes,
when our flag shall wave in triumph over our whole country. Good-by.

A^'^YALEx"

YALE UNIVERSITY

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