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A
HISTORY
OF THE
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT,
•
. Y. VOLUNTEERS,
(FOURTH ONEIDA,)
FROM
THE DATE OF ITS ORGANIZATION, AUGUST, 1862,
TILL
THAT OF ITS MUSTER OUT, JUNE, 1865.
BY
J. A. MOWRIS, M. D.
Regimental Surgeon.
HARTFORD, CONN.
CASE, LOCKWOOD AND COMPANY, PRINTERS.
1866.
.5
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866,
BY J. A. MOWRIS,
fn the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States in and for
the Northern District of New York.
TO THE
LIVING HEROES
OP THE
117th REGIMENT N. Y. VOLUNTEERS.
AND TO THE
IMI IE 3VE O IE=l -y
Of its GALLANT DEAD, the
FOLLOWING PAGES
ARE AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED.
M157M7
PREFACE.
THE book which is now presented to the public, had its origin in
the oft-repeated wish of many members of the regiment that its rec
ord might be preserved ; and in a personal sympathy with the pro
posed object. While, therefore, claiming no special adaptation for the
work, the writer has been prevailed upon, by these considerations, to
undertake it.
While unwilling to admit that any other regiment was superior to
the 117th, he is not disposed to represent it as peculiarly meritorious;
neither he nor the public can ever be unmindful of the valor and
valuable services of the 14th, 26th, 97th, and 146th Regiments, nor
are any, more ready to accord to them the esteem and gratitude they
so abundantly earned than the members of the 4th Oneida.
As the writer was unacquainted with the 117th till he joined it
about three months after its formation, the early history of the regi
ment, including that of its organization, could not be supplied by him ;
a circumstance which might have proved a serious obstacle; but,
happily, a person possessing the necessary knowledge of men and
places within the district, a lively interest in the Regiment and hi the
vi PREFACE.
cause in which it enlisted, and a degree of public spirit sufficient to
insure the required amount of effort, was found in SURGEON Looms,
to whom, accordingly, both the writer and the reader are indebted for
the essential matter contained in the first three chapters.
While he deprecates the recent revival of the rebel spirit, the
writer has not suffered the knowledge of it to abate his enthusiasm in
treating of our military achievements ; believing that no event, not
even the threatened necessity of again accepting the issue, can obscure
the significance of our late triumph over the Slave-holders' Rebellion,
nor dim the halo of that glorious era in our Nation's progress.
Prominent among the wishes of the writer, in connection with the
book are these, that it may receive the approbation of the indulgent and
beloved partners of his toil, in whose behalf he has written ; and, that
it may not be entirely unacceptable to the intelligent community to
which it is committed.
THE AUTHOR.
SYRACUSE, August 22nd, 1866.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
ORGANIZATION.
Military Situation. — Popular Despondency and its Causes. — Prompt and decisive
Action of the President, and the Governor's of Eighteen loyal States — their cor
dial Co-operation. — The President's call for Three Hundred Thousand Men. — Gov-
Morgan's call for the State Quota. — The Adjutant- General's Circular. — The Efforts
made in the Nineteenth Senatorial District. — A Regiment raised, duly organized
and entitled, One Hundred and Seventeenth R. K. Y. Vols. — Description of the
Camp at Rome. — Incidents. — Regiment ordered to report at Washington, D. C.
13
CHAPTER II.
FROM ROME TO WASHINGTON, D. C.
Departure from Rome, August 22d.— Incidents.— The stop at Utica.— Judge Bacon's
Address .-^-Response by Col. Pease. — Incidents.— Arrival of the Regiment at Al
bany. — Embarkment on a Novel Transport. — A quiet night. — Progress. — A fine
Morning. — Greetings from Inhabitants and Travelers. — Landing at Jersey City. —
A Non-reception. — Take Cars. — Night's ride. — Arrival at Philadelphia. — Warm re
ception and Sumptuous Fare. — Take Cars for Baltimore. — Arrival. — Kindly re
ceived and well cared for. — An Incident. — Take Cars for Washington. — Arrival.
26
CHAPTER III.
FROM WASHINGTON DEPOT, TO DEPARTURE FROM FORT ALEXANDER.
THE CAPITAL AND THE CAPITOL.
Pennsylvania Avenue.— Long Bridge.— Why the Regiment did not cross.— March to
Tennally Town. — Premature Gun-shot Wounds. — A Tentless Camp. — Tennally
Town. — Advance to Chain Bridge, but no Engagement. — Return to Camp ground
in Grove. — Move to Fort Pennsylvania. — Battle between Pope and Stonewall Jack
son. — Remove from Fort Pennsylvania to Fort Alexander. — Duty at the latter
place. ..-'-• ... 36
Vlll TABLE OP CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IV.
FROM FORT ALEXANDER TO FORTS BAKKR AND RIPLEY.
Regiment strike Tents at Fort Alexander. — Removal to Camp Morris, " Camp Mud."
— A Strange Visitor. — Citizens.— Remove to the Neighborhood of Fort Pennsyl
vania. — Cnmp Morris No. 2. — The employment of the Regiment.— Receipt of a
New Banner from Utica, a present from the Ladies of that City. — The Presenta
tion Address. — Review of Sanitary condition of the Regiment since its arrival in
the District. — Social pastime. — "Joe" and his amusing traits. — Order for a Divi
sion of the Regiment into two Battalions. - 45
CHAPTER V.
FROM THE DIVISION OF THE REGIMENT, TILL ITS RE-UNION AND
EMBARKATION.
The Battalions March to their respective Places. — Occupation — The Regiment visit
ed by Residents of Oneida County. — Newspapers in Camp. — Preparation for the
Field. — An Order to Move. — March to the Wharf. — The Re-Union. — Embarkation.
—Voyage down the Potomac. - 53
CHAPTER VI.
JOURNEY TO, AND SIEGE OF SUFFOLK.
Voyage down the Potomac. — Arrival at Norfolk. — Citizens. — Arrival at Suffolk. —
Incidents. — Col. Pease holds the Right of the Line. — Incidents. — Inhabitants. —
Regiment Occupies Hill's Point. — Incidents. — Regiment Paid. — News from Fred-
ericksburg. — Health. . 60
CHAPTER VII.
FROM SUFFOLK TO CHARLESTON HARBOR.
The return from Snffolk. — Encamp near Julian's Creek. — Incidents. — Concurrent
Military Events. — Peninsula Raid. — Severe March and great Suffering. — Lee's In
vasion of the North, £c. — Return from the Raid. — A short Rest. — Orders to Move.
—March to Portsmouth.— Take Transport. — Sail Southward. — Put into Beaufort
Harbor for Repairs.— Change Transports. — Resume Voyage to Charleston Harbor.
70
CHAPTER VIII.
THE FOLLY ISLAND CAMPAIGN.
Entrance in Charleston Harbor. — Landing. — Siege of Fort Wagner. — Severe Duty.
—Privation and Suffering.— Much Sickness.— A Month's Service on Block Island.
— Additional Comforts and Improved Health. — Thanksgiving. — Shell-hunting.
John's Island Expedition. Regimental Changes by Resignations and Promo
tions. 79
CHAPTER IX.
LEAVE FOLLY ISLAND TO JOIN THE ARMY OF THE JAMES.
Departure from Folly Island.— Take Passage on Board Transport " Blackstone ,"
Captain Berry.— Arrive at Fort Monroe.— Proceed to Gloucester Point.— Orcran-
izntion of the Army of the James, and Re-formation of the 10th Army Corps.—
Advance to We3t Point.— Reconnoisance.— Re-embark and Steam back to Fort
Monroe.— Thence move up the James.— Arrive at Bermuda Hundred.— Debark.—
Ihe succeeding Movements, which culminated in the Battle of Drury's Bluff—
The Army of the James withdraws and Intrenches. - .97
TABLE OF CONTENTS. ix
CHAPTER X.
COLD HARBOR, CAPTURE OF PETERSBURG HEIGHTS; BERMUDA
HUNDRED AND PETERSBURG TRENCHES.
Withdraw from Bermuda Line. — City Point. — Take Transports. — White House. —
Cold Harbor. — Incidents — Casualties. — Death of Lieutenant Dann. — Rebel Inhu
manity. — This portion of 10th Corps covers the Retreat of the Army of Potomac.
— A hard March. — Change of Base. — On to Petersburg. — Colored Troops, — Assault
on the Fortifications of Petersburg Heights. — Their Capture. — Non-improvement
of the Golden Opportunity. — The Enemy arrives in Force. — Death of Captain
Stone — Bermuda Line threatened. — Move to that Point. — Return to Petersburg. —
Duty in Trenches.— Casualties. — Captain Hunt Wounded. — Col. White taken ill
and obliged to go to Hospital. . 109
CHAPTER XI.
SPRINGING OF THE MINE; CROSSING OF THE JAMES.
Second Division withdraws from Petersburg Trenches. — Explosion of the Mine. —
Severe March to Bermuda Line. — Suffering of the Troops from Heat and Over-ex
ertion. — Formation of Camp in Rear of Bermuda Intrenchments. — A Pleasant
Camp. — Military events on the Line during the Month. — Return to Petersburg. —
Duty in Trenches. — Sickness. — Incidents. — Tenth A. C. Retires to the high ground,
two 'Miles to the Rear. — Preparation for a new Enterprise. 122
CHAPTER XII.
CHAPIN^S FARM.
The 10th and 18th Corps cross the James River.— Battle of Chapin's Farm.— In
trench.— A Flank Attack on the 7th of October.— Assault on t'he Rebel Works,
and the Engagement, (Oct. 27th). — Incidents. — Election. — Military Events. - 134
CHAPTER XIII-
THE BUTLER EXPEDITION TO FORT FISHER.
March to Bermuda Hundred, Landing by a circuitous Rout. — Embark. — A Detention
at Fort Monroe. — A big Feint. — Voyage to Federal Point. — Another Delay. —
Return Northward to Moreh-ead Citv. — Flag Ship absent, Fleet remains outside of
the Harbor. — Encounters a severe Gale. — Cabin Scene during the Gale. — Weybos-
sett nobly outrides the Storm, and makes the Harbor next day. — A Four Day's
Detention.— Start again for Federal Point.— Pleasant Voyage and a " Merry Christ
mas Eve."— Debark.— Advance of Gen. Curtis' Brigade.— 142d R., 112th and 3d
R. N. Y. Vols., Reconnoitre about the Fort.— 117th Regiment faces Wilmington
and brings in 130 Prisoners. — How the Prisoners were taken. — Gen. Curtis reluc
tantly complies with the fourth Order to retire, when 1st Brigade returns to the
Place of Debarkation. — A Gloomy night for the Command. — Expedition returns. —
Gen. Curtis' Report. — A new Expedition determined on. - - 147
CHAPTER XIV.
CAPTURE OF FORT FISHER AND EXPLOSION OF THE MAGAZINE.
Break Camp at Chapin's Farm. — March and Embarkation. — Voyage. — Landing on
Federal Point. — Advance. — Assume the Defensive. — The Bombardment. — Offen-^
sive Movements begun by the 1st Brigade. — The Investment. — Jle-enfprcement of
the Enemy. — Preparations for the Assault. — Bombardment continues. — The
Charge.— the Conflict.— Its Intensity and Duration.— Tire Crisis.— Surrender of
the Garrison.— Description of the Fort.— Fearful Expedients for its Defense.— Ex
plosion of the Magazine. - - *6®
X TABLE OF CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XV.
CAPTURE OF WILMINGTON, AND MARCH NORTHWARD TO
KEENANSVILLE.
Transfer of the Wounded to the Transports.— Troops recruit and re-form.— Arrival
of Gen. Schofield.— Advance on Wilmington.— Enter and occupy the Town on the
22d of February.— Street Scenes.— Union Prisoners.— Immediate Defenses of the
Town.— Incidents.— Preparation for an Advance.— Schofield, Terry and Sherman.
The Column Moves, March 15th.— Geographical, Social, and Political Features of
that Region.— Incidents of the March.— On the fourth day approach Keenansville.
183
CHAPTER XYI.
ARRIVAL AT COXE' BRIDGE AND RETURN TO FAISON'S STATION.
Arrival at Keenansville.— A Genial but Pungent Colloquy.— Reach Coxe' Bridge
Crossing. — Arrival and Passage of Sherman's Column. — Foraging. — A Loyal
Dutchman's Logic. — Terry's Force retires to Faison's Station. — Remain there about
Three Weeks.— Wheeler's Cavalry.— Incidents.— April 9th, Receive Intelligence of
the Evacuation of Richmond. — Prepare to Move. — Removal of the Sick to Wil
mington.— The March Toward Raleigh.— Social and Political Features of the In
terior. - - 193
CHAPTER XVII.
MARCH TO RALEIGH CONCLUDED, AND SOJOURN IN THAT CITY.
Passage of Bentonville Battlefield. — Bentonville. — News of Lee's surrender. — How it
was received by the Troops. — Reach Raleigh. — Receive news that Sherman, with
a Portion of his Army, has confronted Johnston and that the latter proposes to
Surrender. — Great Rejoicing.— The Capitulation tediously Protracted. — Receipt of
the Intelligence of Assassination of President Lincoln. — The News.— Its Effect on
the Troops. — They want to go Forward to facilitate the Surrender. — Gen. Grant on
his way to Raleigh. — Telegraphs an Order to prepare to March. — The Surrender
concluded. — A Grand Military Review in Raleigh. — The Enemy having been thor
oughly Vanquished, the Troops are Impatient to return Home. — Gen. Sherman's
Army Marches to Washington, D. C. — Health of the Regiment. — Social and Politi
cal Aspects of Raleigh.— Incidents. 208
CHAPTER XVIII.
MARCH HOMEWARD FROM RALEIGH AND THE FINAL MUSTER.
Preparation of the Muster-rolls. — The Regiment Mustered out of the U. S. Service.
— Journey by Railroad to Hicksford. — Thence Kegiment Marches to City Point.
— Thence goes bv Transport to New York City, where it arrives June 17th. —
Thence in same Transport to Albany. — 18th, take Cars for Syracuse. — Train stops
at Utica.— Reception by the Citizens. — Proceeds to Syracuse. — Regiment dissolved
on the 28th. - . 221
Field and Staff, - - . 231
Officers appoiuted after the formation of the Regiment, - 333
Roster of Company "A," ...... 235
TABLE OP CONTENTS. xi
Roster of Company " B," . . - 239
Roster of Company " C," - ... 245
Roster of Company " D," . 250
Roster of Company " E," ... 255
Roster of Company " F," . 269
Roster of Company " G," - - - - 264
Roster of Company " H," - 26d
Roster of Company " I," - ... 274
Roster of Company " K," ------- 279
HISTORY
OP THE
ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH R. N. I. VOLS.
CHAPTER I.
OKGANIZATION.
Military Situation. — Popular despondency, and its causes. — Prompt and decisive
action of the President and the Governors of eighteen loyal States — their cor
dial co-operation. — The President's call for three hundred thousand men. —
Governor Morgan's call for the State quota. — The Adjutant General's circular.
— The efforts made in Nineteeth Senatorial District. — A Regiment raised,
duly organized, and entitled One Hundred arid Seventeenth R. N. Y. Vols. —
Description of the camp at Rome. — Incidents. — Regiment ordered to report at
Washington, D. C.
THE war of the great rebellion had been in progress fifteen
months. Fort Sumter and her heroic garrison had been cap
tured by rebel violence. The disaster of Bull Run had
fallen, with its almost crushing weight upon a hopeful but
anxious people ; and the Peninsula Richmond campaign, in
augurated after months of preparation, and embodying the
highest hopes of a great and expectant nation, had just cul
minated in a retreat and a loss of life that had clothed the
land in mourning.
Five hundred thousand men had already been sent to the
14 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
field of strife, of whom not more than three hundred thousand
remained fit for duty.
It was under these circumstances, and in the midst of con
sequent despondency and gloom, unparalleled in the history
of the country, connected with wide spread crimination and
re-crimination, that the President, unshaken by the public
complaints, and undismayed by disaster, in response to a letter
addressed to him bearing the signatures of eighteen loyal
Govenors, issued a call for three hundred thousand men.
The call contained the following language :
EXECUTIVE MANSION, "Washington, July 1st, 1862.
GENTLEMEN,
Fully concurring in the wisdom of the views expressed to
me in so patriotic a manner by you in the communication of
the 28th day of June, I have decided to call into the service
an additional force of three hundred thousand men * * *
I trust that they may be enrolled without delay so as to
bring this unnecessary and injurious civil war to a speedy
and satisfactory conclusion. *******
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
Governor Morgan, by a Proclamation dated July 2nd, the
day following the date of the President's call, and in full har
mony with the rising patriotism of the State used the follow
ing earnest and significant language.
"This appeal is to the State of New York: it is to each
citizen. Let it come to every fire-side. Let the glorious ex
ample of the Revolutionary period be our emulation. Let
each feel that the commonwealth now counts upon his indi
vidual strength and influence, to meet the demands of the
government.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH K. N. Y. V. 15
The period has come when all must aid. New York has
not thus far stood back. Ready, and more than willing, she-
has met every summons to duty. Let not her history be:
falsified, nor her position lowered."
On the 5th day of July, three days after the appearance of'
the above appeal, there issued, from the Adjutant-General's
office, a circular directing the division of the State into regi
mental districts, corresponding to the present senatorial sub
divisions with a rendezvous camp in each.
The letter, appointing the committee for this the Nineteenth,
District, was addressed to the Hon. Horatio Seymour. The
duty assigned to the committee was an earnest and determined!
effort to organize a regiment of volunteers under the recent
call of the President.
The committees were authorized to insure every person
who recruited a company, a position as Captain beyond all
contingency, at the same time that liberal bounties would be-
provided for enlisted men. They were further advised that
the order containing details of the organization, with letters
of instruction, would be sent within a few days.
Meanwhile, to avoid delay, the committee or a majority
were required to assemble at the earliest practicable moment
after receiving the notice of their appointment, and to nomi
nate a suitable person to take command of the regiment.
The person thus nominated was directed to report in person
to "these Head Quarters" for instructions.
In this district, the following distinguished gentlemen were
the committee. Hon. Horatio Seymour, Chairman ; Hon. F.
Kernan, Hon. William H. Ferry, Judge William J. Bacon,
and Charles Doolittle, Esqr., Utica. Hon. B. N. Huntington
16 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. ,V.
and C. Comstock, Rome ; Luther Guiteau, Trenton ; and 0.
S. Williams, Clinton.
The committee were instructed to increase their number
by forwarding, as soon as practicable, through their chairman,
with their nomination of a regimental commander, the
names of a few prominent and active citizens from different
parts of the district, which would be added to the list.
Agreeably with this arrangement, there were added to this
committee, the following named gentlemen : Samuel Campbell,
Whitestown; D.B. Good win, Waterville; D. J. Millard, Paris;
T. D. Penfield, Camden; and David T. Jenkins, Vernon.
The address ran as follows.
•"If the call of the President, and the proclamation of the
Chief Magistrate of the State, meet with that prompt and
patriotic response from the people, which alone can give them
Tital force and effect, the day is not distant when we may see
the re-establishment of a constitution, more doubly precious
for the trials and sacrifices through which it has been upheld.
The State of New York, first in wealth, in population, and
resources, should not be second in the alacrity with which
her citizens meet the responsibilities resting on them. The
time for indifference and inaction has passed, and every man,
no matter what may be his position, must come to a prompt
determination to devote himself to the cause of his country,
or take the eternal disgrace of having turned a deaf ear to
her call, at a time when her institutions are menaced with
danger, perhaps, even with destruction."
The committee at its first meeting, completed its organiza
tion by electing Charles Doolittle, Esq., Secretary. This
meeting was held in Utica, at Bagg's Hotel, on the 14th day
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 17
of July, 1862. On this occasion, William R. Pease, was rec
ommended as Colonel of the prospective regiment.
The selection was an eminently proper one. Col. Pease
was a native of Utica, and a graduate of the Military Acade
my. At this time he was in the regular service and stationed
in Utica as Mustering and Disbursing Officer for Central New
York. During this session of the War Committee they sent a
message to the commander elect requesting an interview.
On presenting himself he was informed of his election. The
stated conditions being mutually satisfactory, he accepted the
position, and, pursuant to directions, reported at Albany,
for his commission. Though he was designated as com
mander of the new regiment as early as the 21st day of July,
he was not relieved from his duties as Mustering and Dis
bursing Officer until July 31 ; so that he could not devote
his entire attention to organizing the regiment until August
first.
From this date, he labored with all diligence in the work of
recruiting a regiment, known for the time, as the Fourth Oneida.
For this purpose, he was invested with all the powers, and
expected to perform all the duties appertaining to, command
ants of depots. One of his duties was that of making daily
reports of his progress to the Adjutant-General of the State.
To make the organization effective in the work of recruiting,
it was necessary that an Adjutant, Quarter-Master and Surgeon
should be appointed, by the Commander-in-Chief, the first
two officers, on the nomination of regimental commanders, and
mustered into the service; the Adjutant to act as mustering
officer. Each company was to contain, officers and privates,
eighty three minimum, one hundred and one maximum.
The Governor, at his discretion, on the approval of the Reg-
18 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
imcntal Commander, issued certificates of authorization to
persons allowing them to enlist or enrol men for the regiment,
and entitling them to receive a commission as second Lieu
tenant, on the presentation of not fewer than thirty men, who
shall have passed muster ; to a commission as first Lieuten
ant for no fewer than forty men, and, to a commission as
Captain for eighty-three men or over. The late John M.
Walcott was the first person thus authorized to recruit a
company.
On the completion of ten companies of the minimum
standard, of an aggregate of eight hundred and forty-four
officers and men, they were to be formed into a regiment ; the
maximum standard being ten hundred and twenty-four.
In accordance with these regulations Egbert Bagg, a native
of Utica, a well known citizen of good business capacity was
commissioned Quarter-Master on the 23rd day of July, his*
being the first commission issued to the regiment. On the
24th, the day following, James M. Latimer, another citizen of
Utica, younger, but one who had received a thorough drilling
in the local military, was commissioned Adjutant. Both en
tered immediately upon the duties of their respective offices.
On the 29th of the same month, Doctor Edward Loomis,
a native and life-long resident of Westmoreland, having
passed the examining board at Albany, was commissioned
Surgeon and ordered to re'port to the regiment, which he did,
without delay, and entered immediately upon his duties. The
Doctor had practiced his profession in Westmoreland and
vicinity for more than thirty years, and had represented his
district creditably in the State Legislature.
Up to this date, there had been about two hundred men
enrolled, whose medical examination, by consent of the
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 19
authorities had been conducted by Dr. Charles B. Coventry of
Utica.
The work of recruiting and mustering was already in active
operation in the county. Authorization papers for recruiting
had been issued to men of character and energy in every town
in Oneida. The labors of the Military, or War Committee,
together with those of Col. Pease and the prospective com
pany officers, were very efficient. Besides, this additional
agency had been brought to bear. The Governor, by a cir
cular address to every supervisor in the State, urging them to
prompt action in the cause, had secured valuable town co-op
eration.
This circular, dated July 16, 1862, contained the following
significant declaration.
" The rebel capital must not be permitted longer to defy
the authority of the Government of the United States, and
degrade it in the estimation of the Nations of the Earth."
Gentlemen of ability and influence were addressing public
meetings in every part of the county, and, the war spirit was
up to fever heat, or perhaps, was attaining its normal standard.
Among the gentlemen who were prominent in these* efforts,
the following named deserve honorable mention : Hoi;. Francis
Kernan, Erastus Clark, John Snow of Oneida County ; C. H.
Doolittle, Hiram T. Jenkins, Gen. Bruce of Lenox, Madison
County; Hon. A. H. Bailey, Hon. R. Conkling, -Ward Hunt,
Judge Geo. W. Smith, Dewitt 0. Grave, Ex. Gov. Seymour,
Col. McQuade, Judge W. J. Bacon, Rev. M. E. Dunham, C.
M. Scholefield, Judge N. A. Foster, Rev. John Harvey, C.
McLane, Judge Root, E. L. Stevens, L. H. Babcock, Rev. J.
T. Crippen, M. J. Shoecraft of Oneida, Madison County.
On the 15th day of August, a special meeting of the board
20 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
of Supervisors was held at the Court House in Kome, at
which, measures were taken to raise one hundred and sixty
two thousand seven hundred dollars, on the credit of the
county, for the purpose of paying a bounty of fifty dollars to.
each volunteer. The measure was passed and the sum
appropriated, Lorenzo Rouse of Marshall presiding.
The State also paid a bounty of fifty dollars. The National
Government advanced twenty-five of the one hundred dollars
due the men at the end of their service, and thirteen dollars,
being one month's pay, besides two dollars for each man as a
recruiting fund, making a sum total, of one hundred and
forty two dollars, paid to each volunteer before his departure
from the county.
The effect of this general co-operation, was a rapid growth
of the organization.
In the early part of August, the Regiment was ordered by
the Governor, to rendezvous at the village of Rome. Accor
dingly, Head-Quarters were immediately transferred from
Utica to Rome, where a camp was at once established. The
site was on a dry and elevated piece of ground, on the west
ern border of the village, and about three-fourths of a mile
distant from its centre, between Dominic and Liberty Streets.
The lot, which was surrounded by a substantial board fence,
comprised about twenty acres, and was owned by Enoch
Armstrong.
The only buildings on the ground, were those then erected
for the accommodation of the Regiment, consisting of Quar
ters, Kitchens and Mess Houses. There was also the Quarter-
Master's department. On the western and higher portion
of the inclosure were several tents. They were occupied by
the Surgeon and Adjutant.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 21
This camp, thus beautifully situated, very fittingly received
the name of Camp Huntington, after the family that had been
among the first in wealth, in refinement and public spirit in
that enterprising village, justly celebrated for its high social
character, during nearly its whole history.
Mr. H. L. Rose was "mine host" of Camp Huntington and
by contract furnished the edibles, in military parlance called
"rations," for the men, during their stay there, and on many
an occasion afterwards, on long marches, with short allowance
or fasting, they called to mind his savory dishes with a relish
they had never before experienced.
A camp, even in Rome could not long exist without the
usual incidents, physical, social and moral. Camp diseases in
a mild form soon appeared, especially the two great classes,
real and feigned. Among the former, were fever and bowel
affections, — among the latter were lumbago, epilepsy and hip
disease, one case of moral infirmity, after a rapid development
culminated in suicide.
As the regiment approached its complement, on account of
the accession to its population, the village became a lively and
interesting centre.
The throngs constantly coming and going, the groups to
be seen at all hours of the day, the uboys in blue" promen
ading in every direction, in arm with a mother, wife, sister or
" sweetheart," the crowds of men at the Quarter-Masters de
partment, donning their new uniforms, the white tents, the
guards passing to and fro on their well trodden beats, present
ed, altogether, on those fair August days, a picturesque and
exciting scene.
The companies were filled to the maximum and mustered
*'j\to service in the following order, viz.
22 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
Company, A, Captain, A. White.
" B. " R. Paggett.
" C, " F. X. Myer.
« D, " J. M. Walcott.
" E, " L. K. Brown.
« F, " S. J. Stoves.
" G, " Charles II. Roys.
« H, " A. R. Stevens.
" I, " Chs. Wheelock.
" K, " James A. Race.
After their muster in as Captain, Captain Alvin White was
promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain Rufus Daggett
to Major, First Lieutenant Brigham and First Lieutenant J.
P. Stone being promoted in their stead.
On the 20th day of August, scarcely three weeks from
the time Col. Pease was relieved from the duties of his for
mer offices in the regular service, nearly eleven hundred
men were on hand, available for the field, and so strong was
the incoming current, that it could be checked, only by a re
fusal to accept more. On the same day Lieutenant M. C.
Caustin, 19th U. S. Infantry Mustering Officer arrived at
Rome and mustered into service, the entire regiment, every
company having attained the maximum number. The or
ganization being complete, it was now numbered and named
the " One Hundred and Seventeenth Regiment New York
Volunteers." On this occasion the men received their bounty,
Captain Caustin paying the Government bounty of twenty
five dollars per man, and the State Pay-master, paying the
State bounty.
The regiment was, strictly speaking, a county organization
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 23
and every town was liberally represented, though it might
perhaps in a general way be thus localized. The boys com
prising Co. A, were mostly from Utica and Vernon : those of
Co..B, were from Utica and Camden : C, Utica and West
Moreland: D, Utica, Whitestown and Sangersfi eld : E, Rome
and Ann's Ville : F, Oriskany and North of it : G, Paris and
Kirkland : H, Utica : I, Boonville, Remson, and Trenton :
J£, Sangerfield and North. The above is only an average,
Co. H, had the highest per centage of married men : Co. G,
was made up mostly of young men which, perhaps, will ac-
account for its always furnishing and claiming a plump deci
mal of the mail matter.
Numerous vocations were also represented. There was
the atheletic lumberman ; the youthful yeoman, legal heir
to many a paternal acre ; the staid mechanic ; the punctual
operative ; the tidy clerk ; the bank accountant and, not least,
the oft-chidden son of sage Mother Hamilton.
Their physical appearance was unusually fine, while their
average social standing was high. Col. Pease, who was ac
customed to seeing and comparing regiments, lately remarked
concerning them, " they were the finest body of men I eve
saw."
The regiment was officered as follows.
Field Officers. — Colonel W. R. Pease, Lieutenant Colonel
Alvin White, who had been promoted from Captain of Co. A ;
Major Rufus Daggett, who had been promoted from Captain
of Co. B.
Staff Officers. — Surgeon Edward Loomis, Assistant Sur
geons Samuel Ingraham and Henry W. Carpenter ; Quarter-
Master, Egbert Bagg; Adjutant, James M. Latimore ; Chap
lain Rev. J. T. Crippen.
24 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
They were all appointed and commissioned by the Gover
nor on the recommendation of Col. Pease with the unanimous
approval of the military committee. Lieutenant Col. White
was an old resident of the city of Utica, where he had enjoyed
the confidence of its people as an upright and valued citizen ;
he had for several years held the position of Captain of one
of its independent military companies. Major Daggett was
a younger man, also a citizen of Utica, enjoying its respect and
confidence and had already seen service as a commissioned
officer in the 14th N. Y. Volunteers.
Assistant Surgeon In graham was a practicing Physician
and Surgeon of New London in the town of Verona ; he had
followed his profession in that locality for about twelve years.
Assistant Surgeon Carpenter was from the town of Tren
ton, a practicing physician of some six or seven years exper
ience.
Chaplain J. T. Crippen, at the time of his appointment was
Pastor of the Bleeker Street Methodist Episcopal Church in
Utica. The official board of his Church on the occasion of
his withdrawal, passed resolutions expressive of their regard for
and confidence in him, and tendering him their most cordial
thanks for his uniform kindness, and fidelity to their moral
interests, and commending him for the rare social qualities he
had uniformly exhibited in his intercourse with others, and
promising in behalf of him and his new charge to follow him
with prayer to the field of conflict.
LINE OFFICERS.
Co. A, Capt. Geo. Brigham, 1st Lt. Isaac Dann, 2nd Lt. Wm. Bartholomew.
Co. B, Capt. J. P. Stone, 1st Lt. 2nd Lt. Wm. Hurlbert.
Co. C, Capt. F. X. Myer, 1st Lt. Jno. Kerrigan, 2nd Lt. F. H. Lay.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 25
Co. D, Capt. J. Walcott, 1st Lt. Ed. H. Risley, 2nd Lt. D. V. Magill.
Co. E, Capt. Levi R. Brown, 1st Lt. Morris Chappel, 2nd Lt. A. M. Erwin.
Co. F, Capt. Seth J. Steves, 1st Lt. Wm. Hunt, 2nd Lt. Jno. F. Thomas.
Co. G, Capt. Chs. H. Roys, 1st Lt. Charles Millard, 2nd Lt. A. E. Smith.
Co. H, Capt. A. R. Stevens, 1st Lt. Edward Downer, 2nd Lt. Henry Shedd.
Co. I, Capt. Charles Wheelock, 1st Lt. Ami Marquessee, 2nd Lt. E. Haynes.
Co. K, Capt. Jas. A. Race, 1st Lt. Linus R. Clark, 2nd Lt. Samuel Miller.
NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF, CONSISTED OF,
Henry N. Marchisi, Hospital Steward.
Milton Brayton, Sergeant-Major.
Edward Richards, Quarter-Master Sergeant.
Benjamin Miller, Commissary Sergeant.
John Nellis of Whitesboro, was selected as Sutler.
Immediately on the completion of the muster, the Colonel,
by telegraph to the War Department, reported the Regiment
ready for the field, whereupon he received an order to move
on the 22nd and report at Washington.
26 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
CHAPTER II.
FROM ROME TO WASHINGTON, D. C.
Departure from Rome August 22nd. — Incidents. — The stop at Utica. — Judge
Bacon's Address. -^-Response by Col. Pease. — Incidents. — Arrival of the Regi
ment at Albany. — Embarkation on a Novel Transport. — A quiet Night. —
Progress. — A Fine Morning. — Greetings from inhabitants and travelers. —
Landing at Jersey City. — a non reception. — Take cars. — Night's ride. — Arrival
at Philadelphia. — Warm reception, and sumptuous fare. — Take cars for Balti
more. — Arrival. — Kindly received and well cared for.— An incident. — Take
cars for Washington. — Arrival.
THE 22nd day of August, 1862, though tinged with sadness,
was a proud day for old Oneida. Already had her sons, to
the number of three Regiments, gone forward to the field
where they were doing honorable battle in the service of their
country, and now, in less than one month, from her fields ripe
with the golden harvest, from her work-shops vocal with the
1mm of business, from her counting rooms, her halls of
education and her learned professions, she had sent up her
earnest stalwart men to the number of more than one thou
sand, and with genuine glowing patriotism, consecrated them
on the altar of their country and freedom, and on this day
was to bid them farewell and extend to them a parting bles
sing.
In obedience to an order from the War Department, re
quiring the regiment to move on this day, an order was pub
lished making 11 o'clock the hour of departure. For two
days previous, the signs of preparation had been apparent on
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 27
every hand. Men in large numbers, who had been absent on
short furloughs, looking after business which had been inter
rupted by their withdrawal, and to take a last fond look at
"loved ones at home" were returning, bringing with them, in
many instances friends, who were to remain, until the final
parting. People from the several towns in the county thronged
the village streets, and crowded the camp ground.
Greetings arid partings were witnessed on all sides, and at
all hours, all of them tender and many affecting, yet every
where was maintained the quietness and dignity of manner
which should characterize the occasion.
Early on the morning of the 22nd, an unusual commotion
became manifest. What camp equipage there was on hand,
including the medical stores, which had just arrived and had
not been unpacked, were hurried off to the depot ; knapsacks
were unpacked, with care, but not to the exclusion of many
little tokens of love and affection, which were snugly tucked
away with the rest, the owner enjoying a blissful ignorance o
the inconsistency of these arrangements with the stern reali
ties of war. At 10 o'clock the Regiment was assembled on
the parade ground of the camp, when prayer was offered to
the Throne of Grace by the Rev. James Irwin. He com
mended them earnestly to the care of the God of Hosts. Im
mediately at the close, the order of march was formed, and,
escorted by the Ganes Voort Light Guard, commanded by
Capt. Rowe, proceeded to the depot. As the line moved
down the street, a vast concourse proceeded in company, cov
ering the walks and the portion of the streets not occupied
by the blue clad column.
From doors, windows, steps and balconies on either side of
the street came many a cheering salutation. Handkerchiefs
28 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
waved a Godspeed, while cheer upon cheer rolled from a
hundred throats.
Soon after reaching the depot, the word from the conductor
"All aboard" was passed down the train, the last hand shak
ing was soon had, the last " God bless you " was soon pro
nounced ; the multitude reluctantly stepped back, the men
sprang to their seats, the steam whistle uttered its shrill sig
nal, and instantly, the' long train, consisting of four freight
cars and twenty two passenger coaches, sped away on its im
portant mission.
At Oriskany and Whitesboro similar expressions of appro
val and sympathy were furnished by the citizens, who stood
at the depots, but the final and crowning demonstration
awaited the regiment at Utica ; there the space in front, and
east of the depot, for many yards, was occupied by a vast
multitude, numbering thousands. As the train stopped, there
went up a cheer, which made the heavenly arches ring. The
crowd soon distributed itself along on either side of the train,
while the soldiers, from the windows, exchanged with friends,
a few parting words. Meanwhile, the old Utica Band, stationed
on the roof of the depot, discoursed stirring music, while the
volunteers laughed, cheered and shouted like a party just re
turning from a pleasure excursion.
In the few minutes spent here, the officers were called out
and addressed as follows, by Judge W. J. Bacon.
"Col. Pease, Lt. Col. White and Maj. Daggett:
As the organ of the Military Committee of Oneida County,
I am commissioned to give you the parting hand and offer
you our thanks and congratulations. This shall be done in
the briefest space, for neither time nor the occasion admits, or
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 29
requires many words. We rejoice that your efforts have been<
crowned with such distinguished success. You stand at the
head of a noble band of men, going forth on a noble errand,,
you are to join the brave men, our sons and brethren, now ia<
the field, prepared to do, and if need be, to die for your country.
The raising of the Fourth Oneida Regiment has been no.
holiday work. On the part of the Committee it has, for the
most part, been a labor of love, but on yours, it has required
great patience, untiring energy and earnest patriotism, and.
all these we have found in you, and for this we express our
warmest thanks.
You are now on your way to the seat of war, and our
hopes, our blessings, and our prayers go with you. We have
no other injunction to give, than that everywhere and always,
you maintain the honor and the good name of old Oneida,.
and, when you meet the foes of the Republic, strike quickly,
strike strongly, strike often. As the results of the efforts of
each and all of you, and of every faithful patriot, we confi
dently expect to see our beloved land, in all its length and
breadth, restored and consecrated forevermore, as the land of
Government and Law, of order, and of universal liberty.
We commend you to the favor of the God of Hosts and,,
may He give you the courage and the grace to contribute
your full share to the great consummation. On behalf of the
Committee I bid you, one and all, a hearty and affectionate
farewell."
Col. Pease, in response, expressed gratification that any
thing he and his associates had done, was deemed worthy of
commendation. They were now only on their way to begin
their labors, and he felt confident, that the Fourth Oneida
Regiment was composed of men who, wherever placed,
3
30 HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V.
would act a manly part and never cause a blush to the gen
erous people, who had sent them forth with so many manifest
ations of interest and affection. When, thanking the
Committee and its associates for their friendly expressions, he
would not make a boast of the future, but trusted the acts
of the regiment would reward all who had labored for its
organization. It goes forth on the highest mission that can
engage free men, and the defense of free institutions against
a causeless, a wicked, a malignant rebellion. May it soon
return, bearing, as the results of the courage and endurance
of a great army, of which it will constitute a humble, but I
ttrust an active part, a victory that shall be glorious and the
basis of a lasting peace.
Lieut. Col. White, added a few pertinent words, when
Col. James McQuade of the 14th N. Y. Volunteers stepped
upon the platform of one of the cars, and, in a few words,
expressed his entire confidence in the Regiment and pro
posed for it three cheers which were given by the multitude
with a will. Col. Pease, then proposed three for the 14th N.
Y. Volunteers, which sentiment was endorsed with equal
emphasis. While these acclamations were again awak
ing the echoes, the train departed, freighted with as many, if
not more of the hopes and interests of the people of Oneida
County, than any that had ever before left its borders. It
was 1.40 o'clock P. M., when the train moved out, and the
anxious multitude closed over the vacant track. The journey
to Albany was accomplished without accident or without re
markable incident by about 10 o'clock. The lateness of our
arrival prevented the good people of the capital city from
giving the regiment the reception they had purposed. They
did however the next best thing in their power, roll into
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 81
the boats on which the regiment embarked, barrels of sand
wiches, crackers, buiscuits and cookies, which served to relieve
the men, from a somewhat protracted fast, and furnished
them with refreshments as they steamed down the Hudson.
By 11 o'clock the Regiment was on board the vessels which
had been assigned as the transport for the occasion; it con
sisted of a steamboat and two barges, one of the latter lashed
on either side of the former. It being late, and the men be
ing weary, each soon spread his blanket on the inhospitable
deck, and, laying his knapsack down for a pillow, he assumed
that this meagre preparation was his bed, and used it accord
ingly. The day having been one of continued excitement
and confusion, all gladly availed themselves of an obvious
inclination for quiet.
Is it reasonable to conclude that all sought sleep ? Was
not this opportunity rather seized by each as a coveted mental
retreat from the society of present and esteemed comrades, and
improved in a review of the blissful days spent at that loved
home from which he was now, under such strange and pecul
iar circumstances, receding ? And as they recalled the num
berless manifestations of home sympathy, did they not, on that
night more than ever realize, and admire the disinterested
devotion of mother, wife and sister ?
It is also safe to suppose that there were many there, whose
minds naturally reverted to
" Another, not a sister."
All the circumstances considered, was not the night of the
22nd Augusy 1862, a remarkable one for the 117th ? Was it
not a suitable time for reflective and prospective meditation ?
Who shall say it was not diligently improved ?
32 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
Before morning, the audible respirations and careless atti
tudes betrayed the fact that a goodly portion of the command
had surrendered to "balmy sleep."
Soon after daylight, the singular army transport, with its
crowd of loyal passengers, began to attract the attention of the
inhabitants on both banks of the river, exciting on every hand
the most marked demonstrations of approval. Reapers
paused, threw up their hats, and shouted their endorsement ;
the ploughman stopped his team and waved his hat. Families
gathered at the doors and unfurled the miniature flag. Trav
elers in the cars, which shot shuttle-like between our capital and
the great metropolis, waved handkerchiefs from the windows in
approval of our loyal attitude. Groups of children, came run-
ing, to the wharfs, exhibiting many signs of hearty appre
ciation. These were indeed encouraging proofs of an all-
pervading sympathy.
To all of these expressions, the boys returned suitable and
equally earnest response. Never did the grand old Hudson
appear grander than on this superbly beautiful day, and rarely
if ever, had she borne a more important burden, or one with
a more glorious mission.
Between four and five o'clock on the afternoon of the 23rd,
the regiment was landed on the wharf at Jersey City, and,
• though several men were seriously ill of cholera morbus,
all left the boats and got on board the cars, which were to
take them to Philadelphia, to which place they were forwarded
the same night by two trains ; six companies occupying the
first, and four the last. The first train leaving about six
o'clock, the other about eight.
The supply of rations had failed before reaching Jersey
City: and the men were beginning to suffer from hunger,
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 33
and, as the weather was intensely warm, not less from thirst.
But no welcome greeted these volunteer defenders of Lib
erty. No table was there spread for their refreshment.
No kind hands extended delicacies to revive the fainting.
Even the water which they were able to obtain, was furnished
at the price of two cents a glass, and small articles laid down
for a moment were stolen by the greedy crew of thieves that
gathered around.
Gladly would these facts, disgraceful to any American city
have been omitted from these pages, for it is to be hoped and
believed that there are patriotic men and women in Jersey
city ; but, the indignation then felt and freely expressed by
the men, and their distinct recollection not merely of the
obvious neglect but of the imposition they were there sub
jected to, forbid it.
A night's ride, in a crowded state, fasting and unrefreshed
by sleep, brought us to Philadelphia. The first train about
three, and the other about five o'clock on Sunday morning.
The firing of a single cannon announced the arrival of each
train, and, immediately a committee presented themselves and
escorted the regiment to the Union Head Quarters, which was
so faithfully guarded that baggage could be left in safety in
any convenient place. Water for all was provided, not only
for drinking purposes, but in abundance for the much needed,
customary ablutions. All were in just the condition to prize
this convenience. Had this been the only favor extended in
that city, it would have been gratefully remembered ; but,
there were other expressions of good will awaiting us.
Though it was an early hour of the day, and at the time of
our arrival another regiment was receiving attention, the
men were hardly prepared for their breakfast before the tables
34 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
were reset and the regiment invited into a spacious dining
saloon where it was directed to sit down at a table, spread,
not only with substantial, but also with tempting luxuries.
The sick were immediately taken to a large airy room
well supplied with comfortable cots ; those unable to walk
were placed on stretchers and carried to the apartments where
kind hearts and gentle hands furnished every delicacy that
patriotism and benevolence could suggest or money pro
cure. A dispensary, well filled with every needful remedial
means was free to the surgeons, and a large and excellent
hospital, visited daily by the best physicians, was open for the
admittance of all such as were too ill to proceed. It may
truly be said, that there was no want which had not
been anticipated and abundantly provided against. There is
no A)om to doubt, that more than one valuable life was saved,
to the regiment and to the country, by the timely and gener
ous succor extended to the men on that occasion by the good
people of Philadelphia. Her patriotic sons, and her hand
some, good-samaritan daughters will be long held in grateful
remembrance for their fraternal demonstrations to the 117th.
When the regiment left that goodly City, doubly entitled to
be called the City of Brotherly Love, it was with emphatic and
repeated expressions of "Heaven bless this City."
By 7 o'clock the regiment was packed on board a train of
freight cars, and started for Baltimore. This Sunday journey
was indeed a quiet one, it was made with few or no interrup
tions ; we received no cordial greetings from way-side citizens,
and there was no cheering by the men.
Arrived at Baltimore about 5 o'clock, P. M. ; remained sev
eral hours.
Our peaceful passage through that city was disturbed by
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 85
only one treasonable manifestation. As the regiment was
marching through a principal street, in the most complete
order, a well dressed female uttered, in our hearing, the hell-
born wish that " not one of the regiment would live to return ; "
that was the most conspicious, if not the only insult offered
us in the city.
On the other hand, the regiment was well entertained ; a
generous supper was furnished at the Union Rooms, quite to
the extent of our wants. In fact, the attentions there extended
to us, were second only to those received at Philadelphia.
Let those who, in Baltimore, afforded us such ample hos
pitality, be long remembered.
At quite a late hour of the night, the regiment took the cars
for Washington, where it arrived not long after midnight of
the morning of the 25th. We found shelter and "plain lodg
ings" on the floor of some extensive barracks near the depot.
36 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
CHAPTER III.
FROM WASHINGTON DEPOT, TO DEPARTURE FROM
FORT ALEXANDER.
The Capital and the Capitol. — Pennsylyania Avenue. — Long Bridge. — "Why the
Regiment did not cross. — March to Tennally Town. — Premature gun shot
wounds. — A Tentless Camp 1 — Tennally Town. — Advance to Chain Bridge
but no engagement. — Return to Camp ground in Grove. — Move to Ft. Penn
sylvania. — Battle hetween Pope and Stonewall Jackson. — Remove from Fort
1 Pennsylvania to Fort Alexander. — Duty at the latter place.
THE morning of the 25th of August found the men unre-
freshed by one moment of comfortable rest, under the shadow
of the capitol of the nation, which had for so many years
been the scene of turmoil and strife, resulting not unfre-
quently in violence, and even in bloodshed, and from which
had issued both clandestinely and publicly, so many inflam
matory and incendiary appeals, and all or nearly in a vain
endeavor to put down the Spirit of Liberty.
They looked upon this grand and stately structure, with
feelings of patriotic pride and veneration. They regarded
it as having been, both by the blood of our revolutionary
fathers, and by the bond of the constitution, consecrated to
the holy cause of human freedom ; while they knew too, that
in its sacred apartments had been concocted the horrid plot
of secession, which was itself, designed as the handmaid and
champion of a galling social despotism. They knew that men
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 37
who had been fostered, exalted and pampered by a too indul
gent government, had treacherously perjured their own
souls, insolently betrayed their trust, and gone forth from
those congressional Halls to drench the land in blood.
With this knowledge, and under the inspiration of the sur
roundings, these men here consecrated themselves afresh to
the cause in which they had enlisted, and, with increased en
ergy, devoted themselves to its triumph.
In one of the barracks, there had been provided some very
coarse and poorly prepared refreshments, of which the men
were invited to partake ; a privilege which they very generally
declined, nearly all preferring the uncertain chances presented
in the street.
At about 10 o'clock the Regiment was formed and put on
its march up Pennsylvania Avenue, accompanied by several
army wagons. The latter conveyed the heterogeneous burden
of regimental baggage, the knapsacks of weak-kneed volun
teers, of whom we had a few, together with the men who fell
out by the way, unable to keep pace with their fellows.
These wagons excited the curiosity, and to some extent the
merriment of our young farmers and mechanics. As few peo
ple of the north have any idea of their character, a few words
descriptive may not be amiss. They are coarse-made, very
ponderous and long-geared, with a high heavy box fastened to
the axle and head block, and spanned with rude bows which
are covered with thick canvass or tent cloth, capable of being
drawn together at either end. While there were some ad
vantages connected with those ungainly concerns, the keen
mechanics and their practical patrons in the regiment, failed
to discover the occasion for their remarkable bulk.
Very few single teams, after being attached to one of those
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
wagons, can bear any additional load. They, therefore,
usually hitch on one pair of horses or mules to draw the
wagon, and another pair .or more to draw the load. The
wagons furnished us on this occasion, were drawn each by
four mules, driven by a contraband astride the near wheel
mule, who drove the entire team, with one rein, a whip and
his everlasting " Yeop! Mule, Get!"
Pennsylvania Avenue, justly celebrated as one the most
beautiful and airy city thoroughfares, on that day presented
an appearance that defies description. The spacious and ordi
narily ample sidewalks were now crowded with a diverse
crowd. There were officers of every rank ; some walk
ing hurriedly, more sauntering leisurely ; soldiers in blue,
some with knapsacks, plodding their way to their regi
ments, some strolling about without an apparent aim, some
on crutches, others with arms in slings ; gentlemen of busi
ness, gentlemen of leisure, and gentlemen of color, and gen
tlemen and ladies of complexion intermediate, and a liberal
sprinkling of the class bearing the stamp of genuine " contra
band ;" and females of every known hue, and the representa
tives of every social grade ; and here and there the news boys,
at the top of their voices crying, "Tribune, Herald, Times,
Morning papers," "Great battle on the James," "Pope march
ing on Richmond," <fcc., &c. At every crossing, sat mounted,
armed and heavily-spurred patrols, ready for an emergency.
The regiment marching in the street was soon lost in the
thick clouds of dust whch were raised by it and by numberless
other agencies with which we seemed inextricably intermix
ed. ' There were street cars, a continuous stream of army
wagons on either side of the avenue, one going up, the other
coming down, some with two horses, marked C. S., more
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. , 39
with four or six horses or mules, marked IT. S. These files,
by an order from the war department, could not be broken by
street crossings, except at every sixth wagon. These trans
portation trains were under charge of wagon-masters, who
were consequentially riding from one part of the line to an
other, often furiously, and not unfrequently indulging in lan
guage, which good people would have found difficult to dis
tinguish from profanity. There were other vehicles of every
kind, private carriages, cabs, coaches, 'hackney coaches, carts,
teams with loads, and some without loads, four-horse express
teams, ambulances, mostly loaded with officers, (a nuisance
soon after abated by a general order,) large carts, sometimes
by the boys styled "horse ambulances," gotten up for the ex
press purpose, and loaded with dead horses and mules ; gangs
of sick and dilapidated horses, squads of fresh horses, clus
ters of mules, some willing, many obstinate ; sections of bat
teries, squads and companies of soldiers, some of infantry,
some of cavalry ; and in the midst of all, hurrying by alt all
points, were mounted messengers and orderlies, on foaming
steeds : altogether presented an exciting spectacle, which
should be witnessed to be appreciated.
The thoughtful volunteer was led to inquire, " Why all
this commotion ?" "Why these warlike .agencies in the capi
tal of the nation ; of this the happiest nation in the world ?
This nation, whose people govern themselves ; a nation in
which all legislative and executive powers proceed from the
head and hand of the humble as well as of the greater of its
constituents, every sixth year. This nation, whose govern
ment had been so beneficent as to be felt in its blessings only,
which have descended like the dews of heaven, so gently as to
be noticeable only in their refreshing influences. Why does
40 t HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V.
grim visaged war raise his hideous head in this heaven-favored
land ?"
These clear headed and intelligent volunteers, fresh from
the pure air of their northern homes, knew, but too well, that
to this question there was but one answer. Slavery, like a
deadly Upas, had been planted beside the tree of Liberty.
The Regiment left the Avenue for a short time at Four
teenth street, and marched to Long bridge which leads into
Virginia, over which, it was understood, we would have passed
but for the circumstance, that the bridge, for some reason, on
that day was impassable. Here was another illustration of the
influence, apparently unimportant circumstances exert over
the history and fate of such organizations. The Col. had re
ported to Gen. Casey, who at that time had charge of all arriv
ing regiments. We halted near his Head-quarters : By
him the regiment was ordered to camp at Tennally Town in
the District, on the north side of the Potomac, the Col. being
directed to report to Gen. Barnard, of United States Engi
neers, Engineer-in-Chief for the defenses of Washington.
While waiting for this order, one of the men was wounded
in the neck by a bullet from a revolver in the hands of a care
less comrade. The wounded man was taken to Seminary
Hospital at Georgetown, where he remained several weeks.
As he well might, he deemed himself lucky even then," to
return with his life, for the bullet had passed fearfully near
the jugular.
A similar accident occurred on the following morning after
the regiment got into camp at Tennally Town, with the differ
ence that in the latter case, the careless man was also his
victim. He paid for his stupidity by a perforation of the
hand. This not being exactly the way in which it was expect-
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. • 41
ed men would be shot, an' order was issued prohibiting the
men from carrying that class of arms, but allowing their de
posit with their officers, and the taking of a receipt for the
return of the same when the regiment should be disbanded.
The march from Gen. Casey's Head-quarters to Tennally
Town, a distance of nearly nine miles, was commenced about
noon, under a burning sun, and without dinner. As the boys
had assumed the transportation of a large amount of surplus
baggage, the march taxed to the utmost their powers of en
durance, and, in several instances, proved entirely too much.
Arrived at Tennally Town between four and five o'clock in
the afternoon. The Quartermaster being able to furnish
rations, the men, without delay, set themselves to work pre
paring, as best they could, something to'eat. No tents how
ever, except one hospital tent, were yet furnished ; the men
were therefore obliged to camp on the ground in the open
air for the night, an occurrence somewhat common in army
life, but in this case peculiarly unfortunate after the excessive
heat and labor of the day, as was shown on the following
morning by a large increase of sickness.
Tennally Town is a small plain village, situated at the
junction of the Edwards' Ferry and Harper's Ferry Turnpikes,
about four miles westerly from Georgetown. It consisted of
a few dwellings, one hotel, a blacksmith shop and a plain
church edifice. It had formerly supported some of the slave
holding gentry, most of whom, however, fled on the approach
of the Union army. It appeared that the church belonged to
the Methodist persuasion. It was beautifully located at the
head of an oak grove which covered several acres, sloping
gently westward from the village. Along the more elevated
portion of the grove, the regiment encamped, the meeting
42 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
b
house being used for Commissary and Quartermasters store
house. The village was surrounded by unfinished rifle pits,
which, with the vicinity, were occupied by his troops during
McClellan's siege of Washington !
On the 26th the tents arrived. They were arranged after
the manner of a village, on this well-shaded inclined plain,
and for one day the men felt quite at home. The comfort of
quietness was however transient, for on the night of the
27th, the regiment was roused by the beating of the long
roll, and in a very few minutes was formed and started
on a march for Chain Bridge. The bridge is about three
miles distant, in a southerly direction. The regiment was
supplied with ammunition in the exigency by the 71st New
York State Militia.' On the way, Col. Haskins, A. D. C. to
Gen. Barnard, informed Col. Pease that a large force of the
enemy had appeared on the opposite side of the Potomac, near
Ft. Ethan Allen, which was the only defense to this bridge.
It was feared that by a sudden dash, the enemy might possess
themselves of this crossing. Accordingly the 117th Eegt.,
and a New York Battery were required to defend it. Col.
Pease was directed, on his arrival, to mine the abutments
and authorized to destroy the bridge, whenever, in his judg
ment, the emergency should warrant such a proceeding.
Daylight came soon after we reached the place. The morn
ing wore off, and with it evidently, the danger, for at noon we
received orders to return to camp, which we did immediately.
Thus ended a diversion, which was often afterward facetiously
alluded to as the Battle of Chain Bridge. There were none
killed, none wounded, but it was well known that on the
march down, two or three got severely frightened.
We had scarcely reached our camp in the grove before we
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 43
received an order to remove quarters to Ft. Pennsylvania, a
distance of less than half a mile. The work of moving was not
itself an evil, but, by this change we were deprived of the
shelter afforded us by the grove, our new camping ground
being destitute of tree or shrub. We removed the same
afternoon. After a sojourn of only a day or two at Ft. Penn
sylvania, the regiment was ordered to change again. This
time, required to remove about four miles westward, for the
purpose of garrisoning Ft. Alexander and Fts. Franklin and
Ripley, the two latter being in an unfinished state.
While the regiment was at Tennally Town, the battles be
tween Gen. Pope and Stonewall Jackson were going on.
During the conflict, we could in the same instant, see the
Capitol and hear the sound of light artillery employed by the
contending forces. Our removal to Ft. Alexander took place
on the 30th day of August.
Fort Alexander and its supporters, Franklin and Ripley,
were all armed. These Forts were arranged in a triangle,
which, with their connecting fortifications, formed nearly
a half circle on the summit of a high bluff on the north
bank of the Potomac, and commanded it for a distance of
five or more miles, while their guns could sweep the country
for an equal distance in any direction. In consequence of the
inclination of its bed and the ragged rocks upon it, the river
at this point presents a rapid, while intervening it and the far
reaching hill side, like a silver band, lies the Ohio and Chesa
peake Canal, whose placid surface was then but rarely dis
turbed by a passing boat. The prominence of our new camp
ing ground afforded the daily enjoyment of scenery the
most grand and picturesque. The Potomac with its ceaseless
murmur, and the canal winding along its bank, lay far below
44 HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V.
us, and as the river extended off through the gorge toward
the south-east, we could see where, two miles distant, it was
spanned by Chain Bridge. Virginia, the Mother of Presi
dents, and also of the Harlot, Slavery, loomed up in grandeur
on the opposite side, while a vast scope, a succession of hills
and knolls, could be seen from Alexandria in Virginia, to
Sugar-loaf Mountain in the blue distance in Maryland. Many
of the hill tops were crowned with forts, and over each floated
the glorious old banner of our country. The reveille and
tattoo, waking patriotic echoes, were answered from count
less summits and hill-sides.
The regiment remained quietly here, doing guard and
fatigue duty ; its detachments garrisoning the smaller neigh
boring forts, till near the middle of November.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 45
CHAPTER IV.
FROM FORT ALEXANDER, TO FORTS BAKER AND,
RIPLEY.
Regiment strike Tents at Fort Alexander. — Removal to Camp Morris or " Camp
Mud." — A Strange Visitor. — Citizens. — Remove to the neighborhood of Fort-
Pennsylvania. — Camp Morris No. 2. — The employment of the Regiment. — Re
ceipt of a New Banner from Utica, a present from the Ladies of that city. — .
Presentation Address.— Review of Sanitary condition of the Regiment since-
its arrival in the District. — Social pastime. — "Joe," and his amusing traits.—.
Order for a division of the Regiment into two Battalions.
ON the 12th of November, the regiment, having been re
lieved by the 18th Maine, returned by order, to an eminence
about midway between its late camp and Fort Pennsylva
nia. The boys had got things so comparitively comfortable
and, the surroundings had begun to acquire such a sort of
homelike aspect, that the order to move was not acceptable
as it might have been. A short march and we reached the
place. But, for some reason, we had got a late start, the bag
gage came late, and in consequence, eight o'clock P. M. found
us in an uncomfortable condition and with a prospect so
cheerless as to render the occasion one of frequent reference
long after.
Although the camp ground was eligible, the soil was of that
peculiar "mixable" nature and the rains were so frequent
and copious, that the streets were impressible as a mortar
bed. No one can duly prize the power of voluntary
4
46 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. Y.
locomotion till lie lias been "mud bound" in Virginia or
Maryland. The shady valley where the rippling brook in
vites the stroller ; yonder pyramidal hill which promises
an extensive view of the surrounding country, are now noth
ing more to you, than to a culprit prisoner with a ten pound
weight to each heel. Whether you would go abroad on busi-
business or pleasure the prospect is equally discouraging.
The earth, which is sometimes so beautiful and attractive is
now spread out before you a far-reaching, infinite " boot jack."
This camp was such an unmitigated slough that by com
mon consent it was christened Camp " Mud." While here, the
Bleu worked at the defenses which may be still seen there
furrowing the hillocks and hill sides. Fort Alexander
.and Fort Pennsylvania were both in fair view, and, in exactly
.opposite directions.
One day, in the direction of the latter Fort, was heard an
explosive report and an omnious whizzing. Several fancied
they saw in the same instant, a body of some description com
ing through the air; the exhibition ended with a " thump "
against the hill on which our camp was perched or, more properly
planted. It was clear that the managers had " run the thing
in the ground," for when it struck, the dirt flew in all direc
tions. The curious among the regiment, hastened to the spot
and there, behold ! they saw the hole protruding. Some set to
work eagerly to exhume the stranger, when they were re
called and informed that the intruder was a shell from a gun
in the fort, and, that, as it was possibly charged and might ex
plode, they had better keep away. After some explanation
.and considerable delay, they saw the point, and reluctantly
withdrew; that sort of curiosity they subsequently got the
better of. The shell ,had fallen dangerously near our
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 47
camp, which was in full view of the gunners in the fort. At
first it would seem that the camp had been their target, but
in those days, the professional reputation of their artillerists
was such as to effectually exonerate them from any suspicion
of criminal intent or even of carelessness. Everybody felt
confident that the gun had been trained on an object at least
a mile to the right or left of this point.
The citizens in that section were mild unionists. There were
several families in the neighborhood by the name of Shoe
maker; they were on friendly terms with the Yankees, and
they did consent to board some of the officers, "just to accom
modate." They could have had no other motive, for they
charged only three times the usual price. There was a Mr. B.
there also, a staunch unionist, at least, he was in the employ
of the government. He and family were on friendly terms
with our officers, but his daughter did not furnish that thanks
giving dinner ! ! After being there about a week, the regiment
literally "pulled out" of Camp mud, and returned to within
less than half a mile of Fort Pennsylvania, encamping at the
foot of the first descent from the Fort. It was near the place
of our first encampment in the district. We were substantially
"Tenting on the old camp ground."
The site was lower than the former one, but, even in wet
weather, not so disagreeable. It was here we first encoun
tered and fought Old Winter in cloth tenements. The men
were permitted to build with more care than usual; drilling,
camp duty and working on the defenses was the occupation
of the men. The organization had lost but few up to that
date and, the line formed at dress parade made a most impos
ing sight. There was a good deal of drilling by squads,
48 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N.' Y. V.
indicating a determination at head quarters that the regi
ment should be an effective one. The fatigue duty was di
rected to the building of a small fort or redoubt known there
as Fort Eliptic and by the men designated as " Soapstone
Fort." While in this camp, there was a change in the sutler-
ship, Mr. Nellis withdrew, and was succeeded by Messrs.
Martin and Plainer, who started the business on a liberal
scale.
Among the events, which transpired while we were in this
camp, and prominent, on account of its inspiriting and
cementing influence on the regiment, was the arrival and
presentation of a beautiful silk banner made by the Ladies
of Utica.
The following extracts from a letter recently received from
Miss L. C. Graham, furnishes the information with reference
to its source.
"I am sorry to say that the' list of the subscribers' names
has been destroyed ; I can say however that the collectors met
a liberal response from all on whom they called. In making
these collections I was assisted by Mrs. Daniel Waterman,
Miss Eliza and Miss Fanny Green, Miss Eliza Gird and Mrs.
E. A. Graham.
In closing, allow me to add, that the ladies will ever feel
grateful to the officers and men of the 117th, for the care
taken of their banner and for the proud record gained for it
and for themselves. Respectfully,
L. C. GRAHAM."
t
The Regiment, for the reception of this banner was drawn
up in a hollow square, Chaplain Crippin was the medium of
its presentation, which service he performed by a graceful
and impressive rendering of the following letter.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 49
" To the Officers and Men of the 117th Regt. N. Y. V.
The Ladies of Utica, desirous of evincing their interest in
the great work you have undertaken, and their faith in you,
the sons of Oneida, have prepared this banner with its motto
chosen from your national anthem, which they hope will be
satisfactory to you all, reminding you at once of the high re
sponsibility which -we devolve upon you, the chosen defenders
of our liberty and happiness, of the dear ones you have left
behind, whose honor is inseparably bound up with your own,
and, above all, of your duty towards, and your dependence on
that Higher Power, without whose aiding hand, none can
prosper. This is no time for words, and we have but few to
give you. Go forward with a will, bearing bravely on the
glorious banner which is the ensign of all we hold most
dear. Come back when your work is done, and well done,
bringing this same emblem, torn and defaced it may be, but
bearing only honorable marks, which shall add a glow of
thankfulness and pride to the heart of every maiden, wife,
and mother, whose hopes rest so fondly upon each one of
you — or — come not back to us again forever.
Sorrow we can bear, disgrace) never; but this is a word,
which, in connection with you of the 117th, we need not use.
Onedia has not known its meaning, and, we feel assured that
it is not at your hands she will be taught it.
Take, therefore, our banner, and, with it receive our pray
ers, for your safety, your happiness, your glory, and, above
all, for the safety'of the land, which, you go forth to defend
and redeem.
In behalf of the Ladies,
Respectfully Yours,
UTICA, October, 1862." L. C. GRAHAM.
50 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
The sanguinary repulse of Gen. Burnsidei from before
.Fredericksburg, occured while the regiment was occupying
this camp.
The Health. The regiment bore at this time a somewhat
anomalous relation to the army, it being regarded at Head
quarters as neither in the field, whence the sick would have
been eligible to the general hospitals, nor at a post at which
we would have been supplied with hospital conveniences; con
sequently the sick had few comforts except those extemporized
iu the command, or furnished by the sanitary agencies..
Friend Kellogg's beaming face was more than usually welcome
in those days. It was not until the latter part of December
that the government furnished us with bedsteads or bed sacks,
and then with a scanty supply of hospital bedding.
We reached Washington during the very height of mid
summer, which transfer suddenly subjected us to a much
higher temperature than that to which we were accustomed,
and the crowded camp, with its dull monotony, is at best far
from being a favorable sanitary situation. Under all these ad
verse circumstances, however, we suffered less from sickness
than any other regiment in the Brigade to which we belonged,
as was demonstrated by reference to the morning reports. This
difference in our favor was due, no doubt, in a measure, to the
cleanly habits of the men as well as to the sanitary discipline
to which they were subjected. The first death, occurring in
the regiment after we left home took place on the 12th of
September. The more prevalent diseases were diarrhea of
an obstinate type, and typhoid and typhus fever. Jaundice
also, whether a disease or symptom, was remarkably common.
The high moral character which the regiment presented when
it left home, it fully sustained ; one hundred and twenty of
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 51
the men enrolling their names on the 'Chaplain's list as
"soldiers of the cross." A sanitary report, made to the
Medical Department by the surgeon, dated December 31st,
closes with the following statement. " The men have been
well clothed, and, with exceptions creditably rare, have been
cleanly and temperate in their habits."
The evenings being long, there was much spare time for
social enjoyments, and for various amusements. These op
portunities were well improved in patronizing the city theater,
but, more especially in social gatherings at the tents of the
officers, telling and hearing stories, playing euchre, &c.
About this time a new source of amusement discovered itself
in the character of an intelligent contraband by the name of
Joe, employed as servant to one of the officers. Joe was a
genuine specimen of the genus Virginia " dark." Though in
the service of one officer, his irresistible comicalities were as
unconfinable as his essential fragrance and, were therefore,
the property of the regiment. His childlike simplicity,
apparent credulity and inimitable expressions of wonder at
the true or over-drawn accounts of Yankee customs, rendered
him an attractive object, to the victims of dull care. He had
been released from slavery by McClellan's advance on the
Peninsula, and had attended that army through the most
active stage of its campaign, so that, though ignorant of
northern customs, he had been unprofi tably familiar with the
"peculiar" institution, and had witnessed some stirring battle
scenes. Toward his kind, he appeared to have attachments
not very unlike those recognized by white folks! He spent
hours in setting forth the moral excellence of his parents.
His father, who he said was a preacher, had died several years
before. His mother he adored, but alas ! she was a bond
52 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
woman, under the* galling yoke of slavery. Joe would
have almost given his life to rescue her. Besides, he was
attached to a girl ! A sable maid, bearing the unpoetic name
of Sarah Johnson, was the burden of Joe's thoughts day and
night. While an officer was one day regarding with much
interest the photograph of his wife, he was observed by Joe ;
the officer asked him to examine it and tell him how the New
York women compared in looks with the Virginia women.
After scrutinizing the picture with great care for some time,
Joe deliberately admitted that if the lady's nose was not
quite so sharp, " I reckon she would look most as good as
Sarah Johnson." Intelligent for one so oppressed, fluent of
speech and excitable of temperament, he was well calculated
to gain attention to the recital of his experiences. Under
the inspiration of an attentive audience, and with room for
characteristic gesticulation, Joe's relations of plantation or
army incidents rose to the dignity of an entertainment. His
sufferings in bondage had furnished him with a large stock
of thrilling uncle-tomitudes. His 'oratorical forte, however,
was a description of a pell-mell retreat. He was confined
to no mood ; but. would run with the greatest facility from
grave to gay, and from the sublime to the ridiculous. In
any strain, he was at home, and, I may say, eloquent, and, at
times, so unconsciously comic, as to defy the gravity of the
Chaplain himself. In view of the proverb "a merry heart
doeth good like a medicine" Joe seems entitled to this refer
ence because of his influence as a sanitary agent.
Agreeably with an order from Gen. Bernard to that effect,
the regiment was now divided in two battalions of five Com
panies each, and assigned to special duty some ten miles apart.
HISTORY OF THE 11TTH E. N. Y. V. 53
CHAPTE Y.
FROM THE DIVISION OF THE REGIMENT TILL ITS
RE-UNION AND EMBARKATION.
The Battallions march to their respective places. — Occupation. — The Regiment
visited by Residents of Oneida. — Newspapers in Camp. — Preparation for the
Field. — An order to Move. — March to the Wharf. — The Re-union. — Embark
ation. — Voyage down the Potomac.
ON the 24th of December, the arrangements having been
made for the division of the regiment, it broke camp. The
following named companies, A, B, C, D, and K, constituting
the 1st Battallion, marched through Georgetown and the Capi
tal, across the east branch, up the slope and encamped on the
heights near Fort Baker. The order, making this change,
directed Col. Pease on arriving at Fort Baker, to assume com
mand of the 3d Brigade, defences north of the Potomac. Fort
Baker being the Head Quarters of the Brigade and essentially
of the regiment.
Picket and fatigue duty were the chief employment of this
Battalion during the winter. These companies also stood
guard at the East Branch Bridge, and, when employed in this
capacity they often caused embarrassment to suspicious pas
sengers, all of whom were closely scrutinized, and not a
few rigidly examined for contraband goods, messages, &c.
This road was a frequented thoroughfare. It was by this way
that the notorious criminal Booth, escaped on the night of the
assassination.
54 HISTORY OP THE 117lH R. N. Y. V.
The vicinity had become historical, also, in revolutionary
times. Fort Baker camp was a sightly place, commanding a
view of the Capitol, the city, and of the Potomac. If the
place was delightfully airy at times, at others it was severely
bleak. There was some sickness in the Battalion during the
winter, and some two or three deaths.
The 2d Battalion, comprising companies E, F, G, H and I,
under command of Lt. Col. White, marched about two miles
westward, to a point near the Potomac, and encamped on the
eastern slope of the bold bluff which affords Fort Alexander its
valuable prominence. Being in the vicinity of that fortifica
tion, the camp was near the old regimental camp ground.
The medical officer of this Battalion was Asst. Surg. Mowris,
1st Lt. Morris Chappell was Quartermaster, and 1st Lt. James
M. Lattimer Adjt. The iminent peril to which the Capital
had been twice exposed, had impressed the military authori
ties with the value of the immediate defences, revealed the
need for their early completion, and the possible responsibil
ity which might follow further neglect.
Our occupation, therefore, was agreeable to these indica
tions ; beside the usual camp duties and drilling, the boys dug
and chopped almost daily, so that during the time the Bat
talion occupied this camp it contributed largely toward the
erection of Fort Ripley and the completion of the adjacent
Forts.
The camp site had been well chosen : it was on a knoll shed-
ing in almost every direction, while a purling spring from its
base furnished an abundant supply of pure water. The win
ter tenements of the soldiers may be thus described : An
enclosure, the wall of which is composed of a succession of
upright stakes standing in contact ; or perhaps of poles, put up
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 55
after the manner of a log house ; this enclosure includes
a space of perhaps 7 feet by 9, the wall about 3 feet high.
This structure, crowned with an A tent for roof and gable,
gives the outline. The next business was that of "repell
ing winter blasts with mud and straw." It is remarkable
how habitable these primitive tenements were rendered by the
ready ingenuity of the boys. Some might infer that with from
three to five inmates, these habitations would have been nox
iously close ; this tendency was obviated by the merciful
absence of architectural facilities. That they were not un
healthy abodes, or that the sanitary surroundings must have
been exceedingly favorable, may be deduced from the fact
that during the three months and a half spent there by those
five companies, the sick list was very small, and that in the
time, death never visited the camp.
.This division of the regiment created a new source of pas
time ; the relation of the two halves was too intimate for non
communication. Letters were interchanged daily, and where
written conference was considered inadequate, personal visits
were the next resort.
On several occasions, during the winter, the regiment was
visited by residents of Oneida. They were always heartily
welcomed. One or two were the bearers of "sanitary" favors.
There were times when soldier life seemed intolerably heavy
and dull. No wonder the boys sometimes felt despondent as
they soliloquized : " Our work is digging, we could have done
that at home." "We came to fight and end the war by ex
tinguishing the rebellion." "We are now nearly a half year
in the service and yet at the Capital instead of at the front."
"Burnside, with our great army, has just been repulsed with
heavy loss." "In the west, affairs are not progressing much
56 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. Y.
better." "The administration professes to be striving to crush
the rebellion, while the professed democratic party is desper
ately intent upon crushing the administration." "If our
cause is not stationary, it is progressing very slowly." It
should not be understood that the regiment was discouraged,
but, if citizens, seated at home in comfort and security, were
sometimes depressed, perhaps at the bare prospect of increased
taxation, there is some apology for the temporay indulgence
of this mood by those who had imperiled comfort, health, and
even life itself.
Without making a question of the relative political proprie
ty of the adverse attitudes of the two parties at that time, I
may perhaps be permitted to allude to the obvious preserving
influence exerted on the army, by the hopeful tone which
characterized the pro-administration journals.
The good effect of these papers was marked, when they
came into camp, as the medium of the President's reply to the
sympathizers with the eminent Ohio traitor. The political
friends of that notorious personage, aided the government
materially, when they furnished the President a just occasion
for a written vindication of his course. With what simplicity
and force he called their attention to an unparalleled emer
gency and then to democratic precedence. As it fell among
the soldiery it was felt as an efficient moral tonic.
Akin to this in its influence, was the able state paper of
Secretary Seward, in which he so amiably declined the propo
sition of the French Government, to refer our national differ
ence to the arbitrament of commissioners. In his letter to
Drouyn De FHuys, he assured him that none could doubt our
ability ultimately, to conquer an honorable peace, except those
who were content with the deductions of a limited and par-
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 57
tial examination. After referring to the diminished and still
waning area of the Confederacy, he added : " The national
forces hold even this small territory in close blockade and
siege." With an inspiring confidence he reminded the French
Minister that "This government, if required, does not hesi
tate to submit its achievments to the test of comparison.
These state papers did much to sustain the hopes of our
soldiery, and neutralize the pernicious and demoralizing
tendency of indiscreet journalism.
While we were in this camp the President issued the Eman
cipation Proclamation. There were a few among us who re
garded the act with positive disfavor. The measure elicited
some warm discussion, but not enough feeling to effect the
social unity of the organization.
The 2nd Battalion, I said, lost none of its members by
death, from Christmas till the middle of April, though like
the first, it must be admitted, it lost one or two by a singular
affection. Usually toward evening, or during the dark hours,
while in an upright posture, Athe victims were seized with a
succession of violent contractions of- the lower extremities.
Remedial agents being neglected, the sufferers were "carried
off" in a few minutes. The disease was, however, compara
tively rare in our regiment. It was pertinently styled "Ske
daddle." The departed having secured a permanent notoriety,
a personal reference is superfluous.
During the winter, various had been the conjectures con
cerning our destination, on the line known as "the front."
There was a spirit of impatience on account of the semi-mili
tary character of our service, the boys, frequently remarking
in a jocular way, that they " did not come to dig and chop, but
to fight."
58 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
At length, winter passed and March piped his advent. The
season for a spring campaign was approaching. By the 10th
of April there was a rumor in camp to the effect that we
would soon be in the field. As early as the 12th, we were
ordered to hold ourselves in readiness for a move. At an
early hour on the morning of the 15th, an unusual bustle was
heard in camp. Clothes, blankets and rations were syste
matically packed in preparation of an immediate departure.
I have inadvertently omitted to mention an item which did
not then escape our notice ; the morning on which the regi
ment broke camp at Baker and Ripley, was one of the wettest.
It furnished the boys a good occasion to test the shedding
qualities of their rubber blankets, and increased, to an in
convenient degree, the labor of locomotion.
Agrreably with the order that the 117th Regt. embark that
morning on board transports lying near the Navy Yard wharf,
the battalions marched convergently for that point.
The 2d Battalion moved promptly, and marched proudly.
Every man seemed to regard this call to sterner warfare, as a
personal promotion in his country's service. As it made the
transit of the city, by Penn. Avenue, it excited general notice
and admiration.
THE RE UNION.
The 1st Battalion, having a less distance to march, arrived
at the dock first. The greetings at the re-union of the regi
ment, were sincere and cordial — the cheers were loud. The
embarkation was attended with some delay. At length, all
things being in a satisfactory state, or the time for the process
of preparation having expired, on board of two river boats, we
pushed off and steamed down the Potomac.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 59
Since its arrival in the District, the regiment had not suf
fered much reduction. There were some absent in hospital,
but the loss by death, up to this time, was not more than thir
teen, and those from the following companies : F three, G one,
H one, I five, K three. It had been in preparation for the legit
imate duties of soldier life. The men had become accustomed to
obeying orders, which with many, implies a contrast to their for
mer life. They had learned to obey, and for the most part, to re
spect their officers. They were ready to admit the importance,
if not the agreeableness of the means of securing a high state
of military discipline, and were willing to promote this de
sirable end, by the sacrifice of ease and comfort. They
had also improved the time in the acquisition of skill in
the use of arms, and become acclimated, and inured to ex
posure to the elements, and to unseasonable toil. Beside, as
a regiment, they were intelligent, and the sentiments and con
victions of the majority, were in full harmony with their anti-
rebellion attitude. Hence, our organization was numerically,
and essentially, a vigorous one.
GO HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
CHAPTER YI.
JOURNEY TO AND SIEGE OF SUFFOLK.
Voyage down the Potomac. — Arrival at Norfolk. — Citizens. — Arrival at Suffolk.
—Incidents. — Col. Pease holds the right of the Line. — Incidents. — Inhabitants.
— Regiment occupies Hill's Point. — Incidents. — Regiment Paid. — News from
Fredericksburg. — Health.
A VOYAGE of two nights and a day, and we were at the dock
at Norfolk. We arrived early on the morning of the 17th.
Our destination was now obvious. Longstreet was making
' a demonstration against Norfolk and had reached Suffolk,
and lest he should decide to join his sympathizing friends in
Norfolk our troops already there must be reenforced.
It was nearly ten o'clock A. M. before we had debarked.
The time required for the transfer of the regiment from the
steamboats to the train of open cars which stood at the depot
with a puffing engine prefixed, was improved by a few of us
in a partial and gratuitous inspection of the town.
Troops had been passing through town for two or three
days, to the obvious annoyance of numbers of the citizens
who were standing in groups here and there about the streets
in close conversation, the while, scanning and commenting
on Yankee troops to whom they hardly deigned to speak
when civilly accosted.
The city was very quiet ; with the exceptions mentioned,
it lay as if again in the shadow of the pestilence ; but for
the tramp of war, grass might have grown in the streets.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. Y. 61
We were about two hours passing the light sand and Dis
mal Swamp, which, on that line, separate the North and
South folk. On nearing the depot at Suffolk, above the rattle
of the train, there came to us the "boom" "boom" of Long-
street's cannon. When the noise of the cars ceased, it was
discovered that those guns were quite near ; by some they
were regarded as " dreadfully near." I judge, not only, from
personal sensation, but also from observation.
The boys became unusually taciturn. Each procured his
baggage with few words. The "front" had suddenly been
stripped of the enchantment so long lent to it by propitious
distance. The random target practice of the artillerists, at
Fort Alexander, excited merriment, but this booming
strangely disposed to reflection. This noticeable impression
was transient, however, as such impressions commonly are;
and, in this instance, none contributed more to dispelling it
than the irrepressible wag, of which we had several. As soon
as he had recovered sufficiently himself, he was seen to jostle
his comrade and with a knowing twinkle of the eye, remark,
" Say, Bill, I believe you came to fight and not to dig." A
few such sallies served to restore almost the wonted degree
of self composure and unconcern. There is no just reason
to conclude from this that these men were morbidly timid.
From what I have observed in the same regiment, I infer that
fear is suffered not generally in the degree of one's danger,
but, that the circumstances most favoring the exercise of fear
are a vagueness as to the source and direction of the evil, and
an otherwise unoccupied state of mind. Accordingly, I believe
that on one or two occasions like that just described, the boys
suffered as much from fear, and perhaps more, than when thfey
faced grim death at Fort Gilmer or at Fort Fisher.
5
62 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
The vicinity of the depot presented a busy scene. Every
branch of the service, and every article required for a cam
paign was there; soldiers, arms, ammunition, rations, shovels,
picks, &c., &c.
As soon as the regiment was in readiness, we marched
down through the ^rnain street to the other railroad on our
way to the expected bivouac or battle field. Our passage
through the place appeared to be both a Yankee and Secesh
entertainment. A great many more citizens were visible here
than in Norfolk, but, for obvious reasons, very few men.
Some dwellings were closed and apparently deserted ; but a
little attention to the guarded windows, disclosed occasional
variations in the situation of the blinds, suggestive of unseen
hands. At other dwellings, it was evident that feminine curi
osity had triumphed over natural timidity, and brought out
on the porches, bevies of wondering secesh girls, who seemed
almost eager to brave the perils of mutual captivation.
Their amiable expression of face argued how incompetent is
contracted sectional distrust to withstand the benevolent
promptings of instinct.
An incident occurring in our passage through the village,
exhibits the intensity of rebel hatred of the " Yankee," and ex
poses the efforts that were made for its inculcation in the
coming generation. Among the numerous spectators of this
Yankee army was an interesting child of about five years of
age. The little fellow, held by his mother, was leaning out
of an open window, an eager spectator of our boys in blue.
He at length, in an argumentative tone, rebuked his mother's
unfaithfulness by this expression of his new found convictions.
" But, Ma, they are kind o'mans"
The regiment moved out and halted on the North side of
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 63
the town upon a lot intervening the Portsmouth railroad, and
Nansemond river. The river was the dividing line between
the rebel and loyal forces. The sound of artillery still rever
berated from the front, and, from the opposite side, came an
occasional whizzing bullet, followed by the report of the
emptied rifle.
Col. Pease was now ordered to take post on the extreme,
right of the line of defense, 'to entrench and hold againstr.
any attempt of Hood to turn it. His command was
independent, reporting directly to the Division Commander.
It consisted of the 117th Regiment, Capt. Morris' Battery-
N. Y; Artillery, a Wisconsin Battery and a Squadron of Firsfy
N. Y. Mounted Rifles.
Pursuant to this order, about sunset we moved down the,
river about three miles, and after m'arching and counter-*,
marching till near midnight, the regiment was ordered to lie
on their arms for the night, and cautioned, against speaking
above an undertone.
The process of retiring for the night, becomes exceedingly
simplified by a resort to actual service. In a few minutes
every man except the guard had subsided into the horizontal
and, in a few more, was reporting progress by heavy respira
tion. But had you looked abroad, over these recumbent cap
tives of Morpheus, you might, occasionally, during the night,
have discerned the moving form and heard the unamiable
mutterings of some restless, fastidious lodger in search of a
softer or warmer place, and whose unhallowed ambition had
prompted him to an unavailing attempt to pass the guard, to
appropriate the coveted shelter of a friendly tree.
In the morning, we were directed down the river some
three or four miles further. The stream, if its torpor will
64 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
admit the name, is exceedingly devious. It doubles upon
itself so repeatedly, that I do not doubt but there are sections
of it which will represent almost every letter of the alphabet.
I have seen its S's and Ws so complete, as to leave little
doubt that it does not somewhere include an &c. "The
Nansemond river is very crooked, marshy on both sides and
full of oysters."
Our way lay by an unfrequented road, which, where it
crossed the juttings of the river marsh, had been newly
bridged for our passage. After making the desired distance
down the river, we turned to the left and entered an isolated
section of a plantation. It was one of those outlying, irregular
fragments of a farm, which are the result, in part, of the ag
ricultural defects of the earth's surface, and yet, to some
extent, the effect of that gentle, submissive sort of husbandry
which attends slavery, but that which, unfortunately is not
limited to its latitude. This lot presented a narrow, cape-like
exten sion, reaching westward nearly half a mile, in fact it may
with propriety be called a cape, as it was the convexity formed by
.a sudden bend in the river. It was proposed that we should
occupy the extreme point of this neck, but though its border
was well fringed and screened by outcropping foliage, we had
scarcely halted for the purpose of encamping, before the rude
arrival of several bullets from over the river, admonished us
of the unsuitableness of the position. We then withdrew a
few rods to the rear, as most of us felt desirous of a more
healthy location.
The cape we occupied was known as Galloon's Point. Hav
ing a superior altitude it commanded the rebel battery on
opposite bank, about a mile distant, therefore one of
HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 65
the first duties of the regiment was to assist in planting sev
eral pieces of artillery on this eminence.
In this vicinity we sojourned for nearly a month, during
which time we picketed the river for a distance, above and
below, and fortified the Point witli heavy rifle pits. Four or
five days after our arrival here, Hills' Point battery on the
enemy's side with six guns, was suddenly flanked and cap
tured by a detachment of the 89th R. N. Y. Y. The 117th,
was transferred to occupy, and to bring off the guns. Prob
ably not a man of us has forgotten the scene at the dock
where we embarked, our landing, the skirmishing, the wound
ing of the soldier, who subsequently was the first officer
killed in battle, the destruction by fire, of the buildings on
the premises, the transferring of the guns to the boat, the
natural, though not general apprehension of our inability to
hold the point against the infinite odds, which the wily enemy
possibly were massing in the favoring obscurity of yonder
forest, our vivid recollections just then, of the account of Ball's
Bluff, the shouts of the boys as they sank on their gangway
plank in their efforts to reembark, and, when half the regiment
was on board, how vainly the wheels turned, and how vehe
mently the Captain swore when he discovered his boat was
aground ; our crossing the river, finally, and our wading
through the marsh under a heavy rain.
An incident occurred here which, as an illustration of the
maxim "Knowledge is Power," much impressed all who wit
nessed it. On the other side of the river, a little below, and
about two miles distant from Capt. Morris' battery, was a
deserted dock and an old store-house. Adjacent to these, on
a little eminence stood a commodious mansion, about which,
by the aid of a glass, a number of the enemy were seen. At
66 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
a little distance from the residence, the rebels were obviously
erecting a battery. The Captain was directed to annoy them.
His first shot from a thirty-pound Parrott gun, fell within the
door yard. Five minutes after, he sent another, which entered
the structure near the eaves, and, in an instant, the smoke,
indicating the explosion of the shell, was seen issuing from the
demolished windows; the tenement was promptly vacated.
The Captain then turned his attention to the " Johnies " at
the prospective rebel battery and dispelled the party with the
same facility; the Gray-backs scattering in all directions.
When I saw that modest little man militant, at that distance
holding that portion of the enemy's territory at his imperial
option, I envied him even more than I do that potent person
age, who, with one finger, inspires and curbs the terrible iron
horse.
The boys will doubtless recollect how the products of the
river were made to supply the temporary short-comings of
the commissary department. A luxury was now substituted
for the necessaries of life, in the oysters which abounded in
the margin of the river. Yet even this provision did not
obviate the supposed necessity for an occasional unauthorized
foraging adventure. These however did not all pay expenses,
as, for instance, the appropriation of one of neighbor Sanders'
young cattle, which, on being served for the table, was found
so thoroughly permeated with garlic as to be altogether
worthless.
While here, we were favored with an official visit from that
highly esteemed functionary, the Paymaster. The rebel
shells which announced their arrival in the suburbs of
camp, inspired him with unwonted alacrity in dispensing his
green backs. About thirty thousand dollars of this payment
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 67
was deposited in the care of Chaplain Crippin, and, three or
four days subsequently, was transferred to Mr. G. C. Platner,
who conveyed it to Fort Monroe, whence, he expressed it
safely to our friends at home.
Our neighbors were Mr. Sanders and Mr. Cahoon, the
latter owner, and, in the absence of the military, proprietor of
Cahoon's point. They were both aged men, now the nuclei
and props of their grandchildren, who had been left thus
dependent by the political infidelity of their sires, and the
necessities of the confederacy. They had both" also suffered
the loss of all their slaves, except those who still craved a
master's protection. And even such as did remain were ap
parently more than ever, eye servants ; their every movement
too plainly betraying the fact, that they were but " waiting
for the wagon."
Both complained at the loss of their slaves, but Mr. Sand
ers was particularly distressed at the loss of a remarkably
intelligent negro, who he told us, had had the full control and
exclusive management of his affairs, including the financial
department, for said he " though to my shame I say it, he
was a smarter man than I am." The female portion of their
households were of course, intensely secesh. An unmarried
daughter of Mr. Sanders, whose personal proportions were
more ample than her supply of beauty, responded to a
solicitation for a little piano music, by furnishing her yankee
visitors with " Dixie " and " Up with your Standard Virginia."
Knowing the sentiments of her guests, I have reason
to doubt whether her performance elicted much applause.
Two or three days afterward the regiment, on its way to a
new camping ground, passed through Mr. Sanders' yard. Just
before reaching the house, the band struck up the air, "Star
68 HISTORY OF THE HTlH R. N. Y. V.
Spangled Banner," and played it most lustily. I have often
suspected that that little arrangement might have had some
reference to the parlor entertainment.
As Mr. S. was complaining at his latter-day adversities,
he was asked, why he inaugurated them by voting his State
out of the Union. He replied, that about the time the
question arose, a prominent Virginia Legislator, whom he
named, familiarly, went about " telling the people how to
vote." He told them if they did not vote their State out they
would lose their slaves. "And now" said he "after doing
exactly as he advised me, I have lost my slaves for all."
The statement of Mr. Sanders,' with regard to the political
action of himself and several of his neighbors, exposes again
the fact that the non-educating policy peculiar to the south
ern states, subjects the masses to the direction of a few
politicians. A policy, convenient to the demagogue, but
degrading to the people ; unprofitable to the State, and sig
nally disastrous to the nation. It is possible, that, in our
state, there may rarely be found a man, the color of whose
ballot is determined by the dictation of his neighbor, but I
will say there is not a man in this latitude, whose lack of self
respect, and utter abjectness, are such, that he can confess it
without embarrassment.
Knowing that the Potomac Army, was gathering itself for
another conflict under Gen'. Hooker, many were sanguine
that under the direction of " Fighting Joe," the old army
would achieve just such a success as its numbers, gallantry,
and devotion seemed to deserve, and the interests of our
cause demanded.
We therefore boked anxiously and waited impatiently for
tidings from Fredericksburgh. But few newspapers found
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 69
their way to the camp, but those that came were seized and
read with eagerness. We were occupying our second camp
ground, it was in the pine grove. A large log fire was blaz
ing before Col. Pease's tent. The Colonel was enjoying it,
when the latest daily was handed him. The caption under
" Latest Telegrams" was sufficient; " HOOKER REPULSED WITH
GREAT LOSS." Soon the word passed about Head-quarters.
" Another defeat at Fredericksburgh." It passed to the regi
ment and went through camp, reiterated in despondent tones,
" Defeated ! " " Whipped again ! " " Licked once more ! " It
would be unjust as well as untrue to say that this reverse
produced no perceptible effect on the regiment, but it was a
temporary depression of spirits, and, not a change or impair
ment of determination.
Our neighbors could not conceal their satisfaction at our
discomforture on the Rappahannock.
The health of the regiment was not good. During the
latter part of our stay at the Point, the sick list was quite
large, and the sickness, severe. On breaking camp we were
obliged to leave quite a number here till they could conva
lesce. A medical officer remained with them, so that they
had no lack of professional attention.
70 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
CHAPTER VII.
FROM SUFFOLK TO CHARLESTON HARBOR.
The return from Suffolk. — Encamp near Julian's Creek.— Incidents.— Concur
rent Military Events. — Peninsula' Raid. — Severe march, and great suffering. —
Lee's Invasion of the North, &c. — Return from the Raid. — A short rest. —
Orders to move. — March to Portsmouth. — Take Transport. — Sail Southward.
Put into Beaufort Harbor for Repairs. — Change transports. — Resume voyage
to Charleston Harbor.
THE enemy under Longstreet, having by this time retired
from the Suffolk line, the union forces withdrew to the vicini
ty of Portsmouth and Norfolk. The troops were defensively
disposed, and proceeded at once to the work of fortifying.
Our regiment made the change on the 15th of May, and en
camped on the evening of that day, on the south bank of
Julian's creek, about four miles south of Portsmouth. Julian's
creek is a small branch of the Elizabeth River. The Head
quarters of the regiment was about a deserted mansion.
The occupation of the soldiers was picketing and fort-build
ing. As the army of the East was now recovering from the
effects of Hooker's charge at Fredericksburg, we had about a
month of quiet and monotony. We were dependent on minor
and social incidents for excitement. Rowing and bathing
were also resorted to, and contributed to the contentment and
enjoyment of the boys.
Our nearest neighbor was a confirmed specimen of the
chivalry, who rejoiced in the anti-Sumnerish name of Brooks.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 71
He resided on the opposite side of the creek, and owned the
vacant dwelling- about which the Head-quarters were establish
ed, and in which we re our Adjutant's office and staff niess-room.
Mr. Brooks had evidently contracted a clear conviction of the
infinite superiority of a southerner over a yankee. His con
victions on this point, were manifest in his demeanor, and not
unfrequently expressed in language. The day after our en
camping on his premises, he called at Head-quarters, and
visited the camp. As he was getting into his boat to recross
to his home, in the presence of a number of our soldiers who
were standing at the river side, he indulged in some expres
sions derogatory to the character of yankees as soldiers, in the
statement that at times when they should be most steadfast,
they were most conspicuous for running. A soldier retorted,
"You might infer that, from the manner in which we have
overrun Virginia, and you will find we have not half done
with it yet."
Mr. Brooks might have recalled these words of the soldier,
for several days later, Corcoran' s Legion arrived ; after they
had appropriated that gentleman's board fence, and a good
share of the clapboards of his out buildings, to make their
tents and beds, Corcoran, with commendable consideration,
furnished Mr. Brooks an efficient guard.
Mr. Brooks had been in the Confederate army, and was
more interested than gratified in witnessing the difference in
the appearance of the opposing troops. One day, while at
Head-quarters, he saw our well filled letter-box, the sight of
which prompted this question : "Don't you send out your mail
more than once a week?" "Yes sir," he was answered,
"daily." "Does your regiment send off that number of let
ters every day ?" "Yes sir." Regarding the speaker with a
72 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
look expressive of unbelief and wonder, he observed, "But
who writes them ?" He did not attempt to conceal his sur
prise, when assured that the 117th Regiment alone, furnished
nearly 300 letters per day for the mail, nor was he quite ready
to hear that more than 90 per cent, of our organization, wrote
and directed their own letters. t As many of the supercrip-
tions were excellent, and some elegant specimens of penman
ship, he examined them with much curiosity, and if not with
admiration, it was because the advantage lay with his enemies.
Another neighbor was a Mr. Hodge, who was as fully com
mitted to treason as Mr. Brooks. He was afflicted with an
acute realizing sense of the existence of a Yankee army.
Directly before his door, on his own premises, a formidable
fort rose to obscure the view ; in his rear was a battery, while
on his right and left, within a few steps of his house, and even
under his sheds and in his barns, Yankee horses devoured his
fodder with brute unconcern. Referring complainingly to his
cramped situation, in conversation with an officer, he was
told, "Mr. Hodge, you are as closely besieged as Vicksburg."
"Yes," said he, "but with less prospect of withstanding it."
His family never condescended to converse with the Yankees.
While we were here, our troops were startled and ex
cited by the announcement of that foul assassination of a
union Lieut., in one of the public streets of Norfolk. There
was a popular apprehension among us, that the murderer
would escape the punishment he so richly deserved.
By the middle of June, the military monotony which fol
lowed Hooker's failure at Fredericksburg, was relieved by the
occurrence of stirring events, both in the North and South
west. June and July of this year, were perhaps the most
eventful two months of the four years' war, if we except those
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 73
which inaugurated and those which terminated the conflict.
Gen. Grant, who had captured Jackson while Hooker was
fighting on the Rappahannock, was now investing Vicksburg,
while Gen. Banks was besieging Port Hudson. Prompted no
doubt, by a wish to neutralize the effect of the impending loss
of Vicksburg and the Mississippi, Lee determined on a second
great invasion of the North. And accordingly, about the
middle of June, began his march, crossing the Potomac on
the 14th. This movement was too important to admit of
further inaction on our part. The entire Norfolk force was
now put under marching orders. On the 22d, the 117th
started on its never-to-be-forgotten Peninsula raid.
June 22d the Regt. marched to Portsmouth, took transports
for Yorktown, where it encamped and remained till July 1st.
On that day embarked and steamed up to White House. Im
mediately began a rapid march toward Hanover Court House,
making a demonstration against Lee's communications with
Richmond. The most notable features of this expedition, so
far as the soldiers were concerned, were the severity of the
march, and the profusion of blackberries. The latter cir
cumstance was so remarkable, that the expedition was after
wards referred to as the "blackberry raid." The object of
the demonstration appeared to be, to confine in Richmond,
as many rebel troops as would be adequate to hold it against
an odds, thereby reducing Lee's army in the field. The
latter, and the capture of the city itself failing, the next
desirable object appeared to be, to return our troops to tide
water with all possible despatch, that they might be available
at Washington and Philadelphia, should Lee's course render
their transfer necessary. We lay near the Court House the
74 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. T. V.
3d and 4th of July, while the decisive battle of Gettysburg
was in progress, and on the morning of the fifth began our
forced march, or rather race, for Ft. Monroe.
As a source of suffering, a battle hardly exceeds a forced
march during the warm season. Under the burden of knap
sack, haversack, gun and cartridge box, thirsty and foot-sore,
in warm weather the men marched a distance which good
pedestrians would not have fancied, even if untrammeled.
It is a hard thing to be compelled to march, up to the last
point of physical endurance, and another very disagreeable
duty is to be compelled to ride in rear of men thus suffering,
with no consoling agent but well-meant words of encourage
ment.
0 ! the emptiness of words, when men are falling out and
lying by the way-side, exhausted, fainting and dying of fatigue.
No better evidence of complete exhaustion is required, than
the non-stimulating effect of the horrors of Libby Prison. Such
was the degree of weariness to which many were reduced,
that they would not rise to resume their march, though assured
in all sincerity, that the enemy's cavalry would be up in a
few minutes. Several thus fell prisoners. So excessively
severe was the marching, that on halting sometimes, not more
than 10 per cent, of the regiment were up to stack arms. The
effect of this march was apparent in a sudden increase of
our sick list.
One result of the Gettysburg battle, had been to deprive
Lee of the ability to renew the contest. In his retreat he
betrayed a remarkable singleness of purpose to avail himself,
as speedily as possible, of the comforts of aplace of security.
Accordingly we had no occasion to go north to insure the
safety of the Capital.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 75
While we all felt grateful to Providence and the Army of
the Potomac, that the enemy had been unmistakably defeated,
we joined the loyal north in the regret that the invaders could
not be hopelessly broken up or captured in his retreat.
Just about the time our boys returned to camp, we received
the news of the draft riot in New York city. If we except
the intelligence of the death of President Lincoln, there was
no news ever brought to the regiment, which occasioned more
evident depression and discouragement, than those shameful
proceedings in New York city during the week beginning
July 12th, '63. The feelings thus excited, were sorrow that
our state should be thus deeply and perpetually disgraced,
a painful distrust and apprehension, and a just and intense
indignation at the audacity of northern rebels, with expressed
wishes for an opportunity to fight them. The distrust and
solicitude, excited by the news of the riot, were not lessened
by the soldiers' doubt whether the complimentary treatment
extended to New York rebels, was prompted by a supposed
necessity, or by political sympathy.
By the twenty-ninth day of July, the regiment having re
covered somewhat from the effects of the Peninsula raid,
though it had lost some by sickness, and several by death,
whose decline was clearly traceable to the excessive hardships
of that expedition, was, with others, ordered to Portsmouth.
The order to march was usually welcome. An army made
up of the active busy Yankee Nation, is always ready for a
move. Beside the novelty which is so attractive, a change of
base excited a thought and hope, that perhaps with this move,
something might be done to promote sensibly the "wished
for consummation." With a soldier, expectation is kept
on tiptoe, by his ignorance as to his destination. When the
76 HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V.
problem is being solved by his progress, this ignorance is
tolerable ; but sometimes the column halts and remains sta
tionary for hours and days, midway on its transit, without an
apparent reason. To submit gracefully to an indefinite delay
without the comforts of a camp, in the absence of an explana
tion, is a difficult task for men of ordinary intelligence, and
particularly for those who are proverbial for their ready and
persistent " Why ?"
One of the severest tests of patriotism, I say, on the part of
those whose life-long pursuits have been conducted in accord
ance with intelligent plans, is to abase themselves, as it were,
to assume the passive mood, to become mere machines in the
hands of their accidental superiors. Such a test awaited the
regiment at Portsmouth. The boys were kept there for a
couple of days and nights, sometimes lying in an unfrequented
street, under a copious rain or a burning sun, or perhaps in a
deserted market, on the supposition that a foul atrnospere was
less injurious than exposure to the elements.
An order at length came for the regiment to embark on
board one of the transports lying at the dock. After the usual
delay, the embarkation was effected, when the vessel steamed
off. At once the question went round: "Are we going to
join the army north, or to the department of the south ?"
The capture and occupation of the greater portion of Morris
Island, by Gen. Gilmore, had recently been announced,
hence it was natural to suppose that our destination was
the vicinity of Charleston Harbor. This supposition re-
olved itself into a strong probability, when, after passing
Fort Monroe, we headed sea-ward. We were soon on the
broad ocean, with the coast on our right. As but a small
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 77
percentage of the regiment had ever been to sea, we had not
rocked round Hatteras before,
"A home on the rolling deep,"
was the most remote from our wishes. All the internal and,,
domestic inconveniences, arising' from sea-sickness, were ours,
to endure, aggravated as they were by the great number, of;
sufferers. We had not proceeded far on the voyage, before
it was discovered that the vessel was entirely unfit for sea-
service. This proof of the light estimate placed on human,
life by some quartermasters of transportation, at whose mercy
we were, did not tend to restore gastric tranquilaty, or to pro-
mote good humor. A few seemed to find a temporary satisfac-.
tion in a lusty condemnation of the President and Cabinet, as.
if an honest purpose on the part of a few in, Washington^
could regenerate the whole yankee nation.
Luckily the instinct of self preservation was quite as valid
in Captain and crew, as in the passengers, and therefore we
put into Beaufort Harbor, N. 0., for repairs, or at least for a
cessation of peril.
The substantial and capacious Government Transport, E. S.
Spaulding, being there at the dock, she was at once assigned
to the service of conveying the 117th Regt. to Charleston Har
bor. The alacrity with which the boys quitted the condemned
craft, and betook themselves to a better footing, disclosed the
measure of their distrust. For this timely favor the Spauld
ing was ever after regarded by the boys with partiality. The
change of transports, and the voyage to Charleston, were
made on the first and second days of August.
The troops, at every delay, were impatient lest they should
6
78 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
arrive too late to join the pending advance upon Charleston.
Their anxiety to proceed, on that account, when recalled in
connection with the fact that the event did not transpire till
nearly two years later, is somewhat amusing. As it has ter
minated, they will not be annoyingly reminded of their mis
take by those who then clamorously averred that the rebel
cities could never be taken.
The aggregate comfort of this voyage was small indeed,
though the change of vessels very much improved the condi
tion. The heat was oppressive on deck and still more so
below, where a good portion of the regiment, for want of room,
was obliged to spend much of the time.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 79
CHAPTER VIII.
THE FOLLY ISLAND CAMPAIGN.
Entrance in Charleston Harbor.— Landing.— Siege of Fort Wagner.— Severe
duty —Privation and Suffering.— Much sickness.— A Month's service on Block
Island.— Additional comforts and improved health.— Thanksgiving.— Shell-
Hunting. — John's Island Expedition. — Kegimental changes by resignations
and promotions.
ABOUT three o'clock, P. M., August 2nd, we began to hear
the deep sounds of distant artillery. A few minutes later, we
could discern an extended gray-line on the western horizon,
which on nearer approach revealed itself as the sea boundary
of Folly and Morris Islands. Here and there, on the crest of
the far-reaching bank, like a stationary sentinel, stood the
dwarf palmetto, suggesting at once our reduced latitude and
the nation's political disorder. Groups of tents marked
the Head-quarters of regiments or brigades, while far up on
Morris Island, lines of loyal blue moved to and fro over the
level belt of impacted sand. About four o'clock we entered
Charleston Harbor. As none could repress a very natural
curiosity to see the stage of historical scenes, all crowded on
deck, eager to inspect Fort Wagner, to get a sight of the
famous Sumter, and, if possible, to obtain a glimpse of the
" cradle of secessionism," prime source of our adversity.
The interest of the scenery was heightened by an artillery
duel which was then in progress, and which, indeed, was
80 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
maintained with slight interruptions for the succeeding half-
year.
It was not easy to content ourselves on board for another
night after enjoying a sight of land. We were not however
permitted to debark till the following day, August 3rd, when
we landed on Folly Island.
This fragment of South Carolina is some six or eight miles
long and varying from a half, to three-fourths of a mile in
width. The sea border of the Island is a bold relief of sand
bank ; the inner third of the Island presents a, ridge or spine,
then heavily wooded with tall thrifty pines. The interval
between the wooded ridge and the beach was low and sandy,
covered by an almost impenetrable jungle of palmetto, live
oak, vine, &c. The regiment encamped near the middle of
the island, that is, nearly equidistant from its extremities,
and at first the Head-quarter and line officers' tents crowned
the crest of the sand bank ; the company streets being in
the vale, which had been to some extent, cleared for their
occupation. Two or three north-easterly gales persuaded the
officers of the propriety of a descent to the shelter of the
bank. Though the major portion of the regiment was often
absent on picket duty and on several expeditions to neighboring
islands, as well as in the siege of Fort Wagner, this locality
was our regimental home. The troops on Folly Island con
sisted of two Divisions, commanded by Generals Gorden and
Yodges ; the 117th was in Alford's Brigade,Vodges' Division.
And here followed, perhaps in many particulars, one of the
gloomiest periods of our term of service. Our duties, which
were heavy, began with the day of our debarkation. The
severity of the service ; our exposure to the excessive heat of
the day, and the chilling air of night, in our unacclirnated
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 81
state, and, our limitation for several weeks, to the use of two
or three of the commonest articles of army rations, rapidly
reduced the physical tone of the organization. Ague, fever,
and bowel affections, in a few days unfitted one hund
red for duty. To these diseases, a little later, scurvy was
superadded. While there were a score or more in the hospi
tal, it was not uncommon to see nearly a hundred present at
"sick call."
The sick were generally in a remarkably despondent mood.
This unprofitable frame of mind was favored by our isolated
situation, and the consequent infrequency of home tidings,
and the newness of coast and southern scenery, ever sugges
ting the sick-boy's distance from that loved spot, his home.
Home sickness, or, as medical men choose to term it,
"Nostalgia," with other sickness, made an unpromising com
plication. The younger soldiers and such elder ones as were
constitutionally more prone to this home yearning, were least
likely to recover from serious illness.
The adverse effects of this social infirmity may be deduced
from the remarkable and prompt improvement which often
followed the patient's departure for home.
The writer has a case vivid in memory, of a boy of eight
een, who had been steadily melting away, as it were, with
scorbutic diarrhea for several weeks. The most approved
remedies had been employed in vain ; he became scarcely, a
living skeleton. When less ill, a furlough had been refused,
though it was more than probable that death would dissolve
his military obligations before his application for discharge
could, by " the regular channels " reach the department com
mander ; the effort was made, and the discharge came, only an
82 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
hour or two before the departure of the mail steamer for
New York city.
The apparently dying boy, now inspired with new life at
the thought of
" Seeing home and friends once more,"
was tenderly placed on board the north bound steamer.
Though all who saw him confidently predicted his early death
at sea, the same young soldier recovered, and, re-enlisting, re
turned to the regiment at the expiration of about six months.
The same happy result did not always follow a visit home,
but in many cases the remedial influence of northern
air, and home comforts was very marked. It is to be regret
ted that a greater number could not have enjoyed the treat
ment.
The objection urged against the issuing of many furloughs,
was the demoralizing influence to which soldiers were then
exposed in this latitude ; it being a common occurrence to
hear the declaration, that the President's demands on the
soldier were prompted by personal caprice and not indicated
by public necessity. This sort of teaching owed its power
for evil, in many instances, to the social and even official
prominence of those who lent themselves to its diffusion.
Among those whose names were not on the sick list, there
were few whose appearance or manner gave evidence of
health. The majority were dull and spiritless.
The ball and quoits, which had been popular at times of
leisure in our other camps, were now obsolete. The unwont
ed stillness which brooded over the camp was rarely broken
by the sound of laughter. The men, when going forth to
duty by squads, companies, or as a regiment, betrayed a tard
iness, a negative mood, never seen in the regiment before, nor
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 83
subsequently. By contrasting the appearance of this body of
troops with that presented by it, when at camp Morris, D. C.
one could realize the full purport of what is intended to be
conveyed by the u morale " of an army.
Notwithstanding decided sanitary measures were resorted
to by the several medical directors and the numerous regi
mental surgeons, the indescribable shadow which overhung
and pervaded our organization, was felt by the entire white
force on the island. All the white troops having come from
a higher latitude, were equally obnoxiqus to the adverse in
fluence from which we suffered, and as a consequence, the
physical condition of the entire force was bad, and the aggre
gate mortality, very great. Our regiment did not suffer more
than other commands and our percentage of deaths was much
lower than that of many others.
For a time, the regiment was employed in the siege of Fort
Wagner ; it was then transferred to Block Island which was
an advanced position, Charleston being in easy cannon range.
On the afternoon of 22nd of August, we marched up to the
northern extremity of the island ; in the evening, crossed
Light House Inlet on Ferry boats to Morris Island. Soon
after dark, and it was very dark, we set out in yawl boats
among which we were distributed in thirties. We had
scarcely left the wharf before a pitiless rain set in. Quietly
in the darkness we threaded the tortuous bayou ; now finding
ourselves in the wrong channel, and then confronted by the
limits of a miniature gulf. The rain increased. After much
perplexity and hard rowing, it was decided that we had reached
the designated landing. On stepping ashore, we were hospi
tably received by a . twenty-inch depth of mud. Thence we
waded some thirty yards to a wooded eminence, said to bo
84 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
Block Island, proper. Here we found a firmer footing, though,
just then, scarcely a dryer soil. Pickets having been posted,
overy one went in pursuit of whatever measure of comfort
he might obtain under the circumstances.
The object of this move appeared to be an aggressive for
tification of the island. Much hard labor was expended by
us in mounting several heavy guns, which, for some reason,
were never used. The step appears to have been a mistake.
Instead of having made a formidable advance, we had only
exposed ourselves toithe perils of the enemy's converging fire.
In fact, several tangible hints of our topographical disadvan
tage, were soon sent us. We spent about a month on Block
Island. The world-renowned Wagner fell before the intrepid
Gilmore, during that month.
As the troops could not discover that any remarkable
military advantage had been gained by the capture of Fort
Wagner, their rejoicing was more moderate probably than
that of their friends at home, who saw it only in the light of
a victory, with less reference to its real value. The moral
effect however of Gen. Gilmore's success in that siege was
valuable, at that time. It inspired confidence, North, and
caused apprehension throughout the South.
On our return to Folly Island, the men were put at heavy
duty, on Long Island, and a portion of the regiment sent was
to guard the Commissary Depot at Pawnee Landing.
By the last of Autumn, a great change for the better was
manifest in our commissary supply. It was becoming not
only ample in quantity, but the list of army rations was
varied. A very extensive army bakery began to dispense soft
bread, and enterprising sutlers furnished Orange county but
ter and milk, New York fruit, and many articles of conven-
HISTORY OF THE 117TH K. N. Y. Y. 85
ience belonging in the interminable catalogue of "Yankee
Notions." It was not far from this time that the regiment
received a highly esteemed favor from its friends in Oneida.
What could have been more timely and welcome than those
apples. About one hundred and twenty barrels reached the
regiment in fair condition.
The increased supply of food ; a more philosophic acceptance
on the part of men of their situation ; a partial acclimation ;
cooler weather; the improved atmosphere, consequent on
an extensive exposure and thorough ventilation of the surface
of the island ; each had a share in the production of a better
state of health throughout Gen. Gilmore's command. The
effect became very apparent in our regiment. During the
winter there were, among the original members of the com
mand, comparatively few cases of fatal illness. Towards the
latter part of that season the physical tone of the 117th, at
tained a point which it had not previously gained and did
not exceed while in the service. The recruits, however, who
joined there, were sickly.
By mid-winter, the axe had wrought great changes in the
aspect of the island. The jungle had disappeared ; the forest
had fallen, and its reed-like pines, by the aid of an imported
steam saw mill, had been converted into lumber. The wilder
ness had changed to a populous, extensive and busy city.
The smaller growth had been burned for room, or used for
fuel. So thoroughly had the work of clearing been carried
on, that it became difficult to find a stick for any purpose,
and the scanty woodpile at the company kitchen, hinted
strongly of radicalism.
The national thanksgiving was observed in camp by a cessa
tion from all except the most urgent military duties, and a
86 HISTORY OF THE 11?TH R. N. Y. V.
regular service by Chaplain Crippen. The discourse was
at once religious, patriotic and cheering. Nearly the entire
regiment was present, including all the officers, except those
who were absent on urgent duty. Our coveted drum corps
was iii good trim, and vied with the brigade band in the excel
lence of its music, while our vocal choir competed with them
both. The latter led the entire congregation as all joined in
that grand national hymn "AMERICA." It was a bright day,
and a profitable occasion for the regiment.
The latter part of our sojourn on the island, if we except
the five days occupied in the John's Island expedition, we
passed in comparative comfort ; the weather was almost uni
formly pleasant, and the military duty was less arduous.
Various camp sports were resumed and highly enjoyed.
Shell-hunting along the beach, which had occupied the leisure
of many from the day of our arrival, became very popular,
and was conducted with exciting and amusing competition.
Some became so engaged in this pursuit that they would rise
before day and scan the beach with a lighted taper. The
prize was not sufficient however to induce many of us thus to
curtail the night. Somehow it wasn't " nat'ral." The avails
of those occasional gleanings, were disposed in innumerable
packages, and remitted to distant friends, to the incidental
lumbering of the mail bag, and the proportional increase of
the postal fund.
Some time during the latter part of the winter, an enter-
prizing Captain, looking seaward with an eye to conquest,
conceived the project of taming old Neptune's skipping lambs.
The project miscarried, the benefits of the taming process
falling on the wrong side. About the same time there was
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. \ Y. V. 87
observed a " partial eclipse " of personal dignity on the part
of some newly mounted officers.
The health of the command was excellent. Ball, quoits
and gymnastic exercises were liberally patronized. The men
were cheerful, mirthful and vivacious.
On the 7th day of February, a part, perhaps about five
thousand, of the Folly Island force, began a demonstration
against Charleston by way of John's Island. The 117th par
ticipated in this expedition. On the evening of the 7th,
(Sunday,) the Brigade, under the command of the late
lamented Col. Drake, of the 112th Regiment New York
Volunteers, marched down to the south point of the
Island. About 10 P. M. crossed Stono Inlet to Kiawha
Island. Soon after midnight we resumed our march south
ward on the last named island, making some eight or ten miles
before halting for breakfast ; marched till noon, stopping on
a neglected plantation, where we "dined" and lay quietly
amid a young growth of pines, till about 10 o'clock P. M.
The boys will recall the locality through the passing allusion
to the "rabbit chase." After filing past the deserted mansion,
we went eastward through a wood, emerging, after going about
a mile, on the open beach. A rapid march of some two or
three hours, brought us to Edisto Inlet. The men weie
obliged to make the crossing on foot, though the water was
nearly waist deep. Those who are informed that the temper
ature was about freezing point, will have no difficulty in ap
preciating the magnitude of the obstacle, and it seems, a
deeper sense of gratitude toward soldiers, would be excited
in the minds of civilians, did they know how cheerfully the
soldiers accepted these ills. We had anticipated some oppo-
88 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
sition at the crossing, but its absence indicated an encourag
ing lack of vigilance on the part of the enemy.
The passage brought us to Seabrook Island. Our course
was now about north-west, through pine woods and swamps,
the latter made passable by corduroy roads, and at length
over deserted plantations, which composed the agricultural
portion of the island. A little before sunrise, we reached the
stream which divides Seabrook and Little Island. The in
tegrity of the bridge was additional proof that Johnny had
been caught napping. On the opposite side of the stream
was a declining mansion, about which, hitched to posts and
fences, stood several intensely gothic steeds, equipped with
saddles and bridles, the most comically primitive. Plainly
enough this was the enemies' outer cavalry picket post, and
the unwary rebel sentinels were within, dozing or breakfast
ing. The advance had crossed the bridge and approached
within a few yards of the house before they were discovered
by the inmates. The manifestations of alarm, but for the
tragic character of the personal conflicts which followed,
would have been amusing. They sprang out of the doors,
leaped from the windows, and those who could recover their
self-possession ventured a random shot. Those who were
confronted, in their egress, by a union soldier, made desperate
efforts to clear the way by force and fight. One of them, on
being opposed, clubbed his musket, killing his union adversary.
Those who escaped, of course ran incontinently. A little
later, they rallied in the edge of a wood about a quarter of
a mile from the house, engaging in a brief and feeble skir
mish with our advance, during which a profane and reckless
rebel Captain was shot, only an instant after shouting to the
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 89
union skirmishers, "Shoot lower you d — d Yank's, you
don't hit any body !" The skirmish had served the purpose
of apprising the main force of our approach, as the musketry
could be heard at a long distance, dense as the air was at that
early hour.
The union forces moved on, and after pursuing a few
minutes, discovered and destroyed a cavalry camp, reconnoi
tred during the day, established a line in rear of the house
and fortified the same, along, and within which, they retired
for the night.
On Wednesday, the 10th, the enemy approached by a wood-
road in considerable force. Having the advantage of altitude,
we flanked them with a well supported battery. A lively and
judicious employment of these guns, for a few minutes, be
trayed Johnny into an exhibition of the natural effects of a
'stimulated discretion. They did not retreat without some
loss. On the following day, (Thursday,) we advanced some
three miles, when we came upon the enemy. He was entrench
ed, and concealed from view by a thick forest, where he sat
" grand, gloomy and peculiar, wrapped in the solitude" of
secesh originality. Having had some proof that we were
eliciting a commensurate force, toward evening, we retired
within our defensive line at the mansion. The night was
cold, and, as an attack was apprehended, fires were forbidden;
we passed, accordingly, an uncomfortable and cheerless night.
About 2 o'clock in the morning we moved out to return.
After nearly all had marched out over the bridge, the man
sion, the out buildings and the bridge were fired, when we re
tired home-ward by the reflected light. The men waded the
strait before day ; they seemed to suffer more from cold than
90 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
when we went. We marched briskly along the Kiawha beach,
and despite the conchological proclivities of the majority of
the troops, we reached the deserted plantation by day break,
and halted again "among the pines." Tt was a good place to
rest, but a poor place to prepare a cup of coffee, the water
being so poor that it could not be improved by the admixture
of " B. Commissary." The experiment was tried in one or
two instances, but failed utterly.
The military events occurring on or about the island from
this time, till the date of our departure, were not of an impor
tant character. The health of the men continued good. The
officers who had gone north for recruits, Col. White and
others, re-enforced the regiment with two or three installments.
The comparative relaxation enjoyed by the command dur
ing the latter part of the winter, was improved by Chaplain
Crippen, in efforts to promote the moral interests of the men..
Beside his regular Sabbath services, he held a series of even
ing meetings, which were well attended and resulted in good.
The sick found in the Chaplain an attentive friend. Quite
a number of those who passed away during the fall and
winter, had furnished him a satisfactory reward for his coun
sels and prayers, in the hopeful assurance of reconciliation
which marked their last hours. In a number of instances,
he had performed the sad office of remitting the dying soldier's
last message to loved ones at home.
The sounds as well as the scenery about Folly Island were
different from those at any other post we had previously oc
cupied. Among them were the rustle of the superceded pal
metto leaf, and the ceaseless anthem of Old Ocean, as it came
to our ears punctuated by the deep explosive notes of heavy
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 91
artillery, from the various water and land batteries about the
harbor. During our entire sojourn on the island, there was
scarcely a day or a night that we did not hear the sound of
cannon. Sometimes, for days and nights together, there was
not an hour's cessation. In the morning it came with the first
dawn of consciousness ; at meals, and through the livelong
day, and in the stilly night, ever and anon, we heard that me
morial of treason. Even on the calm Sabbath morn, while
the dispenser of gospel truth discoursed on the glorious mis
sion of the Prince of Peace, that discordant booming testified
of rebellion and conflict.
It is difficult to dismiss the topic of Folly Island, without a
description of the Palmetto, but I will forbear, giving the pre
ference to another local object, and one which provoked more
general attention, and caused a more palpable excitement.
The Island was not so remarkable for its dwarf palmettoes as
for its myriads of giant fleas. Their number, size, voracity
and pertinacity were such as to make them a potent noxious
agent, a dreaded pest, almost a scourge. As a predisposing
and aggravating cause of disease, the Folly Island flea can
not be easily over estimated. His attacks, with many persons,
rendered refreshing sleep impossible for nights together ; with
the sick it was still worse, no sleep till exhausted nature ig
nored the evil. The sleepless victim, almost frantic with pain
and rage, would betake him to the world without, where the
cool air would allay the iritation of the surface. While there,
perhaps he would discover a light in the next tent, and hear his
exasperated neighbor exclaim, " Confound the little black
customer !" Sometimes the sentence would be varied and the
concluding* word abbreviated. There is little doubt, that the
92 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
fleas provoked far more muscular contraction on the island
than the Swamp Angel did in Charleston. Their number
was incredible. There was an account of a cook, who for
some purpose had got a pail of sand ; on returning to it in a
few minutes, the pail was scarcely half full ; the loss had been
caused by the voluntary migration of the animate particles.
To be candid, I do not credit the story in full, but certain it
is, that the fleas were dreadfully abundant and appallingly
voracious.
OFFICIAL CHANGES.
Col. Pease had left the regiment on sick leave, while we
were encamped near. Portsmouth. Though Lt. Col. 'White
and Maj. Daggett enjoyed the confidence of the command in
their respective places, that reposed in the ColonePs mili"
•
tary capacity, was such that he was recognized as the main
stay of the organization. His temporary absence was felt
among the officers and men ; but when he left it was sup
posed and expected he would soon rejoin his charge, but
it was to be otherwise. After a leave of nearly two
months, during which time the regiment had been transferred
from the Fort Monroe department to Folly Island ; with health
somewhat improved but not confirmed, he set out to return to
the regiment and to duty. On his way from home to Wash
ington he suffered a relapse and was obliged to return, when,
being unwilling longer to be an officer off duty, he resigned
his commission.
In September, the following letter, announcing his determi
nation to resign, was read to the regiment. His loss was felt
and deeply regretted by all.
HISTORY OF THE 11TTH R. N. Y. V. 93
WASHINGTON, D. C., )
Sept. 1st, 1863. \
To the Officers and Men of the 117ZA New York Vols.
It is with unfeigned regret that the undersigned announces
the severance of all official connection with the 117th N. Y.
Vols. I know I will be pardoned, if upon this occasion, I say
a few words expressive of my feelings toward the officers and
men of the Regiment. To command such a regiment, any
man may well be proud. It has been my good fortune, and
my great pride, to command the very best body of men that
has left the State of New York in the defence of our country
— the 117ih N. Y. Yols. From the organization of the regi
ment, until some two months since, I have been constantly
with you, and have had ample opportunity to become well ac
quainted with the character and disposition of all composing
the regiment, and it gives me the greatest pleasure to bear
testimony to the high character as soldiers, and noble qualities
as men, of all, officers and men. I trust that I will not be
accused of vanity, when I say. there is not another regiment
in the service that is superior, and I have never seen one that
I consider equal to the 117th N. Y. Vols., in point of intelli
gence and high moral character. To have discipline among
such men, it is not necessary to resort to harsh means, and I
think no officer, competent to judge, can say there is a better
disciplined regiment in the service, not excepting the Regular
Army. I have longed to lead you to battle in defence of our
country. I could do so, feeling that not a man would turn his
back upon the foe in the hour of danger. With such implicit
confidence in all, who is there that would not be proud, and
feel greatly honored with the privilege of leading such men
94 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
in action. I am happy to assure the regiment, that their vigi
lance and good conduct, in the presence of an indefatigable
and bold enemy, thereby preventing the turning of the right
of the line of defence, at the the siege of Suffolk, is appre
ciated and acknowledged by the several commanders. When
I left you I had doubts about ever being able to endure much
hard service in the field, though I did not doubt I should soon
join you again. My health has failed, and I have, after due
consideration, resigned my commission as your Colonel, and
my resignation has been .accepted. I knew I could not endure
field service very soon, if ever, and I do not desire to hold a
place, the duties of which I find I am physically disqualified
to fill. It has been a severe trial to me to bring my mind to
the necessity of giving up the regiment. I cannot take leave
of you without acknowledging my indebtedness to all, both
officers and men, for your uniform kindness and unqualified
support'on all occasions. If I have, at times, seemed harsh
in my treatment of some cases of violation of military disci
pline, I have the consciousness of knowing I had the good of
the subject and of the service at heart. I have the very kind
est feelings toward all, without any exception whatever, and
it will ever afford me the greatest pleasure to be of service to
any, or all of you, at all times. In taking leave, I regret
that I cannot take every one of you by the hand and bid
you God speed. My regret at leaving, is somewhat modi
fied by knowing that I leave you in good hands. Lieut. Col.
White, we all know, and all have confidence in. He is kind
and considerate, and will prove faithful to his trust. I sin
cerely hope you will all give him the same cordial support
that you have ever given me. In Major Daggett, you have a
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 95
friend who will devote himself to your best interests. We all
know him well, and know him as the soldier's friend. I feel
it my duty, to thus publicly acknowledge my indebtedness to
Major Daggett for the very great assistance he has rendered
me, and for his unqualified support on all occasions. With
such officers to lead you, I know the 117th N. Y. Vols., will
make for itself an honorable record. To the- Staff officers of
the regiment, I acknowledge my obligations for their uniform
courtesy and support, and I feel that the regiment is singu-.
larly fortunate in having such a staff.
I now take leave of you, and wish you God speed, and pray-
that you may all very soon be returned to your loved ones at,
home, our country's flag redeemed from the traitor's blasting
touch, and peace fye restored to our land.
W. R. PEASE,
Late Colonel 117th N. Y. Vols.
. » » / . . d ..
The regiment had been fortunate in obtaining a leader.
Col. Pease was well adapted to his chosen profession; his
natural capacity was rare ; his acquired qualifications were
undisputed and universally acknowledged. He was digni
fied and commanding in his deportment, and, while amiable
and pleasant in his intercourse, he abstained, without effort,
from a derogating familiarity. He was always regardful of
the comfort and well-being of his men. The proud record
of the 117th, is in a great degree, clearly traceable to the
healthful military tone imparted to it by its original Com-
mander, a lively sense of whose moral presence, continued
with the organization till its dissolution.
The vacancy caused by Col. Pease's resignation, was filled
by the promotion of Lieut. Col. White, which change was fol-
96 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
lowed by the advancement of Maj. Daggett to the position of
Lieut. Colonel, and Capt. F. X. Meyer to that of Major. Be
side these, the following official changes took place during
our sojourn on Folly Island :
Aug., Capt. L. K. Brown discharged.
Sept., Sergt. G. W. Ross, appointed to 2d Lt.
2d Lt. D. B. Magill, promoted to 1st Lt.
Oct. 21, 1st Lt. J. M. Lattimer resigned.
Oct. 29, 2d Lt. A. Marquisee resigned.
Nov. 20, Capt. J. M. Walcott transferred to V. R. C.
Dec. 27, 1st Lt. J. D. Kerrigan promoted.
Dec. 27, 1st Lt. W. J. Hunt promoted.
2d Lt. A. M. Erwin promoted.
2d Lt. Jno. T. Thomas promoted.
Feb. 14, Capt. Chas. Wheelock resigned.
Feb. 16, Chaplain J. T. Crippen resigned.
Mch. 1§, Wm. C. Castleman appointed 2d Lt.
Mch. 19, J. Knox Williams appointed 2d Lt.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 97
CHAPTER IX.
LEAVE FOLLY ISLAND TO JOIN THE ARMY OF THE
JAMES.
Departure from Folly Island. — Take passage on board Transport "Blackstone,"
Capt. Berry. — Arrive at Fort Monroe. — Proceed to Gloucester Point. — Re-for
mation of the 10th Army Corps. — Advance to West Point.— Reconnoisance. —
Re-embark, Steam back to Fort Monroe. — Thence up the James. — Arrive at
Bermuda Hundred. — Debark.— The succeeding movements, which culminated
in the Battle of Drury's Bluff. — The Army of the James withdraws and in
trenches.
THE appointment of Gen. Grant to the position of Com-
mander-in-Chief, and the extensive re-enforcement and con
centration of the Army of the Potomac, had attracted all
eyes expectantly toward that point. The Folly Island troops
had been looking for an invitation to participate. About the
15th of April, we received an order to be ready to move at
short notice. It was not*, however, till Monday, the 18th, that
we began in earnest, literally to " pull up stakes." We spent
a good portion of the night standing about the dock at Pawnee
Landing, and embarked on board the Steamboat Neptune,
for Hilton Head, about 9 o'clock P. M. Tuesday, 19th. On
the 20th, at Hilton Head, took passage on board the Propeller
Transport Blackstone, (Capt. Berry,) weighed anchor and
started north about midnight. On the afternoon of April 24th,
we arrived at Gloucester Point, and, one week later, at West
Point. The cordial hospitality, and social qualifications of
98 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
the Captain, rendered the passage an unusually pleasant one ;
his almost paternal solicitude for the comfort of the soldiers,
endeared him to all.
Though we made the point in the afternoon, by one of those
unaccountable delays so common in military affairs, we were
not permitted to land till late in the evening, by which time
a heavy rain had set in. The consequent darkness greatly in
creased the difficulties of landing. The wharf was incommo
dious and sadly out of repair ; the men were unacquainted
with its extent and surroundings. Every thing considered,
it was not surprising that our debarkation was interrupted by
theory of "man overboard." What a thrilling announce
ment; there seemed very little chance of recovering a person
thus situated, but a fair prospect of losing a few more. All
wished to rescue him, but each feared to move, lest he too
should go a step too far. For some time, the sound of the
man's voice was the only guide. Luckily, while being borne
out by the tide, he seized a post, and managed to hold on
till a light could be brought, when he was rescued. After
getting on shore, the regiment formed for a march up the
hill. The soil was clay, rendered vexatiously treacherous by
the still falling rain. On gaining the tableau, a vast encamp
ment, indicated by the light of thousands of tapers, spread
out before us. It was a beautiful sight, the twinkling lights
suggesting the thought of an inverted canopy. Most of the
10th and 18th Corps were already there. When the regi
ment found its place in the brigade line, it was still raining,
and the men were many of them wet, and all supperless.
Just then occurred one of those pleasant little incidents which
are highly prized at the time, always pleasant to contemplate,
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 99
and which create a lasting bond, between military organiza
tions. As the boys were schooling themselves to the prospect
of retiring without replenishing the inner man, a party of the
40th Mass., then in our brigade, called on the 117th, bear
ing a bountiful supper of hard bread and hot coffee, each
company in the former named regiment supplying the corres
ponding company in the latter. This very opportune favor
was the beginning of a pleasant intimacy between the two
commands.
We remained on the Point about one week, during which
time the 10th and 18th corps, under Gen. Butler, were re
organized for duty in the field. The regiment was here re
inforced by another installment of recruits, which had just
come down in charge of Col. White, who now rejoined the
regiment after a recruiting tour and an absence of several
weeks.
The personal leisure which fell to the lot of some of the
officers, was improved by them in a visit to the opposite side
of the river, to a scene twice memorable in the history of our
country, and which still bears the impress of McClellan's
famous siege of Yorktown. Gen. Butler here exhibited his
New Orleans circumspection and his adaptation to a semi-
military position, by detecting a telegram which Lieut. Castle-
man had received from his wife, who was then near Baltimore.
The Lieut, was obliged to report to Fort Monroe and render
an explanation. It was done to the General's satisfaction.
During the week passed there, a number of officers assumed
their ,new positions.
By the 29th of April there was a good deal of preparation
in the entire corps. On the evening of the 30th, our brigade,
100 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
the 1st, under command of Col. Henry, of the 40th Mass.,
consisting of the 89th, 117th, 142d, 3d, all N. Y. State regi
ments, and the 40th Mass., embarked on four transports. We
lay at the dock till morning. Sometime during the night,
the prevailing tranquillity was broken by one of the company
commanders walking overboard. His characteristic coolness
and self-possession served him well. He swam to a boat which
was lowered for him, and recovered his former footing. About
4.30 o'clock, A. M., May 1st, weighed anchor, and under es
cort of two gunboats, one in the advance, the other as rear
guard, proceeded up the York River. About 10.30 o'clock,
A. M., reached West Point, which is at the terminus of a
cape formed by the convergence and confluence of the Pa-
munky and Mattapony rivers. Landed, brigade formed, and
with the 142d regiment in advance, marched 'about two miles
tip the railroad, halting and encamping in a wood, along the
farther border of which the neck is traversed by a substantial
breastwork, another memorial of McClellan.
While marching in and encamping, the troops presented
the various indications of personal character which that pro
cess always reveals.
The first tent that appears is that of the provident man.
The poles for the frame- work he picked up a few rods hence
and brought in with him on his arrival ; having a few pieces
of twine always about him, he is enabled to use straight sticks
instead of forked ones. Many of the soldiers are gone to cut
crotches upon which to lay the ridge pole. Yonder a soldier
has thrown down knapsack, blanket and tent, and is lyfng on
them ; a few rods further is another sitting on his baggage.
The recumbent man is eating ; the other is intently perusing
HISTORY "OF THE 117TH R. N^V/t^ ' 'I'Ol
the last paper. The one is the lazy man, the other the
reading man; the one is never too "tired" to eat, the
other is going to learn the last news from Grant, even if
he shall be ordered on picket duty before he gets his tent
up.
Pass along after camp is formed. The fore-handed soldier
has made a comfortable bed of boughs and is resting upon it ;
he will be ready for a night picket. The sordid man digs
down and burrows, says it will be warmer. The active and
aspiring man has elevated his bed several inches above ground,
feels acutely the deprivation of furniture, and is employing
his leisure in surrounding himself with temporary desk and
table. Another place you see a tent carelessly "thrown
up," while within, a party of two or three are sitting in
the dirt, engaged in a game at cards. They are absorbed ;
you may stand by them several minutes without being dis
covered.
The old members were quite amused at the simplicity of
some of the recruits. One, on being informed that he was
detailed for duty, replied with much spirit, "Well, just you
tell the Colonel I can't go now, I have got to write some let
ters." Another was standing near the Colonel's tent when
presented with his gun and accoutrements. When told they
were for him, he indignantly replied, "I can't carry them
things, I've got traps enough of my own to carry."
While we were stopping here, the 3dN. Y. Yols. was sent
out on a reconnoisance, and advanced some ten miles without
encountering any noteworthy opposition. The rebels were
obviously otherwise engaged. Several foraging parties were
sent out, which returned with a fair supply of provisions. The
102 l ' : HISTORY OP THE 117iH B. N. Y. v.
families on whom they called were severely frightened, but
were soon reassured and tranquilized, on the receipt of fifty
cents per dozen, national currency, for eggs, and about the
same rate for other articles. One of these parties brought
in, from one of the Lee farms, two or three so called beef cat
tle. An order to move that evening, interrupted the proceed
ings at the shambles, dispelled our illusions of a savory beef
steak supper, and unbound the confiscated bullocks, upon
which they went galloping inland.
This move being a feint, we remained only two or three
days. It was now the evening of May 4th; spent a good share
of the night re-embarking. At about 4 A. M. on the follow
ing morning, (5th,) heaved anchor and steamed down the
river. Passed Gloucester Point and Yorktown about 8 A. M.,
reached Fort Monroe about 11 o'clock, and proceeded direct
ly up the James River. The 117th was on board of tl^p
Transport Columbia, of Baltimore. Her Captain was evi
dently in strong sympathy with the insurgents. It was
clear that his present service was rendered with an almost
painful reluctance. In the absence of the officers, he flip
pantly denounced the boys as " damned blue coats," expa
tiated on the superiority of southern scenery, southern sol
diery, and particularly of the superior excellence of con
federate generalship. Though he had nothing to say, when
asked to compare the banks of the Hudson river with
those ofthe James; he soon after ventured this remark:
"The southerners are a smart people, because, just see, when
the war began they had nothing, but what they took from the
government. You had all the wealth, and the greater num
ber of men, and now you have been fighting them nearly
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 103
three years, and what have you done ?" He was answered
thus, " Capt., you refute your own argument. In one breath
you say the southerners are a very smart people, and then
in the next you say that when the war began the South had
nothing, while the North had everything. Your states are
the older, ours the greater and wealthier."
Proceeded up the James River, which was again becoming
a busy stage, and by day break, on the morning of the 6th,
we arrived off City Point, and soon after landed at Bermuda
Hundred to join in Butler's " On to Richmond." The fleet,
consisting of scores of transports, and dozens of armed ves
sels of every description, together with the attendant activity,
afforded one of the finest and most stirring scenes imaginable.
More than a hundred craft, from the largest vessel for which
the river was navigable, to the obedient little message tugs;
double ended ferry boats, with ominous and forbidding can
non at either extreme ; iron clads, and raft looking things
bearing huge black "cheese boxes." Troops landing by hun
dreds, and marching to and fro by companies, regiments or
brigades; the transferring to the land, in great numbers, horses,
mules, wagons and cannon ; those were the sights, while the
sounds were as various ; there were puffing of engines, whis
tling of steam throttles, shouting and commanding, neighing
of horses, braying of mules, the twang of horns, the rattle
of drums, &c. &c., altogether forming a prestige scarcely
warranted by the immediate result.
The succeeding ten days was a period of unceasing watch
fulness and toil. The account might be presented as well,
perhaps, in diary form. Advanced some five or six miles
104 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
toward Chesterfield that day, without provoking any oppo
sition, when we halted for the night. May 7th, moved at
3 A. M., some firing in front of Foster's brigade, marched
within five miles of Petersburg, tearing up rail-road track;
stopped there for the night, some firing on the line but no
general engagement. 8th, quiet but vigilant ; 9th, started at
4 P. M., at 10 reached Chester Station, fourteen miles from
Richmond, eight from Petersburg. Moved toward Peters
burg again, and stopped within five or six miles of that town,
on the rail-road; some firing in front. Brigade formed line,
double column, in afternoon, a support for another brigade
which was then engaged. That night rebels charged picket
line three times, each time repulsed. May 10th, a couple
of rebel officers wait on the General, demanding a surren-
er. Suspecting mischief, the Commander ordered a prompt
withdrawal of the force toward the base ; the rebel officers
were detained till troops had got under way ; before reach
ing turnpike were attacked by the enemy, and though they
appear in considerable force, are repulsed by Foster's brig
ade. Returned to camp we occupied preceding night — en
camped.
llth. A little more quiet. On the morning, (12th,) troops
roused at 2 A. M., not allowed to make fires for cooking.
Formed line 3.30 o'clock ; started on march at 4 A. M., ad
vanced toward rail-road; command halted at 7, 3d N. Y. Regi
ment deployed as skirmishers, advanced a mile or more. A
lively skirmish fire ensued. Our line yielded to superior
numbers and fell back slowly. About 11 A. M., skirmishers
rallied and advanced, driving the enemy and holding them.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 105
About 4 P. M., encountered another advance by increased
force of the enemy, from which time both maintain their
ground. Heavy musketry continued till dark, at which time
the enemy fell back. The 3d, which had lost quite severely,
is now relieved by the 117th. The enemy did not renew the
attack ; toward morning a heavy rain set in.
13th. Formed line at 6 A. M., advanced to turnpike, reach
ed it at 7 A. M.; brigade filed to left of line, facing nearly
north and east. Advanced opposite enemy's rifle pits, lay
down on arms for the night ; picket firing continued during
the dark hours. Weather cold and still rainy.
May 14th. Raining still. Rebels have retreated from their
outer line of rifle pits. We were now near Fort Jackson,
south-west of Fort Darling. Brisk firing between skir
mishers all day. May 15th, rather quiet, a portentious
calm — rained some during the night. Weather heavy all
night. At dawn, (16th,) very foggy. Before it was fairly
light, and while obscured or hidden by the impenetrable fog,
rebels made a decided and vigorous attack on our line, press
ing the right of the 10th Corps and capturing Heckman's brigade.
They then opened an intense fire on the right of (our) 1st Brig
ade, 2d Division. The 6th Connecticut, which was on skirmish
line in advance, gave way, vacating its temporary intrench-
ment, of which the enemy took possession. This change
placed our brigade under a great disadvantage, admitting it
to a conspicuous place in the memorable battle of Drury's
Bluff. The severity of that short engagement has scarcely
been surpassed during the war. The report of musketry ran
together into one deafening roar, while the effectiveness of the
106 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
firing was fully attested by a wide spread carnage on either
side. The enemy was, on this occasion, incited not only by
his intense hatred of the Yankee in general, but by his ac
quired antipathy to " Beast Butler." The design, and one
which at that time seemed almost likely to succeed, was the
annihilation of the 10th Army Corps.
A good portion of the latter was now under a heavy fire,
executing the order to retreat, and to confirm its safety our
brigade was thrown in at this point to arrest the murderous
tide. Bullets came as thickly as hail stones in the driving
storm. In a few minutes Lieut. Castleman was fatally wound
ed, also Capt. Brigham; Lieut. Pease was wounded and a num
ber of privates ; then Col. White, and the command fell up
on Lieut. Col. Daggett, who was ordered by Gen. Turner, to
take the position and hold it at every hazard, so that the
troops then filing out to the rear, could retire, and the artillery
belonging to our division could be got off the field. The
position, despite the superior numbers of the advancing
foe, was held for twenty-five minutes, when the order came
to fall back, by which time the enemy had flanked and
nearly surrounded us. The regiment then dashed through
the breach, reformed under fire, and left the field in line ;
company H, it is said, maintained her line throughout. The
brigade, and the 117th in particular, suffered severely. Beside
the loss of our officers, some of the bravest men fell
from the ranks, sealing with their lives, their devotion to
the flag.
We lost five or six taken prisoners, a number severely
wounded, some dangerously so, who died at the hospital a
HISTORY ON THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 107
few hours later, and a few who were left on the field
scarcely alive. Three or four who were mortally wounded early
in the engagement, were carried to the field hospital, where
their hopeless condition was made known to them. Just before
the order to retreat had been given, Surgeon Carpenter, and
his nurses, performed the last sad ceremony of a hasty burial
to the remains of one or two of our regiment. Since quite
early, the ambulances had been running to the Division and
Corps hospitals with the wounded. None who saw them can
ever forget the sad scenes, nor can those who heard them,
forget the groans of the suffering. Lieut. Castleman was
still breathing, but unconscious. He died the same night.
Capt. Brigham lingered till the 19th, and then passed away.
Several tried and true private soldiers died within thirty-
six hours. Death scenes were on every hand. The loss in
the regiment was some eighty-nine.
The service rendered by the 117th, and her four sister regi
ments in this terrific battle, is the more creditable, in view of
the fact that they were obliged, through nearly the whole
engagement, to act independently ; the brigade Commander,
Col. A., being absent and far to the rear, as was alleged, by
virtue of a severe attack of discretion.
After the army had withdrawn, or been repulsed to the
shortest line from the James to the Appomattox,- intrench
ing became the order along the front ; from the aggressive,
we were finally compelled to resort to the defensive. Accord
ingly a heavy breastwork was thrown up across the peninsula,
from the James on our right, to the Appomattox on our left,
but unfortunately at a distance from Richmond and from the
108 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
rail-road, which rendered the loyal army a source of appre
hension rather than of actual damage.
Only a brief interruption of rail-road communication be
tween Richmond and Petersburg had been effected. Having
pressed General Butler out of range of the road, the enemy
also intrenched, and began a series of attempts to dislodge
him. We remained in camp in this vicinity two or three
weeks, going to the front every time the rebels threatened
our line.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 109
CHAPTER X.
COLD HARBOR, CAPTURE OF PETERSBURG
HEIGHTS, BERMUDA HUNDRED AND.
PETERSBURG TRENCHES.
Withdraw from Bermuda line,— City Point. — Take Transports. — White House.— •_
Cold Harbor.— 'Incidents*— • Casualties. — Death of Lt. Dann. — Rebel Inhuman
ity. — Tenth Corps, covers Retreat of Army of Potomac. — A Hard March. — _
Change of Base.— On to Petersburg. — Colored Troops. — Assault on the forti,.
fications of Petersburg Heights. — Their Capture. — Non-improvement of the
"Golden opportunity," — The Enemy arrives in Force. — Death of Capt Stone.
— Bermuda line threatened. — Move to that Point. — Return to Petersburg.-^..
Duty in Trenches. — Casualties. — Capt. Hunt woundtedl— Col. White taken ill,
and obliged to go to Hospital.
ON the 28th of May, in the afternoon, we formed and
marched towards the Appomattox, crossed that stream, and
bore towards Petersburg. Many supposed that town to be
our objective point. Late at night, we bivouaced in a wheat
field, south-west of City Point. We had moved rapidly, dur
ing the latter part of the march, and a few had fallen out and
were far back in the rear. At sunrise, we formed to resume-
the march, and proceeded by a circuitous rout to City Point.
On arriving there we were ready for breakfast. The brigade
was gladly welcomed by the sutlers and hucksters, and some
of them were equally pleased at its departure. About noon,
we embarked and sailed to Whitehouse, Ya., arriving there
May 31st. A heavy engagement was then in progress at Cold
Harbor. The brigade lay on the Lee plantation, some three
8
110 HISTORY OP THE 117TH E. N. Y. V.
days, doing picket duty, when we marched to Cold Harbor.
Before starting, and on the way, we saw the wounded, and in
several instances, the bodies of the dead, being brought in
from the front. Arrived at the scene of the late conflict,
before day break, rested an hour or two, when the brigade,
under command of Col. Henry, filed in near the battle
ground, and took position.
Our brigade line extended along a ridge, the enemy being
at the foot of the slope, and in the border of a wood. Behind
us, also, was a woodland, half or three-quarters of a mile
in depth, the surface conformation of which was generally as
follows ; from the edge of the wood and longitudinally with
.our line, a descent, varying from a gentle decline to a sudden
slope ; at the foot, a valley, at one end marshy, or springy,
with a small pond in the centre. We had not gained our
position in front of the woods, before the enemy began a
brisk musketry firing, which a reply from us tended to in
crease, and which was kept up almost without interruption,
during our nine days' stay at that point. At first, we were
sheltered by the crest of the hill, but, soon the enemy ad
vanced, and gained a better range ; then they availed them-
.selves of the most eligible positions, such as knolls and tree
tops, from which their sharp shooters harrassed us sorely ; we
lost several killed, thus, in a few hours. A head or hand
could not be exposed above our fortified line, without draw
ing the musket shot or minnie. A man sitting a few steps
from the intrenchments, sheltered as he supposed, in earnest
.or mirthful conversation, would suddenly cease speaking, his
comrades, on looking round, would be shocked at the sight of
his prostrate <jorpse. Perhaps another would be killed or
wounded, while in the act of adjusting, or removing the body.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. Ill
A day or two later, the enemy extended his line round
our right, gaining a position, from which he could fire hori
zontally and lengthwise through the vale, by which device
they rendered it literally a "valley of the shadow of death."
We then sought shelter in erecting occasional traverses up
and down the slope ; they served a good purpose ; but yet,
except immediately behind these, men fell everywhere. All
day long, and at all hours of the night, bullets buzzed more
plentifully than beetles in summertime.
Lest we should gain partial immunity in distance, fey
withdrawing to a remote part of the woods, where their
musketry might not harm us, they next ranged several
mortars along their line, with which they dropped shells
promiscuously among us, in different portions of the wood.
We could hear the deep report of the mortar, attended
with a jarring sensation, as it lifted the death-dealing
missile, to drop, no one knew exactly where.
"Aye, there's the rub," to know its exact destination on
this devil's half acre. Hark; you will soon know. It's
coming. You may as well sit still, in your tent : the roof is
of no account in the probable contingency. Yet, from in
fancy, you have been so prone to regard a roof as a shelter,
that you can now almost beguile yourself into a momentary
delusion of security ; there it comes, whiz! — whiz! — whiz! —
Dont start ; keep cool ; a jar, a report and a crash. "It fell
near us." Yes ; among the horses ; three have broken loose ;
two are dead, and disemboweled ; one of them your own
horse — never mind. Thank Heaven it is not the owner.
Finish that story you began two hours ago. "I am not in
terested in stories as much as I was. There ! they are start
ing another shell. — Another ! and still another !
112 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
The ability to continue uninterruptedly in the narration of
a story, while there were three shells on their aerial circuit,
was regarded as a proof of nerve.
At length the enemy flanked us so far, that our field hos
pital fell within range of his field artillery. There were no
armed troops near the hospital, yet incredibly barbarous as
it may seem, the rebels, deliberately trained their guns on
this point, and shelled the locality most mercilessly. Much
inconvenience and suffering followed this exhibition of wan
ton cruelty.
The casualties in the regiment, while we were at Cold
Harbor, were : Lieut. B. F. Miller, wounded by solid shot
from field piece, fractured leg. Lieut. Dann, killed by mus
ketry. Privates, Win. H. Servey, Co. E. killed by musketry.
Michael Carlin, Co. K. killed by musketry ; Several others,
severely wounded.
It was now apparent, that another change of base
was pending, and, furthermore, that this portion of the 10th
Army Corps, would have to cover the withdrawal of the Army
of the Potomac. Soon after noon of the 12th, the invalid
soldiers, who could march slowly, were started for the White
House, with orders to move as rapidly as their strength would
permit.
About 8 o'clock in the evening, the troops began to move
cautiously from the trenches, when we set out more on a
race, than a march. We made one of those forced marches,
which always extends the sick list. We rushed through to
White house, by morning, where with less than the usual
delay, we embarked, and steamed down the Pamunky.
Thus ended again our on to Richmond, by the Cold Harbor
route. Our passage down the Paniunky, and the York, was
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 113
a most delightful one. The air was balmy with summer
mildness, and fragrant with the odor of blossoms. The scen
ery was enchanting, and inspiring, but the fatigue of the last
night's march, induced an early indifference to natural sur
roundings.
On arriving at Fort Monroe, we again set out up the James.
In the vicinity of Harrison's landing, we encountered an ex
tensive pontoon, which had been laid for the Army of the
Potomac, whose retreat the 10th Corps had covered, and who
had marched across the Peninsula. A section of the pontoon
having been removed, for that purpose, the fleet passed.
The march of the 10th Corps troops, from the Cold Har
bor line to Whitehouse, had been severely rapid, but the
distance was less than that passed more leisurely by the
Army of Gen. Meade.
On the night of the 14th, we encamped a mile or two in
rear of the Bermuda line. Soon after midnight, there was
that commotion, which precedes action.
Our Brigade soon formed, and marched with the rest of
the Division toward the Appomattox, which was crossed be
fore day.
About sunrise, we gained a high bluff, on the south side of
the Appomattox. There the Brigade halted. Our rapid
change of base, revealed to all, that we were running a race
with the enemy, with Petersburg as our object.
Scarcely had the sun cleared the horizon, e'er, the sound
of musketry came from the front, an indication that the,
colored troops, which had precede^ us, were engaged. These
brave fellows, with little delay, carried the outer defensive
lines, and again advanced. A second line was assaulted, and
taken by them soon after. Two Divisions of the 18th Corps,
114 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N." Y. V.
were then sent forward, and most of the colored troops, who
had done so well in the morning, were withdrawn.
Advancing, we met the loaded ambulances, and the hob
bling wounded. These black soldiers, were highly elated,
even those who were severely wounded, greeted their white
compatriots, with, "Tell you boys, we made um get;" "We
druv em." On that occasion, those who were politically the
most conservative, suddenly experienced, an accession of
respect for the chattel on this discovery of its "equal" value
in a possible emergency.
We had come by a circuitous route, on which account our
brigade was the extreme left of the assaulting force, on
reaching the Heights. Between us and the enemy, was a
piece of woods, over and through which they were throwing
shot and shell. Before noon, our line formed and advanced
through the wood. At this stage, there was a good deal of
delay. At length, a skirmish line was thrown out, and ad
vanced a little distance toward two or three redoubts,
which were promptly taken, when about twenty pieces of field
artillery, which had been ordered up by Gen. Smith, (Baldy,)
our division commander, were ranged along the outer border
of the wood, when they concentrated upon the works beyond,
such a storm of shot and shell, as to appall the garrison.
At the same time, the entire skirmish line, charged across
the intermediate valley, took and held the works on the
heights. The officers from the 117th regiment, who were
conspicuous, in this assault, were Capt. A. R. Stevens, and
Capt. W. J. Hunt. The former in command of the skirmish
line. They were in advance, and the first officers in the cap
tured works. It was a sharp contest, and a splendid victory.
Capt. Stevens, received a severe wound in the arm. Capt.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 115
Hunt escaped without injury. They are both entitled to
great credit for their gallantry on this occasion. The break
made by this charge, disconcerted and demoralized the troops
in the defenses.
The enemy, evidently had been unprepared for a forcible
attack. They had been outstripped and outflanked, and
when we arrived, they were on their way from Cold
Harbor. The defense of this point, had accordingly devolved
on a small force, mostly of undisciplined troops; there were
both prisoners and dead in citizen's dress, and some apparent
ly just from the shop. The elaborate and formidable charac
ter of these works, testified to the cheapness of our victory.
That evening of the 15th of June, we stood on the heights,
and, by the light of a brilliant moon, contemplated the silent
valley, arid beheld the nearly defenceless city. Why we did
not then go down and possess them, is the question, which
occurred, and recurred times innumerable, during the
months of carnage, which followed on that line. On the
next day, there was some skirmishing, but still on our side
little doing, except the arranging of the 2nd and 6th Corps
on our left. On the part of the enemy, however, there was
every indication of activity.
Petersburg depot was a busy place. Frequently, during
the night, the sound of arriving trains could be distinctly
heard, and, on the morning of the 16th, field glasses revealed
the incoming tide of gray backs. The enemy was evidently
straining every nerve, and crowding every avenue, to avert
any further reverse. General Butler, with Hinks' Division,
attempted to interrupt the progress of the enemy in the work
of transferring his forces, by advancing from the Bermuda line,
to cut and hold the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad. He
116 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
struck the road, destroyed it for a short distance, but was soon
overborne and pushed back by superior numbers. The inter
ruption was brief. This day Gen. Grant rode by inspecting
the line. Toward evening there broke out on the left, a
very sharp musketry, which was kept up for some time. It
was occasioned by an attempt on the part of the 2d or 6th
Corps to advance. It was attended with no satisfactory
result.
The night passed quietly. Our skirmishers in the first vale,
had gradually crowded the enemy back over the first wooded
eminence. On the 17th there was quiet on this part of the
line. The regiment was not far in advance of the place oc
cupied by it on the first night. It was lying on a high ridge,
which was so bounded by ravines as to present an acute angle,
not unlike that of an iron wedge, as it would appear lying on its
side; the point was on our right. A heavy rebel breastwork,
reversed by our men, formed the crest of the eminence. The
afternoon was quiet, a shot being rarely heard, and the
enemy's skirmish line so distant, that the boys soon grew
careless, exposing themselves above the breastwork, and some
even walked over, and laterally on the embankment. Capt.
R. L. Stone of Co. B, an excellent man and officer, having
just lit his pipe, was leisurely enjoying it and the scenery.
Unhappily, while strolling about, he mounted the embank
ment to view the prospect below. Our skirmishers had gone
out so far, and the mutual cessation of firing was so complete,
that few realized the position as dangerous ; those standing
by the bank were exposed to the view of the enemy, but were
not so conspicuous. The Captain had traced our skirmish
line and made some remarks concerning it, and turned
for a retrospect, when he fell. Already on reaching the
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 117
ground, had the peculiar ashy hue which attends sudden
death, spread over the surface. The body was already breath
less and pulseless. The suspension of life had been instan
taneous. On examination it was found that a miimie ball
had entered the back part of the head, traversed the brain
and lodged back of the left eye, which it protruded. The
rebel sharp-shooter, or assassin, for under the circumstances
he was scarcely less, must have been at a good distance, as the
report of the piece was not heard by us. This snatching away
of one of our number, while in the enjoyment of a sense of
security, deeply impressed all who witnessed it, and cast a
gloom over the entire command.
The enemy, having since morning made a demonstration
against the Bermuda line, about sunset, the brigade, then
under Col. Bell, started to re-enforce it. As we withdrew,
and much of the time during our march, we heard the sound
of heavy musketry. It was on account of an engagement in
duced by an attack on Burnside's front, and on the left of our
late position. We halted in rear of and midway on the Ber
muda line. Our brigade was now reformed, the 13th Indiana
being mustered out by virtue of expired time, the 112th
Regiment New York Yols. was added as substitute.
The 112th Regiment was from Chatauqua County. It
was of nearly cotemporary muster with the 117th. It was of
a high moral tone and admirably officered. It lost four of its
staff in the service, three of whom fell on the field, the other
also expired at the post of duty.
The 142nd Regiment New York Yols. was of similar ma
terial. In anticipation of the extension of the line south
ward beyond Petersburg, the intrenchments here had been
raised and strengthened, with the object of making them
118 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
defensible by an inconsiderable force. The position of our
brigade was on the right of this (Bermuda) line, the 112th
occupying the extreme right, overlooking the James River
and the small peninsula which Gen. Butler soon after attempt
ed to isolate with his Dutch Gap Canal. Late in the after
noon of the 23d, the enemy opened a fierce artillery fire on
the line. They dropped the shot and shell with great accura
cy among-our troops, and though the men enjoyed the shelter
of the breastworks, there were several serious casualties.
After about an hour the firing ceased, and we received an
other order to prepare to march. Our sojourn here had been
of only about five day's duration. We were soon ready,
and early in the evening set out for another passage of the Ap-
pomattox. By a rapid movement we reached Petersburg front
soon after midnight. We were posted just in advance of the
point we left on the 17th. The place on the line of this, (Gen.
Turner's) Division, was between the 9th and 18th Corps, the
former on the left, the latter on our right. And now follow
ed a month of the most arduous, perilous and exhausting
kind of duty. The weather was exceedingly warm. The
opposing lines were but a short distance apart. The men had
to remain in the trenches night and day, in constant readiness
for an attack ; while the rebels maintained, not only a defen
sive, but a most murderous offensive function. They were
vigilant and watchful in the extreme, employing the time in
an unceasing skirmish, never missing an opportunity to make
a target of whatever portion of the person, one might inad
vertently discover above the rudimentary breastwork. Many
a poor boy here lost his life, through forgetfulness of the de
ficiencies of the embankment, or through want of a true esti
mate of the inhumanity of rebels. The sound of musketry
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. Y. 119
was heard at all hours. Lest darkness should afford us a
temporary respite, they got the range of our thoroughfares and
made the knowledge contribute to our discomfort in the night
time ; co-horn mortars, ranged in rear of their line, dropped
shells along and not unfrequently in our trenches. Confine
ment to a reclining or at least a cramped posture, so close
behind the embankment that a breeze never visited them, the
bare soil under and about them, the rays of a scorching sun
upon them during the day, the chill dews by night — no water
with which to bathe their dust-covered faces — thus they lay
for days and weeks, with the dreaded bullet whizzing by, and
the ponderous shell exploding near and among them.
The unavoidable lack of cleanliness and exercise, the vari
ous privations and bodily discomforts, together with the con
tinued wearing apprehension of evil, began to tell decidedly
on the health of the men. This ever present sense of danger
prevented that mental remission and muscular relaxation,
without which, seeming repose is not rest. Their situation,
amid these surroundings, was a consuming fire. No constitu
tion could long resist their depressing influences. An inter
mediate hospital was established for the reception of the care
worn. It was called " convalescent camp ;" and being a mile
or more to the rear, it afforded a cessation of the vigil. The
quiet surroundings enabled many to obtain the much needed
renovating sleep. Scores thus recruited, in the course of a
week returned to the front.
The line where we were, lay across a cornfield ; previous to
our arrival at this point, an unsuccessful attempt to advance,
had resulted in the death of a number of union soldiers,
whose bodies were lying about in numbers, between our line
and the enemy's. The rebels had denied us the privilege
120 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
of removing the dead, and persisted in that refusal. The
corpses presented a sad and dispiriting sight, and the
weather being warm, decomposition soon occurred, making
the stench another source of discomfort. Several times at
night, the boys tried to bury those bodies, but the rebels were
so vigilant and jealous as to make the attempt hazardous, as
the slightest sound proceeding from the inter-vale, was likely
to bring on a lively musketry fire. The cases of serious illness
were unusually numerous. It was here that Col. White's
remarkable powers of endurance failed. He had scarcely been
relieved from duty a day for several months, and here he was
at the front constantly, enduring the deprivations and perils
of that position. He refused to retire from the command,
till assured by his friends and the surgeons, that, in his con
dition, it was imprudent for him to remain.
The bullets, which came buzzing over the intrenchments,
as they gravitated in rear of the line, produced many a casu
alty. Beside, the lynx-eyed sharp shooters, sometimes perch
ed at a commanding height, picked our boys singly. We thus
lost quite a number, of whom it might literally be said, "killed
in battle." Death scenes occurred which will long remain
in the memory of the writer. Some noble boys of the
117th, there gave up their lives for the cause. That gallant
officer, Captain Hunt, whose bravery was so conspicuous on
the 15th of June, in the capture of these works, now, a month
later, received his fatal wound at a moment when he scarcely
dreamed of danger.
While the opposing forces were lying in their respective
intrenchments, the daily casualties along the line, in the aggre
gate were many. From the hospital, belonging jointly to the
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 121
18tb and 10th Corps, a train of ambulances loaded with
wounded, was sent to City Point almost daily.
We suffered heavily also from two or three badly managed
and unsuccessful attempts to advance the line.
122 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
CHAPTER XI.
SPRINGING OF THE MINE, CROSSING OF THE
JAMES.
Second Division withdraws from Petersburg trenches. — Explosion of the Mine. —
Severe march to Bermuda line — Suffering of the troops, from heat and over-
exertion. — Formation of Camp in rear of Bermuda intrenchments. — A pleasant
Camp. — Military events on the line, during the month. — Return to Petersburg.
— Duty in the trenches. — Sickness. — Incidents. — Tenth A. C. retires to the high
ground, two miles to the rear.— Preparation for a new enterprise.
THERE was but little to vary, and nothing to alleviate the
stern service in the trenches, during nearly the whole month.
Public attention was for a short time directed towards Wash
ington, which was threatened by another rebel raid. Though
it did not effect any relaxation of Gen. Grant's hold on Peters
burg and Richmond, it caused the sudden transfer of the
6th Corps, and its timely arrival at the threatened Capital.
The Niagara peace negotiations which terminated so abruptly
in the President's note, " To whom it may concern" occurred
about this date.
The final scene of this, our second siege at Petersburg, is
happily related by Chaplain Hyde, of the 112th R. N. Y. Y.,
in his History of that regiment. I can not perhaps do better
than lay it before the reader.
"On the evening of the 29th July, the 2d Division, 10th
A. C., moved out from the rifle pits they had been occupying
(the colored troops taking the position they left) and formed
HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 123
in the rear of the 9th Corps, as support to the column which
was to storm Cemetery Hill and take Petersburg. For
more than a month there had been rumors of an operation in
progress, that when finished would electrify the land. It was
at first only talked about in whispers, with the injunction to
be very careful not to talk about it. But though intended to
be kept secret, it was well known six weeks before it was
finished that a Pennsylvania Regiment from the mining
regions, was at work undermining one of the enemy's princi
pal redoubts on Cemetery Hill. A huge chamber was exca
vated, and filled with gunpowder. It was rumored that the
mine would be sprung the night of the 3d, and that Grant
would make a 4th of July offering of Petersburg this year
to the nation, as of Vicksburg a year ago. At last, tired of
waiting, the soldiers began to think that the story was a hoax
of the same description as much of the news that circulates
in camp. But this evening it was a sure thing. The mine
was ready. Grant had sent the 2d Corps across the north of
the James a few days before, so as to create the belief that he
was contemplating another change of base. A large part of
the force in Petersburg had been withdrawn to check him,
and now the 2d Corps was back again ; the plan thus far had
worked well and promised success. The mine was to be
exploded early in the morning at 2 o'clock, the assault made
immediately, and with the heights in our possession, the
enemy must evacuate Petersburg. The mine, however, was
not exploded until 5 o'clock; then there was an unaccounta
ble delay of nearly an hour before the advance was made,
then a lack of energy and directness ; both officers and men
seemed to be looking round to see what they could find.
Before the crest of the hill was carried, the enemy had re-
124 HISTORY OP THE 11TTH R. N. Y. V.
covered from their suprise, and the assault was resolutely
met and repulsed. We had, however, a good position, and
should have held it until the face of the enemy's works at
this point had been altered, and artillery mounted upon it to
operate against the enemy. But this was neglected, and now
an unaccountable panic occurred, which threw the assailants
into utter confusion, and converted the hoped for success of
yesterday into mortifying disaster.
They were driven back with great loss. Adjutant (since
Lieutenant Colonel) Lentz, of the 13th Indiana, a cool, brave
soldier, thus describes the scene in front of our Division.
' We (the 13th Indiana as skirmishers) occupied the debris
of the exploded earthwork, also the rifle pits, which extended
toward the right, facing our own. The enemy had also been
driven from a second line, which was a short distance from the
first line, and the space between the two was occupied by the
colored troops in column. The enemy apparently in small
force, came up the acclivity from towards Petersburg!!, leis
urely, at a trail arms, and as though they were about to
deliver themselves up. The order was given to cease firing,
thinking the enemy meant to surrender. When within
favorable distance, they suddenly halted, and poured in a
well directed and rapid fire. The white officers ordered their
men to fall back, and it is said repeated the order three times
before it was obeyed. At last they started, threw down their
arms, and rushed back terribly panic stricken, and sweeping
everything before them in their wild flight. White troops
and black were indiscriminately mingled in this awful
stampede.
In order to get out, it was necessary to pass through a
narrow pit several rods in length ; here the enemy concen-
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 125
tratcd a destructive fire ; the carnage was awful. Gen.
Turner and Staff exerted themselves to the utmost to stop
the wild tide of human fright and fury. Col. Smith, among
others, did his best to assist him ; but all opposition was over
borne ; some of the colored men were impaled on bayonets ;
but they swept away the line in front of them, rushing over
it to the rear. Our line of intrenchrnents facing the enemy's
was broken a little to the left of the fort, by a ravine, crossing
which men were in plain sight of the enemy. To the rear of
our works was a knoll, through which a deep trench had
been cut, to enable the men to pass in and out without ex
posure. When the panic first commenced, the 1st Brigade
was in reserve in a skirt of woods behind this knoll. Gen.
Curtis was ordered to move his Brigade forward into our line
of intrenchments, stop the fugitives at the point of the bayo
net, and at all events, hold our works, which were now in
imminent danger of being wrested from us.
Part of the Brigade had moved in. Col. Smitk with the
right wing of the Regiment had crowded through, and was
in good position on the left of the passage. Capt. Ludwick,
at this time acting Major, had command of the left wing of
the Regiment. When ordered to advance, he found the track
through the knoll jammed with the fugitives, crowding, swear
ing, yelling, making frantic endeavors to get through ; some
were down and others treading over them ; and those in front
were pushed on by the dense mass behind. Seeing that it
was useless to attempt to push through, and knowing the
necessity of promptness, he leaped from the trench to the top
of the knoll, and shouted to his men to follow him, and star
ted for the line he was to occupy. This was to the right and
across the ravine spoken of. The men were now in full view
126 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
of the enemy, who were pouring in a storm of lead and grape
upon the dense mass of men crowded here, and who now
turned their attention to the heroes, who amid this wild
fright, were resolutely rushing to rescue our works from the
pursuing foe."
The officers alluded to in the last paragraph, were of the
112th R. The 117th under command of Major Bagg, was
also present.
Thus terminated a well planned, but miserably conducted
enterprise, constituting a reverse which will long be remem
bered as a reproach to an indefinite " some one."
On its withdrawal from this position, the 2nd Division
returned to the trenches it had occupied for the past month.
Soon after midnight, which was the morning of the 31st,
the men were aroused by an order to prepare to march.
They were to move at 2 A. M. Though any change was
preferable to a longer stay in their present place, the order
was accompanied by a welcome rumor that this portion of the
10th Corps, would go direct to Washington. The troops al
ways moved northward very cheerfully, particularly to a more
northerly base or department, probably because northward
was equivalent to "homeward." For some reason there was
a great delay in the receipt of the final order to move. The
small cool hours passed, the inviting gray dawn came and
went. The ardent, dreaded sun announced himself at the
broad window of the' East, and at length, his rays gilded the
lull tops, and then, we moved. Of course the weather was
sufficiently -warm at all hours, but at this time of year, in a
clear day, to begin a march at 6, A. M., was not considered
an instance of good fortune. The column, about 6, began
the march toward City Point, but before going far on the
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 127
main road leading thither, the column bore off abruptly
toward the Appomattox. By 10 A. M., the heat became op
pressive, and was still increasing. In the open space, the
burning rays of the sun were almost unendurable. Amid
the pine woods through which we now and then passed, there
was the most distressing stillness of the air. Men fell out
of the ranks, on either hand. Some fainting, some sun-
struck. On reaching the Appomattox, and descending to the
pontoons, the sun's rays poured down most mercilessly on the
heads of the troops, while the heat was increased by reflec-
tion from the water. Here too the troops missed the breeze •.
which had been their only comfort on the higher ground- -
This was too much. The column while crossing on the >.
pontoons, was disturbed by men falling of sunstroke.
On the north bank of the river, a spring bubbled up, from.j
which the men could not be withheld. They sought it with :
an eagerness, and partook with the avidity, of men who had
lost their reason. It was said that two or three of the/
Division died there from exhaustion, sunstroke, or the too •
free use of cold water. Gaining the upland, the men, as with .
one accord, halted for rest. In a few minutes nearly alLi
were lying prostrate. Dozens were taken thence to the Point -
of Rock's hospital, quite a large per centage of whom, were •
permanently disabled, and some lapsing into sickness, from.,
which they died.
We tarried here till nearly 4 o'clock, when the march wass
renewed, and although the troops were quite refreshed, and ,
the heat was less severe, before reaching our destination on
the line, several of the boys fell out and had to be sent back :
to hospital. It is not flattering to recur to the probability,
that if the troops had been permitted to set out as early as 2 :
128 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
o'clock, A. M. this excessive personal suffering and military
loss might have been avoided. That night the Brigade halted
and encamped in rear of the Bermuda line, about a mile from
the James River, and very near the spot on which the regi
ment encamped immediately after the battle of Drury's
Bluff. It was in a wood, which the necessities of the army
had reduced to a grove. On the following day, the Brigade
camp was formed, two regiments being ranged on either side
of the road, and all facing it. The tents were well protected
from the sun, by artificial bowers made of boughs supported
by pole frame work.
The Brigade and Regimental commanders exerted them
selves to render the camp conducive to both health and com
fort. After the camp had been well laid out, the tents raised
iUnifo.nnly a certain distance above ground, and sheltered with
iboughs as described, a thorough system of policeingwas estab
lished and rigidly maintained. A very good quality of water
\was procured by digging. The situation of the men, when com
pared with that they left at Peter sburgh, was even pleasant.
Gen. Grant, having secretly determined on another attempt to
seize the Weldon Railroad, began to move troops in the oppo
site direction, as if about to advance on Richmond, from the
,north side of the James. To threaten Richmond from that
point, two divisions of the 10th Corps were sent across the
river at Deep Bottom. Simultaneously a corps was with
drawn from the line, marched to City Point, and, when a
demonstration was made on the right, the same corps, with
other troops, appeared suddenly at the Weldon Road. The
enemy, having reduced his force here, to counteract Gen.
Grant's feint on the north of the James, were unprepared.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 129
The line was carried by a vigorous assault, a section of the
road taken, and the position fortified.
The transfer of the 1st Division, and the other Brigades of
the 2d, to participate in the demonstration before Richmond,
left the temporary defence of the entire Bermuda line to Gen.
Curtis' Brigade. Doubtless there were times when portions
of the enemy's line were equally attenuated. In this instance,
.there was, no doubt, great reliance placed on the preoccupation
of the opposing army. The engagement which attended the
menace of Richmond, was a severe one; the union troops be
ing the assailants, were badly cut up. All of these blows dealt
at the confederacy, however, contributed to the grand result,
the final overthrow of the rebel cause. Several days later,
Gen. Birney, who had assumed command of the 10th Corps,
through the retirement of Gen. Gilmore, prepared to cut the
Eailroad connection between Richmond and Petersburg!!.
Gen. Grant's well-concealed disappointment at Butler's failure
to do this, on his advance to Drury's Bluff, was shared by the
public at large, and keenly felt by the Army of the James.
The project ended with a reconnoisance, which revealed the
enemy in full force, and vigilant, having apparently anticipa
ted the movement.
Ellis H. Roberts and Chaplain Jones arrived in camp about
this time, the former on a visit, the latter to join the regiment
officially. Mr. Roberts, personally and editorially was known
to all the regiment, and esteemed as an able co-worker. About
this time, the Brigade made a night march to Port Walthall,
the Appomattox terminus of the Bermuda line. Though the
boys deprecated unavailing toil, on arriving at the designated
point, they proceeded with alacrity to carry out the order to
"counter march." Reached camp about sunrise. Every
130 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
means had been taken to render the camp salubrious, but
still there was considerable sickness, much of which, no
doubt, might have been traced to recent hardships. Ague,
bowel affections and fever, were the most common forms of
disease. Toward the last of the month, (August,) it was
rumored that the 10th Army Corps would exchange places
witli the 18th, which was still in the trenches at Petersburg!!.
The change was to be made by brigades. While this was
in progress, and before our brigade had moved, on the
morning of the 25th, the enemy having, no doubt, become
apprised of the unsettled state of the line, and taking ad
vantage of a lack of circumspection on the part of the union
troops, induced by a mutual suspension of hostilities, which
had been observed here with slight interruption, for a month
or more, made a dash on our line. By a spirited sally, they
gained possession of a section of it, and effected the capture
of about seventeen men of the 117th Regiment, and fifteen of
the 112th. The brigade lost in prisoners, about forty.
Subsequently, twenty-nine members of the regiment met
in a rebel prison ; only nine of these unfortunates sur
vived their captivity. There were also several wounded, and
three or four killed during the skirmish. Captain Irwin, of
Co. E, who was in command of the brigade picket line, was
severely wounded. We reached the trenches in front of
Petersburg, on the night of August 25th, scarcely half a mile
from the city, and in full view of it ; the right of our line
resting upon the south bank of the Appomattox.
It was so arranged that only half the brigade went on duty
in the trenches at one time. The relief, meanwhile, being a
little distance in the rear, within shot range of the enemy,
but resting on low ground, under the protection afforded
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 131
by the ridges. The bullets which were whizzing here and
there, at all hours, and the shells which were exploding over
head, confined them to that position. These localities
being most unhealthy, the men suffered very much from sick
ness. The constraint was less here than in the trenches,
otherwise the advantage of a relief from duty was not great.
The line was too light to render it safe for the relieved troops
to go farther to the rear on higher ground. Ague became
exceedingly common. It appeared in every known form, and
unfitted a large percentage for duty.
A number of casualties, some serious, occurred while we
were here. Several sentinels were shot while keeping watch
at the look-out. One or two were killed by shell. There
were some narrow escapes among those who were off duty in
camp. The recollection of some of these occurrences after
ward excited merriment among the boys. One day a solid
shot, with unmannerly rudeness, came bounding into camp,
passing through a group of soldiers who had just collected for
their warm rations. In the same instant it prostrated the
cook, demolished the mess kettle, and irreverently baptized
our best flag in an emollient douche of vile bean porridge. The
cook was only temporarily slain, by some gravel which the
shot had thrown against him. He was soon able to resume
his benevolent functions. About the same time, another por
tion of camp was the scene of a narrow escape. A sick sol
dier of company G, was lying in his tent, with his knapsack
for a pillow, and, as most supposed, quite out of harm's way,
when a solid shot, styled by the boys a "pickle," from its re
semblance in size and shape, to a cucumber, struck the knap
sack, passed through, and carried it away, destroying, thus
unceremoniously, the boy's pillow, as well as his provision for
132 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
future physical purity. The only inconvenience it occasioned
him, was from the sudden letting down of his head. As the
knapsack was scarcely thicker than the missile, it is not improp
er to speak of the incident as a hair breadth escape. Our soldiers
communicated almost daily, with those of the enemy. This
was only on our right flank, where the picket lines were sep
arated by the Apponiattox river, which at this point was
quite narrow. They exchanged papers several times a
week. One Lieutenant who brought over a Richmond paper,
begged to be detained, remarking that he had had enough of
a secession war, was very desirous of getting out of it, it be
ing a bad and hopeless cause. He did not care to desert, but
entreated to be taken prisoner. Our boys could not make a
breach of faith to please him, so he was required to return.
The heights and lesser eminences in the rear, were covered
with artillery, whose efficiency was attested by the breached
and crumbling walls within the besieged city. The occasional
bombardments were fearful to witness. The reports of the
guns, the screeching of the missiles, as they passed over us,
the sound of their concussion as they plunged among the
brick structures, and then their muffled explosion, followed
by the sound of falling debris, was impressive even to those
whose safety was not endangered. Occurring in the night
as they sometimes did, when the shells, or at least, their burn
ing fuses, were distinctly visible, the view was impressively
grand. It was at once a terrific bombardment, and a free
exhibition of military pyrotechnics. The great gun on the
heights, within the fort, taken by the brigade on the 15th of
June, and the 15 inch mortar, mounted on an immense truck,
and placed on the Railroad track, were distinctly heard above
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 183
the rest of the guns ; one was termed the " Petersburg Ex
press."
On the evening of the 29th of August, there was a general
bombardment along the entire line. The rebel batteries re
sponding. It was opened by our guns. It was said to be in
honor of the capture of Atlanta, which city had just fallen
into the possession of Sherman's Army. A political event
transpired almost simultaneously, and while some regarded
the general bombardment as having reference to the fall of
Atlanta, others suggested it might be Gen. Grant's repudiation
of the submission platform. After a tedious month, passed
by the boys in the trendies and ravines, there arose indications
of another change.
Late in the evening of the 24th of September, the brigade,
and the entire division, moved out and back on the heights,
near the City Point Railroad, which had been extended to the
vicinity of the "VVeldon Road.
It was refreshing to breathe again the pure air of the hill
country, and very agreeable to be once more without the
range of rebel bullets and shells, and where one could resume
an upright position without provoking the particular attention
of a rebel sharp-shooter.
Feeling that our stay here would be short, there was but
little done in the way of providing domestic comforts. After
a sojourn of about two days, orders were received to re
duce baggage to the minimum standard. This was a clear
indication of work ; work ahead. There was at least a march
in reserve. Some how, an impression went about, that our
immediate destination would be transports, beyond which no
one ventured to predict.
134 HISTORY OF THE 117lH R. N. Y. V.
CHAPTER XII.
CHAPIN'S FARM.
The 10th and 18th Corps, cross the James.— Battle of Chapin's Farm.— Intrench.
—A flank attack, on the 7th of Oct.— Assault on the Rebel works, and the en
gagement, (Oct. 27th.)— Incidents.— Election.— Military events.
THE 10th Corps was soon moving — the 1st Brigade under
command of Col. Daggett— this was on the 28th September.
As we did not move in the direction of City Point, it was
concluded that we were going to Bermuda landing, there to
embark. By evening we discovered ourselves tending to the
left of that point ; then we were to take transports at Deep
Bottom. As night set in, it became clear that Deep Bottom
was our destination, or that we were executing one of Gen.
Butler's grand feints. The troops became foot sore and
weary, and not a few fell out. It was a forced inarch. It
appeared as though the extremity of the Peninsula called
Jone's Neck would never be reached. There, many fancied
we would find the staunch old transports on whose decks we
might rest for a day or two. On reaching the point which
was also Deep Bottom Landing, there were indeed several
vessels, but not for us, instead of these the pontooniers had
extended our road to the opposite bank, which we gained
about 2 o'clock on the morning of the 29th. The nature of
the expedition it was not easy at this stage to misapprehend.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 135
All realized as we hastily made our blanket beds and dropped
on them to catch a little sleep, that we had crossed upon
what was or might soon be contested territory. All too had
become aware that the moving column comprised a heavy
force, and that a further advance would soon elicit a lively
opposition.
It is no wonder that under these circumstances, as the boys
composed themselves for a little needed rest,
" They bitterly thought of the Morrow."
" Why ! I did not know it was so near morning when we lay
down here," was the first remark made by many a half rested
soldier as the order 'to prepare to move passed round just as
daylight began to make the eastern horizon visible.
The morning meal was hastily eaten, when preparations were
made for the formation of the' line. The advance skirmish
line, consisting of a Regiment (the 3rd U..S. Colored troops,)
had not advanced a mile before their progress was disputed.
A lively musketry fire followed ; the 2nd Division, commanded
by Brig. Gen. Foster, who was Brig. Commander on the Ber
muda line, moved up within convenient distance as a reserve.
A rebel battery which had fired only occasionally, now fired
more rapidly, as it got a lateral or flanking fire on the re
serve. The battery was soon compelled to withdraw, its
position being rendered unsafe by the advance of the colored
troops. The progress of the latter was checked and stayed
for some little time at an intrenched line of the enemy.
The contest there was sharp, but a charge rendered it short.
The negro soldiers carried it on the first attempt, but they
paid for it, or rather for the delay in making the charge, the
slope in front of the rebel line soon became thickly strewn
136 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
with dead and wounded. Owing to the confusion which fol
lowed this memorable battle of the 29th September, a number
of these bodies lay unburied for several days. Another line
was soon carried by these troops when they were withdrawn.
A skirmish line was then formed from the 2nd Division, and
the entire force marched briskly forward. The next line was
about four miles distant. On approaching it, the troops were
disposed in three successive lines and advanced through a thick
woodland, when they were met by a galling artillery fire from
a battery which was posted on an intervening eminence. The
removal of this battery was a clear and urgent indication.
A line under command of Major Ludwick of the 112th, ad
vanced with this object, when the battery was prudently with
drawn. The Major and a number of his command were
wounded in this charge.
About two hours later, an order was received by Gen. Foster
from Gen. Birney, Corps commander, to " assault Fort Gil-
more within 10 minutes after the receipt of this order." This
Fort was a very formidable earth-work, nearly in front of
the 1st Brigade. The disadvantages imposed on the attack
ing party were clearly obvious to every person who had ob
served the situation. The fort was a good distance off, more
than a quarter of a mile, the greater part of the intervening
space, was uneven, an*d covered with fallen trees, whose tops
were uniformly toward us, and had been cut so that those
approaching the Fort would encounter in each tree-top a
tliousand sharp points. These " slashings " used by both
armies were a cheap, effectual and extended abattis, serving
generally to retard the progress of a besieging force till it
could be consumed as it were by the operation of pre-ar
ranged artillery and musketry.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. T. V. 137
These adverse points are just the right height to embarrass
a person, being too high to step over and too low to pass
under. The fort-ward third of the distance was nearly level.
The charge was by the entire Division. Col. Daggett led the
Brigade. The line had scarcely emerged from the wood
into the " slashing " before it met the rebel fire. As the lines
went forward, the severity of the fire increased. The rebel
batteries were evidently in competent hands. Seldom during
the war was artillery more skillfully handled. Shell were
made to explode just above and in advance of the first line,
while grape and canister were used with frightful effect.
Soon a withering musketry was superadded. The volume of
this fire suggested how the intrenchments swarmed with
gray-backs. The enemy had concentrated on this line both
from the evacuated outer lines, and also from every interior
position. The storm of every known missile of warfare was
most effective. Men fell on every hand. The bodies of some
were completely severed at the waist. A piece of shell struck
the musket of a soldier of the 117th, with such force as to
nearly double it, and, in the same instant drive it through
his body. Still they moved on. The carnage was awful.
Before reaching the fort the line became so extremely reduced
as to show how unwarrantable was the attack. The cornfield
space was swept by an enfilading fire, so that the few who reached
that point had scarcely a chance of surviving the engagement,
and if they did, not much prospect of returning to our lines
except by way of Libby prison.
The wounded were taken to a dwelling about half a mile
to the rear, which, with the yard and out buildings was used
as a hospital. Soon almost every foot of available space
about the premises was occupied. Men were borne in with
138 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
every conceivable form of wound. A number were wounded
in two or more places. Some had been wounded while ad
vancing and again when marching back, or while being carried
off. Lt. Knox Williams was among the latter. His injuries
were of a fatal character. He died a few hours after. He
led his company gallantly. The loss in the llTth, was heavy.
The casualties amounting to more than one hundred. The
enemy being unwilling to recognize a flag of truce, many
who were disabled were left on the field, to the tender mer
cies of the foe. Few of that number returned. Col. Daggett's
bravery on this occasion was conspicuous. He led the brig
ade resolutely, and gallantly. He was highly complimented
by his superiors.
Just at evening the treatment of the wounded was sud
denly interrupted by an order to remove them immediately
to the river for transportation. An attack by the enemy was
apprehended, in which case the vicinity of the hospital would
be the scene of the engagement. A train of ambulances
came up directly, the wounded and dying were put on board
and carefully carried to the landing. A few died on the
way. The bodies of several who had expired at the hospital
during the afternoon, were buried near the house. The
enemy it seems re-considered the subject of attack on that
part of the line ; but, not many hours after concentrated and
charged Fort Anderson, which had been taken by the 18th
Corps. This work was a little more than a mile to the left.
It was advantageously situated, commanding the James river.
The attempt of the enemy to recapture it was a disastrous
failure. Their loss in the charge being very heavy.
The woods spoken of and the " slashing " comprised the space
between the line of the 10th Corps, and the enemy. The
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 139
18th Corps, having advanced at Fort Harrison and taken a
section of the rebel intrenehment, its line for a distance was
thus reversed.
The first work after our withdrawal from Fort Gilmore, was
to fortify the position. A strong embankment well enforced
with batteries soon afforded a good sense of security. Only
a few hours after the removal of the wounded, the hospital
and all the surrounding tenements had been taken down and
transferred piece meal to the fortification.
It was well known that the rebels would be jealous of our
sojourn so near their Capital and that they would attempt to
dislodge us. On the 7th of October, while we were expecting
an attack in front, they made a rapid movement against the
right flank of the 10th Corps, which was also the right of the
line. The defense or at least the guarding of this exposed
side had been assigned to several companies of cavalry, who
failed to make an early discovery of the enemy's advance, or
otherwise were culpably tardy in reporting the fact.
Besides many of them were undisciplined troops, who fled
before the enemy like leaves before the wind. A few of them
had chosen this arm of the service on account of its mobility,
and now, when danger threatened, they seemed to think no
one was more entitled to its advantages than themselves.
One of the mounted soldiers, while riding precipitately
to the rear, bare headed, and " dreadfully demoralized,"
was hailed by an officer with "where are you going?" " 0! "
said he, "the Rebs are coming, I seen a lot of them and one
of the bloody cusses shot right at me ! "
The attack was made at an early hour. The gray lines ad
vanced under cover of a good battery, favorably posted, but
on coming within a few rods, and some even within a few
140 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. Y.
yards of the temporary breastwork along which the union in
fantry had formed, they met an irresistible and overwhelm
ing musketry fire. They halted, and reluctantly retired.
Our artillerists who had maintained a lively engagement with
the enemy's batteries, suffered severely. Quite a number
were killed at their guns. About twenty-five artillery horses
were lost in a few minutes. The space over which the
charge was made was liberally sprinkled with rebel dead.
Scarcely an hour later, the attack was repeated, but failed
as before. A couple of hours after the retreating foe
had dissolved in the distance, the brigade, which was a
part of the reserve force, fell back to a grove about a half
mile in rear of the breastworks, where it established a camp
which it occupied till December 7th, just two months, when
the corps left to take part in the Butler expedition against
Fort Fisher.
The two following months were employed in repelling as
saults, and seeking a weak place in the enemy's line, or in
assailing strong points to divert him from the Weldon Road.
This arduous duty was varied with a participation in the fall
election, and, in firing shotted salutes in honor of Sheridan's
and other victories.
The regiment was visited by the Paymaster during the
month. About the middle of October, persons from Oneida
County, appointed for that purpose, arrived to receive the
ballots of the soldiers. Representatives from either party
came on that mission to the 117th, which furnished a hand
some Republican majority.
The phrase stereotyped in '62, "All quiet along the lines,"
was now entirely obsolete. It was not applicable to Grant's
front, scarcely for a single day; therefore an order received on
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 141
the 26th, to be ready to march on short notice, was not very
unexpected. All baggage, wagons, <fcc., were immediately
transferred to the south side of the James, where the brigade
Commissary depot had remained. Some supposed we were
about to evacuate this part of the line — expectation was again
on tiptoe. The troops were to be in light marching order.
The uncertainty, with reference to our point of destination on
the line, was, however, soon removed. Soon after midnight,
the morning of the 27th, the troops "fell in," and were soon
moving to the right. The greater portion of the Army of the
James appeared to be in motion. The 2d division crossed
the New Market road, advanced some two miles beyond the
union intrenchments, to the Darbeytown road, across which
it formed. The first line was taken with slight loss and but
little delay.
The 18th Corps proceeded still farther to the right,
taking position near the Charles City Road. The 2d division
now lay nearly passive for a couple of hours, thus affording
time for a report of progress, from the extreme right. In
rear of Gen. Curtis' brigade, along the Darbytown road, was
a large white house, occupied a part of the day, as Gen. But
ler's Head-quarters, and also during the night, as a hospital
for such officers and privates as could not endure immediate
transportation. On the intrenched line in front of the house,
was a small redoubt, then a cornfield, bounded on the left and
also on the distal side, by a belt of woods, then the usual
almost impassable "slashing," beyond which rose the yellow zig
zag embankment, recognized as the unavoidable impediment
in the way to Richmond. A little to the right of this point,
near the woods, was a medium sized dwelling, behind which
10
142 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
the enemy's skirmishers took shelter, thereby making the
building a target for both musketry and artillery. About
7 o'clock, A. M., the skirmish line having been formed, it ad
vanced, and soon brought on a lively skirmish fire.
The brigade skirmish line was commanded by Captain Jay
Wicks, of the 3d N. Y. Infantry.* He was mortally wounded
while urging his command forward. The section of the
skirmish line made up from the 117th, was led by Captain L.
R. Clark, who was seriously wounded in the leg. This wound
necessitated amputation of the limb, and the mutilation of a
remarkably fine physique, involving the loss of as gallant a
soldier as ever went to battle.
The sky was now heavily overcast, rain was falling, and
continued through the day, varying from the gentle drizzle to
the drenching shower. A more cheerless, comfortless day is
rarely seen even in October. Captain Thomas of Co. F, went
out to take the place of Captain Clark, who had fallen ; the
undergrowth being so close that a person could scarcely see a
* Jay Wicks was born in the town of Paris, 1837. Was engaged as clerk by
the well known firm of Potter & Kenyon, Syracuse N. Y., and enjoying the con
fidence of his employers, at the time of the bombardment of Fort Sumter. On
the receipt of this startling news, his native patriotism was aroused. He enlisted
in the 3d Eegt. N. Y. V Inf't, on the 16th of the memorable April, 1861 ; he
was commissioned 2d Lieutenant on the 21st of the same month ; was promoted
to 1st Lieutenant Feb. 14th, 1862. Re-enlisted for three years in October 1862, was
promoted to Captain the 4th of the same month, which position he held at the
time of his death.
He was in the battle of Great Bethel — Siege of Charleston — Battle of Drury's
Bluff — Cold Harbor — Chapin's Farm, and in many minor engagements. An in
telligent, prompt and efficient officer, very popular as a company commander, and
no less so in his regiment. The command of the regiment devolved upon him on
several occasions. He was an excellent young man ; enjoying a flattering pros
pect for a life of usefulness and honor. He received his fatal wound while
advancing the Brigade skirmish line, at the Darbytown Road, Oct. 27th, 1 864 ;
was immediately taken to Chesapeake Hospital, Fortress Monroe, where he died
on the 30th, aged 27 years. Chaplain Marshal, who attended him during his last
hours, gave a hopeful account of his spiritual condition.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 143
rod in advance, and being entirely unacquainted with the lay
of the ground, Captain Thomas failed to find, immediately,
the desired point of the line. Lieutenant Adams of Co. H,
was then sent out with directions to find the point, and to
connect the line with a corresponding portion of the brigade
line. The Lieutenant, encountering the same difficulties, in
advertently passed beyond the line and was taken prisoner,
and carried to Libby Prison, where the usual starving pro
cess awaited him. Several members of the regiment were
wounded before the charge.
The regiment, in this assault, was commanded by Major*
Bagg.
It was about five o'clock P. M., when the order for a general
advance and charge, was received, when the brigade, led
by Col. Curtis, moved forward through the wood, and when-
it emerged, went on clambering and toiling through the
opposing tree tops, in the face of a tremendous musketry and >
artillery fire. It was the story of the 29th of Sept. repeated :
a desperate charge against superior numbers intrenched, great:
suffering, heavy losses, the expected fruits of the conflict to be •
gathered at the extreme left of the line.
The force continued to threaten the rebel works till near
dark. Great numbers of the wounded had been borne off '
and placed on board of ambulances, which were constantly
going to and from the field hospital. The approach of night r
did'not diminish the arrivals of these victims. Several who -
went out in the morning returned no more. Their bodies ..
only were brought in and on the following morning consigned ,
to a hastily made grave.
The brigade loss was about three hundred. That gloomy
night will be long remembered. It was pitchy dark, cold and ,
144 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
rainy. Beside the redoubt a fire was kindled and kept up,
though more as a guide than a source of comfort. Here, all
night long, the wounds were temporarily dressed and the suf
ferers placed on board of ambulances. Near midnight a
stretcher was carried in from the surrounding darkness, bear
ing a wounded woman and a small child ; walking at her side
w.ere three half-naked, half-starved children. The woman
groaned of pain, the children cried of hunger, and entreated
.the soldiers for a morsel of hard tack. The family had occu
pied the house between the skirmish lines, which had been the
.artillery target for the batteries on either side. Shells had
•exploded in and about the house at various hours of the day.
Jn the morning, finding their lives endangered, they took
refuge in the cellar, but even there the crashing missiles found
them, and while there, the mother was severely wounded. It
was touching to see these wet and shivering little ones hover
ing over the fading embers, and to see their tearful, care-worn
faces, as they begged for the meanest crumbs in a soldier's
haversack. The men soon procured for them a substantial
supper of bread and meat, when the unhappy, misplaced group
was put on board an ambulance and sent to the hospital.
The loss from the regiment was fifty-two. Capt. Warr, of
ihe 117th, was seriously wounded in this engagement.
On the 28th, soon after noon, the forces all withdrew, the
3d Division being a part of the reserve, resumed its former
place about half a mile to the rear of the fortifications. The
.attempt to extend our line from the left, in the vicinity of
Hatcher's Bun, which movement we were expected to facili
tate by an attack on the right, was a signal failure.
On the 3d of November, one regiment of the brigade, (112th,)
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 145
received an order to be ready to march at short notice. Though
surmised, few were certain as to the nature of this proposed
expedition. A little time served to reveal it. The regiment
was a part of Gen. Butler's reliable force, which lay in N. Y.
harbor, or contiguous, on election day, for the purpose of re
pressing a disloyal irruption similar to that indulged in by a
certain element, on the occasion of the draft. The election
passed off quietly, from which fact some inferred that the
presence of the troops was altogether unnecessary. While
others argued that the transferring of -the troops thither, was
like the erection of a fort, whose availability often removes
all occasion for its use. The personal comfort enjoyed by the
troops on the expedition, was pretty much limited on the part
of some, to that of a brief interview with friends and on the
part of others, to the tantalizingi consciousness of being tem
porally so near home.
On account of a re-formation of all the colored troops, into
one corps called the 25th, the 10th was known for a time as
the 24th.
The decease of Maj. Gen. Birney took place during the
latter part of our stay on this portion of the line. He
was generally much esteemed as a man and as an officer ; by
the colored troops, he was almost revered. The family name
had been endeared to them by its long association with aboli
tionism.
November passed — though the local successes had not been
all that might be wished — the autumn returns from all the
departments, were satisfactory. Petersburg and Richmond
were closely invested, to the evident discomfort of the con
federate cabinet. Atlanta had been captured and nearly
146 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
destroyed, and the victorious army was marching seaward,
while the only adverse report from it, were the predictions of
its exasperated foe. Thomas had checked the invasion of
Tennessee and had scattered the invaders. Sheridan had
just sent Early "whirling" southward for the third time, and
by devastating "the valley," had deprived the confederacy of
one of its chief granaries. There being no expectation of
immediately reaching Richmond by this way, and as there
were more troops on the line than would suffice to hold it,
enough even to maintain an active menace, the surplus force
from the upper, was transferred to impart greater firmness to
the "nether millstone."
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 147
CHAPTER XIII.
THE BUTLER EXPEDITION TO FORT FISHER.
March to Bermuda Hundred Landing, by a circuitous route. — Embark. — A deten
tion at Fort Monroe. — A big Feint, Voyage to Federal Point. — Another delay.
— Return Northward to Morehead city. — Flag-ship absent, Fleet remains outside
of the Harbor. — Encounters a severe gale. — Cabin scene during the gale. —
Weybossett nobly outrides the storm, and makes the Harbor next day. — A four
days' detention. — Start again for Federal Point — Pleasant Voyage and " a
Merry Christmas Eve." — Debark. — Advance of Gen. Curtis' Brigade.— 142nd
R. and 112th, and 3rd R. N. Y. V., reconnoitre about the Fort. — 117th Regi
ment faces Wilmington, and brings in som9 130 prisoners. — How the prisoners
were taken. — Gen. Curtis reluctantly complies with the fourth order to retire,
when 1st Brigade returns to the place of Debarkation. — A gloomy night for
the command. — Expedition Returns. — Gen. Curtis' Report. A new Expedition
determined on.
THE support received by the Confederacy at Wilmington,
by blockade running, despite the vigilance and exertions of
our fleet, had long been a cause of defiant exultation on the
part of the enemy, and a source of shame and mortification
to the Government and its friends. The material aid accru
ing to the enemy through this avenue was quite considerable,
while the moral effect of his ability to maintain such frequent
intercourse with the outer world, he found exceedingly brac
ing and conservative.
The formidable character of the Wilmington defenses was
so well known and appreciated that no organized assault had
yet been made against them. Fort Fisher's immense value
.
148 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
to the enemy suggested to Gen. Grant its great importance
to us, and the adverse moral effect its reduction would exert
on the waning confederacy.
Towards evening of the 7th of December, the 2nd Brigade
under Gen. Curtis moved out of camp. In a few minutes
the column was moving towards Deep Bottom. Every body,
again predicted a voyage, till the James was crossed. The
direction then was toward Petersburg. After marching till
aboiit midnight, the entire division halted, and biviouaced on
an eminence on the extreme left of the Bermuda line, near
the Appomattox, and within a few rods of Gen. Butler's cel
ebrated lookout. On this conspicuous ground, which was
visible from the enemy's lines, after some four hours rest,
the troops were directed to make their coffee and take their
morning meal. Hundreds of fires flashed and flickered in
the dawn, and faded in the morning light. Just before sun
rise the column was again put in motion moving toward
Bermuda Landing, which we had passed in the night. This
then was Butler strategy.
On arriving at the landing, the 117th Regiment took pas
sage on the Transport Weybossett, and on the morning of the
8th, was lying off Fort Monroe, comprising a part of the great
fleet then about to sail. Perhaps expecting to sail would be
a better expression, for the fleet did not set out from Hamp
ton Roads till the 13th, and did not get to sea till the 14th.
This delay of five or six days, was generally regretted then,
but the cause was not known positively till the appearance of
the official correspondence between Gens. Grant and Butler ?
on the subject of the expedition. The former ascribes the
delay to Gen. Butlers' determination to carry out his pet pro
ject with the powder boat; nearly a week being lost in the
HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 149
preparation of the boat, after the fleet was in readiness. On
the morning of the 13th, about twenty transports, loaded
with troops, steamed up the Potomac, going as far as Matthias
Point, where they wheeled in broad day light and by morning
reached the vicinity of Fort Monroe; having in the last
twenty hours made a number of miles, consumed many tons
of coal, and exhibited one of Butler's finest stratagetic evolu
tions. There was not a private soldier but fully comprehended
this movement from the first, and if at any point on the pas
sage it was witnessed by the rebels, it must have been quite
as plain to them. Much has been said against the General's
conduct of an engagement; however that may be, it must be
conceded that his feints were well-conceived, vigorous, con
spicuous and lucid.
Early in the morning as the transports neared Hampton
Roads they were joined by the armed vessels, when the entire
fleet steamed out to sea. This fleet, " the most formidable
armada ever collected for concentration upon one given
point," at sea, and under way, presented a most magnificent
sight.
The weather was favorable, the sea unusually tranquil, and
by 3 o'clock, P. M., the fleet lay off the Wilmington defenses.
The gray sand banks of Federal Point, stretched off south
ward in the distance, where it seemed to terminate in the bold
relief of Fort Fisher. The troops were now all eager to land,
to make the most of what remained of the chance of a sur
prise. Besides being anxious to prosecute the work for which
they had embarked, they were impatient to escape from the
unavoidable discomforts of a crowded vessel. But, alas ! here
another tedious and damaging delay occurred. Some four
or five precious days, were again wasted to the government,
150 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
and the same period of burdensome confinement endured by
the men. At this stage coal and water having become scarce
and signs of a storm having arisen, the fleet was ordered to
Morehead City, N. C. to replenish. Commanders of vessels
were directed to keep near the flag-ship.
The fleet set out for Morehead City on the 20th ; arrived
there the same day, many of the vessels in time to gain the
harbor on that tide, but the flag-ship not being up to lead or
permit the rest to enter, all were compelled to tarry without
the harbor ; while waiting thus, the expected storm announced
itself. As the wind was strongly coast-ward, prompt meas
ures had to be employed by every crew, to get to sea. The
gale proved to be a severe one, and the transports were sorely
buffeted for nearly twenty-four hours. 'Many were disturbed
by well founded occasion for fear. During the gale several
officers' horses on board of some of the vessels were thus lost.
The rolling of the vessels caused the horses to sway, and
breaking down their stalls, the poor animals, floundered to
gether amid the rubbish, from one side of the vessel to the
other, mangling and mutilating each other most frightfully.
As it was dangerous to venture among them, and impossible
to render any service when there, as the last resort, dozens of
these poor creatures were shot, and when quietness among
them had been effected by this means the carcasses were
thrown overboard.
There were no horses on board of the Weybossett, but the
inconveniences of a rough sea were suffered equally by the
troops. The soldiers generally, both on deck and below, found
it most convenient to lie down and maintain that posture.
The cabins were the scene of various gymnastic feats. Ath
letic men tried in vain to keep a common stool firmly to the
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 151
floor. The Hospital Steward was striving to evade the
searching periodic visits of an iron-bound medicine chest. A
dignified officer, remarkable for gallantry in civil life, waltzed
for some minutes with a tall three-legged coal stove. The
Colonel and Chaplain, with noticeable accord, maintained the
horizontal, each exerting his powers of moral suasion in a
protracted effort to repress a gastric rebellion. The Adjutant,
with a Bulwer novel in one hand, and the door handle in the
other, managed to adhere to the angle of the room ; though
reading, perhaps " mechanically " he was nevertheless calm
and serene.
It was near noon on the 21st, before the Weybossett entered
the harbor. Another delay ; and no permission given the
troops to land. By this time confinement to the narrow
limits of a medium sized transport had become irksome
almost, as imprisonment. The men were submissively
disposed, but their instincts of personal and domestic propri
ety were violated. They longed to be where water was not doled
out by the cupfull.
At length, on the 24th, the fleet again got under way for
Federal Point. The weather was delightful, the sea unusu
ally tranquil. The voyage from Morehead City to the mouth
of Cape Fear River, on that Christmas Eve, was happily
memorable. It was difficult to say whether the studded can
opy, or the placid sea with its imposing constellation of ships,
presented the grander spectacle. The troops were much
better pleased than when lying at anchor. Having been
borne safely through the gale by the sturdy Weybossett, now
they enjoyed a sense of home security on board of her as she
glided quietly through the waters. The sound of laughter
and song rose from every quarter of the ship. Story telling
152 HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V.
and cards began the evening entertainment in the cabin.
These were at length superceded by the formation of a tem
porary debating society. The organization completed, the
question arose as to the topic to be discussed. Several were
suggested, and this finally selected.
" Should the leaders of the rebellion, now propose to
abandon the struggle for independence, and signify a willing
ness to return the seceded states to the Union, on condition
of a restoration of all their former political privileges, would
the Government be justifiable in thus accepting them ? "
A spirited debate followed. It was seasoned with good ar
gument, wit and humor. One officer advanced an argument,
which will long be remembered for its terseness and perti
nence. It ran nearly in the following words.
" Mr. President, would you be willing to go home, with
things in their present shape ? To leave the war while the
cause remains? Go home, leaving the nigger in the fence?
Go home, so, and you will be likely at any minute to be brought
back, to suffer as we have, and may be, to die as others have,
just because you did not do the work up well. You know
now Mr. President, we have had a hard time of it, now, don't
let us spoil the whole job just to save the eternal nigger. As
for me, I say, dont let up till you've cleaned the fence."
Better speeches than that are not common in our legisla
ture. It is reasonable to conclude, that the speaker, in his
civil functions, is pursuing the same intelligent course. The
question was decided in the negative.
Captain Parish, then furnished several bottles of cham
paign, which were also discussed with much animation and
apparent satisfaction. Meanwhile the party were entertained
with singing. Capt. Parish contributed the song, entitled
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 153
" Twenty years Ago." It was well rendered, and well re
ceived. Several members of the 3rd R. N. Y. Y. Inf. con
tributed in the same line. Nor should we forget the favor of
a certain passionate admirer of " Burrins." Toasts were
given in conclusion, one of which, will bear repeating.
" This Christmas Eve we'll ne'er forget
Cap. Parish and the Weybossett."
By midnight all retired. On the morning of the 25th, the
entire fleet was off Fort Fisher, and Admiral Porter, was en
gaged in a vigorous bombardment. He had opened the day
before, and maintained it throughout the night. Toward
noon the debarkation of Gen. Ames' Division began. The
small boats of the Naval fleet, to the number of scores, were
used for this purpose. The place of landing was about
three miles north of Fort Fisher ; the debarkation was con
ducted under cover of the fire from two or three frigates,
which had been assigned to that duty. The opposition from
the redoubts and small forts on the beach, was weak and brief.
Gen. Curtis, followed by his brigade, was the first to land.
He soon formed, and while the 2nd Brigade was debarking,
began to advance. The two Brigades marched up the beach,
the 1st Brigade in line, worked up reconnoitering. A portion
of the brigade had penetrated far, towards the Cape Fear
River. At this stage, the force was recalled. When this or
der to withdraw and re-embark reached the 1st Brigade, it
was already near to and in rear of the Fort ; so near that
Lieut. Walling, of the 142d Regiment, and others on the
Brigade Staff, had secured a battle-flag, which had been shot
down from the ramparts, and other articles from the same
vicinity. While the 117th Regiment had reached the river
154 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
bank, and intercepted and captured a battalion of two hund
red and twenty-two men, belonging to the 4th Regiment N.
Carolina Reserves, which had been sent to re-enforce the ter
rified and incompetent garrison.
The capture of this battalion was effected under the follow
ing circumstances : Soon after the 1st brigade, under General
Curtis, had taken position just in rear of the outer works of
the Fort, a courier reported to the General that a battery of
artillery were trying to escape toward Wilmington by the
river road. The General immediately ordered Captain Stevens
(who was then acting on his staff,) to take the two companies
on the right of the 117th Regiment, to pursue and capture
them if possible. The Captain started at once, with com
panies H and B, and soon came up with the guns, which the
fugitives had abandoned, the more fully to ensure their own
safety. The captain followed as far as 'seemed expedient,
halted and threw out his command as skirmishers, when Col.
Daggett came up with the balance of the regiment. While
the command was assuming a defensive form, Captain Thomas
came in with a rebel officer, one Major Reese, whom he
had met, and who was inquiring for the Commanding officer.
The Major said he had a command of some over 200 men, or
boys, which he wished to surrender. On being farther ques
tioned, he said his command was a part of the North Carolina
Junior Reserves, and that they were on the river bank, a few
hundred yards distant. The Colonel, naturally enough, sus
pected a trick, and inclined to conduct accordingly. The
Major observing this, asked the Colonel if he was a Mason.
The Colonel replied, "No, but the Captain is," (referring to
Captain Stevens.) The Major then stepped up to the Cap
tain, and soon made himself known as a brother in the fra-
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 155
ternity, and satisfied him as to the truth of his statement.
Upon this, the Captain told the Colonel, that if he would fur
nish him a guard of eight or ten men, he would go with the
Major, receive the surrender, and bring the men in. The
Col. replied substantially, that his men were all right, but his
faith was weak. The Major having overheard the conversa
tion, now remarked, " Captain, I had rather you would not
take a guard." On being asked why, he said he was fearful
"that the boys, on hearing a number advancing on them,
might fire, arid that he wanted the surrender accomplished
without any further delay or trouble."
The Captain then remarked, " Very well, Major, I will go
with you alone," which he did. The two had gone about 200
yards beyond our lines, when they were brought to a sudden
halt by the sound of the clicking of muskets. The Captain
at once demanded >of the Major, "What does that mean,"
when he got this reply : " The boys are preparing to fire on
us ; wait a moment." The Major then advanced three or four
paces and gave a preconcerted signal, which was answered,
when he added, "Don't fire, boys," the answer came, "No
Major, we won't." Then turning to the Captain, the Major,
in alow tone, said, "Come on, Captain, its all right." It
being very dark, the two officers were not seen till almost in
the midst of the troops. The Major then made the announce
ment, "Well boys, I've surrendered." "Not by a d 11
sight!" said one soldier, with great emphasis. "Yes! Yes!
I have," said the Major, " We are surrounded and can't get
away." "Yes," added the Captain, who not having spoken,
had not been specially observed nor recognized, " We have
got you Boys, you may as well give it up." Upon this, one
156 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
of them approached the Captain, and, after peering in his face
and scrutinizing him minutely, broke out with, "Be you a
Yankee officer ?" The Captain answered, " Yes," when the
soldier, retiring one step, struck a peculiarly expressive atti
tude and exclaimed, " Well, by G — d ! !" The Captain at once
ordered the Major to form his men in marching order, which
he did, the Captain, in the meanwhile, being asked many times
what was to be done with them, if they were to be killed, &c.
<fcc. On being assured that they would be better off than in
their own army, they came without further questioning, say
ing to one another, "We can't be any worse off, any how."
"We have never received a cent of pay, nor scarcely anything
to eat, except what we have picked up." They were soon
under way. On approaching the lines, they were met by
Captain Thomas with a squad of men, in search of Captain
Stevens, his long absence having excited suspicion of rebel
treachery. On being assured it was all right, he seemed
much relieved, when he faced about preceding the prisoners.
Soon after gaining our lines, and while the Captain was
forming the prisoners for the purpose of stacking their arms,
Col. Daggett came up and informed Captain Stevens, that he,
(the Col.,) had just received a peremptory order, to retire
immediately, by the shortest possible route to the place of de
barkation.
Here, then, a new difficulty presented itself. The 117th
could not be encumbered with the captured arms, and it
would not do to leave them to the enemy. The captain rep
resenting the prisoners as thoroughly frightened, it was de
termined to let them march down as they were, bearing their
own pieces, which was done j they, marching silently under
HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 157
the guns of the fort, and not knowing till morning, that their
whole number of 222 men and 7 officers, had been taken
prisoners by one man, and that, while in possession of their
loaded pieces, they had been brought in by a guard inferior
to them in numbers.
Though it was impossible, in the presence of these proofs
of our progress, to discern the military propriety of the order,
the Brigade returned to the place of debarkation, arriving
there about 9 o'clock P. M. The 3d Brigade had already de
parted, and the 2d, despite the increasing turbulence of the
sea, had nearly all recovered their places on the transports.
Soon after they had all done so, the 1st Brigade attempted it,
but the violence of the surf promptly arrested the work, and
emphatically forbade its renewal. Then followed,
A GLOOMY NIGHT FOR THE 1ST BRIGADE.
Darkness was about us — we were destitute of materials for
shelter, or tools for entrenching — a heavy and cold rain was
upon us — the forbidding sea roared on one side, and Hoke's
division threatened on the other. What a difference in the
situation of the Regiment, contrasting this, its Christmas night,
with its Christmas eve.
It was not till the 27th that the sea abated sufficiently to
permit the command to return to the transports, and even
then the small boats, used to convey the troops to the vessels,
could be managed only by the aid of ropes, attached to vessels
anchored for the purpose, and to some object on the beaeh.
These small boats had to be kept so far from the water line,
that it was necessary to wade breast deep to get into them,
and then the transfer was attended with some danger. By
11
158 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
this tedious process, on Tuesday, the Brigade was relieved
from its perilous situation on Federal Point. It followed the
rest of the Division northward, reaching Aikin's Landing, on
the James, on the evening of the 30th of December, the
troops having been absent some twenty-three days, and nearly
all this time, on ship board. The rude quarters were still
standing, having been occupied by other troops, but they had
been thoroughly stripped of many little conveniences. After
four or five days spent in re-collecting the many little means
of comfort, such as fire places, stoves, fuel, &c., for the weath
er was quite cold, an order was again received to prepare to
move at short notice.'
Gen. Grant was displeased at the barren results of the ex
pedition. The thoroughness of Gen Curtis' advance, afford
ing him a better knowledge of the situation than that posses
sed by any other officer, immediately on his return, he report
ed the result of his observations to the Lieutenant-General.
This report seems to have been a basis of future action with
the Commander-in-Chief. The strength of Curtis' convictions,
as to the untenability of the fort, in the face of so great an
amount of high professional authority, must have been an in
teresting topic for his contemplative mind,
As a manifestation of this intense conviction, he could
hardly regard with disfavor, the 1st Brigade's tardy return to
the beach, on Christmas night.
Among the questions put to Gen. Curtis, were these :
"Is Gen. Curtis still of the opinion that he could .have taken
Fort Fisher ?"
"Does he think it can, at any time hereafter, be taken by
an assault ?"
HISTORY OP THE 11TTH R. N. Y. V. 159
These questions were answered affirmatively. In his final
report, Lieut.- Gen. Grant thus alludes to Gen. Curtis and his
staff:
" On the return of the expedition, officers and men, among
them Brevet Major General (then Brevet Brigadier General)
N. M. Curtis, First Lieutenant G. W. Ross,* — Regiment
Vermont Volunteers, 1st Lieut. G. W. Walling and 2d Lieut.
George Simpson, 142nd N. Y. Vols., voluntarily reported to
me, that when recalled, they were nearly into the Fort, and
in their opinion, it could have been taken without much loss."
Gen. Grant, resolving on a new attack, the 2d division, on.
the 3d of January, scarcely four days after its return, broke;
camp and set out on another expedition against Fort Fisher...
*Lieutenant Ross was a member of the 117th Regiment N. Y. V.
160 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
CHAPTER XIV.
CAPTURE OF FORT FISHER AND EXPLOSION OF
THE MAGAZINE.
Break Camp at Chapia's Farm. — March and Embarkation. — Voyage. — Landing
on Federal Point. — Advance. — Assume the Defensive. — The Bombardment. —
Offensive movements begun by the 1st Brigade. — The Investment. — lie-enforce
ment of the Enemy. — Preparations for the Assault.— Bombardment continues.
— The Charge. — The Conflict. — Its Intensity and duration. — The Crisis. —
Surrender of the Garrison. — Description of the Fort. — Fearful Expedients for
its defense. — Explosion of the Magazine.
THE second expedition, the land force of which was placed
Hinder command of Gen. Terry, set out from Hampton Roads
•on the 9th day of January, 1865.
The promptness with which the immense armada was re
organized, and both physically and morally re-enforced, and
]re-projected against the defences of Wilmington, without the
•contrasts of 1862, was sufficient to immortalize the name of
•Gen. Grant. Our start and progress were as follows :
The regiment under Col. Daggett, hroke camp and moved
toward Bermuda Hundred with the brigade, under Gen.
€urtis, late in the afternoon of the 3d. The weather was
cold and stormy, and of course the roads treacherous and
toilsome. The night was spent in a pine woods about a mile
from the landing. The storm continued till late in the night;
meanwhile the troops of the entire division lay on the wet
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V, 161
leaves under the dripping snow burdened pines. In the morn
ing, river transports convoyed them to Fort Monroe, where
the fleet was re-assembling. The 1st brigade, consisting then
of some fourteen hundred troops, there embarked on board
the splendid and capacious ocean steamer, "Atlantic." This
provision was made, no doubt, the better to secure the simul
taneous, or at least, the systematic landing of the advance
brigade, thus averting the confusion which might otherwise
result from the tardy arrival of any portion.
As every thing appeared to be done as early as possible, so
that important interests might not suffer from attention to
minor affairs, the troops were on board about four or five days
before the fleet moved. After getting under way, a day or
two was spent in the vicinity of Beaufort, N. C.
The fleet, having arrived in the vicinity during the night,
about 8 o'clock on the morning of Friday, January 13th,
Gen. Terry's force landed about two miles north of the Fort.
The debarkation was * conducted under shelter of the fire
of the Frigate Brooklyn.
It is seldom, even in war, that a grander sight presents,
than was afforded there that morning. The greater armed
portion of that majestic fleet was flashing, and raining its
fiery judgments on the fort and garrison, while the bellowing
of ponderous artillery, filled the entire space, bound by the
visible horizon.
Scores of transports lay at anchor apposite this proposed
landing place. The Brooklyn, like an enraged lioness, went
up and down parallel with the beach, covering the debarking
troops. From her wide mouthed guns, now and then, streams
of fire leapt out over the waters, with a deafening explosion,
162 HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V.
then the huge shell, taking up the sound, went tearing and
screeching through the air, when back came the faint report
of its explosion, mingled with that of the crash of falling
timber in the far off wood-land — the very indistinctness of the
sound testifying impressively of distance, velocity, and power.
Dozens of little boats were plying to and fro and about
great transport ships, reminding one of a country lake scene,
where downy web footed infantry, glide confidingly in the
shadow of their graceful paternity. After a few of these
buoyant little messengers had made a trip to the beach, a
collection of our boys in blue, presented a pleasant contrast
to the white sandy background. Each on board watched
with pleasurable interest, the extension of that glorious cloud
of political promise, till the time came for him to contribute
to its growth. The rolicking white-capped breakers did not
suffer many to gain terra fir ma without an involuntary bath,
but on the beach a nicely tempered air, and a genial sun
shine, awaited to dry, cheer and comfof t.
A skirmish line having been thrown out from this centre,
and extended, the entire force was landed. Late in the after
noon, Gen. Paine's division, (colored troops,) marched down
the beach nearly a mile. A little later, the head of this col
umn pushed on across the peninsula, intrenching during the
night. Other brigades followed. The 1st Brigade also formed
and marched southward along the sea, till it came to an elabor
ately planned rebel fort, in process of construction. From this
point it moved inland, and soon connected with Gen. Paine's
command, and with it traversed the peninsula of Federal Point.
The night was spent in intrenching. By morning, the ample,
timbers of the unfinished rebel fort, had been transferred to
more honorable places in our new work, which now frowned
HISTORY OF THE 11TTH B. N. Y. V. 163
formidably toward Hoke's command, the most enterprising of
whose skirmishers, had already inspected the situation.
The chief object of this defensive line, being to cover oper
ations against the Fort, in the afternoon, the 1st Brigade hav
ing been relieved for that purpose, marched diagonally
across the peninsula, from where the intrenched line left the
beach, to the bank of the river,. at a point about half a mile
in rear of the Fortification.
.While making this movement, the brigade traversed an
open space and a gentle eminence, which commanded a view
of the river and the rebel gunboat Chickamauga, lying in the
stream. Unhappily, the discovery was mutual, for the brigade
had scarcely discovered itself, before she sent three or four
well directed shell, which killed one man and wounded sev
eral. Among the latter was Captain Reeves, of the 3d Regt.
N. Y. Yols., who had his right leg, from just below the knee,
instantaneously carried away by a fragment of shell.
The position of the brigade for the night, was very near a
group of cheap tenements, known as Pilotville. The largest
of the houses, it was stated, had been owned, or at least oc
cupied by Col. Lamb, commander of Fort Fisher. In that
unobtrusive dwelling, which presented indications of having
been informally vacated, an officer picked up an unfinished
letter from the wife of the gallant Lamb. In it she was giv
ing her parents an account of the Butler demonstration, and
a glowing description of the able manner in which the Fort
had been defended by her husband. It appears that while Mrs.
Lamb was writing an elaborate burlesque on the former at
tack, she was interrupted by the arrival of Porter and Terry.
The hated Yankees, instead of her parents, read her epistle,
and instead of Col. Lamb, promenading the parapet of the
164 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. Y.
renowned fort, as commanding General of the Post, the fort
speedily fell, and the Col. became a wounded prisoner.
Subsequent operations in the reduction and occupation of
Fort Fisher, might be as readably presented, perhaps, by let
ters written soon after, under the inspiration of then recent
scenes.
"On Saturday evening, Jan. 14th, the 1st Brigade of 2d
Division, 24th A. C., commanded by Gen. Curtis, was lying
about half a mile in rear of the works, and under the fitful
shelling of the rebel fort and gunboat. This Brigade com
prised the following named regiments : 117th, 3d, 142d and
the 112th, all N. Y. State organizations. Early in the even
ing Capt. Magill and Lieut. Fairbanks of the 117th Regiment,
deployed a skirmish line across from a point as near the beach
as the firing from the fleet would permit, to the river on our
right. Though these officers and privates had been deprived
of their rest on the previous night, they responded to the call
with a zest which betokened disaster to the enemy.
The intrepid advancement of this line, excited the fears of
the enemy to such a degree that he became unwilling longer
to trust to the repelling force of the few field pieces he could
operate, when he proposed to combat us with our own weap
ons, and accordingly deployed a counter skirmish line. About
this time, ours was re-enforced, when we opened on the un
sheltered troops of the garrison, a fire so severe, that by 10
o'clock they retired within the works in disorder, where they
passed the night in a state of unaccountable quiescence. The
quiet, which till morning prevailed in the fort, probably gave
rise to the statement, in the rebel papers, to the effect that
the garrison had betrayed a lack of vigilance. It is a fact
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 165
that their inactivity, during the night, was of a degree border
ing on torpor.
Several of our line ventured within a few yards of the
stockade without provoking a shot or eliciting a sound. A
soldier, posted as guard near the sally port, apparently grow
ing weary of their drowsy indifference, forsook his post and
sensibly joined the Union " wide awakes." Rebel inactivity
did not, however, extend beyond .the limits of the fort, for
the " Chickamauga " steamed up the river before midnight,
and began to operate against the line of General Paine ; and,
disclosed by the light of her smoke pipe, a small river steam
boat was seen to make two or three trips from a point up the
stream to Fort Buchanan, but, whether her business was that
of re-enforcing, or evacuating Fort Fisher, was a matter of
conjecture.
Admiral Porter continued his attentions to the devoted
strong-hold most perseveringly throughout the night, and, if
the rebels have forgotten the attractive sublimity of our
Country's beneficence, those in Fort Fisher can testify that her
vengeance is terrible. Those in charge of the skirmish line
did not fail to improve the advantage to be gained by rebel
passiveness, for by morning our skirmish line lay within 200
yards of the parapet, so that no one, but a reckless desperado,
would attempt to load any of the un-dismantled pieces that
frowned so formidably from the embrasures; but their guns at
the Mound Battery and Fort Buchanan, annoyed us consider
ably, though without delaying the advance, or deranging our
plans. Another ingenious device of theirs and, characteris
tic, and from which we suffered, was that of their loading
light pieces under cover, running them out to discharge them,
166 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
and then withdrawing to reload. The lateral extension of
the little, pits, dug and occupied by our skirmishers during
the night, provided them in the morning with a line of breast
works, sufficiently roomy to accommodate a couple of regi
ments, which were sent forward to insure the position.
The morning of Sunday, January 15th, was bright, fair and
peaceful, contrasting strongly with the political storm then
raging on Federal Point, and which was soon to break forth
with renewed violence. During the night, the enemy had re
assured his determination, as he was still re-enforcing his
doomed garrison, for the little steamer, about 9 A. M., went
plodding down the river, laden with what some supposed were
Confederate troops. This suspicion was speedily verified, for
soon after the little transport was seen to stop opposite Fort
Buchanan, a column of soldiers emerged from the sally port
of that work, and marched along in close order on the
level leading toward Fort Fisher. At this, the fleet fired more
rapidly, and over the latter work, in a direction which ricoch-
etted the fragments of shell on and parallel with the rebel
thoroughfare. In obedience with their ready instincts they
fell back, attenuated their column, and, on a double quick,
made for the protection of Fort Fisher. I am satisfied that
they did not run that mile of gauntlet with impunity. For
my own part, I could draw no comfort from the thought of
the enemy's accession, though it almost seemed to me that
some of our officers did, for, on my alluding to the circum
stance in the light of our misfortune, I was answered, " So
much greater will be their loss at the fall of Fisher." If the
rebels had been re-enforced both morally and numerically, it
is sufficient to say that the chill dews of the night had not
dampened the ardor of the troops of Gen. Ames' Division.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 167
On our side, too, there was moving of troops. The other brig
ades of the division filed in and- rested in rear of the 1st ; but,
even without 'these military indications, we could discern that
we were on the eve of a momentous and absorbing issue. In
the course of human events, we had again reached a time that
" tries men's souls." It was traceable in the faces of those
about us. One could read there the silent language of stern
determination and high resolve. Men were cheerful, but not
mirthful ; serious but not solemn. In every eye might be
read, not fear, but volumes of thought, too deep for utter
ance. One, alas! now gone, approached me hopeful and
smiling — our eyes met — we clasped hands, and while convers
ing he slipped into my hand his family address, when, with
mutually lingering gaze, we parted forever. The demeanor,
on the eve of battle of an intelligent soldiery, whose cause is
that of God and humanity, I had observed before, but never
when so apparent.
It was now near noon — Word had already passed round
that the grand charge would take place at 3 o'clock. Time
wore away slowly. Before the hour, Gen. Curtis, whose
athletic frame is typical of the vigor of the military organiza
tion he commands, was at his post. There he lay couchant,
with his Brigade, eager and impatient to spring upon the
throat of the impious Confederacy — to close forever the food-
pipe through which England was subsisting, on Democratic
soil, a rebellious aristocracy which she has not the courage to
adopt.
A party had been sent with axes to effect several openings
or passages through the stockade barrier, which they accom
plished without serious loss. Similar interruptions in the
line of stockade had been made by the fire of the Navy, which
168 HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V.
were the openings made by the breaking down of a stockade
post here and there. The destruction of this verticle abattis
was no where, I think, so complete as is represented in the N.
Y. Pictorials. Entire, it constituted a pretty substantial bar
rier, being a file or line of logs set upright, with the lower
ends secured in horizontal sills or sleepers, covered with dirt,
the upright pickets being in so close contact that a hand could
not be inserted between them, and the upper extremities
sharpened, and terminating 10 or 12 feet above the level of
the ground. It is plain that scaling it, would have been slow
and hazardous. The marines were to attack on the sea side,
while the soldiers attacked on the north side.
During all the day, especially from about 9 o'clock, the
firing of the fleet on the fort had been most terrific. The
troops of our brigade were aware that their present compara
tive immunity was transient ; that at the moment of the
charge, the bombardment would cease, or would be much less
hurtful to the enemy, and that, at the instant, the parapet
would swarm with infuriated foemen. The moment was at
hand — the signal from the Brigade commander had been de
termined on. When everything was ready, the General would
rise, step out of the intrenchments and wave his hat. All
feared that this deliberate exposure of his person might draw
the fatal minnie. Not far in advance towered the frowning
Fortress, within which were the desperate emissaries of red-
handed treason, and, though none saw, all knew, that above,
in imperial majesty, sat the Angel of Death. It was an awful
moment, and, while with compressed lips our troops were
breathing a silent petition for home and country, the signal
was given, and the line, despite the storm of bullets and can-
nister which strewed the interval with dead and wounded,
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 169
rushed forward like a tempest, through the stockade, and up
the parapet, and, in a trice, a veteran Union flag fluttered on
the parapet. If the roar of artillery abated, it was more than
supplied by the yelling and the din of deadly musketry. All
along on the crest of the parapet, as far to the left as our line
extended, might be seen the desperate contest. The national
colors and the insurgent rag, were seen simultaneouly and
then alternately, on the same traverse. Hand to hand, foot to
foot, the combatants fought. Inch by inch, did our brave boys
press back that serrated line of gray.
It was little past 3 o'clock, P. M.
I had heard contending musketry, but its duration was
short ; but here, a long hour dragged by ; wounded were borne
off. The 2d Brigade advanced, and then the 3d— the fight
went on. The sun sank slowly and lay on the western hori
zon — the rattle of musketry knew no abatement. Twilight
came — but no lull in the storm of battle. At length darkness
came — only to reveal more distinctly the lurid flash of battle,
and to disclose perchance a glimpse of the pallid faces of the
dead. Ten o'clock arrived — but 'with it no rest, except for
him who had lain him down in his last sleep. From 3 till
10|, more than 7 long hours of untold eifort and agony — and
there was a calm — a welcome stillness — a short suggestive in
terval of sound, and then — a cheer — 0! such a cheer. It
thrilled ones every nerve and reached the inmost soul, suffus
ing eyes unused to weep. FORT FISHER HAD FALLEN
WITH HER ARMS AND GARRISON.
It is difficult to convey to those unacquainted with the de
fences of Wilmington and of the peculiar construction of
Fort Fisher, an idea of the obstacles to be overcome in
reducing those works. It has been justly observed that, con-
170 HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V.
sidcring the strength of the position, the severity of its loss to
the Confederacy, the prospective effect of the capture in pro
moting the desired peace, the amount of property taken, the
number of prisoners captured, together with the lightness of
our loss numerically — our victory there will stand out in his
tory as one of the greatest of the war.
I speak of our numerical loss as small, and yet it was se
vere. Losses from such an army as ours, are small only re
latively. A practical Democracy engenders no distinct class
of "poor white trash " groveling in hopeless ignorance over
beyond the impassable gulf of social caste. Our private Sol
diers are a vital part of our social fabric, while the loss of
such men as led and fell on that occasion, is felt throughout
all the ramifications of an extensive community. Let their
memory be embalmed in our hearts ; and then, who can meet
the maimed and mutilated heroes of our army without emo
tions of gratitude — suggesting the thought, " this he bears for
me."
Though they were repulsed with severe loss, the early ad
vance of the sailors and marines on the sea side, by diverting
the garrison fire, may have measurably exempted the land
troops. On the land side of the fort, at its external base, just
within the stockade, the enemy had dug down and walled
up with sandbags, a sort of sub-fort — which communicated, by
an underground passage with the main work — in it, they
had two light guns, placed on a couple of short sections of
rail-road. The object and use of these, were to enfilade,
with a sweeping fire, the attacking force, whenever it had
passed the abattis. These guns commanded the outer slope
of the parapet. The gunners were exposed only while firing
— withdrawing the guns to reload. The value of such an
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 171
arrangement is obvious, and might have served them effect
ually had they been attacked by an irresolute or halting brig
ade, as it was, their advantage, though afflicting to us, was
transient.
I am inclined to believe, that the intensely positive mood
of the 1st Brigade which actuated it in that irresistible charge,
and which, no doubt impaired the military tone of the enemy,
was due, in some degree to its unchanged impression that the
fort could be taken. This conviction, it may be said, possess
ed the brigade since Gen. Curtis volunteered to take the
works on Christmas day. On the return trip, after the But
ler demonstration, the writer suffered reproof for attempting
to moderate the critical denunciations of his associates, who
persisted in representing the withdrawal as " palpable folly."
The correctness of their judgment was fully confirmed by the
testimony of the commander of the fort, Col. Lamb, who
stated that the defensive power of the garrison was two or
three times greater at the time of its capture, than it was on
the 25th of December.
They had made another very fearful defensive provision.
After the surrender of the work we discovered some 25 heav
ily charged torpedoes ranged along the stockade, just where
an attacking force would be delayed and accumulate. Each
of these, by means of an isolated wire, communicated with
a heavy galvanic battery placed in one of the bomb-proofs.
Had this conception succeeded, our losses would have been
fearful, and perhaps the first attack a failure. Fortunately,
their infernal apparatus was completely disconcerted by the
violence of the bombardment.
Fort Fisher presented a bold and heavy relief of sand bank,
of some twenty, some say thirty feet high, arranged in an
172 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
irregular curve ; from without, presenting a succession of
heavy guns, separated by broad traverses, the tops of which
were so regularly formed as to appear, in the distance, not un
like a row of large hay cocks. These traverses served a
double purpose — for beside covering the cannoniers from a
lateral fire, these huge bulks of sand of fifteen to twenty
feet in depth, are the ponderous roofs resting on an adequate
frame work, which also served as the internal boundary of
Fisher's celebrated bomb-proofs. From this it will be seen
the Fort was not only a strong work against an external
foe, but that it was abundantly furnished with internal de
fences. It will explain why that of the 15th of January was
perhaps, the most severely contested battle of the war. Our
occupation of the fort, was plainly not equivalent to its pos
session ; at least, till we had overpowered the garrison. With
a less determined force, after gaining the enclosure, the ques
tion might have risen, " Which party is bagged ? " After
contending long to pass the crest of the parapet, we entered
to find every bomb-proof a battery of belligerent muskets,
and every traverse a bristling breastwok. Without indulg
ing in a doubting pause, the Union troops addressed them
selves to the duty before them ; to possess the work by as
many successive charges — as there were bomb-proofs — unless
the endurance of the enemy should fail before.
The Richmond editors, after dilating on the "tenability"
of the work, with ill concealed chagrin ask, "Why did the
garrison surrender it ? " A pertinent answer at once suggests
itself. " Because they could not help it." There were sev
eral untoward events which transpired and then conspired
against the rebel fort.
First, Gen. Terry's forces were allowed to land, then, Hoke
and Bragg permitted us to intrench across the Peninsula.
HISTORY OF THE 11TTH R. N. Y. Y. 173
Again, through rebel regard for the "Yankee Armada," Gen.
Ames' Division was suffered to approach within half a mile
of the fort. Then, the rebels tolerated the advance of our
skirmish line within 200 yards during Saturday night. By
some, these adverse occurences are regarded as the result of
bad management on the part of the rebels, but, was not their
failure at Fisher, as elsewhere, clearly attributable to the fact
that they had to contend with a foe whose courage and per
tinacity are based on an intelligent conviction of the justness
of his cause ?
The Navy, unaided, could not have taken the fort, while
the land forces, without the co-operation of the former, would
have been equally inadequate. — It is well that in so great an
achievement, these two defensive forces of the nation should
learn their mutual dependence, and, in the same time, hu
manly speaking, the omnipotence of their united efforts.
The recollection of that great victory is conservatively inspi
ring and will still more endear to all genuine Americans one
of our most popular national songs.
" The Army and Navy forever,
Three cheers for the Red, White and Blue."
At the time of the surrender on Sunday night, all three of
the brigades of Gen. Ames' (2d) Division were within the
limits of the fort, and had just been re-enforced by Col. Ab
bott's brigade, of the 1st Division. The demoralizing effect
on the enemy of this re-enforcement it is supposed, did much
to procure the desired "cessation of hostilities." It was af
ter the arrival of the last mentioned brigade, that a force was
sent forward to Fort Buchanan, at which point Gen. Whiting
12
174 HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V.
and Col. Lamb, with several hundred of the enemy formally
surrendered. These two prominent rebels had left Fort
Fisher in the expectation of making good their retreat to the
opposite side of the river. In this Floydish enterprise they
were foiled by an equal amount of discretion on the part of
the Marines, who had anticipated their superiors in the chiv-
alric exercise of " skedadling."
Whatever may be said against their fighting qualities, their
work of transfer was creditably thorough, for Gen. Whiting
discovered to his sorrow, that they had transported all the
means of transportation.
All the captured wounded rebel officers, I doubt not, are
by this time quite reconciled to that disappointment, that is,
if they are free from apprehensions of merited punishment,
for in hospital, they, as well as our own wounded of the same
rank fare well, if not sumptuously ; the only distinction ob
served between them being this, the wounded patriot pays $7
per week, while the rebel's board is gratuitous. About 3
o'clock on Monday morning I met the prisoners marching in
a body to the rear. It was a long procession. There were
some over eighteen hundred of them, and, in appearance,
they were the best lot of Confederate troops I ever saw. —
Their light step — sprightly conversation — and other indica
tions of a cheerful mood, made it difficult for one to persuade
himself that it was a procession of prisoners. It resembled
more the " captives' exodus." The consoling rebel theory,
that the fall of Fort Fisher was a " blessing in disguise," the
prisoners appeared to accept in advance as beautifully appli
cable to the garrison.
As my attention was considerably occupied with the loyal
wounded, my recollection of the scenes at the hospital is
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 175
quite distinct, and in this connection it is not easy to refrain
from a more particular reference to the sufferers. Lieut. Col.
Myers of the 117th, who commanded his Regiment, was se
verely wounded ; so also were Major Bagg, and Capt. A. E.
Smith, of the same Regiment. The last named was aid to
Gen. Terry. Capt. Magill and Lieut. Fairbanks of the same-
organization, who were in charge of the advance skirmish
line, both entered the fort and were both severely wounded,
late in the engagement. The Captain's wound was so severe^
as to necessitate amputation of the left thigh. Capt. John
T. Thomas was instantly killed after entering the work..
Many a private soldier there laid down his life for his country..
Col. Smith, of the 112th N. Y. Yols., was mortally wound
ed. He was low and exceedingly feeble, conversed very
little, and with difficulty. On the second day after the battle
— the day of his death — he revived temporarily, and with
much earnestness inquired, " Do we still hold the fort?"
He was ^a prominent lawyer from Chautauqua Co., N. Y.,,
and an influential member in society.
The 142d Regiment under command of Col. Barney, lost-
several officers.
Nearly every one of Gen. Ames' staff was wounded, among
them was Capt. Dawson, of the 85th Regiment, Penn. Yols. an.
amiable and promising young man. His wound was mortal.
Gen. Curtis, of the 1st Brigade received a wound in the
forehead from a fragment of shell. It resulted in the loss of
one eye, and gave rise to severe bodily symptoms.
Gen. Pennypacker, commanding 2nd Brigade, was also se
riously wounded, but ultimately recovered.
Col. Bell, of a New Hampshire Regiment, and in command,
of the 3rd Brigade, was killed. He was unassuming and
176 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
genial in disposition — a gentleman and a scholar. A lawyer
by profession, and in the army an efficient officer. — His well
known popularity was the effect of natural and obvious
causes. "
EXPLOSION OF THE MAGAZINE.
" Early on Monday morning I was called from the hospital
to Pilotville, wMcli was not far in rear of the fort, to admin
ister to a wounded officer who had been borne thither, near
the close of the engagement. This duty performed, it was
daybreak. When about leaving, an associate surgeon pro
posed a brief visit to the fort. As the tide was setting in
that direction, and as I was not without a natural curiosity to
view the scene of that memorable conflict, I accepted his in
vitation, when we walked Fort-ward. We had advanced only
a few yards when we were joined by Corporal George H.
King of Co. G-. of 117th Regiment, who said he was going
to the battle field for the purpose of recovering the 'bodies of
.some of his fallen comrades. He appeared to be actuated by
the laudable motive of procuring for the remains of his de
parted friends as formal and decent a burial as could be afford-
«ed in the midst of such surroundings.
We soon arrived at the space over which the charge was
made, when we encountered that most unnatural and shock
ing sight — a corpse on the battle-field. There is no object,
the sight of which is more impressive than that of the dwell
ing of the human soul, left tenantless and desolate. It is so,
-even after its unsightliness has been relieved by the amenities
of domestic affection and funereal propriety : but, to see the
body, which with all, is the object of the most assiduous care,
lying prone in:the dust, deserted, unsheltered and abandoned,
HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 177
amid the commonest inanimate objects, and recognize it as
the form of a beloved friend, the sweet sound of whose
voice has scarcely died in your ear, and if the incongruity of
the sight do not provoke a shudder, thenceforth doubt whether
you deserve to be called "man." Yet, thus does "Grim
visaged War" delight to outrage human sensibility. He
tramples under foot, without remorse, the bodies of the slain,
and rarely deigns a burial, except when he can render the
interment more shocking than neglect.
"We entered by the sally-port which was at the river ex
tremity of the fortification. Within, the most noticeable
feature was confusion. A few paces from the entrance were
three light brass field-pieces which had been used by the
enemy. Several infantry soldiers stood about amusing them
selves in a critical examination of them. We were just
passing the group, when one of the party carelessly pulled the
lanyard of one of the guns, discharging it ; the shot went
screeching over the inclosure and skimmed off seaward. The
meddlesome soldier who displaced it, on being called to ac
count by the Commanding officer, with an innocent air replied,
" I did not know it was loaded." Advancing, the marks of
the recent military tornado increased. Every object about,
and even the earth gave evidence of having suffered violence ;
here and there were slight excavations made by the skipping
fragments of shells ; frequent too, were those cellar-like pits
where the huge shell had plunged and exploded in a thousand
driving fragments. Broken muskets lay about promiscuously,
but, sadder still there too, in blue and gray, lay the mutilated
forms of the combatants.
The inclosure and vicinity were populous. Many of
the enemy's wounded were still there. There were two regi-
178 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
ments on guard in the fort. A number of those who had
been on duty for the night, were now sleeping, to recover from
the fatigue of the evening's conflict and the night's vigil.
Some were standing about in groups, discussing the incidents
of the battle, while scores more from other regiments and
others of the navy, were leisurely yet curiously strolling in
every direction in pursuit of relics or valuables.
Some entered the bomb-proofs, rummaged freely among
the goods and rubbish within, and emerged ever and anon
to examine by the light, the several articles they had thus
"confiscated."
Others, more eager arid less prudent, penetrated with lighted
tapers to the innermost recesses of these artificial caverns.
The impropriety of such a course will be obvious to those
who are reminded that each alternate bomb-proof was a mag
azine, supplying two guns on either side.
We walked by way of the main magazine. Externally it
was an immense mound of sand, internally it was divided into
spacious apartments, containing great quantities and different
kinds of ammunition. Hard by, and near the entrance lay a
great many of the rebel wounded, and, only a few steps dis
tant, and in other parts of the fort, fires which had been
built for the comfort of the night guard, were still burning.
This was a means of physical comfort which the prisoners
said, for prudential reasons, had never before been allowed.
It is probable we might have lingered there had not the
Corporal, just then proposed a visit to the outer slope of the
embankment, where several of his comrades fell in making
the assault. In proceeding in compliance with the corporal's
wish, a corpse lay in our way, every few steps, and in all
imaginable attitudes. We ascended the inner slope, and, on
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 179
approaching the crest of the embankment, we examined one
of the heavy guns, which had been the pride and confidence
of the garrison. It had been broken and dismantled by a
heavy shot from the Navy. One trunnion was broken, and it
seemed poising, and about to tumble down the declivity.
Beside it, in an angle of this gun-bed, sitting on the ground
reclining against the bank, was the corpse of a rebel soldier.
On the knee, set a tin platter on which were a small quantity
of hominy and a morsel of meat ; the hand, lying partly on
the platter, held a sheet-iron spoon. The head, reclining
against the bank, left the pale cold face shockingly conspicu
ous. A fragment of shell had penetrated the brain, and
killed him instantly.
From the summit of the embankment a number of lifeless
bodies could be seen, lying promiscuously along the slope.
Before us -with head downward, lay a corpse which seemed
free from any marks of violence. From face to feet there
appeared neither wound nor blood spot. Just beyond, and
below it, lay a body which I recognized as that of H. a mem
ber of the 117th Regiment. I approached it, when looking
upward from this new stand point, I discovered the fatal
wound of the former corpse. A shell or fragment had swept
away the top of the head. Posture and gravitation had fa
vored the escape of the brain which with all attending moisture
had been absorbed by the thirsty soil ; the whole inner surface
of the skull was exposed and already entirely dry. Similar
scenes were not uncommon. That morning these nobly
fallen would have been tenderly buried, and their rest
ing places would have been marked, but for the affecting
casualty which speedily followed. I was on the outer slope
and below the level of the undulating crest of the fort. My
180 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
companions were lingering above, surveying the interior of
the work, when I was startled by a deep explosive sound at
tended by a sensible quaking of the earth. I fell simultane
ously, when on looking in the direction of the sound, I beheld
an immense shaft of earth and rubbish, in outline not unlike
a great water spout rising as it were, to the very clouds.
I clearly comprehended the nature of the occurrence and
before I could consider my relative peril I found myself the
victim of the most intense violence. I felt myself as an atom
amid the crash of worlds. Then came a distressing sense of
suffocation with a clear conviction that my immediate death
was inevitable. There was not only the extinguishment of
every glimmer of hope, but a certainty that I could not
survive this commotion, or be rescued from the jaws of death.
I felt the grave rudely closing round me, and realized the
horrors of being buried alive. Then followed the pangs of
severing earthly ties. Then a temporary lull in the descent
of the debris. Instinctively I thrust out a hand — as the hand
gained the external air — " extended hope." Again was I
depressed and overwhelmed by a fresh fall of sand and rub
bish, another agony of suspense, another struggle for life and
I gained the atmosphere. The danger had passed, and I was
still alive. On realizing my deliverance I experienced the
most pleasurable, blissful emotions of gratitude. That tran
sient emotion was the highest state of happiness I ever attained.
This was succeeded by a more sordid but not less natural
impulse to confirm the advantage I had so Providentially
gained. Action was agreeable with this motive. With one
shoulder fractured, the arm hanging useless, I managed to
extricate myself and in an extremely bad plight, I set out
from the fort with a singleness of purpose, which under cir-
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 181
cumstances less serious, might have been amusing. Descend
ing the slope I passed through an aperture in the stockade
and walked rapidly over the plain. I had gone some ten
rods, up to which time I had had no cognisance of another
person in the world except myself, and the members of my
household ; then I recovered my sense of outer social rela
tions. The next thought was of my companions, the Doctor
and the Corporal. To seek them was the next impulse, which
I would have obeyed irrespective of peril. I rapidly retraced
my steps. On approaching the spot I saw a fragment of the
frame-work of the magazine, a piece of timber some ten
inches square, and perhaps fourteen feet long. It had been
up high in the air and descended with the sand, or had been
thrown off horizontally over the wall. On my right, lay a
quivering face, all that was visible of a victim. All the
bodies that lay along the descent, before the explosion had
been suddenly buried in many a nameless unmarked grave,
while the surface of that general grave-yard was already dot
ted with the mutilated members of scores of new victims.
A step or two in advance, was the body of a Naval Officer,
which had evidently been thrown from within the inclosure ,
it had been in the air and falling, doubled forward the head
and feet striking the earth at the same time, the accompany
ing sand had fixed it in this attitude.
Proceeding, I found the Doctor. His lower limbs both in
jured, one thigh being badly fractured. The shock to his
system had been exceedingly severe. Corporal King was not
to be seen. His body was found by his friends the same
day. He was an excellent young man, esteemed and beloved
by his numerous friends in the regiment and also in his native
town.
182 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
On returning to the edge of the parapet, which over looked
the interior of the fort, what a sight presented ! The great
mound of sand which had been the magazine had disappeared.
A wide excavation marked the spot where it had stood. The
incredible quantity of sand which once formed the magazine,
now lay spread out over a vast area. It had been distributed
so evenly, and had so softened the angles of various objects
on which it had fallen as to" suggest the idea of a natural
phenomenon. The victims of the terrible casualty were seen
here and there, while over all, the black smoke had descended,
rendering the scene the most complete picture of desola
tion, I ever beheld. The casualties from the explosion num
bered some over two hundred. Numbers who were sleeping
at the time, were crushed beneath the shivered timbers and
exploded shell, or were overwhelmed and suffocated by the
sand.
The question, " By whom, at what point, and by what means
was the magazine ignited ? " has not been conclusively answered.
The enemy may have provided for the destruction of the
magazine by causing this result to follow the incautious open
ing of a door leading to its chambers. It was said, he pos
sessed the facilities for firing it by means of an isolated wire
which extended from a fort on the opposite side of the river,
to the magazine. That the enemy with a little forethought
could have effected it there is no doubt ; that they possessed
the moral qualifications for such a deed is also certain, and
that prudent men apprehended a terrible explosion as the con
sequence of the culpable recklessness of a dozen or two of ir
responsible visitors is also, a well known fact. The most
favorable decision will leave it still an unmitigated and mor
tifying disaster."
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 183
CHAPTER XY.
CAPTURE OF WILMINGTON AND MARCH NORTH
WARD TO KEENANSVILLE.
Transfer of the Wounded to the Transports. — Troops Recruit and Reform. —
Arrival of Gen. Schofield. — Advance on Wilmington. — Enter and occupy the
town on the 22d of February. — Street scenes. — Union Prisoners. — Immediate
defences of the Town. — Incidents. — Preparation for an Advance. — Schofield. —
Terry. — Sherman. — The Column moves March 15th. — Geographical, Social
and Political features of that Region. — Incidents of the March. — On the fourth
day approach Keenansville.
THE physical suffering, which follows a battle, is severe un
der the most favorable circumstances ; but the situation at
Fort Fisher, immediately after the conflict, was peculiarly
unfavorable for the comfort of the wounded. Hospital con
veniences were meagre ; of food there was none except what
had been landed from the transports under difficulties.
No wharf being available, the only means of transferring
the wounded to hospital ships, was by small boats from the
beach. It was painful to witness the transfer. Many of them
were laboring under the most serious injuries. Some had
suffered amputation of arms or legs. The most urgent need
of all, 'was perfect quiet and repose. Instead of this, they
were subjected to the jostling consequent on a couple of miles
of hand carriage. At the beach they had to be passed to the
boat in the short interval which occurred between the arrival
of the successive waves. The next instant the boat, across
184 HISTORY OP THE 117TH E. N. Y. V.
which the patients lay, was suddenly lifted several feet by
the incoming surf, which, breaking, rarely failed to wet the
party ; then after an exciting passage to the ship, the stretch
ers, on which the poor fellows seemed to lie quite insecurely,
were hoisted, after the manner of bales of merchandize, about
thirty feet to the deck. The violence to which they were
thus subjected, to say nothing of the effects of fear, naturally
excited by such handling, must have been injurious. Yet
these ills were preferable to a longer endurance of present
privations.
Fully conscious of his inability to longer exclude Admiral
Porter's fleet from the mouth of the Cape Fear River, the
enemy abandoned all the defenses below Fort Anderson, on
Monday, the day after the fall of Fort Fisher, making an am
ple announcement of the withdrawal of his rear guard from
Fort Caswell, by the explosion of its magazine, the report of
which was heard distinctly, at the distance of thirty miles.
While the fleet was clearing the channel and intrepidly
moving up the river, Gen. Terry's force was recruiting and
reforming, and the 23d Corps, (Gen. Schofield,) which had
been relieved by the dispersion of Hood's army, arrived and
landed on Federal Point, to join the advance on Wilmington.
On his arrival, Gen. Schofield took command, and at once
began to move against the city.
The 117th Regiment, with the rest of the Brigade, having
been on duty at Smithville for a week or more, advanced up the
river on the west bank. The regiment crossed the river two
or three times in several days, was engaged in an occasional
skirmish, but encountered nothing of a threatening character,
till in the vicinity of Fort Anderson, when it enjoyed a fair
prospect for another contest . The enemy, however, on being
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 185
pressed, abandoned the fort and retreated. The fort was oc
cupied on the 19th. There was some fighting on the 20th and
21st. The loss from the 2d Division, 10th Corps, was not
heavy, though it participated quite freely in a lively skirmish.
The following may he mentioned as a remarkable escape :
While Gen. Ames and staff were inspecting the rebel lines,
a battery opened directly before them, sending several shots
in the midst of the party. A solid shot struck the horse of
Captain Granger, at the shoulder directly in front of the sad
dle pad, passing through close up under the saddle, emerging
at the hip of the opposite side, having traversed the horse's
body diagonally from shoulder to hip. The Captain was un
hurt.
The regiment entered Wilmington, with the main force, on
the anniversary of Washington's birth-day. As the result of
another victory, the occupation of the town was a gratifying
event. In many other particulars also, it was interesting.
The government store houses, with their contents, had been
fired and were still burning. The hostile citizens had nearly
all departed, leaving their dwellings tenantless. A few of
them, however, perhaps equally disloyal, but more attached
to their possessions, had determined to brave it out. Such
were always the first to call on the commanding officer and
demand a guard over their premises. Such examples of
effrontery were of frequent occurrence, wherever the Union
army advanced. It is a prominent rebel trait.
The threatening raids which had recently been made into
the interior, from our line about Richmond, the fear of simi
lar visitations by Sherman's cavalry, and the feeling of secu
rity inspired by the reputation of Fort Fisher, had made Wil
mington a sort of prisoners' depot. On the fall of the fort,
186 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
many of them had been returned inland, but probably for
want of transportation, several hundred had been suffered to
remain till just prior to the fall of the city, when all such as
could be made to walk, were pushed toward the interior. At
this stage the rebel commander communicated to Gen. Scho-
field a wish to exchange them. The latter, interpreting the
proposal as an admission of weakness, declined the offer, and
resolved to obtain the prisoners on his own terms. This was
effected, as the city fell before the enemy could remove all
the prisoners. Accordingly, there awaited us a more abhor
rent and humiliating manifestation of confederate depravity,
than any we had before seen.
I had heard and read of the de-humanizing effects of rebel
cruelty. I had seen them set forth in the N. Y. pictorials ;
but all these could not fortify a person against the shock
which must follow the first sight of a victim. Never shall I
forget the feeling of mingled surprise, pity, disgust and indig
nation I experienced on meeting some three or four of these
wretched creatures. Such marks of barbarism are infinitely
more striking and painful to witness than those of death
itself. Physically, these men were scarcely more than skele
tons. But the most startling transformation, appeared in the
expression of the face, and in the manner. On looking at
the face, one would wonder that a visage so frightfully hag
gard and ghastly, should give signs of life. The next most
remarkable feature, was its shocking brutality. Manhood
seemed extinguished. In some faces you looked in vain for a
single reflection of the human soul ; one felt to weep over
the poor wreck of humanity, this mere thing ^ this worse than
corpse. Dementia or idiocy had abolished all sense of decency,
and some seemed scarcely to discriminate between men and
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 187
inanimate objects. Such was the physical and moral transfor
mation which followed a state of captivity in the hands of those
who are capable of rebelling against a Republican form of gov
ernment. They subjected their prisoners, their own country
men, to the dependence of beasts, and then neglected them
with a devilish assiduity ; thus anticipating the savage in the
discovery of the lowest amount of life consistent with a bare
existence.
The city of Wilmington is favorably located, well arranged,
and substantially built. Many of its dwellings are ample,
and a few make some pretension to elegance. So many of
them were deserted, that the various Head-quarters were
established and maintained in unusual style, without causing
present inconvenience to the owners of the premises. The
immediate defenses of the city were ingenious, yet simple. At
an average distance of a mile, the town is encircled
by a ravine. This ravine had been supplied with water
by an obstruction of the river, and its consequent reflux.
The required depth of the water, in this capacious ditch, had
been adjusted and was maintained in its several sections by a
series of dams. The eligible range within, was provided
with a line of rifle-pits, and a corresponding line of forts and
redoubts, which together commanded the exterior field. It
was indeed an admirable arrangement, but the city was so
near that the garrison could not have saved it from the artil
lery of the besiegers. Its chief advantage to the besieged,
was the privilege of a more deliberate retreat. The tranquil-
izing effect it must have exerted for a long time, on women
and children, and timid men, ought not to be forgotten.
Commercially as well militarily, the business of the city
was conducted by the Victors .
188 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
River communication was established with Fayetteville,
immediately on the arrival of Gen. Sherman at that place.
Several days prior, Gen. Schofield left Wilmington for Golds-
boro, moving in conjunction with a force from Newbern.
The 117th Regiment, in its place in the brigade lay on the
Newbern Road just without the fortification above described.
It was employed chiefly in picket duty. The labor was light
and the boys enjoyed themselves well.
The health of the troops was not good, but the sickness at
first was of a mild type. There was a good deal of ague
and some typhoid fever. The surgeons and nurses were oc
cupied and in many cases overworked in discharging their
duties to the prisoners. Many of these dying men had been
sent North, but others were straggling in from the interior
almost daily, and more arrived with every boat from Fayette-
ville.
The care of the prisoners induced disease among the at
tending surgeons and nurses. Four surgeons lost their lives
by a malignant type of fever which seemed traceable to that
source.
The population of the town increased very rapidly by the
return of its late citizens, and the influx of freedmen.
On the 15th day of March, Gen. Terry's force left Wil
mington, moving Northward in conjunction with Gen. Sher
man, whose advance set out from Fayetteville on the same
date.
When these troops reduced Fort Fisher and its supporting
fortifications, they were of course elated as they well might
be. They had penetrated the shell of the Confederate ovoid,
at the point of its greatest convexity, and now they were
about to move homeward by the interior. How they had
HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 189
longed for this day. How often, when going up or down the
coast, or, while on Folly Island, had the boys remarked one
to another, " Let us land yonder and go across." The irony
of the expression was well understood, and generally called
forth the answer, " It will be a long time first." But that
glad day had come. They were now to "invade" and trav
erse the enemy's territory.
"We accorded the Southern people some credit for the ap
pearance of Wilmington, but on viewing the surroundings,
it becomes evident that the town is not of local origin, but a
product of general commerce.
If that people, with the aid of navigation, are capable of
developing and concentrating the blessings of commerce,,
they also surpass every other in the power of restraining and
limiting its manifestations. In less than an hour, at a mod
erate rate of travel, the column marched from the midst of
the city's hum to the shadowy aisles of the deep dark forest^
As the troops wound along through this desert region, they
were impressed with the proximity of solitude and southern,
civilization ?
The direction of the march was north and parallel with
the Wilmington and Weldon Eailroad. The first day, made;
only seven miles, not having set out till 4 o'clock, P. M. On
the morning of the second day, crossed the east branch of the
Cape Fear River on pontoons. The weather was spring-like
being of the temperature of New York May, but though the
air was genial to the senses, it was oppressively close to pe^
destrians.
The eastern portion of the State, to the distance of forty
or fifty miles from the coast, is low, level and marshy ; accord
ingly on the second day the troops encountered just such an
13
190 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R% N. Y. V.
obstacle as might be expected to result from a depressed sur
face, and a low state of popular enterprise. It was near
evening when word was passed from the head of the column
for the men to prepare tQ wade.
A narrow swamp here lay across the road. It was filled
with turbid, stagnant water. The road, being composed of
moist sand, was at best only a groove or ditch, and here, on
.either side of the swamp for several rods it was filled with
water. The water in the deepest place was about waist deep.
The civilian can hardly appreciate the perplexities of the sit
uation. The men were all accoutred with muskets, cartridge
boxes, knapsacks, haversacks, &c., &c., and, besides, every
man was thoroughly tired.
On viewing the prospect, some began to re-arrange their
burdens, the better to maintain them above the water, while
others went to the right or left in search of an end to the
marsh, but generally returned disappointed ; those enterpris
ing boys soon got the name of " flankers." It was the design
of the commanders that the column should continue unbroken,
during its passage of these swamp holes, but it seemed quite
out of the question to do so. There were generally some
signs of impatience on reaching these barriers, but the cross
ing was always made with some extra splashing, and a good
deal of shouting and laughter. None of these swamps were
bridged, though one or two of them which had become im
passable for vehicles, on account of the depth of mud, had
been provided with an artificial bottom in the shape of a
section of corduroy. But woe to the unlucky teamster who
should drive off of this invisible submerged bridge. The
supply teams on two or three occasions were annoyingly de
tained by these mishaps.
HISTORY ON THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 191
The soil was light and sandy; and during the first three
days of the march, artificial openings in the expanse of pine
woods were few and far between, and those few exhibited
feeble and unrequited attempts at farming.
The inhabitants were of the middle and lower class. Oc
casionally however, might be seen a larger plantation with
more pretentious, but still declining tenements. Groups of
negroes, were seen on the larger premises, but most of
them had evidently become thoroughly " demoralized " by the
prevailing commotion.
The leading citizens conceded that the prospect of the
confederacy was growing dark. " I suppose," said they, " that as
you have taken Fort Fisher, you will overrun us down here,
but you never got the better of Gen. Lee. You'll have
enough to do I reckon when you come up with him."
The poor whites met the troops with apparent satisfaction,
remarking, " It is all over with the Confederacy now. You've
got Fort Fisher, they can't stopt you any more ; but I dont
care, I was union all the time, but I did not dare to say it."
The negroes were overjoyed at the sight of the troops, and
were generally ready to fall in line. After the third day, as
we progressed inland, we found an obvious improvement in
the surface and soil. The face of the country became more
undulating. Opposing swamps grew less frequent, while an
improvement in the agricultural features was quite marked.
Concurring with these changes there were increasing indica
tions of a higher state of society. There was more physical
comfort and mental culture, but no increase of loyalty. In
deed disloyalty became more manifest.
This fact, again, indicates what must have been disclosed
even to the "wayfaring man," that the late war which so
192 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
mercilessly scourged the American people, was nothing more
nor less than a conflict between Aristocracy and Eepublicanism.
During the last three or four days of the march, we heard
at intervals, on our left, the sound of distant artillery. It
proved to have been that which attended the engagement
between Johnston and Sherman's advance ; first at Averys-
boro and latterly at Bentonville. On the latter occasion the
union forces under Maj. Gen. Slocum achieved a decided vic
tory, the enemy being obliged to retreat precipitately during
the night.
On the morning of the 19th, entered quite a tillable and
productive region, passing some of the finest plantations in
the state. It was difficult to restrain the depredations of the
negro troops as they witnessed again the comfort and opu
lence of their late task-masters. Several barns and one or
two fine mansions were fired by them in spite of the vigilance
of their officers.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 193
CHAPTER XYI.
Arrival at Keenansville.— A Genial but Pungent Colloquy.— Reach Coxe' Bridge
Crossing. — Arrival and passage of Sherman's Column. — Foraging. — A Loyal
Dutchman's Logic. — Terry's force retires to Faison's Station, — Remain there
about Three Weeks. — Wheeler's Cavalry. — Incidents. — April 9th, Receive In
telligence of the Evacuation of Richmond. — Prepare to Move. — Removal of
the sick to Wilmington.— The March toward Raleigh.— Social and Political
Features of the Interior.
ABOUT noon of the fourth day, the column reached the capi
tal of Duplin County. The village is called Keenansville,
after one of its P. Fs. Though it cannot boast of more
than two or three hundred inhabitants, it is a place of some
local note, on account of its being the county seat, and also
because of the wealth and social eminence of its citizens.
The line of the column was by the left of the village. The
brigade halted, when some two or three of the officers rode
down through the principal street. It was a most delightful
spot. The streets were wide, and well shaded with majestic
oaks, the houses were ample and neat, the grounds spacious
and tastily arranged. Yet every enclosure, in some feature,
betrayed evidences of neglect.
The occupants, in many instances, were sitting on the
stoops, verandahs, and balconies, enjoying the shade, and at
the same time inspecting the blue-clad travelers.
As a company of three officers were riding along, they ap
proached a residence whose magnitude and style rendered it
194: HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
prominent. Conspicuously on the porch, sat four ladies, two
of whom, though otherwise bareheaded, were closely veiled.
The veil was evidently designed as a manifestation of con
tempt for the Union soldiery. It was on the principle of the
adage, " the cat may not look at the queen." It suggested '
New Orleans. On seeing this, Adjt. R., one of the riding
party, proposed calling on them. The others assenting, the
trio halted at the gate, dismounted and proceeded toward the
mansion. The instant the party halted, the ladies removed
and concealed their veils, which act of itself, was sufficient to
indicate the motive which prompted their use. As the party
assended the steps, the ladies rose, greeted them, and extend
ed chairs. The party consisted of three young ladies, and an
amiable looking matron of perhaps forty-five years of age.
The eldest of the young ladies, was physically ample, and men
tally active and vivacious. She was very willing and even
eager to lead in conversation on the absorbing topic. She was
apparently a member of the household, and the daughter of
the presiding matron. A younger and more reserved person
present, was a sister of the former. The fourth was a young
woman, of perhaps twenty-five years, tall, slim, sharp featured,
and of a nervous and positive temperament. Now followed a
spicy, pungent yet humorous colloquy. The ladies, except
perhaps the mother, were' perfectly self-possessed, seeming to
enjoy the fullest confidence in the gallantry of their visitors,
or in the established magnanimity of the general government
toward its rebellious subjects. Such obvious freedom from
apprehension, under the circumstances, could only have been
the effect of unusual intelligence for that latitude.
The conversation was begun by the Adjutant after the
greeting, with this address :
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. T. 195
Adjutant R. Ladies, we are happy to find you so comfort
ably situated and so pleasantly surrounded, here in the "Old
Tar State," after nearly four years of bloody war.
The elder Miss Keenan. (With spirit.) The bloody war
you speak of has never incommoded us in the least, Sir, I can
assure you. There are now fifty ladies from abroad, visiting
our town. You would suppose it to be Saratoga.
Adjt. Fifty Ladies ! I regret that you told me.
Miss K. Why, sir ?
Adjt. Well, Madam, I shall be very much inclined to tarry
awhile.
Miss K. Law, Sir ! Do not incommode yourself in the
least, on our account.
Adjt. What are the favorite public amusements afforded
by your flourishing town ?
Miss K. (Ironically.) Theatre, Opera, &c. Much the
same as you have in N. Y. City.
Adjt. What are the more popular plays, now rendered at
your theatre ?
Miss K. We endeavor in that particular, to keep up with
the times.
Adjt. It occurs to me that the Confederate theatre could,
with great pertinence, revive that old play of, " Much ado
about nothing."
Miss K. Thank you, Barnum may play that for the
Yankees.
Adjt. Are Bragg and Hood enjoying the confidence of
your people, in these days ?
Miss K. Bragg and Hood ! ! I would write " Retreat " oa
their backs.
196 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
Adjt. You should not be too severe. Remember it is the
Yankees they've got to fight.
Miss K. Yankees, indeed ! Your whole army is made up
of Irish, Dutch and Negroes.
Adjt. And, bear in mind, even at that, we are defeating
you. Now what would you do, should the Yankee's come
down?
Miss K. But " Supercede ! " " Supercede ! ! " is the word
with you.
Adjt. Is not that precisely what common sense would dic
tate to you, with regard to those you have just condemned so
unqualifiedly, and I suspect, just what you would have done,
if you had the material.
Miss K. Material ! you will find that Gen. Lee has ma
terial enough for all of you.
Adjt. Pardon me, Ladies, but I cannot repress my gratifi
cation on witnessing the degree of style you maintain through
the war ; you are dressed almost as tastily as our Yankee
girls.
Miss K. Don't be surprised, Gentlemen, at our appearance,
for I can assure you, we are in our every day attire. Our
jewelry we sensibly concealed, when we got a presentiment
that the Yankees were coming.
Adjt. I see few men about town, where are all your
fathers, brothers, uncles, cousins and lovers ?
Miss K. All in the rebel army at Goldsboro. There is
3tiss E., (pointing to the slim lady,) has five lovers in the con
federate army to-day.
Miss E. Rather an embarrassing predicament, do you not
think so, sir ?
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 197
Adjt. It might be, Miss, in time of peace, but, if they
are all worthy of your fair hand, you may rest assured that
not more than one will get back alive.
Miss K. Gentlemen, have you any Bull Run or Manassas
men with you ? I would like to see one.
Adjt. Ladies, two years is a long interval to search in
vain for military glory. Are you acquainted with Lieutenant
Fargo ?
Ladies all. (with an expression of surprise.) Of course
we are. Have you seen him, Sir ? He is one of our intimate
friends. Say quickly, Sir, where have you seen him ?
Adjt. There ! Ladies, don't get excited, I only asked for
information.
Miss K. and Miss E. Tell us, tell us, Sir ! You are so
provokingly cool.
Adjt. Then you are really acquainted with Lieutenant
Fargo.
Ladies. We have told you so already.
Adjt. Perhaps a beau of one of these ladies.
Miss K. But come, won't you make haste and tell us
about him.
Adjt. (With aggravating sang" froid.) Well, Ladies, I
know very little about your friend, I never met him but once.
It was on the evening of the 15th of January. On that oc
casion I had the inexpressible pleasure of taking his sword
at Fort Fisher.
Miss K. Wretch ! Then he is a prisoner. I suppose you
will treat him well.
Adjt. Certainly, Miss, but what right have you to ex
pect or ask it ? Did you ever see any of our men in confed
erate hands ?
198 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
Miss K. (With dainty and contemptuous expression.)
What a wretched looking set !
Adjt. When you saw them, they did not represent the
Northern physique. The unsightly feature which so shocked
you, was but the reflex of confederate cruelty. The starving
process applied to you, I apprehend would soon reduce your
fair proportions. Might it not induce a deformity which
would utterly defy the ingenious devices of Fashion ?
Miss K. You did not tell us, sir, whether you have any
Bull Run men with you.
Adjt. We probably have few of them, though they were
noble soldiers. We all came in at the front door, by Fort
Fisher. There is my associate, was blown up at the explosion
of the magazine.
Miss K. (Regarding the individual referred to.) I have
nothing against the gentleman personally, but, seeing he is a
Yankee, I almost wish he had stayed up. What a set of van
dals you Yankees are. You take all our sweet potatoes and
chickens, and, a day or two since some of your tribe took our
horses.
Adjt. A party entered a Northern village lately, robbed
banks and shot down men, women and children in cold blood.
The leader of the gang, after his capture, proposed to defend
himself with a commission from your president, authorizing
the expedition. Now when we come among you and take a
chicken, a sweet potato or a horse, the ladies insist upon read
ing us lectures on military propriety.
Miss K. But, Sir, we can buy other horses.
Adjt. I am curious to know what you will buy with.
Miss K. Confederate currency. It is still at par.
Adjt. Who will exchange gold for it ?
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 199
Miss K. I will, Sir.
A Union officer. (Extending a twenty dollar Confederate
note.) If the lady desires to contribute to the support of the
Confederacy in that way, I will trouble her for twenty dollars
in gold.
Miss K. Thank you, Sir, I deem it unsafe to expose my
specie in the presence of the Yankees, I therefore decline.
Adjt. Ladies, what will you do when the men are all
killed off?
Miss K. We will enlist ourselves then.
Adjt. I trust you will, I would like to be a soldier then.
"We would make short work of the war in that event.
Miss K. Why, sir, what do you mean ?
Adjt. I mean that the war would soon cease.
Miss K. How would you finish it ? pray tell me.
Adjt. (With a comical expression, and a mock dignity.)
Not in my present predicament perhaps. (Scanning his own
apparel.) It is embarrassing to appear before ladies while on
a toilsome campaign, but in that case, the young men of the
North would dress up in their best, and if we could not cap
ture, we would captivate you all in just two weeks after begin
ning the campaign.
Ladies all (Laughing.) No sir ! no sir ! Never a Yankee
for us.
Adjt. An innocent prejudice, Ladies.
Miss K. Does Old Abe get time to split rails, pray and
joke as much as ever ?
Adjt. Now, Ladies, I did not expect you would allude to
the President's joking ability. Why I have heard better jok
ing in the Confederacy than I ever heard North.
Miss K. What do you mean, Sir ?
200 HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V.
Adjt. Well, Miss, I have heard better joking in this
little company, than I ever heard before.
Miss K. Please explain yourself sir.
Adjt. Well, this joke of yours about the " Confederacy."
You know there is no such thing to day as a Confederacy.
You have no currency. I saw an old slave in Wilmington,
who had enough of Jeff's notes to paper the inside of his hut
with, and they said he was going to put them to that use. As
for your army, we can't find it ; and here you are still striv
ing to keep up the illusion. Madam, you can't match us in
war, but you can out joke us. Ladies, our column is moving,
we must bid you "good day." Not however, without thanking
you for your hospitable, and able entertainment.
Miss K. I suppose you speak ironically.
Adjt. Ladies, we have hardly time to be more explicit —
Good day !
The column had crossed the Rail-road two or three times
during the march, and on the fifth day from Wilmington,
reached Warsaw Station. There a detachment of Kilpat-
rick's cavalry were guarding the road. From this point, Gen.
Terry's force moved North-west, striking the Neuse River at
Coxe' bridge, ten miles above Goldsboro', where it seized the
crossing, and laid pontoons for the passage of most of Sher
man's army. The latter arrived and crossed on the 22nd,
(March.) Gen. Sherman stopped a few hours at Gen. Ter
ry's Head-quarters. Our natural curiosity to see the famous,
intrepid army, that had fought its way to Atlanta, and then
leisurely marched to Savannah, was now gratified. On sev
eral accounts, the sight was an entertainment. Our troops
had endured the march well. Since the third day of the
journey, when the sick were returned by steamboat to Wil-
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 201
mington, there had been but little sickness, and that of a
mild form. The season, and the region passed through, were
favorable for the production of intermittent fever, hence that
disease prevailed to some extent. The vicinity of Coxe' Bridge
was a fair agricultural region. Up to the time of the arrival
of the army, it had been, comparatively speaking, a land of
plenty. Accordingly, judicious foraging was permitted. The
foraging parties seldom returned empty handed. Sweet pota
toes, and a superior quality of ham, were the staple products
of these excursions, though I should not forget to mention
the peanuts which were brought in by the quantity. Several
of the parties encountered squads of Wheeler's cavalry, which
event afforded them a little violent exercise, and rendered the
expedition the more easy to remember. A few fell prisoners
in this way.
The embarrassment to which citizens were subjected, who
were visited alternately by the opposing forces, is well illus
trated by a little episode which occurred on one of these ex
cursions. An account of it, as given by an eye and ear wit
ness, may be here related :
A foraging party from the 117th, included a private who
rejoiced in the suggestive name of " Bumhard," by birth a
German. In the course of the tour, the party came upon the
premises of a well-to-do Confederate Dutchman. He was
surrounded by indications of thrift and comfort, to a degree
seldom seen nearer the borders of the Confederacy. The
recognition between Bumhard and his fellow countryman,
was prompt and mutual, and was soon followed by this con
versation :
Bumhard. Why you no in de rebel army ?
Confederate Dutchman. Cause see, I buy's 'em out.
202 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y V.
Bumhard. Veil, den, now you takes de oat (oath) to
« Uncle Sam."
Confed. Dutchman. No ! no ! I no takes him. Cause for
I takes de oat, den de Johnny Eebs, he comes and gives me
h— 1.
Bumhard, (with vehemence.) Yell den see, you no takes
do oat, den I gives you h — 1 NOW".
When, suiting the action to the threat, he made a forcible
entry into the smoke-house, helped himself and comrades
liberally to the ham, and shot and carried off the still unter-
rified poultry on the premises, under the eyes of the owner,
who stood, a petrified embodiment of Teutonic disgust.
On the 25th, about four days after reaching this point, the
force returned to Faison's Station, which is on the Wilming
ton and Weldon Rail-road, about twenty miles south of Golds-
boro. After encamping, it relieved Kilpatrick's cavalry, which
had been guarding the road. At Faison's we remained
eighteen days. This was an unhealthy region, and the sick
ness increased to an unusual degree. Intermittent, bilious
and typhoid fever, were the prevailing diseases. The sick
ness in the regiment, however, was not of a grave type. The
regiment lost none by death while at Faison's, though several
very sick men were sent to Wilmington, on the morning of
our departure. Though lying here within the Confederacy,
there were no warlike demonstrations, except those made by
Wheeler's cavalry, who harrassed our out-posts almost daily,
making in all, several captures. Foraging parties, also, were
attacked. Two or three of the latter class, assuming all blue-
clad horsemen to be union men, paid for their credulity by a
few days of captivity.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 203
On the 9th day of April, we received the news of the evac
uation of Richmond. Preparations were at once made for an
advance. Hospitals were broken up, and the sick taken to
the station, to be put on board of a train of cars, which was
to be sent to Wilmington for the purpose. It was sad to see
those who were very low, subjected to the annoyance of a re
moval. Among the latter was Surgeon Washburn, Medical
Director of the 2d Division. He had been attacked with
fever, as a consequence, it would seem, of his devoted atten
tions to our re-captured prisoners; had become very sick soon
after leaving Wilmington, and now, at the most critical period,
he with others, also very ill, had to be moved. There was no
alternative. Wheeler's cavalry, who were a most desperate
gang, were impatiently hovering about,. and if they would not
have murdered the sick, they were ready at once to deprive
them of all attendance, and of every comfort. Surgeon
Washburn died on the passage. He was a fine physician and
presented, in his character, a remarkable combination of the
Christian graces. Several others died soon after their arrival
at Wilmington.
On the morning of the 10th, as the train sped southward,
the column set out for Raleigh. The news from Richmond,
newly inspired the troops ; they were now eager to join the
other portions of the army, in the final conflict with Lee, who
it was supposed, might possibly elude Gen. Grant, and form a
conjunction with Johnston. Our course was North-west. The
country, agriculturally, was quite inferior to the region about
Keenansville. On the second day of the march, we crossed
a very clear and beautiful stream, the first we had met whose
descent was sufficient to cause an audible murmur. The puri
ty of the water, and the music of its flow, were the first re-
204 HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V.
minder we had had on that toilsome journey, of New York
scenery. Every other sight had suggested our native state
only by contrast. The arrival of each regiment to it, was
denoted by an involuntary shout of joy and exultation. The
troops marched spiritedly. .The season, the stage of the war,
and the direction of the movement, were all inspiring circum
stances.
Many of the boys were evidently improving this opportu
nity, for an inside view of another seceded state.
The members of the regiment had often witnessed and
expressed surprise at the palpable ignorance of the lower
classes in the states we had visited. They had seen it in
Virginia, where some of them heard a poor woman (on see
ing two regiments of the brigade) exclaim, " There I've seen
the great Yankee army. I did 'nt know there was so many
folks in the world." They had seen it in the language and
manner of the 4th N. C. Reserves, taken on Federal Point ;
one of whom inquired, " If we'uns will let things be like they
was fore the war; will you'uns let we'uns go back home
agin " ? In the major commanding them, who said he " did
not mind bein taken prisner, but he would almost rather be
kilt than to go to sea." In the report given by the prisoners
themselves, that not more than one in ten could read and
write. They saw it in the letters which lay strewn about
within the enclosure of Fort Fisher, many of which contained
such expressions as the following. "Wen this war will ever
end the lord only nose." "If tha want me I will come and
teach for them this faul."
There were many letters there, every line of which con
tained flagrant examples of false orthography. The mechan
ical execution was in perfect keeping with the spelling.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 205
Perhaps no one of the samples would be an anomaly in N.
Y. State, but what is remarkable, is the fact that among the
letters found in and about Fort Fisher, those giving evidence
of more intelligence in the writer were the exception.
Nearly all the passably executed letters were official. The
wretchedly spelled and illegible scrawl which is the rule in
those states, is the rare exception at the North. Besides, in
their occasional contact with the citizens through North
Carolina, the men met with entire families, not a member of
which could read.
Here, too, they met with an explanation. During our
transit of the state, we saw hardly more than two or three
school-houses, and those were small and presented every in
dication of having been built with reference to the wants of
two or three families.
Hence, the deplorable ignorance of the masses, and, hence
again, the rebellion. Political economy does not regard the
rebellion as a freak of human nature, but, the unavoidable
effect of an obvious cause. The acknowledged and practical
supremacy of the few, excited in them a growing desire to
rule and finally a desire for a separate government. How
clear, that if they could effect a separation, they, the aris
tocracy, could rule absolute over the abject populace their sys
tem of exclusive education had produced. The ignorance of
the masses had rendered them passive under injury ; their
credulity would make them fierce partizans and zealous sup
porters of any heresy. They might therefore be relied on.
Besides, the illiterate condition of the "poor whites," their
necessary lack of the grace of affluence, made them mentally
and externally distinct from the aristocracy. They were
thus excluded from the sympathies of the rich. In the pres.
206 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
ence of bonded black laborers they were regarded a superflu
ous class, and therefore a cheap war material. To what
extent, the leaders of the rebellion were actuated by their
contempt of the class which would constitute the rank and
file of their army, it is difficult to say. That it did much to
free them from a wholesome dread of war, there can be no
doubt. In no other particular does the South differ so much
from the North as in the absence of educational facilities and
in the illiterate condition of the masses. The rebellion was
but the consummation of social disorder; effectual reconstruc
tion consists in the removal of the social conditions which
induced secession. It was the misfortune of the South, and
so of the nation, that the South, departed from, or rather that
it refused to adopt the Democratic policy enjoined by Washing
ton. " Promote as objects of the first importance, institutions
for the general diffusion of knowledge." It has been remark
ed that many of the rebels are coming North for the purpose
of discovering if possible "what on earth whipped them so."
Let them come. There is little doubt that those who are
capable of discerning, will perceive that the honor of the dis
charge of that important public duty belongs primarily to the
School-master who is, after all, the most potent Americanizing,
assimilating, and reconstructing agent. He was excluded by
the South despite the injunction of "Washington. Abraham
Lincoln beat down, with cannon and sword the partition wall.
Let the school-master go down and reconstruct.
Though school-houses were rarely seen, very plain wood
colored church edifices were met with at intervals of a few
miles. These were generally standing in groves. Much sur
prise was expressed at the great number of Masonic Lodges,
met with. They appeared more plenty in that region than
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 207
they are in the North. In and about some of these lodges
applications for membership were picked up in which the ap
plicant had unreservedly expressed a purpose to comply with
all the requirements of the society. *
The order, it seemed, had accepted without discrimination, a
majority of the "poor white trash," a class, which, before the
war, were never annoyed with solicitations to join. On witness
ing this aggressive feature, this unparalleled democratic tend
ency, which it had so suddenly acquired in that latitude, and
the diligent attention it had received, at a time when the
public mind must have been very much pre-occupied, it was
difficult to avoid the conclusion, that the order had been an
effective promoter of the interests of treason. This conclusion
seems supported by the law of probabilities. Is not the order
beautifully adapted to the work of moulding and directing
its members with reference to a given object ? Is not the
form ominously similar to that of a conspiracy ? That the
confederates realized their need of a cementing agency will
not be questioned, and, that men sufficiently corrupt were
numbered among its members, is also patent.
Another note-worthy object met with in the interior, was
the domestic campaign literature. Much of it was designed
expressly for the camp, or, at all events, exclusively for home
consumption. The mental aliment, which had no doubt been
intelligently adapted, was another forcible revelation of the gross
ignorance of the masses. The literature was as low, and, in its
arguments, quite as absurd, as that which is so diligently
employed at the North to preserve the political status of the
illiterate foreign element. Some of it was Pollard's own.
208 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
CHAPTER XVII.
MARCH TO RALEIGH CONCLUDED, AND SOJOURN
IN THAT CITY.
Passage of Bentonville Battle-field. — Bentonville. — News of Lee's Surrender. —
How Eeceived by the Troops. — Reach Raleigh. — Receive News that Sherman,
with a Portion of his Army, has confronted Johnston, and that the latter pro
poses to Surrender. — Great Rejoicing. — The Capitulation Tediously Protracted.
— Receipt of the Intelligence of the Assassination of President Lincoln. — The
News Confirmed. — Its Effect on the Troops. — They Want to go Forward, to
Facilitate the Surrender. — Gen. Grant on his way to Raleigh. — Telegraphs and
Order to Prepare to March. — The Surrender Concluded. — A Grand Military
Review in Raleigh. — The Enemy having been thoroughly Vanquished, the
Troops are Impatient to Return Home. — Gen. Sherman's Army marches for
Washington. — Health of the Regiment. — Social and Political Aspects of Ra
leigh, with Incidents.
ON the march, we crossed the Bentonville battle-field. The
scene of this decisive engagement between Gen. Slocum and
the rebel Gen. Johnston, is mainly in the wood. The marks
of bullet, shot and shell, were thick on shrub and tree ; at a
certain height from the surface, there was scarcely a twig or
bough that did not present its transverse groove, or its abrupt
termination.
A short time later we reached Beutonville.. It is in the
midst of a sparsely settled region-, situated on the high bank
of a sluggish water-course, and consists of scarcely a dozen
small unpainted weather-beaten dwellings. Two or three of
these primitive tenements, were still occupied by several
severely wounded rebel soldiers. They were destitute of
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 209
hospital conveniences, were indifferently attended and ap
peared to be subsisting on the plainest quality of food.
Besides the wounded soldiers, the population of the Village,
consisted of three or four very poor families.
On the 3rd day, from Faison's (18th,) as the column was
slowly toiling along, it was met by a courier with an official
dispatch, containing the news of Lee's surrender. The pro
cession was halted and the message announced, when a shout
went up from thousands of throats ; such an acclamation
as those "valleys and rocks never heard." And away it
rolled back down the winding column, and again it swelled
forth, while the air overhead was literally filled with hats,
haversacks and belts, and even guns and swords were seen
making summersaults at an unusual height. Here and there
too might be seen warm handshakings and cordial gratula-
tions at the news, and those who have experienced the priva
tions and perils of soldier life, will not be surprised to learn
that there were even tears of joy when those sturdy soldiers
were thus suddenly brought to realize the glorious event of
"Victory at last." How naturally the mind reverted to those
long years of national agony, which had followed that first
shot at Sumter. Bull Run, Malvern Hill, Fredericksburg,
Vicksburg, Gettysburg, Petersburg and Fort Fisher came
again to mind. The soldier thought again of Libby prison,
and of Andersonville, and how could he contemplate this
signal success, in utter forgetfulness of Chicago in '64.
Surely the brave boys had not suffered for naught, the fallen
had not died in vain. Here at last was victory, for the sac
rifice, and a joy for past humiliation.
On the afternoon of the 14th, the column came in sight of
Raleigh. The young leaves of her ample oaks, had not yet
210 HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. T. V.
hidden her public buildings and stately dwellings. The troops
were elated at the sight of the capital. The city presented a
pleasant contrast with the scenes afforded by the last journey ;
the sight was cheering also, as an evidence of our military
progress. Having approached by the South East, Gen.
Terry's force, encamped on that side of the city, and about
three fourths of a mile out. Most of Gen. Sherman's army
arriving about the same time, it extended its encampment,
so that the armies together encircled the town.
The capital is a fine and very large stone structure, occu
pying a central eminence. The Governor's mansion is directly
in front of it, though at the distance of half a mile. Stand
ing in the door of either building, you can see the entrance
of the other as you look through the length of the grand
shady aisle of Fayetteville Avenue. In the yard of the cap-
itol, stands a statue of Washington. The interior of the
capitol, presented a scene of the utmost confusion. Bound
legislative documents, and maps, lay strewn about the floor
of the library. The museum rooms were in even a worse
plight. The sash and glass of the cases had been broken,
and many of the specimens of natural history had been "con
fiscated." The geological collections had been wantonly
broken and promiscuously scattered. The assembly and
senate chambers were deserted and silent. The floor of the
former was sprinkled with scraps of writing paper, and ink
stands. On a shelf behind the speaker's desk, was a marble
bust, on the base of which in relief were the words " John
C. Calhoun." Poised on its crown, was an inverted inkstand,
whose contents had descended in copious streams over the
face. The marks of a brush or cloth charged with the same
fluid, had still more besmutted the features. Under the
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 211
name, in pencil, was written this explanatory clause. " Yes,
father of Secessionism." Many of the citizens, under a
wholesome, but alas, too transient conviction of their ill
deserts, had left before the arrival of the Union Army. A
few had remained, and a number of the others soon returned.
There was a good deal of impatience now evinced on the
part of the troops concerning Johnston. It was expressed in
language such as this. " The army of the Potomac have had
the satisfaction of whipping Lee ; why don't they let us whip
Johnston." Then there came word that Sherman with a
portion of his army, was confronting Johnston, and that the
latter was capitulating. The vocal demonstrations of joy
that went up on the receipt of that news will never be for
gotten by those who heard it. It continued with temporary
interruptions for several hours. It was the language of
nearly a hundred thousand overjoyed veteran soldiers. Dur
ing this jubilee it was rumored that President Lincoln had
been assassinated. The rumor went through the entire army
in a few minutes, but it was said, it was " not credited at
Head Quarters," and it was not therefore "believed by the
soldiers.
A day or two later the news was confirmed. The visible
effect on the army is not easy to describe, nor need it be, as
there is little probability that these pages will be read by those
who do not heartily sympathize in that national calamity.
Now, search creation for a parallel to this ; Lincoln, the Pres
ident, assassinated while his victorious "hirelings!" a hund
red thousand strong, were surrounding a capital city of the
enemy, and not a house burned, not a store pillaged, not a
person of the enemy insulted. On the other hand, whilst the
corpse of that Immortal Patriot was lying in state, his sol-
212 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
diers, the livelong night were protecting the premises of those
who had sought his life, and thus affording quiet sleep to
those termagant slave mistresses who openly exulted at his
cruel and untimely death. Is not this magnanimity ? What
government affords a parallel ?
There being still no news of results in the matter pending
between Sherman and Johnston, and it being a question in
which the humblest and the greatest had an equal interest,
the troops again began to murmur. "How long," it was
petulently and perhaps pertinently asked, " does it take a
rebel General to surrender?" The dissatisfaction would
have been much more marked, had not the matter been in the
hands of Gen. Sherman, who, up to that time, among the
soldiers I think, was the most popular man in the United
States. But when the troops began to suspect that this great
commander had assumed, with the duty of restoring the au
thority of the government, the gratuitous job of preserving
the self-respect of traitors, they seemed to admire more mod
erately. Then word came, that the terms of surrender ex
tended to Johnston by Gen. Sherman, were unsatisfactory to
the Authorities at Washington, and that Gen. Grant was on
his way to Raleigh. Simultaneously with this, came an
order to prepare to move. This was understood, of course,
as an order to prepare to advance toward Johnston's army.
The work of preparation was begun with unwonted alacrity
and spirit, and with such expressions as the following. " If
we march after Johnston now, and meet him as an enemy,
d n him ; he will wish he had surrendered decently."
But Johnston, without any of Gen. Sherman's aid, at length
discerned the danger, if not the absurdity, of further delay.
Accordingly, the word passed that the troops would not
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 213
move, and then came the news of Johnston's surrender.
The protracted parley between those two representative com
manders at that stage of the war, was felt by the army, as a
humiliating event. The proceeding contrasted significantly
with those attending the surrender of Yicksburg.
The attention was fully occupied, for a few days, with a
grand review of all the troops in that vicinity. It was begun
before the arrival of Gen. Grant, and concluded under his
supervision. It was a great display, and must have been en
tertaining to loyal citizens, and not uninteresting to citizens
of a different political persuasion ; but at that date a military
review afforded but little of novelty to the soldiers then gath
ered at Raleigh. Still the troops evidently enjoyed it. They
in various ways manifested their appreciation of the event,
without any of that fulsome hero-worship, which character
ized the reviews of 1861 and '62. Soon after, an unusual
impatience discovered itself among the soldiers, at their deten
tion in the army. The feeling was general. Hundreds who
had cheerfully endured the hardships and dangers of the
field for months, and some during the war, now, that Lee and
Johnston were vanquished, and the rebellious spirit evident
ly utterly broken, were impatient to return to their former
peaceful pursuits. The same disposition was manifest among
the officers. The prime military stimulant, an armed enemy
to the government, having been removed, the service became
at once, to nearly all, intolerably irksome. But as the indi
vidual wishes of soldiers seldom influence the man at Head
quarters, the command remained.
Not many days after the review, Gen. Sherman's Army set
out for Washington, and Gen. Terry's troops were ordered to
remain for a time at Raleigh. The duty was light, and per-
214 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
haps too light for the physical well-being of the men. The
want of military excitement, and the enervating effects of a
rising temperature, caused an unusual amount of sickness.
Intermittent and typhoid fevers were very prevalent. The
regiment lost one member by death, during its stay at Raleigh.
The sick found hospital accommodations in buildings erected
by the enemy, for the purpose of a general hospital. It had
been gotten up on a liberal scale. It was situated on an emi
nence, about a mile directly east of the Capitol, and quite
without the city limits. The wards were named after promi
nent rebel Generals. The name being conspicuously posted
above the door of each. Of course these labels soon disap
peared. When we arrived, a number of confederate wound
ed were occupying the different wards. Most of them were
from the Bentonville field, but a number had been there for
months. The rebel patients - were soon placed in consecutive
wards, when the emptied buildings were cleansed for the re
ception of our sick. Several large public buildings were
seized at first, and converted into hospitals, but they were va
cated by the removal of the sick north, when Sherman moved.
A few days after our arrival at Raleigh, squads of confed
erate soldiers, from Lee's and Johnston's armies, began to
come in. They were in a sad plight. Weary and way-worn,
unpaid, and almost without exception, entirely dependent on
the people for subsistence. Yery few of them expressed re
gret at the failure of the Confederacy, for the very good: rea
son that as a class, they could have gained nothing from its
success. Here and there these ex-soldiers could be seen
freely conversing with our soldiers, on the circumstances at
tending the late collapse. They had been so diligently taught
that every reverse was a "blessing in disguise," they seemed
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 215
in just the mood to accept this, the greatest reverse, as the
greatest blessing. It was not so with the officers. While they
unreservedly admitted that they had been thoroughly beaten,
and that their cause was irretrievably lost, they still urged
that if they could have effected a separation, the south would
have been better off. Some ventured to say, that they would
have succeeded better, contending for the same thing, under
the old flag. They thought in that case, the " division at the
North would have been more nearly equal."
The wealthy were very desirous that Davis and his cabinet
should make their escape. They accepted, reluctantly, the
report of Davis* capture, but rejected as a "Yankee lie," the
statement of his seeking the disguise of female apparel. The
account of the circumstances attending his capture, were so
exceedingly mortifying to them, that out of courtesy, the
unionists tacitly admitted the probability of a "Yankee ex
aggeration." Who could deny them this morsel of comfort ?
Andrew Johnson having become president, and this vicinity
having been his native place, incidents of his early life were
rehearsed in every ancient household. And in most instances
the power of memory appeared more remarkable by far, than
the incidents. One vouched for the fact that once, " Andy's
father rescued a neighbor from drowning." Another, an
aged man, remarked, "I remember when a young man, I
bought at the shop at which Andy was then an apprentice, the
nice black suit in which I courted the lady who finally became
my wife. I wore the suit first, when I came to visit her in
this very house." None omitted to state, in conclusion, that
at that time Andy was classed among the " poor whites." And
said one, "he never could have been vice president, even, if
he had not emigrated ! "
216 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
The troops then at Raleigh, witnessed North Carolina's first
feeble, but most sincere endeavors towards reconstruction.
A public meeting was advertised to be held on the Capitol
grounds. Its object was the ratification of the new order of
things. There appeared, also, to be a wish to ascertain the
strength of Mr. Holden as candidate for Governor. The
gathering was not large, but motley. The poor citizens, and
the war-worn rebel soldiers, who had stopped on their home
ward journey, to hear and rest, constituted the prevailing
butternut groundwork ; here and there was a steel mixed
suit, denoting a rebel officer. All this was freely dotted with
loyal blue, while the whole was surrounded with a liberal con
traband border. It was a great occasion for Raleigh. This
was the first for a long time that men had been able to assem
ble in safety, in public, under the stars and stripes. The prin
cipal speakers were Mr. Holden, Ex-Secretary Thomas, and a
prominent public man by the name of Russ. The first is a
deliberate and rather prosy speaker, but evidently a man of
strong humane sympathies. The second was a fair speaker.
The last, Mr. Russ, was remarkably energetic and humorous.
He made use of an illustration, which he would hardly ven
ture to repeat in some portions of the confederacy to-day.
Addressing his fellow citizens, he alluded to the collapse of
the rebellion as follows :
fa "Our effort at secession has ended disastrously, and even,
ridiculously for us. I cannot review the fool-hardiness of
the leaders, the relative strength of the opposing forces, and
the folly, which is now so obvious, and which should be a
lesson to the discontented for all time to come, without being
reminded of a little circumstance which occurred on the
Railroad, not far' from here, some time since. A little two
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 217
year old bull, small of his age, and which would probably
have weighed sixty-five pounds when fat, was grazing on the
commons, when he heard the low rumbling of the locomotive
as it sped majestically along on its accustomed groove. The
sound excited his combativeness. Walking down on the track,
he assumed a defiant attitude, and began to scrape and roar
in a manner quite characteristic. Meanwhile the impending
locomotive came down and swept by, leaving naught of the
ambitious quadruped save a few shreds of "jerked beef." An
Irishman coming up, beheld the remains of the would-be
hero, and comprehending the nature of the conflict, thus
aptly commented : Bejabbers ! an ye had a foin courage, but
a dom poor judgment."
The illustration, disparaging as it was to southern sagacity,
was in the main, well received. Some of the released rebel
soldiers enjoyed the anecdote exceedingly, while the rebel
officers did not deign an endorsing smile. Sambo discerned
the point and simultaneously discovered his dentine.
The camp ground, occupied by the 1st Brigade, was low,
unsheltered from the sun, and unfavorable to health. Two or
three days after Sherman's departure, the brigade was per
mitted to take an eligible position in the northern suburbs of
the town. This new camp was in a beautiful grove, on the
premises of Kenneth Raynor, formerly a prominent southern
Congressman. The regiment lay immediately in rear of the
mansion. This change was a marked improvement on the
former camp, and was followed by an increase of comfort and
a better state of health.
On an unoccupied lot adjoining Mr. Raynor's, Division
Head-quarters were established. The green-sward and the
shadow of a venerable wide-spreading oak, such as we saw
218 HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V.
only in Raleigh, rendered the place very inviting. It seemed
additionally pleasant to several young men at Head-quarters,
on account of its contiguity to Mr. Raynor's, the porch of
whose residence was not unfrequently the resort of the Misses
Raynor and their female friends.
" Young eyes will meet young eyes,
Young hearts will meet young hearts,"
and accordingly, interviews between those ladies and the un
married Yankee officers, and the formation of an acquain
tance, were inevitable. Frequent and mutually agreeable
conferences soon followed, and
" All went merry as a marriage bell."
But alas ! there are affairs which never do run smooth. This
happy triplicate flirtation was suddenly and sadly terminated
in the following manner: One evening while Maj. C., Capt.
L., and Capt. M., of Div. Staff, were spending a pleasant hour
in Mr. Raynor's parlor, I think pursuant to invitation, and
while "joy was unconfined," the company was unexpectedly
augmented by the abrupt entrance of several native beaux,
in tinseled gray, just "mustered out" of Johnston's army
by Gen. Sherman ! ! ! Fancy the embarrassment ! Our offi
cers, doubtless, felt unpleasantly at being the unwilling wit
nesses of wounded pride. The rebel officers experienced an
acute realization of the presence of their conquerors, and dis
appointment at finding their fair favorites entertaining those
detested Yankees, whom, at the late parting, they had so
eloquently anathematized. The ladies were still more per
plexed. Their former associates, whom they esteemed, had
discovered, in their conduct, an indication of a lack of con
stancy, or at least a want of fidelity to the Confederate cause.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 219
To reinstate themselves, they must instantly cease their
attentions to the gallant and comely, (yet alas ! transient)
conquerors, and by discarding them, however trying, thus
exhibit another instance of feminine duplicity. They now
smiled not so graciously toward their Yankee guests, and in
a few minutes, smiled no more in that direction. Union offi
cers remarked the lateness of the hour — Rebel officers con
firmed the sentiment — Ladies exercised an English neutrality-
Union officers quietly retired, wondering and asking each
other whether such fickleness is an infirmity peculiar to the
sex ? or only sectional. It was nearly ten on the following
morning, before those fair faces lit up the windows and porch,
but thence came not the customed salutation. The Yankee
officers concluded that the service was exceedingly irksome,
since the solution of Johnston's army, and with one accord,
wanted to go home.
Raleigh, before the war, was an aristocratic town, but the
leading families had become sorely impoverished; the political
and financial storm had scattered them like leaves before the
autumn gale. The Episcopal Church, which had been the
vaunted show-case of aristocracy, had experienced a sad
change. Many of its families, prompted, no doubt by con
scious guilt, had fled ; their seats were vacant ; and, a solitary
one-horse carriage, a plain specimen, behind a quiescent nag,
was the only representative of the grand array of carriages, which
during service in former times, had occupied the three sides of
the block. Though the glitter of aristocracy had departed, its
spirit survived and lingered amid the ruins. A rebel officer,
from Johnston's army, on being asked what he thought of
n ' s prospect of being elected to the office of Governor,
provided he should be nominated, replied, " To be sure, the
220 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
poor would vote for him to a very great extent ; but no gentle
man would support him." As if there were still two distinct
classes, and their interests were yet antagonistic, or at least
distinct. The wealthy had suffered severely from the annoy
ance of dependent friends and poor relations, which Irving
mentions as one of the ills of the English aristocracy, and
which will always accompany a popular contempt for labor.
"What in one instance was regarded as a friendly call, had ex
tended to a five-year visit, the useless guest betraying still no
symptoms of exhaustion. The Clergy, who had done as much
to promote the rebellion, as those in the North had to main
tain a sound loyal sentiment, in Kaleigh, for the most part,
at that time came out strongly in favor of graceful submission
to the rightful and re-asserted government. A Baptist Cler
gyman by the name of Skinner, and a wealthy man, had just
returned from Europe by the way of Washington. Though
his words and deeds had previously been consonant with the
interests of the confederacy, he publicly denounced, from his
pulpit, the whole enterprise of secession, condemned the
leaders, and exhorted his fellow citizens to works " meet for
repentance," toward both God and man. The Union soldiers
and officers, and the native poor, were pleased with the dis
course, but the prominent citizens sought to neutralize the
effects of the discourse, by representing it as an intended
antidote against personal confiscation.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 221
CHAPTER XVIII.
MARCH HOMEWARD FROM RALEIGH, AND THE
FINAL MUSTER.
Preparation of the Muster-rolls. — The Regiment Mustered out of the U. S. Ser
vice. — Journey by Railroad to Hicksford. — Thence, Regiment Marches to
City Point. — Thence by Transport to N. Y. City, where it arrives June 17th.
— Thence in same Transport to Albany. — 1 8th, Take Cars for Syracuse. — Train
stops at Utica. — Reception by the Citizens. — Proceeds to Syracuse. — Regiment
Dissolved on the 28th.
THE latter half of April, and the month of May, were
spent at Raleigh, by the regiment, without the receipt of any
official assurance of an early release from the service, but
with the 1st day of June, came a rumor that the 117th, and
other regiments of the Brigade, would soon be allowed to go
home. At the same time, an order was received to make out
the final muster rolls. The late recruits and the younger
officers, were to be consolidated with the 48th R. N. Y. Y.,
and all whose term of service would expire by October 1st,
were to go home. A busy week followed, officers and clerks
wrote night and day. All detailed members were recalled,
and on the 8th day of June, the regiment was mustered out
of the Government service. The morning of the 9th, was a
bright and joyous occasion. The prospect of visiting home
is always highly enjoyed by the soldier, but how much more
so, that of his return after an honorable discharge from his
15
222 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
country's service ! But there was an additional and peculiar
satisfaction in this muster out, derived from the fact that the
work was finished.
The 117th, consisting now of scarcely three hundred men,
was to take passage on board the cars for Gaston, about 10
o'clock, A. M. A party of men in charge of the officers'
horses had started some thirty hours before. They had gone
across the country and were to meet the regiment at Hicks-
ford, a point about fifty miles North. At ten, took cars and
were soon under way. The locomotive was asthmatic and
rickety, as though its functions would not long survive the
Confederacy. The rolling stock was uncomfortably defective,
so that the traveling conveniences were meager, but it was
much better than marching, and even the latter, under the
circumstances, would have been no great hardship.
By 4 P. M. reached Gaston, having made about thirty
miles. At Raleigh, we had heard so much of Gaston, that
some had looked forward to it as a comfortable stopping place
tor the traveler. Some anticipated a warm reception and a
good meal, at a first class Hotel ; perhaps a good bed, white
sheets, &c. Imagine the surprise of many and the disap
pointment of a few, on discovering that Gaston consists of
about two buildings, separated by the Roanoke River, one, a
government store-house, the other a cheap tenement occupied
by a negro family. The disappointment was the greater be
cause the anticipated accommodations were rendered more
necessary by a smart rain, which set in just before we reached
the river.
Since the destruction of the great bridge, which had but
recently occurred, the crossing was made by means of a rude
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 223
flat boat, of which the principal resident, the negro, was cap
tain "and all hands." In three trips he transferred the regi
ment to the north side. While the first two trips were being
made the officers found shelter from the rain in the house of
the ferryman. A young man and a young woman of color,
were among the inmates. Having a partiality for each other,,
and being matrimonially inclined, tlrey were married, by
Chaplain Jones.
About dark we reached the opposite side of the river, and
again took cars for Hicksford. We arrived there about
midnight. It is a small village, presenting few indications of
prosperity. The bridges and railroad having been much
damaged north of this point, the troops were obliged to march
thence. We were about three days performing the march
from this place to City Point. We passed over a desolate and
unpromising region. The land suffered for cultivation and
the inhabitants for culture. One night, encamped on the prem
ises of a Mr. Hill, who had seven daughters, whose ages ranged
from three years to twenty-two ; the eldest, who was most ad
vanced in book knowledge, could read with difficulty in a
primer. This was a sample of the greater part of the popula
tion. Reached City Point on the 14th. Took passage on a
small steam-boat for Fort Monroe. There took passage on
board of Transport " Edward Everett" for New York City ; ar
rived there on Sunday, the 17th; reached Albany the 18th, and
took cars for Syracuse. On the way stopped a short time at Utica.
An extract from the Utica Morning- Herald, of the follow
ing day, thus describes the reception at that place.
"It was not far from half-past six when the train, bearing
the boys in blue, came in sight. It was composed of the
baggage cars and nine passenger coaches, the rear one being
224 HISTORY OP THE 117TH E. N. Y. V.
used by the officers of the regiment. When a halt was made,
a rush commenced for the train, and amid the firing of the
old Citizen's Corps gun, and "Home, Sweet Home/' from the
Utica City Band, the gallant boys of the 117th, were received
by their friends. As soon as possible, they were out of the
cars, and under the leadership of Col. McQuade, formed in
line and marched to the west end of the depot, where they
were formally welcomed, by HON. ROSCOE CONKLTNG, in the
following appropriate and eloquent manner.
THE ADDRESS OF WELCOME.
Soldiers and Fellow- Citizens: — The Committee of Arrange
ments has assigned to me the honor of bidding you welcome
home again — welcome to those homes which your valor has
defended and preserved. In the name of the people of this
city, and of the committee, I assure you that the heartiest
welcome they can give is offered to you, as neighbors and as
victorious soldiers of the Republic. Three years ago fear
was everywhere. No home was safe ; strong men bowed
themselves ; our government tottered ; our flag was derided
and dishonored on land and on sea, and foreign nations were
casting lots for our vesture. Then it was, at the country's
call, that you left fireside and home, for the camp, the trench
and the hospital — then it was that you went out to defend, on
far distant battle-fields, the life and glory of your country.
You have done your whole duty. You have passed marches
more dreadful than battles. You have conquered in fights
which will be historic forever. You have belonged to the
most glorious army that ever assembled on earth, and of that
army you were the first regiment of all, to plant the glorious
ensign of the Republic on the battered parapet of Fort Fisher.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 225
(Cheers.) In all this career of glory, of duty, and of daring
exploit, a common purpose has inspired you, a common hope
has led you on. What was it? Peace. Peace with the
Government and the constitution our fathers established, has
been the object of the war, and the prayer of every patriot
and of every soldier. We have all longed for the time, when
you who are fathers, and you who are sons, you who are
husbands, and you who are brothers, and you who are lovers,
should return once more to gladden the places which have
been lonesome and desolate without you.
That time, at last, has come, and on this burning Sabbath
day have gone up, and on every Sabbath will go up, from the
Christian altars of the land, praises and thanksgivings, that
at last the red eye of battle is closed, and prayers that it
never again may open, and above all that it may never open
on the dis-United States of America. This glorious advent
of peace, comes of the services rendered by you and by your
comrades in arms ; and you deserve to be decorated with
heroic honors for conspicuous bravery on burning battle-fields,
where all were brave. You deserve, as you receive, the grat
itude of your neighbors, the thanks, the blessings and the
benedictions of the good, the generous and the true. But I
will not detain you. It is the Sabbath day, when, even if you
were not weary with travel, rest and quiet would be congen
ial to you and to those who have come to greet you.
Kind hands have provided such tributes of hospitality and
thoughtfulness, as the notice of your coming has allowed ;
and now, in the name of this vast multitude, in the name of
the whole people of Utica, in the name of the whole people
of Oneida County, I assure you, once more, that a welcome
and a God-bless-you is in the hearts, if not on the lips, of all,
the young and the old.
226 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
REPLY OF GENERAL DAGGETT.
General Daggett responded, in substance, as follows :
The General said he would not attempt a formal reply, but
could not consent to let the occasion pass without an ac
knowledgment of the beautiful reception, and glowing
welcome, and the graceful and bountiful repast which had
been prepared. He said, and speaking for his brother officers
and the entire regiment, as well as for himself, that he wished
to express to the committee, and through them to the people
of the city and county, their warmest acknowledgments for
the interest and generosity which had been evinced toward
the regiment, not only at this time, but always since its organ
ization. They would all ever cherish and treasure the
memory of manifold kindnesses and courtesies for which the
117th were indebted to the people of Utica and of Oneida
county.
At the close of the addresses, the soldiers executed a
" right about," and curiously enough faced the tables. Nor
did a man flinch. Who ever heard that a soldier of the 117th
did that ? There was nothing of the ceremonious about that
meal, yesterday. We think the soldier boys enjoyed it. We
that looked on did, at least. For an hour, perhaps, eating
was in order, and when at last, as we trust, each man was
satisfied, the board was by no means "swept." More than
the old scriptural number of " seven baskets " full remained.
The overplus was distributed between the Orphan Asylums
of the city.
But the orders to be "marching on" are imperative, and
with the last farewell spoken, the boys again took to the cars,
bound for Syracuse.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 227
Such was our reception of the war-worn heroes of the
117th regiment. If by this demonstration they infer our
appreciation of their services in subduing rebellion, and our
joy at their return, no other reward is sought. Still to the
Committee of Arrangements, and their efficient Chairman,
Hon. Alrick Hubbell, and the ladies who assisted so faithfully,
too much credit cannot be awarded. The success of the re
ception is their best praise."
The list of Regimental Officers, at the time of its return,
was as follows:
FIELD AND STAFF.
Colonel — Rufus Daggett, Brevet Brig. Gen.
Lieutenant Colonel — F. X. Meyers.
Major — Egbert Bagg.
Surgeon — J. A. Mowris.
Chaplain — J. D. Jones.
Assistant Surgeon — W. F. Day.
Quarter Master — W. E. Richards.
Adjutant — Charles H. Roys, transferred to 48th N. Y. V.,
and now A. C. M.
LINE OFFICERS.
Co. A — Captain, D. B. Magill, home wounded ; 1st Lieut.,
G. W. Ross; 2d Lieut., E. M. Shorey, commanding company.
Co. B — Captain, Harrison Pease ; 1st Lieut., John G.
Glazier ; 2d Lieut., F. W. Olmsted.
Co. C — 1st Lieut., E. G. Skinner, acting Adjutant; 2d
Lieut., M. E. Johnson, commanding company.
Co. D — Captain, F. H. Lay ; 1st Lieut., H. L. Adams, on
detached service.
Co. E — Captain, Wm. L. Bartholomew ; 1st Lieut, Wm.
E. Pease; 2d Lieut., F. E. Boden.
Co. F— Captain, Wm. L. Hurlbert, A. D. C. on Major
General Terry's staff; 1st Lieut., Adelbert Ecker, command
ing company.
228 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
Co. G — Captain, Algernon E. Smith, A. D. C., home
wounded.
Co. H — Captain, Almon R. Stephens ; 1st Lieut., J. H.
Fairbanks, commanding company.
Co. I— Captain, E. Downer, transferred to 48th N. Y. Y.,
1st Lieut., L. J. Carver, commanding Co. C ; 2d Lieut., H.
D. Grant, transferred to 48th N. Y. Y.
Co. K— Captain, A. M. Erwin, transferred to 48th N. Y. Y.,
and now A. C. M. ; 1st Lieut., Robert "Bryan, commanding
company
NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.
Sergt. Major, G. B. Fairhead, commissioned 2d Lieut., but
not mustered.
Quartermaster Sergeant, Jos. D. Monroe.
Commissary Sergeant, John B. Wicks.
Hospital Steward, Henry N. Marchisi.
Principal Musician, Jacob Irvin.
Principal Musician, John S. Fairhead.
Additional regimental statistics may be thus presented.
The following are the casualties in the 117th N. Y. Yols.,
from August, 1862, to June, 1865 ;
Missin Transfd
Total.
41
39
45
48
42
54
47
44
63
60
85 154 198 21 25 483
Co.
Killed
in
action.
a
Died
of
wounds.
13
Disch'd
for
disability.
18
Missing
in
action.
-I
Transfd
to
V. R. C.
q
£
J.O
18
J.O
in
JL
1
4
rj
6
18
4
6
- 6
16
21
5
19
Ifi
Q
13
12
9^
4
_ 7
14
90
9
9
H-
T
10
15
17
19
Qf)
9
Q
TT
- 8
97
19
6
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 229
The 117th left with 1,020 men, and returned with 315. At
intervals, during '63-4-5, it received about 500 recruits in
the aggregate. Of these about 250 were transferred to the
40th N. Y. Yols., of which 150 were effective, the others
being in hospital, sick. Thus it will be seen that the regiment
lost during its term of service about 1,000 men.
The casualties of the regiment, in some of its prominent
battles, were as follows :
Drury's Bluff, May, 1864, - * - 81
Taking of Petersburg Heights, June 15, 1864, 24
Siege of Petersburg, - 132
Chapin's Farm, September 29, 1864, - - 130
Darbytown Road, October 27, 1864, - 52
Fort Fisher, January 15, 1865, 95 .
After spending about ten tedious days in camp, at Syracuse,
the remaining members of the regiment, were paid off and
honorably discharged the service. This final muster-out is
dated June 28th, 1865. From that time, the 117th ceased to
be, except in History, where its name is indelibly inscribed.
The final ceremonies were an appropriate address by Gen.
Daggett, and the general interchange of the parting saluta
tion. These done, all repaired to their homes, rejoicing in
the triumph of RIGHT and in the return of PEACE.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 231
STATISTICAL HISTORY
OF THE
117TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLUNTEERS.
FIELD AND STAFF.
COLONELS.
WILLIAM R. PEASE, appointed Aug. 15th, 1862- Held the right with an inde
pendent command; during Longs treet's siege of Suffolk, for which service he was
highly commended by the Department Commander. Was acting Brig. Colonel,
at Fort Baker, and while at camp Haskins, near Portsmouth. Resigned on ac
count of ill health, Oct. 5th, 1863. See pages 17 and 92.
ALVIN WHITE, promoted from Lieutenant Colonel, May 1st, 1864. Com
manded the Regiment at Drury's Bluff, in May, 1864, on the Bermuda line, at
Cold Harbor, at the capture of Petersburg Heights and in the siege of the city.
His health failing, he resigned July 18th, 1864. Was wounded in the battle ot
Drury's Bluff.
RUFUS DAGGETT, promoted from Lieutenant Colonel, Aug. 23d, 1864. Com
manded the Regiment during a part of the time of the siege of Petersburg. Com
manded the Brigade in the battle of Chapin's Farm, for which signal service he
was Breveted Brigadier General.
LIEUTENANT COLONELS.
ALVIN WHITE, appointed Aug. 15th, 1862. Served in the Suffolk campaign,
and in the siege of Charleston.
RUFUS DAGGETT, promoted from Major, May 1st, 1864. Was in the battle of
Drury's Bluff ; Col. White being wounded during the engagement, Lieut. Col.
Daggett promptly took command, and conducted most gallantly.
.FRANCIS X. MYER, promoted from Major, Aug. 23d, 1864. Commanded the
Regiment on Bermuda line, and in the battle of Fort Fisher, at which place he
was seriously wounded ; was Breveted Col. for gallant and meritorious services
on that occasion.
MAJORS.
RUFUS DAGGETT, appointed Aug. 15th, 1862. Served in Suffolk campaign, and
in siege of Charleston.
FRANCIS X. MYER, promoted from Captain, May 1st, 1864. Served in battle of
Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor, and at assault and capture of Petersburg Heights,
and in the siege of the city.
232 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
EGBERT BAGG, promoted from Captain, Aug. 23d, 1864. Served during the
term. Commanded the Regiment in the battles of the springing of the Mine,
(July 30th) • Chapin's Farm, (Sept. 29th) ; New Market Road, (Oct. 7th) ; and
Darbeytown Road, (Oct. 27th). Was in the assault of Fort Fisher, and on that
occasion, was seriously wounded. Was Breveted Lieutenant Colonel for gallant
and meritorious services in the same engagement.
ADJUTANTS.
JAMES M. LATIMORE, appointed July 26th, 1862. Resigned Adjutancy, Sept.
23d, 1862. Was promoted to Captain, Oct. 21st, 1864.
CHARLES S. MILLARD, promoted from 1st Lieutenant, Sept. 25th, 1862. Served
in Suffolk campaign, siege of Charleston, battle of Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor,
assault on Petersburgh Heights, Bermuda line. Was detailed as Aid to Gen.
Hinks. His health failing, he resigned Sept. 29th, 1864.
CHARLES H. ROYS, appointed Oct. 1864. Served on Bermuda line, was in the
battle of Fort Fisher, detailed as Chief C. M., Dept. N. C., and Breveted Major,
U. S. V., for gallant conduct at Fort Fisher.
SURGEONS.
EDWARD LOOMIS, appointed July 29th, 1862. Was Brigade Surgeon during the
winter, while at Fort Baker, D. C. Was with the Regiment constantly, till his
resignation, April 15th, 1863.
HENRY W. CARPENTER, promoted from Assistant Surgeon, May 1st, 1863. Was
Brigade Surgeon on Staff of Col. Alford, on Folly Island. Resigned on account
of ill health, Nov. 5th, 1864.
JAMES A. MOWRIS, promoted from Assistant Surgeon, Jan. 3d, 1865. Served
as Brigade Surgeon, and latterly as Medical Director of 2d Division, 10th A. C.
ASSISTANT SURGEONS.
SAMUEL INGRAHAM, appointed Aug. 20th, 1862. Resigned Oct. 14th, 1862.
HENRY W. CARPENTER, appointed Aug. 15th, 1862, promoted May 1st, 1863.
JAMES A. MOWRIS, appointed Oct. 15th, 1862, promoted Jan. 3d, 1865.
WARREN E. DAY, appointed June 21st, 1863.
CHAPLAINS.
JOHN T. CRIPPEN, appointed Aug. 15th, 1862. Resigned Feb. 16th, 1864, on
account of ill health.
JOHN D. JONES, appointed Aug. 22d, 1864.
QUARTER MASTERS.
EGBERT BAGG, appointed July 25th, 1862; promoted to Captain, Nov. 24th,
1862.
WILLIAM E. RICHARDS, appointed Nov. 24th, 1862.
NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.
SERGEANT MAJORS.
MILTON BRAYTON.
FRANCES WALCOTT.
ROBERT BRYAN.
GEORGE B. FAIRHEAD, Jan. 1st, 1865.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 233
QUARTER MASTER'S SERGEANTS.
WILLIAM E. KICHARDS.
EVAN G. JONES.
JOSEPH D. MONROE, April 1st, 1863; though his duty was arduous, it was
always cheerfully and promptly performed.
COMMISSARY SERGEANTS.
BENJAMIN F. MILLER.
CHARLES BAILEY.
JOHN B. WICKS, May 28th, 1864 ; conscientious and faithful.
HOSPITAL STEWARD,
HENRY N. MARCHISI, Aug., 1862 ; was continually with the Regiment till the
close of the war, and always had the neatest Regimental Dispensary in the
Corps.
MUSICIANS.
JoHNBS.RFAiRHEAD, } Produced the best drum Corps in the Army.
The following named were not members of the Regiment, till joining it as offi
cers, after its departure from the County :
JAMES A. MOWRIS, M. D., appointed Assistant Surgeon, Oct. 15th, 1862. A
native of Marbletown, Ulster County, N. Y., had practiced medicine between ten
and twelve years, became Regimental Surgeon, January 3d, 1865.
WARREN E. DAY, M. D., appointed Assistant Surgeon, June 21st, 1863. A
native of Herkimer County, N. Y. A recent graduate.
EDWARD WARR, appointed Captain May 1st, 1864. Had served as Captain in
the 1 4th R. N. Y. V., during the most active stage of the McClellan campaign.
While with the 117th was severely wounded at the assault on the Richmond de
fences, on the Darbeytown Road, Oct. 27th, 1864. The wound resulting in per
manent disability, he retired with an honorable discharge, March 25th, 1865.
JOHN D. JONES, appointed Chaplain, (vice John T. Crippen resigned,) Aug.
22d, 1864. A resident of Oneida County and a graduate of Hamilton College.
Was with the Regiment till its muster out.
HARRISON PEASE, appointed 1st Lieutenant, Sept. 5th, 1862. Had served in the
14th R. N. Y. V. Was promoted to Captain, July 12th, 1864.
The following original members became officers after the Regiment left the
County ; names arranged according to the order of appointment.
WILLIAM E. RICHARDS, appointed 1st Lieutenant, and Regimental Quarter
master, Nov. 24th, 1862. Possessing a rare business turn, he held the position
till the Regiment was discharged.
CORNELIUS N. BAKER, appointed 2d Lieutenant, Nov. 24th, 1862. Resigned
Feb. 19th, 1863.
JOHN H. FAIRBANK, appointed 2d Lieutenant, Nov. 24th, 1863 ; promoted 1st
Lieuteuant, May 18th, 1864; breveted Captain for gallant and meritorious servi
ces in the assault on Fort Fisher, on which occasion he was seriously wounded.
234 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
MILTON BRAYTON, appointed 2d Lieutenant, Apr. 1st, 1863 ; resigneclJuly 26th,
1863.
BENJAMIN F. MILLER, appointed 2d Lieutenant, April 1st, 1863 ; wounded at
Cold Harbor, June, 1864 ; resigned Dec. 16th, 1864.
EVAN G. JONES, appointed 2d Lieutenant, April 1st, 1863 ; died at Portsmouth,
Va., July 12th, 1863. (See Obituary.)
GEORGE W. Ross, appointed 2d Lieutenant, Sept. 21st, 1863 ; promoted to 1st
Lieutenant, July 12th, 1864 ; detailed for duty on Brigade Staff, where he served
acceptably till the close of the war.
WILLIAM C. CASSELMAN, appointed 2d Lieutenant, March 16th, 1864 ; killed in
action at Drury's Bluff, Va., May 16th, 1864.
J. KNOX WILLIAMS, appointed 2d Lieutenant, March 19th, 1864; promoted to
1st Lieutenant, July 12th, 1864; killed in action at Laurel Hill Church, Va.,
Sept. 29th, 1864. (See Obituary.)
SPENCER C. MYER, appointed 2d Lieutenant, May 18th, 1864; promoted to 1st
Lieutenant, Aug. 24th, 1864.
HENRY L. ADAMS, appointed 2d Lieutenant, May 18th, 1864; promoted to 1st
Lieutenant, Oct. 23d, 1864; was taken prisoner on the Darbe)town Hoad, Oct.
27th, 1864; confined in Libby and Danville prisons about three months, when he
was exchanged.
ADELBERT ECKER, appointed 2d Lieutenant, May 19th, 1864 ; promoted to 1st
Lieutenant, Nov. 30th, 1 b64.
ALONZO DENTON, appointed 2d Lieutenant, May 19th, 1864 ; severely wounded
in action, Sept. 24th, 1864 ; resigned Jan. 23d, 1865.
WILLIAM APPLETON, appointed 2d Lieutenant, May 24th, 1864 ; lost one eye
from wound received at Drury's Bluff battle, May 16th, 1864; resigned Sept.
25th, 1864.
EUGENE C. SKINNER, appointed 2d Lieutenant, June 10th, 1864 ; promoted to
1st Lieutenant, Nov. 30th, 1864 ; wounded in the assault on Fort Fisher, Jan.
15th, 1865.
WILLIAM E. PEASE, appointed 2d Lieutenant, Jan. 29th, 1864 ; promoted to
1st Lieutenant, Feb. 17th, 1865.
JOHN G. GLAZIER, appointed 2d Lieutenant, Aug. 22d, 1864 ; promoted to 1st
Lieutenant, Feb. 17th, 1865.
ROBERT BRYAN, appointed 2d Lieutenant, Oct. llth, 1864 ; promoted to 1st
Lieutenant, April llth, 1865.
LEVI J. CARVER, appointed 2d Lieutenant, Dec. 2d, 1864.
EBENEZER M. SHOREY, appointed 2d Lieutenant, Feb. 17th, 1865.
M. L. JOHNSON, appointed 2d Lieutenant, Feb. 17th, 1865.
F. W. OLMSTEAD, appointed 2d Lieutenant, Feb. 18th, 1865.
FREDERICK E. BODEN, appointed 2d Lieutenant, May 12th, 1865.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 235
*ROSTER OF COMPANY A.
GEORGE W. BRIGHAM, Captain ; appointed August 20, 1862 ; severely wounded
at battle of Drury's Bluff, May 16/64; from effects of wounds thus received,
died May 19/64. See pages 106, 107.
ISAAC H. DANN, 1st Lieutenant; appointed August 20, 1862; killed at Cold
Harbor, Va., June 4, 1864. At the time of his death he had been commis
sioned Captain, but had not yet been mustered.
WILLIAM L. BARTHOLOMEW, 2d Lieutenant; appointed August 20, 1862; pro
moted to 1st Lieutenant, May 18, 1864 ; promoted to Captain, November 30,
1864; Breveted Major for "gallant and meritorious services/' at the taking of
Fort Fisher, the latter promotion dating March 5, 1865.
George W. Ross, 1st Sergeant, Utica, July 23, 1862, Merchant; Promoted to 2d
Lieutenant, September 1, 1863.
Giles Pullman, Sergeant, Utica, July 18, 1862, Carriage Maker; Reduced to the
Ranks September 30, 1863, per R. S. O. No. 72.
Eugene C. Skinner, Sergeant, Utica, July 28, 1862, Student; Promoted to 2d
Lieutenant, June 10, 1864.
Charles T. Adams, Sergeant, Rome, August 7, Clerk; Promoted to 1st Sergeant
June 18, 1864, per R. S. O. No. 11 ; Wounded Severely September 29.
Samuel C. Emery, Sergeant, Utica, July 28, 1862, Farmer; Reduced to Ranks,
December 1, 1863, per R. S. O. No. 87.
Monroe Woolnough, Corporal, Utica, July 28, 1862, Manufacturer; Died of
Disease, October 29, 1864, Fort Annapolis, Md.
Emory H. Jacobs, Corporal, Utica, July 18, 1862, Carriage Maker.
George Burkett, Corporal, Utica, July 18, 1862, Carpenter.
Evan G. Jones, Corporal, Rome, August, 4, 1862, Student; promoted to Q. M.
Sergeant, November 22, 1862, promoted to 2d Lieut. April 1, 1863.
Orrin Comstock, Corporal, Utica, August 21, 1862, Laborer.
George W. Brown, Corporal, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer; promoted to
Sergeant December 1, 1863, killed at Fort Fisher, N. C., Jan. 15, 1865.
Adelbert W. Francis, Corporal, Rome, August 7, 1862, Miller; promoted to
Sergeant June 18, 1864.
Alexander McLean, Corporal, Rome, August 7, 1 862, Clerk ; promoted to
Sergeant, September, 30, 1863. Taken prisoner May 16, 1864. See Appendix.
William Leetz, Musician, Rome, August 7, 1862, Tinsmith.
Samuel Irish, Musician, Utica, July 24, Laborer.
•Nearly all those not accounted for in the Roster, returned with the Regiment, or were consol
idated with the 48th R. N. Y. Y.
236 HISTORY OP THE 117TH E. N. Y. V.
Thomas V. Comstock, Teamster, Utica, July 29, 1862, Carpenter; transfered to
V. K. C., March 16,1864.
Allen, Samuel Private, Utica, August 6, 1862, Farmer; died January 25, of
wounds received at Fort Fisher.
Ash, Norman D. Private, Home, August 7, 1862, Farmer ; died of Diarrhoea,
October 3, 1863.
Anderson, Edward Private, Utica, July 26, 1862, Brush Maker;
Ballou, Thomas C. Private, Utica, August 6, 1862, Wagon Maker ; Wounded
16th May, 1864.
Barnard, John Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer; discharged May 31/63.
Carrier, Myron A. Private, Rome, August 8, 1862, Farmer; deserted July 8/63,
at White House, Va.
Carrier, Adelbert L. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer;
Conlar, Michael Private, Utica, July 25, 1862, Laborer;
Collins, James A. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer; died October 1863,
after being discharged.
Corbett, Charles Private, Rome, August 6, 1862, Mechanic; promoted to Cor
poral, June 18, 1864, wounded at Fort Fisher.
Beard, Robert Private, Rome, Aug. 5, 1862, Mechanic.
Berg, John Private, Utica, July 25, 1862, Laborer; lost eye at Fort Fisher.
Beeman, Daniel Private, Utica, July 30, 1862, Farmer.
Brown, Judson C. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862; died January 5, 1864.
Cummings, Wilber Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer.
Doliver, Eli Private, Rome, August 6, 1862, Farmer.
Earl, George T. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal
February 20, 1865.
Eastham, John Private, Rome, August 5, 1862, Mechanic.
Edwards, Henry Private, Utica, July 22, 1862, Laborer; died of diarrhoea, Feb.
2, 1864.
Evans, Henry Private, Utica, July 30, 1862, Blacksmith.
Evans, Thomas Private, Utica, July 31, 1862, Clerk; transferred to G, at organ
ization of Company.
Foster, Edward S. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer; died of typhoid
fever, July 24, 1863.
Francis, John Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Laborer.
Francis, William Private, Utica, July 28, 1862, Farmer; wounded and taken
prisoner September 29th, returned with loss of one leg.
Francis, Wm. H. Private, Utica, July 24, 1862, Currier; promoted to corporal
January 30, 1864; promoted to sergeant February 25, 1865.
Fuller, Russell Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer; discharged for promo
tion as 2d Lieut, in 6th N. Y. H. Artillery June 12, 1864.
Garlock, James Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Moulder.
Griffith, Evan Private, Utica, July 30, 1862, Rectifier.
Halen, James Private, Rome, August 6, 1862, Mechanic.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 237
Harrington, Andrew J. Private, Borne, August 7, 1862, Batcher; promoted to
Corporal December 1, 1863.
Harrison, William H. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Painter ; killed at Fort
Fisher, N. C. January 15, 1865.
Harwood, Leander Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Tinsmith; discharged for
disability October 7, 1862.
Hicks, William Private, Rome, August 7, 1865, Ship carpenter.
Hobbs, James W. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Cooper.
Hughes, Edward Private, Utica, July 24, 1862, Farmer.
Jones, Griffith Private, Utica, August 4, 1862, Farmer; died of diarrhoea Sept.
25, 1863.
Lanning, Alanson J. Private, Utica, July 21, 1862, Farmer.
Law, Charles B. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal.
September 30, T863, killed in action at Dury's Bluff, Va. May 16, 1864.
Law, Frederick Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer; killed at Fort Fisher,
N. C. January 15, 1865.
Law, James Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer; transfered to V. R. C.
October 1, 1863.
Little, Thomas Private, Utica, July 19, 1862, Farmer.
Lynch, Joseph Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Laborer; taken prisoner at
Dury's Bluff, May 16, 1864, exchanged May 16, 1865.
Lorenze, Antone, Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer.
Martin, Frederick Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer.
Mahaffay, Robert J. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer.
Meredith, W. B. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer.
Milligan, William Private, Utica, July 25, 1862, Brick layer.
Miller, Gilman Private, Utica, July 28, 1862, Farmer; died of disease at U. S. G.
Hospital at Fort Monroe, Va. July 5, 1864.
Morfit, John Private, Utica, July 22, 1862, Laborer ; discharged for disability
December 22, 1864.
Morris, Griffith A. Private, Utica, July 22, 1862, Coachman.
Myler, Lawrence Private, Utica, July 24, 1862, Farmer.
Morse, Wm. R. Private, Utica, July 22, 1862, Fisherman.
Nelson, David W. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer.
Newkirk, Jacob Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer; wounded in arm, at
Dury's Bluff, May J6, 1864.
Nevers, Edward Private, Utica, July 23, 1862, Farmer.
Owen, Thomas Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer; discharged for disa
bility, November 3, 1863.
Owen, John Private, Rome, August 5, 1 862, Mechanic.
Pardee, Adelbert J. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer.
Pepper, Frederick Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer.
Philips, Ira Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Moulder.
Picket, Lewis H. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Carpenter; discharged for dis
ability December 22, 1862.
16
238 HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V.
Polite, Robert Private, Rome, August 7, 1 862, Farmer.
Pallard, Charles S. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer ; promoted to Cor
poral February 20, 1865.
Richard, Wm. E. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Accountant; promoted to Q. .
M. Sergeant August 20, 1862.
Robbins, Sidney Private, Utica, August 4, 1862, Farmer.
Roberts, Riley Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer.
Shorey, Eben M. Private, Utica, July 24, 1862, Painter; promoted to Corporal
September 1, 1862, to Sergent September 23, 1863, promoted to 2d Lieut. Feb.
18, 1865.
Smith, Charles H. Musician, Utica, August 1, 1862, Clerk.
Starring, Adam H. Private, Utica, July 25, 1862, Laborer.
Stubor, Rudolph, Private, Utica, July 31, 1862, Farmer ; killed at Fort Gillmore,
September 29, 1864.
Thayer, William M. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Moulder ; promoted to
Corporal, May 25, 1864.
Thomas, John E. Private, Rome, August 6, 1862, Blacksmith; died of diarrhoea
October 27, 1863.
Thomas, Samuel Private, Rome, August 4, 1862, Farmer; died of wounds, Oct.
14, 1864.
Tillitson, Albert Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer.
Tipple, William Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer.
Wait, Thomas Private, Rome, August 5, 1862, Mechanic.
Whitney, LaFayette Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Cooper; discharged for
disability.
Whitney, Perry P. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer.
Wickham, Edward J. Private, Utica, July 31, 1862, Farmer ; promoted to Cor
poral, March 1, 1865.
Wickham, John H. Private, Utica, July 28, 1862, Farmer.
Williamson, William Private, Rome, August 5, 1 862, Mechanic ; never joined
company.
Wilson, Robert Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Carpenter.
1864. — All are Recruits from this forward.
Balcome, Birney H. Private, New Hartford, Febuary 17, 1864, Farmer.
Ford, Lewis Private, Floyd, Jan. 5, 1864, Laborer; deserted June 9, 1864, at
Cold Harbor.
Shorey, George W. Private, Utica, Jan. 4, 1863, Laborer.
Pratt, George W. Private, Utica, Feb. 10, 1864, Painter.
Lovell, James Private, Whitestown, Feb. 1, 1864, Farmer; killed at Petersburg,
Va. September 6, 1864.
Cook, George Private, Utica, Jan. 19, 1863, Laborer.
Kelley, Daniel Private, Utica, Dec. 28, 1863, Mechanic.
Van Vleck, John H. Private, Utica, Feb. 27, 1864, Waiter ; discharged by order
of Gen. Dix, January 25, 1865.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 239
Houston, Alexander H. Private, Utica, August 8,1863, Painter; transfered to
Company I.
Alexander, Walter W. Private, Remsen, August, 18, 1864, Laborer.
Buhanan, John Private, Marcy, August 22, 1864, Fanner.
Potter, Charles Private, Marcy, August 22, 1864, Farmer.
Wing, Milton A. Private, Marcey, August 22, 1864, Farmer.
My Ian, Burnett Private, New Hartford, August 18, 1864, Laborer.
Meas, George Private, Vernon, September 7, 1865, Farmer.
Eeed, James Private, N. Y. City, January 12, 1864, Carpenter.
Fallou, Jacob Private, Jamacia, October 12, 1865, Laborer.
McDougall, John Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Engineer.
McCue, Mathew Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Laborer.
McGuire, Charles Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Soldier.
Burhard, Joseph Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Baker.
Morrell, David B. Jr. Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Farmer.
Gallagher, James B. Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Laborer.
Mooney, Stephen Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Farmer.
Sherman, F. A. Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Clerk.
Grary, Patrick Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Laborer.
Vonproff, G. Alolph Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Jeweler.
Goslin, John Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Laborer.
King, Charles Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Soldier.
Bevine, Thomas Private, Brooklyn, March, 8, 1865, Carpenter.
Friske, August H. Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Seaman.
• Leiter, George Private, K. Co.
Hamilton, John W. Private, Auburn, March 4, 1865, Hostler.
Hill, James Private, Canadaigua, March 16, 1865, Shoe maker.
Lagra, Private, Lockport, March 21, 1865, Laborer.
Allen, Rally Private, New York, November 15, 1864, Seaman.
ROSTER OF COMPANY B.
J. PARSON STONE, Captain, appointed Aug. 20th, 1862 ; killed at Petersburg
Heights, Va., June 17th, 1864.
HARRISON PEASE, 1st Lieutenant, appointed Sept. 5th, 1862; promoted to Capt.
July 12th, 1864.
WILLIAM L. HURLBEKT, 2d Lieutenant, appointed Aug. 20th, 1862 ; promoted
240 HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V.
to 1st Lieutenant March 26th, 1863 ; promoted to Capt. and A. D. C. on Staff
of Gen. Terry. Was subsequently Brevt'd Major.
Cornelius K. Baker, 1st Sergeant, Utica, Aug. 5th, 1862, Shoemaker; promoted
to 2d Lieutenant Nov. 23d, 1862.
William E. Pease, Sergeant, Utica, July 17th, clerk; promoted to 2d Lieutenant
July 29th, 1864.
Fayette W. Olmsted, Sergeant, Camden, July 26th, clerk ; promoted to 1st Ser
geant Sept. 1st, 1864 ; promoted to 2d Lieutenant Feb. 18th, 1865.
Robert Robothom, Sergeant, Camden, Aug. 8th, Clerk.
Joseph E. Marchisi, Sergeant, Utica, Aug. 1st, Watchmaker; discharged for dis
ability June 5th, 1863.
Nathan Jeffrey, Corporal, Utica, July 30th, Farmer ; deserted at Camp .Morris
Md., Nov. 9th, 1863.
Albert W. .Parsons, Corporal, Camden, July 26th, Teacher.
Elbridge S. Foskett, Corporal, Camden, Aug. 8th, Mechanic.
John T. Jones, Corporal, Utica, July 18th, Wagon maker; promoted to Ser
geant Nov. 23d, 1862; wounded 14th of May, 1864, and Jan. 15th, 1865.
Perry B. Miller, Corporal, Camden, July 28th, Merchant; promoted to Sergeant
March 1st, 1865.
Paul Burnett, Corporal, Verona, July 22d, Glass blower.
John M. Orth, Corporal, Utica, July 21st, Tailor; transferred to I. C.
Charles K. Baker, Corporal, (Jtica, Aug. 5th, Laborer.
George L. Stevens, Musician, Camden, July 28th, Dentist ; Co. Fifer.
John F. Horning, Musician, Utica, Aug. 4th, Bar tender ; Co. Drummer.
Henry Way, Teamster, Utica, July 30th, Farmer.
Adams, Marcus M. Private, Camden, July 28th, Farmer.
Allen, Henry B. Private, Camden, July 30th, Laborer; wounded Sept. 29th, '64.
Bristol, Joseph Private, Camden, Aug. 5th, Laborer.
Barrott, Adelbert M. Private, Rome, Aug. 8th, Farmer; promoted to Corporal
Jan. 5th, 1863.
Bortle, Edward C. Private, Verona, Aug. 4th, Carpenter.
Ballou, Charles H. Private, Utica, Aug. 6th, Clerk ; promoted to 2d Lieutenant
in 39th N. Y. Vols., Jan. 7th, 1864.
Bushnell, James B. Private, Utica, July 28th, Mechanic ; died of wounds receiv
ed at Fort Gilmore, Va., Oct. 14th, 1864.
Babcock, Duane P. Private, Utica, July 30th, Carpenter; discharged for disabili
ty, July 4th, 1863.
Bernet, Abner Private, Verona, July.26th, Glass blower; wounded at Ft. Fisher,
N. C., Jan. 15th, 1865 ; died Jan. 26th, 1865.
Buck, Michael Private, Verona, July 22d, Glass blower.
Beebe, Jacob Private, Camden, July 28th, Farmer ; died Nov0 2d, Folly Island,
of Typhoid Fever.
Cross, Albert Private, Verona, July 31st, Farmer ; died in hospital, Sept. 1864.
Cobb, Frederick Private, Camden, Aug. 1st, Farmer.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 241
Craig, James Private, Camden, Aug. 9th, Farmer.
Clark, Chauncy B. Private, Verona, Aug. 8th, Fanner; killed, Sept. 29th, 1864,
at Fort Gilmore, Va.
Dexter, John Private, Camden, July 29th, Laborer.
Divine, Herbert Private, Utica, July 31st, Peddler.
Dunton, Daniel D. Private, Camden, Aug. 5th, Farmer.
Dolan, John Private, Utica, Aug. 2d, Laborer; wounded severely, D. B. May
16th, 1864.
Fenton, William H. Private, Camden, July 30th, Tinsmith ; died from physical
exhaustion on Peninsula raid, Camp Raskins, Va., July 14th, 1865.
Foster, George W. Private, Verona, Aug. 4th, Fanner; wounded May 16th, at
Drury's Bluff, Va.
Goodrich, H. L. Private, Camden, Aug. 6th, Farmer ; discharged for disability,
March 14th, 1864.
Glazier, John G. Private, Verona, Aug. 8th, Tinsmith ; promoted to Corporal
Nov. 23d, 1862, Sergeant, June 5th, 1863, 1st Sergeant, July 18th, 1863, to 2d
Lieutenant Aug. 22d, 1864.
Hunt, George T. Private, Verona, Aug. 2d, Carpenter ; promoted to Corporal,
July 1st, 1864,
Hess, George Private, Verona, July 31st, Blacksmith.
Hawley, John F. Private, Verona, Aug. 5th, Laborer.
Harrington, Irving M. Private, Camden, Aug. 8th, 1862, Mechanic; promoted to
Corporal Jan. 5th, 1863, wounded at Deep Bottom Sept. 29th, 1864.
Humphrey, John Private, Utica, July 22d, 1862, Surveyor.
Humphrey, Richard Private, Utica, July 24th, 41 862, Farmer ; wounded at Fort
Fisher Jan. 15th, 1865.
Kurrskron, Henry Private, Verona, Aug. 8th, 1862, Cooper.
Knowles, Wm* C. Private, Verona, Aug. 2d, 1862, Locksmith.
King, Jay L. Private, Verona, July 22d, 1862, Farmer.
Lilly, James D. Private, Verona, July 31st, 1862, Glass cutter.
Lower, Wm. C. Private, Verona, Aug. 8th, 1862, Shoemaker; promoted to Cor
poral March 1st, 1863, died of fever, June 22d, 1863.
Longworthy, R, S. Private, Utica, July 30th, 1862, Farmer; wounded severely,
May 16th, 1864.
Lawton, Monroe Private, Utica, July 22d, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal,
Dec. 25th, 1863, was a prisoner from Sept. 2Jth, 1864, to March 16th, 1865.
Lilly, Hertuir Private, Utica, July 22d, 1862, Glass blower ; wounded at Deep
Bottom, Sept. 29th, 1864.
Lathrop, Geo. W. Private, Verona, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; discharged for dis
ability, Jan. 13th, 1863.
Mayby, Edmond R. Private, Camden, July 30th, 1861, Farmer.
McGinnis, Michael Private, Utica, July 17th, 1862, Laborer; discharged for dis
ability, June 22d, 1863.
Muller, Francis Private, Vienna, Aug. 7th, 1862, Glass blower.
McEntire, Bruce L. Private, Camden, Aug. 8th, 1862, Moulder; severely wound
ed, D. B. May 16th, 1864.
242 HISTORY OP THE 11TTH R. N. Y. V.
Morse, Orson Private, Camden, Aug. 9th, 1 862, Farmer ; discharged for disability,
March 14th, 1863.
Mason, Charles Private, Utica, July 21st, 1862, Laborer.
Norton, Nelson Private, Verona, Aug. 7th, 1862, Butcher; transferred to I. C.,
Aug. 24th, 1864.
Percival, Geo. C. Private, Florence, July 31st, 1862, Farmer; wounded.
Parmellee, Wm. H. Private, Verona, Aug. 4th, 1862, Carpenter; wounded
severely, Sept. 29th, 1864.
Putney, Simeon F. Private, Verona, Aug. 5th, 1862, Glass blower; wounded
May 16th, 1864, Sept. 29th, 1864.
Pollard, George E. Private, Utica, Aug. 5th, 1862, Clerk,
Phalan, Patrick Private, Camden, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; wounded severely
front of Richmond.
Patterson, John Private, Utica, July 19th, 1862, Hatter.
Potter, Vernon J. Private, Utica, July 21st, 1862, Bookseller; discharged by
S. C. W. D., July 7th, 1863.
Peck, Reuben U. Private, Camden, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer; missing since June
3d, 1864.
Quance, Gilbert J. Private, Camden, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer.
Rachner, Frederick Private, Verona, Aug. 4th, 1862, Laborer; killed inaction
June 30th, 1864, Petersburg, Va.
Read, Alonzo J. Private, Verona, Aug. 8th, 1862, Painter; discharged Feb.
24th, 1863.
Simons, Theo. B. Private, Camden, July 29th, 1862, Farmer; wounded at the
Heights of Petersburg.
Sperry, Wm. F. Private, Camden, July 28th, 1862, Mechanic.
Starkweather, Chauncy W. Private, Camden, Aug. 2d, 1862, Cigar maker; trans-
fered to I. C., Sept. 18th, 1863.
Spencer, Geo. W. Private, Vienna, Aug. 5th, 1862, Farmer ; transfered to "H"
Company.
Samson, Crosman Private, Camden, Aug. 8th, 1 862, Farmer ; promoted to Cor
poral, wounded Oct. 27th, 1864.
Selly, George Private, Rome, July 22d, 1862, Merchant; wounded severely at
Fort Fisher, lost left arm.
Sherman, Chas. Private, Utica, July 17th, 1862, Gardener; returned to duty
Feb. 2d, 1865.
Skinner, Robert B? Private, Camden, Aug. 18th, 1862, Farmer; died Oct. 26th,
1862, Folly Island, S. C.
Skinner, John N. Private, Camden, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer ; wounded May 16th
at Drury's Bluff; on Petersburg line and at Chapin's Farm Sept. 29th.
Schlernitzaur, Peter Private, Verona, July 22d, 1862, Farmer; died of disease,
Oct. 23d, 1864.
Sibel, Adam Private, Vienna, Aug. 5th, 1862, Farmer.
Smith, Wm. T. Private, Verona, Aug. 12th, 1862, Laborer; died July 12th, 1864,
Hampton Hospital, Va.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 243
Spencer, Andrew W. Private, Vienna, Aug. 5th, 1862, Mechanic ; transfered to
"H" Company.
Waldron, Joseph Private, Camden, Aug. 2d, 1862, Laborer.
Willis, W. Bradford Private, Camden, Aug. 6th, 1862, Mechanic; taken prison
er at Bermuda front, died in prison.
West, Franklin Private, Verona, Aug. 10th, 1862, Laborer; transfered to V. R.
C., March 1st, 1864.
West, Francis K. Private, Verona, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor
poral.
West, Joseph Private, Verona, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal.
Williams, John E. Private, Camden, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; discharged at
organization of Eegiment.
Worden, Beriah J. Private, Camden, Aug. 8th, 1862, Mechanic; promoted to
Corporal Jan. 5th, 1863, to Sergeant.
Wood, DewittF. Private, Camden, Aug. 8th, 1862, Mechanic; promoted to Cor
poral Sept. 22d, 1863, to Sergeant.
Williams, Everet E. Private, Utica, July 22d, 1862, Farmer ; killed at Drury's
Bluff, May 15th, 1864.
Wentworth, Robert H. Private, Verona, July 22d, 1862, Glass blower ; killed in
action, Sept. 29th, 1864, Deep Bottom.
Snyder, William Private, Verona, Aug. 2d, 1862, Glass blower.
Marchisi, Henry Utica, Aug. 2d, 1862, Druggist; Hospital Steward.
Adams, Earl Private, Camden, Aug. 6th, 1862, Painter; killed front of Peters
burg.
Jeffers, H. D. Private, Camden, Aug. 5th, 1862, Farmer.
1§64. — All from this forward are Recruits.
Cole, William H. Private, Utica, March 9th, 1 864, Farmer.
Burdock, Moses Private, Utica, Jan. 13th, 1864, Baker; lost thumb in May, 1864.
Kellog, Martin Private, Utica, Feb. 15th, 1864, Farmer.
McKeaver, Michael Private, Ltica, Nov. 23d, 1864, Farmer; killed in action,
May 16th, 1864, Drury's Bluff, Va.
Mansfield, David Private, Utica, Jan. 28th, 1864, Boatman; died of wounds re
ceived at Fort Fisher, N. C., Feb. llth, 1865.
Pease, Thomas J. Private, Utica, Dec. 23d, 1863, Wagon maker; died of wounds
received Oct. 27th, 1864.
Pickens, George W. Private, Utica, 3d, 1864, Millwright.
Reed, Nathan Private, Utica, Feb. 22d, 1864, Farmer.
Saunders, Henry Private, Utica, Feb. 15th, 1864, Farmer; died of disease, Sept.
29th, 1864.
Tray, Frank Private, Utica, Dec. 28th, 1 863, Farmer ; taken prisoner at Bermuda
front, died in prison.
Tyler, Ashbell V. Private, Utica, Feb. 29th, 1864, Farmer; wounded at Fort
Fisher, Jan. 15th, 1865.
Wheeler, Chars. E. Private, Utica, Feb. 3d, 1864, Laborer. '
Bolan, Michael Private, Utica, March 24th, 1864, Boatman.
244 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
Jeffers, Michael Private, Utica, March 22d, 1864, Laborer.
Thompson, Orin F. Private, Utica, March 21st, 1864, Boatman.
Mathias, Frederick Private, Utica, Feb. 24th, 1864, Laborer.
Kaufman, Augustus Private, Utica, Jan. 9th, 1864, Brewer.
Petre, Nicholas Private, Rome, Jan. 9th, 1864, Carpenter.
German, Nicholas Private, Iloyd, Jan. 17th, 1864, Farmer.
McDonald, Wm. Private, Steuben, Aug. 10th, 1864, Clerk; wounded Oct. 27th,
1864.
Richard?, Hugh C. Private, Trenton, Aug. 24th, 1864, Farmer.
Carl, Peter Private, Tarrytown, Feb. 5th, 1865, Carman.
Finerty, Joseph Private, Tarrytown, Feb. 5th, 1865, Carman.
Rogers, John Private, Tarrytown, Feb. 7th, 1865, Carman.
Watson, Frank Private, Brooklyn, March 8th, 1865, Seaman.
Sichler, Charles Private, Brooklyn, March 8th, 1865, Harness maker.
Gowse, William Private, Brooklyn, March 8th, 1865, Harness maker.
Marley, Morris Private, N. Y. City, March 8th, 1865, Cooper.
Artolof, Philip Private, N. Y. City, March 8th, 1865, Shoemaker.
Buck, Harvey T. Private, Goshen, March 8th, 1865, Shoemaker.
Hug, Antoine Private, Goshen, March 8th, 1865, Laborer.
Gruther, Ernest Private, Goshen, March 8th, 1865, Weaver.
Fitzer, Jacob Private, Goshen, March 8th, 1865, Guilder.
Mulligan, Dennis Private, Goshen, March 8th, 1865, Laborer.
Regan, Patrick Private, Goshen, March 8th, 1865, Laborer.
Drumond, Eugene Private, Schenectady, March 6th, 1865, Moulder.
Smith, Charles A. Private, Schenectady, March 6th, 1865, Carpenter.
Gould, Charles Private, Schenectady, March 7th, 1865, Farmer.
McCormick, Wm. Private, Schenectady, March 7th, 1865, Laborer.
Elkins, Harvey S. Private, Schenectady, March 8th, 1865, Minor.
Farley, James Private, Rochester, March 22d, 1865, Laborer.
Hughes, John Private, Auburn, March 10th, 1865, Boatman.
Hartley, William Private, Syracuse, March 17th, 1865, Laborer.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 245
ROSTER OF COMPANY C.
FRANCIS X. MYERS, Captain, appointed Aug. llth, 1862; promoted to Major,
May 1st, 1864; promoted to Lieut. Colonel, Aug. 23d, 1864; breveted Col.
for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Fort Fisher, on which occa
sion he was severely wounded. The last promotion dates from March 3d, '65.
JOHN F. KERRIGAK, 1st Lieutenant, appointed Aug. llth, 1862 ; promoted to
Captain, Dec. 26th, 1863 ; discharged while in Department of Va. and N. C.,
on account of ill health.
FRANK H. LAY, 2d Lieutenant, appointed Aug. llth, 1862; promoted to 1st
Lieutenant, Nov. 24th, 1862; promoted to Captain, Feb. 17th, 1865.
William Appleton, 1st Sergeant, Utica, July 21st, 1862, Mason ; promoted to 2d
Lieutenant May 21st, 1864 ; wounded May 16th, 1864.
Philip Ludwick, Sergeant, Utica, July 21st, 1862, Cigar maker.
Samuel B. Bancroft, Sergeant, Utica, July 15th, 1862, Jeweller; reduced to ranks
Aug. 13th, 1863.
Isidu Meyer, Sergeant, Utica, July 28th, 1 862, Coach maker ; discharged May
9th, 1863, for physical disability.
Dewitt Kling, Sergeant, Utica, July 15th, 1862, Harness maker; promoted to 2d
Lieutenant, May llth, 1865.
Albert B. Young, Corporal, Utica, Aug. 2d, 1862, Shoemaker; killed in action,
Fort Fisher, N. C., Jan. 15th, 1865.
Thomas O'Donohue, Corporal, Utica, July 24th, 1862 ; promoted to Sergeant,
Sept. 8th, 1863, died of diarrhoea, Oct. 5th, 1863.
Frank B. Cole, Corporal, Utica, July 16th, 1862, Shoemaker; promoted to Ser
geant, Nov. 1st, 1.864, reduced to ranks, July 1st, 1864.
Thomas Stafford, Corporal, Utica, Aug. 7th, 1862, Tailor.
George B. Merril, Corporal, Utica, July 28th, 1862, Clerk.
T. H. Stewart, Corporal, Rome, Aug. 7th, «*862, Brick maker; transfered to V-
R. C., Oct. 19th, 1863.
Wm. H. H. Lindsley, Corporal, Rome, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to
Sergeant, March 1st, 1865.
John Griffith, Corporal, Utica, July 23d, 1852, Tinsmith.
Wm. Hall, Musician, Utica, Aug. 4th, 1862, Waiter.
Cyrus Shall, Teamster, Utica, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; wounded on Darbytown
Road, Oct. 27th, 1864.
C. S. Benton, Private, Utica, July 21st, 1862, Painter.
Armstrong, Sidney Private, Utica, July 25th, 1862, Farmer.
246 HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V.
Ashley, George Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer.
Burrell, Joseph Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer.
Brown, Andrew C. Private, Utica, Aug. 2d, 1862, Farmer.
Cornell, Antone Private, Utica, July 24th, 1862, Sailor.
Crocker, Horace E. Private, Utica, July 19th, 1862, Marble cutter.
Case, George Private, Utica, Aug. 5th, 1862, Carpenter.
Crocker, Lewis G. Private, Home, Aug. 13th, 1862, Marble cutter.
Colley, Wm. H. Private, Utica, July 23d, 1862, Mason ; discharged March, 1862.
Colledge, David Private, Utica, July 25th, 1862, Farmer ; discharged.
Corbett, Adolphus Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 6th, 1862, Moulder; discharged
for disability, March 2d, 1863.
Croshan, John B. Private, Rome, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; transfered to V. R.
C., Oct. 19th, 1863, wounded Sept. 29th, 1864, Fort Gilmer, Va.
Croshan, Daniel B. Private, Rome, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer.
Conlin, John Private, Hampton, July 31st, 1862, Farmer.
Corkwell, William Private, Utica, July 30th, 1862, Farmer; missing in action,
Oct. 27th, 1864.
Carver, Levi J. Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; promoted' to Corporal,
Oct. 22d, 1863, to Sergeant, July 1st, 1864, promoted to 2d Lieutenant, Dec.
2d, 1864.
Foster, Jesse C. Private, Utica, Aug. 4th, 1862, Cooper; promoted to Corporal,
Aug. 13th, 1863, wounded Sept. 29th, Fort Gilmer, Va.
Fox, John Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 6th, 1862, Moulder.
Fox, Madison Private, Utica, July 25th, 1862, Tinsmith.
Foote, John B. Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal,
March 1st, 1865.
Foster, Edward Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Butcher.
Griffith, Richard C. Private, Bridgewater, July 24th, 1863, Farmer; wounded
Sept. 29th, 1864, Fort Gilmer.
Graves, Frederick A. Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer.
Gibbs, Myron Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Bookbinder.
Hodges, Henry A. Private, Utica, July 31st, 1862, Farmer; wounded Sept. 29th,
Fort Gilmer, Va.
Hitchcock, Edward E. Private, Utica, July 26th, 1862, Farmer; killed in action
at Fort Gilmer, Va., Sept. 29th, 1864.
Hutchinson, Alex Private, Rome, Aug. 7th, 1862, Cigar maker.
Herbags, William E. Private, Utici? Aug. 7th, 1862, Butcher; killed at Fort
Fisher, N. C., Jan. 15th, 1865.
Hartie, Nicholas R. Private, Rome, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer.
Hiller, William F. Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor
poral, Nov. 28th, 1862, to Sergeant, May 21st, 1864.
James, Morris Private, Utica, Aug. 4th, 1862, Shoemaker.
Jones, Thelwin Private, Utica, July 15th, 1862, Painter; promoted to Corporal.
July 1st, 1864, wounded, Sept. 29th, Fort Gilmer, Va.
Jones, Jeremiah C. Private, Utica, Aug. 6th, 1862; taken prisoner July 1864,
died in prison.
HISTORY OP THE H7TH B. N. Y. V. 247
Lane, Peter Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 4th, 1862, Fireman ; promoted to Cor
poral, Dec. 20th, 1862, to Sergeant, Aug. 13th, 1863, to 1st Sergeant, May
21st, 1864*
Lighthall, Peter Private, Utica, July 15th, 1862, Clerk; promoted to Corporal,
Aug. 29th, 1862, to Sergeant, Feb. 13th, 1863.
Moon, Peter Private, Bridgewater, July 24th, 1862, Laborer; discharged for
physical disability, May 1st, 1863.
Miller, Ira E. Private, Utica, Aug. 4th, 1862, Carpenter; killed in action, Oct.
27th, 1864.
Miller, George H. Private, Bridgewater, July 29th, 1862, Bookbinder.
Merrill, Lewis Private, Utica, July 23d, 1862, Farmer; died of diarrhoea, Oct.
13th, 1863.
Merrill, Alfred E. Private, Utica, Aug. 1st, 1862, Moulder; promoted to Cor
poral, March 1st, 1865, wounded at Petersburg, July, 1864.
Millar, Christopher Private, Utica, July 23d, 1862, Farmer; died of diarrhoea,
Nov. 2d, 1863.
Millar, William Private, Bridgewater, July 29th, 1862, Farmer; died from
wounds received at Fort Fisher.
Median, Aldert J. Private, Utica, July 31st, 1862, Tinsmith ; transfered to Sig
nal Corps, July 18th, 1863.
Morris, Fichael Private, Utica, July 23d, 1862, Laborer ; discharged for disabili
ty, July 12th, 1863.
Metcalf, Francis M. Private, Utica, Aug. 2d, 1862, Tinsmith ; transfered to Sig
nal Corps, July 18th, 1863.
McElwaine, Edward Private, Utica, July 22d, 1862, Clerk; captured Aug. 17th,
exchanged — discharged June 23d.
Norton, James Private, Utica, July 28th, 1862, Shoemaker ; promoted to Corporal
June 1st, 1864.
Owens, Lewis A. Private, Utica, July 19th, 1862, Teacher; transfered to V. E.
C., Oct. 2d, 1863.
Philips, Philip Private, Utica, July 31st, 1862, Clerk; missing in action, Sept.
29th, 1864.
Pagh, David J. Private, Utica, July 31st, 1862, Clerk.
Petch, Joseph Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 7th, 1862, Tailor.
Kollins, Edward Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 6th, 1862, Carriage maker ; dis
charged for disability, Feb. 5th, 1863.
Euddock, Wm. Private, Utica, Aug. 4th, 1862, Moulder; promoted to Corporal,
Aug. 13th, 1863, wounded at Darbeytown Eoad, Oct. 27th, 1864.
Euddock, Hiram V. Private, Utica, Aug. 4th, 1862, Moulder.
Eehrig, Gasper Private, Utica, Jmly 15th, 1862, Shoemaker; taken prisoner,
Aug. 25th, 1864.
Stone, James S. Private, Utica, July 28th, 1862, Shoemaker.
Snyder, John Private, Utica, Aug. 2d, 1862, Laborer.
Seely, Benj. F. Private, Utica, Aug. 2d, 1862, Farmer.
Sanford, Wm. Private, Utica, Aug. 5th, 1862, Confectioner.
248 HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. T. V.
Seely, Lafayette Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 6th, 1862, Furnaceman.
Seaman, Warren W. Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 6th, 1 862, Moulder ; trans-
fered to V. R. C., Oct. 19th, 1863.
Stuber, Benny Private, Utica, July 19th, 1862, Cigar maker.
Sears, Christopher C. Private, Utica, July 31st, 1862, Clerk.
Shaw, Henry W. Private, Kome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer; discharged for dis
ability, March llth, 1863.
Stephenson, Joseph Private, Utica, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer.
Tyler, James Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 6th, 1862, Furnaceman ; discharged
for disability, Oct. 8th, 1863.
Tyler, Frances E. Private, Utica, July 31st, 1862, Cooper ; died of diarrhoea,
Oct. 12th, 1863.
Tyler, Nathaniel Private, Utica, Aug. 1st, 1862, Moulder; discharged for disa
bility, Feb. llth, 1863.
Talcott, Delas 0. Private, Utica, Julyil7th, 1862, Printer; promoted to Corporal
March 1st, 1864.
Whitehead, John S. Private, Utica, July 23d, 1862, Butcher; discharged for dis
ability, Nov. 20th, 1862.
Wilson, Aex. Private, Utica, July 24th, 1862, Painter; transferred to V. R. C.,
Oct. 19th, 1863.
Wishort, Henry M. Private, Utica, July 31st, 1863, Farmer.
Whetmore, A. S. Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; discharged
for disability, Jan. 13th, 1863.
Wallace, Isaac Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 6th, 1862, Moulder.
Williams, John W. Private, Bridgewater, July 31st, 1862, Shoemaker; discharg
ed for disability, Aug. 17th, 1863.
Williams, William H. Private, Utica, July 16th, 1862, Printer.
Wishart, Thomas Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer; died of brain
fever, Aug. 16th, 1864.
Whiffen, James T. Private, Utica, Aug. 4th, 1862, Cigar maker; missing in ac
tion, Oct. 27th, 1864.
West, Daniel A. Private, Utica, July 29th, 1862, Gardener.
Young, Charles Private, Utica, Aug. 2d, 1862, Farmer; died offerer, July
12th, 1863.
Fairbanks, John H. Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Cordwainer; transferred
"K" Co.
1864. — Recruits from this forward.
Fieday, Martin Private, Utica, Feb. 10th, 1864, Cigar maker.
Murvin, Richard Private, Utica, Dec. 25th, 1863, Cigar maker.
Pfahls, Christian Private, Utica, Feb. 22d, 1864, Carpenter; wounded Darbey-
town Road, Oct. 27th.
Sabine, Alfred Private, Utica, Feb. 27th, 1864, Tailor; killed at Fort Fisher, N.
C., Jan. 15th, 1865.
Carr, Joseph Private, Utica, Feb. 29th, 1864, Barber.
Casselman, Allen F. Private, Utica, Jan. 2d, 1864, Blacksmith.
I
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 249
Kent, Philip J. Private, Utica, Jan. 27th, 1864, Butcher.
Boyd, Lewis A. Private, Utica, Feb. 4th, 1864, Cigar maker; wounded at explo
sion of mine before Petersburg, July 30th, 1864.
Bateman, Marcus Private, Utica, Jan. 5th, 1864, Shoemaker.
Douglas, John Private, Utica, Feb. 20th, 1864, R. R. man.
Edsell, Charles Private, Sangerfield, Feb. 9th, 1864, Shoemaker.
Hunt, George W. Private, Utica, Feb. 9th, 1864, Cigar maker; killed at Fort
Fisher, N. C., Jan. 15th, 1865.
Hurlbert, Joseph B. Private, Utica, Jan. llth, 1864, Painter; taken prisoner at
Bermuda Hundred, Aug. 25th, 1864.
Joice, Thomas Private, Rome, Feb. 27th, 1864, Farmer; deserted, June 4th, '64.
Murley, James Private, Utica, Feb. 23d, 1864, Painter.
Malone, George Private, Westmoreland, Feb. 13th, 1864, Farmer; died of typhoid
fever, June 30th, 1864.
McMahon, Thomas Private, Utica, Feb. 20th, 1864, Shoemaker.
Owen, George H. Private, Utica, Feb. llth, 1864, Carpenter.
O'Brien, John Private, Utica, Feb. 9th, 1864, Cigar maker; promoted to Cor
poral, March 1st, 1865.
Murphy, John Private, Utica, Jan. 5th, 1864, Farmer.
Morrin, Richard Private, Utica, Dec. 25th, 1863, Cigar maker.
Dell, Charles H. Private, Utica, Dec. 22d, 1863, Farmer; deserted, June 4th, '64.
Briggs, Charles Private, Utica, Dec. 15th, 1863, Carpenter; missing in action,
Oct. 27th, 1864 ; died in rebel prison, Florence, N. C.
Treen, John Private, Utica, Dec. 19th, 1863, Horseman.
Gassin, James K. Private, Marcy, Dec. 22d, 1863, Farmer; wounded at Fort
Fisher, Jan. 15th, 1865.
Johnson, John Private, Trenton, Aug. 29th, 1863, Farmer.
Mullins, Francis Private, Schenectady, March 8th, 1865, Laborer.
Green, Nelson Private, Schenectady, March 8th, 1865, Farmer.
Reynolds, Geo. T. Private, Schenectady, March 8th, 1865, Laborer.
Ross, Edward Private, Schenectady, March 8th, 1865, Farmer.
Ford, Albert Private, Schenectady, March 9th, 1865, Laborer.
Wilson, Frank Private, Schenectady, March 9th, 1865, Cooper.
Buckhard, Henry Private, Schenectady, March 9th, 1865, Laborer.
Kermle, Joseph Private, Watertown, March 1st, 1865, Waiter. .
Garby, John Private, Watertown, March 3d, 1865, Laborer.
Kieoman, James Private, N. Y. City, March 24th, 1865, Butcher.
Sedden, Henry Private, Schenectady, March 8th, 1865, Farmer.
Lawyer, Charles Private, Schenectady, March 8th, 1865, Farmer.
Hopkins, Aaron Private, Lockport, Feb. 28th, 1865, Cartman.
Jay res, Pembroke S. Private, Lockport, Feb. 28th, 1865, Teamster.
250 HISTORY OP THE 117TH E. N. Y. V.
ROSTER OF COMPANY D.
JOHN M. WALCOTT, Captain ; appointed Aug. 12, 1862 ; transfered to V. R. C.
Nov. 20, 1863, becoming Captain Company G, 10th R. Inv. Corps, died at
Fort Schuyler, March 15, 1864.
EDWIN RISLEY, 1st Lieutenant; appointed Aug. 12, 1862 ; discharged May 21,
1863.
DAVID B. MAGILL, 2d Lieutenant ; appointed Aug. 12, 1862 ; promoted to 1st
Lieutenant, Sept. 1, 1863 ; promoted to Captain, July 12, 1864. In the assault
of Fort Fisher, received a wound which involved the loss of one leg. For
gallant and meritorious service in that memorable battle he was Breveted
Major, the new commission dating from January 5, 1865.
W. C. Casselman, 1st Sergt., Rome, Aug. 1, 1862, Soldier; promoted to 2d Lieut.
March 16, 1864.
Wm. J. Evans, Sergt. Utica, July 24, 1862, Spinner; promoted to 1st Sergeant
March 16, 1864, reduced to Sergeant February 1, 1865.
James P. Rowell, Sergt., Sangersfield, July 29, 1862, Farmer; discharged for
disability, February 4, 1863.
Robert Bryan, Sergt., Kirkland, August 7, 1862, Bookkeeper ; promoted to Sergt.
Major, October 11, 1863.
Newton F. Church, Sergt., Vienna, August 4, 1862, Farmer; died of measles,
June 1, 1863.
Geo. B. Fairhead, Corporal, New Hartford, July 27, 1862, Teacher; promoted
to Sergeant, October 15, 1862, commissioned 2d Lieutenant April 20, 1865,
promoted to Sergent Major, January 1, 1865.
Herman Clooke, Corporal, Sangersford, August 8, 1862, Clerk; promoted to
Sergeant May 1, 1863, promoted to 1st Sergeant February 1, 1865, promoted
to 2nd Lieutenant March 30, 1865.
James Morrison, Corporal, Utica, July 14, 1862, Plumber; discharged February
9, 1865, on account of wounds received September 29, 1864.
Wm. McNab, Whitestown, July 28, 1862, Bleacher; promoted to Sergeant Nov.
1, 1864.
George B. Day, Corporal, Sangerfield, August 8, 1862, Clerk; discharged by
order of Secretary of War, March 27, 1864.
Clark, Annis Corporal, Utica, July 28, 1862, Farmer ; died of disease February,
1865.
James Hinchliffe, Corporal, Whitestown, July 31, 1862, Butcher; discharged for
disability, February 4, 1863.
W. H. H. Balis, Corporal, Whitestown, August 4, 1862, Marble cutter; killed in
action, June 15, near Petersburg, Va.
R. Brigham, Musician, Utica, July 28, 1862, Cooper ; discharged for disability,
February 4, 1863.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 251
John E. Sawyer, Musician, Utica, August 7, 1862, Farmer; K.
S. D. Brown, Teamster, Sangerfield, August 9, 1862, Harness maker; B.
Ames, Wm. L. Private, Stuben, August 12, 1862, Farmer; discharged, per S.
O. No. 93, A. G. O. March 21, 1864.
Allen, Samuel Private, New Hartford, August 7, 1862, Spinner; B.
Andas, John T. Private, Vienna, August 12, 1862, Farmer; B. promoted to
Corporal March 1, 1865.
Cassily, J. F. Private, Utica, July 14, 1862, Butcher; B.
Michael, William Private, Utica, July 14, 1862, Machinist; B. promoted to
Corporal, March 1, 1865.
Johnson, William Private, Utica, July 17, 1862, Boatman; discharged from
hospital.
Tables, Edwin E. Private, Utica, July 21, 1862, Machinist ; taken prisoner, Aug.
25, 1865, near Bermuda Hundred, Va., died at Salisbury, N. C.
Woolner Theodore Private, Utica, July 21, 1862, Shoemaker; returned from
Hospital after Begiment.
Glennin, Dennis Private, Utica, August 21, 1862, Farmer; discharged from
hospital. •
Goeble, Charles Private, Utica, July 21, 1862, Upholsterer ; discharged from hos
pital.
Mullen, Lawrence Private, Utica, July 22, 1862, Laborer.
McMahen, Patrick Private Utica, July 22, 1862, Cabinet maker.
Oneil, John C. Private, Utica, July 22, 1862, Coppersmith; discharged Decem
ber 23, 1862.
Smith, Henry S. Private, Utica, July 22, 1 862, Farmer ; discharged per S. O.
No. 122, May 21, 1864.
Judd, James H. Private, Utica, July 22, 1 862, Boatman ; discharged for disability
November 10, 1862.
Kale, Thomas Private, Utica, July 23, 1862, Farmer.
Phelps, Frank Private, Sangersfield, Utica, July 23, Painter.
Houies, Peter Private, Utica, July 23, 1862, Cooper; deserted Sept. 12, 1862.
Sayles, Daniel Private, Utica, July 23, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal,
February 1, 1865.
Williams, James S. Private, Utica, July 23, 1862, Laborer.
Jones, Evan Private, Utica, July 28, 1862, Farmer; discharged for disability,
December 23, 1863, reenlisted August 17, 1864.
Jones, Bowland E. Private, Sangersfield, July 28, 1862, Farmer; deserted Feb.
8, 1863, while home on furlough.
Powers, Sylvester Private, Utica, July 28, 1862, Carder; taken prisoner Sept.
29, 1864, returned to and with Begiment.
Bowell, Henry S. Private, Sangersfield, July 28, 1862, Farmer; B.
Bo well, Andrew T. Private, Sangersfield, July 28, 1862, Mechanic ; promoted to
Corporal October 15, 1862 ; to Sergeant May 18, 1863 ; killed in action Oct.
27, 1864.
Shipman, Samuel Private, Sangersfield, July 28, 1862, Carpenter; B.
Brant, William Private, Utica, July 29, 1862, Farmer.
252 HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V.
Jones, John H. Private, Sangersfield, July 29, 1862, Farmer.
Brayton, Milton Private, Western, July 30, 1862, Student; promoted to Scrgt,
Major August, 1862.
Curie, William Private, Utica, July 31, 1862, Mill operator; discharged No v
18, 1862.
Jones, Thomas R. Private, Utica, July 31, 1862, Laborer ; died of wounds re
ceived at Drury's Bluff.
Giles, Thomas Private, Sangersfield, July 31, 1862, Laborer; discharged Dec.
22, 1862.
Carry, Michael Private, Sangersfield, August 5, 1 862, Farmer.
Juman, Samuel B. Private, Utica, August 5, 1862, Painter; promoted to Corp.
Feb., 1863, to Sergt. June, 1863, died at home, March, 1865, while on (sick)
furlough.
McNab, Charles D. Private, Whitestown, August 4, 1862, Bleacher; died of
wounds, June 6, 1864.
Russell, George 11. Private, Sangersfield, August 6, 1862, Farmer ; taken prisoner
August 25, 1864, died in Salisbury prison.
Baldwin, Henry Private, Sangersfield, August 6, 1862, Shoemaker; promoted to
Corporal, April, 1865.
Deerflinger, George Private, Sangersfield, August 6, 1862, Shoemaker.
Kelley, William Private, Sangersfield, August 6, 1862, Moulder.
Lloyd, Robert Private, Whitestown, August 6, 1862, Cotton spinner; died of
wounds, June 21, 1864.
Marcy, John Private, Utica, August 6, 1862, Horse Jockey.
Pardee, H. E. B. Private, Utica, August 6, 1862, Mechanic; wounded at Drury's
Bluff, May 16, 1864, discharged by reason of disability.
Sinclair, Henry Private, Whitestown, August 6, 1862, Bleacher; promoted to
Corporal, March, 1863, discharged March 1, 1865.
Williams, Edward D. Private, Whitestown, August 6, 1862, Farmer; promoted to
Corporal, June 29, 1864, died of wounds received at Fort Fisher, Jan. 30/65.
Blodgett, Chas. B. Private, Whitestown, Aug. 7th, 1862, Tinsmith; transferred
to V. R. C., July, 1863.
Crumb, Percival Private, Kirkland, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; discharged April
• 15th, 1864.
Fairhead, John S. Private, New Hartford, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to
principal musician, Aug. 1862.
Hall, Alfred F. Private, Whitestown, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; transferred to V.
R. Corps.
Johnson, Robert Private, Whitestown, Aug. 7th, 1862, Baker.
Lucas, Orin C. Private, Kirkland, Aug. 7th, 1862, Student; died June, 1863.
Roger, Hamilton Private, Whitestown, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; died from phys
ical exhaustion, July 18th, 1863.
Sharp, Stephen Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer.
Vasburgh, Jas. N. Private, Kirkland, Aug. 7th, 1862, Mechanic; discharged.
Brow», Elias A. Private, Saugersfield, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; died of diar
rhoea. Oct. 16th, 1864.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 253
Carpenter, Wm. H. Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 8th, 1862, Tailor.
Dunham, Geo. M. Private, Vienna, Aug. 8th, 1862, Boatman; discharged from
hospital.
Dunham, John H. Private, Vienna, Aug. 8th, 1862, Boatman ; died of wounds
Nov. 17th, 1864.
Griner, Edward Private, Verona, Aug. 8th, 1862, Glass blower; killed at Fort
Fisher, N. C., Jan. 16th, 1865.
Jones, Richard Private, Vienna, Aug. 8th, 1862, Blacksmith.
Hunger, C. A. Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 8th, 1862, Clerk ; discharged May,
1863.
Burdick, P. Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer; died of diarrhoea
Sept. 5th, 1864.
Beebee, Albert Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; discharged from
hospital.
Childs, Andrew F. Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 9th, 1862, Harness maker.
Dunham, Orlando Private, Vienna, Aug. 9th, 1862, Boatman ; promoted to Cor
poral, Jan. 16th, 1865; discharged.
Garlic, Theodore J. Private, Vienna, Aug. 9th, 1862, Teacher.
Jordan, William Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to
Corporal ; discharged from hospital.
Philbrick, Revillo Private, Vienna, Aug. 9th, 1862, Mechanic ; died of wounds,
June 27th, 1864.
Spencer, Ira Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer.
Vibbard, C. W. Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; wounded, June
15th, 1864; discharged.
Wample, Francis Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer ; discharged
from hospital.
Wells, Artelus M. Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 9th, 1861, Farmer; transferred to
V. R. Corps.
Jones, Owen R. Private, Whitestown, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer.
Finch, James Private, New Hartford, Aug. llth, 1862, Carpenter.
Cogswell, Orin W. Private, Western, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to
Corporal, March, 1st, 1863 ; died of fever, Sept. 9th, 1863.
Fellows, Chas. H. Private, Vienna, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; discharged, Nov.
10th, 1862.
French, John H. Private, Western, *Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; transferred to V.
R. Corps.
Hill, Oscar F. Private, Western, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer.
Miller, Daniel Private, Vienna, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; discharged from hos
pital.
Fogus, William B. Private, Kirkland, Aug. 19th, 1862, Farmer; died, Dec. 1864,
Cat home on furlough.)
Morey, George C. Private, Western, Aug. 12th, 1862, Physician by egotism; dis
charged Nov. 1st, 1862.
17
254 HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V.
Jones, James Private, Saogersfield, Aug. 18th, 1862, Moulder; promoted to Cor
poral, Nov. 1st, 1864.
Kogers, George Private, Steuben, Aug. 18th, 1862, Farmer.
Jones, John Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 18th, 1862, Farmer; Promoted to Cor
poral March 1st, 1864, to Sergeant, Nov. 1st, 1865.
VanDresar, Francis Private, Western, Aug. 18th, 1862, Farmer; discharged
from hospital.
Reed, John Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 1st, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor
poral, June 15th, 1864 ; to Sergeant, March 1st, 1865.
Nolan, Cornelius Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 1st, 1862, Farmer.
Burckler, Henry Private, Utica, Aug. 5th, 1862, Mechanic; promoted to Cor
poral Sept. 1st, 1864 ; killed at Fort Fisher, N. C., Jan. 15th, 1865.
Holmes, Lewis Private, Vienna, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer.
1864. — Recruits from this forward.
Cox James Private, Sangersfield, Feb. 27th, 1864, Farmer; transferred to 48th
R! N. Y. V.
Reed, Frank Private, Utica, Feb. 24th, 1864, Mechanic.
Wample, Chas. H. Private, Utica, Jan. 25th, 1864, Teamster.
Downs, Michael Private, Utica, Jan. 12th, 1864, Farmer; wounded Sept. 29th,
1864.
Malone, Chas. H. Private, Utica, Jan. 19th, 1864, Farmer; wounded at Fort
Fisher.
Teachout, Squire Private, Camden, Feb. 12th, 1864, Farmer.
Boomer, Willard Private, Utica, Feb. 17th, 1864, Farmer; promoted to Corporal
April 1st, 1865.
Doyle, Patrick Private, Rome, Feb. 15th, 1864, Laborer; died of wounds, July
30th, 1864.
Judd, Benj. Private, Sangersfield, Dec. 22d, 1863, Farmer; deserted in May,
1864 ; returned when fighting was finished, April, 1865.
Jackson, Robert Private, Rome, Feb. 15th, 1863, Laborer.
Redward*Nathaniel Private, Camden, Dec. 14th, 1863, Farmer.
Williams, John Private, Utica, Feb. 8th, 1864, Laborer.
Evans, Taliesan Private, Floyd, Jan. 9th, 1864, Student.
Hughes, Hiram H. Private, Remsen, Aug. 17th, 1864, Laborer; missing in ac
tion, Sept. 29th, 1864. •
Rodgers, John Private, Utica, July llth, 1S64, Carpenter.
Whalan, John Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 17th, 1864, Farmer; wounded at Fort
Fisher ; discharged.
Jones, John V. Private, Remsen, July 22d, 1 864, Farmer ; returned with Reg't.
Jones, Reese T. Private, Remsen, Aug. 17th, 1864, Farmer; discharged from
hospital.
Chandler, Charles Private, Utica, Sept. 1st, 1864, Tailor.
Drew, David S. Private, New Hartford, Sept. 3d, 1864, Farmer.
Mclntire, John Private, Watertown, March 3d, 1865, Farmer.
Berry, Samuel Private, Watertown, March 3d, 1865, Laborer.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 255
Donovan, William Private, Watertown, March 4th, 1865, Laborer.
Detlor, John Private, Watertown, March 7th, 1865, Farmer.
Bissel, Charles^Private, Pittsburgh, March 3d, 1865, Laborer.
Summers, Geo. Private, Plattsburgh, Feb. 23d, 1865, Farmer.
Hiter, William Private, Plattsburgh, Feb. 29th, 1865, Laborer.
Reed, James Private, Plattsburgh, Feb. 28th, 1865, Farmer.
Green, Alex. Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Seaman.
Geler, August Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Porter.
Tren, Francis Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Laborer.
McGuire, James Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Laborer.
Bradley, Reuben H. Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Laborer.
Carl, Sulzcr Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Sawyer.
Kennedy, Daniel Private, Rome, Jan. 23d, 1865, Boatman.
Murphy, John Private, Remsen, Jan. 20th, 1865, Laborer.
Hall, Alexander Private, Lockport, March 18th, 1865, Grocer.
Montonour, Wm. H. Private, Lockport, March 17th, 1865, Laborer.
Langdon, John Private, N. Y. City, Feb. 17th, 1865, Baker.
ROSTER OF COMPANY E.
LEVI K. BROWN, appointed Captain Aug. 12th, 1862; discharged for disability.
MORRIS CHAPPELL, appointed 1st Lieutenant Aug. 12th, 1862 ; resigned Feb.
14th, 1863, on account of ill health.
AUGUSTUS M. ERWINE, appointed 2d Lieutenant Aug. 12th, 1862; promoted to
1st Lieutenant Dec. 27th, 1863 ; detailed A. D. C. on staff of Brig. Colonel
Alford. Promoted to Captain, Aug. 24th, 1864; severely wounded at Ber
muda front, Aug. 25th, 1864.
Spencer C. Myer, 1st Sergeant, Rome, Aug. 1st, 1862, Butcher; promoted to 2d
Lieutenant, May 18th, 1864.
Fred. C. Hill, Sergeant, Rome, July 31st, 1862, Carriage trimmer ; discharged for
disability, Oct. 7th, 1862.
Milton H. Culver, Sergeant, Rome, July 23d, 1862, Farmer.
William Lasher, Sergeant, Rome, July 30th, 1862, Mechanic ; missing in action,
Sept. 29th, 1864.
H. S. Miller, Sergeant, Rome, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to 1st Sergeant
May 20th, 1864.
J. H. Gurnsey, Corporal, Rome, Aug. 2d, 1862, Tinsmith, transferred to V. R,
Charles Bennet, Corporal, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Mechanic.
Charles 0. Smith, Corporal, Rome, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer.
Richard Millington, Corporal, Rome, July 24th, 1862, Blacksmith.
256 HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V.
Jacob Hyde, Jr., Corporal, Rome, Aug. 5th, 1862, Blacksmith.
George H. Brown, Corporal, Rome, Aug. 5th, 1862, Farmer ; promoted to Ser
geant, May 1st, 1864, missing in action, Sept. 29th, 1864.
George H. Still, Corporal, Rome, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer; died May 18th,
1864, of wounds received 16th.
Fred. Boden, Corporal, Rome, Aug. 7th, 1862, Butcher; promoted to Sergeant,
May 1st, 1863 ; promoted to 2d Lieutenant, May 12th, 1865.
Byron Holton, Musician, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Boatman; killed in assault on
Fort Fisher, N. C., Jan. 15th, 1865.
Chattcrton, Henry Private, Rome, July 23d, 1862, Farmer.
Wright, John Private, Rome, July 25th, 1862, Shoemaker.
Hulbert, George H. Private, Rome, July 25th, 1862, Farmer ; died, Dec. 8th, '63.
Turner, Levi Private, Rome, July 26th, 1862, Laborer; discharged, Oct. 7th, '62.
Evans, Charles Private, Rome, July 28th, 1862, Farmer.
Holdren, Theodore Private, Rome, July 28th, 1862, Laborer.
Walter, Joseph Private, Rome, July 28th, 1862, Farmer.
Wheelan, Michael C. Private, Rome, July 29th, 1862, Laborer; discharged Nov.
26th, 1862.
Wilbert, Martin Private, Rome, July 30th, 1862, Laborer.
Taylor, George Private, Rome, July 30th, 1862, Farmer.
Meyers, Henry J. Private, Rome, July 30th, 1862, Farmer; died, Jan. 8th, 1865.
Claflin, Wallace Private, Rome, July 30th, 1862, Farmer; died, Oct. 13th, 1863.
Doyle, John Private, Rome, July 30th, 1862, Laborer.
Hyde, Samuel Private, Rome, July 30th, 1862, Farmer.
Lasher, James A. Private, Rome, July 31st, 1862, Farmer; died, Jan. 15th, '65.
Masury,' Joel Private, Rome, July 31st, 1862, Mechanic; discharged, Nov.
26th, 1863.
Gurnsey, Jas. J. Private, Rome, Aug. 1st, 1862, Printer.
Roney, William Private, Rome, Aug. 1st, 1862, Laborer; killed at Fort Fisher,
N. C., Jan. 15th, 1865.
Stewart, W. Silas Private, Rome, Aug. 1st, 1862, Farmer.
Basset, Joseph Private, Rome, Aug. 2d, 1862, Boatman ; transferred to V. R. C.,
Aug. 24th, 1863.
Hewer, Chas. L. Private, Rome, Aug. 2d, 1862,Mechanic, Co. "H."
Servey, Wm. H. Private, Rome, Aug. 2d, 1862, Bartender; killed at Cold Har
bor, Va., June 8th, 1864.
Hayse, Wm. Private, Rome, Aug. 2d, 186£ Laborer.
Norton, John H. Private, Rome, Aug. 2d, 1862, Shoemaker.
Stimer, Elias Private, Rome, Aug. 2d, 1862, Mason ; discharged, May 29th, 1863.
Moulton, Benj. Private, Rome, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal,
May 20th, 1864 ; missing in action, Sept. 29th, 1864.
Tully, Albert Private, Rome, Aug. 4th, 1862, Boatman.
Van Brockliu, Sylvester Private, Rome, Aug. 4th, 1862, Student; discharged,
Aug. 12th, 1862.
Wooldridge, John W. Private, Rome, Aug. 4th, 1862, Boatman.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 257
Wyman, John Private, Rome, Aug. 4th, 1862, Laborer; discharged, Aug. 12th,
1863.
White, Francis P. Private, Rome, Aug. 5th, 1862, Farmer.
Young, Emory B. Private, Rome, Aug. 5th, 1862, Porter.
Denton, Orson B. Private, Rome, Aug. 6th, 1862, Mechanic.
Far, Edward Private, Rome, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer; discharged, March 13th,
1863.
Letters, Wm. Private, Rome, Aug. 6th, 1862, Laborer.
Meyer, John Private, Rome, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer.
Paddock, John J. Private, Rome, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer.
Sexton, Jacob H. Private, Rome, Aug. 6th, 1862, Mechanic; discharged, Nov.
10th, 1862.
Wilson, Dyer Private, Rome, Aug. 6th, 1862, Miller.
Weaver, Alfred F. Private, Rome, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer.
Bristol, Nicholas Private, Amesville, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer.
Bacon, Hiram Private, Rome, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal,
Jan. 1st, 1864.
Ferguson, Horace Private, Rome, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer; discharged, Sept.
29th, 1863.
Orsburn, Henry Private, Amesville, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer.
Slack, Wm. Private, Rome, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer.
Ransom, Stephen Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer.
Bradley, Joshua Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; discharged Dec. 26th/64.
Craven, Frank Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer.
Evans, David S. Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer.
Erwin, Frederick Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal,
May 21st, 1864.
Philips, Alonzo Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Butcher.
Anson, Theodore Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Laborer; discharged, May
31st, 1863.
Bates, James Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Blacksmith; promoted to Cor
poral, Nov. 2d, 1864.
Briggs, Lewis Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Laborer; died of wounds, Jan.
28th, 1865.
Bever, Edward Private, Rome, 'Aug. llth, 1862,Farmer; killed, May 16th, 1864.
Crimman, John Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Tailor; Co. "H."
Downend, Geo. Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer.
Dyer, O. H. Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal,
Aug. 14th, 1864.
Evans, James Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer.
Frances, John Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer.
Graves, John W. Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer.
Herder, Ernest Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer.
Hall, John Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal,
Aug. 22d, 1864.
258 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
Louden, James Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Boatman.
Mowers, Daniel Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer.
Mahonney, Dennis Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Seaman; transferred to the
Navy, April 30th, 1864.
O'Neal, Levi Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Seaman; transferred to the navy,
April 30th, 1864.
Pickens, John Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal,
Nov. 2d, 1864.
Swift, B. E. Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer.
Salisbury, Wm. N. Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Boatman.
Wilson, Charles Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Engineer ; promoted to Cor
poral, Oct. 7th, 1862.
Wingate, John Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Student.
Zelie, Stanton Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer.
Dennison, Frank Private, Rome, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer.
Deline, Delowas D. Private, Rome, Aug. 12th, 1862, Mechanic; promoted to
Corporal, June 1st, 1863 ; promoted to Sergeant, Nov. 2d, 1864.
Schroder, Philip Private, Rome, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer.
Slocum, David Private, Rome, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer.
Sexton, Henry Private, Rome, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer.
Markley, Nicodemus Private, Rome, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer ; discharged, Dec.
29th, 1862.
Mabb, William Private, Rome, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer.
Harriot, John Private, Rome, Aug. 12th, 1862, Blacksmith; died of wounds,
Nov. 1st, 1864.
Servey, Wm. Private, Rome, Aug. 2d, 1862, Bar keeper; promoted to Corporal,
May 1st, 1863, to Sergeant, Nov. 2d, 1864.
1864. — Recruits from this forward.
Evans, Levi Private, Utica, Feb. 2d, 1864, Farmer.
Johnson, Warren Private, Utica, Jan. 7th, 1864, Farmer.
Johnson, George Private, Utica, Jan. 7th, 1864, Farmer.
Mosher, Thomas Private, Utica, Jan. 21st, 1864, Farmer.
Newton, Jerome Private, Utica, Dec. 30th, 1863, Farmer; died May 3d, 1864.
Covell, Jasper Private, Vienna, Dec. 30th, 1863, Farmer.
Daly, Michael Private, Amesville, Dec. 30th, 1863, Farmer; killed, May 16th,
1864.
Graves, Clark V. Private, Rome, Dec. 30th, 1863, Mechanic.
Spencer, Geo. G. Private, Rome, Jan. 20th, 1864, Farmer; killed at Fort Fisher,
N. C., Jan. 15th, 1865.
Cook, Andrew Private, Verona, Jan. 4th, 1864, Farmer.
Martin, Geo. W. Private, Rome, Feb. 20th, 1864, Farmer.
Every, Leander Private, Amesville, Dec. 14th, 1863, Farmer.
Snyder, Ransom Private, Amesville, Dec. 14th, 1863, Farmer.
Carl, Dennis II. Private, Utica, March 22d, 1864, Soldier.
Meags, Geo. B. Private, Utica, Jan. 26th, 1864, Farmer ; died of wounds, July
llth, 1864.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. T. V. 259
Sampmire, Jacob Private, Marcy, Aug. 18th, 1864, Laborer.
Murphy, Peter Private, Boonville, Aug. 3d, 1864, Carpenter.
Wallace, Lewis Private, Rome, June 8th, 1864, Shoemaker.
Kychner, August Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Shoemaker.
Adams, Valentine Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Clerk.
Fahey, Thomas B. Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Painter.
Manton, Chas. H. Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Book keeper.
Dailey, Christopher Private, Brooklyn, March. 9th, 1865.
Lenison, Albert Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Cigar maker.
Schneider, Antoine Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Laborer.
Baure, Godfrey Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Laborer.
Wolfensinger, Raphael Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Shoemaker.
Kulmel, Nicholas Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Laborer.
Herkem, William Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Farmer.
Nash, George R. Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Coppersmith.
Burns, John Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Shoemaker.
Craft, Moses A. Private, Tarry town, Feb. 21st, Plasterer.
McClellan, Howard Private, Lockport, March 20th, 1865, Laborer.
Ferguson, John P. Private, Lockport, March 3d, 1865, Farmer.
Hill, John Private, Lockport, March 3d, 1865, Farmer.
McClellan, J. C. Private, Lockport, March 14th, 1865, Laborer.
ROSTER OF COMPANY F.
SETH J, STEVES, appointed Captain Aug. 12th, 1862 ; resigned, March 3d, 1863.
WILLIAM J. HUNT, 1st Lieutenant Aug. 12th, 1862; promoted to Captain, Dec.
27th, 1863 ; died July 31st, of wounds received in action.
JOHN F. THOMAS, 2d Lieutenant, Aug. 12th, 1862; promoted to 1st Lieutenant,
Dec. 27th, 1863 ; promoted to Captain, Oct. llth, 1864 ; killed in the assault
on Fort Fisher.
Stewart Briggs, 1st Sergeant, Steuben, July 24th, 1862, Farmer; discharged,
Jan. 5th, 1863, disability.
Adelbert Ecker, Sergeant, Whitestown, July 22d, 1862, Farmer; promoted to 1st
Sergeant; to 2d Lieutenant, May 23d, 1864.
W. H. Nelson, Sergeant, Whitestown, July 22d, 1862, Farmer; promoted to 1st
Sergeant, May 23d, missing in action, Sept. 29th, 1864.
Thomas H. Lewis, Sergeant, Trenton, Aug. 9th, 1862, Wagon maker.
Peter Castello, Sergeant, Whitestown, July 21st, 1862, Laborer; discharged Feb.
26th, 1863, disability.
John Daly, Corporal, Whitestown, July 21st, 1862, Carpenter; discharged Jan.
5th, 1863, disability.
260 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
Edgar F. Niles, Corporal, Whitestown, July 22d, 1862, Carpenter; promoted to
Sergeant, Jan. 5th, 1863, promoted to 1st Sergeant, April, 1865.
John J.Lewis, Corporal, Deerfield, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer; discharged Dec.
8th, 1862.
Richard House, Corporal, Whitestown, July 30th, 1862, Cigar maker.
Samuel Nelson, Corporal, Trenton, July 12th, 1862, Moulder.
Caleb P. Bailey, Corporal, Whitestown, Aug. 2d, 1862, Farmer.
Richard E. Edwards, Corporal, Steuben, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer ; promoted to
Sergeant.
Geo. R. Tarbox, Corporal, Trenton, Aug. 9th, 1862, Teamster; promoted to
Sergeant. Feb. 26th, 1863, discharged, Dec. 1st, 1864.
Reuben Burrows, Musician, Whitestown, Aug. 9th, 1862, Laborer.
Squire C. Dayan, Musician, Whitestown, Aug. 21st, 1862, Laborer.
Dan. S. Avery, Teamster, Whitestown, July 23d, 1862, Farmer.
Kelley, Wm. Private, Whitestown, July 14th, 1862, Moulder ; died Oct. 3d, '62.
Simons, Wm. L. Private, Whitestown, July 17th, 1862, Spinner; missing in
action, Sept. 29th, 1 864.
Wilson, Williarn Private, Whitestown, July 18th, 1862, Laborer; missing in ac
tion, May 16th, 1864.
Sears, Wm. C. Private, Utica, July 21st, 1862, Painter.
Washington, Tyron Private, Utica, July 21st, 1862, Farmer.
Faith, Joseph Private, Utica, July 23d, 1862, Laborer; discharged.
Jones, William W. Private, Trenton, July 24th, 1862, Painter : discharged Feb.
3d, 1863.
Gaynor, John Private, Trenton, July 24th, 1862, Wagon maker.
Taylor, William Private, Whitestown, July 24th, 1862, Farmer; discharged Feb.
23d, 1863.
Warahen, Thomas Private, Whitestown, July 24th, 1862, Farmer; discharged
June 17th, 1863.
Johnson, Edward Private, Utica, July 28th, 1862, Laborer.
Jones, Richard D. 1st, Private, Steuben, July 28th, 1862, Farmer.
Jones, Richard D. 2d, Private, Trenton, July 28th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to
Corporal, May 23d, 1864.
Philpot, Thomas Private, Whitestown, July 28th, 1862, Laborer; transferred to
V. R. C., Oct. 19th, 1863.
King, Hiram Private, Steuben, July 29th, 1862, Farmer ; transferred to V. R. C.,
Nov. 1st, 1863.
McCommer, John Private, Whitestown, July 29th, 1862, Farmer; killed, May
16th, 1864.
Roberts, David T. Private, Trenton, July 29th, 1862, Painter.
Boardman, W. R. Private, Whitestown, July 30th, 1862, Laborer.
Boardman, Geo. W. Private, Whitestown, July 30th, 1862, Laborer.
Gray, Charles Private, Whitestown, July 30th, 1 862, Laborer.
Clark, Chas. F. Private, Floyd, July 31st, 1862, .Farmer.
Cassidy, Orenzo Private, Trenton, July 31st, 1862, Laborer.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 261
Demings, Daniel Private, Trenton, July 31st, 1862, Farmer; died Jan. 5th, '63.
Denton, John Private, Whitestown, July 31st, 1862, Farmer; discharged April
14th, 1863.
Roberts, Elias Private, Trenton, July 31st, 1862, Blacksmith.
Fancher, Edward D. Private, Whitestown, Aug. 1st, 1862, Farmer; discharged.
Smith, Geo. C. Private, Whitestown, Aug. 1st, 1862, Farmer; discharged, Feb.
16th, 1863.
Comstock, Stevens Private, Whitestown, Aug. 1st, 1862, Farmer.
Remp, Frederick Private, Trenton, Aug. 2d, 1862, Laborer; promoted to Cor
poral, Sept. 1st, 1864, to Sergeant, Feb. 1st, 1865.
Servey, Joseph Private, Steuben, Aug. 2d, 1862, Farmer ; transferred to Com
pany "H."
Baker, Henry Private, Trenton, Aug. 2d, 1862, Farmer ; transferred to V. R. C.,
Oct. 19th, 1863.
Jones, Israel Private, Trenton, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer.
Jones, David E. Private, Trenton, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor
poral, Feb. 1st, 1865.
Ninenger, Frederick Private, Trenton, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer; died Dec. 20th>
1862.
Parker, John Private, Whitestown, Aug. 4th, 1862, Laborer; discharged, Nov.
16th, 1862.
Wait, Simon Private, Trenton, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer.
Laubly, Jacob Private, Whitestown, j Aug. 4th, 1862, Doctor; discharged, Nov.
10th, 1862 ; promoted to 2d Assistant Surgeon.
Bates, James A. Private, Whitestown, Aug. 5th, 1862, Doctor; discharged March
3d, 1863.
Bailey, Wm. A. Private, Boonville, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer.
Letson, Jonathan Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer; died July
19th, 1863, exhaustion.
Wolf, Charles Private, Trenton, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer; died Sept. 27th, 1863,
diarrhoea.
Dorety, Lutas Private, Rome, Aug. 6th, 1862, Boatman.
Graham, Alonzo Private, Whitestown, Aug. 7th, 1862, Laborer; promoted to
Corporal Sept. 1st, 1862 ; promoted to Sergeant, Nov. 1st, 1864.
Griffith, Edward Private, Trenton, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer.
Jones, William Private, Floyd, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer.
Potter, James Private, Whitestown, Aug. 7tl^l862, Spinner.
.Roberts, Edward C. Private, Marcy, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer.
Simons, Fletcher Private, Whitestown, Aug. 7th, 1862, Spinner; discharged,
Sept. 10th, 1864.
Smith, Richard Private, Whitestown, Aug. 7th, 1862, Laborer.
Wilson, George Private, Whitestown, Aug. 7th, 1862, Wool sorter; discharged,
Oct. 15th, 1863.
Williams, William M. Private, Trenton, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer.
Walker, George J. Private, Whitestown, Aug. 7th, 1862, Spinner.
262 HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V.
Austin, Allen Private, Whitestown, Aug. 8th, 1862, Basket maker ; discharged.
Dwyer, Henry Private, Trenton, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer.
Davis, Wm. H. Private, Whitestown, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer ; killed, May 16th,
1864.
Davis, James Private, Whitestown, Aug. 8th, 1862, Spinner; discharged, Jan.
1st, 1863.
thase, George II. Private, Trenton, Aug. 9th, 1862, Painter.
Hughes, John Private, Trenton, Aug. 9th, 1862, Painter.
Jones, John W. Private, Trenton, Aug. 9th, 1862, Blacksmith; discharged, May
30th, 1863.
Ringrose, Matthew Private, Whitestown, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to
Corporal, Nov. 1st, 1864.
Stewart, William Private, Whitestown, Aug. 9th, 1862, Laborer; discharged,
Feb. 25th, 1863.
Jones, David Private, Trenton, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer; died, March llth, '64.
Loomis, Geo. Private, Deerfield, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer.
Merringer, John Private, Deerfield, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer; killed, May 16th,
1864.
Roberts, John G. Private, Trenton, Aug. llth, 1862, Quarryman.
Ryan, John Private, Deerfield, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer; killed on Morris
Island, S. C.
Hughes, Wm. Private, Trenton, Aug. llth, 1862, Quarryman.
Cookingham, C. O. Private, Trenton, Aug. 1 2th, 1862, Farmer.
Owen, Thomas Private, Trenton, Aug. llth, 1862, Quarryman.
Davis, Owen K. Private, Trenton, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer.
Ellis, Hughes M. Private, Deerfield, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer.
Jones, William 0. Private, Trenton, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer.
Jones, Owen Private, Trenton, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer.
Lamb, Henry Private, Trenton, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer.
Volner, John Private, Trenton, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer.
Williams, Griffith Private, Trenton, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; died, Feb. 3d/65.
Williams, Owen Private, Trenton, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer.
Burrows, Ansel S. Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 13th, 1863, Farmer; discharged,
March 21st, 1863.
Conner, Michael Private, Trenton, Aug. 13th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor
poral, May 25th, 1864.
McGinnis, Patrick Private, Whitesl^wn, Aug. 13th, 1862, Farmer.
Ringrose, Christopher Private, Trenton, Aug. 13th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to
Corporal, Oct. 1st, 1864; killed at Fort Fisher, N. C.
Sanford, Chas. D. Private, Marcy, Aug. 13th, 1862, Farmer.
Pease, Henry Private, Whitestown, Aug. 15th, 1862, Carpenter; died at Salis
bury, N. C., Dec. 21st, 1864.
Gregory, Geo. M. Private, Trenton, Aug. 18th, 1862, Miller; promoted to Cor
poral, March 1st, 1863.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 263
Jones, Ed. E. Private, Utica, Aug. 19th, 1862, Shoemaker; promoted to Cor-
poral.
All recruits from this forward.
Covell, Hiram B. Private, Utica, Dec. 31st, 1863, Boatman.
Covell, Josiah B. Private, Utica, Dec. 31st, 1863, Farmer.
Bears, Giles Private, Utica, Jan. 5th, 1864, Machinist; died of wounds, Sept.
2d, 1864.
Doorhammer, Edward Private, Utica, Jan. 26th, 1864, Farmer.
Evans, Ellis Private, Utica, Feb. 9th, 1864, Laborer.
Flannigan, Wm. Private, Utica, Jan. 21st, 1864, Farmer.
Genter, William Private, Utica, Jan. 3d, 1864, Farmer.
Hewston, Richard Private, Utica, March, 29th, 1864, Farmer; promoted to Cor
poral, March 1st, 1865.
Kaloe, Thomas Private, Utica, Jan. 4th, 1862, Farmer.
Knight, Arthur Private, Utica, Jan. 5th, 1864, Farmer ; missing in action, Sept.
29th, 1864.
King, Patrick Private, Utica, Jan. 4th, 1864, Laborer; killed, Sept. 29th, 1864.
Lockwood, A. Private, Utica, Jan. 22d, 1864, Farmer.
Lockwood, H. Private, Utica, Jan. 4th, 1864, Farmer.
Morrell, Joseph Private, Utica, March 26th, 1864,Farmer; died of wounds, Sept.
2d, 1864.
McCarthy, James Private, Utica, Jan. 4th, 1864, Laborer; killed, Aug. 28th, '64.
Millington, Geo. W. Private, Utica, Feb. 13th, 1864, Farmer.
Squires, Henry Private, Utica, Jan. 23d, 1864, Shoemaker; discharged, Nov.
1st, 1864.
Thurston, Franklin Private, Utica, Jan. 5th, 1864, Farmer.
Walters, George Private, Utica, Feb. 29th, 1864, Farmer.
Wormwood, Morris Private, Utica, Feb. 6th, 1864, Soldier.
Welcome, F. D. Private, Utica, Jan. 12th, 1864, Boatman.
Mahoney, Morris Private, Utica, Feb. 20th, 1864, Laborer.
Wagoner, David Private, Utica, March 15th, 1864, Farmer.
Winston, D. S. Private, Utica, Dec. 18th, 1863, Clerk.
Johnson, A. V. Private, Steubcn, Aug. 10th, 1864, Laborer.
Roberts, Wm. H. Private, Steuben, Aug. 22d 1864, Laborer.
Shaft, Wm. E. Private, Steuben, Aug. 15th, 1864, Farmer.
Tigh, Charles Private, Whitestown, Aug. 20th, 1864, Boatman.
Sylvester, Clark J. Utica, Aug. 10th, 1864, Laborer.
Segur, Ernest G., Jr. Private, Marcy, Aug. 23d, 1864, Mechanic.
Segur, Ernest G., Sr. Private, Marcy, Aug. 17th, 1864, Mechanic.
Winterston, Edward Private, Marcy, Aug. 22d, 1 864, Farmer.
Williams, Isaac Private, Marcy, Aug. 22d, 1864, Farmer.
Ferguson, Hugh Private, Tarrytown, Feb. 21st, 1865, Carpenter.
Fifer, Samuel Private, Tarrytown, March 7th, 1865, Sailor.
Fiber, Michael Private, Tarrytown, March 7th, 1865, Weaver.
Baither, Charles Private, Tarry town, March 8th, 1865, Stone cutter.
264 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
McDonald, Henry Private, Tarrytown, March 9th, 1865, Ship Carpenter.
Luret, Henry Private, Tarrytown, March 9ili, 1865, Shoemaker.
Kane, Terrence Private, Tarrytown, March 9th, 1865, Laborer.
Detric, Conrad Private, Tarrytown, March 9th, 1865, Machinist.
Bower, Frederick Private, Tarrytown, March 9th, 1865, Sailor.
Decker, Levi Private, Albany, March 6th, 1865, Bar tender.
Hale, George Private, Schenectady, Sept. 12th, 1864, Laborer.
Perry, Henry P. Private, Watertown, Sept. 13th, 1864, Farmer.
Kelly, John Private, Tarrytown, March 8th, 1865, Shoemaker.
Ethridge, Richard Private, Albany, March 3d, 1865, Farmer.
Johnson, James M. Private, Loifkport, Feb. 28th, 1 865, Farmer.
Kinney, William Private, Lockport, March 3d, 1865, Farmer.
Le Valley, Win. L. Private, Lockport, Feb. 28th, 1865, Farmer.
ROSTER OF COMPANY G.
CHARLES H. ROYS, Captain appointed Aug. 12th, 1862 ; discharged, Aug. 31st,
1863 ; rejoined as Adjutant, Oct. 1864 ; afterward Breveted Major.
CHARLES S. MILLARD, 1st Lieutenant, appointed Aug. 12th, 1862 ; appointed
Adjutant, Sept. 29th, 1864 ; resigned on account of ill health, Sept. 29th, 1864.
ALGERNON E. SMITH, 2d Lieutenant, appointed Aug. 14th, 1862 ; promoted 1st
Lieutenant, April 27th, 1863 ; promoted Captain, Oct. 12th, 1864; detailed as
A. D. C. on Brigade Staff, Col. Alford; detailed as A. D. C. on Division
Staff, Gen. Foster; detailed as A. D. C. on Corps Staff, Brev. Maj. Gen.
Terry ; Breveted Major for gallant and meritorious services while Aid to Gen.
Terry, at capture of Fort Fisher, to date from March 3d, 1865; was seriously
wounded at the battle at Fort Fisher.
Wm. H. Hulbert, 1st Sergeant, Utica, 1862; appointed 2d Lieutenant, Aug.
20th, 1862.
Harrison E. Webster, Sergeant, Clayville, July 25th, 1862, Farmer; detailed to
2d M. Dept.
Chas. H. Sharp, Sergeant, Clayville, July 25th, 1862, Mechanic; discharged,
Feb. 14tb, 1863.
Wm. F. Reading, Sergeant ; never assigned to Co.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 265
J. Knox Williams, Sergeant, Verona, Aug. 12th, 1862, Merchant; appointed
2d Lieutenant, April 8th, 1864.
M. L. Johnson, Corporal, Clayville, July 28th, 1862, Agent ; promoted to Ser
geant, Aug. 31st, 1862 ; to 1st Sergeant, Nov. llth, 1863 ; appointed 2d Lieu
tenant, Feb. 17th, 1865.
John B. Wicks, Corporal, Paris, July 13th, 1862, Farmer ; promoted to Sergeant
March 1st, 1863, to Com. Sergeant, 1864.
David H. Green, Corporal, Utica, July 23d, 1 862, Butcher.
William Lindsley, Corporal, Augusta, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; missing in ac
tion, Sept. 29th, 1864.
Henry V. Crandall, Corporal, Clay ville, July 22d, 1862, Farmer.
C. Norman Beach, Corporal, Clayville, July 28th, 1862, Mechanic ; died of Small
Pox, March 13th, 1864.
Lorenzo P. Brown, Corporal, Clayville, Aug. llth, 1862, Clerk; promoted to
Sergeant, Aug. 31st, 1862.
JohnD. Ernst, Corporal, Paris, July 28th, 1862, Shoemaker; promoted to Ser
geant, April 13th, 1864.
Charles W. Sharp, Musician, Paris, July 26th, 1862, Mechanic; transferred to
Company "F."
Adolphus Sherman, Musician, Paris, Aug. 12th, 1862, Musician.
Earl A. Hart, Teamster, Paris, Aug. 5th,'1862, Mechanic.
Bonfoy, Chas. M. Private, Paris, July 22d, 1 862, Farmer.
Croft, Stephen H. Private, Paris, July 22d, 1862, Farmer.
Quinn, James Private, Clayville, July 23d, 1862, Farmer; killed at Fort Fisher,
Jan. 15th, 1865.
Ward, William Private, Clayville, July 23d, 1862, Farmer; died, Feb. llth, '65.
Johnson, Lewis Private, Clayville, July 23d, 1862, Mechanic; transferred to V.
R. C., Oct. 13th, 1863.
Treat, Chas. A. Private, Utica, July 24th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal,
Feb. 1st, 1865.
Cogswell, John Private, Clayville, July 24th, 1862, Mechanic; killed in action,
May 16th, 1864.
Cogswell, Joseph B. Private, Clayville, July 24th, 1862, Mechanic; missing in
action, Oct. 27th, 1864.
Luce, Rosa W. Private, Clayville, July 24th, 1862, Clerk; taken prisoner, Aug.
25th, 1864, died in Libby Prison.
Hemmenger, Philip Private, Clayville, July 24th, 1862, Farmer.
Avery, Edward B. Private, Clayville, July 24th, 1862, Student; promoted to
Corporal, Nov. llth, 1863.
Pangburn, Thos. J. Private, Clayville, July 24th, 1862, Mechanic.
Terrill, Francis 0. Private, Clayville, July 25th, 1862, Mechanic.
Wilcox, Madison Private, Clayville, July 25th, 1862, Farmer.
Lasher, Wm. G. Private, Clayville, July 25th, 1862, Mechanic.
Lackenby, William Private, Utica, July 25th, 1862, Carpenter.
266 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
Robinson, John Private, Clayville, July 25th, 1862, Farmer; discharged Nov.
14th, 1862.
Tuttlc, Franklin F. Private, Clayville, July 25th, 1862, Mechanic; discharged
Jan 30th, 1863.
Gillman, Henry Private, Clayville, July 26th, 1862, Mechanic.
Olin, Franklin A. Private, Utica, July 26th, 1862, Farmer ; killed in action, May
16th, 1864.
English, Wm. Private, Utica, July 27th, 1862, Farmer.
Powers, Michael Private, Clayville, July 28th, 1862, Farmer.
Dayball, Sherman B. Private, Clayville, July 28th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to
Corporal, Nov. 1st, 1864.
Edwards, Henry Private, Clayville, July 28th, 1862, Farmer.
Allen, Charles S. Private, Paris, July 28th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal
Jan. 25th, 1863.
Palmer, Duane T- Private, Paris, July 29th, 1862, Farmer.
Egan, James Private, Clayville, July 30th, 1862, Farmer.
Harrison, John M. Private, Paris, July 30th, 1862, Farmer; died Nov. 1st, 1863,
diarrhoea.
Camp, Willard M. Private, Clayville, July 30th, 1862, Mason.
Davis, Win. R. Private, Paris, July 31st, 1862, Farmer; discharged Oct. 16th,
1863.
Barber, Silas J. Private, Utica, July 31st, 1862, Farmer.
Foster, Henry Private, Utica, July 31st, 1862, Mechanic; killed before Peters
burg.
Townsend, J. Private, Paris, Aug. 1st, 1862, Carpenter; discharged Nov. 14th,
1862.
Olin, Giles Private, Marcy, Aug. 1st, 1862, Farmer.
Bombard, Wm. Private, Utica, Aug. 2d, 1862, Machinist.
Browning, II. A. Private, Utica, Aug. 2d, 1862, Farmer.
Bates, Josephus Private, Paris, Aug. 4th, 1862, Carpenter; transferred to I. C.,
Aug. 20th, 1863.
Wheeler, Edwin A. Private, Paris, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer.
Robinson, Timothy Private, Clayville, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer.
Merrill, Albert Private, Clayville, Aug. 5th, 1862, Farmer ; promoted to Corporal
July 1st, 1864.
Babcock, Perry F. Private, Paris, Aug. 5th, 1862, Farmer.
Mosher, Gustave Private, Paris, Aug. 6th, 1862, Butcher.
Evans, Evan Private, Utica, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer.
Evans, Thomas Private, Utica, July 31st, 1862, Clerk.
Johnson, Wm. H. Private, Utica, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; discharged, Sept.
28th, 1863 ; detailed at Brigade H. Q., July 21st, 1864.
Johnson, Thos. Private, Utica, Aug. 7th, 1862, Barber.
Edwards, Robert Private, Utica, Aug. 8th, 1862, Boatman ; killed before Peters
burg.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 267
Mason, Albert Private, Clayville, Aug. 8th, 1862, Mechanic; discharged Oct.
llth, 1863.
Farrer, James Private, Utica, Aug. 8th, 1863, Baker.
Olin, Martin S. Private, Utica, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer.
Belong, Martin L. Private, Paris, Aug. 9th, 1862, Manufacturer.
Delong, O.K. Private, Paris, Aug. 9th, 1862, Clerk; promoted to Corporal,
Aug. 13th, 1862, to Serg't May, 1863, died Jan. 15th, 1865.
Green, Martin V. Private, Paris, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; discharged March
27th, 1864.
Green, Geo. W. Private, Paris, Aug. 9th, 1862, Clerk ; promoted to Corporal,
March 1st, 1863, to Serg't Jan. 15th, 1865.
Anderson, L. W. Private, Paris, Aug. llth, 1862, Agent; discharged May 2d,
1863.
Barnum, Herbert Private, Paris, Aug. llth, 1862, Student; discharged Oct. 7th,
1862.
Briggs, Alex. M. Private, Paris, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer.
Hubbard, Geo. A. Private, Paris, Aug. llth, 1862, Student.
Ireland, Henry Private, Paris, Aug. llth, 1862, Butcher ; wounded at Drury's
Bluff, May 16th, 1864; discharged, March 7th, 1865.
Knight, Arthur, Private, Paris, Aug. llth, 1862, Student; promoted to Corporal,
April 13th, 1864, to Serg't Feb. 17th, 1865.
Kenyon, I. F. Private, Utica, Aug. llth, 1862, Clerk; discharged Oct. 16th, '63.
Monroe, Joseph D. Private, Utica, Aug. llth, 1862, Clerk ; promoted to Q. M.
Serg't, April 1st, 1863.
Oatley, Wm. H. Private, Paris, Aug. llth, 1862, Clerk; promoted to Corporal,
March 17th, 1864, died at Hampton Hospital, of wounds received at Drury's
Bluff, May 16th, 1864.
Prosser, Daniel Private, Paris, Aug. llth, 1862, mechanic.
Royce, Laft. W. Private, Paris, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer.
Ward, James D. Private, Paris, Aug. llth, 1862, Mechanic.
Bailey, Abel S. Private, Paris, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal,
Aug. 13th, 1862, to Sergeant Feb. 1st, 1864, to 1st Sergeant, Feb. 17th, 1865.
Bailey, Wm. W. Private, Paris, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Sergeant
May 13th, 1865.
Clement, Chas. L. Private, Paris, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; discharged Nov.
24th, 1862.
Cotterell, A. S. Private, Augusta, Aug. 12th, 1862. Farmer.
Ennis, V. Remington Private, Augusta, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; died Nov.
23d, 1862.
Gray, Thomas Private, Augusta, Aug. 12th, 1862, Mechanic ; promoted to Cor
poral, Aug. 13th, 1862.
Beach, W. W. Private, Augusta, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer ; missing in action,
Sept. 29th, 1864.
King, Geo. H. Private, Rome, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal,
268 HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V.
May 1st, 1864; killed at the explosion of Magazine at Fort Fisher, Jan,
16th, 1865.
Kent, David P. Private, Utica, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer.
Kendall, A. J. Private, Augusta, Aug. 12th, 1862, Merchant; Regimental clerk-
'Miller, I. M. Private, Augusta, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; died Aug. 3d, 1863.
Quinn, Morris Private, Paris, Aug. 12th, 1862, Clerk.
Robbins, A. \V. Private, Augusta, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer.
Stickney, M. D. Private, Paris, Aug. 12th, 1862, Clerk.
West, Frank H. Private, Augusta, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; died July 1 5th, '63.
Park, De Witt C. Private, Lee, Aug. 13th, 1862, Farmer.
Failey, Patrick Private, Paris, Aug. 14th, 1862, Farmer.
King, Henry D. Jr., Private, Rome, Aug. 14th, 1862, Farmer.
Recruits from this forward.
Leroy, Jonas Private, Utica, March 19th, 1864, Mechanic.
Priest, Rufus Private, Utica, Jan. 4th, 1864, Farmer.
Potter, George L. Private, Utica, Jan. 21st, 1864, Farmer; died of wounds, July
2d, 1864.
Roy ce, Eugene Private, Utica, Jan. 4th, 1864, Farmer; discharged Sept. 26th,
J864.
Royce, Albert H. Private, Utica, Jan. 2d, 1864, Clerk.
Worclen, William C. Private, Utica, Feb. 29th, 1864, Mechanic.
Pierson, Chester P. Private, Plainfield, Jan. 18th, 1864, Painter.
Manson, William Private, Utica, Feb. 17th, 1864, Painter.
Parshall, JohnB. Private, Paris, Dec. 18th, 1864, Blacksmith.
Sherman, Wm. H. Private, Utica, March 31st, 1864, Painter; transferred to V
R. C., April 30th, 1865.
Baker, Wm. Private, Marshall, Jan. 6th, 1864, Farmer; died of wounds, June
19th, 1864.
Irion, Michael Private, Utica, Feb. 9th, 1864, Cigar maker; musician in Brigade
Band.
Barloe, George Private, Rome, Feb. 1st, 1864, Farmer; died March 9th, 1864.
Monroe, Wm. J. Private, Utica, Dec. 9th, 1863, Undertaker.
Mateson, Albert Private, New Hartford, Feb. 1864, Farmer.
McCarthy, James Private, Paris, Jan. 28th, 1864, Farmer.
Oliver, Ed. W. Private, Paris, Feb. 8th, 1864, Farmer.
Long, Thomas Private, Paris, March 31st, 1864, Farmer.
Brooks, Russell Private, Paris, Sept. 1st. 1864, Farmer.
Kenyon, H. A. Private, Paris, Sept. 5th, 1864, Machinist; died Feb. 10th, 1865.
Townsend, D. P. Private, Paris, Sept. 1st, 1864, Farmer; discharged.
Spooner, H. B. Private, Albany, March 6th, 1865, Artist.
Young, Joel Private, Albany, March 3d, 1865, Farmer.
Algiers, James Private, Troy, March 7th, 1865, Farmer.
Donahay, Jerry Private, Troy, March 3d, 1865, Laborer.
Flanigan, Morris Private, Troy, March 4th, 1865, Blacksmith.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 269
La Goire, Joseph Private, Troy, March 3d, 1865, Farmer.
Sears, Benjamin Private, Troy, March 6th, 1865, Farmer.
Wagoner, Aaron Private, Troy, March 1st, 1865, Laborer.
Wagoner, James H. Private, Troy, March 1st, 1865, Laborer.
Riley, Charles Private, Tompkinsville, March 9th, 1865, Laborer.
Mathewes, James Private, Tompkinsville, March 9th, 1865, Laborer.
Denny, Michael Private, Tompkinsville, March 9th, 18*55, Laborer.
Wilmarth, Peter B. Private, Tompkinsville, March 9th, 1865, Clerk.
Blackwell, John T. Private, Tompkinsville, March 9th, 1865, Clerk.
Seifert, Matthias Private, Tompkinsville, March 9th, 1866, Farmer.
Dakter, Jacob Private, Jamaica, March 9th, 1865, Brewer.
Harris, Clark Private, Schenectady, March 8th, 1865, Farmer.
Thomas, Charles Private, Albany, March 2d, 1865, Farmer.
Hind, George Private, Syracuse, March 14th, 1865, Blacksmith.
Loughrye, John Private, Auburn, March 26th, 1865, Laborer.
McDonald, William Private, Elmira, March 23d, 1865, Laborer.
ROSTER OF COMPANY H.
ALMOND R. STEVENS, Captain; appointed August 14, 1862 ; wounded June 15,
at capture of Petersburg Heights. While absent at Hospital in consequence
of this wound he lost the place of Major to which he was entitled by rank.
On returning for duty was detailed as Inspector General on Staff of Brig. Gen.
Curtis. Afterwards, till close of the war, was A. A. Inspector Gen. and A. A.
Provost Marshall on Staff of Gen. Ames, 2nd Div. 10th A. C.
EDWARD DOWNER, 1st Lieutenant; appointed August 14, 1862; promoted to
Captain, May 1, 1864 ; served till close of the war, commanded Regiment from
January 16, 1865, till June 8.
HENRY SHEDD, 2d Lieutenant; appointed August 14, 1862 ; resigned March 2d,
1863.
Henry L. Adams, 1st Sergeant, Vienna, August 7, 1862, Teacher; promoted to
2d Lieutenant, May 18, 1864; taken prisoner, October 27, 1864.
Andrew Wilkins, Sergeant, Camden, August 4, 1862, Painter; deserted August
22, 1862.
William Southworth, Sergeant, Westmoreland, August 14, 1862, Clerk; promoted
to 1st Sergeant May 25, 1864 ; commissioned 2d Lieutenant May 11, 1865.
Jesse Irons, Sergeant, Verona, August 19, 1862, Mechanic; reduced to Ranks
October 1, 1864.
Andrew Kline, Sergeant, Utica, July 24, 1862, Tailor; killed October 27, 1864.
Adam Eckhart, Corporal, Verona, August 12, 1862, Farmer; died January 13,
1864.
18
270 HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V.
George R. Waid, Corporal, Vienna, August 7, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Ser
geant, October 1, 1864, killed October 27, 1864.
Henry C. Stowell, Corporal, Utica, August 8, 1862, Painter.
Stephen Jackson, Corporal, Vienna, August 7, 1862, Sawyer; died July 5, 1863.
Edmons Shirley, Corporal, Utica, August 7, 1862, Clerk; discharged December
7, 1863.
Henry G. Estes, Corporal, Utica, August 12, 1862, Printer.
Albert La Tour, Corporal, Utica, August 11, 1862, Clerk.
Theodore Hibbard, Corporal, Utica, August 9, 1862, Barber; promoted to Ser
geant, November 1, 1864.
Charles Shaver, Musician, Verona, August 7, 1862, Farmer; transferred to Co,
"I."
James A. Wescott, Musician, Utica, August 8, 1862, Farmer; discharged Nov.
14, 1862;
Wm. H. Carnright, Wagoner, Vienna, August 7, 1862, Blacksmith; discharged
December 28, 1862.*
Anson, Jackson Private, Florence, July 11, 1862, Farmer; discharged December
28, 1863.
Burk, James Private, Utica, July 24, 1862, Teamster.
King, John W. Private, Utica, July 25, 1862, Farmer; died of wounds, June
30, 1864.
Martin, Lyman A. Private, Utica, July 28, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Sergeant,
October 1, 1862.
Dean, Lighten Private, Camden, July 30, 1862, Farmer; discharged Aug., 1862.
William, Howell Private, Western, July 31, 1862, Farmer; died of wounds re
ceived 29th September.
Barber, Joseph S. Private, Utica, August 1, 1862, Farmer.
Hall, George A. Private, Verona, August 3, 1862, Farmer; discharged March
10, 1863.
Hall, William D. Private, Verona, August 3, 1862, Cigarmaker ; discharged
December 12, 1862.
Overocker, Lafayette Private, Verona, August 3, Farmer.
Rowell, Chauncey Private, Verona, August 3, 1862, Farmer ; died May 25, 1864.
Raymond, John Private, Verona, August 3, 1862, Farmer ; killed September 29,
1864.
Sayre, Abner C. Private, Verona, August 3, 1862, Farmer.
Thorp, Benj. Private, Verona, August 3, 1862, Farmer.
Roswell, Wm. Private, Verona, August 4, 1862, Farmer ; wounded in face before
Petersburg.
Hewitt, James W. Private, Utica, August 4, 1862, Farmer; discharged Decem
ber 18, 1862.
Montague, A. G. Private, Utica, August 4, 1862, Barber ; deserted February 2,
1863.
McGraham, Owen Private, Utica, August 5, 1862, Farmer; discharged May 31,
1863.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 271
Elmer, A. E. Private, Verona, August 6, 1862, Laborer; promoted to Corporal,
March 24, 1864.
Hopsicker, Carl Private, Boonville, August 6, 1862, Laborer ; wounded Sept 59,
before Fort Gilmer.
Major, Charles Private, Hawkinsville, August 6, 1862, Painter; died July 15,
1863.
Monnahan, D. Private, Boonville, August 6, 1862, Laborer ; died of wounds,
July 22, 1864.
Pangburn, Harrison, Private, Verona, August 6, 1862, Laborer; slightly wounded
two or three times.
Rabb, Christopher Private, Hawkinsville, August 6, 1862, Laborer; transferred to
Invalid Corps. /
Rowley, William Private, Utica, August 6, 1862, Laborer; discharged October
5, 1862.
Congdon, Philo B. Private, Viena, August 7, 1862, Farmer; wounded Sept. 29,
at Fort Gilmer, discharged.
Dibble, Judson C. Private, Vienna, August 7, 1862, Farmer; wounded at Cap
ture of Petersburg Heights, June 15, 1864.
Palms, Truman Private, Vienna, August 7, 1 862, Carpenter; discharged Sept.
1, 1863.
Tuttle, Noah Private, Vienna, August 7, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal,,
November 1, 1864.
Tuttle, Rufus Private, Vienna, August 7, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal',
November I, 1864.
Wright, William B. Private, Vienna, August 7, 1882, Laborer ; killed by light
ning, Aug. 18, 1864.
Blackwood, Robert Private, Utica, August 7, 1862, Weaver.
Benjamin, J. H. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer.
Cober, John Private, Deerfield, August 7, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal,
October 1, 1864, killed, January 15, 1865, at Fort Fisher.
Foster, George B. Private, Verona, August 3, 1862, Farmer; wounded before
Petersburg, at explosion of Mine, July 30, 1864.
McKce, James F. Private, Vienna, August 8, 1862, Farmer.
Warner, James S Private, Vienna, August 9, 1862, Farmer ; discharged January
12, 1883.
Gregory, Elnathan Private, Verona, August 9, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor
poral, February 15, 1865.
Gallager, James Private, Verona, August 9, 1862, Farmer; wounded 15 of June
1864, before Petersburg, discharged.
Gleasman, Charles Private, Verona, August 9, 18G2, Carpenter; wounded Sept.
29, died of wounds.
Goca, Cassimer Private, Verona, August 9, 1862, Mechanic ; wounded at For*
Fisher, discharged.
Hannager, Frederick Private, Verona, August 9, 1862, Farmer.
Keiley, James Private, Verona, August 9, 1862, Laborer.
272 HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V.
Laglan John Private, Verona, August 9, 1862, Boat Builder.
Mumpton, John Private, Verona, Aug. 9, 1862, Farmer; transferred to V. R. C.
Onderdonk, Justice Private, Verona, August 9, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor
poral, October 1, 1864.
Smith, John II. Private, Verona, August 9, 1862, Farmer.
Will, William Private, Verona, August 9, 1862, Farmer; killed at Fort Fisher,
January 15, 1865.
Baker, Jacob Private, Annsville, August 11, 1862, Laborer; wounded before
Petersburg, June 15, 1864, discharged for consequent disability.
Bettinger, Ira F. Private, Verona, August 11, 1862, Farmer; killed at Fort
Fisher, January 15, 1865.
Dibble, George Private, Vienna, August 11, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corpo
ral, May 25, 1864.
Down, James Private, Camden, August 11, 1862, Farmer.
Ferguson, Julius Private, Utica, August 11, 1862, Laborer.
Hartwell, Albert Private, Utica, August 11, 1862, Farmer; died May 6, 1864.
Hatch, Isaac F. Private, Floyd, August 11, 1862, Farmer; wounded at Fort
Fisher.
Johnson, Thomas B. Private, Vienna, August 11, 1862, Farmer ; died of wounds,
August 16, 1864.
McClellan, Alonzo E. Private, Vienna, August 11, 1862, Farmer; discharged
October 30, 1862.
Palms, Andrew Private, Vienna, August 11, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor-
• poval.
Smith, Solon Private, Camden, August 11, 1862, Farmer ; promoted to Corporal,
July 25, 1864.
Stone, George C. Private, Vienna, August 11, 1862, Carpenter; promoted to
Corporal, May 25, 1864, killed September 29, 1864.
Tuttle, William Private, Camden, August 11, 1862, Farmer; died at Beaufort,
S. C.
Holmes, Henry Private, Rome, August 12, 1862, Tailor; discharged January 2,
1863.
Haas, Jacob Private, Verona, August 12, 1862, Farmer.
Jones, William H. Private, Floyd, August 12, 1862, Farmer; died June 17, 1864.
Lane, William H. Private, Utica, August 12, 1862, Farmer.
Riley, Richard S. Private, Verona, August 12, 1862, Cigar Maker.
Williams, Thomas H. Private, Floyd, August 12, 1862, Farmer.
Dyas, William Private, Utica, August 12, 1862, Clerk.
Bissell, Frank Private, Utica, August 13, 1862, Student ; discharged February
28, 1863.
Clifford, Robert Private, Camden, Aug. 11, 1862, Farmer ; died at Raleigh, N. C.
Pelton, Erastus Private, Rome, August 13, 1862, Farmer.
Kimball, W. H. Private, Rome, August 14, 1862, Farmer.
Lewin, Thomas Private, Westmoreland, August 14, 1862, Farmer.
Langer, Lewis Private, Annsville, August 14, 1862, Farmer; wounded Sept. 29.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 273
Satighter, J. Christian Private, Rome, August 14, 1862, Farmer.
Walter, John A. Private, Verona, August 14, 1862, Cabinet maker.
Hall, John Private, Rome, August 15, 1862, Farmer; died September 22, 1864.
Petril, John Private, Rome, August 15, 1862, Farmer.
Parks, Robert Private, Rome, August 15, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal,
December 1, 1863, died of wounds, July 21, 1864.
Twining, Seth R. Private, Rome, August 15, 1862, Farmer; died Jan. 5, 1863.
Spencer, Andrew Private, Camden, August 5, 1862, Farmer.
Rice, Asa Private, Rome, August 13, 1862, Farmer.
Avery, Delas Private, Verona, August 25, 1862, Fanner.
1864. — All are Recruits from this forward.
Kappes, Joseph Private, Utica, February 27, 1864, Farmer.
Gorr, William Private, Rome, January 19, 1864, Farmer; wounded October 27,
1864, transferred to 48th R. N. Y. V.
Bohmer, Michael Private, Rome, February 10, 1864, Farmer; transferred to V.
R. C., March 20, 1865.
Fetterly, Westley Private, Amesville, February 18, 1864, Laborer ; transferred to
48th R. N. Y. V.
Gordon, George Private, Rome, January 11, 1864, Boatman ; wounded at Fort
Fisher.
Haslock, Robert Private, Utica, January 16, 1864, Draper; killed September 29,
1864.
Hanmacker, Philip Private, Rome, January 11, 1864, Farmer; transferred to
48th R. N. Y. V.
Johnson, Wallace Private, Verona, January 9, 1864, Farmer; transferred to 48th
R. N. Y. V.
Marks, John Private, Lee, February 10, 1864; Farmer.
Rohen, Frank Private, Utica, February 16, 1864; Laborer.
Sherwood, E. T. Private, New Hartford, January 4, 1864, Clerk.
Spell, William II. Private, Utica, December 1, 1863, Clerk.
Cone, Eli Private, Utica, August 19, 1864, Printer.
Keim, Wm. R. Private, Utica, March 26, 1864, Clerk.
Eastwood, James Private, Remsen, August 19, 1S64, Mechanic.
Loomis, Morris H. Private, Remsen, August 19, 1862, Farmer; killed October
27, 1864.
Young, George A. Private, Boonville, August 13, 1864, Farmer.
Harnacker, Valentine Private, Boonville, March 10, 1864, Farmer.
Francis, Charles S. Private, Jamaica, March 10, 1864, Clerk.
Kenny, David Private, Jamaica, March 10, 1864, Painter.
Roberson, George Private, Jamaica, March 8, 1864, Painter.
Foxe, George Private, Jamaica, March 10, 1864, Farmer.
Lewis, Henry Private, Jamaica, March 10, 1864, Stationer.
Freeman, Martin Private, Jamaica, March 9, 1864, Laborer.
274 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V..
Kemble, Alfred Private, Jamaica, March 10, 1864, Machinist.
Madden, Thomas Private, Jamaica, January 10, 1864, Laborer.
Davenport, John Private, Jamaica, January 26, 1864, Boatman.
Johnson, William Private, N. Y. City, March 14, 1865, Farmer; transferred to
4Sth N. Y. V.
Daly, Henry Private, N. Y. City, March 25, 1865, Farmer; transferred.
Williams, John Private, N. Y. City, February 17, 1865, Farmer : no.
Hazelton, Josiah Private, Syracuse, March 17, 1865, Farmer; no.
Mclntire, Cornelius Private, Canandaigua, March 15, 1865, Farmer; no.
ROSTER OF COMPANY I.
CHARLES H. WHEELOCK, appointed Captain Aug. 15th, 1862; resigned Feb.
14th, 1864.
JOHN C. HAYES, appointed 1st Lieutenant Aug. 15th, 1862 ; resigned Oct. 29th,
1862.
AMI MARQUISSEE, appointed 2d Lieutenant Aug. 15th, 1862; resigned Oct.
21st, 1863.
H. Dwight Grant, 1st Sergeant, Boonville, Aug. 9th, 1862, Lumberman ; pro
moted to 2d Lieutenant, Aug. 23d, 1864; taken prisoner at Drury's Bluff, May
16th, 1864.
Henry J. McWaine, Sergeant, Ava, July 29th, 1862, Farmer ; transferred to I. C.,
Dec. 26th, 1863.
C. S. Sperry, Sergeant, Boonville, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer.
Simeon H. Greens, Sergeant, Western, Aug. 2d, 1862, Farmer; killed in action
Sept. 29th, 1864.
John M. Joslin, Sergeant, Boonville, Aug. 14th, 1862, Farmer; discharged Oct.
27th, 1862.
Clinton G. Grant, Corporal, Boonville, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer; promoted to
Sergeant Aug. 1st, 1863.
Newton P. Stimson, Corporal, Boonville, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer.
Alfred Butler, Corporal, Western, Aug. 2d, 1862, Farmer; died Nov. 26th, '63-
Owen Rjurka, Corporal, Ucica, Aug. llth, 1862, Laborer.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 275
Marks Kelley, Corporal, Boonville, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer.
Michael Gephart, Corporal, Ava, Aug. 2d, 1862, Farmer.
Dewitt Groshang, Corporal, Ava, Aug. 5th, 1862, Mechanic.
Ebenezer Gaylord, Corporal, Boonville, Aug. 12th, 1862, Painter; discharged
Dec. 18th, 1862.
C. C. Dewey, Musician, Boonville, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer; died Sept. llth,
1863.
Livingston Meeker, Jr., Musician, Boonville, Aug. 9th, 1862, Laborer.
Harvey Dind, Teamster, Boonville, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer; discharged Oct.
17th, 1862.
James, Thomas H. Private, Utica, July 24th, 1862, Farmer.
Ingalls, William Private, Utica, July 28th, 1862, Farmer; discharged Dec. 2d,
1862.
Petre, William S. Private, Utica, July 28th, 1862, Mechanic.
Wias, William Private, Utica, July 30th, 1862, Boat builder; deserted at organ-
ization of regiment.
Marhaugh, Wm. Private, Western, July 30th, 1862, Farmer.
Hebley, Chasper Private, Utica, July 31st, 1862, Laborer.
Hill, Hiram D. Private, Utica, July 31st, 1862, Tradesman.
Sherman, Levi Private, Ava, Aug. 2d, 1862, Farmer; killed in the assault on
Fort Fisher,
Kingsbury, Delos Private, Utica, Aug. 2d, 1 862, Farmer.
Franklin, Samuel Private, Western, Aug. 5th, 1862, Farmer; discharged Sept.
24th, 1864.
Southwick, Geo. F. Private, Utica, Aug. 5th, 1862, Farmer.
Groff, George Private, Western, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer; died Oct. 17th, 1862.
Mowers, Hczekiah Private, Western, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer; died of wounds,
June 27th, 1864.
Roberts, Wm. M. Private, Utica, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer.
Kingsbcrry, A. Private, Western, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer.
Mowers, Daniel Private, Western, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer; killed in action,
Oct 27th, 1864.
Burke, Albert Private, Ava, Aug. 7th, 1862. Farmer; promoted to Corporal,
July 1st, 1863; discharged March 1st, 1865.
Griffith, Evan C. Private, Western, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor
poral, Nov. 26th, 1863.
Meeker, Charles Private, Boonville, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; killed at Fort
Fisher, Jan. 15th, 1865.
Coleman, Tremain Private, Boonville, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; deserted March
7th, 1863.
Norton, Marcus Private, Boonville, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; died of wounds,
May 28th, 1864.
Houck, Joseph Private, Boonville, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer.
More, Wm. J. Private, Western, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; missing in action,
Sept. 29th, 1864.
276 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
Hart, Charles Private, Western, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer.
Hammond, J. M. Private, Boonville, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; died in U. S.
Gen'l Hosp., Baltimore, Md.
Taft, Delos Private, Western, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer.
Burke, John Private, Ava, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; discharged Feb. 4th, 1863.
Crofoot, Thomas H. Private, Western, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer.
Hutchings, I. E. Private, Western, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer; transferred to I. C.,
Jan., 1864.
Braman, James D. Private, Boonville, Aug. 8th, 1 862, Farmer.
McGoldrich, Peter Private, Boonville, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer; died Sept. 12th,
1862.
Burch, Joseph, Jr., Private, Western, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer.
Ilutchins, Jonathan Private, Western, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer.
Parmelce, Judson Private, Western, Aug. 8th, 1 862, Farmer.
McConrad, David Private, Ava, Aug. 8th, 1862, Lawyer ; deserted at organiza
tion of regiment.
Williams, Griffith Private, Western, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer.
Black, John Private, Boonville, Aug. 9th, 1862, Tailor; discharged for disability,
Eov. 2d, 1864.
Rockerath, P. J. Private, Utica, Aug. 9th, 1862, Painter; deserted at organiza
tion of regiment.
Conklin, Thos. B. Private, Western, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Ser
geant, Oct. 17th, 1862.
Hamblin, Charles Private, Boonville, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer.
Lobdell, James Private, Boonville, Aug. 9th, 1862, Lumberman.
Smith, J. B. Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Laborer; discharged Sept. 30th.
Edwards, Chas. Private, Utica, Aug. 9th, 1862, R. R. man.
Thurston, Franklin Private, Ava, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer.
Anderson, John Private, Utica, Aug. 9th, 1862, Gardener.
Brooks, Wm. Private, Boonville, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer; discharged Aug.
25th, 1864.
Cummings, W. Private, Boonville, Aug. llth, 1862, Tailor; discharged Dec.
5th, 1863.
Cronin, Daniel Private, Boonville, Aug. llth, 1862, Shoemaker; died of wounds,
June, 1864.
Dewey, Curtis Private, Boonville, Aug. llth, 1862, Laborer; died of wounds,
July 13th, 1864.
Gibens, James Private, Boonville, Aug. llth, 1862, Carpenter.
Heavencr, Charles Private, Boonville, Aug. llth, 1862, Laborer; died at 10th
A. C. Hospital.
Hoag, David Private, Boonville, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer.
Lobdell, John Private, Boonville, Aug. llth, 1862, Laborer.
Lawton, Alonzo Private, Utica, Aug. llth, 1862, Laborer.
Miller, Benj. F. Private, Utica, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Com.
Sergt, Aug. 20th, 1862. Commissioned 2d Lieut.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 277
Murphy, Flavel Private, Boonville, Aug. llth, 1862, Book keeper.
Wheeler, Mariam Private, Boonville, Aug. 11 th, 1862, Farmer.
Brooks, Joseph Private, Boonville, Aug. 12th, 1862, Laborer ; killed July 4th,
1864.
Bacon, H. H. Private, Boonville, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer.
Boardman, David A. Private, Boonville. Aug. 12th, 1862, Engineer.
Caulkins, Theo. Private, Utica, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; deserted at organiza
tion of regiment.
Chase, Fenton Private, Boonville, Aug. 12th, 1862, Tinsmith.
Ooleman, John Private, Ava, Aug. 12th, 1862, Lumberman ; died Dec. 3d, 1862.
Fox, Thaddeus Private, Western, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; died Dec. 1st, '62.
Gillett, Orimel Private, Western, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer ; killed at Fort Fisher,
Jan. 15th, 1865.
Gansey, Truman Private, Boonville, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer.
Mann, M. M. Private, Boonville, Aug. 12th, 1862, Lumberman.
Saturley, Addison Private, Western, Aug. 12th, 1862, Laborer ; discharged April
29th, 1865.
Slocum, Samuel Private, Boonville, Aug. 12th, 1862, Laborer.
Drake, Meliza Private, Boonville, Aug. 13th, 1862, Farmer; killed in action,
Sept. 29th, 1864.
Laquay, Lafayette Private, Boonville, Aug. 13th, 1862, Farmer ; discharged
March 14th, 1865.
Wetherwox, M. Private, Boonville, Aug. 13th, Farmer; discharged Oct. 23d/63.
Wisley, Alonzo Private, Boonville, Aug. 13th, 1862, Goldsmith; discharged
Jan. 8th, 1863.
Bellington, James Private, Boonville, Aug. 13th, 1862, Farmer.
Bellinger, Myron Private, Boonville, Aug. 14th, 1862, Farmer ; died Dec. 10th,
1862.
Cronk, Jonas D. Private, Boonville, Aug. 14th, 1862, Farmer.
Foot, Abram D. Private, Boonville, Aug. 14th, 1862, Farmer.
Fitch, James Private, Boonville, Aug. 14th, 1862, Farmer.
Hichcock, W. D. Private, Boonville, Aug. 14th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor
poral, Dec. 1st, 1862.
Lincoln, David M. Private, Utica, Aug. 14th, 1862, Farmer; discharged Dec.
18th, 1862.
Sergeant, Augustus W. Private, Boonville, Aug. 14th, 1862, Mechanic.
Irion, Jacob Private, Utica, Aug. 15th, 1862, Cigar maker; drum Major.
1 864. — Recruits from this forward.
Orcutt, James G. Private, Utica, Feb. 22d, 1864, Machinist ; killed May 16th/64.
Burlingame, 0. Private, litica, Feb. 15th, 1864, Painter.
Cunningham, J. Private, Utica, Feb. 18th, 1864, Boatman.
Divine, Dewey S. Private, Utica, Jan. 29th, 1864, Engineer; died Oct. 23d, '64-
Divine, Classon S. Private, Utica, Feb. 15th, 1864, Machinist.
278 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
Gilford, Chas. Private, Utica, Feb. 22d, 1864, Sawyer.
Harrington, A. A. Private, Utica, Feb. 15th, 1864, Farmer; killed July I7th,'64.
Harger, Jason Private, Utica, Feb. 29th, 1864, Farmer; killed June 7th, 1864 ;
'• May the old flag triumph !" was one of his last utterances, as he lay dying
on the field.
Hamblin, W. F. Private, Utica, March 29th, 1864, Farmer.
McDonald, Peter Private, Utica, Jan. 15th, 1864, Farmer.
Meayo, Geo. B. Private, Utica, Jan. 16th, 1864, Soldier; "E " Co.
Quackenboss, E. Private, Utica, Jan. 30th, 1864, Millwright.
Ruze, Samuel Private, Utica, Feb. 12th, 1864, Farmer.
Smith, D. H. Private, Utica, Jan. 22d, 1864, Tailor.
Strong, Geo. \V. Private, Utica, Jan. 22d, 1864, Laborer; died Aug. 2d, 1864.
Moon, Andrew Private, Utica, Feb. llth, 1864, Farmer.
Cameron, John Private, Utica, Feb. 22d, 1864, Mason.
Cameron, John B. Private, Utica, Feb. 22d, 1864, Farmer; killed Sept. 29th,
1864.
Griffith, Benj. Private, Utica, April 6th, 1864, Laborer.
Simon, Henry H. Private, Utica, April 6th, 1864, Farmer.
Whiter, Abraham Private, Utica, March 16th, 1864, Teamster.
Cronck, Oliver Private, Ava, Jan, llth, 1864, Farmer; died April 9th, 1864.
Coon, Kenyon B. Private, Marshall, Jan. 8th, 1864, Joiner ; transferred to V. B. C.
McDowell, C. H. Private, Utica, Feb. 27th, 1864, Clerk.
Kosenthall, Levi Private, Utica, Feb. 17th, 1864, Tailor.
Windsor, J. B. Private, Utica, Feb. 6th, 1864, Laborer; missing in action, May
16th, 1864.
Henright, Timothy Private, Utica, Aug. 7th, 1864, Farmer; missing in action,
Sept. 29th, 1864.
Klink, Stephen Private, Boonville, Aug. 6th, 1864, Laborer.
Houston, A. H. Private, Utica, Aug. 8th, 1864, Painter.
Knight, Joseph Private, Paris, Aug. 5th, 1864, Farmer.
Williamson, A. Private, Boonville, Aug. 26th, 1864, Laborer.
Murphy, Timothy Private, N. Y. City, March 9th, 1865, Laborer.
Welsh, James Private, N. Y. City, March 10th, 1865, Clerk.
Merkle, Sabastian Private, N. Y. City, March 10th, 1865, Grocer.
Morris, Joseph Private> Goshen, March 9th, 1 865, Laborer.
Fair, Phineas S. Private, Goshen, March 10th, 1865, Laborer.
Dubois, Lewis Private, Goshen, March 10th, 1865, Laborer.
Carmichael, H, Private, Goshen, March 10th, 1865, Laborer.
Dubois, Victor Private, Goshen, March 10th, 1865, Cook.
Yan, Max Private, Goshen, March 10th, 1865, Machinist.
Byron, E. J. Private, Tarrytown, March 10th, 1865, Clerk.
Moore, Thos. Private, Tarrytown, March 10th, 1865, Laborer.
Petrooetz, N. Private, Tarrytown, March 10th, 1865, Sailor.
Shields, James Private, Tarrytown, Feb. 21st. 1865, Laborer.
Johnson, G. A. Private, Brooklyn, March 10th, 1865, Clerk.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 279
Kickens, G. B. Private, Brooklyn, March 10th, 1865, Seaman.
McCreacly, J. Private, Brooklyn, March 10th, 1865, Sailor.
Joy, John Private, Brooklyn, March 10th, 1865, Laborer.
Caulkins, M. L. Private, Goshen, March 9th, 1865, Laborer.
Smith, E. L. Private, Goshen, March 9th, 1865, Laborer.
Gledhill, Henry Private, Rochester, March 14th, 1865, Cooper.
Kalp, Andrew Private, Lockport, Feb. 28th, 1865, Farmer.
Kittleman, G. Private, Lockport, March 4th, 1865, Farmer.
Brown, William Private, Rome, Dec. 24th, 18S3, Farmer.
Henderson, John Private, New Hartford, Jan. 8th, 1864, Farmer.
RC-STER OF COMPANY K.
JAMES A. RACE, Captain ; appointed August 15, 1862; resigned Aug. 29, 1862.
LINUS R. CLARK, 1st Lieutenant; appointed August 15, 1862; promoted to
Captain, March 26, 1863; received wound in battle, October 27, 1864, which
involved the loss of one leg; was honorably discharged service, Mch. 20, 1865.
JOHN H. FAIRBANKS, 2d Lieutenant ; appointed November 24, 1862; promoted
to 1st Lieutenant, May 18, 1864 ; Breveted Captain, for "gallant and meritori
ous services," at Fort Fisher, to date from March 1, 1865 ; was seriously
wounded at the taking of Fort Fisher.
Alonzo Denton, 1st Sergeant, Remsen, July 30, 1862, Clerk; Promoted to 2d
Lieutenant, May 23, 1864, wounded September 29.
N. B. Hinckley, Sergeant, Kirkland, Aug. 3, 1862, Student; died July 11, 1863.
William Goodier, Sergeant, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Farmer; died of wounds,
November 8, 1864.
George L. Mills, Sergeant, Augusta, August 11, 1862, Farmer; discharged Feb.
20, 1863.
Levi Mungcr, Sergeant, Utica, July 23, 1862, Clerk; died June 19, 1863.
Samuel Wyckoff, Corporal, Marshall, July 22, 1862, Tailor; promoted to 1st
Sergeant September 7, 1862, reduced to ranks November 5, 1862.
Joseph Vale, Corporal, Remsen, August 4, 1862, Sawyer.
James Calen, Corporal, Boonville, August 6, 1862, Farmer.
George A. Bartholomew, Corporal, Kirkland, August 13, 1862, Farmer ; killed at
Fort Fisher, January 15, 1865.
Homer Lowell, Corporal, Augusta, July 8, 1862, Farmer.
John Stannard, Corporal, Remsen, Aug. 1, 1862, Carpenter.
Alonzo Boice, Corporal, Remsen, July 30, 1862, Lawyer; died July 17, 1863.
John C. Lathrop, Corporal, Kirkland, August 15, 1862, Farmer; transferred to
Signal Corps, January 13, 1863.
280 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
C. T. Root, Musician, Marshall, August 9, 1862 Farmer.
William Dibble, Teamster, Remscn, August, 13, 1862, Teamster.
Reynolds, Curtis W. Private, Augusta, July 12, 1862, Laborer.
Lindsley, Albert Private, Marshall, July 17, 1862, Farmer.
Morgan, Edward Private, Kirkland, July 23, 1862, Farmer.
Pratt, Milton Private, Augusta, July 23, 1862, Laborer; died Nov. 2, 1863.
Bonner, William L. Private, Augusta, July 24, 1862, Farmer.
Lyman, Thomas H. Private, Kirkland, July 24, 1862, Farmer; transferred to V-
R. C. October 11, 1863.
Dunster, Alfred Private, Marshall, July 28, 1 862, Farmer.
Gurley, George Private, Marshall, July 28, 1862, Farmer.
Martin, Frank Private, Marshall, July 28, 1862, Cooper; died Nov. 29, 1862.
Miller, Henry H. Private, Kirkland, July 28, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor
poral March 1, 1864, wounded at Petersburg.
Warner, Edgar F. Private, Kirkland, July 28, 1862, Farmer; died Nov. I, 1863.
Bass, Levi T. Private, Kirkland, July 30, 1862, Laborer ; wounded September
29, slight.
Kenyon, Charles H. Private, Kirkland, July 30, 1862, Farmer; died September
1, 1863.
Page, Charles Private, Marshall, July 31, 1862, Farmer.
Duffy, John Private, Kirkland, July 31, 1865, Farmer.
Cumings, Edward Private, Marshall, July 31, 1862, Farmer; transferred to V.
R. C. October 11, 1863.
Petch, Thomas Private, Kirkland, August 1, 1862, Tailor ; discharged, March
17, 1863.
Cumarford, John Private, Remsen, August 1, 1862; Sawyer.
Kilkenny, Wm. Private, Remsen, August 1, 1862, Sawyer; promoted to Corporal,
November 1, 1863, taken prisoner, at Drury's Bluff.
Reed, George W. Private, Kirkland, August 1, 1862, Laborer; killed, Fort
Fisher, January 15, 18fi5.
Harrington, Ed. Private, Kirkland, August 1, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor
poral, November 1, 1863, promoted to Sergeant, May 25, 1864.
Boice, Joseph Private, Remsen, August 2, 1862, Teamster.
Armstrong, A. P. Private, Kirkland, August 2, 1862, Carpenter; transferred to
V. R. C. January 6, 1864.
Carlin, Michael Private, Remsen, August 2, 1862, Teamster; killed June 10/64.
Jones, Charles E. Private, Remsen, August 3, 1862, Farmer ; killed at Petersburg.
Patterson, James Private, Remsen, August 4, 1862, Teamster; died October 19,
1864.
Warner, J. C. Private, Kirkland, August 4, 1862, Laborer ; wounded September
29, 1864, taken prisoner, died in Salisbury prison.
Ho well, William Private, Augusta, August 5, 1862, Farmer.
Howe, John Private, Augusta, August 5, 1862, Farmer; discharged February
2, 1863.
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 281
Smith, Thomas Private, Kirkland, August 5, 1862, Laborer ; promoted to Ser
geant.
Savage, John Private, Kirkland, August 5, 1862, Blacksmith.
Thompson, M. J. Private, Marshall, August 5, 1 862, Farmer.
Burke, Henry Private, Marshall, August 6, 1862, Laborer; promoted to Corpo
ral, November 1, 1863, wounded at battle of Drury's Bluff.
Flinn, Richard Private, Kirkland,. August 6, 1862, Farmer; died of wounds July
15, 1864. ,
Taft, Miles W. Private, Kirkland, August 6, 1862, Farmer; died, April 2, 1863.
Rodice, John Private, Kirkland, August 8, 1862, Laborer; promoted to Corporal
May 25, 1864, detached on color guard.
Murphy, Edward Private, Kirkland, August 8, 1862, Laborer; promoted to Cor
poral, April, 1863 ; kille'd in action, May 16, 1863.
Grumman, Charles H. Private, Kirkland, August 8, 1862, Carpenter; promoted
to Corporal, October 1, 1862, wounded September 29, promoted to Sergeant-
November 8, 1862, 1st Sergeant, May 25, 1864.
Crane, Mark Private, Augusta, August 9, 1862, Miller; promoted to Corporal,
November 1, 1862, missing since charge on Fort Gilmer, September 29.
Richmond, J. C. Private, Marshall, August 9, 1862, Laborer; died Sept. 5, 1863.
Kilren, Patrick Private, Remsen, August 9, 1862, Chopper.
Bradley, George Private, Kirkland, August 11, 1862, Cooper; wounded and
missing since September, 1864.
Daniels, Reuben A. Private, Marshall, August 11, 1S62, Farmer; died Decem
ber 23, 1862.
Griswold, Martin P. Private, Yernon, August 11, 1862, Farmer; transferred to
Company A.
Johnson, Burdett Private, Vernon, August 11, 1862, Farmer; transferred to Co.
A, promoted to Sergeant,
Taft, George W. Private, Marshall, August 11, 1862, Farmer; Promoted, Nov.
21, 1863; died of wounds, July 25, 1864.
Snyder, Philip Private, Remsen, August 11, 1862, Farmer; died Oct. 20, 1863.
McClure, Samuel Private, Remsen, August 12, 1862, Farmer.
Paash, William Private, Remsen, August 12, 1862, Farmer.
Onley, John Private, Remsen, August 12, 1862, Farmer.
Snell, Ozias Private, Remsen, August 12, 1862, Farmer; discharged November
4, 1864.
Sommers, John Private, Remsen, August 12, 1862, Boatman ; killed September
29, 1864.
Schieffer, Charles Private, Remsen,. August 12, 1862, Farmer; killed at Fort
Fisher, January 15, 1865.
Holmes, S. E. Private, Kirkland, August 12, 1862, Farmer; taken prisoner,
September 29, died in prison.
Haywood, Caleb Private, Kirkland, August 12, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor
poral, November 2, 1862, to Sergeant, Nov. 1, 1863, died of wounds, June, '64.
Powers, Wm. H. Private, Kirkland, August 12, 1862, Farmer.
282 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
Twitchell, E. W. Private, Kirkl?.nd, August 12, 1862, Farmer.
Thomson, Calvin Private, Kirkland, August 13, 1862, Farmer; taken prisoner
and died at Salisbury.
Ensworth, J. T). Private, Kirkland, August 13, 1862, Farmer.
App, Andrew Private, Remsen, August 13, 1362, Teamster.
Barr, Horace Private, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Sawyer; taken prisoner, Sept.
29, 1864, died in Salisbury prison.
Calaman, Anthony Private, I'oori^ille, August 13, 1862, Farmer.
Dustin, Samuel B. Private, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Farmer; wounded at
Petersburg,
Elthrop, Able Private, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corpo
ral, May 12, 1864, killed September 29, 1864.
Isley, Jacob Private, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Farmer.
Jenkins, David Private, Remsen, August 13, 1802, Miller.
Krasapiziger, Wm. Private, Remssn, Aug. 13, 1862, Farmer; died Nov. 26, 1863.
Maloncy, Tim. Private, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Teamster.
Michael, Steven Private, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Sawyer.
Madrid, Joseph Private, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Farmer,
Madrid, Lafayett Private, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Farmer; wounded at
Drury's Bluff, May 16, 1864.
Patterson, Wm. Private, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Farmer.
Platt, Harvey Private, Remsen, July 31, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Coporal,
November 1, 1863.
Holeman, Henry Private, Boonville, August 13, 1862, Mechanic; died, Novem
ber 25, 1863.
Wiltsey, Lorenzo Private, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Shoemaker; died October
2, 1863.
Walker, Henry Private, Remsen, August 13, 1802, Laborer; died of wounds,
July 20, 1864.
Young, Nelson Private, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Sawyer; died, Jan. 1, 1865.
Perkins, S. J. Private, Augusta, August 14, 1862, Laborer; transferred to V. R.
C. October 11, 1863.
McAdams, James Private, Marshall, August 14, 1862, Laborer.
Pete, Anson Private, Remsen, August 14, 1862, Carpenter; transferred to V. R.
C. November 2, 1863.
Martin, Florence Private, Marshall, August 14, 1862, Book keeper.
Kelley, Walter Private, Remsen, August 15, 1862, Miller.
Barton, Thomas W. Private, Kirkland, August 15, 1862, Student; discharged,
October 7, 1863.
Sheppard, Jack Private, Remsen, August 20, 1862, Hunter; promoted to Corpo
ral, October 20, 1862, to Sergeant, June 20, 1863.
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. Y. 283
1864. — All from this forward are Recruits.
Babcock, Warren H. Private, Utica, February 13, 1864, Farmer.
DeGeorgy, Charles H. Private, Utica, January 18, 1864, Laborer; wounded at
Drury's Bluff, May 16, 1864.
DeGeorgy, J. W. Private, Utica, February 6, 1864, Laborer.
Green, Wm. C. Private, Utica, February 13, 1862, Laborer; killed Sept. 28/64.
Green, John Private, Utica, February 11, 1862, Laborer.
Trask, Edwin Private, Utica, January 2, 1864, Laborer.
Van Valkenburg, Wm. Private, Utica, January 12, 1862, Farmer.
Williams, Morris Private, Utica, January 6, 1862, Laborer; killed at Drury's
Bluff.
DeLany, Mansfield Private, Utica, February 29, 1864, Farmer; killed, May 10,
1864.
Flint, Martin Private, Utica, February 20, 1864, Farmer.
Darling, David Private, Utica, February 23, 1864, Clerk.
Maloney, Thomas Private, Utica, December 11, 1863, Laborer.
Davis, John Private, Utica, February 10, 1864, Farmer.
Curry, William Private, Utica, March 27, 1864, Farmer; killed May 16, 1864.
Garlock, Charles Private, Utica, March 31, 1864, Farmer; killed May 16, 1864.
Gallagher, Michael Private, New Hartford, January 25, 1864, Laborer.
Joy, Thomas Private, Marshall, January 26, 1864, Farmer; wounded, May 16,
1864.
Murray, Wells C. Private, Whitestown, January 25, 1864, Boatman.
Turner, Koswcll Private, Kirkland, February 16, 1864, Farmer; killed, May 16,
1864.
Royce, Harvey T. Private, Remsen, August 16, 1864, Lumberman.
Rathburn, John Private, Kirkland, August 23, 1864, Farmer.
Richard, George Private, Brooklyn, March 10, 1865, Waiter.
Mack, Cornelius Private, Brooklyn, March 10, 1865, Lumberman.
Aschlever, George Private, Brooklyn, March 10, 1865, Soldier.
Hennacy, James Private, Brooklyn, February 23, 1865, Painter.
Miller, L. I. Private, Brooklyn, February 22, 1865, Clerk.
Wolf, Henry Private, Brooklyn, February 23, 1865, Merchant.
Hawley, John Private, Brooklyn, February 21, 1865, Butcher.
Degan, Peter Private, Brooklyn, February 24, 1865, Clerk.
Stapleton, Patrick Private, Brooklyn, February 21, 1865, Laborer.
Estrado, Henry Private, Brooklyn, February 22, 1865, Horse dealer.
Henry, Edward H. Private, Brooklyn, March 21, 1865, Oyster-man.
Gruber, Max Private, Brooklyn, March 20, 1865, Cigar maker.
Hernise, Alexander Private, Brooklyn, March 21, 1865, None.
Klin, Oscal Private, Brooklyn, March 24, 1865, Clerk.
Lowns, John Private, Brooklyn, March 22, 1865, Cook.
Ryan, William Private, Brooklyn, March 22, 1865, Laborer.
Scheeman, Benjamin Private, Brooklyn, March 24, 1865, Clerk.
284 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.
Shay, Evart Private, Brooklyn, March 21, 1865, Laborer.
Thompson, Robert Private, Brooklyn, March 21, 1865, Collier.
Wilson, John R. Private, Brooklyn, March 21, 1865, Painter.
Pope, Jj>hn Private, Brooklyn, March 23, 1865, Farmer.
Schafizel, Frederick Private, Brooklyn, March 24, 1865, Butcher.
Blum, Atrgust Private, Brooklyn, March 24, 1865, Soldier.
Irener, Edward Private, Brooklyn, February 23, 1865, Sailor.
Anderson, Frank Private, Brooklyn, February 23, 1865, Laborer.
Leiter, George Private, Lockport, February 28, 1865, Manufacturer.
Muller, Francis I. Private, Clarkville, March 17, 1865, Jeweler.
OBITUARY.
Capt. JOHN M. WALCOTT, although not possessed of rugged health, had had
an irrepressible desire to devote whatever of health and strength he had to the service
of his country. And having obtained consent of his widowed mother who leaned
upon him for counsel, for her other younger son Franklin was already in the field, he
opened a recruiting office in Utica, July 12th, 1862. Through his great energy the
company was soon organized.
The Regiment left Utica, August, 1862. In August, 1863, he came home much
worn by his severe duties, and returned to Folly Island, S. C., in September; but
his health was not equal to the duties of the field, and he was transferred to the 10th
Regiment Invalid Corps, to the command of Co. G, then stationed at Fort Schuyler,
New York Harbor; but his duties here were hardly less onerous than while in active
service and his health gradually failed; and suddenly attacked with inflammation of
the lungs, there was no vital energy left to throw off the disease, and he sank under
it March 15th, 1864, at the age of twenty-eight.
I am happy to say of Capt. WaJcott, that he was a true Christian gentleman. He
was greatly respected and beloved by the officers of his regiment, and he endeared
himself much to his company. He was willing to sacrifice his own health and com
fort for his men. One of his soldiers said he owed his life to the Captain's kindness,
for he gave up his own bed to the sick soldier and lay himself on the ground, and
' all the company bear the same united testimony to his kindness.
Col. Pease, gives his estimate of him as a friend, a gentleman and a soldier, in a
letter written to the Captain's Mother after his death.
" It always gives me pleasure to bear testimony to the manly virtues of my de
parted friend. And I will say there was not a man of my acquaintance whose
friendship I prized so highly as his. He was faithful in his friendship, patriotic arid
zealous in the cause of his country, warm-hearted toward all, and charitable to
ward the erring. I have lost a dear friend and you madam a noble son." Lieutenant
Col. Kane, in announcing to the 10th Regiment Invalid Corps, the death of the Capt.
says. " His ability as an officer, his many virtues, his soldierly and gentlemanly
bearing, together with his uniformly kind consideration of others, have commanded
our respect and won our estimation and regard."
And those who knew him best in his last years, in the army, and at home, are
consoled with the belief, that he has gone to receive the blessing awarded to those
who were true and self sacrificing, in the hour of their country's peril, and loyal to
their God.
SEV. C. FITCH,
Pastor of Pres. Church at New York Mills.
It/
286 OBITUARY.
Oapt. GEORGE W. BRIO-HAM, was a native of the town of Vernon, where
most of his life was spent, and where he was universally respected and beloved for his
noble qualities. His grandfather was a soldier of the Revolution and fought at
Bunker Hill, and with the blood of such an ancestry he could not pursue contentedly
his civil pursuits while his country was in danger.
He promptly responded to the call for the organization of the 117th, and in a few
days recruited among his own townsmen a large portion of Co. " A," which entitled
him to a commission for 1st Lieutenant, and he was mustered in as such at the organiz
ation of that company, but before the regiment left the county he was promoted to
the position of Captain to fill the vacancy occasioned by the promotion of Captain
White to the place of Lieut. Colonel.
He was wounded in the hip, in the battle of Drury's Bluff. From the effects of
the injury he died three days after, aged twenty-seven. When he fell at the head of
Co. A, of which he was justly proud, and which he loved and cared for with a
father's solicitude, he waved his hat to them and shouted, " Go on Boys, and give it to
them ! I am wounded but not conquered." Such souls are never conquered, they
fight on though the body dies. He was a young man of a quiet, modest deportment,
yet of unflinching firmness and uprightness of character, of high moral worth and
sterling patriotism. These characteristics secured him the affections of his company
and the respect and confidence of his superior officers in a preeminent degree.
Thus another worthy name, was added to our country's roll of honor, in behalf o^
inalienable rights.
Capt. JOSIAH PARSONS STONE, was a native of the town of Camden, N. Y.
At an early age he was thrown upon his own resources, and at seventeen went to
New York city, where he entered into the business of printing. At the expiration
of one year he returned to his native town and engaged as associate proprietor of the
village newspaper. Soon after, becoming dissatisfied with his education, he aban
doned business and spent three years in the schools, the last two in college, and then
commenced the study of law. He was admitted to the bar in 1857, and for two
years was connected in business with Messrs. Beach and Bailey of Rome. After
spending another year in N. Y. city, he returned and formed a law partnership in
Camden, which was known as that of " Stevens and Stone." While here and thus
employed, he responded to the call for the raising of the 4th Oneida. He entered at
once on the work of recruiting and was among the first to muster a sufficient num
ber of men to entitle him to a commission of 1st Lieutenant. On the organization of
the regiment and the promotion of Capt. Daggett to Major, he was appointed Captain
of Co. B, receiving his commission Aug. 19th, 1862. Captain Stone was a man of few
words, but as an officer was always found in his place, prompt in the performance of
duty, securing the confidence of his superiors, and the respect of his men. He was
in the battle of Drury's Bluff and at the capture of Petersburg Heights. Two days
after the latter engagement, on the afternoon of the 17th of June, he was shot and in
stantly killed by a sharp-shooter. His age was thirty. See History, page 116.
Capt. WILLIAM J. HUNT, was a native of Oneida County ; he was active in
recruiting Co. F, and joined the regiment as 1st Lieutenant under* Captain Stevens.
He was appointed August 12th 1862, and was promoted to Captain, December 27th,
1863. He was of an energetic turn and appeared to possess both a relish and an
aptness for military life. He was in the battle of Drury's Bluff, and at Cold Harbor,
and bore a conspicuous part in the charge of Petersburg Heights. While serving in
OBITUAEY. 287
the seige of the city on the 17th day of July, he was wounded by a minnie ball from
the rifle of a sharp shooter. He was borne to the hospital, where he lingered till
July 31st, when he died from the effects of his wound. Though a capable officer he
was the youngest man holding the same rank. In his social intercourse he was ac
tuated by the most benevolent and generous impulses. He was popular among his
fellow officers and beloved by his men.
Capt. JOHN T. THOMAS, was a native of the town of Trenton. He was born
September 29th, 1830. At the proper age to make the choice of a trade he chose
that of stone cutter, he was active, industrious and enterprising, of an amiable and
generous disposition. He was naturally "good hearted" and accordingly always
diligent in promoting the welfare of his company. The same social quality rendered
him a favorite among his fellow officers, and almost a father to his men. In his
dealings he was manly and honorable, despising a mean act. Having labored for the
recruiting of Co. F, August 12th, 1862, he was appointed 2nd Lieutenant; Dec. 27th,
1863, he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant, and on the llth October, 1864, promoted
to Captain. As an officer he was always cool, faithful and reliable. He was in the
battles of Drury's Bluff, at Cold Harbor, at the capture of Petersburg Heights, in
the siege of Petersburg, at Laurel Hill Church on the 29th Sept., at Darbeytown
Road, and in the assault on Fort Fisher, where he was instantly killed by a bullet from
the enemy after he had gained the interior of the work.
The Captain's wife having died a few months previously, by his death his only
child, a boy of about 12 years, was left an orphan.
Lieut. ISAAC H. DANN, a native of the County. Having been active in
recruiting for Company A, was appointed to the position of 1st Lieutenant, Aug.
20th, 1862. lie was a young man of good principles and correct habits, and of a
mature and vigorous intellect. He was self-educated and self-reliant ; had chosen the
profession of Law, and enjoyed a fair prospect for gaining an honorable place in
that calling. Though deliberate in his manner, he was still resolute and prompt in
the discharge of his duty as an officer. Having enlisted from principle, his whole
mind was enlisted in the service of his country. With such qualities of head and
heart, it is no wonder he was popular in the regiment. He served in the Suffolk
campaign, and in the terrible engagement of Drury's Bluff, and was killed on the
day the Kegiment arrived at Cold Harbor. A rebel bullet entered the chest, causing
death in the course of a few hours. Thus another hero fell.
WM. C. CASELMAN, was born in Clinton, Oneida County; at about 10 years
of age, removed with his father to Vernom At the age of 17, he enlisted in the
regular army, served for the most part in the far west, and at the expiration of three
years, received an honorable discharge, when he returned to his home in Oneida
County. The late war breaking out soon after, he soon enlisted in an Indiana Kegi
ment, which underwent some very severe service under Gen. Butler, at Hatteras.
The Regiment soon after returned to Baltimore, where it was stationed for several
months. While there, he formed the acquaintance of the lady who a little later be
came his wife. He attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant in that regiment. A little
later he resigned and returned home. His knowledge of military, rendered him a de
sirable accession, and he was induced to join the 117th. He went as Sergeant in Co.
D, and contributed very much to the reputation of that Company, by his services as
drilling officer. His qualifications seemed quite in advance of his rank.
He was possessed of a good mind, which he had improved by reading and. study
288 OBITUARY.
He was liberal and comprehensive in his views ; both by organization and conviction
— a Kepublican. Being a vigorous reasoner, he was always ready to defend
and vindicate the doctrine of equal protection and equal rights. He was generous
hearted, confiding and faithful. Appointed 2d Lieutenant, May 19th, 1864; pro
moted to 1st Lieutenant, July 12th, 1864. Was wounded in the campaign of Suffolk,
was fatally wounded, May 16th, 1864, at the battle of Drury's Bluff, and died the
same night. He left a wife and one child.
Lieut. J. KNOX WILLIAMS, was a native of the town of Vernon, and the
only child of Thomas Williams of that town. He was born on the 16th day of Sept.
1838, and fell at the head of his Company, on the 29th of Sept. 1864, at Chapin's
Farm, within the sound of the church bells of Kichmond. He was wounded by a
ball passing nearly through his body from before, and lodging at the surface in the
region of the spine, and while walking off the field, supported by two soldiers, he re
ceived another ball in the back, which passed out very near where the former one
entered.
He reported to the Surgeon, who told him that there was no hope in his case ; he
immediately made such disposal of his watch, diary and other valuables, as seemed
to him necessary, and then calmly awaited the coming end. He was carefully placed
on a bed in an ambulance, and carried to Bermuda Hundred, a distance of about six
miles, where he died the next morning.
He received a good Academic education, and entered Hamilton College, where he
spent one year ; at which time, relinquishing his plan of a College course, he entered
Eastman's Commercial College, fitting himself for business duties; returning, he as
sisted his father is his manufacturing business for about two years, when in 1860,
he entered the store of his uncle, James C. Knox, of Knoxboro, as clerk and general
book keeper, where he was when he enlisted in the 117th, at the time of its organiza
tion. With a club of eleven others, among which he was prominent, he joined Co.
G of that Regiment. He was made Sergeant in his Company, from which post he
was promoted to 2d Lieutenant, on the 19th of March, 1864; to that of 1st Lieuten
ant, April 12th of the same year. He had command of a Company about three
months, and a Captain's Commission for him, reached the Regiment a few days after
his death, with rank from the 20th of September.
He was a young man of genial manners and unblemished character, strictly tem
perate in his habits, and a public professor of religion, having connected himself with
the "Presbyterian Church of his native town, in the spring of 1858. His remarkable
moral firmness was well illustrated in his last hours, by his refusal to take stimulants
when advised by the Surgeons ; his reply was, " I never take it."
The following extracts from a letter from Chaplain Crippen to his father, since his
death, furnishes testimony as to the character he sustained in the Regiment, and the
estimate in which he was held by his fellow officers :
DBAK SIR:
I well remember your son J. Knox Williams. Kendall, your son,
Lindsley Robins and others, held daily religious worship in their tent, and kept it up
till the Regiment went to Eastern Virginia. They each and all maintained their
Christian characters without rebuke, so long as I had knowledge of them. Your son,
with many others, gave his name to our regimental church, at our first prayer meet
ing, held in the open air among the stumps, near Fort Alexander. We esteemed him
,one of our most upright, moral and reliable men.
OBITUARY. 289
I saw the account of his death, at the head of his Company, and thought then as
now, there died a patriot and a Christian.
Truly Yours,
J. T. CBIPPEN.
V
Lieut. EVAN G-. JONES, was a native of the County. He served acceptably
in different capacities in the Regiment, fell ill in the spring of 1863, of typhoid fever,
while the regiment was near Suffolk, and died at Portsmouth Hospital, July 12th.
The following preamble and resolutions passed at a meeting of the officers of the
regiment, July 17th, afford a fair representation of his character and standing:
Whereas, by the recent death of Lieutenant Evan G. Jones, of Company B of this
Regiment, we are called to mourn the loss of a most valued and beloved comrade
and friend, and feel ourselves impelled to some expression, though inadequate, of our
appreciation of his worth, our grief at his departure, and our sympathy with his
friends in their bereavement.
Therefore — Resolved, — That in the conduct and career of Lieutenant Jones in this
regiment, we recognize convincing proofs of his possession of a high order of intelli
gence and amiability, an excellent judgment, an honest and thorough devotion to
duty, and a lofty and unselfish patriotism, rendering valuable aid in raising the regi
ment ; enlisting as a private soldier, without expectation of promotion ; raised subse
quently, with no effort or self-seeking on his part, to the position of Quarter-master's
Sergeant and Second Lieutenant, he acquitted himself in every capacity, most man
fully and honorably, and secured the respect and esteem of every officer and man
who knew him.
Resolved — That our personal contact and intercourse with him, have not only con
firmed and strengthened our estimate of his character, but have revealed in him an
amiability and moderation of temper, and a purity of thought and life, that have
greatly endeared him to us, as a gentleman, an associate and a friend.
Resolved — That in respect to the memory of our deceased comrade, we will wear
the usual badge of mourning for thirty days.
AUGUSTUS M. EEWIN, F. X. MYEE,
Lieutenant Co. E, Captain Co. C, 117th, R. N. Y. V.
Secretary. President.
SYNOPSIS.
SYNOPSIS OF MOVEMENTS MADE BY THE 117TH REGIMENT, FOR THE MOST PART
DURING THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS OF THE WAR.
Made passage of Chesepeake Bay, three times, twice down, once up.
" York Kiver, six " thrice each way.
" " Pamunky River, four " twice " "
" James " seven " thrice up, four times down.
Passed Cape Henry, six " four times out, twice back. [back.
Coastwise, (S. of Ft. Monroe,) five times, four times down, twice
Crossed Appommatox River, seven times.
SERVED ACTIVELY ON
Suffolk line, Va. once.
Folly and Morris Islands, S. C. once, a period of about 8 months
Bermuda Line, Va. four periods.
Petersburg Line, Va. three periods.
North of James Line, Va. two periods.
White House, Va. two periods.
Federal Point, N. C. two periods.
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