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THE
"DUTCHESS COUNTY
REGIMENT"
(IoOth regiment of new YORK STATE VOLUNTEER INFANTRY)
IN THE CIVIL WAR
ITS STORY AS TOLD BY ITS MEMBERS
BASED UPON THE WRITINGS OF
REV. EDWARD O. BARTLETT, D. D.
EDITED BY
S. G. COOK, M. D. AND CHARLES E. BENTON
PANBURY, CONN.
THE DANBURY MEDICAL PRINTING CO., INC.
1907
COPYRIGHT, 1907
BY WILLIAM C. WILE
Danbury, Conn.
THEA.V.HAIOHTl
PRINTERS
POUGHKEEPSIE
NEW YORK
1740440
TO THOSE OF OUR REGIMENT
WHO LOST THEIR OWN LIVES WHILE SAVING OUR
COUNTRY'S LIFE THIS VOLUME IS AFFECTION-
ATELY DEDICATED AS A TRIBUTE
TO THEIR UNFALTERING
HEROISM
PREFACE
The surviving members of the Dutchess County- Regi-
ment have always desired to have a Regimental History
written. The subject came up at the first reunion in
1865, and at nearly every subsequent reunion since.
It was generally concluded that Major Smith (I like
to call him "Major") was the proper person to write it,
as it was believed that he had more data upon which to
base the history of the regiment than any other member
of it. It is also generally believed that he did write said
history, but that his sudden and untimely death robbed us
of his very valuable manuscripts.
It is thought probable that these manuscripts were
in one of the many boxes that were sold at auction soon
after his death, but said box could never be traced, al-
though great efforts have been made to find it.
The matter drifted along until 1899 when the subject
was brought up by Judge Gildersleeve, and a resolution
offered and adopted that the history be written and pub-
lished in book form, and the Rev. E. O. Bartlett, D.D.,
late Chaplain of the Regiment, volunteered to undertake
it, and if the "Story of the Dutchess County Regiment"
ever gets past the printer's hands and becomes a fixed
fact, as "In God we trust" it will, great credit will be
due Dr. Bartlett for his initiative work. No structure
can be erected without a foundation, and he furnished the
basis which made our final success possible.
viii PREFACE.
At the Annual Reunion in 1902, or three years later,
he presented the fruit of his labors to the Association in
207 typewritten pages. A motion was made that this
be printed at once, but objection was made to this on the
grounds that the Association did not know what the
manuscript contained, and that no one man could satis-
factorily write the history, giving dates and incidents cor-
rectly. Thereupon a committee on review and revision
was appointed. I well remember how hard I tried to
have Joseph H. Cogswell appointed Chairman of this
Committee, because he was the ranking living line officer
of the regiment, was a combatant, and since the war had
been engaged in literary work, but against my earnest
protest he turned the tables on me, and I was made Chair-
man, with George H. Williams, Miles K. Lewis, Perry
W. Chapman, William R. Woodin, William E. Gurney
and William S. Van Keuren as my associates. In 1903
Joseph H. Cogswell, and the Hon. John I. Piatt, an hon-
orary member of the Association, were added to it.
At the time I accepted the chairmanship of the com-
mittee I realized what it meant, for I had been chairman
of committees before. It meant that the chairman should
do most of the work.
From some of my associates on the committee I have
received valuable assistance.
On receipt of Dr. Bartlett's manuscript, I immediately
had a dozen typewritten copies made, and at once divided
it into chapters (which Dr. Bartlett had failed to do),
apportioning a chapter each to some fifteen or twenty of
the members of the old regiment for revision. In some
of the chapters the Rev. Doctor will look in vain for the
familiar expressions from his own pen, for most of them,
PREFACE. ix
in their final form, are essentially the production of those
whose names are given as the authors.
About this time Charles E. Benton's book, "As Seen
from the Ranks," came into my possession, and I recog-
nized at once what a valuable editorial assistant he would
be in this undertaking. I was not long in securing his
co-operation, and I will here state that his assistance has
been invaluable. In fact, I doubt if I would have been
able to finish it without his aid, inasmuch as the added
years were beginning to hang heavily upon me.
In looking up official documents and records, J. H.
Cogswell, George H. Williams and William E. Gurney
have been of great service. Cogswell's compilation of
the Regimental Roster relieved me of a tremendous
amount of work.
To those who were prompt in sending in their chapters
and data for Personal Sketches (and even to those who
sent them at all), I hereby tender my grateful acknowl-
edgments.
In the circular letter I sent out in December, 1902, I
asked for diaries. To this there was a liberal response,
all of which have been useful in their way, but my "Bible
and Prayer Book" has been that of Piatt C. Curtiss, late
Sergeant of Co. I. His was complete, and when differ-
ences of opinion as to dates and localities have arisen I
have turned to it and have never been disappointed.
This will be one of the last of Regimental Histories,
because such history must of necessity be written by one
or more of its members, and those who took part in that
war are fast passing away. Nearly two generations have
passed since the war ended. Year by year memories
grow more Indistinct or fade out entirely. Though last,
X PREFACE.
we are hoping it will not be regarded as least. So far
as is known it is entirely unique in its plan and scope. It
is believed to be the first regimental history with signed
chapters written by so many different members of the
regiment. This fact, besides adding to its value for
those personally interested, and general readers, should
give it a welcome place in all of the public libraries of the
nation, and doubtless will.
If my surviving comrades and the families of those
who have been "mustered out" are pleased with our
efforts I am satisfied. I am very, very sorry that our
Colonel, "John Henry," could not have lived to have en-
joyed reading it, as it was a matter of lively interest to
him during the latter years of his life.
Stephen G. Cook, M.D.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
Preface vii
Chapter I.
By Henry A. GUdersJeeve.
The Origin and Inception of the Civil War i
Constitutional Questions Involved — Lincoln and his In-
augural Address — The South Precipitated the War — Why
We Enlisted.
Chapter II.
By Henry A. Gildersleeve.
Organization and Stay in Baltimore 8
The First Practical Step — "Josh Billings' " Resolution —
Authority from Governor Morgan — War Meetings all over
the County — Mustered into the United States Service —
The Journey to Baltimore — Small Campaigns — Turning Our
Faces Towards the Enemy.
Chapter III.
By JVilliam E. Gurney.
From Baltimore to Gettysburg 21
Departure From Baltimore — Learning Campaign Service —
"Battle Hymn of The Republic" — Becoming Part of the
Army of the Potomac — Just Before the Battle.
Chapter IV.
By Joseph H . Cogszvell.
Battle of Gettysburg 28
Approaching the Field — Held in Reserve — Entering the En-
gagement— Developing the Enemy — "Good Fighting Any-
where"— Those who Fell — Pickett's Grand Charge — Bury-
ing the Dead — The List.
xii CONTENTS.
Chapter V.
By Charles E. Benton.
PACK
From Gettysburg to Virginia 40 .
The Wreckage of Battle— Tragic Scenes — Following the
Enemy — Long Distance Marching — Topography of the
Country — Again Confronting the Enemy — Historic Harper's
Ferry — Blackberries, a Feast for the Gods — Sickness in
Camp.
Chapter VI.
By Piatt C. Ciirtiss.
From Virginia to Tennessee 51
Traveling in Freight Cars — Mountain Scenery — Patriotism
on the Way — A Winter Guarding the Railroad — Murders
by Bushwhackers — Taxing the Citizens to Suppress It —
More Murders — "The Simple Life" — Consolidation of Army
Corps — "Fighting Joe."
Chapter VII.
By Stephen G. Cook.
From Normandy to Resaca 66
The Peculiarities of Memory — The Second Pleasant Win-
ter in the Army — The nth and 12th Corps Consolidated —
Leaving Normandy, Tenn., for a More Southern Trip —
That Thunder Shower — A Mule "Potter's Field" — Lookout
Mountain — Snake Creek Gap — The Battle of Resaca.
Chapter VIII.
By John E. West.
From Resaca to Kenesaw Mountain 83
Difficult Campaign to Record — Pursuing the Enemy — "Left
in Front ! There'll Soon be a Fight !" — Battle of New
Hope Church — Bloody Assault — Death of General Polk —
Battle of Lost Mountain — Hot and Wet — Bluecoats and
Blackberries — Battle of Kolli's Farm — Death of Lieutenant
Gridlcy and Others — Pickets' Protection — Tantalizing Con-
fetleratc Flag — Enemy Retreats to Kenesaw Mountain.
CONTENTvS. xiii
Chapter IX.
By John E. JFest.
PA^E
From Kenesaw Mountain to Peach Tree Creek. ... 97
We Lose a Battle — "The Gate City of the South" — Friend-
ly Truce Between the Pickets — We Cross the Chattahoochee
— Battle of Peach Tree Creek — Straightening the Skirmish
Line— "Who Calls Major !"— Contraband of War — Hard-
tack "B. C." — Surprised at Breakfast — Distant Roar of
Battle.
Chapter X.
By JViUiam C. JVile.
The Siege of Atlanta io6
Time Occupied — Organization of the Corps — Its Officers —
Hot Fighting — Intrenching the Line — Getting Social with
the Rebel Pickets — Exchange of Bullet and Shell by Day,
and Music by Night — Surprising the Rebel Pickets — De-
seriters from the Enemy — Moving on the Citj' — Losses
Sustained.
Chapter XI.
By JViUiam C. JVile.
Atlanta Occupied ii8
Great Destruction of Property by the Enemy — City Sur-
renders— The Town and its Defenses — Regulation of Trade
— Inhabitants Sent Away— Sunday Observance — Foraging
for Food — Fighting off the Enemy — Preparations for
Abandoning the City — Last Scenes Spectacular and Fas-
cinating— "As We Go Marching On."
Chapter XII.
By JViUiam H. Bartktt.
From Atlanta to Milledgeville 131
Election in Camp — Field Orders — Reorganization of the
Army — None But the Strongest Retained — More Destruc-
tion of Property — City Abandoned — Campaign of Labor —
Course Taken — Corduroyed Roads — Freak "Legislature" —
Foraging — ^"Uncle Billy's Summers" — Skirmishing.
xiv CONTENTS.
Chapter XIII.
By George H. JVilliams. p^ge
From MlUedgevIlle to Savannah 143
Leaving Milledgeville — Fine Country and Fine Living —
Tough Goose — Skirmish, and Chickens — Swamps and More
Skirmishing — In Front of Savannali — Capture of Steam-
boat— Fighting on Argj-le Island — Colonel Ketcham
Woiindf'd — Cantnre of i-ion- AT^AHister — Hardtack and
Home Letters — Surrender of City.
Chapter XIV.
By Samuel H. Paulding.
From Savannah to Goldsborough 149
"Obey Orders" — Enemy Retreats — Surrender of City —
Pursuit of Enemy — Cold and Wet — Dry Inside — Destruc-
tion of Railroads — Flooded Swamps — Corduroyed Roads —
Foraging — Battle of Av°rnsborough — Death of Lieutenant
Sleight — Battle of Bentonville — A New Base.
Chapter XV.
By Miles K. Lewis.
From Goldsborough Home 159
Close of the "Hardest Campaign" — "Pop" Williams —
Assassination of the President — Surrender of Lee and
Johnston — End of the War — March to Washington — Over
Old Battlefields — Grand Review — Home Reception — En-
thusiastic Rejoicing — Pathetic Scenes — "Good Bye."
Chapter XVI.
By Stephen G. Cook.
The Monument and Its Dedication 169
How the Money Was Raised — Description of the Monu-
ment— Ceremonies and Addresses at its Dedication — Speak-
ers of the Day — Others Present — Evening Campfire.
Chapter XVII.
By Charles E. Benton.
Regimental Band 177
How it Was Created — Its Members — A Unique Character
— Its Services in Battle — Regiment's Position Marked by
One of Its Members — Band Men Wounded — Faithful to a
Variety of Duties.
CONTENTS. XV
Chapter XVIII.
By Thomas E. Vassar. p^^^jg
Reminiscences 183
Records of the Old Diai^ — Cheers and Tears — Apples and
Turkeys from Home — Regimental Debating Club^Dog of
the Regiment — Campaigning — Battle Scenes Both Ludicrous
and Pathetic — Virginia Camps — Resignation and "All
Hail."
Chapter XIX.
By Hubbard F. Roberts and James H. Vassar.
The Songs We Used to Sing 197
"America" — "Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!" — '"Red, White and
Blue" — "The Battle Cry of Freedom"' — "Tramp ! Tramp !
Tramp!" — "Battle Hymn of the Republic" — "The Vacant
Chair" — "Tenting on the Old Camp Ground" — "When John-
ny Comes Marching Home."
Chapter XX.
Personal Slcetches 217
John H. Ketcham — Alfred B. Smith — Henry A. Gildersleeve
— Cornelius N. Campbell — ^Thomas E. Vassar — Edward O.
Bartlett— Stephen G. Cook — William H. Bartlett — Frank
V. B. Gildersleeve — Stephen V. R. Cruger — Henry Grid-
le}' — Cyrus S. Roberts — Charles E. Benton — Edwin A.
Davis — Eugene M. Kempton — Miles K. Lewis — Albert B.
Reed — E. Nicholas Shelden — George Rynus — James H.
Vassar — John A. Wallace — Andrew J. Ostrom — Charles T.
Johnson — Matthias Jois — Levi Lumb — William S. Van
Keuren — William E. Gurney — Julius O. Hicks — James New-
man— John M. Shaw — William K. Watson — Joseph Wooley
— William N. Palmer — Obed Wheeler — Perry W. Chapman
Samuel H. Paulding — James H. Rhynders — Jeremiah Col-
lins— Charles E. Horsfall — Myron W. Roberts — John E.
West— William C. Wile— George H. Williams— Platte M.
Thorne — James Banks — Hubbard F. Roberts — David B.
Sleight— Josiah H. Budd— Piatt C. Curtiss— Edward L.
Florence — Charles H. Smith — Isaac T. Sweezey — Landon
Ostrom — Stephen R. Tator.
Chapter XXI.
By Joseph H. Cogszvell.
Roster of the Regiment 345
Mustered into the United States Service October 11, 1862,
at
Camp Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, New York,
To Serve Three Years.
CHAPTER XX.
Personal Sketches.
PAGE
John H. Ketcham 217
Henry A. Gildersleeve 230
Edward O. Bartlett 243
Cyrus S. Roberts 260
Eugene M. Kempton 270
E. Nicholas Shelden 275
John A. Wallace 283
Matthias Jois 290
William E. Gurney 295
John M. Shaw 301
William N. Palmer 305
Samuel H. Paulding 312
Charles E. Horsfall 317
William C. Wile 321
James Banks 326
Josiah H. Budd 331
Charles H. Smith 335
William R. Woodin 343
William H. Bartlett 249
George T. Willson 281
Alfred B. Smith 228
Cornelius N. Campbell 237
Stephen G. Cook 245
Charles E. Benton 266
Miles K. Lewis 271
George Rynus 278
Andrew J. Ostrom 285
Levi Lumb 291
Julius O. Hicks 297
William K. Watson 301
PAGE
Obed Wheeler 306
James H. Rhynders 314
Myron W. Roberts 318
George H. Williams 323
Hubbard F. Roberts 328
Piatt C. Curtiss 333
Isaac T. Sweezey 336
Stephen R. Tator 338
Henry Pearce 341
Frank V. R. Gildersleeve... 252
Joseph H. Cogswell 224
Thomas E. Vassar 240
Henry Gridley 257
Edwin A. Davis 268
Albert B. Reed 274
James H. Vassar 279
Charles T. Johnson 286
William S. Van Kcuren 292
James Newman 298
Joseph Wooley 303
Perry W. Chapman 309
Jeremiah Collins 314
John E. West 318
Platte M. Thorne. 32s
David B. Sleight 3-^9
Edward L. Florence 334
Landon Ostrom 337
Benjamin S. Broas 340
Stcph-cn V. R. Crngcr 254
The Dutchess County Regiment.
chapter i.
the origin and inception of the
civil war.
By Henry A. Gildersleeve.
Constitutional Questions Involved — Lincoln and His Inaugural Address — The South
Precipitated the War — Why We Enlisted.
The attempted secession from the Union, of the South-
ern States, brought on the " Great Civil War" in 1861.
The differences between the North and the South arose
over the institution of slavery. Mr. Seward very truth-
fully declared that they constituted an " irrepressible con-
flict." The vast Western country was rapidly becoming
populated; territories were constantly applying for ad-
mission to the Uniqn as states, and the slave-holding
states seemed destined at an early day to become greatly
in the minority. The extension of slavery was the all-
absorbing question before the country.
An overwhelming majority of the Northern people
were opposed to further extension,- because they believed
slavery was wrong. The anti-slavery spirit of the people
of the North was a thorn in the side of the Southern
brethren, and engendered deep bitterness and severe re-
sentment towards the North. Had the slaveholders been
2 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
satisfied with the retention of slavery in the old slavehold-
ing states, the North, as a whole, stood ready to favor all
reasonable legislation necessary to protect the South in the
enjoyment of its property in slaves.
It was generally believed, certainly in the Sou'th, that
President Lincoln owed his nomination and election to
his anti-slavery-extension principles. His elevation to
the ofiice of Chief Executive of the nation was the " last
straw," and the Southern statesmen, many of whom had
long contemplated the advisability of secession, believed
the time was ripe for the move. They had a very feeble
conception of the energy and determination an attempt
to destroy the Union would arouse in the North.
It was the claim of the Secessionists that the United
States was a confederation of sovereignties from which
each might secede at will. They maintained that the
right of secession was vested in the inherent sovereign
power of each state. Moreover, they asserted that seces-
sion was a legal right. They rested this latter theory
upon the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution, which
provides that powers not delegated to the United States
by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the " States,"
are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
It is not proposed to enter here upon a discussion of
the doctrine of " State Sovereignty," or the support for
secession which, it was claimed, was afforded by the Con-
stitution. Regardless of all that may be urged for or
against the so-termed " lost cause," all Intelligent citizens,
both North and South, now understand the character of
our political system, and recognize the true legal order
of sovereignty, as established irrevocably by the result of
the appeal to arms. The momentous problem of sover-
THE ORIGIN AND INCEPTION OF THE CIVIL WAR. 3
eignty was solved upon the battlefield. National sover-
eignty triumphed, and the sovereignty of the " States "
became subordinated thereto for all time.
We think it is true that a majority of the Secession
leaders were sincere in the belief that their case rested
in sound principles, and that in undertaking secession
they espoused a righteous cause.
When the purpose of the Southerners to dismember
the Union was realized at the North, and it was seen that
all efforts at compromise must fail. President Buchanan
most unwisely, under a misapprehension of the authority
he possessed as Chief Executive and the Commander-in-
Chief of its Militarv and Naval forces, took the ground
that the Government was without any legal power to
hold the States together.
This was the tenor of his first message to Congress
on the conduct of the South, under date of December
3, i860. He went unreasonably far in his efforts at
pacification, to avoid hostilities, but subsequently wiser
counsels prevailed.
In November, i860, Abraham Lincoln was elected
President of the United States, and on March 4, 1861,
he took the oath of office. At this time secession ordi-
nances had been passed by seven of the Southern States,
and the Confederate Government fully organized. It
brought together its forces with great dispatch, and
before the end of March had a greater military and
naval power than the Federal Government.
The condition President Lincoln had to meet was one
of the gravest that ever confronted man. His inaugural
address was a calm, plain statement of his intention to
preserve the Union and execute the laws throughout the
4 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
whole country. He took the ground that the Union was
older than the Constitution, and that " no state upon its
own motion " could " lawfully get out of the Union; that
resolves and ordinances to that effect " were " legally
void."
He affirmed that, despite the secession ordinances, and
the formation of the Confederate Government, the Union
was still unbroken; that the laws of the United States
were still supreme, and that it was his purpose to execute
the laws of the Union in all the states.
Fort Sumter, in Charleston Harbor, was occupied by
a small garrison of Federal troops under command of
Major Anderson. The attitude of the South Carolinians
had been such as to furnish good reason to apprehend
an attack upon the fort. The President sent reinforce-
ments and supplies to Fort Sumter from New York
on the steamer Star of The West, and when this vessel
attempted to approach the fort, on January 9, 1861, it
was fired upon by the South Carolinians.
Unable to reach the garrison the vessel returned to
New York. This firing upon United States soldiers on
the way with supplies, under orders from the President,
was just as much a hostile act as the subsequent bombard-
ment of Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, but so anxious
was the President to bring about pacification that he
elected not to regard the incident of January 9 as an
overt act.
On the afternoon of April 11, 1861, General Beaure-
gard, the Confederate Commander at Charleston, de-
manded from Major Anderson the surrender of Fort
Sumter, which was promptly declined. A second de-
mand was sent at about eleven o'clock in the evcninir.
THE ORIGIN AND INCEPTION OF THE CIVIL WAR. 5
To this demand Anderson replied in the early morning
of the 1 2th and offered to evacuate upon certain condi-
tions, which however proved unsatisfactory to Beaure-
gard, and at twenty minutes past three on the morning of
the 1 2th the latter informed Major Anderson that fire
would be opened upon the fort by the Confederate bat-
teries in one hour from that time.
Accordingly, at half-past four on the morning of April
12, 1 86 1, the gates of fraternal war were formally
opened. The flag of the Union was assailed by the Con-
federate guns which hurled their missiles of death and
destruction upon the Federal fort, and on the 14th it
surrendered.
Thus the seceding "States" became the aggressors,
and assailed the power it was their duty to obey.
At the end of June, 1862, the war had been in prog-
ress about fifteen months, and over eight hundred thous-
and volunteers, including three-months men, had entered
the military service of the United States. The actual
strength of the Federal army on duty at this time was
about five hundred thousand men. In the West the
Union forces under Grant, Buell and others, had secured
very creditable results. Shiloh, Fort Donelson, Pitts-
burg Landing, Corinth, and other points of strategic
importance had been captured by the Union armies.
But the general result of the campaigns in Virginia
was not considered to reflect credit upon our army, and
In consequence thereof there was a widespread feeling of
dissatisfaction in the North. Lukewarm Unionists and
Southern sympathizers began to openly proclaim their
faith in, and announce their adherence to, the Southern
cause. This hostile force in our midst, too cowardly to
6 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
fight In the open field, and without an excuse for their
disloyalty and treachery, retarded enlistments at home,
encouraged foreign Intervention, and in every way pos-
sible gave support to the South.
Happily, this class of citizens, known as " Copper-
heads," constituted a very small portion of each com-
munity, and In no locality in the Northern States was it
in control. The Copperheads were rarely in favor of
African Slavery, and as they were generally opposed to
its extension their discreditable attitude may charitably
be attributed to a lack of patriotic sentiment, and failure
to comprehend the ground upon which the liberty and
prosperity of the people rested. I do not recall that. In
and around Dutchess County, during the early stages of
the war, the question of slavery In the South was con-
sidered, or often the topic of conversation.
With us the rally to arms was not for the purpose of
freeing the enslaved negroes, for we did not then appre-
ciate, what we now see, that the spirit of civilization and
progress was working for more advanced results than
the establishment of the supremacy of the laws of the
United States. The emancipation of a race, and a better
civilization, were Involved In the struggle. The unfortu-
nate condition of the negro slaves had no part in the
sentiment that actuated the Dutchess County Volunteers
at this period of the war.
It was proclaimed that our Country's flag had been
fired upon by Insurgents; the power of the Federal
Government insolently defied ; the Constitution violated
and the Union placed In peril. The farmers, mechanics,
tradespeople, and professional classes, one and all, rushed
to the support of the Federal standards, because they
THE ORIGIN AND INCEPTION OF THE CIVIL WAR. 7
felt and believed that the Union should be preserved, the
Governmental power maintained at all hazards, and that
in no other way could the general welfare of all the
people be promoted, and the blessings of liberty secured
to themselves and their posterity.
The powerful and thoroughly equipped Army of the
Potomac was intrenched in works, vast in extent and most
formidable in character, within sight of Richmond, and
it was confidently hoped that the battlecry, " On to Rich-
mond!" would soon be realized.
Within a few days the remnants of that threatening
host were upon the James River, thirty miles from Rich-
mond, seeking to recover, under the protection of their
gunboats, from the effects of a series of disastrous
defeats. This routing of McClellan's army thoroughly
aroused the Government to the danger in which the
country was placed, and an earnest determination was
manifested to provide against its consequences.
CHAPTER 11.
ORGANIZATION AND STAY IN BALTIMORE.
By Henry A. Gildersleeve.
First Practical Step — "Josh Billings' " Resolution — Authority from Governor Morgan —
War Meetings All Over the County — Mustered Into the United States Service
— The Journey to Baltimore — Small Campaigns — Turning our Faces
Towards the Enemy.
On July 2, 1862, the President of the United States
issued a proclamation calling for three hundred thous-
and men to serve for three years, or during the war.
In answer to this call the Dutchess County Regiment
was organized. The prompt response of the Empire
State, including the loyal citizens of Dutchess County,
to the proclamation of the President in those dark days
of the rebellion, gave an impetus to enlistments through-
out the whole North, and under the call 431,958 volun-
teers were mustered into the Federal Army. This
quickly gathered new force not only supplied great addi-
tional strength, but improved the morale of the armies
already in the field, and gave to the men in high station,
upon whom rested the grave responsibility of conducting
the war, the greatest confidence and encouragement.
Prior to this large numbers of Dutchess County men
had enlisted in the Union armies. Some marched to the
front with the 20th New York Infantry, while others
followed the colors of the 128th, and still others enlisted
ORGANIZATION AND STAY IN BALTIMORE. 9
111 the 48th, and in various other New York regiments,
in the cavah-y and artillery branches of the service, as
well as In the Infantry.
Mrs. Benson J. Lossing took the first practical step
toward the formation of the new regiment. On Thurs-
day, the 2 1 St of August, 1862, this patriotic lady caused
to be published an appeal to the citizens for a Dutchess
County regiment. Isaac Piatt, proprietor and editor of
the Poughkeepsie Eagle, heartily endorsed the appeal in
his paper issued on the morning of that day, and within
forty-eight hours the following young men handed to A.
B. Smith of Poughkeepsie, as one of the resident mem-
bers of the General War Committee, requests to be al-
lowed to recruit volunteers and enter the United States
service in a Dutchess County regiment.
The names are Cogswell, McConnell, Gildersleeve,
Titus, Woodin, Wickes, Sweet, Gridley, Broas, Cruger,
Underwood, Steenburgh, Van Keuren, Scofield and
Tripp.
Henry W. Shaw (better known as "Josh Billings"),
a member of the Board of Supervisors of Dutchess
County, offered. In that legislative body, a resolution
drafted by Mr. A. B. Smith, which was passed with
unanimity and alacrity. It read as follows :
Resolved, Tliat the County of Dutchess will pay fifty dollars bounty
to each man who will enlist in a Dutchess County regiment, and the
Executive War Committee of the County is requested to procure per-
mission from Governor Morgan to raise such a regiment, with camp
located at Poughkeepsie.
Provided with a certified copy of this resolution, and
letters of Introduction from Congressman Baker and Mr.
Justice Emott, Mr. Smith, under instructions from the
War Committee, Avent to Albany on August 23rd and
10 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
made application to His Excellency, Governor Morgan,
for authority to recruit "A Dutchess County Regiment."
The application was immediately granted, and Mr. Smith
returned with the following authorization:
To Hon. James Einott,
Chairman of Executive War
Committee of Dutcliess County :
Permission is granted to your War Committee to raise a Dutchess
County Regiment, with camp located at Poughkeepsie.
Edwin D. Morgan,
Hillhouse, Governor.
A. A. G.
Previous to this Governor Morgan had appointed a
General War Committee for the Congressional District,
with Mr. William Kelly of Rhinebeck as Chairman.
From this General Committee an Executive War Com-
mittee had been chosen, consisting of James Emott, Wil-
liam Kelly, Ambrose Wager, George W. Sterling, Ben-
son J. Lossing, James H. Weeks, Stephen Baker, Joseph
F. Barnard and John H. Ketcham.
As soon as the foregoing authority was promulgated
the work of bringing into life, form, and discipline, the
Dutchess County Regiment, was entered upon with great
activity and earnestness. Not only was the spirit of
patriotism fully awakened, but home pride became thor-
oughly aroused in the breasts of the citizens of the
County, and martial enthusiasm reached its climax.
Many young men who from the first breaking out of
the war felt inclined to enlist, but were restrained by
business engagements they could not well forego, or by
home ties that were painful to sever, had frequently de-
clared that they would join a Dutchess County regi-
ment when such a one should be organized.
That day was now at hand, and led on by John H.
ORGANIZATION AND STAY IN BALTIMORE. 11
Ketcham, who was commissioned Colonel of the regiment,
the young men of Dutchess County, true to their vows,
eagerly enlisted as volunteers for three years, or the war,
in the 150th Regiment New York. Volunteer Infantry.
The memories of those days recall the conflicts between
love of country and love of kindred; private business
interests and public duty. Patriotism triumphed, and the
work of recruiting moved on rapidly.
The young leaciers who undertook the responsibility of
securing enlistments openeci up headquarters in various
sections of the County. The days were occupied In ex-
plaining to young men contemplating enlistment the ad-
vantages to be gained by joining the 150th; the pay, the
bounties, the chances of promotion, and the probable
time by which the organization would be completed and
move to the scene of action. Each recruit received, when
accepted and sworn in, a bounty of fifty dollars from the
County. All able-bodied men between the ages of eigh-
teen and forty-five were eligible, and each recruit had to
submit to a thorough surgical examination as to his
physical condition. Those under the age of twenty-one
were required to produce the written consent of parent or
guardian.
The compensation of the private was thirteen dollars
per month, with clothing and rations. Clothing was
supplied to the amount of a limited value each year, anci
for all clothing issued in excess of this allowance the
value was deducted from the soldier's pay. Non-com-
missioned officers received more than the privates. In pro-
portion to their rank. Commissioned officers received
higher compensation than enlisted men, but were obliged
to furnish their own clothing, rations, and equipments.
12 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT,
The nights were devoted to " war meetings " in dif-
ferent parts of the County, but the larger gatherings
were at our general headquarters in Poughkeepsie.
Frequently four and six-horse teams bore young soldiers,
already in blue uniform, with banners flying and bands
playing, to meetings in the country districts to secure en-
listments. There was scarcely a place in Dutchess
County, sufficiently large to support a post office, that did
not have its one or more war meetings each week, and
there were scenes of enthusiastic gatherings at which
bands played patriotic airs, while from barrels, stoops,
wagons, and horse-blocks, orators harangued the assem-
bled crowds with war speeches until the excitement ran
high and many names were added to the enlistment rolls.
From the Sheriff's Office in the Court House In the
City of Poughkeepsie, which was turned into a Recruit-
ing Office, was displayed a banner bearing the following
words :
" Come in out of the draft."
Already provision had been made by the Government
to obtain men by drafting. In the event of a shortage of
volunteers, and the significance of these words was ap-
parent, causing no little comment. To the Indifferent
they were a gentle reminder of what might be expected
if a sufficient number of volunteers were not promptly
forthcoming, and to those who were anxious to enlist,
but who were restrained by relatives and friends, they
furnished a powerful argument In favor of consent.
The threatened drafts, and liberal bounties, un-
doubtedly brought some men into the service, but pure
patriotism was generally the sole moving power, and
ORGANIZATION AND STAY IN BALTIMORE. 13
especially was this true of the 150th Regiment, com-
posed as it largely was, of intelligent and thoughtful men.
They hastened to the defense of their country with a
spontaneous impulse born of a correct knowledge of the
true nature of the cause for which they were to suffer
fatigue, exposure, hunger, thirst, and the perils of battle,
believing that their country's cause was their personal
cause, and that the success of the Union arms would be
a victory for their individual principles.
The Union Volunteers, generally, were not mere
machines, enrolled, disciplined, and ranged In living
palisades before the enemy, but they were men with ideas,
who could, when occasion required, think and act for
themselves.
As we have seen, the work of recruiting went briskly
on. As soon as eighty men were enrolled by any one
recruiting officer, he went to Albany and received his
commission as Captain, and also received commissions
for First and Second Lieutenants of his own selection.
Usually the latter offices were promised beforehand to
young men who aided the Captain in the enrollment.
The Captains took rank according to the date of their
commissions, and the Companies received their alpha-
betical designation, commencing with "A," in the order
in which their respective Captains were commissioned.
Our rendezvous at Poughkeepsie was named " Camp
Dutchess," and was located nearly a mile northeast from
the Court House, and just north of the old Alms House
Farm. On that rocky side-hill field were built our bar-
racks, of rough boards, and all of us had our meals in a
common mess-hall. There was but little opportunity
for drill and discipline, but the rudiments of a soldier's
14 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
duties were here inculcated, and some feeble notion ac-
quired of the life before us.
At this camp, on the nth of October, 1862, the Regi-
ment was mustered into the service of the United States.
We now realized that we were real soldiers, and begun
to appreciate the importance of the step we had taken.
Our march down Main Street that night, uniformed
and equipped for battle, has remained always in the
memory of those who participated in or witnessed it.
Sad and painful were the partings; the good-byes were
said with moist eyes and aching hearts; but all those who
were to go, and those who were to remain behind, bore
themselves with fortitude and courage. We boarded the
steamboat Oregon, and sailed down the Hudson River
for Jersey City, where we arrived the following day.
It was nearly night when we took the cars for Balti-
more, and about midnight when we reached Philadelphia
and, leaving the train, were marched to the " Soldiers'
Retreat," for supper. This welcome hostelry consisted
of an old cooper's shop near the depot, fitted up as a
mess-hall, where free meals were served to soldiers on
their way to the front. It was profusely decorated with
American flags, and in conspicuous view were portraits
of Washington and Lincoln.
This provision for feeding the hungry soldiers en route
was a contribution from the patriotic citizens of the
Quaker City in the name of the Union Relief Associa-
tion, and many an old soldier remembers it with grati-
tude. Philadelphia was not an exception in this regard,
for similar nicss-halls were provided in nearly all the large
cities of the North. When supper was over we all
agreed that we had enjoyed a " square meal," and
ORGANIZATION AND STAY IN BALTIAIORE. 15
officers and men, In unison, expressed their appreciation
and thanks in three rousing cheers.
We renewed our journey at 2 A. M., crossing the Sus-
quehanna by ferry (the river had not then been bridged
at this point) and arrived at Baltimore Monday after-
noon, October 13th. In moving from the Northern to
the Southern station we passed through the street where,
April 19, 1861, several Companies of the 6th Massachu-
setts Regiment were attacked by a mob that had assem-
bled to oppose their progress. Four of the soldiers were
slain and many of the rioters killed. In crossing a bridge
where the hottest of the fight occurred we could still see
the marks of the bullets on portions of the structure.
They were the first tangible evidences we witnessed of
violence resulting from the war, and excited among us
no little comment and curiosity.
Baltimore had long been a peaceful city, and we had
no reason to apprehend opposition. Nevertheless, as we
passed the spot where Union soldiers had been attacked
and killed while on their way to defend the Capital, the
deep indignation we felt when, more than a year before,
the news of the attack reached the North, again rose in
our breasts, and we were seized with a belligerent spirit
such as we had never before experienced. We almost
wished that some such mob might assail us !
We remained that afternoon and night on the plat-
forms of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad station. On
the following day, September 14th, we marched to the
western suburbs of Baltimore, and there established a
camp which we named " Camp Millington."
Later we were assigned a permanent location at the
head of Eutaw Street, and there constructed comfortable
16 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
wooden barracks which constituted our headquarters dur-
ing the remainder of our stay in the city. This we named
" Camp Belger," in honor of Colonel Belger, the Depart-
ment Quartermaster. Baltimore was included in the
" Middle Department " of the Armies of the United
States, and at the time of our arrival was commanded by
the distinguished veteran soldier, Major-General Wool.
General Wool was the first olHcer of high rank to re-
view the regiment. His presence at our headquarters
was a matter of deep interest to the command, and all
made an earnest effort to appear well and create a favor-
able impression, and we were greatly encouraged by his
words of commendation. General Wool was soon suc-
ceeded by General Schenck, who gave us our first instruc-
tion in brigade drill.
We were willing and ambitious, but in our few weeks
of service had acquired the simple rudiments of company
and regimental drill only, and possessed no knowledge
of brigade movements. Thanks to the activity of field
officers, and their tactical book learning, each Captain re-
ceived— before the order was executed — some explana-
tion of what the maneuver was to be, and we got through
very creditably.
Our long stay in Baltimore gave us an unusual oppor-
tunity for military education, and we were moulded into
form and discipline of the highest grade. A Regimental
Band was organized from the members of the regiment,
and soon furnished good and inspiring music at our dress
parades. These parades were frequently attended by
large numbers of the loyal citizens of Baltimore, who
applauded the precision and elegance of the ceremonies.
At times we were exercised in battalion drill in some of
ORGANIZATION AND STAY IN BALTIMORE. 17
the principal streets of the city. We practiced especially
on these occasions methods of street fighting, in which
we became very proficient.
Occasionally we witnessed slight evidences of derision
from Baltimore ladies of Southern sympathies, but this
was always more than offset by marks of approval from
loyal citizens. We were invited to the homes of some
of the citizens for dinners and entertainments, and re-
ceived considerable social attention. Several times dur-
ing the winter Union Assemblies were given at the Opera
House, attended by many of the best families, and the
Union ofiicers were the principal guests. At these gather-
ings we had an opportunity to meet the ladies of Balti-
more, famed for their refinement and beauty, and we
learned that their reputations were well deserved.
Study of the tactics and army regulations, drill and
guard duty, interspersed with a few social diversions of
the character mentioned, occupied the winter. A con-
siderable portion of the time Company C was detailed to
do guard duty at the Camden Station, occupying a house
immediately opposite the station and charged with the
responsibility of maintaining order among the troops
that passed through, and in protecting Government
property.
Steuart's Hospital, formerly the residence of a Balti-
more family of that name, but now an institution for the
care and shelter of the sick and wounded, was also a post
for which our regiment provided guard. Other points at
times required the services of our men.
Late in December Stuart's cavalry were raiding In the
vicinity of Elysville, twenty miles west of Baltimore.
Here was a bridge over the Patapsco River, and the town
18 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
also possessed a valuable cotton mill. Company D,
under Captain Woodin, was sent to protect this prop-
erty and remained on duty there a few days, experiencing
no occurrence worthy of notice.
This J. E. B. Stuart of Confederate Cavalry fame,
commonly spoken of as " Jeb " Stuart, was of another
family from the Stcuart family after which our Baltimore
hospital was named.
When the holiday season arrived we were remembered
by our friends at home in the form of a bountiful supply
of roasted turkeys, and many delicacies, all of which were
greatly enjoyed by rank and file. We were frequently
visited in Camp Belger by relatives and friends from the
North. Some officers had their wives or sisters in this
camp, and the presence of this colony of ladies added
much to the pleasure of the hours not needed for military
duty.
On December 9th the routine of camp life was inter-
rupted by a command requiring us to make ready to
march at a moment's notice. It was reported that Con-
federate cavalry had crossed the Potomac at Point of
Rocks, and that a raid on the Baltimore and Ohio Rail-
road was apprehended. We proceeded in freight cars
to Adamstown, near Monocacy Junction, but could find
no enemy, and returned to Baltimore after an absence of
less than forty-eight hours, with virgin swords. The
only blood shed was from two opossums captured by
men on picket duty. The move was an uneventful one,
and its only claim to mention is that it was our first cam-
paign.
On March 20, 1863, Lieutenant Bowman of Company
F, Sergeant McGill, Corporal Ostrandcr, and twcKc pri-
ORGANIZATION AND STAY IN BALTIMORE. 19
vates, were detailed as a Provost Guard at Westminster,
a small village located about thirty-three miles from Balti-
more, on the Hagerstown pike. Their duties consisted
in apprehending deserters, and in detecting and suppress-
ing the efforts of men hostile to the Union cause, who
were trying to afford aid and comfort to the enemy.
Lieutenant Bowman and his men were well received and
handsomely entertained by the loyal citizens, and also
assisted by them in the performance of their duties. They
made many arrests and ascertained much valuable in-
formation.
All went well until June 28th, when a squadron of the
1st Delaware Cavalry, two hundred strong, arrived and
quartered themselves just east of the village. The fol-
lowing day, while many of the Union Cavalry horses
were at the blacksmith shops being shod, a body of
Stuart's cavalry suddenly appeared on the west side of
the village. No pickets had been put out in that direc-
tion, as the approach of the enemy from that quarter
was considered highly improbable.
The Delaware troopers that still remained in camp
hastily mounted, charged down the street upon the ad-
vancing foe, and engaged them in a hand-to-hand conflict.
Meantime, Lieutenant Bowman rallied his little command
and undertook a flank movement. As the attacking party
proved to consist of several thousand of Stuart's veterans,
the ambitious detail from the 150th did not get very far
before it was surrounded and captured. Two of Bow-
man's command. Hooper of Company D, and Matthews
of Company C, made their escape. The prisoners, after
hard marching with little rest and food, were paroled at
Dov^er, Pennsylvania, on July ist.
20 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Before the end of June the battle of Chancellorsville
had been fought and lost; Confederate General Ewell
had begun his march down the Shenandoah Valley; Mil-
roy had been defeated at Winchester, and the triumphant
rebel army, led by General Robert E. Lee, was marching
into the State of Pennsylvania. The most intense excite-
ment and alarm prevailed throughout the North, and the
authorities at Washington were filled with fear and con-
sternation. It seemed a question of a few days only when
the rebel host would be sacking the cities of the North,
levying contributions upon its citizens and demanding
entrance to the Capital of the nation.
The principal streets of Baltimore were barricaded,
and our regiment was distributed at different points to
defend barricades and resist the approach of the Con-
federate soldiers. All the horrors of civil war were
threatening the homes of the men who were defending
the Union, and the fate of the nation seemed to rest with
the Army of the Potomac, then under command of
General Joseph Hooker, but who was superseded in com-
mand, before we joined that army, by General George
G. Meade.
On June 25, 1863, with full ranks thoroughly drilled
and disciplined, in bright uniforms and with colors spot-
less and untarnished, to the strains of martial music the
Dutchess County Regiment marched out of Camp Belger
and turned its face toward the enemy.
CHAPTER III.
FROM BALTIiMORE TO GETTYSBURG.
By William E. Gurney.
Departure from Baltimore — Learning Campaign Service — "Battle Hymn of the Repub-
lic"— Becoming Part of the Army of the Potomac — Just Before the Battle.
On the morning of June 25, 1863, all was stir and
excitement in and around Belger Barracks, in the City of
Baltimore, an excitement which was shared to some extent
throughout the city itself. The different companies
which had been doing guard duty at the various hospitals
and depots in the city had been ordered to assemble at
the barracks, as marching orders had been received, and
they were to leave their comfortable quarters to go, —
none knew where.
The boys were very busy packing their surplus cloth-
ing and keepsakes that had accumulated during the eight
months and more of our stay in the city, and the express
wagons came into camp and were loaded with the boxes
and bundles that were to be sent to their Northern homes.
The rank and file were all jubilant at the idea of duty at
the front, for many of them had begun to think that
their full time of enlistment would be spent in doing
guard duty, which was far from being a pleasing thought
to the majority of those composing the regiment.
Little did they realize what was in store for them; the
long and tedious marches through swamps and over
mountains; the bivouac at night without shelter to keep
22 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
them from those Southern storms of rain and wind; the
long and lonely nights spent on picket; and last but not
least, the horrors of the battlefield. Surely it was all
for the best that they could not look into the future and
see that which was awaiting them.
About the middle of the afternoon, the process of pack-
ing having been completed, the line was formed, and,
with the band playing and the flags flying, the regiment
marched out of its winter camp amid the cheers of many
who had become friendly with its members during their
long stay in the city.
They made quite a display as they marched through
the streets, with their clean uniforms and bright guns
glistening In the sun, anci with their knapsacks slung on
their backs; — and such knapsacks as those were! They
were packed so full that they were In danger of bursting,
and each had a blanket or overcoat strapped on top. I
doubt whether any regiment ever carried such loads be-
fore or since; certainly not for more than a day or two.
The regiment, under command of Col. John H.
Ketcham, soon left the noisy streets of Baltimore behind
and movecl off on the country roaci at a good swinging
pace, and many were the joyous and patriotic songs that
floated over the Maryland hills and valleys on that lovely
June afternoon. Before dark we reached Ellicott's
Mills, a small town some nine miles from Baltlnjore,
where we went into camp for the first night. Though
they had made but a short distance, not being accustomed
to marching, the men were tired, and many of them had
already worn blisters on their feet, some of which were
large and painful.
Near where we camped for the night a stream of cool,
FROM BALTniORE TO GETTYSBURG. 23
clear water ran rippling through the meadow land, and,
in a very short time after the order to break ranks was
given, the banks of the stream were lined with those who
were anxious to soak their burning and blistered feet in
the cooling waters of that friendly stream. After relief
had been obtained for their suffering feet, the haversacks
were overhauled and all enjoyed their frugal supper of
pork and hardtack, washing it down with army coffee.
Blankets were then spread and preparations made for
the night, which, however, proved not to be the most
pleasant night of the year for sleeping out of doors. A
shower came up which lasted until nearly daylight, and,
as few had shelter, they were thoroughly soaked when
morning came. So our first night's experience of actual
campaign life proved to be rather disagreeable, and it is
probable that some of the members of the regiment
wished themselves back In the comfortable quarters of the
old barracks.
On the 26th the march was continued westward, and
was marked by no unusual event, save the grumblings of
those whose feet were in such a condition that It was pain-
ful for them to walk. At the close of the following
day, June 27th, after another hot and tiresome march,
the regiment reached Monocacy Bridge, and climbed to
the top of a high hill, where It remained over Sunday,
the 28th.
From this hill we for the first time caught sight of that
grand old Army of the Potomac. Across the river, as far
as the eye could reach, the hills seemed to be covered
with a moving mass of soldiers, together with horses,
army wagons, artillery, and the general pararphernalla of
an army, with flags flying at every quarter.
24 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Our men stood as if spellbound and gazed with aston-
ishment at the magnitude of that famous army, of which
they were to become a part. Pen cannot describe the
feelings of those who for the first time beheld that great
body of troops, of which they had so often read, knowing
it was composed of men who had passed through many
a hard-fought battle, and were now engaged in the pur-
suit of their enemy, who had left the Old Dominion state,
and whose advance guard was at that very moment in
Pennsylvania, threatening to burn and destroy.
This was the scene of which it has been said — whether
truly or not I do not know — that it furnished to Mrs.
Julia Ward Howe the inspiration from which sprang
that immortal song, — " Battle Hymn of The Republic."
It is easy to believe that she may have stood on the crown
of some hill similar to that on which we were camped,
and there, as she viewed the seemingly endless processions
of armed hosts, travel-worn, dust-covered, and mud-
stained, but marching resolutely and resistlessly onward,
there sprung to her lips the first line :
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; —
And then, when darkness had closed in, and all the
landscape, away to the distant horizon of the great South
Mountain range, was lit up by myriads of campfires,
did not the heart and soul, rather than the intellect, re-
ceive the inspiration which gave form to the second verse,
beginning, —
I have seen Iliin in llio watcli-fire of a liundrcil circling camps, —
And again, as she witnessed in the morning once more
that living, swaying column, crowned with its line of
FROM BALTIMORE TO GETTYSBURG. 25
rifles gleaming in the dawn, did the sight furnish the in-
spiration for the third verse? Listen to its opening: —
I liave read a fiery gospel writ in buniished rows of steel; —
As the far-reaching notes of the bugle echoed and re-
echoed throughout the vale, did that give the key-note
to another verse?
He lias sounded fortli the trumpet that shall never call retreat!
The tale may have been drawn from some one's
imagination, but the conception fits the scene, and one in
whose memory the picture still gleams undimmed can
easily believe that under the stimulus of these great events
the soul of the poet rose to that glorious exaltation in
which partisanship is eliminated, anci she urges the dedica-
tion of the loyal nation to the higher cause of Humanity,
giving expression to this exalted sentiment in the last verse.
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me.
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,
\Miile God is marching on.
She must have witnessed this, or some like scene, to
have caught the flow of that perfect refrain, — " march-
ing on."
The members of the regiment now began to realize
the greatness of the war in which they were engaged, and
again they renewed their vows that they would, if neces-
sary, devote their lives to maintain the best government
that was ever built.
On the morning of June 29th we marched down the
hill, over the bridge which here spans the Monocacy
river, and, resting at the roadside, awaited our turn to
take our position in the marching line. Along with two
26 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Maryland regiments we had been formed Into a brigade,
which was placed under command of Brig. Gen. Henry
H. Lockwood, and the brigade thus formed became
known as " Lockwood's Independent Brigade." It soon
took its place in the First Division of the 12th Corps.
While the brigade was waiting by the roadside we
were most unmercifully guyed and blackguarded by the
veterans of the army as they passed by, for carrying such
loads on our backs, but when the time came for the regi-
ment to move a great change had taken place in the men's
appearance, for the heavy baggage that had been lugged
all the way from Baltimore lay scattered around where
we had been waiting. No one wished to retain anything
that was not really indispensable, and the boys were now
stripped for the work which was before them.
Thus lightened of their burdens, having had nearly
two days of rest, and their feet relieved of much of their
soreness, they were now able to make a pretty good show-
ing on the road as compared with the hardened veterans
of the Army of the Potomac. On that memorable march
from Monocacy Bridge to Gettysburg, we camped on
the first night near Frederick City, the place known as
the home of the brave Barbara Frietchie. Here the boys
began to show signs that they were fast learning to be
" veterans," for some of them started out foraging on
their own account, and it Is believed that some of the
officers as well as the enlisted men, partook of a better
meal that night than they had been accustomed to having,
as a steady diet, for several months.
On the night of June 30th, we were encamped near
Littlestown, about twelve miles from Gettysburg. On
the next day, July ist, the whole 12th Army Corps was
FROM BALTLMORE TO GETTYSBURG. 27
moved to the vicinity of Two Taverns, a small hamlet
or cross-roads near Littlestown, and only eight miles from
the field where both the armies were gathering for the
great struggle.
While lying here, occasionally hearing the distant boom
of cannon, we became aware that the fight had already
begun, but a few miles away, and it was soon evident to
all that the 150th New York Volunteers was to receive its
initiation into real battle. The brigade was formed and
made ready to move when and where it might have orders
to go, and Colonel Maulsby, addressing his regiment of
Maryland Volunteers, told them that they were soon to
go into battle, and exhorted his men to stand firm and do
honor to the brigade, none of the three regiments having
yet been in an engagement.
Our own Colonel Ketcham, being a man of action rather
than of words, said but little to his men, but by his looks,
and those of his command, it was evident that their
friends at home would have no cause to be ashamed of
the boys they had sent to stand between them and their
Southern foes.
Very early in the morning of July 2nd, came the order
for us to move, and it was done with a will. There was
no thought given then to sore feet, and, the line moving
out promptly, the distance between the camp and the
battlefield was covered in a short time.
So the " Dutchess County Regiment " was at last really
a part of the great Army of the Potomac, and engaged
in the most important battle fought during the century.
It was a battle which then seemed likely to decide the
fate of the nation, — and perhaps it did.
CHAPTER IV.
BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG.
By Joseph H. Cogswell.
Approaching the Field — Held in Reserve — Entering the Engagement — Developing the
Enemy — "Good Fighting Anywhere" — Those Who Fell — Pickett's
Grand Charge — Burying the Dead — The List.
The part borne by the 150th New York Vokmteers,
Colonel John H. Ketcham, in the battle of Gettysburg can
be briefly told. It is not my purpose to write a history
of the battle, which is the most celebrated battle ever
fought on United States soil, but only to relate the modest
part borne by our regiment on that occasion. To do this
I find it will be necessary to allude to the regiments with
whom we were immediately connected, and to add a brief
description of the culmination of the battle on July 3rd,
known as " Pickett's Charge." Those who wish a report
that will cover the whole field can find their desire grati-
fied by consulting the works of hundreds of ambitious
writers.
My story begins with the " long roll " that roused us
from our slumbers as we bivouacked in a piece of woods
eight miles south-east of Gettysburg, near a place known
as Littlestown, Thursday, July 2, 1863. Scant time was
allowed for coffee and hardtack, and at 3 A. M. we were
in line awaiting the order to march.
A provisional brigade had been made up, consisting of
the I St Maryland Regiment, Potomac Home Brigade,
Colonel William P. Maulsby ; the ist Eastern Shore Mai7-
BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 29
land Infantry, Colonel James Wallace; the 2nd Eastern
Shore Infantry, and the 150th New York Volunteers.
These four regiments were organized under the command
of General Henry H. Lockwood, a graduate of West
Point who had long been in civil life, but whose patriot-
ism was of too fine a grain to allow him to remain inactive
when his country was imperiled. Only three of these
regiments were at Gettysburg however, as the 2nd Mary-
land Eastern Shore Regiment was kept at Baltimore, and
did not receive orders to join us until July 6th. Upon
reaching Gettysburg we were formally assigned to the
1 2th Corps, commanded by General Henry W. Slocum,
(its corps badge being the five-pointed star), ist Division,
commanded by General A. S. Williams, of which ours was
the 2nd Brigade, commanded by General Lockwood.
At this point let me state that later, just before we
crossed the Potomac, the three Maryland regiments re-
fused to leave the state, claiming that they were " Home
Guards," and then we were assigned to the 3rd Brigade,
ist Division, 12th Corps; our brigade commander being
General Thomas H. Ruger, and our co-regiments, from
four of whom we never parted till the end of the war,
were the 2nd Massachusetts, 3rd Wisconsin, 27th Indiana,
13th New Jersey and 107th New York. The Indiana
regiment left our brigade at Savannah, Ga., January,
1865. It at once became and continued to be a matter
of pride with us that our soldiership in every respect
should win commendation from the seasoned veterans
of the Army of the Potomac.
But to return to our Littlestown camp. Soon came the
order to march. On the afternoon of the day before we
had heard, for the first time, hostile cannonading. All
30 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
sorts of rumors had reached us, evolved mainly from the
inner unconsciousness-of-the-truth of the narrators. We
learned however, that in the first shock of battle, July
I St, Lee's army had forced our line back with heavy
losses, and that our General John F. Reynolds had been
killed.
The forced march of two hours, covering eight miles,
was without particular incident, and at 5 :oo A. M. we
really became a part of the Army of the Potomac. The
position to which we were assigned placed us on the ex-
tension of the 1 2th Corps' line south from Gulp's Hill,
with only the cavalry on our right, which made us the
extreme right of Meade's infantry. All we had to do
here was to " possess our souls in patience " and wonder
how soon it woulci be our turn to enter the fight, whether
we would come out alive or be objects of attention for
some "burial squad;" and should we "conquer in the
strife!"
As the day wore on the incidents of a battlefield were
wanting in our immediate vicinity, but to our left, and
along the longest part of our line from the extreme left
on Little Round Top towards Gettysburg, which, as we
stood, was exactly in our rear, there was an engagement
going on that taxed to the utmost our veterans who were
confronting the Army of Virginia.
Lee tried all day to find a weak spot in Meade's armor,
and strong assaults were made at Gulp's Hill, and along
the line to Gettysburg. The right-centre, the centre and
the left-centre all were tested, but discomfiture to the
enemy was the result in every case, until at last Lee
observed that the 3rd Gorps, commanded by General
Sickles, was somewhat out of position with an inverted
BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 31
" V " shaped angle extended to the front. This discovery,
with an idea he entertained that our extreme left at Round
Top had been left unguarded, induced him to throw a
mass of soldiers against us there. i\nd he almost
succeeded!
The Peach Orchard, the now famous Wheat Field,
the Bloody Angle, Devil's Den and Round Top ! Their
story of deeds of heroism is safe!
It was conjectured by the Union commander that Lee
would at once reinforce his right and make a further
assault on our extreme left. Our troops at that part of
the line had about reached the limit of soldier-endurance
and fresh forces were needed. They were obtained by
withdrawing regiments from the right and sending them
across the field, a mile or more, to the point of danger.
Our regiment was a part of the force so placed, and in
the brief march which began at 6:00 P. M. we saw for
the first time the terrible and ghastly aspect of a battle-
field. A few shells from the enemy's batteries flew over
our heads, but fortunately did us no harm.
When near the end of our march, which had been by
the flank, we reached an open space at the north of Little
Round Top, and forming in line, battalion front, ad-
vanced across the fields to a point about half a mile west
of where the line had been formed. The position to w^hich
the regiment advanced that night is now indicated by a
granite marker near the Trostle house. The enemy had
fallen back upon the first approach of reinforcements and
were now concealed from view. We neither saw^ them
again, nor discharged a musket, and soon after nine o'clock
took up our line of march to the position which we had
occupied on the right during the day. Three pieces of
32 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
a Rhode Island battery which had fallen into the enemy's
hands, but were later abandoned by them, were drawn
off the field by Companies B and G of our regiment.
Not long afterward we regained our former position
and found no trouble in dropping to sleep, but a fusillade
from some source swept over our line with a sharp sing-
ing tone, cutting branches and twigs overhead. It
brought us to our feet in an instant. We expected that
something worse was coming, but nothing further dis-
turbed us, and to tell the truth I think we were all glad
that no more such battlefield reminders came through
the night; and thus ended Thursday, July 2nd, at Gettys-
burg, as far as we were concerned.
We come now to the experiences of Friday, July 3rd.
While the extreme right of our line had been drawn upon
so heavily the night before to reinforce the left, as hereto-
fore stated, the enemy took advantage of the fact and at
once occupied a part of our breastworks at the right of
Gulp's Hill, which had been thrown up by the 12th
Corps. A sharp fight in the dark by the returning regi-
ments to regain their breastworks was only partly success-
ful, but the necessity of restoring our broken line was so
vitally important that arrangements were made during
the night for an early morning attack.
Colonel Hunt, Meade's Chief of Artillery, posted dur-
ing the dark hours four batteries on an elevation and in a
position to reach the enemy who had made themselves at
home in our breastworks. At 2 :oo A. M, our regiment
was put in motion and after a short march was halted
in line of battle twenty rods in front of a piece of woods
having dense underbrush. Companies A and F, on the
right of the line, were ordered to deploy as skirmishers
BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 33
and advance to the edge of the woods, covering the regi-
mental front. Had we known that a few rods from us,
well protected behind breastworks in those woods, the
" Johnnies " were waiting for us, our feelings might
have been different.
In an hour we were ordered back and Colonel Ketcham
was directed to place our regiment on the left of one of
the batteries I have mentioned, and in its support. Colonel
Maulsby's Marylanders supported the same battery on
the right. At 4:30 A. M. the battery, six brass 12-
pounders, opened, directing its shot into the woods on
our front. After a half hour, in v/hich the guns were
served with great rapidity, an aide galloped up and im-
parted an order to General Lockwood to take one of his
regiments and advance into the woods which had been
so vigorously shelled, and develop the enemy. As
Maulsby was on the right and nearest the place indicated,
the General ciirected him to execute the order, and as
he marched away the right division of our regiment, five
companies, moved from its position on the left and
became the support of the battery on its right.
When the Marylanders, who moved away by the right
flank, reached the open glade in front of the woods
where our two companies had been deployed, as before
stated, they formed in battalion front and advanced.
The shelling had ceased. It was a fine display. As their
line was parallel to the edge of the woods they were all
out of sight at once, and we waited in dread suspense, but
not long. A thousand rifles opened from the contending
forces, but our men suffered the most, as the enemy had
our captured breastworks for protection.
Our wounded who were able to come back drew out
34 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
of the woods and limped to the rear. A regiment of
Regulars charged the enemy's right flank at about this
time, and soon the breastworks were retaken and our
line established as it existed before the troops were with-
drawn the night before. The loss to Maulsby's men in
those few minutes was 24 killed and 72 wounded. The
foe they met was the ist Maryland Confederate Volun-
teers, and mainly Baltimoreans.
By this time, about 6:00 A. M., the battle was joined
and pressed with more or less vigor from our extreme
left at Round Top to the village of Gettysburg, and to
the extreme right, near where we were. There was
"good fighting anywhere," as General Phil. Kearney once
graphically described a similar situation, and the impres-
sion on the men was as varied as their several tempera-
m.ents. How would they feel and act under fire? We
were not long in finding out, as at once we began march-
ing by flank off to the left. An aide from some dfllicer's
staff was our guide and we turned to the right from the
main road into woods with Gulp's Hill in front. We
swung into battalion front, and when the Colonel's com-
mand, "Forward, 150th!" was given, we advanced at
double-quick with a rush and a cheer.
Ours not to reason why,
Ours bnt to do and die!
Our course of forty rods led up over a ridge and then
down a slope where we found a long line of hastily built
breastworks filled with soldiers who were pouring an
incessant fire into the valley below. We then learned
that our duty was to relieve a regiment which had been
on this firing line two hours, and as wc took its place
we found it was the ist Eastern Shore Maryland Infan-
BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 35
try of our brigade, which had arrived that morning.
Our orders were to load and fire till relieved, and right
earnestly was the order obeyed. It is estimated that we
expended 150 rounds to a man. The woods in our front
were branched low and full of undergrowth. Very
seldom was there a living target to be seen, but our
shots went down into that valley continuously.
Coming under my own observation the first man to
fall was Charles Howgate of Company A. He had ex-
hausted his cartridge box, and gone back a few rods to
get a new supply from some boxes of ammunition which
had been brought on to the field. His position was above
the le\'el of the breastworks and easily within range of
the enemy's fire. A gaping wound was torn through the
top of his head. I had time only to reach him, grasp
his hand and speak to him, but it was all over. Possibly
he never knew what hit him. I hope so.
A little later Edward Tuttle spoke to me, saying,
"John Van Alstyne has got it!" and I beheld, close to
the breastworks, the stalwart form of that big, good
soldier sink slowly to the ground. A bullet had struck
him just below the inner corner of the eye, and his life-
blood gushed out in a torrent.
Not long afterward my youngest boy, little Johnny
Wing, of slight build and not yet eighteen, anci Levi
Rust, one of the oldest men in the company, were killed
by the same shot. Johnny was squarely behind Levi,
and they dropped almost instantaneously.
Privates Jedidiah Murphy, Co. E; Barnard C. Burnett,
Co. G; William H. Barnes, Co. I; and Tallmadge Wood,
Co. C, were the other lour who drew the deadly blanks.
36 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
but I can add no particulars of their mortal wounding.
The number wounded was 23.
In about two hours we were relieved and fell back of
the woods, giving place to another regiment. Later we
again rallied on the same rifle pits and poured our leaden
hail on " whom it might concern." At one time a squad
of four score of the enemy displayed a flag of truce and
we ceased firing long enough for them to get over the
breastworks and join our other prisoners in the rear. A
little before noon we again fell back from the trenches,
being relieved by other troops, and took our place in the
reserve at the rear.
The grand climacteric of the day and the battle was at
three o'clock in the afternoon of that day, when Lee
made his mighty culminating effort to break our lines.
At one o'clock he had placed the artillery of Hill's and
Longstreet's Corps, 115 guns in all, opposite our centre,
and opened the heaviest and most terrific cannonading
witnessed during the war. Our thin line on Cemetery
Ridge was the target, but many of the shells flew over
the ridge and landed uncomfortably near us. It had
been alleged that Lee's ammunition was defective ; cer-
tainly hundreds of shells exploded high over our heads.
Colonel Hunt, our Chief of Artillery, says that he could
muster only 80 guns to oppose the 115 guns of the enemy.
He divined Lee's purpose and husbanded his men and
resources, slackening his fire until the enemy's plan was
fully developed. At 3:00 P. M., Pickett's famous
charge was seen to be in motion.
Let no one ever sneer at or try to belittle the Southern
soldier. No one will who saw or has correctly under-
stood this heroic movement. For a mile these troops
RATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 37
had to march under the most galling fire, most of the
way up a rising ground. They came on in three lines,
15,000 men in fine alignment, banners flying, and with a
fixed purpose to carry the day. The centre of the 2nd
Corps was their objective point, and when Hunt saw
that they were near enough his guns opened on them.
Those in front had a point-blank range, while those at
the right and at the left had a partially enfilading fire.
Their cannon shots were going over the heads of our
infantry line, which was holding its fire.
But the time came when the enemy was near enough
to be within easy range of the infantry, and our thou-
sands of rifles mowed them down by hundreds and hun-
dreds. Still they came on, until they reached the stone
wall, behind which our thin line met them in a hand to
hand conflict, but could not, at every point, withstand the
impact, and a few of the charging force actually crossed
our line; but it was unimportant on the general result.
Our infantry and batteries to the right and left of the
main body of the enemy now delivered an enfilading fire
which did terrible execution in their ranks. Pickett's
brave men were half a mile from any support, and the
Confederate artillery could not be used without inflicting
as much damage on their own troops as on ours. To
retreat was as bad as to advance, for a considerable part
of their forces, and they became prisoners. That part
which could, fell back, but received the attention of our
guns and small arms until out of range. The place at
which our line was broken is now indicated by a sub-
stantial marker, and is known as the " High- Water
Mark of the Rebellion."
In anticipation of the possible needs of the day, several
38 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
regiments, ours being one, were massed in rear of the 2nd
Corps, and held in reserve. We were protected by ris-
ing ground, and had the pleasure of seeing a few thou-
sand of the prisoners taken there marched to the rear.
The battle was over and the field won; but at a fearful
cost.
Towards sundown we returned to the right and held
a part of the breastworks during the night. We did not
know that the battle was ended, the troops being kept
alert as though they might be assailed at any minute, and
no vigilance was relaxed. Saturday morning, July 4th,
Colonel Ketcham was ordered to take our regiment out on
an exploring tour to find where the enemy was. We
marched to the front, well beyond the positions held by
the enemy on the two previous days, and much to our
delight found no " Johnnies " anywhere. Lee had drawn
back his left flank, but held his position in front of our
left. The day passed without incident, and Sunday
morning, July 5th, Lee was in full retreat for the
Potomac.
Details were made from all the regiments to bury the
dead. As the dead of the ist Maryland Confederate
regiment, whom Maulsby's men met in the morning of
July 3rd, were brought out of the woods, among them I
noticed a stalwart six-footer with a heavy, short, black
beard. He had, even in death, a look of severity if not
of cruelty. Just then a squad of Maulsby's men came
along and one of them, a little, stout chunk of a boy,
stopped a moment, and, touching the fallen giant with
the toe of his shoe, said, " You'll never kick me down
the Maryland Listitute steps again!" Llpon inquiry, I
BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 39
learned that the man just slain had been Marshal Henry's
Chief of Police in Baltimore before the war.
A plat of ground was subsequently selected for a Ceme-
tery, and much care taken to designate the name of every
soldier buried therein, but there are over six hundred
graves in the plot marked "Unknown." In 1867, the
interments numbered 3,564, showing that nearly 500 of
those first reported as wounded had been added to those
killed in action. Should any who visit Gettysburg wish
to find the graves of our men, the following memoranda
will aid them:
Co. A, John Van Alstyne, Grave 20, Section B, New
York Plat.
Co. A, John P. Wing, Grave 21, Section B, New York
Plat.
Co. A, Levi Rust, Grave 9, Section C, New York Plat.
Co. A, Charles Howgate, Grave 11, Section C, New
York Plat.
Co. C, Tallmadge Wood, Grave 82, Section B, New
York Plat.
Co. G, B. C. Burnett, Grave 10, Section C, New York
Plat.
Co. E, Jedidiah Murphy, Unknown.
Co. I, William H. Barnes, Unknown.
CHAPTER V.
FROM GETTYSBURG TO VIRGINIA.
By Charles E. Benton.
The Wreckage of Battle — Tragic Scenes — Following the Enemy — Long-Distance Match-
ing— Topography of the Country — Again Confronting the Enemy — Historic
Harper's Ferry — Blackberries, a Feast for the Gods — Sickness in Camp.
The greatest battle of the greatest war of the 19th
century had been fought and won. It was the introduc-
tion of " The Dutchess County Regiment " to the gods
of war, and the friends of the organization had no cause
to bkish for the manner in which it had conducted itself
in the presence of the new and trying scenes.
Foot-sore and wasted by the forced marches and scant
rations of the past week, worn with fatigue and loss of
sleep during the battle, and without food for forty-eight
hours, we awakened on the morning of July 4th to soon
hear the welcome news that the enemy had retreated dur-
ing the night, leaving both their dead and their severely
wounded.
We were on ground which had been plowed from one
direction by such of Lee's shells as had skipped over
Cemetery Ridge, and from the other direction by the
enemy's fire from their line which had confronted us at
Culp's Hill and Rock Creek. On every side was the
wreckage of battle, and many of the wounded had not
received even the first attention of the surgeons. Our
FROM GETTYSBURG TO VIRGINIA. 41
long fast was soon broken by the distribution of rations,
which, during the whole of our participation in the battle,
owing to the fact that the regiment had been so con-
stantly under fire, the commissary had failed to supply
us with.
One of the first duties to which a detail was assigned
was the burial of the regiment's dead, eight in number,
who were laid at rest at the slcirt of the woods which
covered Gulp's Hill, their graves being marked by boards
on which the names, companies and regiment were cut.
But during the year intervening before the bodies were
removed to the National Cemetery the boards were prob-
ably broken or lost, for only six of the names can be
found in the New York Plat of the Cemetery.
Another detail was engaged for some two hours in
assisting to bury the enemy's ciead, which lay so thickly
strewn in front of the line which our brigade held for
fiv^e hours of the previous day. From this duty they
were relieved, by order of General Lockwood, and towards
night the regiment was marched some distance to the
left, where it went into camp.
On the following day, July 5th, we remained at this
place until nearly night,- when we received marching
orders. It now became the regiment's duty to follow
along the rear of the army, and arrest and bring forward
the stragglers, of which there were always a dragging
trail in the wake of the army. Besides the minority who
became detached from their commands by reason of
wantonness, there were the greater number who thus
lagged solely from their inability to keep up in the army's
chase of the retreating enemy. Some were prostrated at
the side of the road by sickness; some were completely
42 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
exhausted by hunger and fatigue ; and there were some of
the less seriously wounded who were attempting to keep
their place in the line but could not.
Of these, the first class were arrested and sent to their
commands under guard, there to be dealt with by their
own officers. But the others had to be provided for by
means of wagons and ambulances, so far as possible.
The supply however was inadequate, and many were left
behind, and among them were some of our own regiment,
who joined us weeks afterward. This labor lasted until
lo :oo P. M., when we arrived at a point near Littlestown,
Pa., where we went into camp for the remainder of the
night. On the next day we moved but a few miles, and
again halted for the night.
On July yth, we broke camp at 3 :oo A. M., and before
noon had made a record for rapid long-distance march-
ing. Sixteen miles was then accounted to be a fair day's
march, in doing which the troops were expected to aver-
age about two miles an hour. But in a little less than
nine hours from the time at which we had started on
this day we covered nearly thirty miles. When it is con-
sidered what the regiment had previously undergone, it
will be seen that this was a severe strain on the powers of
the men. Fortunately we went but a short distance in
the afternoon, and early encamped for the night.
It was during this fatiguing day that the news came
to us of the surrender of Vicksburg on July 4th, the
very day on which Lee had begun his retreat from Gettys-
burg. It was wafted along the line like a good omen,
as indeed it was, and doubtless added an important factor
in sustaining the flagging vitality of the regiment. Yet
FROM GETTYSBURG TO VIRGINIA. 43
of the full significance of this double victory on our
National Day, none of us could know at that time.
In order for the reader to understand the movements
of the two armies, I will say a few words regarding the
topography of the country in which we were operating.
Western Maryland is divided across, from north to
south, by successive mountain ranges of the great Appala-
chian mountains, and between these ridges lie valleys of
some of the finest farming lands in the East. I remem-
ber it as one of the pleasantest pastoral landscapes that
I have ever seen, for it was entirely lacking in the dead
uniformity of the Western farm scenes. While there
were wide stretching fields rolling away in the distance,
yellow with unharvested wheat, there were also wooded
lands, rocky ridges, uplands, roads winding along pleasant
streams, cascades and dells, and comfortable homesteads
nestling among the shade trees and orchards.
The mountain range lying immediately west of our
line of march since we left Gettysburg, was South Moun-
tain, and on its farther side was Cumberland Valley,
famed throughout a century for its fine farming lands. In
this valley was Lee's army, making the best of its way
back towards Virginia, harassed on its rear and flanks by
our cavalry, and faced at every pass by the infantry.
On July 8th, we continued twenty miles farther to the
south, passing through Frederick City and Middletown,
to Burketsville, where we went into camp for the night.
July 9th we moved towards the west, passing the moun-
tain range through Crampton Gap, reaching Rhorersville
about noon, having come twelve miles. We were now in
the Cumberland Valley, in which Lee's army was, and in
our entrance we were close to its borders, as was indicated
44 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
by subsequent events. On the following day we moved
southward again some twelve miles farther, reaching the
village of Smoketown.
July iith, the regiment moved five miles farther, to
the village of Fairplay, at which place there were indica-
tions that we were in the near vicinity of the enemy. At
one place a line of battle was formed, and skirmishers
were thrown out. Several times during the day they
were fired upon, but though every one was kept on the
qui vive, yet there was no general engagement. At five
the next morning there was another forward movement
for about a mile, and again a line of battle was formed.
In this position the regiment remained until night, when
the line fell back a short distance and labored at the
erection of breastworks, working all night.
These breastworks ran, a portion of the way, through
woods of heavy timber, and where this was the case the
timber of trees was largely used in their construction.
For a considerable distance in our front also the timber
was cut, and falling at random it formed, with its entangled
branches and trunks, a formidable chcvaux-de-frise, over
which it would have been almost impossible for the enemy
to attack us. I also noticed that there were convenient
gaps so arranged that masked batteries could easily en-
filade an assaulting force.
Morning found the regiment still at work, and with
only the pauses for meals the labor continued all day.
The breastworks thus hastily constructed were said to be
some seven miles in length, with the ends resting on the
Potomac river, and in their semicircular sweep enclosing
Lee's army, which was thought to be crossing the river
under difficulties, owing to high water from the late rains.
FROM GETTYSBURG TO VIRGINIA. 45
About a mile in our front we could see the enemy build-
ing similar defences, while between us were the two
skirmish lines, who kept up a rapid firing during the day.
July 14th, our regiment, with two of the Maryland
regiments, formed part of a force which was ordered to
make a reconnoissance. A line was formed and skirmish-
ers thrown out, but they moved only a short distance, and
about the middle of the afternoon were ordered to fall
back to the breastworks again. But about 8 o'clock in
the evening marching orders were again received, and
this time the regiment started on the most trying march
of the campaign. The night was intensely dark, and the
roads, from the rains and the passing of armies, were
but swimming beds of water, and when we attempted to
cross the fields the rich soil, if not as deep, made a more
adhesive mud. And as if to increase our discomfort, the
elements now broke forth in a furious night tempest.
I have not been able to ascertain how far we marched
that night, but it could not have been many miles, though
it was after midnight when the regiment halted. It
seemed to us, still unaccustomed to campaigning, like an
irony of military fate that at the earliest dawn we re-
traced our steps and marched back to the breastworks
we had left on the evening before. But in time we be-
came accustomed to such beyond-understanding move-
ments. Yet now we did not halt at the breastworks, but
continued in a southeasterly direction, following the gen-
eral course of the Potomac river, and before night we had
covered twenty miles, arriving at Antietam Iron Works.
Here the regiment remained until the morning of the
following day, July i6th, when it again took up the line
46 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
of march and before noon reached the vicinity of Har-
per's Ferry.
At this point the Shenandoah river, flowing in a north-
erly direction through Virginia, joins the Potomac.
Here, with united forces, the streams pass through the
Blue Ridge range of mountains in a deep and picturesque
gorge, famed for its romantic beauty and grandeur. The
great mountain bluff which rises on the north side of this
gorge is known as Maryland Heights. Following our
line of march along the tow-path of the old canal which
borders the river, we passed under the towering heights
and around to their southeastern face. Here we climbed
to a little side valley known as Pleasant Valley, and went
into camp near Sandy Hook.
Up to this time we had been brigaded with three
Maryland regiments, which were, in some sense, a kind
of State Militia, for they were enlisted to serve north of
the Potomac only. These regiments were now to be left
behind, and in the new organization we became a part of
the 3rd Brigade, ist Division, of the 12th Army Corps.
This Corps was commanded by Major-General Slocum.
Colonel Ketcham was ordered to report to General
Thomas H. Ruger, who commanded the 3rd Brigade,
and we thus became an integral part of the Army of the
Potomac.
Harper's Ferry is a post village situated on the south
side of the Potomac, and on the west side of the Shenan-
doah where these rivers join. It seemed as if nature
never intended the place for a town, for on this narrow
peninsula the village, from very necessity, is crowded
together on the steep sidehill, and almost overhangs the
water fronts. But insignificant as tbc place itself may
FROM GETTYSBURG TO VIRGINIA. 47
appear, it is connected with a tragedy which is ranked
with some importance among the nation's epochs. It was
the scene of the only organized stand for liberty which'
the negro race have ever made in this country.
Some of us visited the old engine house which had
served John Brown as a last fortress, and in which he
was captured. He had knocked out bricks here and
there, forming embrasures through which he could use
his muskets. The walls had been mended, but the dif-
ference in the color of the bricks showed plainly where
the holes had been. The place had passed through
scenes of camp and battle before we came there, and the
bridge across the Potomac had been destroyed; but there
was a pontoon bridge in its stead, which, for all army
purposes, was a fairly good substitute.
July 19th, the regiment again broke camp, feeling a
little restored by its two days of rest, and marching down
the hill, and again under the overhanging brow of Mary-
land Heights, we took our place in the seemingly endless
stream of men, horses, wagons and munitions which con-
stituted the army. We crossed on the pontoon bridge
to Harper's Ferry, and skirting along the water fronts,
crossed the Shenandoah on the old wooden bridge, and
then began the tiresome mountain climb on the southern
side of the gorge where the river cleaves the Blue Ridge
mountains. After passing over the mountain we skirted
along its eastern base until we reached the vicinity of
Hillsdale, where the regiment halted for the night. On
the following day we moved some eleven miles further
and went into camp near Snicker's Gap, where the regi-
ment remained three days.
The locality is not a " gap " in the ordinary sense, but is
48 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
a dip In the mountain range, where a road leads across to
the Shenandoah Valley on the other side. The point Is a
place of some strategic Importance, and there were evi-
dences on every hand that It had been camped upon many
times before our arrival.
This rest was a most fortunate one for the regiment.
In the condition the men were reduced to by the hard-
ships of war, and into which they had been so suddenly
plunged. It seemed to us that Dame Nature had espe-
cially provided here, in advance of our coming, a healing
balm for our woes. On the old fields and hillsides of
the abandoned plantations had sprung up a marvelous
growth of blackberries, and they were just then in their
fullest prime of ripeness. As may readily be imagined,
this delicious fruit, with its well known healing and nour-
ishing qualities, was to us a veritable feast of the gods.
The men roved over the fields, eating unlimited quanti-
ties; In fact they almost lived upon them for a few days.
We were now at the western border of that great
undulating slope which, beginning at the base of the Blue
Ridge mountains, stretches away eastward to the Poto-
mac river and Chesapeake Bay, and over which so much
active warfare had already been conducted during the
previous two years. On the morning of July 23rd, the
regiment again took up the line of march, and passing to
the westward of Upperville, went towards Ashby's Gap;
then returning, came back through Upperville, and after
much marching anci countermarching at last halted, about
midnight, a few miles from Manassas Gap.
But our rest was short, for by four in the morning we
were again on the road, and halted for the next night
near White Plains. On the next day, July 25th, we
FROM GETTYSBURG TO VIRGINIA. 49
marched through White Plains to Haymarket, and on
the following day to Warrenton Junction, where the regi-
ment was detained for fiv^e days. July 31st we moved
about sixteen miles, reaching the Rappahannock river at
Kelley's Ford, and on the following day crossed the river
on a pontoon bridge. But on August 2nd the troops
were moved to the north side of the river again, where
the regiment established a more permanent camp.
The site selected for this camp was a most unfortunate
one, for there were no good springs in its immediate
vicinity. Though not close to the river, it was upon the
low lands adjoining it, and it was peculiarly subject to
the malarial fevers which infest the river districts of
Virginia during the heated term of summer. This first
campaign of an unusually hot summer was a very trying
one for the men, and i» their reduced condition they fell
an easy prey to malaria, typhoid fever and dysentery, and
the many kindred diseases.
Some conception of the extent of the sickness may be
formed when it is stated that of the thirty-eight commis-
sioned officers of the regiment there w^re presently but
seven who reported for duty, the others being disabled by
reason of sickness; and a like, or probably greater, pro-
portion of the enlisted men were in a similar condition.
The hospitals held about 250 of our members, but they
were full to overflowing. As for the others, they were
cared for In the camp by their comrades as best they
might be.
Our duty here consisted in guarding the ford. The
river at this place has a strength of current which made
rapid and easy fording by a large force somewhat difficult,
50 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
hence it formed a natural front for our army there
encamped.
After a month's experience with these malarial low-
lands, during which we drank bad water most of the time,
the regiment was removed a mile to the rear and placed in
a new camp situated on a little hill of pines. It was also,
at about this time, excused from the most of the army
duties. The sanitary conditions of this camp were much
better, and there was soon a perceptible improvement in
the regimental health. But on September 15th there was
another forward movement of the army. The regiment
again crossed the Rappahannock, and passing through
Stevensburg, marched to Raccoon Ford on the Rapidan;
again encamping on low, swampy ground. It was now
engaged in doing picket duty until September 24th, when
it was again marched northward, reaching Brandy Station
on the 25th, where, for the first time since leaving Balti-
more, the regiment was paid.
CHAPTER VI.
FROM VIRGINIA TO TENNESSEE.
By Platt C. Curtiss.
Traveling in Freight Cars — Mountain Scenery — Patriotism on the Way — A Winter
Guarding the Railroad — IVIurders by Bushwhackers — Taxing the Citizens
to Suppress It — More Murders — "The Simple Life" —
Consolidation of Army Corps — "Fighting Joe."
At this time great national events were being enacted
in the West. After Grant's triumph at Vicksburg some
of his troops had been moved towards Lower East Ten-
nessee, but before they had arrived, there had been
fought, just at the time when the " Dutchess County
Regiment " was doing picket duty on the Rapidan, the
battle of Chickamauga. It resulted in a defeat to our
army there engaged. Yet while the victory was nomi-
nally with the Confederates, it had cost them dearly,
and proved to be a barren victory.
Sherman was now hurried forward from Vicksburg
towards Chattanooga, Tennessee, with reinforcements,
while arrangements were being made to send the nth and
1 2th Corps from the Army of the Potomac to the same
destination. In accordance with this plan for the dis-
position of forces, on September 27, 1863, the " Dutchess
County Regiment," then at Bealton, Va., some twelve
miles north of the Rappahannock, loaded itself on a
freight train which had been provided, and began its
journey to its new field of achievements, in the West.
52 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
The cars were of the box type, much smaller than the
cars of to-day, and furnished with fixed board seats run-
ning transversely. About sixty men were allotted to each
car, and by judicious stowage there was almost room
enough for each man to have a seat. These were the
conditions during our waking hours. Our route was via
Washington and Harper's Ferry and across the Alle-
ghany mountains westward.
The exhilarating and bracing effect of the mountain
air and bright sunshine of late September soon dispelled
the malaria from our systems, and we felt like " Giants
refreshed with new wine." And the magnificent moun-
tain scenery! I shall not attempt to describe it. Some-
times we skirted along the brow of a precipice where one
might look down a sheer thousand feet into a sea of foli-
age of variegated hues, and anon we plunged into the mid-
night darkness of a tunnel, and then again into the bright
sunshine.
We were not making schedule time, and often would
be on the side-track for hours, thus having an oppor-
tunity to boil coffee and fry bacon. Of course our com-
missariat was looked after as well as human foresight
could provide for, and Colonel Ketcham, whose first, last
and constant thought was the welfare and comfort of his
" boys," was constantly on hand to cheer and encourage
us by his genial presence; yet there were many deficiencies,
even in our limited bill of fare.
As I stated previously, our space in the car allowed
nearly room enough for each man to breathe in, provided
all did not breathe simultaneously, in which event the sides
of the car would have been unable to withstand the press-
ure. Then, to revert to a subject which I dread to
FROM VIRGINIA TO TENNESSEE. 53
think of, even after the lapse of more than forty years,
I will endeavor to convey to your minds an idea of how
we slept. We just had to sleep. Even mountain scenery
and rarefied air were not everything.
Tired Nature's sweet restorer must have her innings,
and we found by actual experiment that the average man
required about two and a half or three times more space
when sleeping in a recumbent position than he did when
awake and sitting up. We also discovered that when we
slept in layers more than two deep, the lower strata
showed symptoms of discomfort, and was disposed to
kick, and it was no figurative "kick" either.
Something had to be done. To the roof of the car!
That's the idea ! Along the centre of the roof of the car
was a plank, raised a couple of inches by blocks. Those
of us who did not like the accommodations of the dormi-
tory inside, could come up to the roof and have quarters
on top. Such of us as went to the roof to sleep (about
half of that car load I think) took the precaution to lash
ourselves fast to the plank of which I hav'e spoken, by
canteen straps and gun-slings, so that Uncle Sam would
not lose one of his good soldiers during the night. The
government owned us for three years, and we had no
right to jeopardize " Government property !"
As nearly as I can remember, we were two or three
days and nights in crossing the Alleghany mountains,
which is sub-divided into Blue Ridge, Shenandoah, Poca-
hontas and Laurel Ridge ranges. Finally the mountains
came to an end, and now we were gliding down the west-
ern slope of the Alleghanies into the Ohio Valley. In
due time we arriveci at the Ohio river, and crossed at
Benwood, four miles below Wheeling. Our journey
54 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
through the states of Ohio and Indiana was marked by
such spontaneous manifestations of patriotism and loyalty
that we felt as though we were really back in " God's
Country " again.
From every farm house, hamlet and town, " Old
Glory " greeted us, and more than ever before taught us
that we were soldiers of a country well worth fighting
for. The vast cornfields of these states, sometimes thou-
sands of acres in extent; the flourishing cities and towns,
with apparently uninterrupteci traffic, and the evidences of
material prosperity everywhere visible, broadened our view
of our country's greatness, and proved to our minds that
the resources of the North were practically unlimited.
At several places we were tendered receptions by the
citizens en masse; notably at Xenia, Ohio, where the
pupils of a young ladies' seminary, arrayed in red, white
and blue, sang patriotic airs and waved flags, and, best
of all, gave us all we could eat and drink; and at last
they seemed really disappointed that our capacity had a
limit.
Our route took us through the finest sections of Ohio
and Indiana, and near the historic scene of Colonel George
Rogers Clark's famous expedition, which gained for us the
great Northwest in the preceding century. Crossing the
Ohio river again, at Jeffersonvllle, Ind., we landed at
Louisville, Ky., on the southern bank of the river. The
" Blue Grass '' region is one of the finest countries in the
world, and we ceased to wonder why the pioneer, Daniel
Boone, forsook civilization and chose it for his home.
So we journeyed southward through the states of Ken-
tucky and Tennessee, with no conductor to bother us about
our tickets, and never a worry about our baggage, nor
FROM VIRGINIA TO TENNESSEE. 55
whether we should be able to connect with the next train.
The principal source of anxiety and misgiving with the
soldier is whether his rations will be forthcoming at the
proper time, and whether the paymaster will appear when
he is due.
We arrived in Tennessee, where we found conditions
much the same as in Kentucky. The capital, Nashville,
is situated in a beautiful section, and the capitol building
was a rather pretentious edifice, built of Tennessee marble,
and founded on a limestone ledge several acres in extent.
In time we arrived at the Cumberland Mountains and
commenced their slow ascent. There were heavy grades
to be overcome, and it was a repetition, in a lesser degree,
of the crossing of the Alleghanies. The only difference
was that by this time we had become physically hardened,
calloused and toughened to such a degree that we could
scarcely detect the difference between the hard and soft
sides of a board, and could sleep anywhere, everywhere,
and at any time.
At last we reached the northern portion of Alabama,
and it struck us as a curious coincidence that the name
of the state is said to be the Indian synonym for " Here
We Rest." It is a record of fact which I write, that
after we disembarked from our nine days' ride, it took
us some time to get the kinks out of our legs, and get
into shape for marching.
But our rest in Alabama was brief. A portion of our
Corps went on still further, to where East Tennessee
borders on Georgia, where they participated in the battles
of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, while the
balance of the Corps, including our Division (the ist
Division) was sent back to guard the railroad between
56 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Nashville and Chattanooga, for it was constantly menaced
by the enemy's cavalry. Headquarters of the 12th Army
Corps, Major-General Henry W. Slocum commanding,
was established at Tullahoma, Tenn., on the Nashville and
Chattanooga R. R. It is in the county of Coffee, near
the southern tier of counties which border on Alabama.
Our regiment was sent to Normandy, seven miles north
of Tullahoma. At Normandy there is a considerable
stream, Duck River, a branch of which is spanned at that
place by a railroad bridge of some height and length, and
it was the special duty of our regiment to guard this
structure. Rising abruptly at the end of the bridge, on
the southeast, was a hill some two hundred feet in height,
and at the north end of this hill was an opening in the
rocks, which was the entrance to a cave of considerable
extent.
It was said to have been a rendezvous and hiding place
for guerillas who fired on passing trains, and as they fired
from within the cave it was impossible to determine where
the shots came from.
Opposite regimental headquarters was an old black-
smith shop, and here, during the winter, religious ser-
vices were held, and the room was usually well filled.
Many of the men were afflicted at this time with scurvy,
caused by a lack of vegetable food, and several consign-
ments of sanitary stores, such as pickled onions, dried
fruits, condensed milk, vegetables, etc., from the Sani-
tary Commission, greatly improved the health of the
regiment.
There were also consignments from the same source
of delicacies for such as were in the hospital, and a large
trunk, filled with stockings and mittens, sent from the
FROM VIRGINIA TO TENNESSEE. 57
Presbyterian Church In Poughkeepsie, arriving in Febru-
ary, the contents were distributed among the men, gen-
erally while they were on picket duty. The Christian
Commission also contributed many comforts, including
even literature for the lads who were lonesome.
These two " Commissions " were voluntary organiza-
tions of citizens, by means of which the loyal people of
the North kept in touch with the volunteer soldiers of the
civil war. Their agents were usually the Chaplains of
the regiments, and through them the armies in the field,
as well as the sick in the hundreds of hospitals, were sup-
plied with many comforts which could not well have been
furnished by the War Department.
There were many of the natives who led double lives.
Part of the time they were guerillas, or " bushwhackers,"
as they were termed in the army slang of that day, and
at other times they would be — apparently — peaceful citi-
zens. It was found to be difficult to fasten proof on
these marauders, and therefore the general in command
of that department resolved to adopt heroic measures to
suppress such illegitimate methods of warfare, and an
order for that purpose was issued by Maj.-Gen. George
H. Thomas.
After recounting the circumstances of one of the worst
instances, which the General spoke of as " these atrocious
and cold-blooded murders, equaling in savage ferocity
any ever committed by the most barbarous tribes on this
continent," etc., the order proceeded to direct that a
tax of $30,000 should be levied on the property of rebel
citizens living within ten miles of where the murders
were committed, and the money, when collected, divided
among the families of the murdered men.
58 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Some of these murderers were sub^quently captured,
and were tried by a Military Commission sitting at Tulla-
homa. They had able lawyers who appeared for their
defense, but the evidence against them was too conclusive
to admit of a doubt, and their conviction followed. They
were executed at Nashville not long after.
In pursuance of this order. General Slocum detailed six
companies of our regiment, and a squadron of cavalry,
Colonel Ketcham in command, to collect the tax. The
battalion broke camp January i6, 1864, and by the
middle of the afternoon was well on the way to Tulla-
homa. The country through which we passed during
this first day had no fences, and but few cultivated fields,
and was, for the most part, thickly wooded.
The companies reported at General Ruger's head-
quarters at nightfall, and preparations were made for an
early start in the morning. This portion of the expedition
consisted, beside the six companies of our regiment, of
which I have spoken, of ten mounted officers, four six-mule
wagons and two ambulances. Colonel Ketcham remained
until the next day, to bring up the squadron of cavalry.
The weather, although it was mid-winter, was balmy,
and at mid-day positively warm, and the men, who were
in heavy marching order, perspired freely, so that fre-
quent stops for rest were granted. On our route we
passed a house which was said to have been at one time
the home of the world-renowned Davy Crockett, and this
locality was the scene of many of his wonderful feats
with gun and trap. The close of the day found the
expedition at Lynchburg, a small village with houses all
on the main road, and with about a dozen stores, all
of which however were closed.
FROM VIRGINIA TO TENNESSEE. 59
The farmers were generally well off in worldly goods,
and In making an apportionment of the tax, from the
County Records, Colonel Ketcham found two men in the
assessed district worth over a million dollars each, and
five others worth over a half million each. The position
of these men was a trying one, and they were to be made
to feel the cost of secession as they had never felt it
before.
On the second day out, the forage train visited two
plantations and filled 50 army wagons with corn and oats,
and then piled corn stalks on top. From another farm
there was gathered 3,000 bushels of oats and corn, and a
large number of cattle. For all of this property receipts
were given to the owners by the officer In command of
the forage train. The battalion was on the march by
8 A. M. on the following day, and by noon had reached
Mulberry, the County Seat of Lincoln County. We found
the stores closed, and most of the houses deserted, and
the citizens who remained said that similar conditions
prevailed throughout the state.
Headquarters was established In a well-built house of
brick, which stood in the center of the village, and Cap-
tain Cogswell, of Co. A, occupied a house near the
village church. There was no sugar to be had, and
honey was used to sweeten our coffee, but as there were
plenty of chickens, and some wild game, we did not suffer
for lack of meat. On Sunday, January 24th, services
were held by Chaplain Bartlett of our regiment, in the
Baptist Church, and he had a large attendance, for, beside
the six companies of the 150th, nearly one hundred of
the citizens attended.
The expedition lasted two weeks, and, Its object having
60 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
been satisfactorily accomplished, a return to TuUahoma
was ordered. The return journey was marked by the
murder of two of our men by the guerillas of that section.
George Lovelace and John Odell were leading horses a
short distance in advance of the main column, which was
moving leisurely along without the least idea of danger.
The two men had gone not over half a mile ahead, around
a turn in the road between the hills, when down came a
squad of guerillas in front of them, while another gang
came up in their rear, all firing as they closed in on their
victims. Both men were killed outright, being shot
through the lungs in both cases, one from the back and
the other through the breast.
The regiment, alarmed by the fusillade, hastened to
the spot, only to find the two men dead, one in the road-
way and the other in a cornfield near at hand. Lieut.
Bowman gave chase with a squad of cavalry and after a
pursuit of seven or eight miles succeeded in recapturing
the horses and wounding several of the guerillas, and
finding two pairs of boots, and several other articles
plundered from the bodies of our unfortunate comrades.
Their bodies were tenderly taken up, placed in the am-
bulance, and brought sadly into camp. The next day the
funeral was held, and the late lamented Captain Woodin,
in a letter which was published in the Poughkeepsie Eagle,
rendered a graphic account of the impressive ceremonies,
which were of a military character, conducted by Chaplain
Bartlett; the remains being escorted to the grave by the
Regimental Band, which played a dead march for the
whole distance.
Colonel Ketcham having succeeded in collecting $5,000
more than was required by the order, recommended that
FROM VIRGINIA TO TENNESSEE. 61
the amount be equally divided between the families of
these two comrades, and, his recommendation being ap-
proved by the Government, the wiciows of Lovelace and
Odell each received $2,500.
Four of the ten companies composing our regiment
were not stationed at Normandy during the winter. Two
companies, I and H, were detailed to guard a water tank
near Wartrace, Tenn., where all trains stopped for water.
They built there a block-house of hewn logs, for we had
several men who were carpenters before they became
soldiers. The block-house was two stories in height, the
upper story being placed octagonally upon the lower, so
that the house had eight fronts, with loop-holes for our
rifles. The timbers were eight inches square and thirty
feet in length, and it cost us considerable labor, working
as we did with poor and insufficient tools, but the result
was quite satisfactory. Though we never had occasion
to use the structure as a defense, yet we did use it as a
shelter. Trains were passing at all hours of the day and
night, loaded with munitions and supplies for the front.
After a few weeks of duty at this place. Companies I
and G were sent to guard the bridge which spanned the
Duck river near Wartrace, Tenn., Lieutenant Undenvood
being in command. This bridge was an important link
in the line of communication, and its destruction would
have been a serious affair. As soon as we arrived, we
set to work building our huts for shelter and warmth,
using logs for walls, and boards when we could get them,
for the roofs and floors. Each hut had a large fire-place
and chimney constructed of stones and clay mortar. The
dimensions of our huts were about 8x12 feet, and they
were expected to house five or six men each. Rude
62 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT,
bunks were built in tiers across the rear end, and were
the principal part of our furniture.
Duck river runs through an ideal farming country, for
the soil is fertile and the water excellent, while the wooded
portion, which was at that time a virgin forest, included
a vast amount of splendid timber. Along the river were
large tracts of level bottom-lands covered with tall broom-
grass which afforded fine shelter for rabbits. Amuse-
ments were not abundant then, and occasionally, when
conditions were favorable, we would organize a round-up
of rabbits. We would surround a tract of say fifty acres,
and at a given signal each one of us would move towards
a common center, beating the grass with a pole, and shout-
ing. As we narrowed the circle we could see the quarry
jumping here and there and the grass waving from their
movements, and at its close we were generally rewarded
with a good catch.
Mails came to us with reasonable regularity, but read-
ing matter was scarce in camp, and the surrounding com-
munity was by no means of a high literary character; in
fact it was quite the reverse. That country was then
comparatively new, and hence was as yet sparsely settled,
and several conscriptions by the Confederacy had robbed
the community of its young and middle-aged men, leaving
only the youths and aged at home. The female portion
of the remaining society were very outspoken in their
sentiments regarding the war, and firmly believed in the
justice and ultimate success of the Southern cause.
Wartrace was a small station on the railroad, and con-
sisted, at the time of which I write, of a depot building,
a dozen houses, a couple of general stores where goods
were sold or bartered for produce, a blacksmith shop and
FROM VIRGINIA TO TENNESSEE. 63
a church. It was a primitive community, and typical of
the rural districts of Tennessee in the 6o's. A rudely
constructed log cabin, often all in one room, a few acres
of clearing, sufficient to raise corn and potatoes to fatten
a few pigs and supply corn meal for the making of the'
ever-present " corn pone," and, incidentally, enough corn
for the manufacture of " Moonshine " whiskey, which
was considered by these people to be one of the prime
necessities of life ; such was the home of the " poor white "
of Tennessee at that time. Their wants were few, and
in fact they were the exponents of " The Simple Life."
The homes of the slave owners were of a more luxuri-
ant type, but gave evidence in their surroundings of a
measure of barbaric crudeness of a most lavish character.
They were in no respects as good, nor as comfortable
and convenient, as the residences of the average Northern
farmers.
The health of the regiment was good at that time,
very few of its members being in the hospital, which
argued well for the efficiency of our medical and surgical
department, as well as for the physical condition of the
men. During the last w^eek in March, George Pinhorn,
of Co. B, was assisting in the survey of a road from
Tullahoma to Shelbyville. While he and William Law-
son were eating their dinner, seated on a log under a tall
tree, the wind, which was blowing hard at the time, broke
off a large limb which in its fall struck Pinhorn on the
head and caused his death; he surviving the injury but
a few hours. Pie was buried at Tullahoma.
He was a very capable young man, and had, but a short
time before, been detailed to the Engineer Corps, and it
was understood that he was soon to have been promoted
64 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
to the rank of Captain. The same limb which caused
his death also struck a cup of coffee from the hand of
Lawson, shattering the cup into many fragments, which
he afterward sent to Engine Company No. 6, of Pough-
keepsie, of which he was a member, desiring that they
should have a souvenir of his narrow escape from death
by accident.
At last the month of March had taken its departure
and spring time had come in the Sunny South, the buds
bursting into life after their winter of sleep. Rumors
of the coming campaign, which was to be, as we fondly
hoped, the finish of the war, were thick in the air. The
note of preparation was sounded, and the army began
to make final preparations for an active campaign, for
there was considerable vitality yet left in the rebellion,
and it died hard.
All deficiencies in our equipment and armament were
made good, and everything necessary for a vigorous
conduct of the advance into the heart of the Confederacy
was furnished. We firmly believed that the coming cam-
paign would see the national authority established in all
the states which had defied it. So when marching orders
came on April 25, 1864, we thought we could see the
beginning of the end, and although many of us were
fated to fall upon bloody fields of battle, we were glad
when the order was given, " Break camp and he in readi-
ness to march for the front." We marched for " the
front " at the date appointed.
By General Order No. 144, under date of April 4,
1864, the iith and 12th Army Corps (ours was the
1 2th) were consolidated, the new organization thus
formed being designated the 20th Army Corps, having
FROM VIRGINIA TO TENNESSEE. 65
the five-pointed star as its corps badge, and it was placed
under the command of Major-General Joseph Hooker;
" Fighting Joe," as he was familiarly spoken of in the
ranks; and in this corps we entered the campaign of 1864
as one of the six regiments which composed the 2nd
Brigade of its ist Division, and in it remained until the
close of the war. It was destined to take us into and
through the Confederacy to the Atlantic coast, and north-
ward through the Carolinas and Virginia to Washington
again.
CHAPTER VII.
FROM NORMANDY TO RESACA.
By Stephen G. Cook.
The Peculiarities of Memory — The Second Pleasant Winter in the Army — The iithand
1 2th Corps Consolidated — Leaving Normandy, Tennessee, for a .More South-
ern Trip — That Thunder Shower — A Mule "Potter's Field" —
Lookout Mountain — Snake Creek Gap — Tiie
Battle of Resaca.
Some one has said that " Memories brighten as they
take their flight," and I, from personal experience, believe
the saying to be true. What old soldier is there, as he
looks back over a vista of forty years and recalls the in-
cidents of his army service, who does not linger with
fondness over the pleasanter portions of it?
The sleeping on the ground in the rain and the cold,
the weariness, the forced marches, the hunger, the battle,
the diseases contracted and even the wounds received are
only half remembered, but the merry quip, the jest, the
songs we used to sing, and the pleasures of good com-
radeship will linger in our minds until time for us shall
be no more. Our memories at best go back clearly but
a little way, or if they go back far, they pick up here a
date and there an occurrence half forgotten, and of those
remembered the pleasantest are sure to be much the
larger portion. We forget the brambles and the thorns
and remember only the roses and the wild flowers that
bloomed along our path.
This is my own experience, and that of many others
FROM NORMANDY TO RESACA. 67
with whom I hav^e conversed on this subject and I behevx
if the memories of the two hundred hving members
(October, 1905,) of the old regiment could be tested it
would be found that their experience would correspond
very nearly with mine ; another evidence of the kindness
of Divine Providence.
As the spring of 1864 opened the regiment could real-
ize that it had passed two very pleasant winters in the
service, the first at Baltimore, surrounded by the gaieties
and pleasures of that intensely Union and just as in-
tensely Rebel city, between which conditions its inhabi-
tants were fairly divided, but even the rebel portion could
not altogether forget its native hospitality to the " stran-
gers within her gates," and the second winter at Nor-
mandy, Tenn., whose rural simplicity was in striking con-
trast to the former, but where we enjoyed ourselves very
well in an entirely different way.
On April 4, 1864, the nth and 12th Army Corps
were consolidated and made the 20th Corps by the fol-
lowing order:
Genoral Order No. 144,
Adjutant Opnoral's OfTicc,
Washington, D. C.
April 4, 18G4.
Tlie 11th and 12th Army Corps are eonsolidated and will be called
the 20th Corps. Major Ccn. J. Hooker is assigned to this command.
For weeks the camp was filled with rumors of a cam-
paign to the south of us, with Atlanta, Ga., as the objec-
tive point. The rumors thickened as the spring ad-
vanced. How they originated we never knew, for it is
not likely that the commanding generals gave out their
plans so long in advance. On the 25th of April, 1864,
68 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
the long-looked-for order came, and on Tuesday, April
26th, we started upon our southern pilgrimage.
The first day we marched only to Tullahoma, a dis-
tance of seven miles. There we were joined by the 13th
N. J., 2nd Mass. and 27th Indiana regiments. The 3rd
Wisconsin and 107th N. Y., with whom we had also
been brigaded, were somewhere a short distance in our
rear, guarding a wagon train. These six regiments, from
this time on, composed the 2nd Brigade of the ist Divis-
ion of the 20th Corps, to which we were now attached,
under the command of General " Joe " Hooker.
We remained at Tullahoma until the morning of April
28, 1864, preparing for the work we then instinctively
knew was before us, when we again started on our south-
ern march, reaching Decherd, a small town situated near
the western base of the Cumberland mountains, a distance
of thirteen miles from Tullahoma by rail and probably
fifteen miles by the route we took.
Up to this time we had been marching close to the
railroad over which trains of sixteen cars were following
each other in quick succession as they were hurried to
the front, loaded with commissary stores for the army
at Chattanooga and for a reserve for the summer cam-
paign. On the morning of April 29th we left the rail-
road and taking an apology for a wagon road up the
mountain, reached the top and that night encamped on
the summit of the Cumberland Mountains, on a broad
plateau some six or seven miles in width, level as a table
and heavily timbered. This plateau is said to extend
the whole length of these mountains as though they had
been planed down by some tremendous force while they
were in a more plastic condition than we found them.
FROM NORMANDY TO RESACA. 69
During the night we were treated to one of the most
terrific thunder showers we had up to that time, or have
since, ever Hstened to. It seemed to say, "You midgets
think you are somewhat great on cannonading ! Just
hsten to what I can do." We Hstened. It is a promi-
nent fact that every one of the numerous diaries in my
possession speaks of this thunder shower as the most ter-
rific in the writer's experience.
The next day, April 30th, we descended the eastern
slope of the mountain, coming out in the " Big Sequatchie
Valley." We encamped for the night on the banks of
Battle Creek, noted as the locality of many a hard-fought
battle between General Andrew Jackson and the Indian
Chief Wethersford.
Up to this point the country was familiar to us, as in
the fall before we had been hurried to this place with the
view of taking part in the battle of Lookout Mountain ;
but on our arrival here it was learned that the battle
had been fought and won, and we were ordered back to
Normandy, Tenn., to guard the railroad, or " Cracker
Line " as it was more commonly called, and where we
spent the winter.
On May ist about 11 A. M. we reached Bridgeport,
Ala., which for several months had been the southern
terminus of the Nashville and Chattanooga railroad. We
had expected to find it a good sized town, at the head of
steamboat navigation on the Tennessee River. Imagine
our surprise, instead of streets, stores, dwellings, churches
and hotels, to find not a single house of any kind except
the sheds the Government had built to protect the com-
missary stores.
This may have been only the railroad station, and
70 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
there may have been a " City of Bridgeport " hidden
away behind the numerous hills and mountains in the
vicinity, but we did not get a glimpse of it. We did not
tarry there long enough to ask many questions, but kept
right on until about nine that night, encamping in a wet
cornfield, the atmosphere of which was pervaded by an
almost overpowering smell of decaying flesh. The next
morning we found we had encamped in a Potter's Field
of almost numberless dead mules.
Before the capture of Lookout Mountain by Gen.
Hooker's troops during the November previous, a part
of the railroad between Bridgeport and Chattanooga was
commanded by Confederate guns on its top and this
wagon roaci we were following was the only route for
conveying subsistence to the troops at Chattanooga, and
the dead mules left by the roadside were very numerous,
and the turkey buzzards had not yet completed their
gruesome task.
On the night of May 2nd we encamped at Whitesides,
by the side of the railroad and well wedged in by moun-
tains. We awoke in the morning to find there had been
quite a frost during the night, the pools having a
decided skim of ice on their surface and the leaves on the
trees being frozen stiff. We thought this pretty good
for the " Sunny South " in early May, Dutchess County
seldom doing better.
During the day of May 3d we crossed the nose of
Lookout Mountain, which extends northward toward
Chattanooga and the Tennessee River like a cowcatcher
on a locomotive. Chattanooga was lying to the north,
seemingly at our feet, but really three miles distant.
The mountain itself rises a steep 1800 feet above the
FROM NORMANDY TO RESACA. 71
river which washes its northern base, and up near the top
commenced a precipice thirty to sixty feet in height, re-
sembHng the " Pahsades " on the lower Hudson River.
How General Hooker's forces ever succeeded in driving
the rebels from the top of this mountain seems unaccount-
able, but they did and the " Battle of Lookout Mountain "
will forever be famous in history. ^' Nothing succeeds
like success." Had it failed, it would have been char-
acterized as " foolhardy." It is sometimes poetically re-
ferred to as the " Battle above the clouds."
The railroad from Bridgeport to Chattanooga was then
quickly repaired and there was no longer a necessity for
a " Potter's Field " of dead mules in the valley lying
between them.
We encamped the night of May 3d on the western
slope of Missionary Ridge in a location from which we
could see the elaborate preparations the enemy had made
to give us a cordial reception. The forests were leveled
on the western slope of every hill to the east of us, while
rifle pits, breastworks, battery pits and forts sprouted
forth in every conceivable position. All those had been
abandoned and they were awaiting our coming a few
miles farther south, their main army being at Dalton,
some twenty-five or thirty miles to the southeast of Look-
out Mountain.
Somewhere during this march we had our first view of
General U. S. Grant, who afterwards was to figure so con-
spicuously in the history of the war of the rebellion. He
was then known to us as the hero of Shiloh, Donelson and
Vicksburg.
The story was then current that a party of temperance
fanatics had called upon President Lincoln and informed
72 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
him thcit the General was addicted to drinking too much
whiskey and asked for his removal. After listening to
them the President kindly asked them if they knew from
what particular source he obtained it, adding that if they
would inform him he would send a gallon to every Gen-
eral in the army.
I have forgotten at which station it was that, when the
cars stopped, he stepped out on the rear platform of the
only passenger car on the rear end of a long freight train
and quietly looked us over. The boys, recognizing him
at once, began to call " Speech! Speech! " With a smile
he quietly shook his head, as much as to say, " You may
hear from me later but not in the way of speechmaking."
We did not know then (at least I did not) that he
had been placed in command of all the Union Armies.
In March he had been summoned to Washington by Presi-
dent Lincoln, with whom he then had his first interview,
and had received his commission of Lieutenant-General,
the highest rank in the United States Army. He had
come south to Tennessee and Georgia to confer with Gen.
Sherman, whom he had placed in command of the armies
now concentrated in and around Chattanooga. From
later information we learned that there was to be a gen-
eral forward movement of the army under General Meade
across the Rapidan as his centre, Butler's army at Fort-
ress Monroe as his left, and Sherman's at Chattanooga
as his right wing.
These three armies were to move simultaneously and
the 4th of May had been selected as the date. Up to
this time there had been no concert of action between the
several Union Armies. Heretofore General Lee, occupy-
ing interior lines, could easily detach a portion of his
FROM NORMANDY TO RESACA. 73
troops from one army to assist another when threatened
with disaster, but a general advance of all the Union Army
on the same date frustrated a repetition of these tactics
on the part of General Lee.
It is related that when General Grant was making one
of his forward movements with the Army of the Potomac,
it was reported to him that General Johnston had detached
General Longstreet's Corps to assist General Lee in the
defence of Richmond. He telegraphed General Sherman
about this report, and General Sherman telegraphed back
this characteristic reply, " Don't believe a word of it.
I am keeping him too busy down here."
In accordance with this general plan, Sherman's army,
of which our regiment had almost unconsciously become
a part, started from Chattanooga and vicinity on May 4,
1864, to try conclusions with General "Joe" Johnston's
army, whose headquarters were then at Dalton, Ga.
Between the elevations of two great mountain ranges, the
Cumberland and the Alleghany, lies the valley of East
Tennessee. The Tennessee River sw^eeps southward
throughout its length, and embraced in one of its graceful
curves near the valley's southern extremity lies the town
of Chattanooga, and from that point the river rushes
away to the west through mountain gorges. It was a
strategic point of great value; " The gateway to the Con-
federacy," as it was termed, and our feet were firmly
planted in the " gateway," never to be forced out again.
To the south and west of Chattanooga is a country
where hills, spurs, valleys with riv^ers, isolated peaks,
with mountains both large and small, are mingled to-
gether in a manner confusing to the student of geography,
and it was among these that the enemy had now — the
74 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Spring of 1864 — taken positions of defense. One of
the mountains, " Rocky Face," had been tunneled to per-
mit the passage of the railroad. The mountain itself was
known as " Tunnel Hill," while its top was known as
" Buzzards Roost," names familiar to every survivor of
the old regiment, for on and around them occurred a
good deal of skirmish fighting and some severe battles,
as these positions were the key to our further advance
towards Dalton, our first real objective point.
Between these mountainous spurs are several streams
winding their way in a southerly direction towards the
Atlantic Ocean. Our Corps (Hooker's) was ordered
through "Snake Creek Gap" several miles to the west
of the railroad and terminating south of Dalton. Here
we had the distinction of seeing General Kllpatrlck of the
Cavalry carried to the rear wounded, and where I had
the honor of taking off his blood-soaked dressings, and
substituting fresh ones. We thought a lot of " Killy "
and were very sorry not to have him in front of us. His
wound proved to be not serious and a few days later he
was again at the head of his cavalry, selecting a pathway
for us to the " Gate City," as Atlanta was then and is now
called.
If my memory plays me no tricks we were one day and
two nights In this "gap" without seeing a single "snake,"
but during one of the nights, owing to heavy rains, the
creek became a roaring torrent, driving us from Its im-
mediate banks and causing us to seek such shelter as we
could on the adjoining hillsides. Memory still retains a
distinct recollection of the inconvenience and suffering we
underwent that night in the cold, pouring rain, without
shelter or chance of warmth, but the sun shone the next
FROM NORMANDY TO RE SAC A. 75
day and the miseries of "Snake Creek Gap " were things
of the past.
For some reason not generally understood, General
Sherman distrusted our Corps Commander, " Fighting
Joe " Hooker, and during the day we were lying in this
" gap " we had the mortification to see General McPher-
son's Corps march past us to take the initiative in the
attack upon Resaca when we should emerge onto the
plains south of it.
All generals make mistakes and this was one of General
Sherman's, in selecting McPherson to take the command
instead of General Hooker. He practically admits this in
his "Personal Memoirs" (page 34, 2d Vol.), wherein
he says, " McPherson startled Johnston in his fancied
security, but had not done the full measure of his work.
He had in hand twenty-three thousand of the best men
of the Army and could have walked into Resaca (then
held by a small brigade), or he could have placed his
whole force astride the railroad above Resaca, and there
withstood the attack of all Johnston's Army, with the
knowledge that Thomas and Schofield were on his heels.
Had he done so, I am certain that Johnston would not
have ventured to attack him in position but would have
retreated eastward by Spring Place, and we should have
captured half his army and all of his artillery and wagons
at the very beginning of the campaign. Such an oppor-
tunity does not occur twice in a lifetime, but at the
critical moment McPherson seems to have been a little
too cautious."
Knowing of their intimate friendship and of his esteem
for McPherson it was not to be expected that he would
criticise very harshly; hence the mildness of the foregoing
76 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
criticism. But had Hooker made such a bkinder he
would have had him court martialed and driven out of
the army in disgrace. Think for a moment what this
would have meant for us in that Atlanta campaign; " Half
of Joe Johnston's army captured, and all his artillery and
wagons, at the very beginning of the campaign." Why,
the rest of the route to Atlanta would have been a " walk
over," and Oh, the time, the skirmishing, the fighting,
the flanking and the lives it would have saved! After
forty years to get indignant about the blunder McPherson
then made, is unseemly, perhaps, but how can I help it?
Tennyson says, " There is no fool like the old fool," and
I subscribe to the sentiment.
The distance between Dalton and Resaca is about eigh-
teen miles. They are both on the railroad leading from
Chattanooga to Atlanta, and at the former place Gen.
Johnston had concentrated his main army behind very
strong natural and artificial fortifications to await our
coming.
Sherman in his " Memoirs " says that the passage of
our army through Snake Creek Gap was " a complete
surprise to the enemy." To a non-combatant this seems
utterly incomprehensible. Further on (page 36) he re-
peats the statement, "The movement through Snake Creek
Gap was a total surprise to him." (General Johnston.)
According to the scale of miles on the war map in my
possession the distance between Resaca and Snake Creek
Gap is, in a straight line, about seven miles.
How a general of Johnston's acknowledged ability
could allow an army of twenty-three thousand men to be
placed in his rear, and on his principal line of communica-
tion without his knowledge and to his " complete sur-
FROM NOR^IANDY TO RESACA. 77
prise," is unaccountable. He must have been laboring
under the delusion that Sherman's army, in order to ac-
complish its purpose, must first capture his extraordinary
fortified position at Dalton. The appearance of Hooker's
and McPherson's corps some twenty or more miles in his
rear must have been a startling revelation to him. At
any rate, it caused him to abandon his almost impregnable
position at Dalton and to fall back to Resaca which had
also been strongly fortified lest some unlooked-for emer-
gency should compel its occupation. In fact, the whole
route down to Atlanta for a hundred miles or more had
been strongly fortified in many places in anticipation of
reverses to the Confederate army.
As I look back over a vista of forty years it seems to
me that had General Johnston fortified this " gap " in the
mountain, a thousand men could have held it against
Sherman's whole army, as the three hundred Spartans held
the pass of Thermopylae against the immense Persian
Army of Xerxes. Fortunately for us he did not do it.
We emerged from " Snake Creek Gap " into " Sugar
Valley " on May 9th and during the next few days were
shifted from place to place as we might be needed as a
'* reserve " for the 23d Corps, now in our advance.
Everybody felt that the prelude to a big battle was being
played and that it was not far off. A rebel battery on
Buzzard's Roost was belching away in plain sight of us.
but as we were beyond its range it did not interest us
very much. There was never a day nor scarcely an hour
we did not hear the roar of cannon or the sound of
musketry somewhere in our immediate vicinity, but we
had no part of it.
About sundown on the 14th heav^y firing, both artillery
78 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
and musketry, was heard a short distance In our front
and we were hurried forward some two or three miles
toward the place from where it emanated. We soon
heard that the rebels had made a determined effort to
capture a battery (5th Indiana), hoping thus to double
back our left flank, and thereby control a very advan-
tageous position.
When we arrived on the scene it was just between day-
light and darkness, not so dark but that the troops of
both sides could be plainly seen from the little eminence
on which I was standing, and yet dark enough to see the
streams of fire as they issued from the musketry and
cannon below me.
General Hooker and his staff had ridden forward in ad-
vance of the infantry and seeing at a glance the perilous
position of the artillery, had dismounted and rushed
among them, and in emphatic language urged them to
stand by their guns. "Give them hell!" he shouted,
" My boys will be here within five minutes." His " boys "
zvere there on schedule time, and as the 3d Brigade of
our division met the advancing rebels with a volley of
musketry they halted in their charge and then turned and
fled in the utmost confusion. It was a small aftair on
our part but from where I stood it made a picture that
is still vividly impressed on my memory.
The 15th of May was Sunday, but instead of listening
to " church-going bells " there was the echo of heavy
cannonading on all sides of us. About eleven A. M.
there was a council of war held in our immediate vicinity.
Besides General Sherman, there were Generals Thomas,
Hooker, McPherson, Howard (with but one arm).
Sickles (with but one leg), Slocum, Logan, Williams,
FRO^r NORMANDY TO RESACA. 79
Geary (afterwards Governor of Pennsylvania), Davis,
and Palmer; men whose fame covered the earth as the
waters cover the sea, making the name of the American
soldier, like the ancient Roman, an honored passport
throughout the world. This council was the prelude to
a pretty stubborn battle that afternoon, although Gen.
Grant in his works alludes to it as a " skirmish." To
the man who gets the bullet right, it matters but little
whether it be called a " skirmish " or a " battle."
" Fall in, non-combatants to the rear!" was the signal
that hot work was near at hand. " To the rear " did
not mean much in this Georgia campaign. Taking it in
a too literal sense meant to get lost or gobbled up as a
straggler, so that the point was never to lose the trail of
the regiment, no matter how threatening affairs at the
Iront might appear.
The regiment followed a lonely road through a ravine
for about two miles. A hill between the first line of
battle and this ravine gave effectual shelter during the
march, but at the end was an open plain swept by a rebel
battery. Over this plain the ist Division marched in
two lines of battle, the 150th forming the left of the front
line, to the top of a little hill that in the morning had
been occupied by a rebel battery.
The three divisions of the 20th Corps marched out and
formed two lines of battle on the plain. Rebel shells
were exploded in their midst, causing great swaying back-
wards and forwards, but when the lines were formed, the
whole body of six thousand men moved majestically across
the plain towards the enemy, with our regiment still on the
extreme left, to a little hill crowned by a small house. Here
breastworks were hastily constructed of fence rails and
80 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
such other things as would stop a bullet. Company B
being thrown out as skirmishers crossed a plain some
three or four hundred yards wide and entering a piece of
woods on its farther side, they quickly came in contact with
the advancing rebel force. One of the most vivid im-
pressions of the war is the remembrance of that company
of skirmishers as it emerged from the woods into the open
plain in our front, and their run for life across it, rebel
bullets kicking up a dust as they struck the ground all
around and between them. Yet, according to the best of
my recollection, every one of them got back safely.
After the return of our skirmishers the rebels in force
came out of the woods on the other side of the plain op-
posite our lines, and formed their line of battle as coolly
as though on dress parade. The order to advance was
given and they started for our position. Our orders
from Colonel Ketcham were not to fire until he gave the
word, and fully one-half of the distance had been trav-
ersed before the order came. The volley that followed
decimated their ranks as a staggering blow, but like the
brave men they were, they closed up and started for us
afresh, " Eager as love and wild as hate." Then it was
" Load and fire at will," and the terrible fire we poured
into the advancing lines would have quickly discouraged
any soldiers not of American blood. They were repulsed ;
but not until their dead lay within eighteen feet of our
slender line of breastworks.
Without intended egotism, I hope I may be permitted
to say that I was one of the best shots of the regiment,
and with the carbine the Union Ladies of Baltimore had
presented to me (a singular gift to a non-combatant)
I entered a log corn-crib in our lines before the attack
FROM NORMANDY TO RESACA. " 81
and there, comparatively safe, "loaded and fired at w\\V^
until ordered out to take care of the wounded. During
this experience I saw advancing a man carrying a sword,
who turned and waved it to his followers as though urg-
ing their advance. As he faced again, I pulled the
trigger of my carbine, and he fell prone, face downwards.
In the midst of the severest part of the fight I was
ordered to come out of the log corn-crib, where I was
practically safe, to attend the wounded. The first person
that met my gaze after coming out was Adjutant Cruger,
who was standing holding on to a little tree, spanning it
with his hands above his head, with blood pouring out of
his mouth in a stream. Without a thought of the danger
I seized and carried him behind the house where
" Tommy " O'Neil and another relieved me, and he was
carried to a place of safety. We believed then that his
wound was fatal and it was so reported, but after two or
three months he returned to us, seemingly as well as ever.
There were several casualties that day but not one of
them immediately fatal. From my diary of that date
I find the casualties to be as follows: Adjt. S. V. R.
Cruger, Corporal George Stage, Co. E; Benjamin Watts,
Co. E ; Tolson Richardson, Co. B ; Thomas Wright, Co.
G; Benjamin Harp, Co. G; Amerlcus Mosher, Co. K;
seven in all. Considering the number of the dead rebels
who were found lying in front of our regiment, number-
ing into the hundreds, the nearest one but eighteen feet
from our slight breastworks, our loss was remarkably
small.
After the battle was over. Colonel Ketcham and I were
going over the field together and when we came to a
man lying prone on his face with arms extended and a
82 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
sword clutched in his right hand, I said to the Colonel,
" If I shot this man he got it right in the centre of his
forehead." With his foot the Colonel turned the body
over, and, as he saw the bullet wound in his forehead, his
only remark was, "Well, by Gol!"
During the evening the Colonel and I rode back to the
field hospital to learn the condition of Adjutant Cruger
and the other wounded of the regiment, and while return-
ing rode into a lively musket fire of the enemy, which
rattled around us like the drops of rain in an April shower.
In the morning we found the enemy had deserted their
strongly fortified position, and the Battle of Resaca was
a thing of the past.
CHAPTER VIII.
FROM RESACA TO KENESAW MOUNTAIN
By John E. West.
Difficult Campaign to Record — Pursuing the Enemy — "Left in Front ! There'll Seen be
A Fight ! " — Battle of New Hope Church— Bloody Assault — Death of Gen-
eral Polk — Battle of Lost Mountain — Hot and Wet — Bluecoats and
Blackberries — Battle of Kolb's Farm — Death of Lieutenant
Gridley and Others — Picket's Protection — Tan-
talizing Confederate Flag — Enemy Re-
treats to Kenesaw Mountain.
It must be acknowledged that that portion of our cam-
paign in the summer of 1864 which extended from the
Battle of Resaca to the time when the army closed in
its strangling grip about the City of Atlanta, is the most
difficult to follow in all its details, and accurately record,
of any in our time of service. Though it lasted but
little more than two months, yet during that time the
conflicting forces were in close contact and the fighting
was practically continuous.
The armies were two great giants engaged in desperate
combat, constantly striking and sparring, and constantly
shifting ground as the various parts were moved to the
right or left — often in the night — while Sherman drove his
antagonist from point to point with a consummate skill and
energy that made the old-world military critics rub their
eyes. It has sometimes been compared to a vast game
of chess, in which the constantly moving " pieces " were
corps, divisions and brigades; organizations in which in-
84 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
dividual regiments hardly found themselves mentioned in
the official reports of those kaleidoscopic movements.
During the month of June it rained three-fourths of
the days, as shown by records and letters, and many of
these rains were heavy and continuous, while much of
July was little better. Under these conditions the roads
and fields became quagmires which, combined with the in-
tense heat and humidity of that summer, would have
daunted any but the most energetic of commanders; one
commanding the best army in the world.
At this distance of time the memories of individuals
cannot be implicitly relied upon as to all the details, and
aside from the letters and diaries consulted recourse has
been had to various histories. The best of these for the
purpose — because following most closely the detailed
movements of the 20th Corps — is that by Colonel William
F. Fox, of the 107th N. Y. (of our brigade), entitled,
'* Slocum and his Men," and the writer of this and the
following chapter has made copious extracts from that
work, feeling sure that these chapters will thus be of more
interest than they would be had they been entrusted en-
tirely to my own pen.
The last chapter brought us to the close of the Battle
of Resaca, and during the night which followed the enemy
retreated while our wearied men slept, but early on the
morning of May i6th we were moving again, passing
through the wreckage of the two days battle. Going
thus over the position which had been held by the enemy
we found their dead scattered about, and the ground
strewn with clothing and broken guns. There was also
considerable captured property, consisting of artillery and
ammunition.
FROM RESACA TO KENESAW MOUNTAIN. 85
We crossed the Conesauga above the town of Resaca,
and on the 17th we crossed the Coosawattee. These two
streams form a junction near Resaca, and below the town
the river is known as the Oostenaula. Then, keeping to
the east of the raih'oad, we marched twenty miles to a
point near Calhoun. May i8th we moved to Spring
Mills, a place south-east of Adairsville, and bivouacked
that night on the so-called " Gravelly Plateau."
On the 19th the march was continued over a rough
country covered with dense woods and thickets of under-
brush, and after some lively skirmishing we reached Cass-
ville, where our Corps formed in line within four hundred
yards of the enemy's breastworks; but during the night
the Confederates again retreated.
The rapidity with which our army repaired the badly
broken railroads was almost miraculous, and has often
been commented on by historians. We had hardly left
Dalton before trains WMth ammunition and other sup-
plies arriv'ed, and while we were skirmishing at Calhoun
the locomotive's w^histle sounded in Resaca. Commencing
May 2 1 St our brigade was given three days of rest while
the railroad and telegraph were being repaired. Baggage
left behind came forward to officers and men, and neces-
sary supplies, at the hands of smiling quartermasters and
commissaries, now found us. The dead were buried, the
w^ounded made more comfortable, and everybody re-
ceived and wrote letters.
We had marched and fought our way eighty-five miles
since leaving Chattanooga, and Atlanta was still fifty-
three miles distant, while the Confederates had retreated
beyond the Etowah River to the AUatoona Hills.
On May 23rd we left Cassville, crossing the Etowah
86 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
on a pontoon bridge near Milam's, and bivouacked that
night along the Euharlie and Raccoon Creeks. On the
24th, after marching all day over mountain roads and
by-paths, we encamped at Burnt Hickory in a heavy rain
storm. On May 25th, after we had crossed Pumpkin
Vine Creek (a small stream presenting no impediment to
an army), orders were received to turn back and take
the road to New Hope Church, where the skirmishers
of the Second Division of our Corps had developed the
enemy in force.
This place is situated at the intersection of the roads
leading to Dallas, Marietta, and Acworth, four miles
northeast of Dallas, and takes its name from a little
Methodist meeting-house built of logs that stood there
then. As it formed an important point, it had been en-
trenched by the Confederates, the country about being
hilly and densely wooded.
We had halted for dinner within ten miles of Dallas
when we received orders to countermarch anci hasten to
the support of the 2nd Division. As our column moved
off, faced to the rear, the veterans in the ranks were heard
to remark, — " Left in front! There'll soon be a fight! "
This was one of the trite sayings and traditions of the
old 1 2th Corps, and in this case at least it proved to be
a true omen. Recrossing the creek we marched rapidly
for several miles until, at 5 P. M., we reached Geary's
Division and immediately, without halting to recover
breath, went into action on the left of his force.
As we now advanced, some of the troops on the double-
quick, first the strong skirmish lines of the enemy, then
his reserves, were driven back a mile and a half by our
division. Part of the ground passed over was covered
FROM RESACA TO KENESAW MOUNTAIN. 87
with woods in which the timber had been killed by gird-
ling the trees, a method of clearing often employed in
the Southern States previous to the war. I recall that on
this occasion the solid shot and shells from the Con-
federate batteries went crashing through the dead tops of
the trees, making the broken limbs fall thickly on the
charging ranks.
During this advance the order came for our brigade
to relieve the line in front and take the lead, and in exe-
cuting this new movement the 3rd Brigade moved " By
companies to the rear," our brigade advancing through
the openings to the front. One writer says of this move-
ment,— " The evolution was performed under fire, but
with steadiness and precision."
The column now pressed forward again through the
dense woods until a sudden discharge of artillery and
musketry ciisclosed the main line of the enemy strongly
posteci behind formidable breastworks, their position
having been previously concealed by the foliage and thick
underbrush.
Our advancing regiments met this unexpected fire with-
out flinching, although the men w^ent down by scores; but
they were obliged to halt. Yet we held, our ground and
returned their fire as fast as we could load and fire, keep-
ing it up until our ammunition was exhausted and we
were relieved by Knipe's Brigade. Thus ended the day,
and night found us bivouacked in dense woods, where we
were exposed, unprotected, to a drenching rain; yet ever
and anon the contending lines were lit up by the lurid flash
of rifles and cannon.
The 2nd Division, Geary's, also took part in the charge,
advancing to the assault about 6 P. M. and fighting its
88 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
way through a storm of bullets and canister up to the
very breastworks of the enemy, but was there compelled
to halt. A portion of Butterfield's Division was also in
it, relieving Knipe's Brigade and continuing the fighting,
in spite of the rain and darkness, far into the night. Gen-
eral Geary, in his oflficial report, uses the following lan-
guage concerning this action: " The discharges of canister
and shell from the enemy were heavier than in any other
battle of this campaign in which my command was
engaged."
Though the attack was not successfully carried to the
capturing of the enemy's works, yet there was no con-
fusion in our lines, nor in our own regiment, and no
falling back of the charging columns; they did not re-
linquish a foot of the ground which they had won. The
troops along the farthest points of advance held their
places during the night, and threw up entrenchments. No
regiment was long in front of Johnston's army without
having virtually as good a breastwork as an engineer could
plan, for War, that stern teacher, had taught us never to
halt in front of the adversary without putting up adequate
defences.
This engagement, at first known as the Battle of Pump-
kin Vine Creek, but now termed the " Battle of New
Hope Church," was fought entirely by our Corps, no
other troops participating. General Ruger says In his
ofiicial report of It that the dead of our brigade lay nearer
the enemy's works than those of any other command on
the field.
The loss in dead, wounded, and missing in our corps
during this engagement was 1665; and of this number
our own brigade lost 361.
FRO^r RESACA TO KENESAW MOUNTAIN. 89
During the week which followed we continued to press
the rebels closely anci additional works were put up, in
some of which artillery was planted. In some portions
of these new works they took the form of individual rille-
pits, each being protected by short logs placed in the shape
of a " V," with the apex to the front. Day and night
the forest echoed with the crack of rifles as the opposing
pickets plied their deadly work, the daily loss in killed
and wounded being unusually severe. Several times the
enemy made desperate assaults on these works of ours in
the night, but in each instance they were beaten off, suffer
ing heavy losses in their attempts. The soldiers called
the place " Hell Hole," and always mentioned it after-
ward by that title.
Finding that they could not long withstand our en-
circling lines here the Confederates abandoned their works
on the night of June 3rd, and concentrated their forces
in front of Marietta. Here they constructed a chain
of earthworks from Kenesaw Mountain on their right,
westward to Lost Mountain on their left. Their line
now ran in the rear of Pine Hill, or " Pin'e Knob," as it
was sometimes called, a steep, conical peak which was
occupied by them as an outpost and point of observation,
its summit being only about 800 yards from our artillery.
There was an incident which occurred at this locality
which has claimed some attention from historians, and
is of interest, though not specifically a part of the history
of our regiment.
On June 14th a group of Confecierate generals, among
them Johnston, Hardee and Polk, were standing on this
peak and examining, through their field-glasses, our lines
in the adjacent valley. The party was In plain view of
90 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
the troops In General Thomas' line, though not indi-
vidually recognizable.
At this moment General Sherman happened to be rid-
ing along this part of his own line, and when he dis-
covered this group of officers of the enemy, taking obser-
vation of his works, he ordered that the batteries near him
should train their guns on the party and lire, "By volley."
General Sherman then continued his ride, but his orders
were executed and at the second discharge one of the
shells struck Confederate General Polk in the breast,
killing him instantly.
Our artillery, as well as our sharpshooters, made Pine
Hill too hot for the rebels, and they abandoned it that
night; the next day it was occupied by some of our troops.
June 15th we took up a forward movement, pushing to
and beyond this elevation until the main line of the
enemy's works were reached, and here we were formed
for assault; Geary's and Butterfield's Divisions being in
the front, while ours was held as a supporting column.
All was In readiness when, at quarter past two In the
afternoon, the troops advanced In line of battle, encounter-
ing the enemy and immediately driving them into their
entrenchments. These works In which they now took
shelter 'had been carefully constructed in advance for just
such an emergency as this, and were unusually strong.
Commencing at the bottom of the hill the trees were
felled, the tops outward and- the limbs sharply pointed,
and so up to the top of the hill, which was surrounded
by a deep ditch, the earth of which had been thrown
back, forming a heavy breastwork In front of which was
a cJicvaiix-dC'frisc composed of sharpened stakes driven
into the embankment at an angle of 45 degrees, stretching
FROM RESACA TO KENESAW .AIOUNTAIN. 91
out over the ditch, so that any of our men attemptnig to
jump tlie ditch would be impaled on these sharp points.
The earthworks were surmounted by a palisade of
trunks of trees set in the ground side by side, with small
port holes cut In them, so that the marksmen might have
good protection from an assaulting force; the tops of
these tree-trunks being also sharpened.
The writer afterward worked his way through this
maze of entrenchments, and it Is his belief that one
thousand good men in these works could have held at bay
and destroyed five times as many in an attacking body.
To have assaulted this position in the front would only
have resulted In a useless loss of life. But m the end
Sherman's superior generalship made It unnecessary to
assault them; the rebels were glad to get out, of their
own accord.
But so eager were our troops that Geary's Division did
penetrate the abattis in places, yet without being able to
completely carry the position. But the attacking lines
maintained their advanced position close under the ene-
my's w^orks, throwing up entrenchments there.
This engagement near Pine Hill, June 15, 1864, is
known as the "Battle of Lost Mountain." On the fol-
lowing day our corps pressed the enemy strongly along
his whole front, with the skirmish lines, and with the use
of artillery, the long line of Sherman's army now over-
lapping the enemy on the left, and on the next day, June
17th, the Confederates evacuated their w^orks at Lost
Mountain and retired within their cicfences at Kenesaw
Mountain.
Throughout the entire campaign thus far the troops
had suffered from the unusually prolonged rains. It
92 THE DUTCHEvSS COUNTY REGIMENT.
rained continuously for seventeen days, and a home letter
sent by one of the boys mentions that there were twenty-
three consecutive days during which it rained every day.
It not only added to the bodily discomfort, but it made
the marching toilsome, while at the same time the swollen
streams and mirey roads rendered the movement of artil-
lery and wagon trains exceedingly difficult. There were
several days in which, owing to the absence of commis-
sary trains, the men were on scant rations, or for a time
could get nothing at all to eat.
From the 17th to the 21st of June our regiment was in
that portion of the corps which was engaged In pushing
its way southward, extending the general line In that
direction. There was considerable skirmishing and fight-
ing all the way, and the records show that during this
time our regiment lost men day by day, a loss amounting
in the aggregate to so much that it made serious Inroads
on our numbers.
On the 17th our artillery, under Major Reynolds,
achieved further honorable distinction at a place known
as "Muddy Creek." Here the 13th New York Battery,
commanded at that time by Lieutenant Bundy, opened
at four hundred yards on the enemy's works, silencing
his guns, dismounting two of the pieces and knocking two
more of their guns over. Considerable loss was also In-
Hicted here on the enemy's infantry, which were In their
support.
At Noyes' Creek, June 19th, there was some more
lively skirmishing, the sharpshooters of both sides doing
some effective work. On June 21st our corps — the 20th
— established itself along the Powder Springs and
FROM RESACA TO KENESAW MOUNTAIN. 93
Marietta road, about three miles southeast of the latter
place.
On June 2 2d our regiment became again involved,
being rushed in, about noon, to the right, while on our
left was Geary's — the 2nd Division — and here we took
possession of an important ridge on what was known as
"Kolb's Farm," some historians calling it "Gulp's Farm."
The ground in our front here was for the most part open
fields, with heavy woods on the opposite ridge, and a
small ravine in the valley before us and slightly to our
left.
The line formed by the "Dutchess County Regiment"
was in a second growth of timber, with a rail fence at our
front, and the troops at our left were just back of the
ridge and out of sight of the enemy. In the open ground
on the ridge to our left was our gallant General "Fight-
ing Joe Hooker," and his staff, in full view of the enemy's
skirmishers.
Near General Hooker was Winegar's battery of three-
inch rifled cannon, along with Woodbury's battery of
brass smooth-bores, anci they commanded all the open
ground in our front. These batteries so fortunately
placed shelled the enemv's skirmish pits while our
skirmishers advanced and chased them into the woods.
We were resting on the ground when Col. Ketch am
passed down the line in his usual fatherly way, and his
quick eye detected the situation at once. He immediately
told the men to tear down the fence and with that, and
anything else at hand, to throw up breastworks to protect
themselves. This caution of our beloved Colonel no
doubt saved many lives in our regiment.
The transformation of the rail fence into a breastwork
94 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
did not take much time, and when the enemy returned
later in the day they were doubtless surprised to see the
sudden change. After the breastworks had been erected
it was discovered that the field in our front contained a
fine lot of blackberries, and it was but a moment before it
was dotted with " blue-coats," filling their tin cups with
berries.
The men were very much engaged in their new occupa-
tion when Major Smith appeared, shouting, — " Get back
you ' skallawags ' ! What are you doing out there ! How
can we get the Johnnies out with you there?"
We took the hint at once, and in less than the time it
takes to tell the story we were again inside the works,
secure from the enemy's vision. We had hardly regained
our position when our skirmishers, who so gallantly a
short .time before haci driven the enemy's skirmishers up
the opposite hill and into the woods, themselves came
running back as though the devil himself were after them.
The cause of their hasty return was soon evidenced.
Hood's Confederate Corps emerging from the woods into
the open and advancing on the double-quick, forming in
three lines of battle as they came on. From our con-
cealed position the sight was an inspiring one, and our
attention was much attracted by a gallant officer riding
up and down their line, mounted on a w^hite horse.
On they came with a rush, advancing into the valley
and then up the rise of ground in our front until we could
almost see the whites of their eyes, when they received such
a withering fire from our line and the two batteries at our
left that they wavered and finally fell back to the ravine
for shelter, leaving the space thickly strewn with their
dead and wounded.
FROM RESACA TO KEXESAW MOUNTAIN. 95
We kept up our fire untii our anuiiunition was about
exhausted, and, when the men who had been sent to the
ammunition train for a fresh supply returned and reported
that they were unable to find it, we received orders to
cease firing. Just at this critical juncture there came from
a Kentucky regiment which was with the 23rd Corps on
our right, the welcome sound of those " yelping" repeat-
ing rifles, showing that that corps had arriveci and was
protecting our flank.
As soon as the shades of night had fallen the enemy
commenced to remove their dead and wounded, continuing
until daylight appeared, and even then they were obliged
to leave many of their dead on the field.
The writer was one of the " lucky " prize winners to
be detailed for picket duty that night, within the ravine
where the enemy were at work not over one hundred
yards aw^ay. We were detailed in groups of two, and
advanced about midway between the lines upon a bare
side-hill without any protection. But we had learned the
trade of war, and with Yankee pluck we immediately
started to dig a pit to protect ourselves. The ground
happened to be of a sandy nature, and one with his
bayonet dug the earth loose Avhile the other scooped it
out with his tin dinner-plate, heaping it up in front, and
by daylight we had a fair-sized pit in which to protect
ourselves. But it was now of no use, for In the night
the enemy had retreated.
In this engagement First Lieutenant Henry Gridley, then
commanding his company. Company A, was killed, shot
through or near the heart, and Benjamin Harp of Com-
pany G, was wounded, — his blood spurting on my sleev^e,
— a wound from which he died a few days later. John
96 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Simon, a member of the regimental band, was also
wounded here, and he afterward died of his wound in the
hospital at Chattanooga.
The decayed trunk of a tree, some fifteen feet high,
stood at about the centre of the ravine. Behind this a
Color-Sergeant lay, waving the Confederate flag in a most
tantalizing manner. It of course attracted the attention
of our men, and hundreds of bullets were sent in that
direction in hopes of seeing it fall ; but it kept on waving
until darkness set in, when the rebel forces withdrew to
the protection of their works, again leaving the ground
behind them thickly strewn with the bodies of those who
had fallen.
Our losses in this action were comparatively slight,
while the casualties to the enemy, as reported by the At-
lanta newspapers, were more than one thousand.
CHAPTER IX.
FROM KENESAW MOUNTAIN TO PEACH
TREE CREEK.
By John E. West.
We Lose a Battle — "The Gate City of the South" — Friendly Truce Between the Pick-
ets— We Cross the Chattahoochee — Battle of Peach Tree Creek — Straight-
ening the Skirmish Line — "Who Calls iVIajor!" — Contraband
of War— Hardtack "B C."— Surprised at Break-
fast - Distant Roar of Battle.
The last chapter closed with the Battle of Kolb's Farm.
This conflict was precipitated by the rebels assaulting our
lines on the right flank of Sherman's army — that part in
which we were — in the hope of regaining some of their
lost positions. The result was, as already stated, that
they lost heavily and gained nothing, the assault being
handsomely repulsed at every point, and while their loss
was severe ours was comparatively slight.
The enemy, however, were so strongly fortified, with
the Kenesaw Mountains and their foot-hills as a salient
to their works covering Marietta and the railroad in their
rear, that they were enabled to hold a very long line of
defense, and Sherman could not hope to make secure his
whole front and at the same time spare force enough to
flank their strong position.
With this state of affairs Sherman now determined that
he would try an assault with his army, and this he did
June 27th in a line of battle some ten miles in length,
with the result that the assault fiiled, entailing a heavy
98 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
loss on our army. Fortunately for us we were not en-
gaged in this battle, our corps being held in reserve.
General Sherman's next strategy was to move a large
section of his army to his right, making a wide sweep
around the enemy's left flank, leaving their fortified posi-
tions behind and aiming at the railroad in their rear.
This was an entire success, and July 2nd the enemy aban-
doned all their strong positions at and about Kenesaw and
Marietta, falling back to the Chattahoochee River, over
which their army crossed on the 9th.
In the general forward movement of our army which now
followed it was July 5th when we approached the Chat-
tahoochee River, and, going into position on a high ridge
which overlooked the Confederate line, our men caught
their first view of Atlanta, " The Gate City of the
South." The next day we crossed Nickajack Creek, and
on July 9th our pickets advanced to the bank of the Chat-
tahoochee, where we remained encamped quietly for eight
days, giving a sorely needed rest to battle-and-march-worn
soldiers.
As soon as the men occupied the banks of the river
they established friendly relations with the pickets on the
farther side. Our veterans who had served in the 12th
Corps, remembering the temporary truces they had ar-
ranged while on the banks of the Rappahannock River
in Virginia, now entered into an agreement with their
opponents to suspenci all unnecessai^y firing on each other.
It is related that one day, while the pickets were idly
standing on each side of the river, a Confederate officer
rode up and ordered his men to fire on the Yankees across
the stream; but the "Johnnies" refused to violate their
agreement. It was further understood that when hos-
FROI\I KENESAW MOUNTAIN TO PEACH TREE CREEK. 99
tilities were resumed on either side, the first volley should
be fired in the air.
The peaceful time that ensued was a grateful relief
from the incessant discharge of rifles on the picket line,
which had been kept up daily in one place or another
since the opening of the campaign, causing considerable
loss of life. Were it not for the occasional sound of dis-
tant cannon there was nothing now to remind us that we
were still on an active campaign.
During our truce with the rebel pickets along the Chat-
tahoochee the privilege of bathing in the river was freely
accorded to both sides, and there was also quite a little
exchange of courtesies — as well as of commodities, such
as cofi^ee for tobacco — between our boys and these South-
ern youths. Warm-hearted, full of fun, ready to give or
take a joke, never harsh or ill-tempered, in all — except
uniforms — they seemed one with ourselves. But while our
association with them was in progress we received orders
to march.
The next day we crossed the Chattahoochee, at Pace's
Ferry, and the third day after crossing a portion of our
regiment took part in the Battle of Peach Tree Creek,
which was fought July 20th. Some two or three com-
panies of the regiment were crowded out of the line of
battle, because of lack of space, and forced to remain in a
second line.
The difficulty of making an accurate and clear record
of our formation in this battle is evident, for historians
differ radically in their accounts. The writer of " Slocum
and His Men " says that it was formed with Knipe's and
Robinson's brigades in the line, and Ruger's (ours) in the
rear. But this would leave our brigade unengaged, and
100 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
if correct then the 150th was not in the engagement at all.
But Colonel Fox must be in error here, for diaries, home
letters, and records, as well as the recollection of sur-
vivors, all agree that the regiment — except the Companies
crowded out as mentioned — was very decidedly in the
Battle of Peach Tree Creek, and we lost several men
there.
The musketry along the " Red Star Line," as our divi-
sion was called, because its badge was a red star, was
furious and well sustained. Some of the men loaded and
fired so fast that their rifles became overheated; so hot
that the barrel could not be grasped in the soldier's hand.
The historian of the 123rd New York says, — " Corporal
Smith's rifle went off while he was in the act of ramming
home the charge, and ' John ' had to hunt round and
find another ramrod."
In this engagement Ward's Division took four stands
of colors from the rebels. Private Bulkley, of the 136th
New York, captured the battle-flag of the 31st Mississippi
by knocking down the color-bearer with the butt of his
musket and wrenching the flag-staff from his hands. The
26th Wisconsin, of this same division, bore off in triumph
the colors of the 33rd Mississippi, and after three hours
of desperate fighting the enemy retired, discomfitted and
beaten, and as they had so often done before, leaving
hundreds of their dead and wounded lying on the ground.
Of this battle General Geary, who commanded the 2nd
Division of our Corps, said, — " The field everywhere
bore marks of the severity of the conflict, and recalled to
my mind, in appearance, the scene of the conflict fought
at Gettysburg. Not a tree or bush within our range but
bore the scars of battle." It was in this engagement that
FROM KENESAW MOUNTAIN TO PEACH TREE CREEK. 101
Benjamin Harrison, afterward President of the United
States, commanded a brigade in the 3rd Division of our
Corps, a division at that time commanded by General Wil-
Ham T. Ward.
Two of our officers, Lieutenants Van Keuren and Bar-
low, were severely wounded here, and Corporal Simon
P. Teal of Company G, who was on the skirmish line,
was wounded and captured. As his name does not
appear again in the rolls it is probable that he may have
died in the enemy's hands. Budd and Dykeman of Com-
pany I, were also among the wounded, as was also Cor-
poral Shelden of Company A. But this is by no means
a complete list of the casualties at this battle.
On the morning of the 21st some of us, of inquisitive
propensities, took a stroll over the battle-field in search of
relics. While we were so engaged Colonel Ketcham came
around and ordered every Company to fall in for roll-
call, and every absentee was ordered for extra picket duty
that night. Although Sergeant Murfitt reported that he
thought West was down at the creek washing, it wouldn't
work, and as usual I " drew a prize," spending the night
on extra picket duty.
Major Smith was Brigade Officer of the Day, and
received orders after dusk to straighten the line somewhat,
which necessitated advancing the picket line. We were
at one edge of a ravine, and on the opposite hill, in the
woods, we could see the skirmish pits of the enemy.
Major ordered, — "Forward!" and we went a little
way, but as it was dark and no one knew whether the
enemy was in the pits above us or not it looked risky.
But now again came the command, — " Forward! "
Up the hill we went, and at the top we found a road
102 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
running parallel to the edge of the woods, and beyond
this an open field; and now we saw glimmering lights in
the distance.
" Forward!" again came the command. But presently
a still, small voice was heard to murmur, — " Major!"
Then followed a silence, and presently, — " Who calls
Major?" — was heard sounding in the darkness.
" Major! Major! You're right on the enemy's works!
Let's fall back!" murmured the small voice again, and in
an instant the order came from the Major to fall back.
We needed no second command, and down the hill we
went to our former position on the opposite side of the
ravine, where we halted. In the morning, before day-
break, we were ordered forward once more and forbidden
to light fires under any circumstances. We came to the
opening and could see the enemy's works beyond the
clearing, and soon we were advancing again, the enegiy
having evacuated the position during the night. Then
we rushed into the works and the men hastily examined
every nook and corner in search of tobacco or anything
else that they might have left in their hurry. We were
not allowed to rest more than a few minutes at a time,
but kept moving, feeling our way in the darkness as we
went.
We would hardly halt when small fires would be built
— against orders of course — in the hopes of being able
to make a little coffee. But they would hardly commence
to blaze when some of the oflicers (how mean it seemed
to us then!) would advance and kick them out. Thus
matters progressed until about 9 A. M., when we came
upon the skirmish pits of the enemy, located upon a hill,
the approach to which was through an open field on the
FROM KENESAW MOUNTAIN TO PEACH TREE CREEK. 103
slope. We made a rush and captured that hill, when
we were halted and the Major returned to report the
success of the movement.
Now on the right of us, near the road leading towards
Atlanta, was a dwelling, and In the garden near by was
a dead Confederate, probably one who had fallen before
our picket fire, and In his possession was a half-peck of
freshly dug potatoes. It did not take long to divide this
"contraband of war" among us, the potatoes being a
great prize, useful In warding off the scurvy which was
making its appearance on account of the long campaign
In which we had salt meats most of the time.
Having as yet had no breakfast we decided to get one
at this late hour by partaking of such a repast as oppor-
tunity offered. In this case consisting of army crackers,
better known as " hardtack." They were about four
inches square, and consisted of flour and water pressed
and baked so hard that only flour remained, and many
of them bore the letters " B. C." on their sides. These
were said to be the initials of the contractor who furnished
them to the government, but on account of their Infernal
hardness — and sometimes lack of freshness — the boys
always Insisted that the letters referred to the date of
their manufacture.
But while we were resting behind the garden fence and
munching this primeval breakfast food we still kept watch
on the " Johnnies " In our front, and we presently noticed
men running down the side of what appeared to be a hill
(but which afterward proved to be the side of a fort)
and disappearing In the ravine. We wondered what they
were doing, but had not long to wait, for a line of the
enemy came suddenly out of the woods before us and
104 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
began climbing over the fence at the other side of the
garden, probably not a hundred feet away.
This surprise caused active movements along our
skirmish line, but we realized that they had the upper
hand of us, and concluded it was not a good position to
remain in. After giving them a volley, bowling over
some of them, we hastened to our reserve which was along
the ridge across the valley to our rear, each and every
one for himself, and none stood on the order of going.
The writer, being somewhat slower in moving, owing
to being heavily loaded with a new blanket and the addi-
tional load of potatoes, was a few feet to the rear and
had a good view of his comrades in front, and a good
laugh also as they rushed down the green slope, throwing
knapsacks, etc., to the ground to enable them to cover
the space more quickly; for none cared to be taken
prisoner so far from home.
But " our friends, the enemy," had no ambition to
come farther than the ridge from which we had driven
them a few hours earlier, so we lost none of our men,
but all gathered on the hill some two hundred yards in
the rear of where we had had our skirmish, and com-
menced again to eat breakfast. But just at this point
Major Smith returned from headquarters, and seeing the
condition of affairs again ordered the skirmishers to ad-
vance, which we did, moving forward into the valley
within one hundred yards of the enemy's skirmish line.
The line as it was now arranged brought the writer
farther to the left than he was placed in the morning's
advance, and where he was protected by woods. There
we lay quietly all the afternoon, listening to the raging
of the battle still farther to the cast where Hood's corps
FROM KENESAW MOUNTAIN TO PEACH TREE CREEK. 105
of the enemy were trying to crush our left flank; General
McPherson being killed during the afternoon.
This engagement is known as the " Battle of Atlanta,"
and was fought July 22, 1864.
Of this campaign in which we were engaged General
Sherman speaks as follows: "We had been operating in
a country devoid of food and forage, and were dependent
for supplies on a poorly constructed railroad back to
Louisville, a distance of five hundred miles."
That it was so highly successful, in spite of the mani-
fold difliculties encountered, is the marvel of historians.
CHAPTER X.
THE SIEGE OF ATLANTA.
By William C. Wile.
Time Occupied — Organization of the Corps — Its Officers — Hot Fighting — Intrenching
the Line — Getting Social with the Rebel Pickets — Exchange ot Bullet and Shell
by Day, and Music by Night — Surprising the Rebel Pickets — Deserters
from the Enemy — Moving on the City — Losses Sustained.
In determining the period of time which may properly
be allotted to that portion of Sherman's campaign com-
monly known as " The Siege of Atlanta," we find that
there is a general consensus of opinion among several of
the prominent officers engaged on both sides, that the
siege proper began on the day following the battle of
Peach Tree Creek, and continued until the day of the
occupation of the city by our Corps, i. e., from July 21st
to September 2, 1864, a period of forty-two days.
Our regiment, throughout the operations of the siege,
remained under command of Colonel John H. Ketcham.
It consisted of ten companies, probably numbering at that
time not more than 300 men present for duty. Together
with the five other regiments of the brigade, we consti-
tuted the 2nd Brigade, under command of General
Thomas H. Ruger, of the ist Division, under command
of General A. S. Williams, of the famous 20th Army
Corps, then under command of Major-General Joseph
Hooker.
General Hooker shortly afterward became dissatisfied
THE SIEGE OF ATLANTA. 107
over General Howard's appointment to the command of
the Army of the Tennessee (at McPherson's death), and
resigned, July 27th. On August 27th, the corps was
placed under command of General Henry W. Slocum. In
the interim (July 27th to August 27th), our Division
Commander, General A. S. Williams, was in temporary
command of the Corps, his place in the Division being
filled during that time by Brigadier-General Knipe, of the
I St Brigade of our Division.
General Hood had been placed in command of the rebel
armies a day or two before the commencement of the siege,
having superseded General Joseph E, Johnston, whose
Fabian method of warfare during the present campaign
had not met with the approval of Jefferson Davis. This
new commander was known to us all as a " fighter," and
we thought we had an abundant foretaste at Peach Tree
Creek, on July 20th, of his probable future policy.
On the day following this battle our regiment remained
practically in the same position that seven of its ten com-
panies had occupied during the greater part of the en-
gagement; i. e., in the second line of the brigade, in a
little cross-ravine lying about half a mile south of the
creek, where we had thrown up impromptu breastworks
the night before.
We were engaged most of the day burying our own,
as well as some of the enemy's dead (who had been
found lying on the side of the slope in our front), and in
caring for the wounded. Our section of the division
hospital was about three-quarters of a mile in the rear of
our line, within easy shelling distance of the enemy, but
out of range because placed in a ravine sheltered by hills.
The sick and wounded were removed from the field on
108 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Stretchers and blankets, by ambulance attendants and
musicians.
Friday, July 22nd, the second day after the battle of
Peach Tree Creek, the enemy attacked the extreme left
of Sherman's army, three and a half miles east of us,
and a severe battle ensued, lasting four or five hours.
The attack was eventually repulsed and the rebels with-
drew to the city. It was in this section, known as the
" Battle of Atlanta," that the beloved McPherson, Com-
mander of the Army of the Tennessee, was killed. From
this time on, his veteran troops were commanded by
Major-General O. O. Howard.
We took no part in this engagement, but at 6 o'clock
the next morning, preceded by a skirmish line, moved
down Pace's Ferry road, three miles, toward Atlanta.
At 10 o'clock on the previous night the enemy had with-
drawn from their breastworks in our front, and fallen
back into the main lines of their defences around the city.
At noon we took our position in the second line of the
Brigade, about 500 yards in front of the enemy's works.
By 7 :oo P. M., our line was permanently arranged, the
right extremity of the regiment resting on the railroad,
and the balance extending across the main road running
from Marietta into Atlanta. We were now about a
mile northwest of the general passenger depot, and a
mile and a half from the heart of the city, which we could
plainly discern in the background.
We immediately began to intrench ourselves in our new
position on the afternoon of this first day (July 22nd),
behind breastworks of slashed timber and lines of abattis,
during which we were continually being shelled by the
rebels from several of their batteries. Many of these
THE SIEGE OF ATLANTy\. 109
shells exploded right among the men when working.
Their sharpshooters, too, tried to pick off every man they
could see. But our pickets were thrown out, skirmish-
ing as usual, and the works were finished before dark,
though they were made stronger during the night.
Excepting to advance our lines, August 4th, to within
250 to 300 yards of the enemy's works, we made no
change in our position during the entire siege, until August
25th, when we moved back to the railroad bridge over
the Chattahoochee river, as I shall describe later. For
five weeks we remained in our trenches, engaged prin-
cipally in picket duty. The weather was intensely hot
during those mid-summer days, and the huge black flies
swarmed down upon us, like the locusts of Egypt. The
nights were very cool. There was not a night during
the hottest weather, in the march from the Chattahoochee
to Savannah, when two heavy woolen blankets, covered
by an army rubber blanket, were more than a comfortable
covering.
Ours was by no means a comfortable place in which
to spend the month of August. Picket duty was of the
most disagreeable nature. The men stood in pits or holes
in the ground, deep enough to protect their bodies and
enable then to crouch down to avoid exposure. This
position was cramped and uncomfortable; but we must
remain, constantly vigilant, in sun or rain, sick or well,
from 2 o'clock in the morning until relieved twenty-four
hours later.
Within a few yards of us was the rebel picket line, and
unless a truce was agreed on, any carelessness of a soldier
was likely to cost him his life. But there were sometimes
truces, and they generally came about in this way. A
110 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
rebel, tired of crouching in his pit, would call out as
follows :
" I say, Yank 1"
"Well, 'John Reb,' what is it?"
" I'm goln' to put my head out. Don't shoot."
" Well, I won't. Let's stretch our legs."
" All right."
Then for an hour there would be peace, after which,
recalled to a sense of duty, the cry would be, —
"Time's up, Yanks. Look out, we 'ns 's go'n' to shoot.
Be keerful."
"All right, Johnnies; lay low:" — and the vigil was on
again.
In this way, for thirty-six days and nights, the regi-
ment with its corps lived under the burning sun, the dews
of night, and the rains that fell often in that battle-
summer in Georgia. The soil was yellow joint clay,
sticky and yielding when wet, but it cracked, disintegrated
and became dusty when dry. The floor of the trench
was of this clay, and under the tramp and wear of so
many feet for so many days, it became as smoothly even
and firm as a cemented floor. The daily routine of the
regiment was somewhat as follows :
Roll-call after breakfast, at 7 :oo A. M., roll-call at
noon, and roll-call again at 5 :oo P. M., when details
were made for picket duty. Roll-call again at 9 :oo
P. M., then came "Taps." The picket guard was
awakened at 2 :oo A. M., when the old picket was re-
lieved and returned to the regiment, the fresh one taking
its place.
If the enemy had not succeeded in occasionally blowing
up some portion of our works with their shells, com-
THE SIEGE OF ATLANTA. Ill
pelling nightly repairs with shovel and pick-axe, the
monotony of life would have been even worse, for save
the roll-calls and picket duty, there was little to do but
cook, eat, play cards, write letters, mend clothes and clean
arms and accoutrements.
One of the pests that stayed with us from early morn
till dewy eve, was the common house-fly; and he was only
one of the several breeds of pests that "stayed with us!"
This little torment swarmed in legions, and the legions
were myriads. Sleep was impossible while daylight
lasted, so persistently savage were they. One was re-
quired to keep a hand in constant motion to ward off
their attacks, and all sorts of devices were tried to get
a brief sleep. The men, during these hot and sultry
days (particularly they who had been awake and alert all
the previous night and day on picket), desired to get a
chance to sleep during the day, but Mr. Fly said, "No!"
— and he was no respecter of persons.
As said before, there was no sleep while daylight lasted,
and when night came on there were many alarms, false
and otherwise, of an attack or sortie by the enemy. One
method adopted by the boys to drive out the fly was satis-
factory to behold, if not effective in results. It was some-
what as follows :
A party of a half dozen or more would contribute
each a spoonful of sugar to a mass, which was sprinkled
in a circular line, about two feet in diameter, on the
trench floor. The powder from a few cartridges was
then sprinkled on the sugar, and the syndicate waited
for the flies to cover the line, which they soon did in a
dense black swarm. Then a match was applied to the
circle, and instantly the ground was covered with a writh-
112 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
ing mass of wingless flies. Yet these wholesale slaugh-
ters of the winged tyrants never for a moment freed the
"Land of Nod" from their Invasions.
After a day of roaring turmoil of flying shot and shell
(such days were not Infrequent), the shades of night gen-
erally brought rest and quiet to the troops of both armies;
and when darkness had fairly settled down upon us, the
men of the regiment came out of the trenches and reclined
on the outer slopes, chatting and smoking, while violin
and flute played the sweet and plaintive airs of other
days, in other lands more peaceful; and then the voices
of the men would gather in strength and the melody of
"Annie Laurie" was rifted on the summer air, even as
it had been In the trenches before Sevastopol.
Occasionally the band would take a position within the
works of the battery, and give charming music, of selec-
tions from the great masters, without the flare and flame
of cymbal and drum. " Our friends, the enemy," were
always sympathetic listeners. Evidently it was a great
treat to them; for no band was ever heard within their
lines, and seldom a drum, but the bugle, often.
In the clear evenings the two lines bombarded each
other with song. The Union men would sing the pa-
triotic songs of the North, and there were many excellent
voices among those strong-lunged, strong-hearted fellows.
The rebels would listen until their turn came, and then
pay us back with " Dixie," " My Maryland," and other
songs calculated to " fire the Southern heart." Then for
a time the two lines would exchange ditties of love and
war, and finally close with some grand old sacred hymn,
known to us all.
The morale of our troops was fine, though the same
THE SIEGE OF ATLANTA. 113
could not be said regarding their health, for complaints
of not feeling well were frequently heard. Notwith-
standing our situation in a healthy region of the country,
with an abundance of good water, the men suffered con-
siderably from scurvy, owing to the limited amount of
vegetable diet. Most of the diseases were of a dietetic
character. About one-third of the men who had started
with us in April were staying at the hospital during the
greater part of the siege.
And all of this time Sherman was slowly and gradually
drawing his lines about the city, feeling for the railroad
toward the South, which supplied the rebel army and
made Atlanta a place of military importance. With the
exception of one instance (July 28th), when he made an
abortive attack on the right of our main army, Confederate
General Hood remained entirely on the defensive within
his lines of works around the city, at an average distance
of a mile and a half. But our cannon-shot, passing over
this line, must have eventually destroyed the town. We
understood, too, that there was no forage in the city at
all, that the horses of the enemy were being fed on small
patches of green corn. It was the general belief that
Hood's army could not stand the bombardment many
days longer.
On one occasion, August 13th, after a heavy artillery
fire from our guns, a big fire broke out in the city about
II o'clock at night; bells ringing and cries of "fire"
being plainly audible to us. The fire grew larger during
the night and continued until daylight. Again, the next
day, the fire broke out shortly after dark and lasted about
three hours, affording a fine spectacle from our vantage
ground.
114 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
At this time the picket line of our division was occupy-
ing a low hill known as "burnt houses" (where we had
succeeded in burning some outbuildings in a brilliant sortie
made July 27th), situated about 150 yards in advance
of the original position of our regiment, and not more
than 200 yards distant from the enemy's front and from
one of their two forts on the Marietta road. This hill
had been occupied by the enemy's picket, but was captured
by a detachment from our brigade a fortnight before.
At break of day, on the morning of July 30th, our
picket line, supported by the 2nd Massachusetts, was ad-
vanced to the ridge, surprising the enemy and taking a
number of prisoners. The position was one of great im-
portance to the rebels, as was evidenced by their efforts
all day to regain it. Our pickets were plainly to be seen
by us as they immediately began to throw up a line of rail
breastworks, during the progress of which they were
seriously annoyed by the enemy's sharpshooters and the
fire from their fort and redoubts. The latter was fre-
quently silenced by the men of the 2nd Massachusetts,
whose accurate fire through the embrasures rendered the
artillery useless. The moment their fire slackened, how-
ever, the enemy quickly took advantage of the opportunity
to fire grape-shot into the ranks of our troops. But in
spite of all the enemy could do to hinder us, the works
were pushed to completion and the position held.
In consequence of our picket line having gained posses-
sion of this desirable position, a few days later, August
4th, we advanced the line of our regiment 50 yards and
began to throw up works, which we continued to
strengthen nearly every day during the remainder of the
siege. The same closing-in movement was general at
THE SIEGE OF ATLANTA. 115
this time at all points of the besieging circle. We were
steadily tightening our grip about the city.
We were now within 250 yards of the enemy's line,
which we could see was covered by a strong breastwork,
in front of which was an abattis, chcvaiix-dc-frise and
wooden palisade. The enemy's fort (up the road) was
occupied by their infantry, the embrasures of the fort
being filled with sand bags, and several redoubts and
rifle-pits were close at hand. As we lay within rifle range
of these works, the fire of their sharpshooters became
very annoying. From this time on, the duty was as try-
ing to the troops as experience during an ordinary battle.
It was generally admitted that the position occupied by
our regiment was one of the most hazardous of any
around the city.
It was at about this time that desertions from the
enemy became frequent. On the night of the big fire,
already referred to (August 13th), a rebel officer found
his w^ay into our lines and gave an account of the situation
of affairs in the city, which we listened to with no little
interest and curiosity. This man was Captain Jordon,
Commander of Company G, 36th Ala. Infantry, in Gen-
eral A. P. Stewart's division of Hood's old corps. He said
that the rebel soldiers felt that there was no longer any
chance of success, and, although they would fight desper-
ately if attacked in their works, they w^ould refuse to
make a general charge.
He was confident that if the men could be made to
know how they would be treated after coming over, the
majority of Hood's soldiers would desert him; and that
If the practice of the picket lines agreeing to a truce for
a few hours at a time was encouraged, a great many men
116 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
would desert every day. Their men had great confidence
in the honor of our soldiers, and a proposition to cease
firing was at once accepted. It was during one of these
armistices along the picket lines that he questioned oui
pickets as to the kind of treatment he would receive if
he deserted, and was told that he would be sent to the
North.
The rebel captain Informed us that their men were
taught our government would force them into the army
as soon as they came over. He had been looking for
a chance to desert during the whole campaign, and im-
proved the opportunity when told he would be sent to
the North and allowed to stay there. He added that
their rations consisted of bacon and corn bread, occasion-
ally beef, and often the men of his company would eat
a day's supply at one meal, and then not be satisfied. He
said that one-third of the men in their trenches were kept
up all night, and that at 3 o'clock the whole force was
ordered under arms until daylight.
The position of our regiment remained unchanged until
the night of August 25th, when, with the brigade and
clivision, we were ordered to move back towards the Chat-
tahoochee river, to guard the railroad communication and
protect Sherman's supplies, then well up. Up to that
time we had lost about thirty men In the trenches, from
sickness and casualties.
At 2 :oo o'clock on the morning of August 26th, we
resumed the march and took up our position, early In
the forenoon, on the south side of the Chattahoochee river,
near the railroad bridge, and at once began the construc-
tion of breastworks. Here our corps, under the command
of General Slocum, remained, strengthening the works
THE SIEGE OF ATLANTA. 117
with abattis and covering the bridge across the river at
this point, during the movement of Sherman's main army
(with the other live corps) to the south and west of At-
lanta, where, at Jonesborough, twenty-six miles below the
city, he succeeded, at the end of August, in gaining con-
trol of the Macon railroad; this being the line by which
the rebels had obtained their supplies. This was the
finishing stroke.
At 4 o'clock, Friday afternoon, September 2nd, we
received orders to move on Atlanta, the enemy having
evacuated the city the previous night or early that morn-
ing. Four hours later the 20th Corps entered the city
from the north and west, and took possession of the rebel
works.
The casualties of our regiment during the summer's
campaign, from April 28th to September 2nd, had been
I officer and 18 men killed; 4 officers and 83 men
wounded, and one man missing. Total, 107. In his
official report, made out a few days later, Colonel Ketcham
has this to say of our behavior:
"During the long and fatiguing campaign through
which we have just passed, my officers and men faithfully
performed their duties, promptly and cheerfully complied
with every order, and at all times evinced an anxiety and
eagerness to meet and fight the enemy."
CHAPTER XL
ATLANTA OCCUPIED.
By William C. Wile.
Great Destruction of Property by the Enemy — City Surrenders — The Town and Its De-
fences— Regulation of Trade — Inhabitants Sent Away — Sunday Observance —
Foraging for Food — Fighting Off the Enemy — Preparations for Aban-
doning the City — Last Scenes Spectacular and Fascinating
— "As We Go Marching On."
In dispatching to Jefferson Davis the dispiriting intel-
hgence of his evacuation of Atlanta, Confederate General
Hood declared that it was not the loss of the city itself he
cared so much about; he dreaded more the demoralizing
effect on his troops of again turning their backs on the foe.
But he considered it necessary, after General Sherman
had gained a footing on the Southern railroad, to put
the Confederate forces between the Union army and the
town of Andersonville, which was only about ninety miles
farther south.
At this place were fully 34,000 Federal prisoners, and
he feared that a sudden cavalry raid from the Union army
would succeed in releasing these men, "who could easily
be furnished with arms," he said, "and turned loose to
devastate the surrounding country." He therefore sug-
gested to Davis that the prisoners be removed to some
other locality, so that he should feel free to move his army
into Tennessee and take the initiative against General
Sherman by severing his communication with the North.
ATLANTA OCCUPIED. 119
His advice was acted upon, and before October ist all
the prisoners were taken from the prison pens of Macon
and Andersonville, and confined near Charleston and
Savannah.
General Hood was particularly incensed, at the time of
the evacuation of Atlanta, because of the necessity at
the last moment, of destroying several million dollars'
worth of ordnance stores. He had given ample notice to
his chief quartermaster to move a train of seven engines
and 8 1 cars, already placed in position at the depot for
that purpose, but this gentleman chanced to imbibe too
freely of liquid stores, and neglected to perform the im-
portant duty. As a consequence the Confederate rear-
guard,— Loring's division of Stewart's corps, — was
obliged, before leaving, to blow up the several car-loads
of ammunition, small arms, stores, etc., and spike a splen-
did battery which had just arrived from England.
The sound of these loud and repeated explosions came
to our ears at Chattahoochee, eight miles away. The
booming was first heard about i o'clock in the morning
of September 2nd. It was even heard at our main army,
at Jonesborough, 25 miles from the city. Large fires
were also visible, and occasionally brilliant flashes would
light up the heavens in that direction. The indications
pointed to the destruction of magazines. Early in the
morning therefore reconnoitering parties were sent out
from our corps towards Atlanta, to find out the meaning
of all this disturbance. The only regiment from our
brigade to be ordered out on this service was the 107th
New York.
At I o'clock that afternoon a courier brought the fol-
lowing dispatch from General Ward of the 3rd Division,
120 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
who led the reconnoissance : — "The city authorities have
surrendered to my reconnoitering party, and my troops
now occupy Atlanta." At 8 o'clock that evening, at the
head of the 20th Corps, we entered with banners flying
and bands playing, and took possession of the city without
firing a gun.
No word can describe the sensations of that hour.
Since May 5th we had been in one constant struggle or
skirmish with the enemy. For the previous seven weeks
the Union army had battled before earthen walls, making
apparently little impression, and almost always within
musket range of the enemy's main lines. It was the com-
monly expressed opinion of men and officers, during the
siege, that an assault would be simply slaughter. We
were more than grateful, therefore, to the Confederate
Commander-in-Chief when he vacated the city and pro-
ceeded afterward to carry out just such a plan as General
Sherman said he would have commanded him to do, had
he the power.
Atlanta at this time was a city of about 12,000 in size,
second in the state to Savannah. Situated most favorably
on the rolling ground that separates the waters flowing
into the Gulf from those emptying into the Atlantic, it
had not only become the most important railroad centre
in the state, but was the chief entrepot of trade between
the Western and the Atlantic and Gulf states. It was
the principal manufacturing town in the South, and had
become the seat of various governmental works of the
Confederacy. There were many machine shops, maga-
zines, arsenals, foundries and public stores here. Though
Milledgeville was the state capital, Atlanta was a place
of greater military importance.
ATLANTA OCCUPIED. 121
Ten years after the war the city had not only been
rebuilt, but had doubled in wealth and population, and
to-day it is one of the largest cities in the South, having
a population of over 90,000. It became the state capital
three years after the war, upon the occasion of the recon-
struction of the state and the adoption of its new consti-
tution.
At the time of our occupation it had many beautiful
houses fronting on wide streets, as well as large brick
blocks of stores, warehouses and factory buildings. But
everywhere was visible the sad work done by the artillery,
for during the two previous months shells had been
bursting day and night over the town. At the depot
were the charred remains of what was estimated to have
been seventeen million dollars' worth of ammunition,
which had been burned and exploded the night before.
The city was surrounded by elaborate earthworks, from
fifteen to twenty feet high, and as they were within the
city itself none of the residential portions were safe from
the wandering shells which sometimes skipped over them.
In every dooryard was a hole dug in the earth, with a
bank in front, where the family took refuge during the
shelling. The houses which had been struck by shells
looked as if they had been wrecked by an earthquake.
For the most part the inhabitants professed to be very
glad to see our soldiers, and some of them brought out
tobacco in large quantities, which was eagerly purchased
by the men. Possibly these cash sales had something to
do with the cordial welcome which they professed ! Sev-
eral bakeries were opened and ciid a brisk business, asking
a dollar for a medium-sized loaf of bread, and the same
for a pie with a crust like shoe leather. The tobacco how-
122 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
ever was cheap. What cost at the sutler's, during the
siege, from ten to fifteen dollars, was now procured for
a pound of coffee. But this sort of trade continued for
only a day or two. As soon as it was warranted by orders
from General Sherman the Union soldiers took posses-
sion of the bake-houses and everything was sold at a fair
price and of a fair quality.
On the evening of our entrance into the city — Friday,
September 2nd — our regiment marched across and took
position in the abandoned rebel breastworks on the east
side, our right resting upon the Decatur road. On the
next day suitable quarters were erected by the men, which
within a week were made more comfortable and uniform.
The officers had wall tents, and at the rear large fire-places
were built.
On the first Sunday, September 4th, the sun rose bright
and warm, but a chilly north wind sent clouds of dust
through the encampment, which proved very annoying to
our chaplain, as it rendered open air service quite im-
possible. He made an attempt to secure the First Presby-
terian Church near by, but we found ourselves too busy
to attend the meeting, and it was given up. It became
the custom afterward, however, for the chaplains to take
turns in preaching in the various churches, usually to large
audiences of soldiers. During the week, too, meetings
were held every night; first a sermon and then a prayer
meeting. The thirty chaplains of our Corps formed an
association during our stay in the city, and met on Mon-
days in the Baptist Church. They afterward drew up
a paper and forwarded it to President Lincoln, thanking
him for the special privileges accorded them.
On the Monday following several buildings were set
ATLANTA OCCUPIED. 123
on fire by some irresponsible persons, and General Slocum
offered $500 reward for the detection of the incendiaries.
September 6th General Sherman, with the main forces,
marched up from below the city, and the three armies
were assigned their respective positions. On the colors
of every battery, corps and regiment, the word " Atlanta "
was to be seen conspicuously inscribed. The Army of the
Cumberland, consisting of the 4th, 14th, and 20th Corps,
under General Thomas, occupied the rebel works about the
city. The Army of the Tennessee, under General Howard,
was grouped about East Point, nearly three miles below
the city, while the Army of the Ohio, under General Scho-
field, encamped at Decatur, three miles east of us.
All day long the last-named troops were marching past
our lines and out on the Decatur road. Just before noon
General Sherman himself, accompanied by his staff, rode
past. In the afternoon Kilpatrick's cavaliy passed by,
the general seeming the very impersonation of a dashing
soldier.
Two days later, September 8th, the people of Atlanta
were notified that they must make speedy preparations to
leave the city. All who were committed to our cause
were to be sent to the North, while the rebel families
were to be sent to the South ; arrangements being made to
transport the latter, under a flag of truce, to the care of
Confederate General Hood, thirty miles below, who would
attend to their further removal. The town was to be
thoroughly policed, and no citizen allowed to take quarters
there. No traders, manufacturers or sutlers could settle,
under pain of arrest and of being put to work on the
defenses.
This order raised a storm of reproaches from the Con-
124 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
federate civil and military authorities. General Hood, in
one of his letters to General Sherman on the subject, ac-
cused him of practicing "needless cruelty, unprecedented in
the annals of civilized warfare." Three days after the issu-
ance of the order the general also received a lengthy re-
monstrance from the mayor and two councilmen (who had
been left in the city), begging him to reconsider his un-
wise fiat in regard to sending the people away. They
said — and It was probably true — that many of the poorer
classes had no place to go to, and would be obliged to
live in barns or out of doors. There were sick and preg-
nant members of some families, who must be left behind
without proper care and attention. The surrounding
country was already overrun Avith fugitives who had fled
from in front of the Union army on its way to Atlanta.
"The order was unjust." " It was impracticable." " It
would lead to much suffering, as winter was approaching,"
etc., etc.
We felt sorry for some of the families; still we knew
well enough that our general had a good and sufficient
reason for adopting such a course, and we believed that
he was right in remaining firm. He told the mayor and
his two assistants that it was not a question of " hu-
manity," in the narrow sense they regarded It, but that
a nation was involved, in which millions of people outside
of Atlanta were to be thought of. He reminded them
that "war Is cruelty," not popularity seeking, and that
If they wanted peace they and their relatives must stop
tvar. He could not divulge his plans to them by giving
the true reasons for the order, but the moment they cried
" Quarter," he would share his last cracker with them.
Throughout the entire month of September (during
ATLANTA OCCUPIED. 125
most of which time there was a truce between the two
armies in regard to the exchange of prisoners),' we re-
mained quietly in our encampment resting from the
fatigues of active mihtary service, and some of the de-
serving officers were allowed to go home on a furlough.
The railroad was employed to its utmost capacity in bring-
ing forwarci supplies and recruits. Every day cars
(averaging 150) came loaded with crackers replenishing
our stores of food at the rate of a million rations a day.
The expiration of the terms of service of many of the
men occurred at this time, and the recruits that came in
towards the end of the month were heartily welcomed.
Forty-nine men were added to our regiment, and 190 to
the 3rd Wisconsin, and this was a fair index of the whole
army.
On Sundays business was stopped and all stores and
public buildings closed, in accordance with orders from
Colonel William Coggswell of the 2nd Massachusetts
Regiment, who was Commandant of the Post. On the
other days of the week we merely had drills, roll-
calls, guard mount and dress parade. September 19th
we raised a flag pole and ran up the garrison
flag. Next day the 150th took a prominent part
in the review of our division by General Slocum.
We had paraded for this purpose two days be-
fore, but the review was prevented by rain. The
principal event in store for us at this time was the arrival
of the U. S. Paymaster with his iron safe, when we re-
ceived the long-looked-for and much-needed greenbacks.
It was over eight months since our regiment had been
paid, and the appearance of this gentleman was hailed
with delight.
126 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
During the month of October affairs took a decided
change, and our duties became more active. On the ist the
startHng intelligence was received that the enemy's cavalry
and infantry were seen crossing the Chattahoochee near
Powder Springs, 20 miles below the railroad bridge,
marching northward. General Sherman at once ordered
Wagner's Division of the 4th Corps, and Morgan's Divi-
sion of the 14th Corps, to Chattanooga, and Corse's
Division of the 15th Corps back to Rome, Ga., to pro-
tect our communications. Three days later he put in
motion the 17th and 23rd Corps, with the remainder of
the 4th, 14th and 15th Corps, towards Smyrna, which he
accompanied in person, determining to keep an eye on the
movements of Confederate General Hood. Our army
commander. General Thomas, had already been sent to
Nashville (reaching there October 3rd), to take command
of the troops at that place.
General Slocum, with the 20th Corps (to which we be-
longed), was left behind to guard Atlanta, and it at once
became necessary to construct a new line of works, such
as could be manned by a smaller garrison. It is true that
the several corps which had gone in pursuit of General
Hood had left behind with us large detachments and a
good part of their trains, great and small, men and animals
about equal in numbers to those of our own corps
(13,000) ; yet as the men were chiefly convalescents and
unarmed, these detachments were more of a hincirance
than a help, since comparatively few of them could be
put to work on the new fortifications.
On the evening of October 4th we were removed to the
northwest side of the city, taking up our position in the
old rebel earthworks, in front of the position we had
ATLANTA OCCUPIED. 127
occupied during the siege. Our regiment was posted
on the right of the brigade, near the large fort on the
Marietta road, and here for the ensuing fortnight we
were busily engaged in strengthening the old outer lines,
by slashing and abattis, and working hard on the new
inner chain of defences, forts and rifle-pits, which by the
way, were never completed. From our single regiment
from 80 to 100 men were detailed every day on these
works, which were being constructed under the direction
of Captain O. M. Poe, Chief Engineer.
It is interesting to note here that, before the railroad
was cut, early in October, by Confederate General Hood's
army moving northward, the supplies for both men and
beasts in the city had been quite sufficient. Now however,
though measures had been taken to graze the animals,
the forage supply became limited, and it was soon found
necessary to organize large foraging parties to be sent
out under guard to the neighborhood of South and Yellow
rivers, several miles beyond Decatur.
Four expeditions of this kind were made up, all of
which were eminently successful, bringing back, on an
average, 650 wagon loads of corn and fodder, besides
supplies consisting of cattle, sheep, poultry, sweet pota-
toes, syrup, etc. Though some show of opposition was
made by the enemy's cavalry, not a wagon train was lost.
The commanders of these expeditions, Geary, Robinson.,
Dustin and Carman, were highly commended for their
skill, in the report of General Williams; as was also
Colonel Garrard, commanding the cavalry brigade which
went with each expedition.
Our regiment, with the rest of the brigade, accompanied
two of these expeditions. On the first one (October
128 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
iith), we went in conjunction with a brigade from the
2nd Division, the whole being under command of General
Geary. We started out at five o'clock in the morning
and marched to Flat Rock Shoals, a distance of i8 miles.
The next day we crossed the Shoals, turned to the right a
few miles farther, where the men of our regiment helped
to load 200 wagons of corn. On the following day,
October 13th, we filled the balance of our wagons, 125
in number, and returned with the train of 500 wagons
loaded with corn and oats to within six miles of the city,
and there halted, it being about three hours after mid-
night. At 1 1 :30 the next forenoon we continued the
march and arrived at Atlanta at 2 P. M., after an absence
of four days.
On the other expedition we were gone three days,
October 22nd, 23rd and 24th, This time the party was
led by our new brigade commander. Colonel Ezra A. Car-
man, assisted by Colonel Dustin, with three brigades from
the 3rd Division, and two batteries. The advance sec-
tion of the expedition (sent out the day before) had been
closely threatened by the enemy's cavalry, and we were sent
to Colonel Dustin's assistance. We went in light march-
ing order to Latimer's, beyond Lithonia, forty miles east
of Atlanta, and returned two days later with a train of
800 wagon loads, without accident.
We now remained quietly in camp until Tuesday,
November ist, when we received orders to prepare for
active campaign service, at an hour's notice, after Novem-
ber 4th. We at once began to ship to the rear all sur-
plus baggage, provisions and forage that had been col-
lected, machinery of repair shops, heavy siege guns, use-
less wagons, inmates of field hospitals, members of the
ATLANTA OCCUPIED. 129
Sanitary and Christian Commissions, the indisposed and
the refugees. Every locomotive and car on the Chat-
tanooga and Atlanta railroad was employed in this work,
and in return the trains brought in furlough men and
recruits.
November 9th early in the morning, two brigades of
rebel cavalry with a light battery, supposed to be led by
General Wheeler, approached the city and opened fire with
artillery upon the front of the 2nd Division, just at our
left. They undertook, with dismounted men, an assault
on our lines along the McDonough road, evidently think-
ing we were evacuating Atlanta. They were soon re-
pulsed by General Geary's Division, and drew off, leaving
a few of their dead and wounded on the ground in our
front.
Thinking to intercept the enemy's movements, our bri-
gade, under command of Colonel Carman, was sent out at
10 o'clock that forenoon to overtake them. We marched
rapidly down to Turner's Ferry on the Chattahoochee,
then across to the Sandtown road; but the rebels had
eluded us and fled to Jonesborough. We came back to
the city in the evening, having marched about twenty
miles.
Our brigade, which previously consisted of six regi-
ments, now contained but five. We had lost the 27th
Indiana which had become so much reduced from various
causes that, on November 5th, its remaining 119 men
were consolidated with the 70th Indiana, of the ist
Brigade, 3rd Division. The five regiments of our bri-
gade were all present (on the outskirts of the city) , on the
night of November 14th, except the 2nd Massachusetts,
which had been left behind, with certain other troops.
130 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
to assist Chief Engineer Poe in destroying public prop-
erty in the city ; churches and private dweUings being left
unmolested.
A heavy mist hung over the encampment. Fires were
lighted in every direction. Soon the air was filled with
a dense smoke from the numerous fires made of wet pine
brush. This the fog and dense woods prevented from
blowing away, and our eyes became literally fountains of
tears. It was fairly suffocating, and the only relief to
be had was in lying flat on the ground and thus getting
a little breath of air. In the morning the blankets were
wet, not from rain, but from the heavy fog and dew.
There was something intensely exciting in this isolation
of ourselves from the rest of the world, and during that
last night through we gazed with fascination upon the
forked columns of fire extending high in the air above the
burning buildings of the city.
On Sunday morning, November 15th, at 5:30 o'clock,
the last reveille was heard in Atlanta. A dark pall of
smoke, like a vast mourning garment, hung over the
desolate and half-burned city, as columns of troops moved
out on every road to the eastward, with the long, swinging
stride, and rifles carried at a " right shoulder shift,"
singing, —
John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave,
As we go marching on.
CHAPTER XII.
FROM ATLANTA TO MILLEDGEVILLE.
By William H. Bartlett.
Election in Camp — Field Orders— Reorganization of the Army — None but the Strongest
Retained — More Destruction of Property — City Abandoned— Campaign of La-
bor— Course Taken — Corduroyed Roads — Freak "Legislature" —
Foraging — "Uncle Billy's Bummers" — Skirmishing.
Soon after the capture of Atlanta, Confederate Gen-
eral Hood, who had retreated south with his army, started
by a northerly route towards Tennessee, with the evident
intention of cutting our line of communications and thus
compelling a precipitate retreat of all of Sherman's forces.
Leaving our Corps, the 20th, to guard Atlanta, Sherman
took all of his other forces and endeavored to frustrate
the design of the enemy. After several ineffectual at-
tempts to catch up with or intercept him, he gave up the
chase, and telegraphed General Grant that he had sent
General Thomas's army, and several divisions of other
corps, to look after General Hood, and believed that, with
such reinforcements as could be hurried to Nashville from
the West and North, Thomas could check-mate his adver-
sary, and perhaps annihilate his army. At any rate.
General Sherman did not propose to let Hood detain his
army there, and thus spoil the "fine winter campaign"
which he had planned for himself.
Therefore, leaving Hood to the tender mercies of our
own good General Thomas, Sherman withdrew from his
132 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
pursuit, and once more collected his remaining forces in
and around Atlanta. Up to this time very few if any
of us — probably no one but General Sherman himself , and
the small circle of generals who shared his confidential
plans — knew what was to be our destination. Some con-
jectured that we were to be swung off to the east through
North Carolina, and, entering Virginia, help General
Grant to destroy the armies of Confederate General Lee.
Others again that Macon or some city of the Gulf — or
perhaps Augusta, Ga., — would be our objective point. If
any one guessed it would be Savannah, he did not com-
municate it to his comrades of the line untjl he left Mil-
ledgeville, after which time our destination was trans-
parent.
As election approached, especial arrangements were
made whereby the soldiers in the field could vote. The
ballots were placed in sealed envelopes, and were by due
authority conveyed to the various polls where the soldiers
would have been entitled to vote if they had been at
home, and there the envelopes were opened and the votes
counted. By this election in which the regiment took
part, — and in which some of the boys cast their first vote,
having reached their majority since enlisting, — Abraham
Lincoln was a second time elected to the presidency, and
Colonel Ketcham, in command of our regiment, was
elected a member of Congress.
The last week of the army in Atlanta was one of antici-
pation. Rumors were flying thick and fast as to the time
set for our departure, as well as to our mysterious destina-
tion. On November 8th General Sherman issued the
following :
FROM ATLANTA TO MILLEDGEVILLE. 133
SPECIAL FIELD ORDER, No. 119.
I'he general commanding deems it proper at this time to inform the
officers and men of the 14th, 15th, 17th and 20th Corps, that he has
organized them into an army for a special purpose, well known to the
War Department and to General Grant. It is sufficient for you to
know that it involves a departure from our present base, and a long
and difficult march to a new one. All the chances of war have been
considered and provided for, as far as human sagacity can. All he
asks of you is to maintain that discipline, patience and courage which
have characterized you in the past; and he hopes, through you, to
strike a blow at our enemy that will have a material effect in pro-
ducing what we all so much desire, his complete overthrow. Of all
things, the most important is, that the men, during marches and in
camp, keep their places and do not scatter about as stragglers or
foragers, to be picked up by a hostile people in detail. It is also of
the utmost importance that our wagons should not be loaded with
anything but provisions and ammunition. All surplus servants, non-
combatants, and refugees, should go to the rear, and none should be
encouraged to encumber us on the march. At some future time we
will be able to provide for the poor whites and blacks who seek to
escape the bondage under which they are now suffering. With these
few simple cautions, he hopes to lead you to acliievements equal in
importance to those of the past.
By order of Major-General W. T. Sherman,
L. M. Dayton, Aide-de-Gamp.
It will be seen that the execution of this order involved
" a departure from our present base and a long and diffi-
cult march to a new one;" and that was all the clue we
had to the future.
His army at that time consisted of four Army Corps,
the 14th, 15th, 17th, and 20th. Of these the 15th was
divided into four divisions, the others having three divi-
sions each. The corps were grouped in two " wings,"
as they were termed: the right wing and the left wing.
The right wing, composed of the 15th and 17th Corps,
was under command of General O. O. Howard, and the
left wing, composed of the 14th and 20th Corps, was
under command of General H. W. Slocum.
134 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Our regiment belonged to the 2nd Brigade, which was
commanded at first by General Ruger, and afterward by
Colonel Hawley of the 3rd Wisconsin. This brigade was
a part of the ist Division which was commanded by Gen-
eral N, J. Jackson, and this division was one of the three
divisions which constituted the 20th Corps, commanded
by General A. S. Williams. Our brigade included, beside
our own regiment, the 2nd Massachusetts, 3rd Wisconsin,
107 New York, and 13th New Jersey; five regiments of
infantry. The cavalry, which constituted a corps by itself,
was commanded by General Judson Kilpatrick.
The strength of the army, as ofiicially reported on
November loth, consisted of 55,329 of the infantry,
5,063 of the cavalry, and 1,812 of the artillery service;
in all 62,204 officers and men. Every preparation that
human ingenuity could devise with the means at hand
had been made, and especially so as to the artillery and
wagon trains. Each gun, caisson and forge was drawn
by eight horses, the 2,500 wagons had each six mules, and
the 600 ambulances had two horses each. Every soldier
of the infantry carried on his person forty rounds of am-
munition, and in the wagons were enough cartridges to
make up 200 rounds per man. The wagons also carried
200 rounds of assorted ammunition for each of the guns
in the artillery.
In addition to the generous amount of ammunition
stored in the wagons, they also carried about twenty days'
rations for the army, and there was a good supply of beef
cattle to be driven along on the hoof. So say the official
reports, but some of us would like to know what became
of all the food, for we got terribly hungry before Savan-
nah was captured.
FROM ATLANTA TO MILLEDGEVILLE. 135
On the night of November 14, 1864, a large force
of men had leveled the great Atlanta railroad depot,
round-house, and the machine shops of the Georgia rail-
road, and fire was applied to the wreck. One of these
machine shops had been used by the Confederates as an
arsenal, and in it was stored a vast quantity of shot and
shell, some of which proved to be loaded, and the night
was made hideous by the bursting of the bombs. There
were many narrow escapes from death by this fusillade
caused by the fire, but, as far as I can recall, there were
no casualties.
Some of us thought we were being bombarded by some
newly concentrated rebel army. At any rate, the environ-
ments of the last night which we spent in Atlanta were
not conducive to sleep, and when, on the morning of the
15th, we had started on our long march, we were not
as much refreshed as we would have been save for this
careless firing of buildings which contained explosives.
Meantime the destruction of the city haci been going on,
with the burning of public buildings and other property
that was liable to be of use to the Confederacy, such as
cars, engines, houses and machine shops. As the fire ex-
tended to the other buildings it made a brilliant sight in
the night.
The different bodies of troops which were to comprise
the army when we left Atlanta, were brought together,
and on their arrival all were submitted to a careful exam-
ination by the surgeons, and those who were not deemed
fit to stand a long campaign were sent to the North, as
it was intended that the army for such an unusual cam-
paign should consist of selected and able-bodied men only.
Here was an entirely new army, selected from men who
136 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
were already seasoned to hardship, and In efficiency its
equal has never been seen on this continent — or any other.
It was to be cut loose from all connection with its base,
and compelled to subsist on the country which it was to
traverse.
The citizens were all ordered to leave the city, and
transportation to either the North or the South — as they
might elect — was furnished by the army. I turn to my
diary and find that the last train left for the North on
November 12, 1864, the tearing up of the railroad tracks
commencing immediately; our brigade being sent back
three miles to assist, where our regiment tore up and de-
stroyed about one mile of track. The rails were then
torn from the ties, when the ties were piled in heaps and
the rails being laid on the piles, fire was applied. When
the rails were red-hot they were taken out and bent in such
a way that they could not be used again. When we
learned that the last mail was about to be sent North,
we embraced the opportunity to write home once more,
as we could not know when we should have another
chance, nor when we could again hear from our friends
in the far North. At last all railroad and telegraphic
communications were severed, and as no more supplies
were to be had, we must thenceforth depend on the
country.
The campaign which followed achieved such a strategic
success that it seems sure of posthumous fame in both
history and song, being known in the former as " Sher-
man's march to the Sea," and in the latter as Marching
Through Georgia.
FROM ATLANTA TO MILLEDGEVILLE. 137
Bring the good old bugle, boys, we'll sing another song —
Sing it with a spirit that will start the world along —
Sing it as we used to sing it, fifty thousand strong.
While we were marching through Georgia.
Orders from General Sherman were to the effect that
Corps Commanders were given power to destroy mills,
cotton gins, and buildings when it was deemed necessary
or advisable. When the army was not molested the de-
struction of property was not permitted, but should the
army be molested by the obstruction of roads or the de-
struction of bridges, then the Corps Commanders were
to destroy property in proportion to the obstruction made.
While the right wing, under General Howard, followed
the railroad in a southerly direction towards Jonesbor-
ough, the left wing, under General Slocum, led off to the
east, by Decatur and Stone Mountain, toward Madison.
Sherman says of this movement, " These divergent lines
designed to threaten both Macon and Augusta at the
same time, so as to prevent a concentration of troops at
our intended destination, or 'objective,' which was Mil-
ledgeville, the capital of Georgia, distant southeast about
one hundred miles."
So complete was the deception that the several diaries
kept by members of our regiment all assert that our des-
tination was Augusta, Georgia, 170 miles distant. It
was Sherman's intention that both wings of his army
should traverse the distance between Atlanta and Mil-
ledgeville in seven days, or at a rate of about fifteen miles
a day.
Much has been written regarding the burning of At-
lanta, some claiming that it was an act of inhumanity, and
others that it was a military necessity. As a matter of
138 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
fact, Sherman ordered that all public property which was
likely to be of use to the enemy, be burned; this was a
legitimate part of the war. But beyond this nothing in
the city was destroyed save such buildings as were burned
by accident. War is not one of the gentle arts, but — as
General Sherman forcibly reminded Hood in one of their
exchange of letters — "War is cruelty; you can not refine
it."
The war was forced upon the government, and we
make no apologies for its successful prosecution by the
loyal North ; nor do we consider it becoming in those who
precipitated it, and would not permit of any other solu-
tion of the difficulties involved, to complain, when it
came, that "It hurts."
November 15, 1864, we were early in line, and, catch-
ing the spirit of the day, set fire to our remaining camp
impedimenta and the little huts we had constructed to
live in. Soon we marched out of the city eastward, and
in a short time reached the village of Decatur, at which
place as we paused for a rest, we gazed at the rolling
smoke of the burning city which blackened the western
sky. It will be appropriate to quote here from a letter
which one of the boys wrote home after we had reached
Savannah.
"Our first day's march brought us to Stone Mountain,
and here our whole brigade went on picket for the night.
We spent the next day in destroying railroads, and so
began our second day's march after sundown, and finished
it in time to eat breakfast and begin the third day's
march."
The reader will discover by this pithy extract the chief
characteristic of the campaign now begun; it was more a
FROM ATLANTA TO MILLEDGEVILLE. 139
campaign of labor than it was of fighting. Stone Moun-
tain is eighteen miles from Atlanta, and takes its name
from a remarkable granite peak which, rising a thou-
sand feet above the surrounding country, forms a striking
feature where the horizon outline is otherwise low or
gently undulating.
By the night of the third day from Atlanta we reached
Covington, and though we went into camp at a late hour
in the night, we were aroused for an early start the next
morning, and did not make camp again until nine in the
evening. On November 19th, we passed through the
town of Madison, a fine type of the old Southern town
of ante helium days, and it was there that some Southern
newspapers were picked up, and in them we found the
news of Lincoln's re-election. At this place our course
was changed and we moved southward toward Milledge-
ville.
There now began one of those autumnal downpours
of rain, which with the peculiar mixture of clay and quick-
sands which constitute the soil of Georgia, would have
defeated anything but a selected and seasoned army under
the most energetic of commanders. On the 20th and
2 1 St the roads were very bad, but by dint of corduroying
with rails, and dragging wagons out of mud-holes by
ropes, we managed to fetch most of them through. We
passed through Eatonton on the 21st, and on the 22nd
reached Milledgeville, which was then the state capital,
in the afternoon. As our brigade was on the lead that
day, we were escorted through the town by the regimental
band, which played Yankee Doodle for the edification of
the remaining inhabitants, and, crossing the Oconee, went
into camp two miles beyond. On the 23rd we remained
140 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
in this camp, and the weather was very cold, water freez-
ing in pools all day.
The American soldier can defy hardships of all descrip-
tion, but he must sometimes express his intense apprecia-
tion of the humorous. This was well illustrated here,
for, learning that the governor, legislators, and all of the
state officials, had fled from the town, a group of officers
one of whom was Captain Woodin of our regiment, took
possession of the Hall of Representatives, elected a
Speaker, and constituted themselves the " Legislature of
the State of Georgia." A proposition to repeal the ordi-
nance of secession resulted, after a playful debate, in its
repeal by a fair vote.
The Atlanta campaign had confined our army so long
to a diet of hard bread and salt meat that it had become
greatly infested by scurvy. Under the conditions of this
campaign, however, we met with a welcome change, and
soon after leaving Atlanta we secured fresh food in abun-
dance, and it was " manna to our cracker-and-salt-pork-
wasted stomachs and scurvy-infested bodies."
Foraging was one of the duties to be performed by
each regiment, for in this way the army was to be sup-
plied with food. Details of from five to ten men from
each company of the regiment were made, and the body
thus formed was always placed under the command of a
commissioned officer. It would take a road parallel to
the one on which the regiment was moving, and would
visit the farm houses, which got pretty well ransacked,
and sometimes burned by the stragglers who followed on
after the regular foragers. Everything in the line of
food material was gathered together, to be delivered to
the regiment when the foragers returned to it. There
FROM ATLANTA TO MILLEDGEVILLE. 141
was a great variety of provisions, sheep, poultry, cattle,
sweet potatoes, bacon, etc., and sometimes wagons, with
horses or mules, were used to draw the forage to the road
on which the main line of march was made.
As these independent bodies of foragers were new in
army organization, straightway a word must be created
to fit the article, and presently the new order of men were
known as "Bummers;" or sometimes it was made more
explicit by calling them " Uncle Billy's Bummers." In
plundering plantations, It sometimes happened that wines
and liquors were found, and when that was the case it
was liable to add somewhat to the gayety of the party.
In addition to the foraging thus done by the regular
details, there was also some done by Individuals on their
own account.
The writer had an experience as a " Bummer," and
though it was two months after this campaign In Georgia,
at the time when we were marching through the Carollnas,
I will give it here as a sample of that kind of experience.
I was ordered by the colonel commanding the regiment
to take command of one hundred men who had been de-
tailed from the regiment, and forage after food for the
army. We started In the morning as soon as It was light
enough to see the road, and, branching off to one side,
took a course parallel to the one the main line was on.
After getting some distance from the army, and while
marching along at a deliberate pace, our attention was
attracted by the sound which had become so familiar in
the previous campaign; the " Zip "—" Whiz "—" Th "
— " Zip," of passing bullets. They came pretty close,
some of them striking the trees near us, and isolated from
142 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
the army as we were, the surprise was not a pleasant one
to us.
I ordered a skirmish line sent out at once, and it im-
mediately took the aggressive so effectually that the
enemy's squad were driven for some distance, and at last
fled from our vicinity, leaving the field clear. When we
were relieved from their presence, we had arrived at a
large plantation which must have been the property of
some wealthy planter, and as the main army had not yet
reached the place, we found cattle and hogs, and a large
store-house filled with hams and bacon; also corn meal,
flour, etc. The cattle were slaughtered and cut in pieces,
hogs were killed and cut in the same manner, and as we
had now reached a point the army would pass, we were
in readiness as they came along at sunset, to replenish
the Commissary Department. The reader can imagine
the smiles of the boys as they carried pieces of pork and
beef on their bayonets.
CHAPTER XIII.
FROM MILLEDGEVILLE TO SAVANNAH.
By George H. Williams.
Leaving Milledgeville — Fine Country and Fine Living — Tough Goose — Skirmish, and
Chickens — Swamps and More Skirmishing — In Front of Savannah — Capture of
Steamboat — Fighting on Argyle Island — Colonel Ketcham Wounded
— Capture of Fort McAllister — Hardtack and Home
Letters — Surrender of City.
The 20th Army Corps, to which the 150th Regiment
of New York Volunteers belonged, left Milledgeville
November 24, 1864, — a pleasant morning it was, — and
marched in a southeasterly direction over fair roads in the
direction of Savannah.
For a long distance the country was fine and the boys
were enabled to gather all the sweet potatoes they needed
and as hogs were plentiful we lived " tip-top " until well
towards the coast, where we struck the swamps and pine-
lands, and where eatables were scarce and difficult to pro-
cure; so very often the boys would have to lie down at
night tired, and with an empty stomach.
I recall that one afternoon my tent-mate. Sergeant
George Bierce, got a large goose, and we were thinking
of what a fine supper we would have from him. When
we halted for camp that night we picked our goose and
started boiling it in the kettle. After what seemed a
reasonable time Sergeant Bierce examined the prize and
reported him "tough;" so we kept the pot boiling, until
I was so sleepy and tired that I lay down and went to
144 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
sleep, leaving Bierce still watching the boiling pot. When
I arose in the morning he said that the goose was still
tough; so we again started it boiling and kept it up until
about the time to march, when we tried to eat him, but
it was of no use.
He was still tough; so tough that we were disgusted
with him and threw him away; ate a potato or two, and,
calling it supper and breakfast, fell in and marched away.
Judging from our efforts at cooking the fowl, we agreed
that he must have been one of the early settlers of the
state.
After leaving Milledgeville we occasionally saw Con-
federate cavalry, and when approaching Sandersville they
showed themselves in some force, so that our Brigade
was deployed and advanced, driving them from the town
with little loss to ourselves. While skirmishing with
them a portion of the line advanced through the back
yards of the residences, and occasionally one of our boys
would drop out of line and nab a chicken, wring its neck,
and be back in his place in the ranks so quickly as hardly
to be missed, for the fighting was not very severe.
After leaving Sandersville some time was spent in the
work with which we had become familiar; that of tearing
up and destroying railroad track, after which the march
towards Savannah was resumed, the enemy making very
little opposition.
When we reached Monteith Swamp, a few miles from
Savannah, we found that the rebels had fortified the road,
and had a battery or two in position to command it. Our
division was halted and deployed to make the attack,
as we were in front that day (our regiment being on the
right of the line), and we turned out of the road and
FROM MILLEDGEVILLE TO SAVANNAH. 145
made our way through the swamp ; the men jumping from
one bog to another, and often faUing in the mud and
water up to their hips; the enemy searching the swamp
with shells at the time.
So between mud, water, shells, and skirmishing, we
had a very unpleasant advance, but just before we were
ready to make the assault the 3rd Brigade of our divi-
sion (which had advanced over better ground) charged
forward and captured the position, and when we emerged
from the swamp we saw the flags of the 6ist Ohio, and
31st Wisconsin of the brigade, waving over the redoubt.
We encamped for the night near at hand, and the next
morning resumed the march toward Savannah, arriving
in front of the city, being halted there by its defenses;
the artillery of which opened a vigorous shell fire. We
deployed immediately, our corps being on the left of
Sherman's army. We skirmished there three or four
days, losing a few men; one of the wounded being Ser-
geant Isaac T. Swezey of Company I, who lost his leg
in consequence of the wound.
While operating in front of Savannah a detachment
of our regiment, under Captain Henry A. Gildersleeve,
captured a Confederate steamer which had on board
Colonel Clinch of General Hardee's staff. At high water
in the river, at the approach of the Confederate gunboats,
the steamer was burned.
There being very little chance to forage here eatables
were very scarce, and the boys had sometimes to tighten
their belts in place of eating a meal.
December i6th our brigade was transferred over to
Argyle Island, one of those broad delta islands in the
Savannah river. It lies opposite the city, and on it at
146 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
that time was a considerable rice plantation, and a large
rice mill. There were dikes over which we marched and
behind which we lay, at high water in the river, when the
Confederate gunboats came up to shell us. On one
occasion they succeeded in wounding several of our men,
and in burning the rice mill.
We here had plenty of very fine fresh rice to eat, but
for a time we had no salt, and even fresh rice, if without
salt, is not to be recommended for a steady diet. But
the right of our army soon captured Fort McAllister
and immediately got in communication with the fleet. A
few days after this rations were issued, which was about
the first we had seen since leaving Atlanta. Hardtack,
bacon and coffee were old friends, and were keenly
relished.
While we were on the island our colonel, John H.
Ketcham, joined us again, and while the brigade (part of
which had crossed to the South Carolina shore) were
skirmishing with the Confederates, he was severely
wounded. It was certainly hard luck for him, as he had
only rejoined his command a short time before, and was
"knocked out" about the first time afterward that he
came under fire.
The colonel was greatly beloved by the members of
his regiment, and much sorrow was expressed on his
account; the more so as at the time it was rumored that
his wound might be fatal, and all hated to lose him.
While our brigade was still on the island the Confed-
erates evacuated the city, crossing over to the South Caro-
lina side with their troops, and blowing up and destroy-
ing the gunboats in the river; when the 2nd Division of
our corps under General Geary advanced into the city,
FROM MILLEDGEVILLE TO SAVANNAH. 147
which was surrendered to his advance brigade by its
Mayor.
After the capture of the city our brigade was brought
back to the Georgia side of the river, and I vividly re-
member the crossing. It was a cold day about Christ-
mas, a cold northwest wind was blowing — making the
water in the river very low — and the only means for
crossing was one or two old flatboats. The men were
obliged to wade through the water out to the boats to
be ferried across the channel, then jump out into the
water and wade to the Georgia shore, and though this
took place so many years ago I still have a very realistic
recollection of how cold that water was.
When we finally got across large fires were built and
the boys stood around them, warming themselves and dry-
ing their clothing, after which we marched to a locality
northwest of the city and encamped in a grove of live-
oaks. Here we remained for some time, while new
clothes, shoes, etc., were issued to us. The men bathed,
washed, and generally cleaned up, and again looked to
be what they really were, good soldiers; for to tell the
truth our recent campaign of about two months with
hardly a rest, had made havoc with clothes and equip-
ments. We also here received our letters and papers
from home, having heard nothing from there since leav-
ing Atlanta.
Savannah we found to be a fine city of that day, and in
its broad streets a review of Sherman's army was held.
The Pulaski monument was also an object of interest to
us, as it recalled the memory of that gallant soldier who
lost his life in the Revolution. Passes were given to
the men so freely that all were enabled to visit points
148 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
of interest in and about the city; one thing being a Con-
federate blockade-runner which had slipped through our
fleet in the darkness of the night, and come up to the
city, not knowing that it had been captured by our army.
Of course in the morning it found itself lying under
the guns of one of our batteries, and was obliged to im-
mediately surrender.
We also got large quantities of oysters and fish from
the river near the city, which helped out the army rations
beautifully, and the regiment was once more In fine mettle
for another campaign, which was soon to begin.
CHAPTER XIV.
FROM SAVANNAH TO GOLDSBOROUGH.
By Samuel H. Paulding.
"Obey Orders" — Enemy Retreats — Surrender of City — Pursuit of Enemy — Cold and Wet
— Dry Inside! — Destruction of Railroads — Flooded Swamps — Corduroyed
Roads — Foraging — Battle of Averasborough — Death of Lieuten-
ant Sleight — Battle of Bentonville — A New Base.
One of the first things a soldier has to learn is to
" obey orders." I have practically been " ordered " to
write a chapter for the forthcoming volume of the his-
tory of our old regiment, and I will " obey " to the best
of my ability.
By the aforesaid order, I am to take up the story
" From Savannah to Goldsborough." By December
17, 1864, General Sherman had the City of Savannah
so far invested that he made a demand upon General
Hardee to surrender, which was promptly declined. Find-
ing that there was still one avenue of escape open to
Hardee he visited Hilton Head to secure the services of
General Foster and his command, and to throw his forces
across the Charleston road and thus close the last avenue
of escape for General Hardee and his forces, leaving an
order that no attack should be made during his absence.
From this distance this order was one of the few mistakes
General Sherman made as a military leader.
During the night of December 20 (1864), the move-
ment of troops and wagons across a pontoon bridge from
150 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Savannah to the South Carolina side were distinctly heard
by the troops nearest this bridge, and it was instinctively
known that General Hardee was evacuating Savannah.
After the rumbling of wagons had ceased General Geary,
Commander of the 3rd Division of the 20th Corps,
ordered his pickets forward along " the Augusta road in
the darkness of a moonless night and entered Savannah
at four-thirty (4:30) A. M., December 21st. On reach-
ing the city limits they were met by the Mayor and a
delegation of citizens bearing a flag of truce," and the
city was formally surrendered to the Union forces.
During the four weeks (more or less) that we re-
mained near Savannah, our regiment was never camped
within the city limits, but the distance was so short and
passes were so freely given, that whether encamped within
the city or without made but little difference to us.
Especially as we had been allowed to build very com-
fortable houses 10 feet long, 8 feet wide and 5 feet
high at the sides, with the materials found in an adjacent
and well-stored brickyard, and from the boards of de-
serted buildings.
We remained in these comfortable quarters until Jan-
uary 17 (1865), when we marched through the City of
Savannah and crossed the Savannah River at 10 A. M.
to the South Carolina side as a beginning to the new
campaign to the North.
We marched some six or seven miles and camped near
Hardeeville, on the Savannah and Charleston R. R.
About this time Major Smith received his commission as
lieutenant-colonel. With the exception of a few days
he had been in command of the regiment since it left At-
lanta. Colonel Ketcham was on his way North in con-
FROM SAVANNAH TO GOLDSBOROUGH. 151
sequence of the severe wound he had received on Argyle
Island.
During January 19th and 20th it rained incessantly,
and as we were without shelter, our clothing and blankets
were continually saturated for nearly forty-eight (48)
hours. Notwithstanding we were suffering from the cold
and wet on the outside, our throats were very dry and
hot.
I remember that during the second day of the rain, our
adjutant, Captain Cruger, came to see me. Like the
rest of us he was saturated with the rain and shivering
with the cold. He had not fully regained his strength
from the terrible wound he had received at Resaca. He
told me he felt very badly and asked me if I had any
"commissary" (a name given to the whiskey supplied
by the Government), or knew where he could get a little.
I told him I had none of it with me and the only thing
of the kind I knew of was a little peach brandy I had in
my grip in the headquarters wagon, but I didn't know
where that was.
I gave him my key and told him if he could find it he
would be welcome to it. He took the key and started
on a voyage of discovery. The next day he returned
the key, and said be believed the drink he obtained had
saved his life.
Quite a long time afterwards, I think it was near Golds-
borough, I found that there was just enough left in the
flask to save another life, that of your humble servant.
With one other incident in this connection I will close
the subject and leave the question to scientists as to
whether " Alcohol is a food," or simply a stimulant and
intoxicant.
152 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
It happened the day of our march to Averasborough.
We all remember that march in the rain and cold, high
wind, until some time after midnight. I had a working
squad called a " detail " under my command making
corduroy roads. It was March 15 (1865), and I was
wet, cold and feeling pretty blue, when a brigadier-gen-
eral, commanding one of the brigades in our division,
came out to inspect the work, and complimented me for
doing so well on such a bad day. I thanked him for this
expression of his opinion, and told him I had had a pretty
hard day of it. He told me if I would go back with him
to his quarters he would furnish me with that which in
his opinion I most needed. Well! I do not suppose any
old soldier would have thought of arguing against such a
proposition coming from such a source. It is needless
to say I went with him and. my life was saved again.
For thirty or forty miles up the northerly side of the
Savannah River our line of march was nearly parallel
to it and transports, convoyed by gunboats, constituted
our base of supplies.
Thus far it had been made to appear that our corps
(the 20th) was making Augusta its objective point, while
the 17th Corps was pointing towards Charleston, at both
of which places the Confederates had gathered all the
forces they could to defend them. But this was a ruse
of " Uncle Billy's " to keep the way clear over the course
he really had selected.
We left Robertsville on February 2nd and until February
I ith we worked our way slowly towards Augusta, tearing
up and destroying the railroads leading to that place.
This was done by a file of men, perhaps a hundred (per-
haps five hundred) in number, lining up beside the road
FROM SAVANNAH TO GOLDSBOROUGH. 153
and turning over a section of the road as long as the file
of men. The rails were then separated from the ties, the
latter set on fire, and the rails piled on and heated until
they became red-hot, and then taken and wound around
the nearest tree or telegraph pole, and given a peculiar
twist which renders them useless forever after.
According to the best of my memory we destroyed
over thirty miles of this railroad, and until we were
within about fifty miles of Augusta. Right here I will
say that the course pursued to this railroad was adopted
to all those we crossed between Savannah and Golds-
borough, thus making railroad communications between
the extreme east and the middle west impossible.
The last village I can remember in or near which we
encamped while destroying the railroad was named
Branchville, from which on February iith we started
across the country for Columbia, the capital of South
Carolina, distant " As the crow flies " about seventy-five
miles and near which we arrived on February 17th,
Our regiment did not pass through the city, but a mile
or two to the right of it, therefore whoever was re-
sponsible for starting the fire that nearly destroyed it,
no one may accuse the 150th of doing it.
There are numerous small rivers between the Savannah
and the City of Columbia. Owing to its being the rainy
season, they were all too deep to be forded, and as all
the bridges had been destroyed in our advance we had
to cross them on pontoons.
The marshes or swamps were also very numerous, and
retarded our progress much more than the rivers did.
Some of them were several miles in length (or breadth)
with the mire in places so soft that a fox would have
154 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
had hard work to have crossed them without getting stuck
in the mud.
In order that our regiment (and Corps) could traverse
these the route had to be corduroyed. A corduroy road
is made by felling trees, cutting them into suitable lengths
(usually about 12 feet, as I remember), laying them side
by side across the proposed route, thus forming a very
rough roadway. Over this the cavalry and Infantry
marched and the ambulances, baggage wagons, artillery
wagons with their heavy caissons, and all other vehicles
attached to a great army, were drawn, almost exclusively
by mules. From my experience and observation, I be-
lieve the mule is the surest footed animal living.
A team of six mules (driven with one line) would
take any one of these heavily laden vehicles (averaging
at least two tons each) across these corduroys, stepping
from log to log with accuracy, seldom making a mistake.
It seems hardly worth while to follow the daily course
of the regiment in its march to Columbia. One day was
as much like another as " two peas in the same pod;" all
stormy, cold and disagreeable, although, if I remember
rightly, we did have one or two fair days out of the
seven.
February i8th we lay in camp all day in the vicinity
of Columbia, but at dark took up our line of march again.
Our next objective point proved to be Fayetteville, N. C,
about eighty miles above Wilmington, N. C, at the head
of steamboat navigation, on the Cape Fear River.
As Fort Fisher, the key to Wilmington, had been
captured several weeks before we expected to find there a
new base of supplies. In this we were not disappointed.
In our march from Savannah thus far our principal sub-
FROM SAVANNAH TO GOLDSBOROUGH. 156
sistence was from our foragers. When we started
from Sav^annah we had twenty days' rations, and
seven days' forage in our wagon trains. As it had
taken us nearly two months to make the journey we had
to live off the country, if we lived at all, and we did and
lived fairly well too. The distance from Columbia to
Fayetteville in a straight line is about one hundred and
fifty miles, and by the route we took was probably over
two hundred miles.
The obstacles we encountered on this long march were
very similar to those we encountered between Savannah
and Columbia; rivers to pontoon, marshes to corduroy,
cold spring rains to soak us, and cold winds to dry us
again. The nights as I remember them were worse than
the days, sleeping or trying to sleep on the wet ground
was not pleasant. We thought ourselves in luck when
we could recline against a big tree and thus pass the night.
As I look back to this march I sometimes wonder that
any of us lived through it, but as I remember, there was
but very little severe sickness. Several times on the
march the rebels attempted to check our advance, but
we brushed them aside, usually very easily.
We reached Fayetteville on the nth of March at 9
P. M. and remained in camp all the next day, during
which we heard the whistle of a steamboat down the
river, and as it was the first Union vessel to arrive since
the fall of Fort Fisher, the sound was very pleasant. It was
the occasion of much cheering. It brought us among other
things, letters from home, the first we had received since
leaving Savannah, nearly two months before.
We did not tarry long at Fayetteville. We broke
camp on the 13th, crossed the Cape Fear River and
156 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Started for Goldsborough. The swamps and rivers in
our course to this place were fully as difficult to cross as
they had been since we left the Savannah River. Besides
these, several times before reaching Averasborough, we
were confronted by the Confederate forces in quite
formidable numbers. General " Joe " Johnston, who
opposed us from Chattanooga to Atlanta, had been rein-
stated and had gathered considerable remnants of the
army he formerly commanded, and which had been so
nearly exterminated under General Hood by General
Thomas at Nashville, had united his force with that of
General Hardee and together they opposed our progress
toward our destination in every conceivable way.
It Is hard work to whip an enemy when you have to
pontoon a river and corduroy a road that leads up to the
fortifications, but we did it without any serious loss until
we came to Averasborough. Here the enemy had chosen
a very strong position between two rivers to prevent being
flanked, and had thoroughly fortified it and which had to
be taken before we could proceed.
The first intimation we had of this was on March 15th,
when an orderly came riding back and informed us that
General Kilpatrick's cavalry had met the enemy in force
a few miles in advance, and was being sorely pressed.
Our corps had orders to go to his relief. This was about
8 P. M., and we started again but did not reach General
Kilpatrick's lines until long after midnight.
By 6 A. M. on the i6th we were in line of battle and
fought nearly all day. It was the longest, and in some
respects, the hardest engagement our regiment was ever
in. It lasted from just after daylight until three or four
FROM SAVANNAH TO GOLDSBOROUGH. 157
o'clock in the afternoon, some nine or ten hours of steady
fighting.
It was during this battle that Lieutenant Sleight was
killed. He was one of the most loved, respected and
best liked officers in the regiment and his death was
mourned by everyone who knew him. We buried him
the next morning in a garden attached to a house used
as a hospital, from which in due course of time he was
removed and buried in a cemetery near his birthplace in
Dutchess County.
During the night of the i6th the enemy "skedaddled"
and the battle of Averasborough was over. In history,
it will not go down as a very important one, but It was a
very important one to Sherman's army. General Grant
In his memoirs does not mention it at all, but General
Sherman in his, gives it three or four pages.
The conditions were these: — the rations for the men
and the forage for the animals were very nearly ex-
hausted, and there was no time to be lost In getting to a
new base of supplies, the nearest being Goldsborough.
An army without rations or forage Is of very little ac-
count.
On March i8th we started again for Goldsborough.
Heretofore our course lay almost due north, but now It
was due east.
On the 19th the enemy attempted to stop the 14th
Corps In our advance at Bentonvllle, and our regiment
was among the number that helped to dislodge them and
brush them out of our way. By the orders of General
Sherman our fight was mostly on the defensive, as he
was very anxious that Johnston's army should be held
158 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
at this point until some of the other corps of his com-
mand should capture Goldsborough.
On the morning of March 20th we found the enemy
had deserted Bentonville and we started again for Golds-
borough, which we entered on the 24th, after heavy
skirmishing a considerable portion of the way.
Colonel Fox in his history of " Slocum and his Men "
says, " From Savannah to Goldsborough the trains of
the 20th Corps moved four hundred and fifty-six miles,
as recorded by the odometers, three-fifths of which miles
had to be corduroyed. In addition to this arduous task,
and the labor of lifting wagons that were mired or over-
turned, the men in the 20th destroyed thirty-two miles
of railroad along their route."
He also gives the names of the towns the Corps passed
through. " From Robertsville by way of Lawtonville,
Blackville, Allendale, Buford's Bridge, Big and Little
Salkehatchie Rivers, Graham's Station, Duncan's Bridge,
South and North Forks of Edisto River, Jones' Cross
Roads, Columbia Cross Roads, Lexington, Saluda River,
Oakville, Broad and Little Rivers, Winnsborough,
Catawha River, Hanging Rock, Chesterfield Court House,
Great Pedee River, and Cheraw in South Carolina;" and
by way of Fayetteville, Cape Fear River, Averasbor-
ough. Black River, Bentonville, Neuse River to Golds-
borough.
Nearly all of these names will sound very familiar to
the ears of the surviving members of the old regiment.
CHAPTER XV.
FROM GOLDSBOROUGH HOME.
By Miles K. Lewis.
Close of the "Hardest Campaign" — "Pop" Williams — Assassination of the President —
Surrender of Lee and Johnston — End of the War — March to Washington —
Over Old Battlelields — Grand Review — Home Reception — Enthusi-
astic Rejoicing — Pathetic Scenes — "Good Bye."
The war was now practically at an end as far as the
Dutchess County Regiment was concerned, though we
did not know it at the time. The long winter campaign,
without access to any base of supplies, had given us a
worn and ragged appearance, but our physical condition,
though somewhat reduced by the hardships endured, was
better at this time than our clothing, as we had fed on
the best that the Carollnas afforded; — though that was
none too good.
In the sixteen or eighteen days of camp which followed
we received the supplies of clothing, etc., and enjoyed a
much-needed rest from what has been called " The longest
and hardest campaign In the entire history of the war."
We were then in communication with Newbern, N. C,
quite an army being there assembled, Including the 14th,
15th, 17th, 20th, 23rd, 24th, and 25th Army Corps.
It was here that Captain Woodin, and others that
left us at Atlanta, joined us again. It was here also that
our Corps, the 20th, hitherto a part of the left wing in
Sherman's army, was, under a new adjustment, placed
160 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGlMEIsIT.
in that which was now designated as the "Army of
Georgia," with General Joseph A. Mower in command;
its ist Division, whose emblem was the Red Star, being
placed under command of General A. S. Williams; —
"Pop" Williams, as he was affectionately referred to in
the ranks.
Some one has said, "It is difficult to reconcile this
treatment of General Williams with any sense of fairness,
honesty, or justice." He had commanded the 20th
Army Corps from Atlanta to the sea, and from Savannah
to Goldsborough, as well as at Antietam and Gettysburg,
with signal ability. As a brigadier-general he outranked
every officer in that army, and his commission as briga-
dier bore even date with that of General Sherman himself.
He had never missed a battle, or been absent from the
army on any campaign, and on every battlefield where
his troops were engaged he had displayed striking ability
and had achieved marked success. Never was a mistake
laid to his charge. But he entered no word of complaint,
nor made a sign of dissatisfaction, but cheerfully assumed
command of his old division, with which his name had
been so long honorably associated.
Referring to my diary again I find the following
entry:
"April 9th — The greater part of this army expects
to leave this base to-morrow morning at daylight. The
orders are to have in haversack ten days' rations of coffee
and sugar, three of hardtack, five of salt, and three of
salt meat, with fifteen days' rations in the wagons."
On April 12th, when near Smithfield, North Carolina,
we received the news of Lee's surrender to General
Grant's army. Our army was frantic with joy, and one
FROM GOLDSBOROUGH HOME. 161
would have supposed from Its actions there had been a
general order issued to "Do as you please." It cer-
tainly was a day of rejoicing, for we felt that the cruel
war was near its end, and we were the victors. But
what a change soon after! Joy turned to sorrow by the
sad news of the assassination of our noble President!
During this day we marched about fifteen miles.
April 13th the bugle sounded the "Fall-in" call about
four in the morning. This was followed by rapid march-
ing, and we reached Raleigh, North Carolina, about two
o'clock in the afternoon, finding the U. S. Cavalry in
possession of the city. Through several days following
this the weather was very sultry, and we were kept con-
stantly on the qui vive by flying rumors about flags of
truce, and negotiations for the surrender of the enemy's
forces under Johnston.
April 15th we moved at 7 A. M., but were soon
ordered back to camp again. After many rumors and
counter-rumors, and the rejection at Washington of the
first articles of surrender, it at last became definitely
known that Johnston had actually surrendered, having
accepted the same terms from General Sherman that Gen-
eral Grant had accorded to Robert E. Lee.
April 29th a general order was read at dress parade
that the 14th, 15th, 17th, and 20th Army Corps should
proceed to Washington to be mustered out of the service.
Soon after this we left Raleigh for Richmond, a distance
of 170 miles, which we marched in nine days, making
camp near the latter city. May iith we crossed the
James River, passed Libby Prison, Castle Thunder, and
other places, all of which we viewed with a far different
interest than many of our boys did in days gone by. Wc
162 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
halted about five miles from Richmond after passing
through it, and this camp was visited by a terrific thunder
storm.
We soon continued our march towards Washington,
stopping betimes at some of the old battlefields so noted
in Virginia, On the battlefield of Spottsylvania Court-
house we saw thousands of skeletons of the unburied
soldiers who fell in that battle a year before. Then we
marched over the battlefield of Chancellorsville, where
we halted a few hours, giving those of our troops who
had fought there in 1863 an opportunity to go over the
ground again. May 19th we arrived near Alexandria,
Virginia, having marched twelve hundred miles since
leaving Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Now the whole army was busy preparing for the grand
and final review. May 23rd the Army of the Potomac
occupied in marching past the reviewing stand, and on
the following morning we crossed the Potomac on the
famous long bridge and formed near the Capitol, and
at a given signal moved forward for review.
Who were the men who were now to be reviewed, and
for the last time? They were the men who had escaped
the shot and shell; they were the men who had not suc-
cumbed to sickness; they were the men who had defied
fatigue. They were the survivors of war's terrible sift-
ing. What an army that was !
Charles E. Benton, in his book entitled, " As Seen
From the Ranks," refers to that review in the following
passage :
" Column after column passed the reviewing stand,
not with the quick and mincing steps of militia, but with
that far-reaching, swinging stride which had carried its
FROM GOLDSBOROUGH HOME. 163
men around and through and over the Confederacy, from
the Mississippi to the Atlantic, and northward to Wash-
ington again.
"As the artillery rolled along Pennsylvania Avenue its
rumbling seemed the long-drawn echoes of the innumerable
conflicts of the years gone by. The cavalry, with horses'
manes clipped to the crest, rode stirrup to stirrup with
an alignment as perfect as that of infantry, and many a
nicked and stained sabre was carried proudly to shoulder
that day.
"Then followed the ambulances, with the old blood-
stained stretchers hanging on their sides, anti the rumbling
of their wheels seemed like a vast, ghostly procession
of the shrieks and groans of that great host of suffering
ones, representatives of the nation's blood sacrifice, who
had ridden in them, many of them to their last resting-
places."
After the army had passed in review we went into
camp about five miles north of the city, and some descrip-
tion of our life in that camp is given in the following
letter of Captain William R. Woodin to the Pough-
keepsie Daily Eagle, and published in the issue of June 6,
1865, of that paper:
Camp 150th, Near Washington, D. C, June 1, 1865.
Editors, The Eagle: — The distinguished heroes who make up the
military organization known as the loOtli New York State Volunteers
were in a sadly demoralized condition a few days ago, and to see
t,he mournful qountenances of officers and men would have meltetl
a heart of stone; all because the order for muster-out of "Uncle
Samuel's " service failed to put in an appearance.
They had read the announcements in your papers of preparations
for their reception at home, and the idea that these delightful matters
were to be missed was enough to break the heart of every man.
Saturday evening, when glad tidings of great joy came into camp, —
164 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
that the necessary order for muster-out had arrived, — the 150th was
herself again. What hilarity! What cheers! Our neighbors, the
3rd Wisconsin, and 2nd Massachusetts, must have thought that the
usually sedate boys from the Empire State were indulging in a spree
of the first magnitude.
We were intoxicated with the thought of being allowed to return
to the homes and to the friends we left three weary years ago, and
when the men wrapped themselves in their old blankets under their
shelter tents that night and listened to "Home, Sweet Home," from
the band, while the stars twinkled and danced above them as if
they too were glad the war was finished and the soldiers were going
home, many a rough and perhaps hardened man honestly thanked
God for His goodness, while happy tears crept down his cheeks as
he dreamed, with his eyes wide open, of the loved ones waiting for
him under the old roof.
It is one thing to talk about home when you have never been
away from it under circumstances which not only prevented your
return when you wished to do so, but gave you good reason to doubt
whether you ever would return, and it is quite another matter to
Avander thousands of miles away with nothing to console you in
the midst of trials and dangers but the memory of that " Dearest
spot on earth," and many a poor fellow has learned through sad
experience how poor an estimate he once placed on home, and father
and mother.
Tliere was a special order issued in our case, allowing us to get
out of the service, while other regiments, whose terms expired about
the time of ours, were kept in, which we appreciate and will remember
with many other favors received from our old colonel, John Henry
Ketcham, and if our friends realize a very large amount of pleasure by
the return of the 150th they can thank him for it in a large measure.
w. R. ^^^
We were discharged from the United States service
June 8, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Homeward bound, we arrived in New York City June
9th, and came up the Hudson River on the steamer Mary
Benton. Shall we ever forget the scene which met our
eyes on arriving at the landing in Poughkeepsie, and the
mass of people that were waiting to greet us, striving
with each other as to who should be the first to extend
FRO^r GOLDSBOROUGH HOME. 165
the welcome hand. We were marched to the "Soldiers'
Rest," where we broke ranks and scattered.
Those of us whose homes were near were not long in
getting to them, and many of those whose homes were
in the extreme eastern part of the county, some twenty-
five or thirty miles distant, at once continued their
"Tramp — Tramp — Tramp" — towards them; and they
were all back to Poughkeepsie on the morning of the 1 2th,
for the grand reception.
The following, concerning the manner in which we
were received in our home city, the same from which we
had marched to the seat of war three years before, is
from the Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle of June 13, 1865 :
THE GREAT RECEPTION.
50,000 People iii the City.
June 12, 1SG5, will henceforth be a great day in the annals of the
City of Poughkeepsie and of Dutchess County, being that on which
the 150th Regiment of New York Volunteers was formally received
on its return home from the war which crushed out the great rebellion.
Decidedly the great attraction of the day was the noble 150th
Regiment itself, and never before did any organization so completely
take up the attention of the masses as did the brave veterans. War-
worn in appearance, their faces browned by Sbutliern suns, their
steady, measured step, the expression of their countenances, every
one of them seeming to exclaim, " I have dared to do all that becomes
a man," was a picture never to be witnessed again in the streets of
this city.
Every inch of ground over which they moved was consecrated by
their tread. Thousands of bouquets were hurled from windows and
house-tops at the regiment in every street they passed through, and
the enthusiasm along the route as the regiment passed was unequalled.
Qld men wept tears of joy at the sight. Tire procession was the
largest ever gotten up in this city.
The scenes along the route were amusing, laughable, entertaining,
and sometimes thrilling. At the residence of the Mayor the children
of the public schools, dressed in holiday attire, were assembled on
the wall running from the railroad bridge to the river. The regiment
halted while the children sang songs, after which they presented each
166 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
of the noble fellows with a bouquet of flowers. This was a beautiful
sight, and many in the ranks shed tears.
All along the line of march little tokens, consisting of llowers,
handkerchiefs, ribbons, gloves, rings, etc., were presented to the soldiers
as they filed past. At the difi'erent semiiiaries the pupils were grouped
in artistic style, and at each of these institutions singing took place,
and floral tributes were handed to the regiment. In front of East-
man's College the rank and file partook of light refreshments gotten
up for the occasion by the Professor, and here also floral gifts were
handed out. All along the line of march there were conveniences
provided for the thirsty.
The scene on Main Street was one never to be forgotten, and every
available place was occupied by the lookers-on. Gayly dressed women
crowded the windows, while those of the sterner sex had to satisfy
themselves with squatting on the house-tops, in trees, and on awning
posts, and every available place was filled. From Water Street to
Red Milk there was one vast sea of humanity.
On the sidewalks the jam and crush was indescribable, and many
were the groups of yoimg ladies dressed in white and covered with
gay ribbons and garlands, who saluted the war-worn heroes as they
passed, with songs and waving of handkerchiefs and flags.
A touching scene occurred on Main Street, near Washington Street,
where one of the maimed veterans of the regiment was greeted in
a most sorrowful manner by a young lady dressed in deep mourning.
" Mary," said the soldier, " where is INIother ? "
" Dead, Jamie ; dead," was the reply.
We could not bear to linger on the spot, for the poor fellow burst
into tears and stood imcovered, a picture of utter desolation.
There were hundreds of mottoes displaj-ed along the line. Among
them were the following:
" The 150th has never known defeat.
Its battle cry is ' Ever Onward,'
Its watchword ' No Retreat.' "
" Welcome Old Dutchess' honored sons."
" Old Dutchess greets the 145th New York State Volunteers as
her adopted sons."
" We arc proud of your achievements."
" Well done, brave boys ! History will do you justice."
" We greet the living and mourn the dead."
" I'nion." " Peace." " Grant." " Sherman."
At tlie park in Mansion Square a large stand had been erected,
on which was seated Eastman's Band, the speakers, and otliers. On
the arrival of the procession the 150th was drawn up in line in
1'innt <if tlie stand, and, after stacking their arms, were formally
FROAI GOLDSBOROUGH HOME. 167
welcomed back to their homes in an eloquent address by Judge Emott.
Colonel Smith responded to Judge Emott's address of welcome, and
General Ketcham being loudly called for, responded with a touching
speech. Captain Woodin also addressed the regiment and citizens
in his usual off-hand manner.
After the addresses were over a committee of ladies stepped forward
and were presented with the tattered flags of the regiment, which
were given to it when it left for the seat of war.
This was a thrilling part of the program. Here were the sacred
emblems which had been carried victoriously through the storm of
battle for three years, tattered and torn into shreds, but returned with
not a single stain of disgrace upon them. Never have they been
trailed i^ the dust by an insolent foe. The same ladies which pre-
sented them in 18G2 received them to-day.
The presentation scene itself, without the truly affecting remarks
which accompanied it, brought tears to the eyes of himdreds, and
strong men, as they thought of the loved ones who had fallen amid
the crash of shot and shell while protecting those colors, bowed their
heads in sorrow for the moment and dropped a tear to the memory
of the departed.
At the conclusion some one proposed three cheers for " Something
to eat," and they were heartily given, and responded to by actual
business. The tables literally groaned with the weight of good things
with which they were heaped. There was plenty to eat, and, as a
lady humorously expressed it after all had gotten through, — " Deai
me sakes, — how much is left! " The day's celebration was ended by
a grand Di'ess Parade of the 150th.
In the foregoing extract from the Eagle the reception
of the regiment by its friends and loyal neighbors is
well described, and the scenes there depicted are brought
vividly to the minds of those who witnessed or took part
in them, but what can I say of the parting which inevitably
followed the disbanding of the regiment?
For three long years we had been as brothers on the
weary march, the battlefield and camp, sometimes divid-
ing our last hardtack, caring for the dead and dying, or
sharing a blanket as we lay sleeping on the cold ground.
"We drank from the same canteen!"
We were received with loving embraces by father,
168 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
mother, brother, sister, or wife and children, and listened
to the heartfelt thanksgiving of grateful ones for our
safe return. But there were other welcomes too, in sad
voices, from those whose tearful eyes told us that tlicir
dear ones had not returned to receive this welcome, but
were left In that vast bivouac of the dead which held so
many of our number.
To these bereaved ones the greater deference ! We
had endured the hardships, it is true, but we had been
permitted to safely return. War's most awful tragedies
were in the homes, rather than on the bnttle^elds.
With trembling voice the last "Good-bye" is spoken,
and we separate and disappear in the walks of civil life.
MONUMENT AT GETTYSBURG
CHAPTER XVI.
THE MONUMENT AND ITS DEDICATION.
By Stephen G. Cook.
How the Money was Raised — Description of the Monument — Ceremonies and Addresses
at its Dedication — Speakers of the Day — Others Present — Evening Campfire.
In 1887 the Legislature of the State of New York
appropriated $1,500 to each of the regiments and bat-
teries from that state which were engaged at the battle
of Gettysburg, for the purpose of erecting a monument
on that historic battlefield.
Many of the members thought this sum insufficient
to erect a suitable monument for the Dutchess County
Regiment, and especially was this the opinion of Colonel
A. B. Smith, who wanted the monument to represent a
" Tower of Strength," and largely through his endeavors
$3,000 more were added to the state's $1,500. The
monument cost $4,400 and the marker near the Trostle
House cost $100.
" It is a strong and aggressive tower, with the deeds
of its defenders recorded on its outer walls, and is a
most fitting memorial for such an historic spot. It ex-
presses, in a symbolic way, the cause which this and all
other Union regiments were organized to defend on so
many hard-fought battlefields."
It has " from base to battlemented cap, a height of
twenty-five feet, with a base of ten feet square and a
weight of over seventy tons."
170 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
It was designed by George E. Bissell of Mt. Vernon,
N. Y., and the contractors were Van Wyck & Collins of
Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
On the 17th of September, 1889, seventy-six members
of the old regiment and ninety-three of their friends met
around the base of the monument to witness the cere-
monies of its dedication.
The address of welcome was delivered by General John
H. Ketcham in which he said, " It is with mingled emo-
tions of pleasure and sadness that I welcome you to-day,
and invite you to join in the ceremonies that have been
deemed appropriate for our celebration.
" As your comrade, rather than as your colonel, of
twenty-six years ago, I ask you to assist in commemorating
the occasion which first brought us to this beautiful spot.
In those days, and long before them; before we ever
dreamed of war as a possibility in our favored land, we
were most of us neighbors and friends; born and reared
in one of the finest counties in our great state, on the
banks of our noble Hudson. When the summons came
to serve our beloved country, we started as one man,
animated by a common impulse of devotion to duty; with
a common ambition to do our very best to make for our
home regiment a record second to that of none In the
service. Where all were noble and true soldiers, there
was little need of rule, and little thought of rank.
" We cherish tenderly and proudly the memory of each
of our devoted band who fell here. History and this
enduring granite will tell our children's children of their
heroism and valor. But these remnants of our once
bright and beautiful colors speak to us loudly, not only of
those whom we are met to-day to honor, but of others as
THE MONUMENT AND ITS DEDICATION. 171
gallant and great as they, who afterwards perished on
many other well-fought fields. We think of them
reverently and affectionately and of others who came not
here to-day, who have one after another fallen by the
way, whose services to our regiment and their country
we remember with profoundest gratitude. Nor do we
forget the loved ones who stayed at home to work and
pray for us; the wives, and mothers, and sisters who
labored in camp and hospital unremittingly, many of
whom hav^e gone to their reward."
Upon concluding his address General Ketcham called
upon the Rev. E. O. Bartlett, D.D., late chaplain of the
regiment, to offer his dedicatory prayer in which he said :
" We praise Thy name for Thy great mercy in preserv-
ing our lives during these years to enjoy the fruits and
honors of a peace won by periling all for country, and
that, after the lapse of a quarter of a century. Thou
dost permit these veterans, these soldiers of the Union,
to come back to these blood-stained hills and fields to
dedicate this noble monument to the memory of the brave
men who here poured out their blood upon the aitar of.
their country.
" We consecrate this monument to Thee, Thou God
of nations, who hast so marvelously guided and blessed us
in the past, leading our forefathers, like Israel of old,
to a land abounding in riches. We praise, laud and
adore Thy holy name, that 7 hou didst bring forth a man
from the people and of the people to be, like Moses and
Joshua, a worthy leader of a mighty host. At his call
Thou didst put it into the hearts of thousands and hun-
dreds of thousands to take their lives in their hands,
leaving their homes and the comforts and emoluments of
172 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
civil life, to go forth to war, that liberty and union might
not perish .at the bidding of those who would build an
empire upon the corner stone of human bondage.
" We beseech Thee that these granite stones and
bronzed letters may tell our children and all coming gen-
erations not only of brave and true men who here fought
in the defense of their country, but that all these monu-
ments may speak of Thee and Thy righteous judgments,
that Righteousness Exalteth a Nation, but Sin is
A Reproach to Any People."
At the conclusion of the prayer the monument was un-
veiled by Miss Ethel B. Ketcham, the only daughter of
the general.
It was then presented to the " Battlefield Memorial
Association," by Colonel Alfred B. Smith, who said:
" It has been erected by the surviving members of the
150th Regiment, New York Volunteers, and their friends
in Dutchess County, N. Y., as a tribute of respect to the
memory of those who gave their lives in heroic defence
of our country on this field twenty-six years ago, as also
an enduring memorial of the valor of those who escaped
the perils of war, and a fitting expression of the patriotism
of old Dutchess and the Empire State. It is composed of
thirteen massive stones, emblems of national birth, unity
and stability.
" Here we stood six hundred strong, shoulder to
shoulder, riveted to these rocks by loyal love to the Union
and the government of our fathers.
" So the massive stones of this monument, reared one
above the other, are significantly appropriate, each hold-
ing the other in place, representing a tower of invincible
strength. They also fitly typify the unity, love and
THE MONUMENT AND ITS DEDICATION. 173
mutual respect which characterized officers and men of
this regiment.
" May this monument endure fore\er as a symbol of
that fraternity, inspiring courage, loyalty and true man-
hood, which are the life-blood of the republic and its
only warrant for existence."
The acceptance of the monument by the chairman of
the committee was followed by the oration of the day,
delivered by Judge Henry A. Gildersleeve.
His remarks besides being very eloquent were replete
with historic allusions to the principles on which the foun-
dation of this government was laid, and the liberty and jus-
tice on which it rests. He called attention to the fact that
" while from other fields may be gathered as appalling
records of slaughter by contending armies, Gettysburg
was the most decisive in its results, and in history will
be the most conspicuous.
" On the escutcheon of nations, written with the blood
of heroes, France has her Austerlitz, England her
Waterloo, and the United States her Gettysburg.
" It was a victory that Insured the prosperity of the
Federal Union ; made permanent the establishment of
Republican Government among the nations of the earth;
cast off the fetters of three million bondsmen and abol-
ished slavery In America forever."
These ringing words were also heard, anci thrilled the
hearts of his hearers, " I can forgive the Southern rebel
for taking up arms against the Union, grasp him warmly
by the hand and call him brother; but a Northern copper-
head,— well, God may have mercy on him, but I cannot."
Here is another interesting extract from his oration :
"Do you remember our camp on the hill near Monocacy
174 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Bridge, from which point we first saw a portion of the
great Army of the Potomac of which we read so much?
For the first time we saw them bivouac, and hstened to
the music from their brigade bands as it pealed forth
upon the air on that still and solemn night. What a
spectacle for a recruit to look upon ! We were amazed
at the length of the wagon trains and batteries of artillery
as they filed into the valley below us and went into park
for the night. Thousands of camp fires lighted up the
region around, and we stood spellbound at the sight of
the vast enginery of war that was before us. It was
in this camp, inspired by this spectacle, we first imbibed
the true spirit of war and nerved ourselves for the trying
scenes we knew we must encounter, and desperate deeds
which were before us."
It has been said that it was on this hill that Julia Ward
Howe caught the inspiration for the glorious song, " The
Battle Hymn of the Republic," the first line of which
reads :
" Mine eyes liave seen the glory of the coining of the Lord."
Whether this be true or not it was a scene calculated to
inspire just such a poem as she wrote. It seems to me that
its vividness has not faded a particle from my mind in
the forty-five years that have since elapsed, and probably
will not until death has terminated all memories.
Judge Gildersleeve closed his oration with these
memorable words :
" We dedicate this monument to the memory of Ameri-
can soldiers, who with their life's blood wrote a law upon
the statute book of the United States, declaring that ' He
who bears arms in a war having for its object the dissolu-
THE MONUMENT AND ITS DEDICATION. 175
tion of the Union is guilty of treason.' Alas, that the
mortal remains of Gridley, Marshall, Welling, Sleight,
Sweet, Stone, Odell, Lovelace, Palmeteer, Story, and
others of the regiment who were sacrificed upon their
country's altar, cannot rest beneath this mass of granite,
so well calculated to withstand the ravages of time, and
thus have their burial places and their names perpetuated
throughout the ages to come. The love of kinsmen and the
loyalty of affectionate comrades anci friends have done
for them, as we have here to-day for those who sleep
beneath this monument, all that human hands can do to
fittingly mark their graves and keep their memories green.
There is no difference in degree; time will place all upon
a common level. What are these monuments to which
we point with pride? Some day they must crumble into
dust. No matter how high and strong we build the
fortresses of stone over and around the martyred dead;
we might build their granite bases as broad as the pyra-
mids and make their shafts touch heaven, yet there would
be higher monuments and stronger fortresses built of
the hearts of loyal Americans."
The orator of the day was followed by several other
speakers, all of whom were interesting and entertaining.
Among the speakers were Benson J, Lossing, LL.D.,
the historian. General H. H. Lockwood, the commander
of the Brigade to which we had been attached. Colonel
W. B. Maulsby of the ist Potomac Home Brigade, Cap-
tain W. R. Woodin, Captain Obed Wheeler and Captain
S. V. R. Cruger.
Mrs. E, O. Bartlett, the wife of the Chaplain, read a
spirited poem composed by Wallace Bruce, entitled,
176 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
" ON GUARD,
The 150TH Regiment at Gettysburg,"
after which the services were concluded by Chaplain E. O.
Bartlett who pronounced the benediction, and the monu-
ment was dedicated.
At the impromptu and informal campfire, called at
" Spring Hotel " by General A. B. Smith after the dedica-
tion ceremonies had been performed, several interesting,
eloquent and touching speeches were made by
Rev. E. L. Allen,
Rev. W. F. Hatfield,
General A. B. Smith,
Dr. S. G. Cook,
Adjutant W. H. Bartlett,
and several others whose names I cannot recall.
Captain Woodin recited a poem entitled, "Those
Beautiful Hands," soon after which the campfire was
extinguished and the next morning we left for our several
homes never as a body to meet again on that battlefield.
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CHAPTER XVII.
REGIMENTAL BAND.
By Charles E. Benton.
How It Was Created — Its Members — A Unique Character — Its Service in Battle — Regi-
ment's Position Marked by One of Its Members — Band Men Wounded
— Faithful to a Variety of Duties.
The members of the regimental band were not enlisted
as musicians, for the military law at that time gave no
place in the regimental organization for a band, but it
was made up of men detailed from the different com-
panies for that purpose. It was formed while the regi-
ment was at Camp Dutchess, but some of the members
who were at first detailed for that service were not re-
tained in it, but were replaced by others.
Stephen H. Stephenson, of Company B, was the leader
at first, but while we were in Baltimore he was returned
to his company, and James H. Vassar, of Company A,
\vas made the leader, serving in that capacity to the close
of the war. Stephenson was afterward detailed as divi-
sion bugler. About the time of leaving Baltimore the
following, as I recall, were members of the regimental
band:
From Company A, James H. Vassar, Charles E. Ben-
ton, Miles K. Lewis, Edwin A. Davis, Charles S.
Chichester, and George Ingraham; from Company B,
Henry Ritter, John E. Cavanagh, Francis C. Green,
Timothy T. Beach, John Smithson, Samuel H. Cable,
178 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
and Charles B. Hopkins; from Company C, James Smith;
from Company F, Richard L. Knight, Jefferson Cham-
plain, and John Simon; from Company H, John Collin;
from Company K, Amos T. Lilly.
Hubbard F. Roberts was drum major or "Principal
Musician," as he was officially styled, and the drummers
of the regiment were enlisted as drummers. John Collin
was an English boy, but the others were American born,
with the exception of John Simon, usually known as
"Simmons," who enlisted with us at Baltimore.
Simon was something of a character In his way, and
deserves more than passing mention. He was born In the
Province of Normandy, France, of a family of means
and social position. While attending a German Univer-
sity he became involved in an affair which finally ended
in a duel. One day, in one of his rare confidential moods,
he opened his clothing and showed me the long sword-scar
on his breast, which testified that the duel had been some-
thing more than the fiasco that German University duels
usually are. Either the duel, or the quarrel which led
up to it, resulted in a break with his family, and after a
while he entered the French army. He finally came to
this country and enlisted as a musician In our regular
army, where he served more than twenty years.
This I suppose was from lack of anything better to do,
for his education was not complete enough to be worth
much as a bread winner, and with the instinct of French
aristocracy he heartily despised manual labor. He
always seemed to consider his life to be somewhat of a
failure, notwithstanding his undoubted natural abilities,
and the experience soured a naturally wholesome disposi-
tion.
REGIMENTAL BAND. 179
On the same day on which Lieutenant Gridley was
killed Simon was struck in the knee by a bullet. He was
sent back to the hospital at Chattanooga, where he was
told that it would be necessary to amputate his leg in
order to save his life. But life already seemed to him to
have been a failure, and the offer to be passed on into old
age, a cripple depending on charity, was rejected with
scorn, and as he was permitted to make his choice the
operation was not performed, and he died of the wound.
Near Acworth, Georgia, in the summer of '64, another
member of the band, Edwin A. Davis, received two
painful wounds, but they did not prove fatal.
The band included in its membership many who had
played in bands at home, and though at first its music
was — just possibly — not of the highest order, yet it was
at least as good for music as the regiment's drill was for
drill, and as time went on the spirit of organization which
pervades everything in military life perfected them both
for their respective duties, and our band attained to the
reputation of being an excellent military band.
As soon as we began campaign work in the field it was
reduced in numbers by sickness, and before reaching
Virginia several were sent back to hospitals. Of these
Smith and Lilly never returned to us. As with the regi-
ment, the band's first experience of battle was at Gettys-
burg. They did not all remain together here, for the
members were detailed to different places.
On the first day — the second day of the battle — some
were detailed as stretcher-bearers, and accompanied the
regiment when it went to the relief of the ist Minnesota,
near Little Round Top, just at sun-down that day, and
with that advance followed on over the ground which
180 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
had been so grimly held by that now historic regiment.
It was the wounded from that regiment which they
worked so late in carrying off the field that night, for
our own regiment did not lose any men there. A group
of the band men were so busy at that task that they did
not know when the regiment was recalled to the right of
the line, which was some time in the night.
At three in the morning the first of the enemy's shots
just skimmed over them, sending them in hasty search
for the regiment, which after a time they found, now
supporting a battery near the Baltimore pike. Early
in the forenoon of that day a field hospital, with Surgeon
C. N. Campbell of our regiment in charge, was estab-
lished at the old stone barn on the Baltimore pike, directly
to the rear of where the regiment was engaged with the
enemy, while another field hospital, under charge of
First Assistant Surgeon S. G. Cook of our regiment, was
established a little farther south, but equally near the
brigade. Some of the band served in these hospitals,
while some were detailed to the 12th Corps hospital some
distance farther south.
Part of this service was rendered in going to the line
of battle and assisting the wounded back to the hospitals,
and on one occasion several of the band, by direction of
the Colonel, gathered the dead of the regiment and laid
them side by side some distance back of the breastworks.
It is probable that Colonel Kctcham's thoughtfulness in
having this done, even while the battle was raging, pre-
vented any of our dead from being lost in the general
confusion among so many dead.
Thus between field hospital service, and frequent trips
to bring out the wounded from the line of battle, many
REGIMENTAL BAND. 181
of them were engaged until the regiment was withdrawn
from that position, being replaced by other troops.
An incident of some interest in connection with this
battle is the fact that on the morning after its close Edwin
A. Davis, a member of the band, carved in the bark of
a thrifty oak tree near the southern slope of Gulp's Hill
this inscription :
Co. A.
150 N. Y.
The tree stands near the marker which indicates the
right of our regimental line when it held that position
for five hours on July 3, 1863, and now, more than forty
years afterward, the inscription still shows distinctly.
Now we again took up our routine of duties with the
regiment until we reached Virginia, where we lost, for a
time, several more members by sickness. The western
journey and the Tennessee trampings followed, as related
at length in other chapters of this volume, until we at
last settled down for the winter at Normandy, Tennessee,
where we were rejoined by some who had been sent to
hospitals.
At both Resaca and New Hope Church (the latter
being known at the time as the " Battle of Pumpkin Vine
Creek ") the band was with the regiment when it entered
the engagements, and did good service in carrying back
the wounded. After the battle of New Hope Church
some of us were detailed to assist in the field hospital
near at hand, and as the hostilities continued we worked
there about a week. Each day the ambulance train was
sent with its loads of suffering humanity twenty miles
back, to Kingston, to which point the railroad was then
rebuilt.
182 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
At the end of a week the enemy had been routed from
about there, and the ambulances were loaded with the
last of the wounded that were still alive, that field hospi-
tal having been broken up. On this last trip I was one
of the detail to care for the wounded on the way, and
almost the last sight that met my eyes as I left the deserted
pine grove, was a pile, as high as the table, of legs and
arms whose rightful owners never saw them again.
Throughout all the campaigns of the regiment the band
continued to share its fortunes, and this outline account
will give the reader something of an idea of the kind of
services which it rendered, beside those of furnishing
music, for in time of battle it was never required to fur-
nish music.
Its members were, as a whole, faithful to their duties,
and in addition to this performed much voluntary ser-
vice which was not strictly required of them as duties.
This was the more noteworthy, inasmuch as they served
without that stimulus to extra effort which the others felt
in the hope of a better position in reward for heroic ser-
vice; they were on the payrolls as privates, without any
possibility of receiving promotion.
CHAPTER XVIII.
REMINISCENCES.
By Chaplain Thomas E. Vassar.
Records of the Old Diary — Cheers and Tears — Apples and Turkeys from Home — Regi-
mental Debating Club— Dog of the Regiment — Campaigning — Battle
Scenes both Ludicrous and Pathetic —Virginia Camps —
Resignation and "All Hail."
I have diaries of 1862 and 1863, and they are fairly
well preserved, but the entries are meagre, and as many
of them are in pencil, they are naturally growing dim.
Memory, however tenacious, cannot be implicitly de-
pended on at the end of forty years, and so my contri-
butions toward the history of the 150th must be limited,
and may, in some particulars, prove to be inexact.
It must furthermore be remembered that my connec-
tion with the regiment covered but a third of its existence,
but if a few fragments from the memoranda or remem-
brances of the past will help perpetuate the memory of
old times and incidents I gladly say to my surviving com-
rades, "Such as I have I give thee."
If any statement shall seem irrelevant, or incorrect, my
former associates will charitably say, "Our old chaplain
nods; his mind meanders, and he easily forgets."
I will quote occasionally from the old diaries. Under
date of Saturday, October i i , 1862, this record appears : —
"About dusk the 150th moved down Main Street,
184 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Poughkeepsle, and amid cheers and tears, and waving of
flags, took the steamer Oregon for New York."
No one in the ranks on that long-ago autumn evening
has forgotten, or will forget, that starting for the front.
Every part of Dutchess County was represented in the
throngs that reached from Smith Street to the steamboat
wharf. If the parting scenes ot that night could be
reproduced the picture would be highly prized.
"Monday, October 13th — Reached Baltimore at 11
o'clock P. M. Slept on the station platform the balance
of the night." What a soft bed those depot planks
made! Maryland mud, such as we found later, was
easier to lie in.
"Friday, November 7th — Woke up and found it
snowing heavily; Camp Millington fairly buried by night.
The boys went around shivering and asking, — ' How is
this for the Sunny South?' "
"Thursday, November iith — Mrs. Ketcham arrived
in camp." A brief note this, but it announced the coming
of a woman who, to many a member of the regiment,
and especially the sick, was afterward as kind as a mother
or an elder sister, and whom not a few still remember
admiringly and gratefully.
"Sunday, November i6th — Dedicated our new meet-
ing tent." This tent was purchased with money con-
tributed by a dozen or more churches of Dutchess County.
We had many excellent meetings in it 'till the severest
weather of winter came, when wc had to abandon it for
warmer quarters. Tt was finally lost during the Gettys-
burg campaign.
" Thanksgiving Day, November 27th — Received eleven
barrels of apples from home; one for each company, and
REMINISCENCES. 185
one for the field and staff." These were sent us by a
Mr, Potter, of LaGrange, if my memory is not at fault.
The same thoughtful man sent the 128th New York
Regiment a like token of regard and remembrance. I
doubt if he ever fully knew of the gratitude and gladness
inspired by his generous gift.
"Wednesday, December 31st — Regiment ordered to
Adamstown, Md., to repel a reported invasion by the
enemy."
We did not discover so much as a single " Johnny,"
but as we were near Harper's Ferry some of us got per-
mission to visit that historic spot. In one small room
of a very dilapidated hotel six beds were placed, and in
those beds, between sheets that bore the imprint of many
previous lodgers, a score or so were packed like sardines
in a box.
■ New Year's Day of 1863 was spent there in visiting
famous localities. When we got back to Camp Belger
we found that several boxes of turkeys had arrived from
home. They had been intended for our Christmas
dinner, but they were so late in getting to our cook-house
and the mess-table that a rather ancient odor hung about
the fowls, and their flavor was not absolutely fine.
Turkeys however are such rare rations in camp that the
indisputable evidences of their antiquity were overlooked.
"Wednesday, January 14, 1863 — In our regimental
debating club at night we discussed the question, — ' JVoiild
it be zvise to arm the negroes in our zvar? ' Decided in the
affirmative by an immense majority."
The above record from my diary indicates that the men
of the 150th grappled with a tremendous problem before
186 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Congress did, and that they settled It while the legisla-
tors fought shy.
"Tuesday, January 20th — Had a number of Dutchess
County guests at our camp to-day."
Among the number that I recall as visiting us at dif-
ferent times were Benson J. Lossing, the historian; John
Thompson, wife and daughter; John G. Parker; Mrs.
H. C. Smith and son; the wife of Major Smith, with
their son and daughter; the wife of Captain Broas; the
wife of Lieutenant Underwood; the Misses Wickes, and
others of Poughkeepsie ; Colonel Rundall, Gail Borden
and wife,, Edward Gridley and the Misses Mygatt of
Amenia; Orrin Wakeman of Millerton; the father of
Lieutenant Titus, and the parents of Lieutenant S. V. R.
Cruger. These names recur to me, but doubtless there
were many more.
One funny incident occurs to me in connection with
the visit of Mr. Parker. Among our men was one whom
I will call "Billy B." although really he was not "Billy"
anybody. Now "Billy" was not a total abstainer. In-
deed, he never abstained if there was a chance to do the
other thing. The day before Mr. Parker's visit "Billy"
had spent a few hours in Baltimore, and having a few
"shin-plasters" in his pocket he came back to camp slightly
cbted, and "whooped 'er up" pretty loud. The conse-
quence was that he slept that night on the downy pillows
of the guard-house, and in the morning was set up on a
barrel in camp to do penance.
Now "Billy" and Mr. Parker were old acquaintances,
and naturally enough the offender did not care to have
Mr. Parker see him mounted on such a pedestal. Long
before Mr. Parker spied "Billy" he was spied by
REMINISCENCES. 187
"Billy," and as the visitor approached the unfortunate
victim of his environment just threw the cape of his over-
coat about his head, and Mr. Parker passed the curiously
masked figure, unaware that it was his old friend and
acquaintance who had thus so modestly veiled his face.
In my official capacity I was sometimes called upon to
perform the ceremony at marriages, and the memory of
one of these occasions clings to me as that of one of the
comedies of the war, though it may well have been far
from that character to those most interested.
One of our German boys became enamored with a rosy-
cheeked Rosina, living in an alley of Baltimore. Early
one morning he came for me to go down town with him
and speak the words that should make the maiden fair a
soldier's wife, and render her lover's joy complete. On
reaching the rather unimposing residence of the bride she
was nowhere to be found.
The minister and groom were ready, but the third
party in the transaction was not to be seen, and very
obviously this caused a serious hitch. "Mart," how-
ever, was not to be thwarted in his purposes by such a
trifling circumstance, so bidding the chaplain be seated
he said, "You shust vait; I fin's her!" The "wait"
seemed interminable, but before noon the pair appeared
and were made one.
Then it was discovered that while the wedding cake
was ready to be cut, the wine to wash it down had not
been ordered. The newly made husband started out in
quest of it, and during this second "still hunt" the parson
thought it a favorable time to depart. Whether the cup
that cheers finally got there the undersigned saith not,
188 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
but the fee surely didn't, and the job performed was ap-
parently as short-lived as the sunshine of that April day.
When the regiment, sixty days later, marched for the
last time down Madison Avenue, Rosina thought it a
good time to dissolve the partnership. Soldiers were
too uncertain supporters to tie to, and it was not best to
risk any chances while available matrimonial timber was
close at hand; — so the young wife seemed to reason. I
am not certain whether the husband marched up Main
Street with the regiment in the summer of ^6^, but if he
did the wife was evidently not with him.
From a missing woman to a missing brute may be con-
sidered quite a leap, but do the boys remember that big
brindle dog the regiment adopted in Baltimore, so curi-
ously marked, and which, all over the camp, was such
a pet? He was tattooed like a Modoc Indian, or the
Ancient Mariner, and how he clung to the command and
followed its fortunes ! The last that I ever heard of him
was during the second day's fight at Gettysburg. Did he
fall among the dead men that littered those plains and
slopes, and did his blood with theirs crimson the trampled
sod? We never knew.
"Friday, June 26th — Marched through rain and mud
to Poplar Springs, The distance was said to be twenty-
seven miles. I never saw men so exhausted, and at inter-
vals I put several of them on my horse and walked by
the side. When shoes and stockings were pulled off at
night I saw great strips and patches of skin come off the
feet." ■ I -,1 i
This brief extract from the diary gives a glimpse of
the second day out from Baltimore, and what a picture
it is of the regiment's introduction to service in the field!
REMINISCENCES. 189
"Sunday, June 28th — Very little like Sunday, though
we did hold one brief service. All day the roads were
one mass of moving men, and at night every hillside
gleamed with camp-fires."
"Tuesday, June 30th — Joined the 12th Army Corps
at Frederick City, and started with it for Gettysburg,
making twenty miles before night."
That day's march was memorable. It lay along high-
ways bordered with wheatfields and orchards exactly such
as Whittier afterward pictured in his "Barbara Frietchie."
On one of the hills where the regiment halted for a few
moments Colonel Ketcham looked over the country and
then, turning to the men nearest to him, said, " It would
be hard to beat that in Dutchess County."
"Wednesday, July ist — Made sixteen miles and got
within eight miles of Gettysburg. As we were lying
down for the night orders came to move at midnight."
An hour or more after midnight we fell into line, and
silently as a company of shadows the men got into their
places, with not a joke, not a laugh, and not a snatch of
song. Word reached us that the fight had begun, that
General Reynolds had been killed, our forces worsted,
and that the whole Army of the Potomac was hurrying
to the field.
" Thursday, July 2nd — Halted near Round Top, and
Little Round Top, at sunrise, meeting loads of half-crazed
women and children escaping from their homes. We did
not get into the battle until afternoon, when we were
ordered to the support of the 3rd Corps, which was hard
pushed."
Little Round Top was very quiet when we passed it
in the early morning, but before sundown it belched
flame like a veritable volcano.
190 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Let me mention one humorous occurrence just here.
Sometime in the early hours of the day, and before the
action had become general, I was lying with the regiment
in a wheat field. The grain had been cut, and with some
of the sheaves for pillows we were talking or drowsing.
All of a sudden there came screeching over our heads
a shell that buried itself a rod or two away, and sent up
earth and stone like a water-spout.
It was the enemy's salute to the 150th, and in its
immediate vicinity there was such an exhibition of flutter-
ing coat-tails as is rarely witnessed. It might be a bit
of exaggeration to say that we made a quarter of a mile in
a single minute, but the action was surely swift. We got
more used to that sort of thing before night.
" Friday, July 3rd — Got into battle early. I helped
our surgeons to care for the wounded in an old stone
barn on the Baltimore pike, and kept at it until night."
" Saturday, July 4th — Was busy during the forenoon
in labelling our dead, and preparing them for burial. I
was so tired at night that I fancy I could have slept right
through a fight."
Connected with the Gettysburg battle are a number of
details that abide in memory still, and it may be that a
few of them are worth mentioning. Possibly they im-
pressed me more than they would others because I saw
no other important action, while many of the comrades
witnessed and participated in engagements scarcely less
famous. The first of the events is of a comic nature,
and yet it happened during that terrific cannonade on the
afternoon of the last day of the fight.
Standing in front of the old barn previously mentioned
were a half dozen or more ambulances waiting to carry
REMINISCENCES. 191
the wounded away to hospitals beyond the battle lines.
When the thundering and pounding of those two or three
hundred cannons grew hot and heavy the ambulance
drivers tried to get their teams away to a more sheltered
spot. But anybody who has been used to the handling
of a mule knows that it is the perversest animal — some
men excepted — that travels.
Cries, blows, and curses did not stir the brutes an inch.
They only laid back their long ears and vigorously em-
ployed their heels. But when they got ready to go they
went; and such a going! No circus antics were ever so
mirth-provoking. Amid that terrific rain of death men
roared with laughter as the ambulances went rattling
down the hill in John Gilpin style.
Two or three days earlier than this I saw a rather
hungry night. Some fellow who had not the fear of
God before his eyes borrozved my haversack and forgot to
return it. The said haversack had been filled with a
loaf of bread, a bit of ciried beef, and a dozen boiled
eggs, which I had purchased of a kind German woman
on the road. Of course when it was thus stocked it was
something of a temptation, and another, who was perhaps
hungrier, captured it when the owner was not on guard.
In this condition of affairs, and when my prospect of
going to bed supperless was better than the prospect that
some have of reaching heaven, I scented something like
broiled chicken coming from the outskirts of the camp.
Now the odor of broiled chicken is seldom disagreeable,
but it is especially captivating when one's stomach is in
danger of collapse. Starting out to investigate I found
two or three of my good friends gathered about a fine
looking fowl that they were putting where it would do
192 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
the most good, and they diabohcally suggested that I
should step up and have a bite.
They indignantly resented my insinuation that some-
body beside the heir to my haversack had been breaking
the eighth commandment. Steal a rooster ! Not they !
They had borrowed this one from a farmer who had a
lot to spare ! Just then it did take some pluck, or some-
thing else, to say " No." If those tempters chance to
, read this story of their seductive solicitations I wish them
to give me credit for the act of self-denial.
Here is a painful reminiscence; almost too harrowing
perhaps to be mentioned, although it refers to times so
far in the past. It belongs to that sultry sundown of
July 2nd, and a peach orchard was the place.
Our regiment had been helping regain the ground and
retake the guns which Sickles had lost during the after-
noon. We were pushing over ground littered with the
wounded, the dying and the dead, and my horse, not yet
become accustomed to such sights, stopped short. Dis-
mounting I tied him to a tree, proposing to follow on
foot. Hardly was I out of the saddle than those nearest
me, who were least injured, began their pitiful cries for
help. "Water! Water! Chaplain; for God's sake!"
This was the cry on every side. Seeing a small house
a fourth of a mile away I ran toward it, hoping to fill a
few canteens and furnish some relief. I found a well
there, but it was absolutely surrounded with wounded
men, some of whom must evidently have crawled thither
on their hands and knees. Some that could stand had
so drained the well that what now came up was so
thickened with mud as to be of the consistency of cream;
REMINISCENCES. 193
but even these nauseous driblets were clamored for with
passionate agony.
I stood beside that same well in the summer of 1902^
when Nature all around was robed in her fairest hues and
forms, and very vividly stood out that summer night of
thirty-nine years earlier, when the heavens were lit with
trailing fire, the soil around drenched with blood, and
the air rent with shrieks and groans.
On this hunt for water I lost my regiment, and did not
find it again till nearly midnight. Here is another well-
remembered incident, though I hardly know to what class
it belongs.
Late in the afternoon of July 4th Charles E. Benton,
Albert B. Reed, and perhaps some others with them,
came to me, saying that they had found a dead soldier
near a fence between Gulp's Hill and the Baltimore pike,
and did not know whether he was a member of our regi-
ment or not. He was lying there all by himself, and
they wished me to go and see him. Some thoughtful
survivor had drawn a covering over the dead man's face
to protect it from discoloration under the hot summer sun.
Turning the covering down we looked on a countenance
utterly unknown, but singularly impressive in all its lines.
Death had not marred a feature; if carved in marble
they could hardly have been more fair. It was the ex-
pression on the face however that fixed all our eyes. It
was not triumph; that could be seen on other brows. It
was not peace; one often sees that when death has done
its work. There was no trace of earthly passion in the
half-closed eyes, but there was such a smile as one would
imagine might have been caught if a glimpse of some-
194 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
thing bright on beyond had gleamed on the dying vision
as mortahty was swallowed up in life.
Perhaps it is mere conjecture on my part, but I believed
then, and I believe now, that our fellow-soldier glimpsed
an opening heaven when his call came. Some will declare
this all imagination, but those who stood over the dead
man that Independence Day saw a look that was not of
earth, and Mr. Benton evidently is referring to the same
incident on page ^6, in "As Seen From the Ranks."
Why should anyone who has faith in immortality ques-
tion my interpretation of this expression?
At dusk Saturday evening I found that our regimental
dead, and twice as many more of our brigade, yet lay
unburied. I had gathered them up and labelled them
early in the day. On reporting this to General Lock-
wood he gave me a detail of twenty-one men, with a re-
quest that I would superintend the interment. After a
long hunt for picks and shovels we got at the job. The
graves were dug in a bit of thinly-wooded ground, not
far, I think, from where our regimental monument now
stands. I am not positive as to the precise location, for
in none of my later visits to Gettysburg have I been able
to fix upon the spot.
It was so dark that we required light to do the work,
and there was no way of getting it excepting by building
a fire out of the dead twigs and branches; but the blaze
drew on us an occasional shot from Confederate sharp-
shooters. The gruesome and somewhat dangerous task
was not finished until midnight. As the bodies had been
lying out in the fierce summer heat from twenty-four to
forty-eight hours their condition can be imagined; It need
not be described.
REMINISCENCES. 1?5
When these and other bodies were removed to the
National Cemetery the autumn following but two of the
regimental dead that we buried were missing, and the
head-board inscriptions I had so hastily penciled were
all distinct enough to read. I lay down that night between
two dying men, so utterly fagged out that I could hardly
have tramped a mile further. I will quote a little more
from the old diary. It is of the time when we were at
or near Williamsport, Md.
"Sunday, July 12th — Preached in the morning, and
all of us expected that before night another big fight
would begin."
"Thursday, July i6th — Found my horse so used up
that I had to leave him on a farm by the way. Pushed
on with the rest to Sandy Hook, having passed by the
Antietam battlefield."
"Wednesday, July 22nd — Fields around fairly covered
with blackberries. The boys would gather a cupful in
five minutes."
I wonder if any of the pickers remember what quanti-
ties they brought into camp in their caps, or just under
their blouses ! About these days several farmers com-
plained to Colonel Ketcham that his men were milking
their cows out in the pasture lots once an hour. Very
likely some of them did it; they Were simply getting
back to infantile operations.
I wonder whether Colonel Ketcham ever forgot send-
ing two of the boys with a dollar bill to get him a canteen
of milk somewhere in this region! This farmer proved
to be a modern Shylock, and when he saw the dollar
he took the whole of it for the two quarts. An angry
squad, on hearing of the transaction, interviewed the
196 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
same farmer within an hour, and left every pan in his
cellar as clean as if a cat had licked it. In this way they
just about evened up the account.
" Monday, July 27th — Received two mails, and sent
one out; our first direct communication with home for
nearly three weeks."
It can easily be imagined what excitement this fact
stirred in camp. Not quite as much as a battle, it is true,
perhaps a trifle less than the arrival of the paymaster,
but the coming of the mail-bag was the next thing.
"Friday, July 31st — Camped near Kelley's Ford, on
the Rappahannock. The heat is terrible, and the water
supply the scantiest and poorest. I am seriously unwell
here, and have not left my tent for days."
" Saturday, August 8th — My resignation as Chaplain
of the 150th is accepted."
Along with Adjutant Thompson I started for home,
but got as far only as Baltimore, and there gave up and
went into a hospital, where I lay for some days. On
Wednesday, August 19th, I went to Kearneyville for my
horse, and then left for New York, which I reached on
Friday, the 21st. I here straightened out all my accounts
with the government, receiving my pay, and at night was
again in Amenia, my home, after an absence of nearly
eleven months.
Thus ended my connection with the " Dutchess County
Regiment," and my army experience. To the survivors
of the old command I send all good wishes, and the
"All Hail " of the great future of a country they helped
to save.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE SONGS WE USED TO SING.
Selected by
Hubbard F. Roberts and James H. Vassar.
America— Glorj' ! Glory I Hallelujah !— Red, White and Blue— The Battle Cry of Free-
dom— Tramp ! Tramp ! Tramp ! — Battle Hymn of the Republic — The Vacant
Chair — Tenting on the Old Camp Ground — When Johnny Comes
Marching Home — Song of the Camp — Kingdom Coming
— Annie Laurie — Star Spangled Banner — When
this Cruel War Is Over.
AMERICA.
My country, 'tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty.
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died !
Land of the Pilgrim's pride!
From ev'ry mountain side
Let freedom ring!
My native country, thee, —
Land of the noble free, —
Thy name I love;
I love thy rocks and rills.
Thy woods and templed hills :
My heart with rapture thrills.
Like that above.
198 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Let music swell the breeze,
And ring from all the trees
Sweet freedom's song:
Let mortal tongues awake;
Let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break, —
The sound prolong.
Our fathers' God to Thee,
Author of Liberty,
To Thee we sing :
Long may our land be bright
f With Freedom's holy light;
!^ Protect us by Thy might.
Great God, our Kingl
GLORY! GLORY! HALLELUJAH!
John Brown's body lies a-mould'ring in the grave,
John Brown's body lies a-mould'ring in the grave,
John Brown's body lies a-mould'ring in the grave,
His soul is marching on.
Chorus.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
His soul is marching on.
The stars of heaven are looking kindly down.
The stars of heaven are looking kindly down.
The stars of heaven are looking kindly down,
On the grave of old John Brown.
Chorus. Glory ! etc.
THE SONGS WE USED TO SING. 199
He's gone to be a soldier in the army of the Lord,
He's gone to be a soldier in the army of the Lord,
He's gone to be a soldier in the army of the Lord,
His soul is marching on.
Chorus. Glory! etc.
John Brown's knapsack is strapped upon his back,
John Brown's knapsack is strapped upon his back,
John Brown's knapsack is strapped upon his back,
His soul is marching on.
Chorus. Glory! etc.
His pet lambs will meet him on the way,
His pet lambs will meet him on the way.
His pet lambs will meet him on the way.
And they'll go marching on.
Chorus. Glory! etc.
We'll hang Jeff Davis to a sour apple tree.
We'll hang Jeff Davis to a sour apple tree.
We'll hang Jeff Davis to a sour apple tree.
As we go marching on.
Chorus. Glory! etc.
RED, WHITE AND BLUE.
O Columbia, the gem of the ocean,
The home of the brave and the free, —
The shrine of each patriot's devotion, —
A world offers homage to thee;
Thy mandates make heroes assemble,
When Liberty's form stands in view;
Thy banners make Tyranny tremble.
When borne by the Red, White and Blue.
200 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Chorus.
When borne by the Red, White and Blue,
When borne by the Red, White and Blue ;
Thy banners make Tyranny tremble.
When borne by the Red, White and Blue.
When war waged its wide desolation.
And threaten'd the land to deform.
The ark then of Freedom's foundation, —
Columbia, — rode safe thro' the storm;
With her garlands of vict'ry around her,
When so proudly she bore her brave crew,
With her flag proudly floating before her.
The boast of the Red, White and Blue.
Chorus.
The boast of the Red, White and Blue,
The boast of the Red, White and Blue;
With her flag proudly floating before her,
The boast of the Red, White and Blue.
The wine cup, the wine cup bring hither,
And fill you it true, to the brim ;
May wreaths they have won never wither.
Nor the star of their glory grow dim;
May the service united, ne'er sever.
But they to their colors prove true ;
The Army and Navy forever 1
Three cheers for the Red, White and Blue.
Chorus.
Three cheers for the Red, White and Blue !
Three cheers for the Red, White and Blue !
The Army and Navy forever!
Three cheers for the Red, White and Blue 1
THE SONGS WE USED TO SING. 201
THE BATTLE CRY OF FREEDOM.
Yes, we'll rally round the flag, boys, we'll rally once
again,
Shouting the battle cry of Freedom,
We will rally from the hillside, we'll gather from the
plain,
Shouting the battle cry of Freedom.
Chorus.
The Union forever! Hurrah, boys. Hurrah!
Down with the traitor, up with the star !
While we rally round the flag, boys, rally once again.
Shouting the battle cry of Freedom.
We arc springing to the call of our brothers gone before.
Shouting the battle cry of Freedom,
And we'll fill the vacant ranks with a million freemen
more.
Shouting the battle cry of Freedom.
Chorus.
The Union forever! Hurrah, boys. Hurrah!
Down with the traitor, up with the star!
While we rally round the flag, boys, rally once again.
Shouting the battle cry of Freedom.
We will welcome to our numbers the loyal, true and
brave.
Shouting the battle cry of Freedom,
And altho' they may be poor not a man shall be a slave,
Shouting the battle cry of Freedom.
202 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Chorus.
The Union forever ! Hurrah, boys, Hurrah !
Down with the traitor, up with the star!
While we rally round the flag, boys, rally once again.
Shouting the battle cry of Freedom.
So we're springing to the call, from the East and from
the West,
Shouting the battle cry of Freedom,
And we'll hurl the rebel crew from the land we love the
best.
Shouting the battle cry of Freedom.
Chorus.
The Union forever! Hurrah, boys. Hurrah!
Down with the traitor, up with the star!
While we rally round the flag, boys, rally once again.
Shouting the battle cry of Freedom.
TRAMP! TRAMP! TRAMP!
The Prisoner's Hope.
In the prison cell I sit.
Thinking, Mother dear, of you.
And our bright and happy home so far away.
And the tears, — they fill my eyes.
Spite of all that I can do,
Though I try to cheer my comrades and be gay.
Chorus.
Tramp! Tramp! Tramp! The boys are marching!
Cheer up, comrades, they will come.
And beneath the starry flag we shall breathe the air again,
Of the free-land, in our own beloved home.
THE SONGS WE USED TO SING. 203
In the battle-front we stood
When their fiercest charge they made,
And they swept us off, a hundred men or more.
But before we reached their Hnes
They were beaten back, dismayed,
And we heard the cry of vict'ry o'er and o'er.
Chorus.
Tramp ! Tramp ! Tramp ! The boys are marching !
Cheer up, comrades, they will come.
And beneath the starry flag we shall breathe the air again.
Of the free-land, in our own beloved home.
So within the prison wall
We are waiting for the day
That shall come to open wide the oaken door.
And the hollow eye grows bright,
And the poor heart almost gay,
As we think of seeing home and friends once more.
Chorus.
Tramp ! Tramp ! Tramp I The boys are marching !
Cheer up, comrades, they will come,
And beneath the starry flag we shall breathe the air again.
Of the free-land, in our own beloved home.
BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC.
By Julia Ward Howe.
Melody— ''Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!"
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is tramping out the vintage where the grapes of wrath
are stored;
204 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
He has loosed the fearful lightning of His terrible swift
sword.
His truth Is marching on.
Chorus.
Glory! Glory 1 Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! . .
His truth is marching on.
I have seen Him In the watch-fires of a hundred circling
camps ;
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and
damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring
lamps.
His day is marching on.
Chorus.
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah !
Hallelujah !
His day Is marching on.
I have read a fiery gospel writ In burnished rows of steel;
"As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace
shall deal;
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his
heel,
Since God is marching on."
Chorus.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Since God is marching on.
THE SONGS WE USED TO SING. 205
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call
retreat 1
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment
seat.
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him ! Be jubilant, my
feet!
Our God is marching on.
Chorus.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Our God is marching on.
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me.
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,
While God is marching on.
Chorus.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
While God is marching on.
THE VACANT CHAIR.
We shall meet, but we shall miss him,
There will be one vacant chair;
We shall linger to caress him
While we breathe our evening prayer.
When a year ago we gathered,
Joy was in his mild blue eye,
But a golden cord is severed.
And our hopes in ruin lie.
206 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Chorus.
We shall meet, but we shall miss him,
There will be one vacant chair;
We shall linger to caress him
While we breathe our evening prayer.
At our fireside, sad and lonely.
Often will the bosom swell.
At remembrance of the story.
How our noble Willie fell;
How he strove to bear our banner
Thro' the thickest of the fight.
And uphold our country's honor
In the strength of Manhood's might.
Chorus.
We shall meet, but we shall miss him.
There will be one vacant chair;
We shall linger to caress him
While we breathe our evening prayer.
True, they tell us, wreaths of glory
Ever more will deck his brow.
But this soothes the anguish only,
Sweeping o'er our heart-strings now.
Sleep to-day, O early fallen.
In thy green and narrow bed;
Dirges from the pine and cypress
Mingle with the tears we shed.
Chorus.
We shall meet, but we shall miss him,
There will be one vacant chair;
We shall linger to caress him
While we breathe our evening prayer.
THE SONGS WE USED TO SING. 207
TENTING ON THE OLD CAMP GROUND.
We're tenting to-night on the old camp ground,
Give us a song to cheer
Our weary hearts, a song of home,
And friends we love so dear.
Choj'us.
Many are the hearts that are weary to-night.
Wishing for the war to cease;
Many are the hearts that are looking for the right.
To see the dawn of peace.
Tenting to-night! Tenting to-night!
Tenting on the old camp ground !
We're tenting to-night on the old camp ground.
Thinking of days gone by;
Of the loved ones at home, that gave us the hand,
And the tear that said " Good-bye."
Chorus.
Many are the hearts that are weary to-night.
Wishing for the war to cease;
Many are the hearts that are looking for the right.
To see the dawn of peace.
Tenting to-night ! Tenting to-night !
- Tenting on the old camp ground !
We're tired of war, on the old camp ground.
Many are dead and gone.
Of the brave and true who've left their homes.
And others been wounded long.
208 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Chorus.
Many are the hearts that are weary to-night,
Wishing for the war to cease;
Many are the hearts that are looking for the right,
To see the dawn of peace.
Tenting to-night ! Tenting to-night !
Tenting on the old camp ground!
We've been fighting to-day on the old camp ground.
Many are lying near;
Some are dead and some are dying,
While many are in tears.
Chorus.
Many are the hearts that are weary to-night,
Wishing for the war to cease;
Many are the hearts that are looking for the right.
To see the dawn of peace.
Dying to-night ! Dying to-night !
Dying on the old camp ground !
WHEN JOHNNY COMES MARCHING HOME.
When Johnny comes marching home again.
Hurrah ! Hurrah !
We'll give him a hearty welcome then,
Hurrah ! Hurrah !
The men will cheer, the boys will shout.
The ladies, they will all turn out,
And we'll all feel gay
When Johnny comes marching home.
THE SONGS WE USED TO SING. 209
The old church bell will peal with joy.
Hurrah ! Hurrah !
To welcome home our darling boy,
Hurrah ! Hurrah !
The village lads and lassies say,
With roses they will strew the way.
And we'll all feel gay
When Johnny comes marching home.
Get ready for the Jubilee,
Hurrah 1 Hurrah!
We'll give the hero " Three times three,"
Hurrah ! Hurrah !
The laurel wreath is ready now.
To place upon his loyal brow.
And we'll all feel gay
When Johnny comes marching home.
Let love and friendship, on that day,
Hurrah ! Hurrah !
Their choicest treasures then display,
Hurrah ! Hurrah !
And let each one perform some part.
To fill with joy the warrior's heart,
And we'll all drink stone blind
When Johnny comes marching home.
SONG OF THE CAMP.
" Give us a song," the soldiers cried.
The outer trenches guarding,
When heated guns of the camps allied
Grew weary of bombarding:
210 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
The dark Redan, in silent scoff,
Lay grim and threatening under,
And the tawny mound of the Malakoff,
No longer belch'd its thunder.
There was a pause. A guardsman said:
" We storm the forts to-morrow :
Sing while we may, another day
Will bring enough of sorrow."
They lay along the battery's side.
Below the smoking cannon :
Brave hearts from Severn and from Clyde,
And from the banks of Shannon.
They sang of love, and not of fame ;
Forgot was Britain's glory;
Each heart recalled a different name,
But all sang "Annie Laurie,"
Voice after voice caught up the song,
Until its tender passion
Rose like an anthem, rich and strong.
Their battle-eve confession.
Dear girl, her name he dared not speak,
But as the song grew louder,
Something upon the soldier's cheek
Washed off the stains of powder.
Beyond the darkening ocean burned
The bloody sunset's embers.
While the Crimean valleys learned
How English love remembers.
THE SONGS WE USED TO SING. 211
And once again a fire like hell
Rained on the Russian quarters,
With scream of shot and burst of shell,
And bellowing of the mortars !
And Irish Nora's eyes are dim.
For a singer dumb and gory :
And English Mary mourns for him
Who sang of "Annie Laurie."
Sleep, soldiers, sleep ! in honored rest,
Your truth and valor wearing:
The bravest are the tenderest,
The loving are the daring.
KINGDOM COMING.
Say, darkies, hab you seen old massa,
Wid de muffstash on his face,
Go long de road some time dis mornin'.
Like he gwine to leab de place ?
He seen a smoke, way up de ribber,
Whar de Linkum gumboats lay;
He took his hat, an' lef berry sudden.
An' I spec he's run away !
Chorus.
De massa run? ha, ha!
De darkey stay ? ho, ho !
It mus' be now de kingdom comin',
An' de year ob Jubilo !
2l2 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
He six foot one way, four foot tudder,
An' he weigh tree hundred pound,
His coat so big, he couldn't pay de tailor.
An' it won't go half way round.
He drill so much dey call him Cap'n,
An' he get so drefful tann'd,
I spec he try an' fool dem Yankees
For to tink he's contraband.
Chorus. De massa run, etc.
De darkies feel so lonesome libbing
In de log house on de lawn,
Dey move dar tings to massa's parlor
For to keep it while he's gone;
Dar's wine an' cider in de kitchen,
An' de darkies dey'll hab some ;
I spose dey'll all be cornfiscated,
When de Linkum sojers come.
Chorus. De massa run, etc.
De oberseer he makes us trouble.
An' he dribe us round a spell;
We lock him up in de smoke-house cellar,
Wid de key trown down de well.
De whip is lost, de han'cuff broken.
But de massa '11 hab his pay;
He's old enough, big enough, ought to know better,
Dan to went an' run away.
Chorus. De massa run, etc.
THE SONGS WE USED TO SING. 213
ANNIE LAURIE.
Maxwelton's banks are bonny, where early falls the dew ;
And 'twas there that Annie Laurie gave me her promise
true,
Gave me her promise true, and ne'er forget will I,
But for bonnie Annie Laurie, I'd lay me down and die.
Her brow is like the snow-drift, her throat is like the
swan;
Her face is as the fairest that e'er the sun shone on,
That e'er the sun shone on; and dark blue is her e'e;
And for bonnie Annie Laurie, I'd lay me down and die.
Like dew on the gowan lying is the fa' o' her fairy feet.
And like winds in summer sighing, her voice is low and
sweet;
Her voice is low and sweet, and she's a' the world to me.
And for bonnieAnnie Laurie, I'd lay me down and die.
THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER.
O ! Say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleam-
ing?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the peril-
ous fight.
O'er the ramparts we watch'd were so gallantly stream-
ing;
And the rocket's red glare, the bomxb's bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O, say, does the star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave ?
214 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
On the shore dimly seen through the mist of the deep,
Where's the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam.
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream.
'Tis the star-spangled banner! O, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their Blood has washed out their foul footstep's pol-
lution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave.
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
O, thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation;
Blessed with vict'ry and peace, may the heaven-rescued
land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a
nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just.
And this be our motto, — " In God is our trust! "
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
THE SONGS WE USED TO SING. 215
WHEN THIS CRUEL WAR IS OVER.
Dearest love, do you remember,
When we last did meet.
How you told me that you loved me,
Kneeling at my feet?
Oh ! how proud you stood before me
In your suit of blue.
When you vowed to me and country
Ever to be true !
Chorus.
Weeping sad and lonely,
Hopes and fears, how vain !
Yet praying.
When this cruel war is over.
Praying that we meet again !
When the summer breeze is sighing
Mournfully along;
Or when autumn leaves are falling,
Sadly breathes the song.
Oft in dreams I see thee lying
On the battle plain,
Lonely, wounded, even dying.
Calling but In vain.
Chorus. Weeping, etc.
If amid the din of battle
Nobly you should fall.
Far away from those who love you,
None to hear you call, —
216 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Who would whisper words of comfort?
Who would soothe your pain?
Ah! the many cruel fancies
Ever in my brain.
Chorus. Weeping, etc.
But our country called you, darling —
Angels cheer your way ;
While our nation's sons are fighting,
We can only pray.
Nobly strike for God and liberty,
Let all nations see
How we love the starry banner.
Emblem of the free.
Chorus. Weeping, etc.
CHAPTER XX.
PERSONAL SKETCHES.
JOHN HENRY KETCH AM.
1832-1906.
By Henry B. Ketcham.
The subject of this sketch was born at Dover Plains,
New York, on December 21, 1832, the second son of
John M. and Eliza A. (Stevens) Ketcham.
The family is descended from old English stock, and
the first authentic record of it in the colonies is of the
John Ketcham who emigrated to this country with the
Pilgrim Fathers, and whose descendants subsequently
settled in Connecticut. From there John Ketcham's
descendants migrated to the south shore of Long Island,
and there is an authentic record that the grandfather of
John H. Ketcham lived, at the close of the Revolutionary
War, at or near Babylon. In the latter part of that
century he moved to the Harlem Valley and founded
a general store, which was continued until the time of
his death in 1872.
It was here that John H. Ketcham was born and
married, and in this little community he reared and edu-
cated his children. His early life was that common to
the country boy of his time. He attended the District
School and did chores about the place, the hardships en-
218 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
countered at the formative period of his hfe being never
lost upon him. They showed later when he had risen to
a conspicuous place in the State and Nation, and his un-
failing courtesy and kindly sympathy for others who came
to him for aid won him many friends.
In addition to the meagre advantages of the District
School John H. Ketcham attended the Amenia Seminary,
then a noted academy in a section where educational
advantages were few, and subsequently for one winter
attended the Suffield Academy at Suffield, Conn., and one
year at Worcester Seminary, at Worcester, Mass. These
comparatively meagre advantages were supplemented by
reading at night when the farm work was over; but very
largely his education was acquired in the broad school of
human experience.
Upon leaving Worcester Seminary he formed an asso-
ciation in connection with his older brother, William, and
acquired a farm which the two brothers worked together.
Upon this farm there was located a marble quarry which
was subsequently developed and made one of the leading
industries of the neighborhood.
His townsfolk early recognized in John H. Ketcham
qualities of industry and capacity for leadership, and in
November, 1853, before he had attained his 21st birth-
day, he was chosen to represent the Town of Dover in
the Board of Supervisors at the County Seat. So well
and so faithfully was this work done that in the fall of
1854 he was re-elected, and while still a member of this
Board he was chosen a member of the State Legislature,
being re-elected in the following year.
In 1857, and while but twenty-five years of age, he was
the unanimous choice of his party for the State Senate,
JOHN HENRY KETCHAM. 219
and was chosen by a substantial plurality, being at that
time one of the youngest men who had ever been a mem-
ber of that body. So satisfactory was his service to his
constituency, and so devoted was he to their interests,
that he was unanimously re-nominated and re-elected in
1859-
During his service in the State Legislature the business
of the marble works and of the farm was continued and
It prospered. After the outbreak of the War of the
Rebellion, and upon the second call of President Lincoln
for volunteers, John H. Ketcham was appointed by Edwin
D. Morgan, the War Governor of New York, a mem-
ber of the War Committee for Dutchess and Columbia
Counties.
Among his associates on this Committee were Benson
J. Lossing, noted as a historian, and James Emmott, then
a Justice of the New York Supreme Court. All through
the summer of 1862 John H. Ketcham labored incessantly
with the work entrusted to him, and In the fall of that
year, with his characteristic zeal and energy, he had com-
pleted his quota with picked men, representing the best
and most Intelligent citizenship of the entire County.
Of this regiment, which was designated the 150th New
York State Volunteers, John H. Ketcham was unani-
mously chosen Colonel. It may truthfully be said that he
was utterly without military experience and training, but
he was devoted unceasingly to perfecting himself In
military tactics, and night after night busied himself In
study. The departure of the regiment from Pough-
keepsle for the front was an event long to be remembered,
the ladles of Dutchess County presenting it with a set of
colors.
220 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
The first order called for its presence in Baltimore, and
here in the winter of 1862 and '63 the regiment was en-
camped, and during that entire winter Mrs. Ketcham was
present and endured the privations and discomforts of
camp life, thus giving companionship to her husband, and
comfort and encouragement to those of the regiment who
were privileged to meet with this rare and gifted woman.
For more than two years following the muster of the
regiment into the United States service Colonel Ketcham's
life was merged in that of the organization which he so
ably commanded, and the various events of that period
are recorded in other chapters of this book.
It was on Argyle Island, in the Savannah River, near
Savannah, that General Ketcham, who had by this time
been promoted for conspicuous gallantry, received a
wound which threatened his life. While standing upon
earthworks which had been thrown up as a protection
to his command a bullet struck him in the right thigh,
within six inches of the trunk, and it was the opinion of
the surgeon that amputation was the only means of saving
his life. But with pluck and bravery General Ketcham
declined to permit the amputation, and it is said of him
he remarked that if necessary he would rather die than
have his leg removed. After six weeks in the hospital
he was able to be moved to New York, but from the
effects of this wound he never entirely recovered, and he
did not join his command again in active campaign
service.
While at Atlanta, Ga., he had been promoted to be
Brigadier-General by Brevet, and subsequently, for con-
spicuous bravery, to the rank of Brevet Major-General.
When he was finally mustered out of the service it was
JOHN HENRY KETCHAM. 221
with full rank of Brigadier-General in the volunteer
service.
While still at the front with his Corps in Georgia, he
was nominated for the 38th Congress, and was elected
by a large majority. He was subsequently re-nominated
and elected consecutively to the 39th, 40th, 41st, and
42nd Congresses, and was unanimously re-nominated for
membership in the 43rd. This was in 1872, the year of
the memorable Greeley campaign, and the Democrats
had placed in opposition to him at this election Hon.
John O. Whitehouse, of Poughkeepsie. The struggle
throughout the then 13th Congressional District of New
York was one famous in the annals of State politics, and
General Ketcham suffered his first and only defeat; being
beaten in the District by a plurality of something like
eight hundred votes.
General Grant, who was at that time President, ap-
pointed him a Commissioner of the District of Columbia.
His colleagues were ex-Governor William Dennison of
Ohio, and the Hon. Henry T. Blow of Missouri. Gen-
eral Ketcham was quick to see the possibilities of material
development of the Nation's capital, and to the task of
beautifying and remodeling the city he gave his best
energy and unremitting labor.
At the conclusion of his four years' term Washington
streets had been largely repaved with asphalt, dozens of
small parks had been created, and the local government
had been placed on a sure and firm foundation. Upon Gen-
eral Ketcham's retirement from this post he received
many letters of commendation from the leading citizens
of the District, expressing regret at his resignation, and
testifying to the ability, industry, and thoughtful con-
222 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
sideration manifested by him in the faithful discharge of
his duties, and he was the guest of honor at a banquet
given him in commemoration of these services.
General Ketcham was recalled to serve his District in
the 45th Congress, and was subsequently re-elected to the
46th, 47th, 48th, 49th, 50th, 51st, and 52nd Congresses,
when, owing to impaired health, he declined a unani-
mous nomination which had been tendered him by the
people of the District.
In 1894 he again entered Congress, and was subse-
quently re-elected to the 56th, 57th, 58th, and 59th Con-
gresses, and was the unanimous choice of his party for re-
election to the 60th Congress when death came on
November 4, 1906. In point of the length of service
he was the dean of both branches of the National Legis-
lature, having broken the record for long service.
Perhaps no other man in the public life of his time had
so strong and warm a hold upon his constituents as did the
subject of this sketch. For nearly fifty years he had been in
their service and they had honored him as no other man
had ever been honored in the National Legislature.
Nineteen times they had nominated him as their repre-
sentative in Congress, and no vote had ever been cast
against him in any convention.
It was his highest ambititon to serve his District faith-
fully and well, irrespective of party affiliations, and many
are the incidents now told of his generosity and of the
sacrifices that he made in the interests of his constituents.
He was a man of warm impulses and of a tender and
generous nature, always ready to help a friend or do a
kind act for a neighbor, and he was known far and beyond
the confines of his native State.
JOHN HENRY KETCH AM. 223
Early in his Congressional life he became deeply in-
terested in the postal service, and for many years was a
member of the committee of postal officers and post
routes in the National House. It was he who secured
for the employees in the postal service fifteen days' vaca-
tion each year, with pay, and he was largely instrumental
in the legislation which has resulted in the free rural de-
livery service throughout the length and breadth of this
land.
His native State honors him, and with good reason, for
he was one of her best products; a manly, noble man in
all the relations of life, and one who in his remarkable
public career maintained himself throughout with dignity,
propriety, iind honor. The people of the 21st Congres-
sional District, to a man, mourn his loss and realize that
the void created by his death is one which it is impossible
to fill.
In his domestic relations General Ketcham had been
most fortunate and happy. On February 4, 1858, he was
married to Augusta A. Belden, daughter of William H.
and Sarah A. Belden, and of this union four children
were born: Augusta A., Henry B., Charles B., and Ethel
B.; the latter three of whom, together with his widow,
survive him.
Of these his son, Henry B. Ketcham, was married
September 12, 1889, to Sallie Bray Holman, daughter of
Samuel K. Holman of Englewood, N. J., and they have
three children, Henry H., Katherine H., and John B.
Ketcham.
His other son, Charles B. Ketcham, was married in
1900 to Suzanne Brightson, daughter of George E.
224 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Brightson of Brooklyn, N. Y., and they have two sons,
Howard and Gordon.
JOSEPH HUBERT COGSWELL.
Personal Narrative.
" He was born, he Hved, he served, he died." That
is about all there is to one's history. Fortunately for me,
" the curtain has not been rung down " on the last act.
I would fain let the few words above stand for my
" Personal Narrative," but in an evil hour, at one of our
reunions, I proposed that Dr. Cook, our (never-more-
than-now) esteemed comrade and former assistant sur-
geon, take charge of the necessary work in bringing out
our regimental history. So when he lays down the law
to me in the following words, which I quote from one of
his recent letters, — " It does not matter why I want your
personal sketch, but I want it and want it badly, and must
have itl" what can I do but comply?
I was born in a log house in Brighton, Monroe County,
N. Y., September 2, 1828, in what is now a part of
the city of Rochester, but I do not remember the " log
house," as it soon gave place to a frame structure. My
father was Samuel Olmstead Cogswell, of Richmond,
Berkshire County, Mass., from which place he emigrated
per Erie Canal in 1827, carting his belongings to Albany.
He was the seventh in descent from John Cogswell, an
English emigrant who settled near Ipswich, Mass., in
1635. A part of the one thousand acres given him in con-
sideration of his establishing a woolen mill, was, in 1892,
held by one of his descendants, Edward E. Cogswell,
and quite a pretentious mansion was then existing.
JOSEPH HUBERT COGSWELL. 225
although 175 years old, of which I have a good picture.
My grandfather Cogswell and three of his brothers
were Revolutionary soldiers, one of whom got his baptism
of blood at Bunker Hill. My mother was Sarah Eliza
Bloss, who was seventh in descent from the emigrant
Edmund Bloss, 1634, and from the emigrant John Went-
worth, 1639. Her father entered the service in 1776,
while in his 17th year, serving through the war. He was
the oldest son of the family. His father died of camp
fever while with the army then in Westchester County,
New York. As this recruit for the Revolutionary Army
marched away from home, carrying his Hintlock musket,
all the family gathered at the dooryard gate to say
" Good-bye," and his mother's parting injunction was, —
"Joe, don't you get shot in the back!"
My great-grandfather Kennedy and four of his sons
were of the Minute Men of Milton, Mass., and " got
into the game " or " scrap " at Concord and Lexington.
To give an insight to the character of the colonists of the
Revolutionary period, and to show not only how patriotic
but how religious their women were, when the Minute
Men of Milton got their marching orders at this time
they rallied at the public house kept by my great-grand-
father, Andrew Kennedy. As they gathered, their
mothers and sisters came to see them off. When about
to start the absence of Mrs. Kennedy was commented on,
but she soon appeared, calm and self-possessed. At once
some anxious wife and mother said to her, " How can
you compose yourself when we are all so anxious? Don't
you know you may never see your husband and sons
again?" Instantly she replied, "It is all right! I have
been in the saddle room praying. They will all come
226 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
back in safety." And they did. Possibly heredity had
something to do with my entering the service, obeying,
not the " Call of the Wild," but the " Call of the War."
I attended a district school and the Clover Street
Seminary in my native town till 1847, when I went to
learn the printing trade in Rochester, and " stuck type "
for nearly two years, then taught school a while, read
law a while (not enough to hurt me I hope!) and ex-
ploited a store and saw-mill for a year and a half in
Oswego County, New York. I spent a few months m
Wisconsin early in 1853, looking after the interests of a
Rochester nursery firm. The next three years I taught
school in Clover Street Seminary, and carried on farming
as a " side line." In June, 1858, I went to Poughkeepsie
to represent the nursery of H. E. Hooker & Co., of
Rochester, N. Y., and followed this business until the
summer of 1862, when, on August 15th, I was author-
ized by the Adjutant-General of the State to " Enroll
Volunteers." This was the first direct "authorization"
to enlist men for the regiment. Joining with Henry
Gridley of Amenia, who had just graduated from Am-
herst College, and James P. Mabbett of the Town of
Washington, our efforts culminated in the muster of Com-
pany A, Monday, September 8, 1862, at Albany, N. Y.,
with eighty-three men and three officers, as may be seen
by the roll. My muster into the United States service
as Captain of Company A, was on October 10, 1862.
For subsequent promotions see the roll of Company A.
From the same source time and place of muster-out can
be found.
From September 14, 1865, to July i, 1883, I was one
JOSEPH HUBERT COGSWELL. 227
of a firm which published the Titusville (Pa.) Morning
Herald. May 8, 1869, I was appointed postmaster of
Titusville by President Grant, and by successive re-
appointments served till March 31, 1886, when President
Cleveland, probably thinking seventeen years was long
enough for a Republican to sell postage stamps and issue
money orders, appointed a staunch Democrat in my place.
For the next six years I was employed by the Standard Oil
Co., and the Tidewater Oil Co., being located during the
last half of the time in Boston. Since January i, 1894,
I have carried on an insurance and real estate agency in
Titusville.
On August 16, 1853, I was married to Julia E.
Brewster, at Clover Street Seminary, before mentioned.
Our three children are all living. My wife died May
II, 1903. Had she lived three months and five days
longer we should have rounded out fifty years of married
life. Many of the regiment will recall her devotion to
the sick in our hospital at Belger Barracks in the winter
of 1862-63. "A prudent wife is from the Lord." The
wife who stayed at home and cared for the children
during the war period, torn with suspense, wracked with
anxiety, fearing dire tidings with every issue of the morn-
ing paper, pursuing the humdrum affairs of every-day life,
was the cross-bearer, burden-bearer, the ever-watchful,
always-suffering, heroine of the war.
I have not been able to attend many of our annual re-
unions, as the distance of a round trip was a thousand
miles, aggregating sometimes, w^hen I did attend, more
miles than was covered by all the other officers present.
As our numbers decrease those remaining should draw
closer together, greetings should be heartier, the hand-
228 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
grip of friendship firmer, and the farewells deeper and
more tender. May we all hear at life's close the plaudit,
" Well done, good and faithful servant."
ALFRED BAKER SMITH.
By Stephen G. Cook.
Alfred B. Smith was born at Massena, St. Lawrence
County, N. Y., November 17, 1825. His grandfather
served as a soldier in the French, Indian and Revolution-
ary Wars, and his father also served his country as a
private in the War of 18 12-14. The boy was born
and passed his early days on a farm, from which the
native timber was yet to be cleared. He was the eldest
of twelve children, and much of his youth was spent in
aiding his father to cultivate the farm. In winter he
attended the district school, and later managed to enter
Union College, from which he was graduated at the age
of twenty-six, expecting to adopt teaching as his profes-
sion. In 1852 he became Instructor of Mathematics at
College Hill, the famous Poughkeepsie school of which
Charles Bartlett was the head. While thus employed,
he studied law in the office of James Emott, and when the
latter became a judge, he resigned his position at College
Hill to enter into a law partnership with Matthew Hall,
now practising in Albany. Later, he was associated with
Leonard B. Sackett, which partnership continued for a
quarter of a century, and was only terminated by death.
In 1862 our late companion was largely instrumental
in raising a Dutchess County Regiment, known as the
150th New York Volunteers, of which Governor Morgan
commissioned him major. In October the command took
ALFRED BAKER SMITH. 229
the field, and from that time until June, 1865, he was
constantly with his regiment. From Gettysburg, where
the 150th received its first baptism of fire, to Bentonville,
fought nearly two years later, he was ever the same brave
and faithful soldier, performing his duty in the many
intervening engagements of the Tennessee and Atlanta
campaigns, also participating with his regiment as a por-
tion of the 20th Corps, in the famous march of Shemian
from Atlanta to the Sea : through South and North Caro-
lina and in the memorable grand review of the Union
Armies in Washington at the close of the war. During
this period of military service he was successively pro-
moted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and Colonel of
the regiment, and, later, Brigadier-General by Brevet.
General Smith filled many public positions in Pough-
keepsie. He w^as appointed postmaster by President
Johnson, and for thirty years was a member of the Board
of Education, in which he always displayed a deep in-
terest, being particularly proud of his work as a Commis-
sioner of Education. He also served for several years
as a director of the Poughkeepsie Lyceum, and for a
single year as a recorder of the city. General Smith was
originally a Democrat in politics, but in 1854, with eleven
other men, he withdrew from that party, organizing the
Republican party of Dutchess County. The little com-
pany were called " The Twelve Apostles." While
cherishing pride in his army career, and greatly enjoying
his nine years' membership in the Loyal Legion, he at
once entered upon the duties of citizenship, pursuing its
peaceful ways for three decades with dignity, and winning
the respect of his fellow citizens. He was an enthusias-
tic Republican and a conspicuous figure at conventions
230 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
and other meetings of the party. One of the latest ap-
pearances in public — perhaps the very last — was to intro-
duce in the Opera House, at the recent anniversary of
Eastman College, General John B. Gordon, of Georgia,
on which occasion he spoke eloquently of the gallant
soldier of the South, who was his opponent in the Civil
War.
When General Smith settled in Poughkeepsie, he soon
became an active member of the Presbyterian Church, and
it was while giving out a hymn at an evening prayer meet-
ing that the sudden summons came, and in a moment his
gentle spirit passed away. He was buried from the
church, of which he was the senior elder, and his funeral
was probably the largest that ever took place in Pough-
keepsie, The remains were viewed during two hours by
thousands of people, and were escorted to the cemetery
by the 19th Separate Company. Three volleys were fired
over the grave, and taps were sounded by the bugler of
Hamilton Post. One son, Matthew J. M. Smith, sur-
vives him.
HENRY ALGER GILDERSLEEFE.
Henry Alger Gildersleeve, son of Smith J. and Rachel
(Alger) Gildersleaye, was born on his father's farm in
the township of Clinton, Dutchess County, N. Y., August
I, 1840. He was educated at the district school at
Shultzville, near his home, the Hudson River Institute,
at Claverack, N. Y., and at College Hill, Poughkeepsie,
N. Y. In 1857 he taught district school in Bull's Head
District, Town of Clinton. He intended to enter Union
College, but before he could carry out this plan the Civil
War called him to military life.
HENRY ALGER GILDERSLEEVE. 231
When the Dutchess County Regiment was organized
he recruited a Company — 114 men in all — received his
commission as Captain of Company C, the color company,
on September 17, 1862, and was mustered in with the
regiment October iith. Captain Gildersleeve served
with the regiment in Baltimore, and participateci in the
battle of Gettysburg and the subsequent campaign in
Maryland and Virginia. He was then ordered on special
duty and rendered important services in New York and
Albany in organizing recruits and drafted men and for-
warding them to the several departments of the army.
In June, 1864, he applied to be sent back to his regi-
ment, then with Sherman on his advance towards Atlanta.
In response to this application he received an order direct-
ing him to conduct a train load of soldiers from New
York to Nashville, Tenn. On arriving in Nashville and
turning over his command, he received a special order
placing him in charge of fifteen hundred beef cattle, with
instructions to drive them to Sherman's army, wherev-er
It could be found. One hundred veteran soldiers and
twenty herdsmen were placed under his command for
the accomplishment of this somewhat hazardous under-
taking. Nothing more serious occurred than several
startling alarms, and In about two w^eeks' time the herd
was turned over to the Chief Commissary, " all present
or accounted for," and In good condition, near Kenesaw
Mountain, Georgia. From this time until the close of
the war Captain Gildersleeve continued to serve in
Sherman's army.
He was made Provost Marshal of the ist Division
of the 20th Army Corps, on the staff of General Williams,
where the duties were delicate, responsible and arduous.
232 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Later on he was promoted to the rank of Major of his
regiment, the i50th New York State Volunteers, and in
March, 1865, was breveted Lieutenant-Colonel United
States Volunteers, by President Lincoln, " for gallant and
meritorious services in the campaigns of Georgia and the
Carolinas." In forwarding this commission to Colonel
Gildersleeve Governor Fenton, of New York, sent with
it a highly complimentary letter.
At the age of 25 he now began his civil career by
choosing the profession of the law. In the fall of 1865
he took a seat in the office of Henry W. Johnson, 41
Wall Street, then a prominent lawyer in New York City,
and at the same time attended the Columbia College Law
School. Prof. Theodore W. Dwight, then at the head
of this institution, took a special interest in the young
soldier student, as he showed in a letter written in 1875
to the Army of the Cumberland reunion at Utica, N. Y.
In May, 1866, Colonel Gildersleeve passed the regular
examination, and was admitted to the Bar of the Second
Department, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. From this time
until his election to the Bench in 1875, he was a hard-
working and successful law^yer in New York City. Always
conspicuous for good judgment and impartiality, he Avas
frequently named as referee by litigants, and in that
capacity disposed of many important cases.
While devoting his attention to the duties of his pro-
fession, Colonel Gildersleeve did not lose his interest
in military matters. In 1870 he was chosen Lieutenant-
Colonel of the 1 2th Regiment of the National Guard of
the State of New York, and the same regiment chose as
Major, S. V. R. Cruger, formerly his brother officer in
our Dutchess County Regiment. During the Orange
HENRY ALGER GILDERSLEEVE. 233
riots in New York City in 1871, Colonel Gildersleeve
had command of the 12th Regiment, which was assigned
to the defense of the State Arsenal at 35th Street and
7th Avenue.
Soon after entering the National Guard, Colonel
Gildersleev'e was deeply impressed by the ignorance of
the guardsmen in the practical use of their rifles. To
remedy this state of affairs. Colonel Gildersleeve helped
to organize the Na-tional Rifle Association of America,
the object of which was " to encourage rifle practice and
to promote a system of aiming drill and target firing
among the National Guard." Of this association Colonel
Gildersleeve was one of the incorporators and directors,
and for years he devoted much time and energy to its
service as secretary, and later as president.
It was on the range of this association at Creedmoor,
while preparing himself to instruct his regiment in rifle
practice, that he acquired the skill in marksmanship which
soon made him famous. Possessing in a high degree the
natural qualifications of good eyesight, rare nerve, excel-
lent judgment and application, he soon succeeded in carry-
ing off many prizes in various competitions. In 1S74 he
first came into national prominence as a rifleman by his
work as a member of the American Rifle Team in its first
contest with the Irish team at Creedmoor. This exciting
match the Americans won by a narrow margin.
Gildersleeve's work in this great contest had shown
that he was in the foremost rank of marksmen. When,
in the following year, it was decided to send a party of
riflemen to Great Britain, and give the Irish a return
match, he was unanimously chosen captain of the team.
The party sailed from New York on the S. S. " City of
234 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Chester," of the Inman Line, June 5, 1875. They were
received in Dubhn with genuine Irish enthusiasm, and
entertained with warm and generous hospltahty. The
match came off at Dollymount on June 29th in the
presence of twenty thousand spectators, and resulted in
a pronounced victory for the Americans. The American
riflemen also took part in competitions in England and
Scotland, and won many individual victories in brilliant
style.
Colonel Gildersleeve's management of the expedition,
his public speeches, and his individual skill in all the con-
tests were eminently satisfactory to the members of his
party, and to his countrymen at home. The victory
stirred the American people to great manifestations of
joy, and the team were received, on their arrival in New
York, with demonstrations befitting the return of heroes
from a successful war.
Colonel Gildersleeve in 1876 embodied the lessons of
his experience in a book entitled. Rifles and Marksman-
ship, which obtained wide circulation. Governor Dix
offered him the position of General Inspector of Rifle
Practice in the State of New York, but he declined the
proffered honor.
Meanwhile he continued active service in the National
Guard. In October, 1874, he had been chosen Assistant
Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff in the ist Division
in this State, with the rank of Colonel. He was later
elected Colonel of the 9th Regiment, but refused the
honor, preferring to remain Assistant Adjutant-General.
This latter position he held for more than twelve years.
When the National Guard organization in New York
City was reduced to a brigade, Colonel Gildersleeve was
HENRY ALGER GILDERSLEEVE. 235
placed on the list of reserves, and thus ended his active
military life.
His long and honorable judicial career began in 1875,
when he was elected Judge of the Court of General Ses-
sions in the city of New York by a large majority, running
considerably ahead of the rest of his ticket. For four-
teen years he sat on the Bench of that Court, disposing
of over 15,000 criminal cases of every kind and descrip-
tion ; in that immense number only two of his decisions
were reversed by a higher court. In 1889 his term of
office expired, and he was renominated for the same posi-
tion, but owing to political changes he was defeated by a
very small majority. He consequently returned to the
practice of law. This defeat, however, proved very
fortunate, in opening for him the way to a higher court.
In May, 1891, Governor Hill appointed him to fill a
vacancy in the Superior Court of the city of New York;
and in the following November he was elected to the
same position for a full term of fourteen years by a very
substantial majority. In January, 1896, however, upon
the abolition of the Superior Court, he was transferred
by provisions of the amended Constitution to the Supreme
Court of the State of New York, to serve the remainder
of the term for which he had been elected to the former
Superior Court.
Gifted naturally with a judicial temperament, and aided
by his long experience on the Bench, he has performed
the work of this position with such efficiency, fairness,
dignity anti courtesy that he has won the sincere respect
and confidence of the entire Bar. Justice Gildersleeve
has presided over every variety of trial known to our
State Courts, and the law books contain many hundreds
236 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
of his judicial opinions. In 1905, when his term in the
Supreme Court expired, he was nominated by the Demo-
cratic party and endorsed by the Citizens' Union, and
also by the Bar Association of the City of New York.
He was re-elected by a very large majority, and con-
tinues to serve as Justice of the Supreme Court of the
State, and is the presiding Justice of the Appellate Term
in the First Department.
Justice Gildersleeve still keeps up his interest in out-
door sports. He enjoys fishing and hunting, and is a
well-known golf player. He is a member of the Garden
City Golf Club, the Oakland Golf Club, the Country
Club of Westchester, the Robbins Island Hunting Club,
the New York Athletic, the Manhattan and the National
Democratic Clubs. He is an agreeable public speaker,
and his services in this capacity are in much demand.
April 14, 1868, he was married to Virginia Crocheron,
of New York City. They have two children, Alger
Crocheron and Virginia Crocheron.
CORNELIUS N. CAMPBELL.
By Stephen G. Cook.
Cornelius N. Campbell was born in the town of Ame-
nia, Dutchess County, N. Y., just north of the line of
the town of Dover, on July 7, 1825.
Although he has frequently referred to incidents in his
early life, when in conversation with me, they are not
clearly enough recalled to be incorporated in a work of this
kind. It will suffice to say that his was like the ordinary
story of most country-born boys, excepting that a lady
of means very early in his life took great interest in his
CORNELIUS N. CAMPBELL, 237
welfare, because of which he escapeci the early privations
of those similarly situated. His education was received
from the district school in the vicinity of his residence
and rounded out at the Amenia Seminary.
He graduated from the Medical Department of the
New York University A. D. 1850 when he was 25 years
old. For several years he practiced his profession In the
towns of Dover and Pawling (Dutchess County), and
then moved to the town of Stanford, where he soon
gained an immense practice, and here he was when
selected for Surgeon of the 150th Volunteer Infantry.
In i860 he and "Pat" Mclntyre engaged In the
freighting business at Rhinebeck. This lasted a year or
two, but was not a financial success. Neither of them
could be considered good business men. As a conse-
quence, the inevitable soon happened and the doctor re-
turned to the town of Stanford to practice his profession.
For thirty-five years the life of the subject of this
sketch, and that of the writer, ran along In parallel lines
in professional and military friendships, without a single
discord, — without one unpleasant word or deed to mar its
perfect harmony.
In these remarks it seems proper that I should speak of
him first (briefly), as a practicing physician, second, as
a military surgeon, and third as a man, — as a comrade
and as a friend.
As a physician his career was a success from the start,
and added years" only served to Increase the confidence of
the community he served.
He was not a respecter of persons, or rather, he
respected all persons alike. A call to the poor man's
humble home and to the rich man's mansion, coming to
238 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
him simultaneously, the chances were that he would visit
the poor man first.
Perhaps his success as a practitioner of medicine de-
pended largely upon the influence he carried with him
into the homes of his patients. A marked characteristic
was his optimism, and this condition he carried with him
into the sick room, where he imparted new aspirations
into the minds of his patients. He filled them with an air
of hope and left them with that feeling predominating.
This is frequently half the battle in medical cases.
As a surgeon both in civil and military practice he
ranked among the first In his profession. He fully ap-
preciated the value of a limb or any fraction thereof, as
well as of a life. If he erred at all, it was on the side of
conservatism, and conservative surgery is as commendable
for what it refrains from doing as for what it does.
Now, what shall be said of him as a man — a comrade
and a friend?
Here the English language seems defective. It is in-
adequate to give a character and tone to his transcendent
qualities.
From life's sunrise until life's sunset he filled life's cup
to the brim. Not that he was entitled to any extraordi-
nary credit for so doing either, for he was so constituted
that he could not help it; could not help being kind;
could not help being true; could not help being honorable;
could not help being just.
To those only having a casual acquaintance and seeing
him with merriment in his eyes, jocularity on his lips
and badinage in his speech, It might never occur to them
but that this was all, — that the froth and bubbles on the
goblet's brim was all the goblet contained; but one puff
CORNELIUS N. CAMPBELL. 239
of generous appeal, and lo ! the froth and bubbles were
gone, and we find the goblet filled with all the qualities
that go to make up life's poetry, beauty, sympathy, gen-
erosity and manliness. We who knew him so well found
underneath the froth and the bubbles a vein of admirable
wit and humor, united with and welded to an excellent
understanding, rare reasoning powers, a retentive memory,
an indefatigable industry, a dauntless courage; and with
it all there was a light in his eye; there was music in his
voice; there was a grasp in his hand, and a cheerfulness in
his speech that lifted the burdens from the shoulders of
the unfortunate, and cheered the pathway of the afflicted.
As the prince of innocent pleasantry his memory will
linger in our hearts like a sweet song too soon closed;
like a banquet too soon ended; like a beautiful picture
over which too soon the curtain falls.
Blow off the froth and the bubbles from the goblet's
brim, and you would have found underneath a character
as firm as a rock, brilliant as a star; artless as a child, and
as pure as a woman.
He had been endowed by his Creator with a keen sense
of humor, but thank God he nev^er used it as a caustic;
never burned you with it; never stabbed you; never used
it to hurt your feelings; never to start a tear.
This life has ample facilities for developing tears, and
he who can and will, with his wit and humor, drive them
away is our friend.
He died near Christmas time in December, 1889, in
the 65th year of his age. The days then were very short
and the nights very long. It was a long anci dreary
night for his friends when they learned that life for him
was no more.
240 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIAIENT.
For a long time it seemed to me very difficult to think
of getting along in this world without the presence in it
somewhere of Cornelius N. Campbell. We had had him
with us so long that he was as much a part of existence
as any other ray of pure sunshine that streams into the
dark and troubled places of life to cheer, to brighten,
and to bring wholesomeness and health and happiness.
The writing of this sketch has been for me a labor of
love, and recalled to my mind some of the pleasantest
incidents of a long life, and as the Queen of Sheba said of
King Solomon, " The half has not been told." " His
life was gentle; and the elements so mixed in him, that
Nature might stand up and say to all the world, This was
a man."
THOMAS E. VASSAR.
Thomas Edwin Vassar, son of William and Mary
(Hageman) Vassar, was born at Poughkeepsie, N. Y.,
December 3, 1834. His grandfather, Thomas Vassar,
came to Poughkeepsie in 1797, when the population of
the place was barely five hundred. The Vassars were
originally French Huguenots. They fled to England to
escape religious persecution, and there the elder Thomas
was born. He and his younger brother, James, landed
in America in the autumn of 1796. James was the
father of Matthew who more than sixty years afterward
founded Vassar College.
Thomas E. Vassar was educated in the public schools
of his native city, and began his business life as a dentist
there. Later he chose the ministry as his calling and
was ordained to that office in the Baptist Church of
THOMAS E. VASSAR. 241
Poughkeepsie. Of that church his family had been
members since its organization.
When the civil war broke out Mr, Vassar was pastor
of the Baptist Church at Amenia, Dutchess County,
N. Y., and his acquaintance with Colonel — now General —
John H. Ketcham led to his selection as the first chaplain
of the 150th regiment.
His church at Amenia declined to receive his resigna-
tion as pastor of it, but finally consented to grant him
one year's leave of absence, and he went out with the
regiment in October, 1862. In the experiences of the
regiment he participated until the autumn following the
Gettysburg campaign, but when the iith and 12th Army
Corps were sent to the Western army he resigned, as he
had promised his church to do, and returned to Amenia.
His later pastorates have been at Lynn, Mass., Fleming-
ton and Newark, N. J., and Kansas City, Mo. At the
end of forty-five years of continuous service as pastor he
retired from the active duties of his calling and is now
residing at Elizabeth, N. J.
On the nth of October, 1861, Mr. Vassar was
married to Tamma, daughter of Phineas K. Sackett, of
Stanford, Dutchess County, N. Y., and on the first anni-
versary of the marriage he started with the regiment for
the seat of war. He has four children living. One son
is, like the father, a Baptist pastor. One is an electrical
engineer; one daughter is married, and one is still with
the parents in the home. The eldest child was born while
the 150th lay in Belger Barracks at Baltimore.
In 1882, Madison — now Colgate — University, at
Hamilton, N. Y., conferred on Mr. Vassar the honorary
degree of D.D.
242 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
For a man now seventy-two years old Dr. Vassar is
well preserved and vigorous. His life work was well
chosen, for he was endowed by his iVIaker with superior
gifts; — talents that have not been hid in a napkin. By
his studious life of industry he has become not only a
successful preacher, but also a most accomplished orator.
As a " supply " for vacant pulpits he keeps almost con-
stantly engaged, and in gatherings of old soldiers, and
especially on Memorial Day, he is often called to speak.
His lecture entitled " The Battle of Gettysburg " has
been delivered In scores of places In the East and West,
and is still frequently called for although half a lifetime
lies between the present and that famous fight.
During his various pastorates he has received some two
thousand persons into the membership of the churches
served, has married nearly seven hundred couples, has
attended more than a thousand funerals, has served on
many boards of religious and educational societies, and
has aicied In raising something like half a million dollars
for different departments of benevolent work.
His uncle, John E. Vassar, everywhere known as
" Uncle John," was an agent of the American Tract
Society, and while working In that capacity during the
war often found his way within the lines of the " Dutchess
County Regiment." Thousands of the boys in blue re-
member tenderly even yet his tireless efforts and his in-
terest in their behalf. Chaplain Vassar wrote the story
of " Uncle John's " useful life, and the book is belic\ed
to have had more than a hundred thousand readers.
James H. Vassar, a brother of Chaplain Vassar, was
band leader In the 150th, and a sketch of him is given
elsewhere In this history.
EDWARD OTIS BARTLETT. 243
ED WARD OTIS BARTLETT.
" Plant tliere some Box or Pine,
Something that lives in Winter, and call it mine!"
Rev. Edward Otis Bartlett was born in Utica, N. Y.,
February i8, 1835, the son of Joseph and Mary Ann
(Otis) Bartlett. He is of the eighth generation in this
country, for his paternal ancestor, Robert Bartlett, came
over in the Ami, the second vessel of the Pilgrim Colony
to arrive in America.
In 1840 his father, Joseph Bartlett removed to Pough-
keepsie, establishing there the Poughkeepsie Cracker
Bakery, now conducted by his youngest brother, William
O. Bartlett.
Edward O. Bartlett's preparatory studies were In the
Poughkeepsie Collegiate Institute, now known as River-
view Academy, where in 1885 he delivered the semi-
centennial address, and was elected president of the
Alumni Association.
He entered Union College, N. Y., In 1856, receiving
the degree of A. B. in 1859, the Master's degree in 1862,
and D.D. In 1889. He Is a member of the Phi Beta
Kappa and Kappa Alpha Greek letter societies. In his
senior year he was president of his class, which numbered
138 members.
After graduating he became principal of the College
Hill School, jointly with Otis Bisbee. In September,
1863, he was drafted under President Lincoln's call for
300,000 men, and was appointed Chaplain of the 150th
New York Volunteers, being mustered Into the service and
enrolled in the regiment (which then had its headquarters
at Normandy, Tenn.), November 20, 1863.
244 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
He accompanied the regiment on the march, and from
the time of his enrollment was present on the field in all
the engagements in which it participated. He was
present at the Grand Review in Washington at the close
of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment.
After the war he was first settled over a church at
South Deerfield, Mass., then at Providence, R. I.,
where he was married, November 28, 1868, to Anna
Jane, the youngest daughter of ex-Mayor Amos C.
Barston.
Both at South Deerfield and at Providence there were
large accessions to the churches over which he presided,
at the former place one hundred and thirty-nine being
added in less than a year. In 1873 he was called to the
First Church of Pittsfield, Mass., to succeed the celebrated
Dr. John Todd. In 1887 he accepted a call to the
Academy Avenue Congregational Church in Providence,
R. I., where he remained until he retired from
the ministry in 1895.
In the Grand Army of the Republic Chaplain Bartlett
has been honored, first joining that organization by ad-
mission to Slocura Post, No. 10, Department of Rhode
Island, from which he was elected in 1868 to be the
first Department Chaplain of that State. He is also a
member of the Rhode Island Soldiers' and Sailors'
Historical Society, and of the Sons of the American
Revolution.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett has been
blessed by the birth to them of seven children, two
daughters and five sons, as follows : Josiah, born Febru-
ary 2, 1870; Edward Otis, born August 10, 1871, married
January 19, 1897, to Louise Ward Chapin; Emeline
STEPHEN GUERNSEY COOK. 245
Barston, born April 30, 1873, married September 9,
1906, to Prof. John Nolen; Dwight Kellog, born March
18, 1876, married January 2, 1902, to Maud Orr; Louise
Stevens, born December 16, 1877; Clarence Barston,
born May 23, 1879, married June 9, 1903, to Jane
Barnaby; Le Roy, born December 17, 1880, married
August 29, 1905, to Mae Bowie Franklin.
The daughters are graduates of Vassar College, at
Poughkeepsie, N. Y., the elder three of the sons are
graduates of Brown University, at Providence, R. I.,
while the youngest, Le Roy, graduated in 1905 at the
United States Military Academy, West Point, N. Y.,
and has been commissioned Second Lieutenant of the 6th
Battery of Field Artillery, now stationed at Fort Sam
Houston, Texas. In May, 1906, he was appointed
Judge-Advocate of the United States troops located at
that point.
STEPHEN GUERNSEY COOK.
The subject of this sketch was born In the town of
Stanford, Dutchess County, N. Y., on the ist day of
July, 1 83 1.
His parents' names were Seth Trowbridge and Eliza-
beth (Clark) Cook.
From the hill on which the house stood In which he
was born can be seen points In the States of Massachusetts
and Connecticut; therefore he came near being by birth a
New England Yankee.
The circumstances surrounding his early years were
not over promising. At the age of eight his family
moved from Dutchess to Broome County, N. Y., a few
miles above Binghamton, on the westerly side of the
246 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Chenango River, where his father purchased a farm with
a small equity and a large mortgage.
For two years everything went on nicely, when a ter-
rible accident happened to his father which incapacitated
him for labor for years afterward, and from which he
never fully recovered.
The support of the family then devolved upon his
mother and himself, as the products of the farm with
hired labor would scarcely net enough to pay the taxes
and the interest on the mortgage. His mother used to
card the wool by hand, spin and dye the yarn, weave
the cloth, and make all the clothing worn by the family.
She was a skillful weaver, and earned considerable sums
of money at her loom.
At the early age of ten, he had become quite skillful in
handling horses, and was employed by the neighboring
farmers as a driver of horses for all the uses that noble
animal was called upon to do. For this he was paid a
shilling (i2^ cents) per diem and his board. It seems
very insignificant pay at this distance, but a " shilling "
then would buy very nearly as much as a half dollar will
now.
The Chenango Canal, extending from Binghamton to
Utica, was then in full operation, and during the season
of his twelfth year he was employed as a driver of the
horses of one of the canal boats plying between the
before-named towns. The distance as he now remembers
it is a little over one hundred miles, and the round trip,
together with loading and unloading, took just a week.
For this work he was paid six dollars per month, with
board and lodging, every cent of which was given to his
mother.
STEPHEN GUERNSEY COOK. 247
In the fall of that year, 1843, ^^^ Inevitable came to
pass. In those times farms were not paid for by hired*
labor, and his father's went the usual way, by foreclosure.
Enough was saved from the wreck to take the family
back to Dutchess County.
From this time on everything went more desirably.
He attended the district school (Tallmadge Dl-strict),
both summer and winter terms until he was fifteen years
old. After that he worked summers and attended school
Vv^Inters until the fall of 1846, when, with the money
earned by himself, he entered Amenia Seminary, from
which he was graduated with high honors In 1850, paying
his way by money earned In various occupations during
the summer vacations. There are miles of stone walls
still standing, " laid " by him during these vacations.
In the fall of the latter year (1850), he commenced
as a school teacher In the town of Washington (Dutchess
County), near what Is now known as Mlllbrook, but then
known as " Washington Four Corners " and " Hart's
Village." Here he spent four happy years, and left It
reluctantly to take up the study of medicine, being gradu-
ated with honors on March 9, 1857, from the Medical
Department of the New York University.
As a practicing physician he spent one year at Hart's
Village, and two years at Verbank. He then moved to
Bangall Lane, as It was then called, and probably still is,
where he resided until he joined the 150th Regiment in
September, 1862.
For a time there was a friendly rivalry between him
and Dr. Campbell as to which should be surgeon, and
which first assistant surgeon, each party having warm
supporters. This rivalry was soon settled when It reached
248 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Colonel Ketcham, who selected Dr. Campbell, with whom
he had long been acquainted. He made a wise choice.
Dr. Cook was, however, the acting surgeon of the regi-
ment during considerably more than half of the time
of his service, as Dr. Campbell's recognized popularity
and skill as a surgeon caused him to be detailed as a
Brigade or Division surgeon almost constantly.
After the war he took up the practice of his profession
In New York City where he soon gained a fairly lucrative
practice.
In 1872 he was appointed a trustee of the public schools
of the Eighth Ward of New York City. After serving
his term of five years, he was re-appointed for another
five-year term, but was forced to decline it on account
of the pressing needs of other duties.
In September, 1873, he was appointed a Surgeon of
Police, and In January, 1884, was elected President of
the Board of Surgeons, and Chief Surgeon, by his col-
leagues, which position he still holds, having been elected
annually since that date, without a dissenting voice.
In 1883 he was elected a trustee of the West Side
Savings Bank. In 1887 he was appointed chairman of
the Executive Committee, which position he held, until
January, 1896, when he was elected president of the
bank, a position he still holds. Under his administration
of its affairs the bank has prospered beyond all precedent.
About 1873 he was elected a member of E. A. Kimball
Post, No. 100, Department of New York, Grand Army
of the Republic, and was elected Commander of It for
four consecutive years, and has declined repeated offers
of re-election. He has been a delegate to the Depart-
ment Encampment for the past twenty years, and still Is.
WILLIAM H. BARTLETT. 249
In 1888 he was elected by the Department Encampment
the Medical Director of the Department.
In 1857 he married Caroline A. Pond, the daughter
of Nelson A. and Amanda Pond of the town of Wash-
ington, Dutchess County, who died in 1872. Two chil-
dren were the result of this marriage, both of whom are
now dead.
In 1876 he married Mary C. Hackett, a principal of
one of the public schools of the city of New York, by
whom he has three children, two daughters and a son,
all living. Their names are : Cora, Jane, and Stephen Jr.
Cora was married, November 22, 1905, to Joseph Rowan,
and on the same date her sister Jane was married to
Joshua F. Tobin.
WILLIAM H. BARTLETT.
William H. Bartlett was born in the town of Amenia,
Dutchess County, N, Y., on February 14, 1839.
He was the second son of William S. and Jane
(Reynolds) Bartlett.
He received his education at the district school and
later at the Amenia Seminary, which he attended for four
years, leaving It in 1859 to go as clerk in a hardware store
In Brooklyn, N. Y., where he remained until the break-
ing out of the war In 1861, and where he saw some of
the first regiments depart for the seat of war, particularly
the Brooklyn 14th.
During the year 1861 he returned to Amenia and
accepted a position In the general store of Lawrence &
Taylor.
When the Dutchess County Regiment was organizing
he enlisted in Company A, September 5, 1862, and was
250 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
mustered in as Corporal with the regiment October ii,
1862.
He served until the close of the war having been mus-
tered out with his regiment June 8, 1865. He was pro-
moted Sergeant, January 2, 1863; Second Lieutenant,
March 2, 1865; First Lieutenant and Acijutant, April
9, 1865.
An incident occurred in Baltimore which showed how
Death's call may be avoided without serious injury. One
of the guards on duty in the rear of his tent allowed some
one to handle his gun without knowing it was loaded,
with the usual result. The bullet entered the side of his
tent in line with his head, but its course was deflected by
an inkstand standing on a shelf, resulting in covering him
with ink, and the loss of a piece of skin from the end of
his nose, giving him a striking realization of what it
might have been.
He was but twenty-three years of age and the blood
of young life was tingling with expectation for some
unusual experience, which was satisfied at Gettysburg,
when he, with the rest of his comrades, received their
first baptism of fire.
At the battle known as that of " Gulp's Farm " where
Lieutenant Henry Gridley, Company A, was killed, he
received a wound of his right hand, which although severe
fortunately did not shatter any of his bones. His wound
was dressed by Dr. S. G. Cook just in the rear of the line
of battle, and he was directed to go to the rear which he
found about as dangerous as to remain at the front be-
cause of the numerous rebel bullets, but by selecting the
protection of one large tree after another he got to a
place of safety without further mishap.
WILLIAM H. BARTLETT. 251
Having to carry his arm In a sling he was unfit for
active duty and was detailed to escort the body of Lieu-
tenant Gridley to his former home, but owing to the ex-
tremely hot weather this scheme was abandoned. The
body was burled, the grave was carefully marked, and it
was brought home after the war was over.
Although unable to use his right hand he remained
with the regiment until on July 25, 1864, he was made
Acting Sergeant-Major. While acting in this capacity,
one morning while " mounting guard " he lost the heel
of one of his shoes which was torn off by a rebel bullet,
making the third tangible " close call " he had during
the war, the first being his nose at Baltimore, the second
his hand at Gulp's Farm, and the third his foot near
Atlanta.
On his return to civil life, after a short season of
rest, he formed a copartnership with Henry S. Ghapman
under the firm of Ghapman & Bartlett, his father, Wil-
liam S. Bartlett, having bought the store building from
Dr. L. W. Stanton for his son.
They superseded Messrs. Lawrence and Taylor and for
several years conducted a successful business in drugs,
hardware and groceries.
In 1873 Mr. Ghapman sold out his interest to Dr.
Isaac N. Mead and the firm became Bartlett & Mead.
In 1888 he sold his interest to Horace B. Murdock and
formed a company for the manufacture of brick in the
village of Amenia.
He represented the town of Amenia In the Board of
Supervisors for two years and In 1891 he was unani-
mously nominated for sheriff of Dutchess Gounty and
252 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
elected. He served the three-year term with credit to
himself and the satisfaction of his constituents.
In 1898 he was appointed postmaster of Amenia, a
position he still (1906) holds.
FRANK V. B. GILDERSLEEVE.
Frank Van Buren Gildersleeve, — a younger brother of
Henry A. Gildersleeve, noticed elsewhere in this history —
was born November 11, 1842, in the town of Clinton,
Dutchess County, N. Y. He enlisted in Company C of
our regiment September i, 1862, was immediately ap-
pointed Hospital Steward of the regiment, and, serving
in that capacity through all the campaigns in which it
took part until the close of the war, was mustered out
June 8, 1865.
Soon after the war he began the study of medicine,
attending lectures at Pittsfield, Mass., the Medical De-
partment of Amherst College, and at the Medical Depart-
ment of the University of New York, graduating from
the latter in 1866.
Soon after his graduation Dr. Gildersleeve contracted
with the government to serve as Acting Assistant Sur-
geon, and was immediately ordered to Charlotte, N. C,
there to take charge of a hospital in the Department of
Freedmen and Refugees, and which also included one
Company of the 8th United States Infantry. He served
in that capacity until the fall of 1867, when he went from
there to Helena, Mont. From that place he moved to
Los Angeles, Cal., arriving in February, 1868, and from
there to San Francisco, where he again entered into a
contract with the government to serve as Acting Assistant
Surgeon, this time of the 2nd United States Artillery.
FRANK V. B. GILDERSLEEVE. 253
In this service he went with Battery F to Alaska, sail-
ing in May, 1868, for the Island of Kadiak, where a
fort was established. At this Post he remained a year,
and was then ordered to accompany a detachment of his
regiment to St. Paul's Island, in the Behring Sea, where
the fur-bearing seals were to be protected. He remained
there one year, when that Post was abandoned and he was
ordered back to San Francisco, where he remained on
duty, sometimes traveling with the troops to remote Posts
in Oregon and Arizona.
In the summer of 1872, while at Fort Yuma, he re-
signed from the service and began the practice of his
profession in the city of San Francisco. After a private
practice of two years Dr. Gildersleeve returned to Ari-
zona, where he was appointed agent of the Walapi
Indians, a branch of the Apache Tribe, at Beal Springs,
Arizona. He remained in charge of these Indians for
two years, and then went to Tombstone, Arizona, where
he practiced medicine two more years. From there he
removed to Petaluma, Cal., and practiced medicine there
four years.
At the end of that time he gave up his residence in the
far West, and removed to New York City. Here he
entered into a contract with the builders of the new Cro-
ton Aqueduct, to give medical and surgical attendance
to the men in their employ, and he continued in that
service until the work was completed.
After this he entered into another contract of a similar
kind, this time with the parties engaged in constructing
tunnels and other works for the Pennsylvania Railroad Co.
His especial duty in this service (in which he is, at the
present time of writing, engaged) is to care for the men
254 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
employed in digging the tunnels under the Hudson and
East Rivers for the Pennsylvania Railroad.
In 1888 Dr. Gildersleeve was married to Chlorinda
Castro, and one son, Frank A., and one daughter, Mary
Celestine, have been born to them.
STEPHEN VAN RENSSELAER CRUGER.
By Stephen G. Cook.
Stephen Van Rensselaer Cruger was born in New York
City, May 9, 1844. He was descended by both paternal
and maternal ancestors from the oldest Dutch families
^settling in the State of New York. His ancestors came
from Holland early in the seventeenth century, and John
Cruger, his great-grandfather, was the first mayor of
New York City. His grandfather, also named John
Cruger, was the first president of the Chamber of
Commerce.
His grandfather on his mother's side was Stephen Van
Rensselaer, of Albany, who was at one time Lieutenant-
Governor of the State.
He received his elementary education at home, and at
the age of fourteen was sent to Europe for a University
course. When but eighteen years of age, he came home
to volunteer in the defense of his country.
He was at once given a commission as First Lieutenant
in Company F of the 150th New York Volunteers, not-
withstanding the fact that he was barely old enough to
enter the service. ' He was, however, of powerful build,
standing over six feet in height and had the general
appearance of more mature years.
His regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac
STEPHEN VAN RENSSELAER CRUGER. 255
in 1863, In time to take a prominent part In the battle of
Gettysburg, where his gallantry and daring while under
fire attracted the attention of his superior officers.
The following month he was rewarded by being pro-
moted to Adjutant of his regiment. In the spring of
1864 his regiment was transferred to the 20th Army
Corps, then under the command of General Hooker, and
forming a part of General Sherman's command.
In the early part of the campaign beginning at Chat-
tanooga and ending at Atlanta, during the short, sharp
and decisive engagement known as the battle of Resaca,
he was wounded three times. The first bullet struck him
near the top of the left breast and came out at the outer
edge of the left shoulder blade, causing a profuse hem-
orrhage from the mouth. While being carried from the
field a bullet struck him in the right shoulder, tearing
away his epaulette and inflicting quite a severe wound,
while another caused a slight wound of the left leg.
From the position of the two wounds in the upper part
of his chest, together with the loss of blood by the mouth,
I had then no doubt In my mind but that the bullet had
gone directly through the top of his left lung, and I
reported him as " mortally wounded." I now believe
that the bullet was deflected from its course by striking
a rib, passed partly around the body under the skin, and
made its exit at a point nearly opposite the point of en-
trance, and that the hemorrhage was caused by the con-
cussion of the rib against the lung. Either way, it was
a close call, and after being sent to the rear no one in
the regiment ever expected to see him alive again. But
they were happily disappointed. After being honorably
discharged by the Secretary of War, who believed him to
256 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
be too severely wounded to be of any further service to
the government, and after his wounds had thoroughly
healed, he applied for and was given his old position as
Adjutant. He was absent somewhat less than four
months. He was wounded in May, 1864, and rejoined
his regiment in September, in time to take part in the
famous " March to the Sea," and continued with it until
it was discharged in June, 1865.
His horse was shot under him at the battle of Averas-
borough, but he was not wounded again. He was pro-
moted to Captain, November 18, 1864, and breveted
Major " for gallant and meritorious conduct during the
campaign through Georgia and the Carolinas."
At the close of the war, he entered upon a business
career and soon developed remarkable executive ability.
He became manager of numerous estates, and had com-
plete charge of the real estate interests of the Trinity
Church corporation. He still retained his interest in
military matters, however, and became actively identified
with the New York National Guard, and was made
Colonel of the 12th Regiment. He brought that organ-
ization up to a high standard of efficiency, but was com-
pelled to resign, owing to the pressure of business which
prevented him giving his command the necessary attention.
He was elected a trustee of the Mutual Life Insurance
Company in 1883, and also became connected in positions
of trust with other large corporations.
In 1888 he was nominated for Lieutenant-Governor on
the ticket with Hon. Warner Miller, and though defeated,
he made a very creditable showing.
He was identified with no less than thirteen clubs,
HENRY GRIDLEY. 257
among which were the Union League and Republican
Clubs of this city.
He was appointed a park commissioner by Mayor
Strong in 1895, and was elected president of the Park
Board. He was sent as a delegate to the Republican
National Convention in 1896, and was an ardent sup-
porter of McKinley's nomination.
He married Miss Juliette Storrow, a grandniece of
Washington Irving and a beautiful and accomplished
young lady, who has since won distinction In the literary
world under the nom de plume of " Jullen Gordon."
At the time of her husband's death she was in Europe,
and he was making the necessary business preparations to
join her. He left no children.
HENRY GRIDLEY.
By Charles E. Benton.
Henry Gridley was born September 17, 1836, in
Amenia, Dutchess County, N. Y. He was the eldest
son of Noah and Emeline (Reed) Gridley. His father
was a large owner of real estate, and extensively engaged
in the mining and manufacture of iron, and Henry's
early years were passed in strenuous activity. In the schools
on the one hand, and on the other hand In giving assist-
ance in the various branches of his father's complex busi-
ness activities.
He received his education at first in the public schools,
but later at the Amenia (New York) Seminary, at which
Institution he was prepared for college, entering Amherst
(Massachusetts) College In 1858.
Upon the breaking out of the war In 1861, It was with
difficulty that he could be prevailed with to stay and
258 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
complete his course. He did, however, complete the
course, and graduated with honors in 1862, being presi-
dent of his class, and a general favorite with both the
faculty and his classmates.
He returned to his home in June, finding the community
well awakened by the floodtide of patriotism then spread-
ing over the country, and when Mrs. Lossing's appeal for
the formation of a Dutchess County Regiment was pub-
lished in the Poughkeepsie Eagle, Henry Gridley was one
of the first to respond, requesting of the General War
Committee which had been appointed by the Governor,
permission to recruit volunteers and enter the United
States service in a Dutchess County Regiment.
Permission was granted, and, in cooperation with
Joseph H. Cogswell of Poughkeepsie, he immediately en-
tered upon the work. The company thus raised event-
ually became Company A of the 150th New York State
Volunteer Infantry, of which Joseph H. Cogswell was
commissioned Captain, Henry Gridley First Lieutenant,
and James P. Mabbett Second Lieutenant.
Entering the service with the regiment Lieutenant
Gridley passed unscathed through the battle of Gettys-
burg, but in Virginia he was stricken down by the malarial
fever of the country, from which he barely escaped with
his life.
Upon his recovery he again joined the regiment, fol-
lowing its fortunes and activities until June 22, 1864.
This was during the close and constant fighting of Sher-
man's army on the memorable Atlanta campaign. On
this particular day a fierce assault was made on our line
by Confederate General Cleburn's Division.
The attack was handsomely repulsed, but Lieutenant
HENRY GRIDLEY. 25D
Gridley, who was in command of his company at the
time, fell, pierced by a shot which passed very near his
heart, killing him instantly. He was standing in the line
at the time, and had directed GoUenbeck — a member of
his company — to fire at the tall Confederate color-bearer.
GoUenbeck did so, bringing him down, and it was just as
Lieutenant Griciley was commending him that he was
struck by the fatal bullet, the first of the regiment's com-
missioned officers to be killed in battle.
In his home life Henry Gridley was widely known in
business circles, and was greatly respected for his thor-
oughgoing business abilities, as well as for a certain in-
tegrity of character which was expressed in what he did,
rather than in what he said.
His patriotism was of the purest type, and in eagerly
choosing hardship and chances of battle In behalf of his
country's defense he was not prompted by selfish love of
adv^enture, for he was of a quiet-loving and retiring dis-
position, and the ostentatious side of military life had no
attractions for him. He knew that he was leaving all
behind at the very threshold of a most promising career,
and he gave his services promptly and gladly.
The same integrity and purity of character which won
the respect of his home community also won recognition
in the regiment, and alike among his fellow officers
and among the enlisted men of his company his death
was sincerely mourned.
At the time of his death Lieutenant Gridley was buried
on the field, but after the war his father brought the
remains home and laid them In the family plot, in the
South Amenia Cemetery, where the members of that
family circle are now all at rest.
260 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
CYRUS SWAN ROBERTS.
Mr. Roberts was born in Sharon, Conn., August 23,
1 84 1, and was the eldest of his parents' five children;
four sons and one daughter. His father was Virgil B.
Roberts, a grandson of Captain Samuel Roberts who
served during the war of the Revolution as Captain of the
9th Company, i8th Regiment of Connecticut Militia.
His mother, Harriet Rachel (Swan) Roberts, was
descended through several lines of ancestors from mem-
bers of the Mayflower Colony.
Mr. Roberts received his education in the district
schools of his native town, and at the Stratford Academy,
Stratford, Conn., with the intention of entering college,
which, however, pecuniary reasons prevented. The years
1859 and i860 were spent as a clerk in country stores in
Sharon, Conn., and in Millerton, N. Y. In April, 1861,
he became a law student in the oflice of his maternal uncle,
the late Cyrus Swan, Esq., of Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Soon after the attack on Fort Sumter, S. C, he be-
came a member of the Ellsworth Grays, a local military
organization formed in Poughkeepsie for the study of
military tactics, and exercise in military drill. It is worthy
of note that of the sixty-five members of that organization
more than forty subsequently served during the war.
Early In May, 1862, a call for three-months service
was made on the militia of the states, and May 20, 1862,
he joined Company A, 22nd Regiment of New York
Militia, and left the same evening from New York City
for Baltimore, Md., where the regiment was mustered
into the United States service May 28, 1862. From that
day his life has been the life of a soldier; — a soldier who
has served his country well on many fields.
CYRUS SWAN ROBERTS. 261
Early in June his regiment was ordered to Harper's
Ferry, where it remained in camp until the expiration of
its term of service, when it was ordered to New York
City and there mustered out September 6, 1862,
The same day on which he was discharged from that
regiment he enlisted in Company A, 150th New York
Volunteers, and was mustered into the service with the
regiment as Sergeant-Major. On the iith of October,
1862, he left with it for Baltimore, Md., and here he was
on duty until May, 1863 (having in the mean time,
February 13, 1863, been commissioned Second Lieuten-
ant), when he was detailed as Assistant Commissary of
Musters for the 3rd Division, 8th Army Corps, and
reported at Charleston, Kanawha County, W. Va. He
remained on duty with the division under command of
Brigadier-Generals Scammon, Duffie and Crook, taking
part in several expeditions against the enemy in West
Virginia, and also against the command of General Mor-
gan during his raid north of the Ohio River.
During this period he was many times under fire in
affairs with the enemy, of relatively small importance,
up to the end of April, 1864, when he served as aide-de-
camp for General Crook in his expedition against the Con-
federate forces on the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad.
He took part in several affairs between advanced and rear
guards, and on May 9, 1864, in the battle of Cloyd
Mountain, and in subsequent engagements at the New
River Bridge, May 10, 1864, and affairs of less im-
portance at Blacksburg, Va., May nth, at the Salt Sul-
phur Springs, at Union and the Greenbrier Rivers on the
return of the expedition to Lewisburg, West Va.
About June i, 1864, he served with General Crook's
262 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
command in his expedition to Staunton, Va., where he
joined with the command of General Hunter in his move-
ment against Lynchburg; took part in affairs at Middle
River, battle of Hot Springs, and Buffalo Gap, en route
to Staunton, and at Lexington, Va., and near the Peaks
of Otter, en route from Staunton to Lynchburg.
At the battle of Lynchburg he was severely wounded,
June 17, 1864. But his convalescence was rapid, and he
joined General Crook's command which had again taken
the field at Harper's Ferry about the middle of July, and
was operating in connection with the 6th Army Corps
against the forces of Confederate General Early. On
July 1 8th he took part in the battle of Snicker's Ford
on the Shenandoah, and on the 22nd and 23rd of the
same month was engaged in several attacks on outposts,
and on the 24th in the severe battle at Kernstown between
the troops of the Department of West Virginia under
General Crook, and those of General Early's command.
He was with the rear guard during the retreat from
W^inchester and took part in a sharp action at Martins-
burg July 25th, where General Early's pursuit was
checked. He also accompanied the troops under General
Sheridan in the movement from Harper's Ferry up the
Shenandoah Valley in August, 1864, and was slightly
wounded in the leg in an affair between advanced and
rear guards near Middletown. He was engaged in a
severe action between troops under General Crook and
General Kershaw's division of Longstreet's Corps near
Berryville during the latter part of August, and in the
battles of Opequan (Winchester), September 19th, and
Fisher's Hill, September 22, 1864. For both these
CYRUS SWAN ROBERTS. 263
actions he received, for his gallant conduct and service,
brevet commissions.
He accompanied his command in the advance up the
Shenandoah Valley to Harrisonburg, and October 19,
1864, took part in the battle of Cedar Creek, or Middle-
town. This battle finished the campaigns of 1864, and
he then accompanied General Crook, who had been as-
signed to command the Department of West Virginia, to
Oakland, Md., as aide-de-camp. January i, 1865, he
was promoted to First Lieutenant in his own regiment.
The latter part of March, 1865, reported to General
Crook at City Point, Va., he having been assigned to
command the 2nd Cavalry Division of the Army of the
Potomac, and served with it in General Sheridan's opera-
tions. In this service he took part in the battles around
Dinwiddie Court House, March 29th, 30th, and 31st,
at Five Forks April ist, at Jettersville April 5 th, at
Sailors' Creek April 6th, at Farmville April 7th, and at
Appomattox Court House April 9, 1865. He continued
to serve with General Crook, who was in command of the
Cavalry Corps, until early in June, when he joined his
regiment, and was mustered out of the service with it
June 8, 1865.
June 22, 1865, Lieutenant Roberts was appointed Cap-
tain and Aide-de-Camp, and accompanied General Crook
to Wilmington, N. C, where he remained on duty until
December 7, 1865, when he was mustered out of the
volunteer service.
On May 11, 1866, he was appointed Second Lieuten-
ant in the regular army, being assigned to the 17th United
States Infantry, and in the September following he re-
ported for duty at Newport Barracks, Ky., where he
264 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
organized a company for his regiment, and proceeded with
it to Galveston, Tex. He served in command of his com-
pany until July, 1867, when he was detailed on the staff of
Brevet Major-General Griffin. His service in Galveston,
Tex., was during the yellow fever epidemic in August,
September, and October, 1867, during which General
Griffin, nine officers, and a large number of the men of his
regiment died from the fever.
About January i, 1868, he was appointed as Aide-de-
Camp for Brevet Major-General Reynolds, and served
with him until he was relieved from command by Brevet
Major-General Canby, with whom he served as Adjutant-
General and disbursing officer, " Bureau Refugees and
Freedmen," until his assignment to the command of the
1st Military District.
He joined his regiment at Richmond, Va., in April,
1869, and served with it in Virginia until April, 1870,
when it was ordered to Dakota Territory. He was de-
tailed as Aide-de-Camp for Major-General Crook in
August, 1880, and served with him in the Department
of the Platte until August, 1882, when he accompanied
him to Arizona. Here he served as Adjutant-General
of the troops in the field during the Indian troubles of
1885 and 1886 (the Geronimo campaign). Upon the
relief of General Crook from the command of the De-
partment of Arizona he. asked for and received orders to
join his regiment at Fort D. A. Russell, Wyoming, in
August, 1886, and served with it until the summer of
1888, when he was detailed as Aide-de-Camp for Major-
General Crook, and served with him until his death in
March, 1889, at Chicago, 111.
In December and January, 1890 and 1891, he served
CYRUS SWAN ROBERTS. 265
In the Sioux Indian campaign (" Ghost Shirt ") troubles.
In 1894 his regiment was ordered for station at Colum-
bus Barracks, Ohio, where he remained on duty with It
until the war with Spain. In May, 1898, he was ap-
pointed Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-Gen-
eral of Volunteers, and assigned to duty with the 2nd
Army Corps, where he served as Adjutant-General of the
Corps until the end of August, when he resigned his
volunteer commission and took command of his regiment
at Montauk Point, L. I.
In August, 1899, he was assigned to duty as Adjutant-
General and Judge-Advocate of the Department of Texas.
He served In these capacities until July, 1901, when,
having been promoted Colonel 2nd United States Infan-
try, he was ordered to join his regiment in the Philippines.
He reached Manila in August and was assigned to station
at Lucena, Tayabas Province, where he was In command
of his regiment and the district until his regiment was
ordered to Manila and he was placed In command of the
city and garrison of Manila. In August, 1903, Colonel
Roberts was promoted Brigadier-General, United States
Army, and upon his own request was retired after more
than forty years of active service.
January 31, 1870, he married Nannie R. Duval,
daughter of Thomas H. Duval, United States District
Judge, Western District of Texas. As the issue of this
marriage there were : Charles Duval, now Captain United
States Army, born June 18, 1873; Cyrus Swan, Jr., born
May II, 1876, died November 19, 1903; and Laura P.,
wife of First Lieutenant Tilman Campbell, United States
Artillery Corps, born October 12, 1882.
266 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
CHARLES EDWARD BENTON.
The youngest child of William and Betsey (Reed)
Benton, the subject of this sketch was born September 1 1,
1 84 1, on the farm in Amenia, Dutchess County, N. Y.,
to which his grandfather, Caleb Benton, came in 1794.
On his father's side he is descended from Edward Ben-
ton, who came to New England in 1638, and his mother's
American paternal line begins with Captain John Reed,
one of Cromwell's officers who found it expedient, upon
the restoration of the throne in 1660, to leave the land of
his birth and come to New England, What education
Mr. Benton had was received at the public schools, at
the Amenia Seminary, in Amenia, N. Y., and at the
Dutchess County Academy in Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
September 6, 1862, he enlisted in Company A of the
Dutchess County Regiment, reaching Camp Dutchess
with the Amenia contingent which came to the regiment
with First Lieutenant Henry Gridley. Soon after this a
regimental band was formed by detailing men from the
ranks for that service, and Mr. Benton was included in
that detail.
Thereafter his service with the regiment was in that
capacity, with the exception of three months during the
summer of 1864, when he was detailed for service in a
receiving hospital at Kingston, Ga. When this hospital
was discontinued he was returned to the regiment, with
which he served to the close of the war.
His father died in May, 1865, and upon the settle-
ment of the estate Mr. Benton purchased the home farm.
This he afterward sold to his brother Myron, and for
a year worked a hired farm. In 1870 he purchased a
CHARLES EDWARD BENTON. 267
dairy farm in Sharon, Conn., and made that his residence
until 1 89 1, when he retired from activ^e business and
removed to New Bedford, Mass. During his residence
in Sharon he served his town in various public offices,
and was for many years a member of the Town School
Board.
He became interested in the Grange movement, believ-
ing it to be an institution well calculated for bettering
the conditions of farmers and their families, and it was
through his efforts that Webutuck Grange No. 86, of
Sharon, Conn., was organized. This was the first Grange
to be organized in that part of the country, and he served
as its Master until the year of his removal from the town.
He is also an enthusiastic Grand Army man, and was
Commander of John M. Gregory Post, No. 59, Depart-
ment of Connecticut. He has, in his later home, served
as Commander of R, A. Peirce Post, No. 190, Depart-
ment of Massachusetts.
Mr. Benton has sometimes found relaxation by turn-
ing from the plow to the pen, and has from time to time
contributed to various periodicals, on a rather wide range
of subjects. In 1902 G. P. Putnam's Sons, of New York
and London, published a book from his pen, entitled,
"As Seen From the Ranks," which received favorable
recognition from the press of this country and of Eng-
land.
This book is in no wise a history, but is a sketch of
personal observations and impressions, aiming to give
faithful pen pictures of the scenes of the war as those
scenes appeared to a youth who was serving in the ranks.
A later publication of his is a piece of family history, —
" Caleb Benton and Sarah Bishop : Their Ancestors and
268 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Their Descendants," issued from the press of The A. V.
Haight Company, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Mr. Benton has been twice married; first, October 6,
1870, to Clara Rogers Foster, of Southampton, N. Y.
She died in 1872, leaving an infant daughter who fol-
lowed her mother a few months later. June 3, 1875,
he was married to Harriet Maria Drown, of New Bed-
ford, Mass., by whom he has one daughter, Harriet Jack-
son Benton.
EDWIN A. DAVIS.
Edwin A. Davis, son of Nelson and Adeline (Austin)
Davis, was born September 28, 1841, in the town of
Stanford, Dutchess County, N. Y., and received his educa-
tion in the public schools there. Endowed with a native
mechanical talent, as soon as his school days were ended
he sought employment in those lines until his enlistment,
September 15, 1862, in Company A of our Dutchess
County Regiment. He was an excellent musician, and
when the regimental band was organized he was detailed
as a member of it, and served in that capacity to the close
of the war, when he was mustered out with the regiment.
After his discharge he worked as locomotive engineer
and fireman until 1872, then for five years as engineer in
the New York Fire Department. After that he held
positions as master mechanic in a furnace in Millerton,
N. Y., with the Iron Cliff Company, of Negaunee, Mich.,
in Chester Rolling Mills, at Chester, Pa., in Crozer Iron
Company, at Roanoke, Va., in Buffalo Furnace Company,
at Buffalo, N. Y., with Lowmoor Iron Company, in Vir-
ginia, and in the American Wire and Steel Company, of
Pittsburgh, Pa. In 1903 Mr. Davis went to Cuba as
EDWIN A. DAVIS. 269
Master Mechanic for the Garagua & Lacorba Railroad,
after which he was offered and accepted a position under
the government, and is now employed as machinist in the
Navy Yard at Washington.
In 1870 Mr. Davis was married to Emma T. Powers,
of Amenia, N. Y., daughter of Gaylord and Abigail
(Watts) Powers, and seven children have been born to
them, as follows: Edna, now Mrs. Albert Norton; Ed-
ward W. ; Ella, now Mrs. Harry Witsell; Caroline,
now Mrs. Harold Holman; Lillie, now Mrs. Charles
Hollins; Frank, and Chester H.
Of incidents in connection with his service in the regi-
ment Mr. Davis recalls that at Gettysburg he, like other
members of the regimental band, was called to assist the
Medical Department, and in that capacit}^ was detailed
for service at the 12th Corps Field Hospital. Among
the ghastly scenes there the one thing which most im-
pressed his boyish memory was a pile of severed legs and
arms from amputations; a pile which was as high as the
amputation table itself. Not until four days after the
battle was he released from this labor, and then he was
ordered to report promptly to his regiment.
He started off on foot in company with Corporal
George T. Willson of Company A, who was recovering
from a wound received at Gettysburg, and together they
tramped for four days, until they overtook the regiment
near Williamsport, Md., where the army was confront-
ing the retreating enemy who were getting back across the
Potomac at that point, and at Falling Waters, a few
miles below.
They were both in a foot-sore and starving condition
when they reached the regiment, for they had subsisted
270 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
mainly on such nourishment as they could obtain by
shelling out heads of wheat and swallowing the kernels,
and the sharp stone-gravel of those famous stone pikes
of Maryland had sorely wounded their feet after blisters
had made the wearing of shoes impossible.
Nearly a year later, near Acworth, Ga., Mr. Davis
was wounded. At the time this occurred there was a
flank movement attempted by the enemy, by which the
regiment was subjected to a fire which came partly from
one side and the rear. A rifle-ball took a piece of skin
from his thigh, and at the same time a buck-shot, or
pistol-ball, penetrated his left hand. The wounds,
though for a time painful and crippling, did not compel
him to leave the army, and he continued with the regi-
ment, taking his part in the various duties which the mem-
bers of the band were called upon to perform.
EUGENE MOTT KEMPTON.
Eugene Mott Kempton, Company A, was born August
II, 1862, in Robertsville, S. C. His parents were the
Rev. George Kempton, D.D., of Stono, S. C, and Sarah
E. Mott of Hamilton, N. Y. He came north when about
three years of age.
Was a pupil in the New Brunswick, N. J., high school,
and later spent about two years in Madison University,
Hamilton, N. Y., but because of poor health gave up
his plan of a classical education, and took a business
course at Crittenden's Commercial College, Philadelphia,
Pa., graduating in April, 1861. After graduating he
secured employment as clerk and bookkeeper in a store
in Amenia, N. Y., and while working there enlisted Sep-
MILES K. LEWIS. 271
tember 6, 1862, with Lieutenant Henry Gridley. Was
mustered into United States service with the regiment Oc-
tober II, 1862. Was appointed a Corporal, September 20,
1863, and held that position until mustered out with the
regiment June 8, 1865. Was detailed at regimental head-
quarters as clerk soon after Gettysburg, remaining there
until muster-out. Returned to work in the Amenia store
in 1867, and in 1872, by grace of General Ketcham, was
appointed postmaster at Amenia, retaining that position
until 1893, a term of 21 years, during nearly the whole of
which time he was Town Clerk of the town. From 1895
to 1905 was employed in the Civil Service of New York
State at Albany until forced because of poor health to
resign. Married in 1870 to Mary Culver Davis of
Amenia, N. Y., resulting in births of George R., Jessie
D., and Jeannette M., all living at this time.
MILES K. LEWIS.
Mr. Lewis was born in Sharon, Litchfield County,
Conn., August 15, 1842, the third son of Miles B. and
Maria H. (Kelsey) Lewis. He is a worthy representa-
tive of New England stock, and fairly illustrates the
sort of material that went into the rank and file of the
armies that defended the country in its time of need.
He received his education at the public schools — noted
for their excellence — of his native town, and at the early
age of fifteen left the parental roof to begin life on his
own account. His first service was as a clerk in the store
of George Conklin in Amenia, Dutchess County, N. Y.,
in which service he remained until the spring of 1862,
when he accepted an excellent position with the firm of
272 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Seward, Vail & Haight, merchant tailors, in Poughkeepsie,
N. Y.
The summer which followed saw the discouraging lack
of progress of our armies answered by a rising tide of
patriotism all over the country, which bid defiance to
disaster, and when, in the autumn of that year, the
" Dutchess County Regiment " was being organized at
Poughkeepsie Mr. Lewis responded to his country's call.
He enlisted September ii, 1862, as a private in Company
A of that regiment.
Upon the formation of the regimental band he was
detailed to service in that organization, for he is a talented
musician, and served with it until mustered out with the
regiment. The only time he was absent from it was when
he was sick with the fever in Virginia; a sickness which
very nearly cost him his life. But he was able to join us
during the time of our winter camp in Tennessee, and
shared the fortunes of the regiment from that time on.
Upon returning to civil life, he at first entered a gen-
eral store, with John M. Case and Theodore Wing, at
Dover Plains, N. Y. But in January, 1866, upon the
solicitation of the parents and brother of the lamented
Lieutenant Henry Gridley (who was killed in battle at
the head of his company near Marietta, Ga.), he opened
a general store at Wassaic, N. Y., a business which at this
writing he still conducts.
In addition to this he was for fifteen years connected
with the New York Condensed Milk Co., which has a
factory at that place, as bookkeeper and cashier. At the
same place also N. Gridley & Son conducted an extensive
and complicated business which included an iron mine
and furnace, as well as a large amount of farm and wood
MILES K. LEWIS. 273
land, and other real estate interests. After the death of
both Mr. Gridley and his son Edward, who were the only
members of the firm, the Court appointed Mr. Lewis to
be receiver of the firm, and in that capacity he conducted
its extensive affairs and closed them up satisfactorily.
He was also appointed administrator of the estate of
Noah Gridley, and, with Charles E. Benton, was execu-
tor of the estate of Noah Gridley's widow, Mrs. Emeline
Gridley. All of these large properties were managed
with a skill and success which showed Mr. Lewis to be
endowed with an excellent business ability, as well as
with an integrity which won the confidence of all who had
dealings with him.
For eight successive years he was the unanimous choice
of his town as its representative in the Board of Super-
visors at the county seat, and as a member of the Board
was chairman of important committees. One of these
was that through whose recommendation the office of
sheriff was made a salaried ofl'ice, as it always should be.
Another was the committee appointed on the equalization
of taxes throughout the county. He was also secretary
of the committee which had in charge the building of the
new county court house and jail, and in his own town he
is a member of the Board of Health.
Mr. Lewis was married at Amenia, October 24th,
1867, to Julia C, daughter of Lester and Margaret
(Scott) Reed, and four children have been born to them:
Emma G., wife of Edwin Tanner, Nina R., wife of
Albert Hicks, Alice R., wife of William Scott, and
Roland C. Lewis.
274 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
ALBERT BANISTER REED.
By Charles E. Benton.
Albert B. Reed was one of those heroes whose service
in the field was short, and in his case it ended in the too
frequent tragedy, but it is fitting that at least this brief
tribute to a worthy member should find a place in the
regiment's history.
He was the son of Newton Reed — author of "Early
History of Amenia" — and Ann (Van Dyck) Reed; his
grandfather, Ezra Reed, having four grandsons in Com-
pany A of our regiment.
While his father's ancestry was entirely from the early
English colonists, his mother's was of a prominent Dutch
family which early settled on the Hudson, and this youth
bore in his own person an excellent composite of those
two races which have played such a part in the making
of this country.
The fire of Albert B. Reed's patriotism was a pure
flame, undimmed by any thought of self seeking, and it
was fully recognized by his friends when he enlisted to
carry a rifle at the age of seventeen that his motives were
beyond question. Among his officers he was soon known
as one whose courage and honesty were always to be
relied on.
Soon after enlistment he was appointed Corporal,
being marked for further advancement as opportunity
should offer. He passed through the Gettysburg cam-
paign unscathed, but in Virginia fell a victim to the fever
which invaded the camp in the lowlands of the Rappa-
hannock. His father was sent for, and arrived just as
the regiment was about to be moved farther south. The
EDGAR NICHOLAS SHELDEN. , 275
sick of the regiment were sent back in the cars, and Albert
died in his father's arms before reaching Alexandria.
He was a boy to be loved for his many charming per-
sonal qualities, as well as on account of his noble Christian
character, and short as was his service doubtless his influ-
ence is more far-reaching than can easily be reckoned.
" The heroism of personality is an unspent force, which
always registers gain somewhere."
EDGAR NICHOLAS SHELDEN.
Edgar N. Shelden, son of Nicholas and Rachel Maria
(Swift) Shelden, was born at Deposit, Delaware County,
N. Y., July 25, 1842. The family removed to Dutchess
County, N. Y., where he received his education in the
public schools, and for a time attended the Friends'
School in the Town of Washington, in that county.
Early in life he became an earner, for his father died,
and at the age of sixteen Mr. Shelden went to work on a
farm, continuing in that employment until he entered
the army. He enlisted in Company A of our regiment
at Baltimore, April 8, 1863, and was soon made a
Corporal.
Of war's moving adventure and hair-breadth escapes
" Our Nick " had his full share, through all of which he
bore himself so well that he won the confidence of those
under whom he serv^ed, and became known as one who
could be relied on in all circumstances.
At the battle of Gettysburg his service was with the
regiment during the battle, and after its close he was
one of the detail which was placed in charge of Chaplain
Vassar, charged with the duty of searching the field for
276 . THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
our dead, and he says that the Chaplain is entitled to the
greatest credit for his faithful service in that connection.
Included in the detail were some members of the ist
Maryland Potomac Home Brigade — which was brigaded
with us — and when they reached the place near Spangler's
Spring at which this regiment had met the ist Maryland
Confederate Regiment a first lieutenant of our Mary-
land Regiment found among the enemy's slain his own
brother, — a first lieutenant in the enemy's Maryland regi-
ment. He was mortally wounded, and died soon after
being found by his brother. This and the many other
terrible sights met with, Mr. Shelden says, revealed more
of the dreadful earnestness and tragedy of the war than
any other experience which he passed through at the front.
From this time his service continued with the regiment
until the siege of Atlanta. On July 20, 1864, while the
regiment was stationed near Peach Tree Creek, our
pickets advanced and captured some of the enemy's out-
posts. During this action Mr. Shelden was wounded by
the bursting of a shell from one of the enemy's siege guns,
a piece of the shell striking him in the side and loosening
several of his ribs. While he was being carried on a
stretcher to the rear the bullets at one time came so thick
that the men carrying him dropped the stretcher to the
ground.
But he was finally removed to the rear, where he was
cared for by the surgeons of the regiment, and was
eventually sent, with other wounded men, to the hospital
at Chattanooga. He recovered from his wound and
joined the regiment again, reaching it just in time to take
part in the famous " March to the Sea."
Not long after his return to the regiment he was
EDGAR NICHOLAS SHELDEN. 277
detailed for service at General Slocum's headquarters,
where he was employed in carrying dispatches to the
commandants of the various Divisions of Sherman's
army. He continued in the discharge of this responsible
and sometimes hazardous duty until the close of the war,
when he rode in the grand review at Washington with
the mounted men attached to General Slocum's head-
quarters.
Of his service in connection with headquarters he
recalls many stirring incidents. One of these was in the
night after the day in which there was a slight stampede
in the 14th Army Corps, near Bentonville, N. C. Mr.
Shelden, with Colonel Asmussen, General Slocum's Chief
of StafF, was sent with dispatches from General Slocum
to General Sherman. The night was dark and the rain
fell in torrents, and to reach the place they were obliged
to swim their horses across a deep river. They at last
found General Sherman (covered with a poncho and sit-
ting by his campfire) and delivered to him the dispatches.
After reading them General Sherman said, " Tell Slocum
to hold his line and I'll 'tend to them as soon as it's light."
The events of the following day proved that General
Sherman made good his promise to " 'tend to them."
With his errand accomplished Mr. Shelden returned to
his command, which he reached just before dawn. Soon
after this one of the headquarters escort was wounded,
and he was sent to the rear for an arnbulance. Imme-
diately on his return Colonel Asmussen said, — " Shelden,
I want you to go and have the scouts report to me at
once, as to what is in front of us."
Putting spurs to his horse, " Nick " dashed up the
road; but the enemy's pickets had discovered the move-
278 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
ment, and they Immediately opened a rattling fire on him.
His horse Instinctively recognized the danger, and of his
own accord sprang Into the woods at the side of the road.
Fortunately he was not hit, and he succeeded in finding
the scouts, in the place where they were carefully con-
cealed from the enemy, and delivered his message.
Upon his return Colonel Asmussen turned to his men
and said, "There; I told you I had one man I could
depend upon."
But " Nick's " quick reply was, — " Not If I had known
what was ahead of me. Colonel! "
Returning to civil life Mr, Shelden was appointed to
a responsible position in the United States Customs Service
at New York, a work in which he is still employed.
November 3, 1873, he was married In New York City
by the Reverend W. H. Boole to Nora Augusta, daughter
of Benjamin W. and Nancy Ann (Andreys) Way, and
two sons, William Boole and Obed Wheeler, have been
born to them.
GEORGE RYNUS.
George Rynus was born in the town of Unionvale,
Dutchess County, N. Y., on October 23, 1841, although
he has spent most of the sixty-five years of his life in the
town of Washington, Dutchess County.
His father's name was Mimard W. Rynus, who was
born in the city of Poughkeepsie, and was a soldier in
the War of 18 12. His mother's maiden name was Eliza
Dutcher, who was also born in the city of Poughkeepsie.
He enlisted September i, 1862, at Washington, N. Y.,
and was mustered in as private of Company A October
10, 1862, was promoted Corporal December 19, 1863,
JAMES H. VASSAR. 279
and made Sergeant April 24, 1865 ; mustered out with his
company June 8, 1865.
He was married November 30, 1873, to Mary Brei-
bun. They have one daughter, Mattie Adele, who mar-
ried Adelbert F. Coolcingham. They also have two
grandchildren.
JAMES H. VASSAR.
James Hervey Vassar was the third and youngest son
of William and Mary (Hageman) Vassar, and was
born at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., October 20, 1839. He
was named for his great-uncle, James, the father of the
founder of Vassar College, so widely known. The great-
uncle died while his namesake was still a babe. Thomas
and James Vassar were the first of the line to cross the
Atlantic, and the names of both brothers were perpetuated
by boys in William Vassar's home.
Another son of William was called after his maternal
grandfather, Adrian Hageman (sometimes written
" Hegeman "), an uncle of the man who established the
now widely known drug business of Hegeman, Clark &
Co., of New York City. This brother too was a soldier
of the Civil War, and an officer on the staff of General
N. P. Banks. He died in the service at Point Isabel,
Texas. The eldest son, Thomas, first Chaplain of our
regiment, is mentioned elsewhere in this history.
James H., like his brothers, was educated in the public
schools of Poughkeepsie, and began working for himself
in the manufacturing establishment of Hotchkiss & Sons
at Sharon, Conn., when about nineteen years of age.
While there employed he heard the call to arms that so
280 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Stirred many youth, and enlisted in Company A of the
Dutchess County Regiment,
He was somewhat proficient in music, and that fact led
to his being detailed to serve as leader of the regimental
band, and in this capacity he continued until his regiment
was mustered out at the close of the war. In the old
Army of the Potomac, and later in all of Sherman's
famous campaigns, from Chattanooga to the sea, and
northward to Washington, he shared in all the toils and
triumphs.
On returning home and falling into the pursuits of
peace he was offered a position in the United States Treas-
ury at Boston, and here, in different capacities, he has held
a place for more than forty years. For two decades or
more his office has been that of specie clerk, and on the
coin question he is now an expert, and conceded to be one
of the best authorities of the land.
In 1870 he married Etta, daughter of Hon. George
M. Rice, of Worcester, Mass., one of the leading busi-
ness men of that city, and a prominent member of the
upper house of the Massachusetts Legislature. Mr. and
Mrs. Vassar have one daughter, Mary W., a graduate of
Boston University. Their summer home is at Lynn, but
commonly their winters are spent in Boston.
Mr. Vassar is still hale and hearty, and bids fair to
round out a half centui-y of civil service, beside the mili-
tary service rendered to his land. Practically about all
his days have been given to the public interests of the
country that he calls his own.
GEORGE THERON WILLSON. 281
GEORGE THERON JVILLSON.
George T. Willson was born in the town of North
East, Dutchess County, N. Y,, on February 3, 1837.
His father's name was Theron, and his mother's name
was Eliza (Colhns) Willson.
His education was received at the District School
located on his father's farm, Warren Institute (Conn.),
and at Amenia Seminary.
After leaving school he worked upon his father's farm
until eighteen years of age when he went as clerk in the
general store of L. D. Hedges at Pine Plains, where he
remained two years, when he went back to the farm and
remained there until his father's death, which occurred
in January, 1862.
He enlisted in the Dutchess County Regiment on Sep-
tember 5th and was mustered in as Corporal of Com-
pany A, October 11, 1862.
He followed the general fortunes of the regiment until
the capture of Atlanta, when he was detailed in the
Quartermaster's Department of the First Division of the
20th Corps, where he remained until the close of the war.
At the battle of Gettysburg on July 3, 1863, while we
were defending the line on Culp's Hill, he was struck in
the forehead by some kind of a missile, probably a spent
bullet, which fractured the external tablet of the skull,
and knocked him down unconscious. Supposing him to
have been killed, some of his comrades carried him behind
a large tree in close proximity to our line, where he was
left for dead. Later, he was carried back to the field
hospital and laid among the rows of the dead.
He thinks it must have been about 2 A. M. when he
282 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
recovered consciousness, and seeing the surgeons at their
gruesome work upon the wounded amid the blood and
uncertain light, and not knowing where he was, he fainted
and did not again recover until it was broad daylight,
when he again awoke to find himself partly covered with
the arms and legs the surgeons had amputated and thrown
near him. His wound proved to be not as serious as at
first it was thought it was, and in a few days he was back
again doing full duty.
Dr. S. G. Cook, who had been detailed to give tem-
porary surgical aid to the wounded on the field, was kept
informed by his stretcher bearers of those that had been
killed. Among the names so reported to him were those
of John Van Alstyne, John Wing, Levi Rust, Jedediah
Murphy, Tallmadge Wood and others. In addition to
those so reported to him was the name of George T.
Willson, and he sent his name in as among the killed,
and it was so published in some of the papers.
After the war he engaged in the speculation of cattle
and horses, traveling extensively through the western
parts of this state, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Canada.
In 1888 he engaged in the lumber, coal, and feed busi-
ness, to which later was added the manufacture of brick,
in partnership with L. F. Eaton, under the firm name of
Willson & Eaton. It is now one of the most prosperous
firms in Eastern Dutchess.
He was married September 13, 1876, to Emma Darke,
by whom he had four children, three of whom, Charles
T., Georgiana and Lee D., are now living.
JOHN A. WALLACE. 283
JOHN A. WALLACE.
John Alva Wallace was born in Hyde Park, Dutchess
County, N. Y., February ii, 1842, and is the son of
David and Gertrude Wallace. He received his educa-
tion at the public schools of New York City, the Strat-
ford (Connecticut) Academy, and Williams College,
Williamstown, Mass.
While a student at Williams College he enlisted, dur-
ing a vacation, in Company A of the 21st Regiment,
N. G. N. Y. S., under Captain R. R. Hayman, June 27,
1863, and was discharged August 6, 1863, by reason of
expiration of term of service. April 16, 1864, he again
enlisted, this time in Company A, 150th New York State
Volunteers, and was sent to Hart's Island, N. Y., where
he remained on detailed service until he connected with the
regiment at Raleigh, N. C, just in time to start with it
for home.
Having reported to his company he was again detailed
for service, in the Topographical Engineer Corps, and
served in that Corps until Washington was reached, when
he was transferred to the 60th New York Veteran Vol-
unteers, where he served until mustered out of the service
at Ogdensburg, N. Y., July 31, 1865.
After being mustered out he engaged in school teaching
in Dutchess County, N. Y., for a year or so, and in 1867
he entered the chief engineer's office of the Brooklyn
Navy Yard, where he served as a clerk until 1873, when
he moved to Chester, Pa., and entered the employ of the
late John Roach, as timekeeper in the well-known Roach
shipyard in that city.
In 187 1, having been appointed postmaster of Chester,
284 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
he left the shipyard and entered on his duties as post-
master of that city. While so engaged he organized the
Chester Times Publishing Company, which bought the
Chester Times, and acted as editor and manager of the
paper until 1887,* when he bought the paper and became
its sole owner. In 1891 he sold a half interest in the
paper to William C, Sproule, forming a copartnership
under the name Wallace & Sproule, and the paper is still
published by that firm.
For two years Mr. Wallace was half owner in the
Trenton (N. J.) Times, and edited and managed that
paper, but a flattering offer having been made for it, it
was accepted and the paper sold to its present owners.
In May, 1902, he was again appointed to the postmaster-
ship of Chester, Pa., and was reappointed for another
term by President Roosevelt on June 5, 1906.
Besides his active and successful business career, Mr.
Wallace has been vitally in touch with the social and
religious life of the community In which he has lived, to
a degree rarely excelled. The barest mention of the posi-
tions he has held in various societies and organizations
for the betterment of mankind gives one glimpses of a
life both active and useful; a life largely devoted to the
welfare of the public.
He is a member and ex-president of the Chester Board
of Trade, has served as president of the City Council,
and president of the Chester Water Board, is president
of the Chester Heights Camp Meeting Association,
president of the Board of Trustees of Trinity M. E.
Church, vice-president of the Chester Y. M. C. A., a
trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Hospital of Phila-
delphia, superintendent of Trinity M. E. Sunday School,
ANDREW J. OSTROM. 28S
director in the Cambridge Trust Company of Chester,
a member of the Board of Church Extension of the M.
E. Church, and a member of Chester Lodge No. 236,
F. & A. M., Chester No. 258, R. A. M., and Chester
Commandery No. 66., K. T.
He was married to Emeline Coyle of Poughkeepsie
in May, 1864, and they have five children, as follows:
Mrs. J. Frank Kitts, Sharon Hill, Pa., Frank Wallace,
foreman in Government Printing Office at Washington,
D. C, Robert Wallace, of Hamilton, Ohio, Mrs. Rich-
ard G. La Domus, of Hannibal, Mo., and Miss Sarah
Gertrude Wallace, of Chester, Pa,
ANDREIF J. OSTROM.
Andrew J. Ostrom was born July 21, 1833, in the
town of Hyde Park, Dutchess County, N. Y.
His education was limited to about three years in the
district schools in his neighborhood. At the age of twelve
he entered upon the duties of a farmer's boy, and never
again lived under the paternal roof as many days, putting
them altogether, as there are in a year. He was born of
humble parents of limited means. He divided his time
between farming and teaming, and in the year 1862 he
enlisted in Company B, 150th N. Y. Volunteers, at the
age of thirty years.
He was mustered into Company B as First Sergeant,
September 5, 1862, as Second Lieutenant April 26,
1863, and as First Lieutenant October 21, 1864. He
participated in all the battles, skirmishes and marchings
of the regiment throughout its whole course, and came
home without a scratch, and was mustered out with his
company June 8, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
286 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
With all the hardships, privations and dangers a soldier
has to endure, he found in the midst of them incidents
at which he had to laugh. The following is one of sev-
eral he relates : At the battle of Peach Tree Creek, July
20, 1864, in the thickest of the fight Augustus Phillips, a
brave and good soldier, was loading and firing as rapidly
as any of the boys when a bullet struck his knapsack, went
through and struck a frying-pan attached to it. The
rattling of it was enough to scare any one. He dropped
his gun and howled, " Lieutenant, I am shot, I am shot! "
The lieutenant said, " Shut up, you damn fool, you make
too much noise to be shot! " and he went at it again as
though nothing had happened.
CHARLES T. JOHNSON.
Charles T. Johnson was born in Wayne County, N. Y.,
June 30, 1843, where he lived with his parents until his
ninth year, when the family moved to Poughkeepsie, where
they had previously resided. The father of Charles was
Daniel, an only child — the son of a shipmaster — born in
Middletown, Conn., while his mother, Susan (Tibbitts)
Johnson, was of Beekmanville, N. Y. Into the family
of which Charles was a member eight children were born,
— three daughters and five sons, — Charles being next to
the youngest.
Every one of these five sons enlisted during the war,
but for family reasons two — the oldest and youngest —
were induced to remain at home. Daniel, Jr., John J.
and Charles T. entered the active service, the two first
enlisting in Company K of the 48th Regiment New York
Volunteers early in 1861. Daniel was killed on the top
of Fort Wagner in Charleston Harbor, S. C, during a
CHARLES T. JOHNSON. 287
night attack thereon July i8, 1863, and John J. severely
wounded at the same time, and later, in 1864, more seri-
ously wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, Va., from
the effects of which he died a few weeks subsequent in
Washington, D. C.
Mr. Johnson enlisted August 13, 1862, being then
nineteen years of age, served as private and Corporal
in Company B of the Dutchess County Regiment till the
close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment,
having taken part in every engagement in which it par-
ticipated, without serious sickness; never having a fur-
lough, or being absent a day, and never receiving an
important wound while in the service.
While the regiment was at Baltimore, Md., he was
on permanent detail as one of the guards at General
Schenck's headquarters; at Gettysburg helped to draw
off the guns of a battery near the famous " Peach
Orchard" on the night of July 2d, when they were about
to fall into the hands of the enemy after every horse had
been killed, the guns being still so hot from use that
they nearly burned the bare hands; was on the outer
vedette line of skirmishers the night the Confederate
army crossed the Potomac some two weeks later, and
with one of his company was in the line they abandoned
a half hour later; was on the skirmish line at the battle
of Resaca, Ga., May 15, 1864; at New Hope Church,
May 25th following, was hit with a spent ball (which
fortunately came through a comrade's coffee-pot first) ;
was on the skirmish line at the battle of Kolb's Farm,
June 22, 1864, the day that Lieutenant Gridley was
killed.
For the hazardous work of the skirmish line Mr.
288 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Johnson seems to have been a favorite choice with his
officers, and on the night when Sherman's army fell back
in front of Atlanta to a point on the Chattahoochee river
he was one of the outer vedettes, and was the last to
leave the line on the left of the Marietta Pike, and at
the battle of Peach Tree Creek, July 20, 1864, which
was one of the numerous conflicts in front of Atlanta,
one of the enemy's bullets cut a lock of hair from over
his right ear.
Previous to the war Mr. Johnson had attended the
public schools and served an apprenticeship at the print-
ing business, but at the time of enlistment, because in need
of change to a less sedentary form of employment, was
in the stove and tin business, and was at the same time a
member of a military company, — the Montgomery
Guard, — all of Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
After the war he traveled as a commercial drummer
in the stationery business for an Albany firm, then returned
to the printing business for a year in New York City,
after which he was for about two years engaged on State
printing in Albany, N. Y., going from there to New Paltz,
Ulster County, N. Y., at the request of an association,
to establish the Netv Paltz Independent, which he printed
for three years. From New Paltz he returned to Pough-
keepsie and for a year and a half was foreman for the
Poughkeepsie Daily News. Since February, 1873, with
the exception of three years and eight months (when back
in Poughkeepsie, where he was employed as proofreader
in the office of A. V. Haight), he has been in the Gov-
ernment Printing Office at Washington, where he is now
— July, 1906 — a proofreader. He is still in the enjoy-
CHARLES T. JOHNSON. 289
ment of good health, thanks to an abstemious and regular
life, never having used tobacco or alcoholic liquors.
June 30, 1868, Mr. Johnson was married to Phebe
A. Roberts, of Poughkeepsie, daughter of John Roberts
(formerly of Ulster County) and Lavinia (Weed) of
Orange County, both of New York. To them were born
eight children, all dying in infancy except the first
daughter, who is now Mrs. Frederick DeLamater, of
Poughkeepsie (they have one son), and Charles T., Jr.,
the second son, who is a clerk in the Department of Justice,
Washington. He married Octavia Reeves Rucker, of
Missouri, the daughter of a Confederate soldier, and they
have one daughter. They reside at Mt. Ranier, Md.,
one of Washington's suburban villages.
All the families connected with the subject of this
sketch date back to old colonial times. From Charles
T. Johnson's paternal grandmother connection is traced
back to General Charles Lee of Revolutionary fame, and
through his maternal grandmother to the Tibbitts line,
one of Dutchess County's early families. His wife,
Phebe A. (Roberts), traces back on her mother's side
to no less than five or six members of the Weed family
who were soldiers on, the side of the colonists in the Revo-
lutionary War; some drawing pensions for such service as
late as 1841. The father's progenitors, being closely
allied to the Quaker Church, though some of the earliest
residents of Ulster County, seem to furnish no Revolu-
tionary history obtainable.
The wife of Charles T. Johnson, Jr., traces connection
to the Wade Hampton family of South Carolina, and
also with a Revolutionary War history of noteworthy
honor. The DeLamater family. Into which the daughter
290 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
of Mr. Johnson married, has been for many years a family
well known in the upper portion of Ulster County, where
some of them still make their home. They also possess
a most creditable history for army service with the
colonists during the Revolutionary War.
MATTHIAS JOIS.
Matthias Jois was born in Baden, Germany, February
24, 1 83 1, the son of Frank and Mary Jois, and received
his education in his native country. Coming to America
when twenty-three years of age he settled in Dutchess
County, New York, finding employment on the farms,
and this has been his occupation both before and since the
war.
In 1858 he was a member of Wade Van Steenberg's
Company of Rhinebeck Militia. When the Civil War
broke out he promptly enlisted under the first call for
volunteers, for the term of three months, and was hon-
orably discharged at the expiration of his term of
enlistment.
April 19, 1862, he again volunteered, this time enlist-
ing as a private in Company B of the 150th New York
Volunteers, and was mustered into the United States ser-
vice with the regiment. He was a faithful soldier, fol-
lowing the fortunes of his regiment in all its campaigns,
and being mustered out with it at the close of the war.
While the regiment was doing guard duty in Tennessee
during the winter of i863-'64 he had an attack of
*' night blindness," or " moon blindness," as it is some-
times called, which clung to him for about three months.
It was the first case the surgeon of the regiment had
ever seen, and he was incredulous as to its reality until
LEVI LUMB. 291
he put the unfortunate soldier through a very severe test;
a test which proved conckisively that he could not see
at all in the night, and he was therefore excused from
night duty for about three months.
In i860 Mr. Jois was married to Catharine Eighmey,
and seven children have been born to them, as follows:
Frederick, Francis, Lansing, Ellsworth, Mary, Caroline,
and Ethel. Of these Frederick and Francis have died,
while the others are still living.
In the 1904 Report of the Adjutant-General of the
State of New York Mr. Jois' name is carried as
" Matthias Joos."
LEVI LUMB.
Levi Lumb was born in England, October 5, 1839.
His parents were John and Elizabeth (Beaumont) Lumb.
He came to this country with his parents when he was
three years old, and the family located at Poughkeepsie,
N. Y. Here he was educated in the public schools of the
city, and after leaving school he learned the trade of sash
and blind making. He continued to work at this trade
until August 13, 1862, when he enlisted in Company B
of the 150th New York Volunteer Infantry, and he
served in that company with honor, sharing in all the
marchings and fightings of the regiment until the end
of the war, and was mustered out of the service June 20,
1865.
He then went into the business of sash and blind mak-
ing in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., under the firm name of
Swart, Lumb & Brother, which continued a number of
years, when he withdrew from the firm and started a fac-
tory in his own name, which proved a gratifying success.
292 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT. j
About 1 90 1 he retired from the business, which was con-
tinued by his sons.
Mr. Lumb was married October 16, 1876, to Emma
Childs, and from this union four children, two sons and
two daughters, were born. He died January 18, 1905,
at Tarpon Springs, Fla., where he was staying for his
health.
Mr. Lumb was a member of Hamilton Post, G. A. R.,
located at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and was much beloved
by his comrades. He always took an active interest in
the annual reunions of the old regiment. He was a much
respected citizen of the city in which he had spent nearly
the whole of his life, and was especially appreciated by
his business associates, among whom he bore an enviable
reputation for integrity and stability of character.
WILLIAM S. FAN KEUREN.
The subject of this sketch was born June 29, 1840, at
Pleasant Plains, Dutchess County, N. Y., the son of
Benjamin I. and Mary A. (Barnum) Van Keuren. His
father was also a native of Dutchess County, being born
in the Town of Pleasant Valley, but his mother was born
in Salisbury, Conn.
His father was a farmer, but our soldier-to-be left the
farm at the early age of seventeen and entered upon a
mercantile career, which he followed until the breaking
out of the civil war.
In July, 1 86 1, Mr. Van Keuren enlisted as a private
in the 44th New York Volunteer Infantry, serving with
that regiment until October, 1862. During that time
he met with considerable experience in what was then
WILLIAM S. VAN KEUREN. 293
termed the " Peninsular Campaign," under General
McClellan, and was actively engaged with his regiment
in the battles of Hanover Court House, Gain's Mill,
and Malvern Hill.
From Harrison's Landing he was detailed as one of a
squad to go to Poughkeepsie to procure recruits for his
regiment. But the project of filling up the old regiments
by enlisting new men for them was not entirely successful,
and the Government abandoned it, and took up instead
the plan of forming new regiments. It was at this
juncture that Van Keuren was offered the position of First
Lieutenant in Company H of the Dutchess County Regi-
ment, which he accepted. This commission bore rank
from September 27, 1862.
Coming thus, an already seasoned veteran wise in the
ways of war, he was a valuable acquisition to our regi-
ment in its formative period, and he proved to be one of
its highly valued members.
From that time the life of the organization was his
life, until July 20, 1864, when, at the battle of Peach
Tree Creek in front of Atlanta, he was severely wounded,
a bullet passing through both thighs. During the cam-
paigns which immediately followed this he was at home,
being prostrated by his wounds and unfit for duty. As
soon as he was able he reported to the hospital at Nash-
ville, Tenn., and was just in time to be one of a Provi-
sional Brigade, which was placed under command of
General Benjamin Harrison, afterward President of the
United States.
In this command he took part in the battle of Nashville,
when General George H. Thomas so thoroughly defeated
Confederate General Hood, pursuing the demoralized
294 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
remnants of his force as far south as Huntsville, Ala.
With a portion of this brigade Lieutenant Van Keuren
spent the winter of 1864 and 1865 at Dalton, Ga.
Early in February, 1865, he was sent, with a large
detachment of Sherman's men, to rejoin that command,
reaching it in March, at Goldsborough, N. C, and then
learning that during his absence he had been promoted to
Adjutant of the regiment; said promotion to date from
November 18, 1864.
Immediately upon reaching Goldsborough he was de-
tailed as Aide-de-Camp on the staff of Brigadier General
Barnum, then in command of the 3d Brigade of the 2d
Division of the 20th Army Corps. He was promoted to
Captain of Company C of our regiment, with rank from
March 2, 1865, serving with that rank until mustered out
with the regiment.
Thus he ended an honorable and strenuous career as
a volunteer soldier in defense of his country, a service
which covered, practically, the whole time of the war,
the hardest war of the century in this or any other coun-
try. Then he turned his energies and talents to winning
the victories of peace.
Captain Van Keuren became engaged once more in
mercantile lines, and then in the mercantile marine, and
for a quarter of a century served as captain of several
different steamers plying on the Hudson river, viz. : The
"City of Kingston," the "City of Springfield," the " D. S.
Miller," the "City of Catskill, and the "William F.
Romer."
During 1895, 1896 and 1897 he was a member of the
New York Legislature, and in that capacity formulated
the Navigation Law, which passed the New York Legis-
WILLTA^I E. GURNEY. 295
lature in 1897, becoming operative in June of that year.
He was also appointed to one of the inspectorships, a
position which he still holds.
Captain Van Keuren was marrieci, October 30, 1867,
to Margaret A. Swaim, the ceremony being at the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church in Highland Falls, Orange County,
N. Y., and of this union two children have been born;
Horace Barnum, born September 13, 1868, and Willard,
born September i, 1870, both of whom survive.
rriLLIAM E. GURNEY.
William E. Gurney was born in the town of Stanford,
Dutchess County, N. Y., September 10, 1839. His
parents were Henry H. and Rachel (Arnold) Gurney.
Like so many others of that day, he obtained his entire
education at the public schools, supplemented by private
study, attending the district school as soon as he became
of school age, both summers and winters, and later while
helping on the farm in the summer attended school dur-
ing the winter; never attending any but the district school
of his town. He thus secured an education that enabled
him to obtain a teacher's certificate, and taught two terms;
one being in the same school where he was educated.
On January 10, 1 861, he was married to Miss Kate L.
Cornelius, a daughter of one of his nearest neighbors,
and five children hav^e been born to them, one son and
four daughters. Of these the daughters are living, but
the son died in 1869. The following spring he left the
farm where he was born, and worked for farmers in that
vicinity until September 4, 1862, when he enlisted in
Company C, 150th New York Volunteers, for three years
or during the war.
296 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
He left Poughkeepsie with the regiment October ii,
1862, and was never absent from it for more than twenty-
four hours at a time until it returned in June, 1865, not
having seen any member of his family during that time.
After his discharge he was engaged in the Rogers Axle
Factory at Stanfordville, N. Y., where he was employed
nearly two years, but had to give it up, as it did not agree
with him to work indoors. Again he worked on farms
until October, 1869, when he removed with his family to
Poughkeepsie and engaged in the milk business, which he
followed four years ; then he sold that out and worked in
a meat market one year. He was then appointed on the
Poughkeepsie police force, where he served four years.
His next venture in business was trucking and express,
which he followed successfully until the spring of 1891,
when he sold that business out, and July ist was appointed
a clerk in the Poughkeepsie postoffice under John I. Piatt,
postmaster, and has served under postmasters F. Has-
brouck, F. Halsted, and I. W. Sherrill, being still so
employed.
It is significant of the high esteem in which Mr. Gurney
is held, and of his well-known trustworthiness and stability
of character, that during his whole service in the regiment
he was never absent from duty, was never in the guard-
house or hospital, that during his fifteen years of service
in the postoffice department not a mark has been recorded
against him, and that during his membership in Hamilton
Grand Army Post, of Poughkeepsie, he has filled in suc-
cession every office in the Post, and has for several years
been one of its delegates to the Department Encampment.
He is an enthusiastic worker also in the Regimental
Association. The first reunion of the regiment, held in
JULIUS O. HICKS. 297
1887, was greatly owing to his endeavors. He has held
the position of president of the Association since the death
of General A. B. Smith in 1896, and now holds that posi-
tion. He is also an active member of the Officers' Asso-
ciation of the regiment.
It is only just to say of him that no worthy comrade
ever applies to him that does not receive such aid and
sympathy as he is able to give.
JULIUS O. HICKS.
Julius O. Hicks, son of Bartlett and Lorinda (Mcln-
tyre) Hicks, was born August 31, 1842, in the Town of
Milan, Dutchess County, N. Y. He received his edu-
cation in the public schools, and early obtained employ-
ment on the farms.
Mr. Hicks enlisted as a private August 29, 1862, in
Company C of our regiment, but was later promoted, first
to Corporal, then to Sergeant. But his military experi-
ence was by no means without adventure. He was one
of the unfortunate squad uncier command of Lieutenant
Bowman, which was captured by Stuart's Confederate
cavalry near Westminster, Md., in the latter part of
June, 1863. After some hard marching — and hard fast-
ing— they were paroled and released, and Mr. Hicks
rejoined the regiment in Virginia.
May 25, 1864, near Dallas, Ga., he was wounded. It
was at the battle now known as the " Battle of New Hope
Church," and the wound proved so severe that he never
joined the regiment again. He was first sent to a hospital
at Nashville, Tenn., thence to New Albany, Ind., and
finally transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, from
which he was discharged July 13, 1865.
298 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Since the war Mr. Hicks has followed various employ-
ments, having now been for some ten years a painter in
the United States Navy Yard at New York.
He was married in 1868 to Fannie Fero, who died,
childless, in 1870. In 1889 he was again married, this
time to Sarah Waineright, who died in 1891, leaving
one son, Lester W.
JAMES NE^VMAN.
James Newman was born in New Bavaria, Germany,
July 23, 1845. His father's name was George M. New-
man and his mother's name was Feronika (Seither)
Newman.
He attended school in his native village until thirteen
years of age, and was then employed in the wine business
until the age of fifteen, when he emigrated to America in
a sailing vessel, landing in New York City, July, 1859.
Here he bound himself out (a not uncommon custom at
that time), to learn cigar making, with John Paul Orth
at No. 113 West Broadway, where he remained about
one year.
When the war broke out in 1861 he enlisted in the
Anderson Zouaves, but was prevented from going to the
front by his guardian, as his term of apprenticeship had
not expired and he was not yet of legal age. He then
ran away, coming to the town of Stanford, Dutchess
County, whence he enlisted August 2 2d in Company C,
and was mustered in with his regiment October 11, 1862.
In order to make his enlistment valid his age had to be
given as eighteen, when, as a matter of fact, he was but
a month over seventeen. He had been caught once and
brought back because the enlistment papers showed he
JAIME S NEWMAN. 299
was not old enough, and he was determined this should
not happen again.
Though young and impulsive he made an excellent
soldier. There was no battle or skirmish his regiment
was ever in that he was not found in his place in the
ranks. On several occasions his impulsive bravery led
him into dangerously thrilling situations, which if done
by officers of higher rank would have been rewarded by
immediate promotion.
During the march from Atlanta to the Sea, down
through Georgia and up through the Carolinas, when the
army had to subsist principally upon the surrounding
country, he was noted as a daring and successful forager,
and through his efforts and those of his associates, the
Dutchess County Regiment seldom went hungry.
Arriving near Savannah, provisions became very scarce.
Company C was detailed to go out foraging. They went
back three or four miles and turned to the right. After
coming out of the woods there was a swamp in front of
them, and the officer in charge did not want to go across
as he thought the enemy were on the other side. James
Newman started to go across alone, but when about half
way a comrade named William Palmatier called out,
" Hold on, Jimmie, I'll go with you." He called,
" Come on," as loud as he could so if the rebels were
there they would fire at him and give him a chance to
discover their location and numbers. After getting
across the swamp they saw a very nice plantation on the
Georgia side of the Savannah river. They called to
Company C to come on. Of course they did so, and all
went down to the house. It was a very nice place, with
300 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
rows of live oak trees on either side of the drive leading
to the house. It looked like paradise.
While they were engaged in getting sweet potatoes and
foraging in the house the steamer " Ida " came up the
river. Lieutenant Furey called, " Fall in, there is a boat
coming up the river!" "Col." Florence and some of
the boys ran toward the dyke. It is not known that any ran
back. He thinks the whole company ran along the river,
and as the boat came along some one fired. The boat
turned and ran aground. They hoisted the white flag.
The boat was fast to the ground, but they made no show
of surrendering, and as they were a little afraid of the
enemy they fired again. This time they hoisted the red
(hospital) flag. Company C waited a short time, then
fired again, and after that they began to make a show of
surrendering and let a boat down. Colonel Clinch of
the Rebel Army with one colored servant were the only
people on the boat, and the colored man said the delay
was caused by the Colonel's taking time to tear and burn
all papers.
After coming over in the boat, William Brower and
James Newman took them to Slocum's headquarters and
reported the capture of the boat. The boat was burned,
however, while they were delivering their prisoners.
Hearing the firing, the cavalry came over after Colonel
Clinch and the colored man had landed, and disputed their
rights, and were going to take the spurs off the Colonel's
boots, but Captain Gilderslceve interfered and they took
their prisoners safely to Slocum's headquarters, spurs
and all.
After the war he settled in the village of Amenia, where
JOHN M. SHAW. 301
he still keeps a store of sporting goods, generously supple-
mented by a full line of cigars, tobacco and candies.
JOHN M. SHAJV.
The subject of this sketch was born October 19, 1845,
in Clinton, Dutchess County, N. Y., the son of John and
Helen Shaw. His education was obtained at the public
schools of his town, and after completing his studies he
began life for himself by hiring out to work on a farm.
He enlisted October 3, 1862, and was mustered into
Company C of the 150th New York Volunteers, to carry
a rifle in the ranks, before he was seventeen years old.
That his service was efficient, even at what we usually
speak of as a " tender age," is indicated by the fact that
he was in time promoted, first to Corporal, then to Ser-
geant. He shared the fortunes of the regiment, through
hardship and battle, until its muster-out in June, 1865.
After his discharge from the regiment he removed to
Connecticut and there followed the mason's trade about
seven years. He later accepted the responsible position
of foreman at the Goodwin Brothers' Pottery Co., at
Elmwood, Conn., and in this position he is still employed,
Mr. Shaw was married in 1870 to Hattie C. Dann, of
South Salem, N. Y., and the union has been blessed by
the birth of five children.
JFILLIAM K. JVATSON.
The subject of this sketch was born at Oxford, Mass.,
in 1833, ^"d was the youngest son of William K. and
Lucretia Watson. The family soon removed from there,
and he received his education in the public schools of
302 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Middletown, Conn. In time he removed to Missouri,
and while in that state assisted in organizing the Polk
County Rangers, an organization that served with the
United States Army during the Kansas troubles prior to
the Civil War. While a resident of Massachusetts he
was a member of the National Guard of Boston. Later
he was a resident of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and was there
a member of the Ellsworth Grays, attached to the 21st
Regiment of the New York State Militia.
He enlisted in Company C of our Dutchess County
Regiment at Poughkeepsie, September 9, 1862, and when
enrolled was by occupation a tailor. He served as Cor-
poral and Sergeant with the regiment until wounded, and
was finally discharged from the service June 20, 1865,
while in a hospital at Troy, N. Y.
Among the incidents of his service, Mr, Watson recalls
an unpleasant experience at the battle of Kolb's Farm In
Georgia, during the summer of 1864, When the rebels
made their sudden assault he was out on the skirmish line
and narrowly escaped capture, being so beaten out with
fatigue when at last he reached the regiment that he fell
down exhausted.
It was at Averysborough that he received the wound
which put him out of action, and he remembers that the
stretcher-bearers who carried Lieutenant Sleight's lifeless
form from the field also carried him to the rear at the
same time. Of this experience he writes as follows :
" I have not forgotten the hail of bullets around us as
we were borne from the field, and was very grateful when
we at last reached a place of safety, as the danger is more
courageously endured when one is actually engaged in
the fight."
JOSEPH WOOLEY. 303
He also recalls the capture at that battle, by the
cavalry, of Colonel Rhett, a member of the distinguished
Southern family of that name, and of the profound dis-
gust of that member of the Southern chivalry on finding
himself a captive among the despised " Yankees."
Mr. Watson was married In 1856 to Sarah Matilda
Slack, and they have had six children, one of whom has
died. Of the other five, one Is living in Missouri, near
the place his family evacuated In i860, just in time to
escape the rebel hordes which devastated that state during
the war, marauding and plundering all classes of citizens,
for the Confederate General Price passed through the
place with his army soon after they left.
Mr. Watson is now residing at Zanesville, Ohio.
JOSEPH JFOOLEY.
Mr. Wooley was born In 1842, in Unionvale, N. Y.,
being the son of WInthrop and Catharine Wooley. He
received his education at the public schools, and upon
leaving home chose farming for a livelihood, following
the occupation until the fall of 1862.
Then, In answer to the call for volunteers to go to the
front, he enlisted In Company C of our regiment, under
Captain Henry A. GUdersleeve. The regiment shows no
better record than his, for he never left it a day, was never
absent from duty, and he was never wounded or in a
hospital.
When he was mustered out with the regiment, June 8,
1865, he went to Amenia, N. Y., and there entered the
employ of Chapman & Bartlett in a hardware, agricul-
tural Implement, and drug store. After six years with
the firm he removed to Wassalc, N. Y., in 1874, and has
304 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
since then filled an important position in the factory of
the New York Condensed Milk Company, being one of
its most valued and trustworthy employees.
September I o, 1862, he was married to Mary J. Shaw,
and five children have been born to, them, as follows:
Fred S,, Warren, Edward B., Clayton L., and Bertha E.
When asked for some incidents of camp or campaign
service, something of a personal nature, he gave the fol-
lowing from memory:
" Being at Chattahoochee Bridge, near Atlanta, Ga.,
on the morning of August 31, 1864, two companies of
our regiment. Company C being one of them, were
ordered out on a reconnoissance. We left there at six
in the morning and advanced two miles. Lieutenant Van
Keuren of Company K was then ordered to take ten men
and hold a by-road leading to the main road, so that the
rebels should not flank the remainder of our force, which
had advanced two miles ahead of us to find out the
position of the enemy.
" I was one of that detail, and we had not been there
very long before we heard the rattle of horses' hoofs, and
of cavalry sabres. I said to the Lieutenant, ' Do you
hear that noise? '
" He replied, ' Yes. Keep still and lie down.'
" Presently Luman Place, of my company, asked if he
could go and get some water. Lieutenant said, ' Go, but
be very still, and hurry back.'
" He had not gone more than three hundred feet from
us when we heard some one call out, — 'Halt! Halt!
you Yankee! Surrender! Come here, sir; come quick! '
" We immediately knew that they were rebels, and that
Luman was a prisoner. My heart went pit-a-pat, for
WILLIAM W. PALMER. 305
then I began to realize our position, knowing there was
a rebel force within a stone's throw of us, and not know-
ing how large it was, nor how distant our two companies
were.
"Lieutenant ordered us not to fire until he gave the
word, and when we did fire to immediately holler out, —
' Surrender! ' to the rebels. We remained in that position
about three hours, when our two companies fell back and
joined us. You can imagine how relieved we felt at their
arrival."
There are many other incidents which Mr. Wooley
delights to recall as he lives over again in his imagination
the three years spent in the service of his country as a
volunteer.
JFILLIAM W. PALMER.
The subject of this sketch was born in the Town of
North East, Dutchess County, N. Y., June 2, 1844, the
son of Martin C. and Elsie M. (Babcock) Palmer.
He was a farmer's lad, receiving his education in the
public school, and when our regiment was being organ-
ized he had just reached the military age of eighteen.
He enlisted September 6, 1S62, in Company D, and
served with it to the close of the war, when he was
mustered out with the regiment.
The fact that during his whole term of service he was
never absent from the regiment, and was never absent
from duty, is a worthy record, and indicates that " blood
will tell." His great-grandfather, Gilbert C. Palmer,
was a veteran of the Revolutionary War, his grandfather,
Hughson Palmer, was a veteran of the War of 18 12,
while his father, Martin C. Palmer, served in the Civil
306 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
War, dying in 1892 from the effects of wounds received
at Berrysville, Va.
For many years Mr. Palmer has resided at Millerton,
N. Y., where he finds employment as a carpenter. Upon
the organization at that place of a Grand Army Post it
was through his influence that it was named the " Henry
Gridley Post," in honor of our first commissioned officer
to be killed in battle. For several years he has been
commander of that Post.
Mr. Palmer was married in 1873 to Caroline R.
Bishop, and three children have been born to them, of
whom one, Elsie M., is now living, making her home
with her father.
OBED WHEELER.
By Stephen G. Cook.
Obed Wheeler was born . in the Town of Dover,
Dutchess County, N. Y., November 15, 1841. His
father, Thomas Wheeler, a prosperous farmer and cattle
dealer, was born in the same town in 18 14. This branch
of the Wheeler family came from Connecticut about the
middle of the last century, and were noted for their
enterprise and thrift.
The subject of this sketch passed the years of his boy-
hood at the paternal home, dividing his time between the
local district school, and the farm, and pleasures of the
rod and gun, in the last two of which he was an acknowl-
edged expert.
In 1858 he entered the Amenia Seminary, at Amenia,
N. Y., at that time an institute of learning of consicierable
reputation, where he was prepared for Yale College,
which he entered in i860, and where the breaking out
OBED WHEELER. 307
of the war found him In 1861. For a time he hesitated
between his patriotism and his intense desire to complete
his education, but when, in 1862, President Lincoln issued
the call for 300,000 more volunteers, he hesitated no
longer. The organization of the 150th had taken its
initial start, and he joined it at once and was appointed
First Lieutenant of Company E.
He entered it almost a boy, fresh from his books, and
returned with it a man with a force of character, intel-
lectual status, and personal magnetism, that made his
regimental associates not only respect, but love him. Just
the date of his promotion to a captaincy I am unable to
recall, and it does not much matter, because for all prac-
tical purposes he was always captain of his company.
He was in command of his company when the regiment
left Baltimore in June, 1863, to join the Army of the
Potomac, and was In command throughout the Gettys-
burg campaign, where he and the regiment received their
first baptism of fire. From that time to the close of the
war, in and through the battles of Gettysburg, Resaca,
Dallas, Kulp's Farm, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, the
March to the Sea, Savannah, Averysboro, and Benton-
ville, he was present and in command of his company,
without losing a day by reason of sickness or from any
other cause.
While a soldier he was never foolhardy, yet he pos-
sessed that true courage which prompted and sustained
him In the execution of all orders from his superior
officers, and to do his full duty as It was given him to
understand it.
His courage was never doubted by friend or foe. He
never ordered his men to do what he would not dare to
308 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
do himself, nor go where he would not dare to lead
them.
A prominent trait of his character as a commanding
officer of a company was his persistent efforts to provide
for the general welfare of his men. Every article in
the way of rations and clothing that the Quartermaster or
Commissary Departments furnished must be so distributed
that his company received its full and exact share, or else
there was sure to be trouble in the camp, and the same
paternal and watchful care over the welfare of his men
during the war was continued after he and they returned
to civil life.
Possessing, as he did, a bountiful supply of this world's
goods, his whole-souled, generous nature would not permit
him to allow any old comrade, and especially one from
his own company, to suffer for the necessaries of life, and
many an old soldier in New York City, and all up through
the Harlem Valley, mourns his death, not only as a com-
rade gone, but also as a friend whose willing heart and
ready hand were ever prompt to supply their needs.
At the close of the war he became again as completely
the civilian as though he had never led men into " the
deadly breach," heard the " rattle of musketry all along
the line," or the booming of hostile cannon. And yet
he never ceased to regard the years he had served as a
soldier as the most important and interesting years of his
life. (What old and true soldier does not?)
To the end of his existence it was his delight to gain
the companionship of some one of his old comrades and
recount the thrilling incidents of their army lives, dur-
ing which they had shared common dangers, and when
at last he realized that in the battle of life Death was
OBED WHEELER. 300
about to be proclaimed the victor, he composed himself
on his couch and exclaimed: "Well, let me die like a
soldier."
During his funeral services at the Murray Hill Hotel
the Rev. Dr. Paxton, his lifelong and intimate friend, in
eloquent words, and by way of contrast, drew word pic-
tures of two men, of which the following is a brief sum-
mary, to wit:
" When the room was entered by one the light seemed
a little dimmer, the atmosphere a little heavier; the pet
dog glanced at him uneasily, and retreated to a safer dis-
tance, the children ceased their play and began to gather
together their toys, while men conversed in undertones
and with evident restraint. This was the non-magnetic
man, the negative pole of the battery.
" But when the other entered the room he brought the
sunshine with him, the air at once seemed fuller of ozone
and oxygen, the pet dog bounded with delight to greet
him, and children shouted their welcome, while men vied
with each other in the heartiness of their salutations; and
this man was Obed Wheeler."
If a thousand of his sorrowing and surviving friends
were asked what they thought of him, the unvarying
answer would be: "One of the best fellows that ever
lived."
Immediately after the close of the war he took up his
residence in New York City, where he was elected to
the Stock Exchange, and where he remained a prosperous
member until he died.
310 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
PERRY W. CHAPMAN.
Perry Wheeler Chapman was born In Dutchess County,
N. Y., in that portion of the Town of Dover which is
known as South Dover, March 27, 1841. His parents
were Richard and Sarah (Wheeler) Chapman. He
received his education in the public schools of his town,
where he was the, schoolmate and personal friend of Obed
Wheeler, who also became an officer in our regiment, and
even in their boyhood studies and sports they showed a
taste for military life, little dreaming that they were them-
selves to take part in the greatest of modern war dramas.
At the early age of fifteen Mr. Chapman was engaged
in assisting to build the first telegraph line which was
installed in that part of the country, and after its com-
pletion he went to New York City to learn telegraphy.
He soon acquired the art, and followed it for several
years, part of the time in Iowa, then the border of civili-
zation. For a year he was engaged, with his father
and brother, in the restaurant business at Pawling, N. Y.,
but in 1 861 again accepted a position as telegraph oper-
ator, this time at Dover Plains.
In 1862, when the organization of the Dutchess
County Regiment was begun, Mr. Chapman, associated
with Andrus Brant and Obed Wheeler, recruited men for
a company, and upon its completion they were mustered in
as the officers of Company E; Brant as Captain, Wheeler
as First Lieutenant, and Chapman as Second Lieutenant.
Captain Brant resigned December 18, 1863, when Hieu-
tenant Wheeler was promoted to his position, and Mr.
Chapman was then made First Lieutenant of the com-
pany, his commission bearing date January 16, 1864, with
rank from December 18, 1863. In addition to this he
PERRY W. CHAPMAN. 311
was brevetted Captain, and afterward Major, in 1865.
He served to the close of the war, and was mustered out
with the regiment.
April 13, 1864, Mr. Chapman was married to Ann,
daughter of Charles G. and Maria (Chapman) Thomas,
and six children have been born to them, as follows:
Cora Louisa, now Mrs. George A. Daniels, Frank S.,
who died in infancy, Gilbert Thomas, William Ross, mar-
ried to Cadelia A. Burgess, Emma Dodge, now Mrs.
Charles T. Schieman, and Fred Wheeler Chapman.
Mr. Chapman's service in the war was with the regi-
ment until April, 1864, when he was sent, along with
Captain Cogswell and Lieutenant Humeston, on recruit-
ing service, with headquarters at Poughkeepsie, and it
was while there that he was married. But the honey-
moon was brief, for General Grant soon issued an order
for all on detached service to report at once to their
regiments.
After the fall of Atlanta he was detailed for a short
time on the train guard, but October 6, 1864, he received
an order to report to the commandant of the brigade,
with forty men from the regiments of the brigade as a
Pioneer Corps, of which he was placed in command.
This made Lieutenant Chapman a member of General
Ruger's staff, and he at once became one of the official
" family " at brigade headquarters.
His duties in this new field of service were laborious
and trying, but so satisfactorily were they performed that
he was retained in this position until the close of the war.
In recounting his experiences in this work, Mr, Chapman
modestly gives a great deal of creciit, for the accomplish-
ment of the tasks assigned to him, to his faithful assistant.
312 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Sergeant Charles E. Brewer, of Company B, who had
a real genius for bridge building and the like work.
Since the war Mr. Chapman has followed various occu-
pations, sometimes in the far West, and a portion of the
time in New York. At the present time, 1906, he is
engaged in business at Pawling, N. Y.
SAMUEL H. PAULDING.
Samuel H. Paulding was born January 21, 1828, in
the Town of Hyde Park, Dutchess County, N. Y.
His father's name was Levi and his mother's name
Hannah (Griffin) Paulding.
He received his education in the district schools near
which his father resided, which he attended some nine
or ten years. On leaving school he went to learn the
coopering trade, or how to make barrels, casks and kegs.
He followed that business from 1846 to 1862, and left
it to join the 150th Regiment, in which he was enrolled
September 6, 1862, and was mustered in as First Sergeant
of Company F, October 11, 1862. Fie was promoted
as Second Lieutenant of Company H April 9, 1863, ^^'^
as First Lieutenant of Company F July 21, 1864, and
when he was mustered out with the regiment he was in
command of Company A. The records show that he
came of good fighting stock. His grandfather, John
Paulding, was a major in the War of 1760, known as
the French and Indian War. It seems that his grand-
father and General Washington became quite friendly,
both being members of the Episcopal Church. Together
they started a series of prayer meetings in camp, and kept
up their friendship as long as they both lived.
General Washington visited him at his home in Dutchess
SAMUEL H. PAULDING. 313
County, during the War of the Revokition, and he has
often heard his old aunts brag of eating at the table with
General Washington. His old home still goes by the
name of " Paulding's Manor."
His grandfather had three sons in the Revolutionary
War, and one of them was taken prisoner near Tarry-
town, and he wrote some very funny things that happened
while he was a prisoner. They are still treasured up in
the family. The Paulding who, with Williams and Van
Wart, captured Major Andre at Tarrytown was a rela-
tive of his father.
His mother's father came from Wales, and some of
his relatives were soldiers in that country, and he has a
crest of one of them, which he thinks it is quite an honor
to possess. His grandfather Griffin also served in the
Revolutionary War as Second Lieutenant in a Westchester
County regiment, and he has certain knowledge that he
drew a pension during the last years of his life.
After his term of service was over he went back to the
coopering business, which he started for himself in the
spring of 1850, and continued it until August, 1905, when
his place of business was destroyed by fire, and thinking
he had enjoyeci business long enough to take a rest, he
and his wife moved to Staatsburgh, where they are still
living and enjoying themselves as chicken farmers.
On September 24, 1851, he married Mary F. Russell,
daughter of Captain Isaac F. Russell, of Rhinebeck, N. Y.
They have had three children, of whom two are living,
John Linden, born August 23, 1856, and Charles Henry,
born January 20, 1868.
314 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
JAMES H. KHYNDERS.
James H. Rhynders was born in the Town of Clinton,
Dutchess County, N. Y., April 15, 1846, the son of
Stephen and Jane Ann Rhynders. His education was
received at the public schools, after which he followed
farming for an occupation.
He enlisted at Poughkeepsie, January 21, 1864, before
he was eighteen years of age. He was mustered in as a
private, in Company F of our regiment, and succeeded in
holding that rank until he was discharged on the 6th day
of June, 1865, from a hospital in Albany, N. Y., where
he had been sent in consequence of a wound in the left
arm, received in North Carolina on March 21, 1865,
while engaged with the enemy on the skirmish line.
After he was discharged and had fully recovered from
the effects of the wound he again returned to the occupa-
tion of farming, which he still follows.
On the 6th of September, 1870, he was married to
Minerva E. Pink, by whom he has two sons, both now
grown to manhood.
JEREMIAH COELINS.
" Jerry " was one of our drummer boys, and though
one of the youngest members of the regiment he managed
somehow to have a more varied experience and see more
adventure in the course of his service than some who were
older.
Born of Irish parentage, October 20, 1846, he lacked
a month of being sixteen years old when he enlisted, Sep-
tember 15, 1862, in Company G of the Dutchess County
Regiment, from the Town of Dover. His service in the
JEREMIAH COLLINS. 315
war was not by any means limited to " the pounding of
the sheepskin," for drummer boys were considered avail-
able material for all sorts of service.
At one time he acted as orderly for Chaplain Bartlett
when he visited some of the Southern towns. At Atlanta
he was detailed to attend to the regiment's mail, and thus
for a time he was attached to headquarters. Many times
he was detailed to accompany the foraging expeditions
which supplied the regiment with food while going from
Atlanta to the Sea, and again in the two months of active
campaigning In the Carolinas, from Savannah, Ga., to
Raleigh, N. C. Through It all he carried the daring and
reckless spirit of boyhood, with the hardihood of a man,
and was mustered out with the regiment at the close of
the war.
Mr. Collins was married October 25, 1868, at St.
John's Church, New York, to Adelaide Ellen Francis,
and the blessing Invoked upon Abou Ben Adhem, — " may
his tribe increase," — has been theirs, for eleven children
have been born to them, of which five are living. The
eldest, Cornelius, took the degree of Bachelor of Laws
at Columbia Law School. He has been a member of
the New York Assembly, and at one time First Assistant
Attorney-General of New York City. At present he Is
practicing law in New York. The other children, though
not In law, are doing equally well.
Soon after the war Mr. Collins was appointed news
agent on the New York, New Haven & Hartford Rail-
road. In 1883 he was appointed captain in the Street
Cleaning Department of New York, and three years later
was advanced to a position in the Fire Department. He
316 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
is now serving as a court officer in the Supreme Court
of the State of New York.
Being asked for some reminiscences of a personal
nature, Mr. Collins has related many such, indicating
that, owing probably to his extreme youth in the service,
the experience of war stamped his memory with a greater
vividness and clearness than it did with the older men.
Lack of space forbids us from including all, interesting
though they are.
One of these happened at Gettysburg, and at this dis-
tance of time it seems like a little comedy enacted in the
midst of that great tragedy. During the progress of the
battle a wagon loaded with provisions was hit by a shell,
scattering the hardtack in the road. It will be recalled
that most of the regiment were entirely without food dur-
ing their participation In that battle, and Mr. Collins
adds, — " There was a wild scramble for the hardtack,
and my drumhead, having developed a hole as a result of
the constant beating it had received, made an excellent
receptacle for them, and I was able to get such a number
in the drum before being stopped by the Provost Guard
that I was quite popular among my comrades for a time."
At the battle of Resaca, " Jerry " picked up a cavalry
revolver and belt, just what he had wished for, for he
could carry It without its Interfering with his drum.
Some months later he was foraging w-Ith " Sherman's
Bummers," and being suddenly confronted by a body of
the enemy, this same revolver stood him In good stead,
enabling him to " hold them up " until he could escape.
But upon trying to find his own command he discovered
that he was cut off by the rebel cavalry. After many
adventures, swimming his horse through a river at one
CHARLES E. HORSFALL. 317
place, he at last succeeded in joining his comrades, and
with them attacked and defeated the rebel cavalry, the
horse which he rode being slightly wounded in the
encounter.
Upon their return to the regiment they were received
with joy, for they had been given up as lost. Colonel
A. B. Smith was specially glad at their return, for it was
his horse which " Jerry " had been riding that day. It
appears that they were helped out of this scrape by the
timely arrival of some of Kilpatrick's cavalry during
the engagement, or they might not have gotten off so
fortunately.
CHARLES E. HORSFALL.
Mr. Horsfall was born May 5, 1837, at Marlborough,
N. Y., on the banks of the Hudson, the son of Joseph
and Elizabeth Horsfall. He was educated at the public
schools of Poughkeepsie, where he learned the trade of
carriage maker, an employment which he has since fol-
lowed, both before and after the war.
He enlisted September 27, 1862, in Company G of the
150th New York Volunteers, in which he was afterward
promoted to sergeant. He followed the fortunes of the
regiment, taking part in all its activities, until the close
of the war, and was mustered out with it.
Mr. Horsfall has been twice married; first in 1858 to
Mary E. Doughty, and two children were born to them.
She died in 1867, and on September 8, 1869, he was mar-
ried to Sarah A. McCuUock. From this union four
children were born.
Of his personal experiences in the war he recalls that
he was one of the storming party that in the dense fog
318 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
of an early morning surprised and captured a portion of
the rebel's picket line in front of Atlanta ; a strategic point
which was held until the city fell into our hands.
He recalls also the events in Georgia and the siege of
Savannah, — he being a part of the detail that skirmished
with the retreating foe on Argyle Island, — as well as
the campaigning in the Carolinas, and the battles of
Averysborough and Bentonville.
MYRON W. ROBBINS.
Mr. Robbins was born in Caton, Steuben County,
N. Y., July 15, 1845, the son of James and Lydia Rob-
bins, where he was educated in the district school until
he reached the age of sixteen, when he began working at
lumbering.
He was too young at the beginning of the war, but
enlisted September 13, 1864, in Company G of our regi-
ment, serving with it until the close of the war.
He was married March 5, 1868, to Emma J. Wellman,
and they have three children, Adah M., Benjamin E.,
and Carlton A.
Since the war Mr. Robbins has spent a portion of the
time In farming, but at present his residence is at Corn-
ing, N. Y., where he is a dealer in agricultural implements,
etc., filling an active place in his community; so active
indeed that he is too much occupied with what he is doing
to send us many particulars of what he has done.
We learn, however, that for many years he has repre-
sented his town at the county seat, still holding that posi-
tion, and that he has held various other town offices.
Being a public-spirited citizen he has had a keen interest
in the success of the Steuben 7\gricultural Society, of which
JOHN E. WEST. 319
he is a member, being one of its executive committee and
president of the society.
JOHN E. IVEST.
John Edward West was born in the Town of Rockland,
Sullivan County, N. Y., November 5, 1842, which at
that time was a wilderness and where the wolves scratch-
ing at the door of the cabin at night made life interesting.
His parents were William Moses and Mary Ann
(Losee) West.
A few months later the family removed to Pough-
keepsle, N. Y., their former residence, which place he has
always claimed as his residence.
In early childhood he was considered of frail constitu-
tion, and was not allowed to go to school until nearly
seven years of age.
He received a common school education, and was one
of the class that assisted in the organization of the original
Poughkeepsie High School.
Generally, he not only kept his studies well in hand,
but also kept his teachers guessing what mischief he was
planning.
At the age of seventeen, tiring of school, and preferring
mechanical work to the professional, he left school to
work for his father in a chair factory, where he was
found at the opening of the war.
It was not till September, 1862, that he could prevail
upon his father to consent to his enlisting. He enlisted
at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., September 19, 1862, In Com-
pany G, 150th New York State Volunteers, and was mus-
tered into the United States Volunteer Service October 1 1,
1862.
320 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
He was mustered out of the service as a private, the
same as he enhsted. He preferred the independence of
the private to the insecure position of a " non-com." with
chances of being reduced to the ranks for some derehction
of duty.
He was on the skirmish hne that drove in the enemy's
pickets in front of Atlanta, and came near being captured,
and later when the enemy came out in force, and drove our
lines back on August 22, 1864.
On leaving Atlanta in Sherman's March to the Sea, he
was selected as one of the detail from Company G on the
regimental forage detail.
After leaving Savannah for the march through South
Carolina and North Carolina he was again detailed on
the regimental forage squad. On March 19, 1865, his
party found themselves surrounded at Bentonville, N. C,
by about 200 of the enemy's scouts under Captain Shan-
non, and although there were only fifteen or sixteen in his
party, they succeeded in holding the enemy at bay (after
killing Captain Shannon) until succor arrived in the shape
of two comrades — " Pete " Houghtaling and Theodore
RLvrnf? — who had been sent back to camp to secure addi-
tional force to guard them through the night, while they
ran a grist mill; but on their return with orders to get to
camp the best way they could they packed up and stole
their way between the enemy's pickets, swam the river
and reached camp about midnight.
He was mustered out of the service with his regiment
near Washington, D. C, June 8, 1865, on account of the
close of the war.
After the close of the war he took a course in a business
college — then returned to work with his father, where he
WILLIAM CONRAD WILE. 321
remained a couple of years, going to New York and
Brooklyn to sell their manufactures.
Later, he served as salesman in New York City in a
furniture store, later on as salesman in a Poughkeepsie
shoe store, then as a canvassing agent for county direc-
tories for several years. In November, 1875, he received
the appointment of clerk in the railway mail service,
which he has held over thirty years and still holds, and
in which he has traveled over 1,700,000 miles, or an
average of 150 miles every day of the year.
The ride alone would be sufficient to use up many men.
It is his pride that during his two years and eight months
in the army, and over thirty years in the railway mail
service, he has never met with any serious injury, which
he ascribes to the fact that he was born on Friday.
WILLIAM CONRAD WILE.
William Conrad Wile, late of Company G, 150th New
York Volunteers, was born at Pleasant Valley, Dutchess
County, N. Y., January 23, 1847. When he enlisted, he
was fifteen years old, scant, and was the baby of the regi-
ment— the youngest man carrying a musket. His father
was the Reverend Benjamin Franklin Wile, who, for
thirty-nine years, was pastor of the Presbyterian Church
at Pleasant Valley, and when the regiment was mustered
out in Poughkeepsie in 1865, he told the boys that if any
of them wanted to get married at any time to come to him
and he would marry them free of charge. Quite a num-
ber of them, we are told, accepted this offer.
Young Wile's elementary education was mostly in the
public schools, finished at the seminary at Cornwall, N. Y.,
which was conducted by E. P. Roe, the author, and at
322 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
College Hill, Poughkeepsie, which was made famous by
Bisbee and Warring.
In 1870 he graduated with the degree of M. D. from
the Medical Department of the University of New York.
For twenty-one years he has been the editor of the New
England Medical Monthly. Center College, Kentucky,
later conferred on him the honorary degree of A. M.,
and later the Rutherford College, North Carolina, the
degree of LL.D. He has been president of the American
Medical Editors' Association, vice-president of the Ameri-
can Medical Association, vice-president of the Connecticut
State Medical Society, twice president of the Fairfield
County (Conn.) Medical Society, and also president once
of the Danbury Medical Society. Is now consulting sur-
geon to the Danbury (Conn.) Hospital. He has been
medical director three times of the Department of Con-
necticut, Grand Army of the Republic, and was elected
surgeon-general of that organization a few years ago in
Washington.
His life has been an extremely busy one, and he
modestly asserts that he has prospered beyond his merits.
He is prominent in Masonry, being a Knight Templar,
Mystic Shriner, and Scottish Rite of the 3 2d Degree.
His mother was Betty Wile, a woman very active in
the work of the church with which her husband was
connected.
He enlisted in 1862 at the time the regiment was mus-
tered in at Poughkeepsie. He went in as a private, and
came out as a private. His history is very simple — one
of a boy trying to do his duty as well as he knew how.
He was stricken with typho-malarial fever on the Rappa-
hannock river, shortly after the battle of Gettysburg, and
GEORGE H. WILLIAMS. 323
transferred to Fairfax Seminary Hospital, where he
remained until convalescent, and thence transferred to the
Convalescent Camp at Alexandria, Va. Full recovery
to health finds him again with the regiment, with which
he went with Sherman to the Sea. History does not
record that he shirked his duty any more than the other
boys; that he was not a chronic knocker, and only kicked
when patience was exhausted. That he was obedient and
dutiful, records pretty fully show. That he was not pro-
moted was due to the fact that he was nothing but a kid
from the start to finish. On the battlefield he did not
play hookey unless he got a real good chance. He could
ram the cartridges down into his old Springfield rifle until
the bore got choked. In short, his life was that of the
ordinary soldier trying to do his duty.
At the close of the war he was mustered out with the
regiment, and then commenced the study of medicine, sub-
sequently practicing his profession up to ten years ago,
when natural infirmities shut him out. In 1871 he was
married to Eliza Scott Garrison, of New York, who bore
him one child, Alice Buckley Wile. His wife died in
188 1, and in 1887 he married Hattie Adele Loomis, of
New Haven, Conn.
Dr. Wile, at this writing, is sixty years old.
GEORGE H. WILLIAMS.
George H. Williams was born September 16, 1844, at
Chestnut Ridge, Dutchess County, N. Y. His father
was Gerome Williams; his mother was Catherine, whose
name before her marriage was Catherine Emigh.
He lived at his birthplace until April i, i860, when,
with his father's family, he moved to Poughkeepsie, N. Y.,
324 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
which has been his place of residence ever since. He
attended the schools in his native place, then took a course
at Eastman College in Poughkeepsie, after which he began
to prepare himself for entering Yale College, but Sep-
tember 2 2, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, 150th Regi-
ment, New York State Volunteers, and served with it
until the end of the war, when he was mustered out with
the regiment. He was a Corporal at first, but was later
promoted to Sergeant of his company, and held that posi-
tion when discharged in June, 1865.
He was at the battles of Gettysburg and Resaca, and on
the March to the Sea, and in the Carolina campaign of
Sherman's army, and participated in the Grand Review at
Washington at the close of the war. He was wounded
in the right arm at Dallas, Ga., and again slightly
wounded near Golgotha, Ga.
After his return he studied law in his father's office at
Poughkeepsie, and was admitted to the bar in that city
May 18, 1866, and has ever since practiced there. He
was city chamberlain of his city in 1875 and 1876, and
deputy collector of U. S. Internal Revenue during most
parts of President Cleveland's two administrations.
After his return from service with the Dutchess County
Regiment he joined the 21st Regiment, N. G. S. N. Y.,
and held various offices, and when the regiment was mus-
tered out, was its Lieutenant-Colonel.
He is a member of Poughkeepsie Lodge, No. 266,
F. & A. M., King Solomon's Council, No. 31, R. & S. M.,
Poughkeepsie Commandery No. 43, K. T., and Mecca
Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a past
chancellor of Armor Lodge, No. 107, K. of P., and past
PLATTE MARVIN THORNE. 325
commander of D. B. Sleight Post, No. 331, G. A. R. He
Is also a governor of the Dutchess Club.
He is and has been secretary of the Veteran Association
of the 150th Regiment from its formation, and secretary
of its Officers' Association since October 11, 1886.
PLATTE MARVIN THORNE.
By Mary E. Thorne.
My brother, the late Platte M. Thorne, was born in
the Town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess County, N. Y.,
May II, 1837, and was the son of Edgar and Eliza Ann
(Smith) Thorne.
During his infancy the family removed to a farm in
the same county, near what is now known as Van Wag-
ner's Station, and there his boyhood was spent, and there,
in the district school, he laid the foundation of his educa-
tion. Later he attended the Dutchess County Academy
at Poughkeepsie, then and for many years conducted by
Prof. William McGeorge.
After his school life was completed he went to New
York City, where he found employment in a book store,
but when, in 1855, his father was elected surrogate of
Dutchess County, with his office at Poughkeepsie, Platte
became a clerk in that office. At the expiration of his
father's term, Platte returned to New York, where he
this time went into business for himself.
But when, in the summer of 1862, steps were being
taken to organize the 150th New York Volunteers, he
disposed of his business and made arrangements to enter
the service. He was enrolled September 27, 1862, as
Captain of Company H, of that regiment, a company
326 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
which had been recruited for him by Mr. Edward
Crummey.
His service was not continuous with it, for a portion
of the time he was a member of General Slocum's staff,
a position which made necessary his absence from his own
command. He was brevetted Lieutenant-Colonel, and
May 26, 1865, was appointed Assistant Inspector-General
of the Army of Georgia, serving in that capacity until he
was mustered out with the regiment, June 8, 1865.
Soon after the disbandment of the 150th he accepted
a commission in the regular army, where he rose to the
rank of captain. On December 14, 1892, while sta-
tioned at Detroit, Mich., he had a fall which resulted in
a broken hip ; an injury from which he never fully recov-
ered. He afterward served for a time in a recruiting
office in Albany, N. Y., but in March, 1896, retired from
the service. He died at Rochester, N. Y., March 16,
1897.
Platte M. Thorne was married in June, 1869, to Susan
Nickerson, and six children have been born to them, as
follows :
Roberta, born at Fort Totten, Dak., April 13, 1870,
now the wife of Captain Thomas N. Moody of the 20th
U. S. Infantry; Percy, born at Fort Sully, Dak., June 4,
1 871; Marvin, born at Fort Sully, Dak., September 20,
1872; Noma, born at Fort McKavett, Tex., November
2, 1880; Roslin, born at Fort Lyon, Colo., December 4,
1882, and Gordon, born at Fort Lyon, Colo., March 7,
1884.
Platte M. Thorne is survived by his wife and all of his
children.
JAMES BANKS. 327
JAMES BANKS.
James Banks was an English boy, being born October 2,
1839, in Bradford, Yorkshire, England; the son of Wil-
liam and Ellen Banks. He received his education at the
day school, and at the Mechanic's Institute in the even-
ings, until the age of seventeen, when, in 1856, he emi-
grated to the United States.
On arriving in New York he went first to Glenham, in
Dutchess County, and through the aid of Mr. Stern, man-
ager of the factory, he bound himself as an apprentice to
the firm of Leonard & Clark, builders of lathes and
planers, in Moodna, Orange County, N. Y. In the
winter of 1859 he came to Newburgh, N. Y., where he
w^as employed by Mr. Corwin.
While there employed a position in Mexico was offered
to him, as machinist and engineer for the Valle Cillo
Sih'er Mining Company, and having accepted It he left
New York in June, i860, for the mines, where he
remained two years.
He returned to this country in 1862, just in time to
meet and absorb the spirit of patriotism which was sweep-
ing over the North then, and at New York enlisted, Sep-
tember 5, 1862, In the 145th New York Volunteers,
Colonel William Allen commanding the regiment. In
this regiment he took an active part In the battles of
Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, being a corporal in
Company D.
In January, 1864, the remainder of the 145th was dis-
banded, and he was transferred to the 150th New York
Volunteers, becoming a corporal in Company H, in which
he served until the close of the war, being mustered out
with the regiment.
328 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
After the war he again followed his trade as a machin-
ist, and in that capacity he has worked for some of the
most prominent tool and engine builders in Newburgh,
N. Y., Newark, N. J., and Philadelphia, Pa. Of late
years he has been employed by the government at the
Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Mr. Banks was married at Newburgh, N. Y., in 1866,
to Mary L. Clearwater, and five children have been born
to them.
HUBBARD F. ROBERTS.
Hubbard Fowler Roberts was born in the Town of
Union Vale, Dutchess County, I^. Y., October 15, 1837.
His father, the Rev. Philetus Roberts, was a clergyman
of the " Christian " denomination, and well known
throughout Dutchess and Columbia Counties. His
mother was Maria Fowler, daughter of Hubbard and
Christina (Miller) Fowler, also of Union Vale.
Mr. Roberts' early education was received in the dis-
trict schools of this county, and he afterward attended
Starking Seminary, in Yates County, N. Y., completing
his studies at Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio.
Previous to the Civil War he was employed as clerk in
stores at Stanfordville and Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and
after his marriage he engaged in farming.
He enlisted September 8, 1862, as a private in Com-
pany H, of our regiment, and was mustered into the
United States service with it. When the regimental band
was formed he was detailed as Drum Major, or " Princi-
pal Musician," as the official title was, and served in that
capacity throughout the entire service of the regiment.
While the regiment was in Baltimore that first winter he
DAVID B. SLEIGHT. 329
was offered a commission as Second Lieutenant of his
company, but declined in favor of John Fitzpatrick, the
First Sergeant of the company.
He was discharged from the service with the regiment
at the close of the war, and since then has been principally
engaged in railroad and express business.
In 1858 Mr. Roberts was married to Emma Josephine
iVrnold, daughter of Archibald H. R. and Catherine
M. E. Arnold, of Stanford, Dutchess County, N. Y.
She died in 1889, and in 1893 he married Emily Hill
McCoull, daughter of David and Emily McCoull, of
Poughkeepsie, N. Y. By the first marriage there were
three children : Edward Arnold, Charles Lent, and Her-
bert Francis Roberts, of whom the last named is the only
one now living.
DAVID B. SLEIGHT.
By John L Platt.
David B. Sleight was born May i, 1838, of a promi-
nent family, being the son of Peter R. and Catharine
(Barnes) Sleight, of Lagrange, Dutchess County, N. Y.
He entered the regiment October 6, 1862, being mus-
tered on that date as Second Lieutenant of Company L
In 1863 he was promoted to First Lieutenant, with rank
to date from November 25th of that year. During Sher-
man's campaigns of 1864 and 1865, from Chattanooga
and Atlanta to the Sea and through the Carolinas, he
commanded his company. He was killed in battle near
Averysborough, N. C, March 16, 1865, i^ almost the
very last conflict of the war.
He was a young man whose connections, whose per-
330 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
sonal qualities and whose prospects gave unusual promise
of a happy and useful life. In the sermon preached at
his funeral, when his body had been brought home after
the war, Rev. Sumner Mandeville said of him :
" Few have fallen in this bloody strife so endeared to
the hearts of friends, so beloved by all who knew him.
He was one of the few whose characters are so lovely,
whose ways are so winning that they are universally loved
and esteemed. There is here and there one such respect-
ing whom no amount of eulogy seems misplaced. They
seem to be examples to the world of those excellencies of
which human nature by the grace of God is capable, and
all feel their death to be a public calamity."
This was entirely true, for Lieutenant Sleight was held
in the highest esteem by all who knew him before he went
into the military service of his country, and his death
was a shock to the whole community in which he had
lived.
He was active in seconding the effort to raise a regiment
in Dutchess County, and the company to which he was
attached was made up largely of his neighbors and fel-
low-citizens, nearly every member of it being personally
acquainted with its officers. His record is a part of that
of the regiment, for he was with it during its entire fight-
ing career. When it was supposed that all danger was
practically over and he and his associates were about to
march home, when his friends and relatives were count-
ing the days ere he should be with them again, he was
suddenly stricken down.
During nearly two years of almost constant fighting
and marching he had not received the slightest wound.
The fight at Averysborough was the very last one in which
JOSIAH H. BUDD. 331
his regiment was engaged, and one of the very last bullets
that was fired stmck him, causing almost immediate death.
He calmly gave a few directions in regard to his effects,
and died while being borne from the field by his men.
The high regard in which he was held by his friends
and associates in the regiment was well expressed in a
series of resolutions adopted at a meeting of the officers
of the regiment which was held soon after his death at
Goldsborough,N.C. Lieutenant-Colonel A. B. Smith was
chairman of that meeting, while Captain Obed Wheeler
was its secretary. Captain William R. Woodin was
chairman of the committee appointed to draft the resolu-
tions, which were unanimously accepted by the meeting.
All who came in contact with Lieutenant Sleight
recognized that he was a brave man and a good officer,
representing in a worthy manner in his own personality
those qualities of the race which count for elevation of
character and a betterment of the world, and though he
never made a public profession of religion, yet those
that were nearest to him felt the influence of his sincere
Christian character.
JOSIAH H. BUDD.
Josiah H. Budd was born September ii, 1842, the
son of William H. and Ellen M. (Rogers) Budd. He
was born in the Town of North East, in Dutchess County,
N. Y., so very near the border of Connecticut that he
narrowly escaped being a Yankee. From there the family
removed to Manchester in the same county, and finally
to Poughkeepsie; he receiving his education in the public
schools of those towns.
332 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
He seems to have come of a military stock, his grand-
father having been a soldier in the Mexican War, and his
father's only brother a soldier in our regular army, though
the latter died just as the Civil War broke out. Mr. Budd
was in Poughkeepsie when the Dutchess County Regi-
ment was organized, and enlisted September 6, 1862, In
Company I.
He served with the regiment until the action at Peach
Tree Creek, July 20, 1864, when he was one of seventy-
five men who volunteered for a hazardous task, and they
being placed under command of Captain Scofield went
into action. In the engagement which followed Mr.
Budd was cut off from the rest of the company, but, shoot-
ing the rebel color-bearer at close range, he ran to a
wooded ravine, under cover of which he finally escaped
to our own line again. But he was not unscathed, for a
shot struck his rifle, shattering the stock and lock, and
soon afterward another bullet plowed through his left
leg. Though crippled he finally managed to join his
company, where he had been reported as having been
taken prisoner.
He was sent back to the hospitals, first at Chattanooga
and then at Nashville, but did not recover in time to
join the regiment on its subsequent campaigns. He was
finally mustered out at Albany, N. Y., June 12, 1865.
Since the war Mr. Budd has taken a course in East-
man's Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., after
which he followed clerking for a time, but eventually
entered the grocery business. In 1877 he was married
to Gertrude E. Standford, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y.,
daughter of Thomas and Ann E. (West) Standford, and
four sons have been born to them : Fred R., married to
PLATT C. CURTISS. 333
Mabel DeVoe, Frank S., married to Mary E. Stengel,
Harvey W., and Warren H.
Mrs. Budd's father was also a soldier in the Civil War.
At the present time, 1906, Mr. and Mrs. Budd, with their
two unmarried sons, reside at Matteawan, N. Y.
PLATT C. CURTISS.
The subject of this sketch was born in the Town of
Stanford, Dutchess County, N. Y., December 4, 1836,
of good patriotic stock, his father being a veteran of the
War of 18 1 2, anci both his grandfathers having served
with honor in the War of Independence, 1776-1783.
Piatt C. Curtiss attended the district schools, and also
several terms at the Amenia Seminary, in Amenia, N, Y.,
and previous to the war he was engaged in farming.
Enlisting in our regiment September 19, 1862, in Com-
pany I, as a private, and mustered into the United States
service with the regiment, he was promoted to Corporal,
and subsequently to Sergeant.
He was wounded in the head at the battle of Kolb's
Farm, near Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., June 22, 1864, and
was in the hospital at Jeffersonvllle, Ind., nearly four
months, returning to his regiment in time to follow the
fortunes of Sherman's army in that memorably triumph-
ant march, " from Atlanta to the Sea." He has always
regarded that grand strategic movement as one of the
greatest events of the whole war, and the one that did
the most toward breaking the backbone of the Confed-
eracy, often saying that he was proud of the fact that he
was one of the men that participated in that famous
march.
334 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
The twenty miles between Kenesaw Mountain and
Atlanta, Ga., are the only ones that were not marched by
him, he being absent in the hospital, disabled by his
wound, at that time. He was mustered out with the regi-
ment, and his complete diary, kept during the war, has
been of more use to the editors of this history than
any other reference book in completing the story of
the Dutchess County Regiment, and more than all other
reference books combined.
Since the close of the war Mr. Curtiss has been con-
tinuously engaged in the trucking business in New York
City. January 4, 1868, he was married to Josephene
Field, who died January 11, 1906. He has four chil-
dren, Josephine L., Lotta A., LeRoy F., and Harold C.
Mr. Curtiss looks forward with pleasure to the annual
reunion of the survivors of his regiment, and is proud to
meet his comrades in arms, yet realizing that there is a
profound depth of pathos in the fact that in the course
of natural events these reunions will soon cease, and the
last survivor will soon have been " mustered out."
EDIFARD L. FLORENCE.
Edward L. Florence was born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y.,
April 8, 1842, the son of G. W. and Caroline H. (Smith)
Florence. He received his education at the public schools
of Washington and Union Vale, in the same county, his
father having removed to those towns.
He enlisted August 30, 1862, in a company which was
never completed, and for that reason was transferred to
Company I of the 150th New York Volunteers, in which
company he served as private and corporal until the close
of the war, being mustered out of the service June 20,
CHARLES H. SMITH. 335
1865, at Albany, N. Y. The experience of Mr. Florence
in the war was for the most part the experience of the
regiment, for he was in all of its battles except that of
New Hope Church, at which time he was confined by
sickness in the hospital at Chattanooga, Tenn.
Just before he enlisted he was married to Mary J.
Kown, of Lansingburg, N. Y., and six children have been
born to them : Frederick, George, Frank, William, Anna
Caroline, and Chester E. The eldest of these, Frederick,
died in childhood, but the others are living.
CHARLES H. SMITH.
The subject of this sketch was born January 22, 1835,
in the Town of Washington, Dutchess County, N. Y.,
the son of Joseph and Susan (Marshall) Smith. After
completing his education at the district schools of that
town he followed the occupation of farming.
The romantic ardor of patriotism which played such a
large part in the organization of the Dutchess County
Regiment, was well illustrated in Mr. Smith's case. Sep-
tember 5, 1862, while plowing in the field, he was accosted
by two friends, Seneca Humeston and Gilbert Seaman,
who told him they were about to enlist, and asked him to
join them. Like Cincinnatus of the Roman Republic,
and Israel Putnam of a later Republic, Mr. Smith left his
plow standing in the furrow and responded to his coun-
try's call. The party of three was soon joined by two
more friends, George Sackett and Piatt C. Curtiss, and
the five drove together to Poughkeepsie, where, on the
day following, they enlisted in Company I of our regiment.
Mr. Smith was immediately made a corporal in the
company, and afterwards promoted, first, January 18,
336 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
1863, to Sergeant, and January i, 1864, to First Ser-
geant, and May 12, 1865, to Second Lieutenant, with
rank from April i, 1865.
His record of service in the war is bound up in the
record of the regiment, for he was a part of it, and was
with it from the march down Main street, Poughkeepsie,
in 1862 to the return march up the same street in 1865.
That his service was faithful and efficient is evidenced by
his successive promotions.
Soon after the war he went to New York City, at first
engaging in the grocery business, which he followed until
1870, since which time he has been engaged in teaming.
In 1866 Mr. Smith returned to his native town in
search of a wife, and in April of that year was married
to Elizabeth T., daughter of Jeremiah and Hannah
Sherman. They have one son, Luman W. Smith.
ISAAC T. SJVEEZEY.
Isaac T. Sweezey was born in Newtown, Queens
County, N. Y., April 18, 1845. He was the son of
John and Sally Ann (Titus) Sweezey. In 1853 the
family moved to Dutchess County, settling on a farm in
the Town of Washington, and here our comrade grew
to manhood, or rather to his later boyhood, for he was
but a boy when he enlisted.
His education was received at the public schools, being
completed at the Nine Partners Boarding School, and at
the age of seventeen, August 30, 1862, he enlisted in the
Dutchess County Regiment and was mustered in as Cor-
poral in Company I.
Until December 13, 1864, he was with his company,
sharing in all of its marches and battles, but on that date,
LANDON O STROM. 337
while skirmishing with the enemy in front of Savannah,
he was shot through the left thigh, and the wound proved
so severe that amputation was resorted to in order to
save his life.
Though incapacitated by the loss of his limb from
further activity in the field, his gallant service was recog-
nized by his being promoted to Sergeant, and he was
afterward brevetted First Lieutenant. He was finally
discharged from the service at the Ira Harris General
Hospital at Albany, N. Y., July 20, 1865.
After his discharge he entered the business college of
Bryant & Stratton at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and after a
brief course received an appointment to a clerkship in
the New York Custom House. At present he is chief
clerk of the second division in the collector's ofiice. He
has been continuously in the customs service for over
forty years.
February 16, 1869, Mr. Sweezey was married to Mary
E. Pinkham, of La Grange, N. Y., and two children have
been born to them: Edwin C, now a civil engineer in
Brooklyn, N. Y., and Robert C, who is practicing law in
New York City.
LANDON O STROM.
Landon Ostrom was born January 12, 1838, at Rhine-
beck, N. Y., the son of John G. Ostrom, from which place
he enlisted September 5, 1862, in Company K of the
Dutchess County Regiment, serving to the close of the
war, when he was mustered out with the regiment. He
was mustered in as First Sergeant of his company, and
September 16, 1864, was commissioned Second Lieu-
tenant of Company F, with rank to date from July 30th
338 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
of that year, vice Samuel H. Paulding promoted, and it
speaks well for his ability and faithfulness that he was
deemed worthy to be promoted to the position of com-
missioned officer.
Soon after his discharge he went to San Francisco, Cal.,
a part of the company which accompanied General Hal-
leck at that time. After three months' stay there he
returned to Rhinebeck. He is a carriage maker, a trade
which he still works at.
In January, 1868, Mr. Landon was married to Annie
Baker, and ten children have been born to them, of whom
five are now living, Mrs. Ostrom also having died. Two
of his sons were in the late Spanish-American War, and
one of them was wounded at one of the very first battles.
Both of them were honorably discharged at the close of
the war, and one of them has since enlisted in the navy.
STEPHEN R. TATOR.
Mr. Tator was born in the Town of Rhinebeck,
Dutchess County, N. Y., March 29, 1839, the son of
Edward and Margaret A. Tator. He received his edu-
cation in the public schools, after which he learned the
mason's trade. He has not been a " rolling stone," but
has steadfastly applied himself to the work nearest at
hand to be done, having been, with the exception of the
time spent in the army, a life-long resident of his native
town.
He enlisted September 9, 1862, in Company K of the
150th New York Volunteers, was mustered into the
United States service with the regiment, served with it
continuously until the close of the war, and was mustered
out with it June 8, 1865. He also had a younger brother,
STEPHEN R. TATOR. 339
Frank, who served in Company C of the 128th New York
Vokinteers. After the war he again took up his trade
and has followed it ever since.
Mr. Tator is married, and sev^en children, three sons
and four daughters, have been born to him, of whom five
survive. Margaret is now Mrs. C. O. Emory, and
Dora A. is Mrs. W. T. Jones. Of the three sons, Wil-
liam H. and Stephen A. are following the vocation of
masons, while Charles S. is a Presbyterian clergyman.
The latter served in the Spanish-American War.
Speaking of himself as a mason, Mr. Tator says:
" Once during the war did I take up a trowel for the sake
of construction in the midst of war's destruction, and that
was at Atlanta, Ga. I say ' trowel,' but it was a piece
of board whittled into shape. The job was a chimney for
the Colonel's ' shack.' This crude piece of work might
aptly be called the beginning of the South's ' material
reconstruction.' "
Once during his service he was under arrest for refus-
ing— on principle — to carry whiskey for the company
commander, but later he was released and his action sus-
tained by the commander of the regiment.
Though somewhat broken in health by the hardships
of his army life, yet he does not regret having obeyed the
patriotic impulse which led him to enlist. He recalls
the conflict at Gettysburg as well as the ghastly scenes
after the close of the battle, where he assisted in burying
the dead, as well as many other tragic scenes, but like
most old soldiers, after the passing of nearly half a cen-
tury he is more fond of relating the humorous incidents
of the war.
340 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
BENJAMIN STAGG BROAS.
By Catharine Titus Broas.
The subject of this sketch was born in the City of
Poughkeepsie, N. Y., September 21, 1837, the son of
WiUiam and Catharine (Field) Broas.
His primary education was received in private schools,
and later he attended the school for young men on Col-
lege Hill, — as it was then and is still called, — in Pough-
keepsie. This school was afterward discontinued, and the
property with its beautiful surroundings has since been
presented to the city for a park by Smith Brothers, a
prominent business firm of the town,
Mr. Broas' business before the war was that of a dry
goods merchant, but when, August 21, 1862, an appeal
for a Dutchess County Regiment was published in the
Poughkeepsie Eagle, he was one of fifteen patriotic young
men who at once gave in their names to Governor Mor-
gan's War Committee, with the request that they be per-
mitted to recruit volunteers and enter the service. His
proffered services were accepted, and he was mustered into
the regiment as Captain of Company I.
Captain Broas passed unscathed through the battle of
Gettysburg, but the hardships of that and the Virginia
campaign bore heavily on him, bringing on a sickness
which finally caused his discharge for disability, at Tulla-
homa, Tenn., November 25, 1863.
After a time he again engaged in mercantile pursuits,
and later became a broker. He was married, April 19,
1859, to Catharine Titus, of Washington, Dutchess
County, N. Y., and one child, Mary Titus Broas, was
born to them. She was married in 1887 to Rupert B.
Thomas, now residing in Flushing, N. Y., and they have
HENRY PEARCE. 341
four children: Rupert B., Gerald P., Katharine R., and
Ina M.
Captain Broas died September 22, 1896, at Pough-
keepsie, N. Y.
HENRY PEARCE.
By Stephen G. Cook, M. D.
Henry Pearce was born in the Town of Pawling, N. Y.,
November i, 1833. He received his education, first at
the public schools of Pawling, and later at the Michigan
University at Ann Arbor, Mich., from which he gradu-
ated with the degree of M. D. in 1857. He practiced
medicine two years in Pennsylvania, and then returned to
his native town, where he met with good success in the
practice of his chosen profession.
Upon the organization of the Dutchess County Regi-
ment in the autumn of 1862 he joined it, being mustered
in as Assistant Surgeon. Once we were a part of the
Army of the Potomac it did not take the Medical Depart-
ment of the 1 2th Corps long to ascertain that he was a
\tvy skillful surgeon, and at Gettysburg he was placed
in charge of one of the operating tables at the Field Hos-
pital, with the customary number of assistants, some of
whom outranked him. This was a great honor, as such
detail is usually given only to those of full rank.
In the autumn of 1863, after crossing the Cumberland
Mountains as the regiment was en route towards Look-
out Mountain, and while crossing a small stream, his horse
fell, injuring his right knee so badly that he had to be
sent back on the cars to TuUahoma, Tenn. From this
injury he never recovered.
342 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
After remaining under treatment a few months he was
detailed to a military hospital at Albany, N. Y., where he
remained until April 7, 1864, when he was discharged for
disability, though he remained there in some capacity until
several months after the close of the war. He then
returned to Pawling and resumed the practice of his pro-
fession, which he continued until within a few months of
his death.
For many years of this time he was the chief consulting
physician and operating surgeon for Eastern Dutchess
County and the Harlem Valley.
Becoming satisfied that his knee would never be better,
and that it would be a continual source of danger to his
life, he gathered at his residence a few of the most noted
surgeons of Dutchess County (of which Dr. Campbell was
one) , for the purpose of having'his leg amputated. After
a consultation it was a question with them whether the
disease of the knee could not be cured. They expressed
this opinion to him, when he made this characteristic reply :
" Gentlemen, I did not send for you for the purpose of
devising means to save my leg, but to amputate it and
relieve me of my suffering. I know more about that leg
than you do. Take it off."
The leg was amputated, but this did not relieve him.
A neuralgic affection developed in the severed nerve, which
gave severe pain, seemingly located in the heel of the
amputated foot, and this made the remainder of his life
miserable, requiring the strongest narcotics to hold it in
check. To the non-professional reader the location of
this pain may seem ridiculous, but similar phenomena have
been well attesteci in many cases.
At the first reunion after the death of Dr. Campbell,
WILLIAM R. WOODIN. 343
when several had expressed their lament at his loss, Dr.
Pearce was called upon, which call became so pronounced
that he had to respond. He arose finally and said: "I
don't know why you should call on me, for you all know
very well what I thought of Dr. Campbell," — and then
took his seat.
Some accounted Dr. Pearce to be cynical in disposition,
for he was blunt of speech and captious in his opinions,
despising cant and hypocrisy wherever they were found,
but those who knew him most intimately learned that
beneath his rough address he was warm of heart and true
as steel.
He was married three times, first to Sarah Hall, second
to Augusta M. Stark, and third to Julia E. Travis, byt
his only surviving child is George S. Pearce, M. D., the
son of his second wife.
WILLIAM R. JVOODIN.
By George H. Williams.
William R. Woodin was born at Pine Plains, N. Y.,
June 26, 1839. He went to school at the old Dutchess
County Academy, and then to Trinity College at Hart-
ford, Conn., where he graduated, and then after studying
law in the xA^lbany Law School came to Poughkeepsie to
enter upon his practice. But before getting settled as a
lawyer he entered upon, and went through an experience
on a more stirring field that was the most important of his
life. He heard the call for men to defend the Union,
and when it was determined to raise a Dutchess County
Regiment, he enlisted himself, and went into the business
of raising recruits with such energy and success that upon
the organization of the 150th Regiment he was placed
at the head of Company D and went to the front.
344 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
The privations of the camp, the toils of the march,
and the perils of the battle could not break nor change
his buoyant temperament. From the departure of the
regiment till its return again, he took up most faithfully,
and performed the task of keeping himself and his com-
rades in touch with the people at home, by writing a series
of letters to the Eagle. There was hardly a week with-
out one and they were often more frequent. They were
always sprightly, spirited, full of wit and humor, and with
never a dull or a despairing line. Probably no series of
articles ever published in this county were read with such
absorbing interest, for they told in the most graphic style
how the boys at the front fared, what they were doing,
how they felt, what they had to undergo, their trials, their
triumphs and their hopes.
It was no wonder that when he returned he was received
with acclaim and accorded a high place in the favor and
esteem of his neighbors. He was in request as a political
speaker, and delighted many an audience and many a
social circle with his reminiscences and his wit. But he
aspired only to success In his chosen profession, and asked
for no office but that of district attorney, to which he was
twice elected, serving with ability and success for six years,
and afterwards as city attorney. He was a Republican,
a leader among men of his party, and there was probably
no other member of the bar whose voice was more fre-
quently heard In public or with more satisfaction to those
who heard him.
He died May 29, 1903, mourned for by all who knew
him, leaving a widow and two daughters, the Misses
Mary and Dorothy.
CHAPTER XXI.
By Joseph H. Cogswell.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT.
EXPLANATION OF THE ROSTER.
In order to abbreviate the Roster and still give all the
material facts of every soldier's record, it will be under-
stood that after each name follows age, date of enlist-
ment, residence and rank, but " private " is understood
when no rank is mentioned.
Unless otherwise stated, each soldier mustered in and
out with the rank of " private."
Companies A and B were mustered into the United
States service for three years at Camp Dutchess, Pough-
keepsie, N. Y., Friday, October lo, 1862, and the other
eight companies and field and staff, Saturday October 11,
1862, for same period. Those who were mustered in at
other times will be specifically stated.
On December 9, 1863, the 145th New York Volunteers
was broken up and its enlisted men, in part, were trans-
ferred to the 150th New York Volunteers, but not reach-
ing us till January 4, 1864. A reference mark thus,
(Z) indicates that they joined us at that time. Unless
stated otherwise they originally mustered into the United
346 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
States service for three years, September ii, 1862, at
Staten Island, N. Y.
If a (*) follows a name it means " mustered out with
regiment June 8, 1865, near Washington, D. C." Where
the muster-out was otherwise the facts will be given.
Soldiers marked (X) were transferred to the 60th
Nevv^ York Volunteers, June 8, 1865, to serve out term
of enlistment.
Abbreviations: "V. R. C." Veteran Reserve Corps.
" D. F. D." Discharged for disability.
The Roster is divided into sixteen parts, as follows :
Staff.
Captain Cogswell.
" McConnell.
" Gildersleeve.
" Woodin.
Brant.
" Green.
" Wickes.
" Thorne.
Broas.
" Scofield.
12. List of officers with rank at entry and close of
service, arranged alphabetically.
13. List of officers promoted or appointed, in rotation
after original muster-in.
14. Peculiarities of official service and fatalities.
15. Fatal casualties; killed and died of wounds, ar-
ranged by companies.
16. Deaths from disease in field or hospital, arranged
by companies.
I.
ir^iel
d ar
2.
Co.
A.
3-
Co.
B.
4-
Co.
C.
5-
Co.
D.
6.
Co.
E.
7-
Co.
F.
8.
Co.
G.
9-
Co.
H.
10.
Co.
I.
1 1.
Co.
K.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 347
No. I.
FIELD AND STAFF.
Mustered into the United States Service,
Saturday, October ii, 1862,
at camp dutchess, poughkeepsie, n. y.,
To serve three years.
With changes to muster-out.
Colonels.
Ketcham, John Henry. — Age, 30 years. Enrolled
October 9, 1862, at Poughkeepsie, to serve three years;
mustered in as Colonel, October 11, 1862; wounded in
action, December 20, 1864, near Savannah, Ga. ; dis-
charged, March 2, 1865.
Commissioned Colonel, November 3, 1862, with rank
from October 9, 1862, original. Brevet Brigadier-Gen-
eral, U. S. Volunteers, January 12, 1865, and Brevet
Major-General of U. S. Volunteers, March 13, 1865.
Smith, Alfred B. — March 24, 1865. See Majors and
Lieutenant-Colonels. *
Lieutenant-Colonels.
Bartlett, Charles G. — Captain, Twelfth U. S. Infantry;
mustered in as Lieutenant-Colonel, September 29, 1862;
discharged, December 31, 1864, for promotion to Colonel,
One Hundred and Nineteenth Infantry, U. S. Colored
Troops, and Inspector-General, Department of the Ohio;
prior service as Sergeant, Co. F., Seventh New York
Militia, and Captain, Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
Commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel, November 3, 1862,
with rank from September 29, 1862, original.
348 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Smith, Alfred B. — November 30, 1864. See Majors
and Colonels.
Cogswell, Joseph H. — April 22, 1865. Brevet Colonel
N. Y. Volunteers. See Captain Co. A and Major.*
Majors.
Smith, Alfred Baker. — Age, 36 years. Enrolled Sep-
tember 24, 1862, at Poughkeepsie, to serve three years;
mustered in as Major, October 11, 1862; as Lieutenant-
Colonel, January i, 1865; as Colonel, April 24, 1865.
Commissioned Major, November 3, 1862, with rank
from October 9, 1862, original; Lieutenant-Colonel,
November 30, 1864, with rank from September 6, 1864,
vice C. G. Bartlett promoted Inspector-General, U. S. A.;
Colonel, April 12, 1865, with rank from March 2, 1865,
vice J. H. Ketcham resigned.
Commissioned Brevet Brigadier-General U. S. Volun-
teers.
Cogswell, Joseph H. — September 6, 1864. See Cap-
tain Co. A, Majors and Lieutenant-Colonels.
Gildersleeve, Henry A. — March 2, 1865. See Cap-
tain Co. C.
Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel U. S. Volunteers.
Adjutants.
Thompson, William. — Age, 22 years. Enrolled Au-
gust 30, 1862, at Albany, to serve three years; mustered
in as First Lieutenant and Adjutant, September i, 1862;
discharged for disability, August 6, 1863.
Commissioned First Lieutenant and Adjutant, Novem-
ber 3, 1862, with rank from August 30, 1862, original.
Cruger, Stephen Van Rensselaer. — September 21, 1863.
See First Lieutenant Co. F, and Captain Co. A.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 349
Van Keuren, William S. — November 14, 1864. See
First Lieutenant Co. H, and Captain Co. C.
Roberts, Cyrus S. — March 2, 1865, not mustered.
See First Lieutenant Co. K.
Bartlett, William H. — "Acting," not mustered. See
Second Lieutenant Co. A,
Quartermasters.
Gaylord, George R. — Age, 46 years. Enrolled Au-
gust 29, 1862, at Poughkeepsie, to serve three years; mus-
tered in as First Lieutenant and Quartermaster, September
I, 1862; discharged, March 9, 1863. Brevet Captain
U. S. Volunteers,
Commissioned First Lieutenant and Quartermaster,
November 3, 1862, with rank from August 29, 1862,
original.
Smith, Henry C. — Age, 33 years. Enlisted Septem-
ber 5, 1862, at Poughkeepsie, to serve three years; mus-
tered in as private, Co. H, September 13, 1862; promoted
Quartermaster-Sergeant, October 10, 1862; mustered in
as First Lieutenant and Quartermaster, April i, 1863.*
Commissioned First Lieutenant and Quartermaster,
May 17, 1863, with rank from April i, 1863, vice G. R.
Gaylord resigned. Brevet Captain N. Y. Volunteers and
U. S. Volunteers.
Surgeon.
Campbell, Cornelius N. — Age, 37 years. Enrolled at
Albany, to serve three years, and mustered in as Surgeon,
August 29, 1862.*
Commissioned Surgeon, November 3, 1862, with rank
from August 29, 1862, original.
850 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Assistant Surgeons.
Cook, Stephen G. — Age, 31 years. Enrolled at
Poughkeepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as
Assistant Surgeon, September 12, 1862; discharged for
disability, October 19, 1864.
Commissioned Assistant Surgeon, November 3, 1862,
with rank from September 12, 1862, original; re-commis-
sioned, declined assistant surgeon, December 20, 1864,
with rank from December 17, 1864, vice H. Pearce
resigned.
Pearce, Henry. — Age, 29 years. Enrolled October 6,
1862, at Poughkeepsie, to serve three years; mustered in
as Assistant Surgeon, October 11, 1862; discharged for
disability, April 7, 1864.
Commissioned Assistant Surgeon, November 3, 1862,
with rank from October 6, 1862, original.
Hamill, Alexander. — Age, 21 years. Enrolled at
Goldsborough, N. C, to serve three years, and mustered
in as Assistant Surgeon, March 26, 1865.*
Commissioned Assistant Surgeon, January 31, 1865,
with rank from January 30, 1865, vice S. G. Cook
resigned.
Chaplains.
Vassar, Thomas Edwin. — Age, 27 years. Enrolled at
Poughkeepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as
Chaplain, October 11, 1862; discharged for disability,
August 6, 1863.
Commissioned Chaplain, November 3, 1862, with rank
from October 11, 1862, original.
Bartlett, Edward O. — Age, 30 years. Enrolled Octo-
ber 20, 1863, at Tullahoma, Tenn., to serve three years;
mustered in as Chaplain, November 20, 1863.*
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 351
Commissioned Chaplain, November 13, 1863, with
rank from October 20, 1863, vice T. E. Vassar resigned.
NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.
Sergeant-Majors.
Roberts, Cyrus S. — October 11, 1862. See Co. K and
Co. A.
Wattles, William. — February 13, 1863. See Co. A.
Van Keuren, Benjamin. — March 31, 1865. Promoted
Second Lieutenant, Co. K, April i, 1865. See Co. C.
Quai'termaster Sergeants.
Smith, Henry C. — October 10, 1862. See Quarter-
masters.
Case, John M. — Age, 30 years. Enrolled September
6, 1862, at Dover, to serve three years; mustered in as
private, Co. E, October 11, 1862; promoted Commissary
Sergeant, October 20, 1862, Quartermaster Sergeant,
April I, 1863.*
Commissioned Brevet Second Lieutenant.
Commissary Sergeants.
Case, John M. — October 20, 1862, See Quarter-
master Sergeants.
Weeks, Chauncey A. — Age, 22 years. August 30,
1862, at Poughkeepsie ; promoted Commissary Sergeant,
November i, 1863.* ^
Hospital Steward.
Gildersleeve, Frank. — Age, 19 years. Enlisted Sep-
tember I, 1862, at Clinton, to serve three years; mustered
in as private, Co. C, September 6, 1862, and promoted
Hospital Steward, same date.*
352 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Principal Musician.
Roberts, Hubbard F. — Age, 24 years. Enlisted Sep-
tember 8, 1862, at Poughkeepsie, to serve three years;
mustered in as Principal Musician, October 11, 1862.*
No. 2.
COMPANY A.
Mustered into the U. S. service, for three years, at
Camp Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Friday, October
10, 1862.
Captains.
Cogswell, Joseph H. — Age, 34 years. Enrolled Sep-
tember 8, 1862, at Poughkeepsie, to serve three years;
mustered in as Captain, Co. A, September 10, 1862; as
Major, January i, 1865; as Lieutenant-Colonel, April
24, 1865.
Commissioned Captain, November 3, 1862, with rank
from September 8, 1862, original; Major, November 30,
1864, with rank from September 6, 1864, vice A. B.
Smith promoted; Lieutenant-Colonel, April 22, 1865,
with rank from March 2, 1865, vice Alfred B. Smith
promoted. See Majors and Lieutenant-Colonels.
Cruger, Stephen Van Rensselaer. — See First Lieuten-
ant Co. F, from which company he was promoted as
Captain^ of Co. A, November 18, 1864.*
First Lieutenants.
Gridley, Henry. — Age, 25 years. Enrolled at Pough-
keepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as First
Lieutenant, Co. A, September 8, 1862; killed in action,
June 22, 1864, at Culp's Farm, Ga.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 353
Commissioned First Lieutenant, November 3, 1862,
with rank from September 8, 1862, original.
Wattles, William. — Age, 22 years. Enrolled August
30, 1862, at Amenia, to serve three years; mustered In
as private, Co. A, September 4, 1862; promoted First
Sergeant, October 10, 1862; Sergeant-Major, February
13, 1863; mustered in as Second Lieutenant, Co. A,
January i, 1864; as First Lieutenant, October 25, 1864.*
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, November 25, 1863,
with rank from November 7, 1863, vice J. P. Mabbett
promoted; First Lieutenant, September 16, 1864, with
rank from June 22, 1864, vice H. Gridley killed in action.
Brevet Captain, U. S. Volunteers.
Second Lieutenants.
Mabbett, James P. — Age, 21 years. Enrolled at
Poughkeepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as
Second Lieutenant, Co. A, September 8, 1862; as First
Lieutenant, Co. C, December 10, 1863; wounded in
action. May 25, 1864, at Dallas, Ga.; discharged for
disability, October 4, 1864. See Co. C Roll.
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, November 3, 1862,
with rank from September 8, 1862, original; First Lieu-
tenant, November 25, 1863, with rank from November 7,
1863, vice E. P. Welling deceased.
Bartlett, William H. — Age, 23 years. Enrolled Sep-
tember 5, 1862, at Amenia, to serve three years; mustered
in as Corporal, Co. A, October 10, 1862; promoted Ser-
geant, January 2, 1863 ; wounded in action, June 22, 1864,
at Culp's Farm, Ga. Mustered in as Second Lieutenant,
Co. A, March 2, 1865; as First Lieutenant and Acting
Adjutant, April 9, 1865.*
354 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, November 30, 1864,
with rank from September 6, 1864, vice J, C. Smithe pro-
moted; Acting Adjutant, April 22, 1865, with rank from
March 2, 1865, vice C. S. Roberts not mustered.
Wattles, William. — Commissioned November 7, 1863.
See First Lieutenants.
First Sergeants.
Wattles, William. — From October 10, 1862, till ap-
pointed Sergeant-Major, February 13, 1863, vice Roberts
promoted.
Smithe, J. Curtis. — Age, 26 years, September 5, 1862,
at Amenia. Sergeant, October 10, 1862; First Sergeant,
January 29, 1863, vice Wattles promoted Sergeant-Major.
See Co. C Roll.
Memo. William H. Bartlett was Acting Orderly Ser-
geant from July, 1863, to August, 1864, while Orderly
Sergeant Smithe was serving on detail at Hart's Island,
New York Harbor.
Fish, Ira. — Age, 22 years. Enlisted September 6,
1862, at Amenia, to serve three years; promoted Corporal,
December 26, 1862; Sergeant, June 5, 1863; First Ser-
geant, April 24, 1865.*
Sergeants.
Borden, John G. — Age, 18 years. September 5, 1862,
at Amenia; mustered in as Sergeant, Co. A, October 10,
1862; discharged, April 22, 1864, for promotion as Sec-
ond Lieutenant of Co. D, Forty-seventh N. Y. Infantry.
Chichester, Charles S. — Age, 19 years. September 5,
1862, at Poughkeepsie ; mustered in as Sergeant, Co. A,
October 10, 1862; returned to ranks, January 21, 1863;
mustered out June 30, 1865, at Cincinnati, Ohio.
ROSTER OF REGniENT. 355
Reed, William. — Age, 22 years. September 6, 1862,
at Amenia; mustered in as Corporal, Co. A, October 10,
1862; promoted Sergeant, May i, 1864; mustered out,
May 20, 1865, while in Hospital No. i, at Chattanooga,
Tenn.
Rodgers, Milo D. — Age, 21 years. September 5,
1862, at Amenia; promoted Corporal, June 11, 1864;
Sergeant, March i, 1865.*
Rynus, George. — Age, 20 years. September i, 1862,
at Washington ; promoted Corporal, December 19, 1863;
Sergeant, April 24, 1865.*
Tuttle, Edward S. — Age, 24 years. September 2,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Corporal, October
10, 1862; promoted Sergeant, February 11, 1863;
wounded, November 10, 1864, at Atlanta, Ga.; mustered
out with detachment, June 20, 1865, at Albany, N. Y.
Corporals.
Bennett, John J.^-Age, 30 years. September 3, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Corporal, Co. A, October
10, 1862; returned to ranks, March 19, 1863; promoted
Corporal, February 24, 1865.*
Dye, Thomas. — Age, 38 years. September 5, 1862,
at Amenia; promoted Corporal prior to April, 1864.*
Hall, Abiah B. — Age, 23 years. September 16, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; promoted Corporal, April 24, 1865.*
Kempton, Eugene. — Age, 20 years. September 6,
1862, at Amenia; promoted Corporal, September 22,
1863.*
Mead, Isaac N. — Age, 21 years. September 5, 1862,
at Amenia; mustered in as Corporal, Co. A, October 10,
1862; transferred to Fifth N. Y. Cavalry as Hospital
356 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Steward, December 25, 1862; promoted Assistant Sur-
geon, January 12, 1865.
Palmer, Isaac N. — Age, 23 years. September 18,
1862, at Poughkeepsie ; promoted Corporal, January 21,
1863; wounded In action. May 25, 1864, at Dallas, Ga.*
Reed, Nathan W. — Age, 18 years. September 5, 1862,
at Amenia; promoted Corporal, May i, 1864.*
Reed, Albert B. — Age, 17 years. September 6, 1862,
at Amenia; promoted Corporal, November 10, 1862;
died of typhoid fever, September 16, 1863, on hospital
train from Bealton Station to Alexandria, Va.
Sheldon, Nicholas. — Age, 21 years. April 8, 1863, at
Baltimore; promoted Corporal, August 21, 1863;
wounded In action, July 20, 1864, at Atlanta, Ga.; re-
turned to ranks, February 24, 1865; promoted Corporal,
March I, 1865.X
Stone, Henry L. — Age, 18 years. August 2, 1862, at
New York City; private, Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volunteers;
promoted Corporal, April 15, 1864; killed In action, June
II, 1864, near Marietta, Ga.Z
Vassar, James H. — Age, 23 years. September 6, 1862,
at Amenia; mustered In as Corporal, Co. A, October 10,
1862; returned to ranks voluntarily, November 10,
1862.*
Van Alstyne, John. — Age, 34 years. September 6,
1862, at Amenia; promoted Corporal, June i, 1863;
killed In action, July 3, 1863, at Gettysburg, Pa.
Willson, George T. — Age, 24 years. September 5,
1862, at Amenia; mustered in as Corporal, October 10,
1862; was wounded at Gettysburg, then serving as Color
Corporal.*
Wilson, Nelson C. — Age, 20 years. September 5,
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 357
1862, at Amenia ; promoted Corporal, February 24, 1863 ;
D. F. D., August 6, 1863.
Alusiciaiis.
Ingraham, George. — Age, 27 years. September 6,
1862, at Amenia; mustered in as Musician, October 10,
1862.*
Jones, Charles H. — Age, 15 years. September 6,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Musician, Co. A,
October 10, 1862; D. F. D., September 14, 1863, at
Washington, D. C.
ir a goner.
Lake, Piatt V. — Age, 39 years. September 3, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Wagoner, Co. A, Octo-
ber 10, 1862; D. F. D., September 22, 1863, at Wash-
ington, D. C.
Privates.
Andrews, Chester A. — Age, 38 years. September 6,
1862, at Amenia.*
Bagley, John. — Age, 44 years. October 6, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie; D. F. D., June 17, 1864, at Columbus,
Ohio.
Bartlett, Julian C. — Age, 22 years. September 27,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; D. F. D., August 21, 1863, at
hospital, Annapolis, Md.
Bates, Amos T. — Age, 36 years. September 6, 1862,
at Amenia.*
Bates, Jeremiah H. — Age, 27 years. September 6,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; D. F. D., September 27, 1863, at
Washington, D. C.
Benham, Thomas. — Age, 33 years. December 23,
358 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
1863, at Amenia, and mustered in as private, December
28, 1863; captured, October 13, 1864, near Atlanta, Ga.;
paroled, no date; died of fever, April i, 1865, while on
furlough at Amenia, N. Y.
Bennitt, Ransom. — Age, 21 years. September 6,
1862, at Poughkeepsie ; deserted, February 4, 1863, at
Baltimore, Md.
Benton, Charles E. — Age, 20 years. September 6,
1862, at Amenia.*
Bidwell, Hurbert. — Age, 18 years. August 9, 1862,
at New York City; 145th N. Y. Volunteers; mustered out,
July II, 1865, at Washington, D. C, while in hospital at
Fairfax Seminary, Va.Z
Birdsall, Sebury. — Age, 35 years. September 5, 1862,
at Amenia.*
Blinn, Peter. — Age, 42 years. September 4, 1862, at
Washington; promoted Corporal, June i, 1863; returned
to ranks, April 15, 1864.*
Boughton, James A. — Age, 40 years. October 8,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; promoted Corporal, August 21,
1863; returned to ranks, February 24, 1865; promoted
Corporal, March i, 1865; returned to ranks and dis-
chargeci, no ciates.
Braman, Hamilton. — Age, 31 years. September 6,
1862, at Amenia.*
Brundage, David. — Age, 23 years. September 13,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; deserted, November, 1863, at
hospital. New York City.
Buckley, Benjamin. — Age, 44 years. September 6,
1862, at Amenia; discharged, May 19, 1865, at hospital,
Louisville, Ky.
Bullis, Thomas (i). — Age, 45 years. September 29,
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 359
1862, at Poughkeepsie; D. F. D., November 19, 1863, at
Baltimore, Md.
Burns, Peter. — Age, 26 years. September i, 1864, at
Fishkill, to serve one year.*
Burroughs, Benjamin S. — Age, 29 years. September
25, 1862, at Pleasant Valley; absent, sick In hospital at
muster-out.
Carey, James. — Age, 32 years. July 25, 1862, New
York City, 145th N. Y. Volunteers.Z*
Carlow, James L. — Age, 45 years. August 30, 1862,
at Washington.*
Cass, John. — Age, 20 years. September 5, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie; wounded in action, March 16, 1865; died
of his wounds, March 17, 1865, at First Division, 20th
Army Corps Hospital, Averasboro, N. C.
Chamberlain, Horatio S. — Age, 24 years. September
5, 1862, at Amenia.*
Chamberlain, William C. — Age, 28 years. September
6, 1862, at Amenia; D. F. D., March 25, 1864, ^t hos-
pital, Washington, D. C.
Chamberlin, Willis D. — Age, 38 years. September 30,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; killed in action, August 23, 1864,
at Atlanta, Ga.
Chambers, Benjamin. — Age, 22 years. September 12,
1864, at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Coggins, Thomas. — Age, 30 years. August 18, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers.*Z
Coller, John. — Age, 38 years. September 5, 1862, at
Amenia.*
Connolly, Martin. — Age, 26 years. July 12, 1864, at
Poughkeepsie.X
360 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Conroy, James. — Age, i8 years. August 7, 1862,
New York City; Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volunteers.Z*
Coughlin, Michael. — Age, 21 years. September 6,
1864, at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; sentenced by a
court martial to make up time lost by desertion. X
Creed, John. — Age, 18 years. August 26, 1862, at
New York City; Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volunteers. *Z
Dailey, Michael. — Age, 27 years. September 2, 1862,
at Washington; deserted, February 16, 1863, at Balti-
more, Md.
Davis, Edwin. — Age, 19 years. September 15, 1862,
at Amenia; wounded in action, June 22, 1864, at Culp's
Farm, Ga.*
Davis, John. — Age, 23 years. August 30, 1862, at
Amenia.*
Divine, Alexander. — Age, 23 years. August 19, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers.Z*
Dewey, Fred F. — Age, 42 years. September 5, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; transferred to Co. C, March 25, 1863,
and Nicholas Hickey taken In his place.*
Dooley, Martin. — Age, 22 years. September i, 1862,
at Washington; discharged, November 6, 1862, to enlist
in Battery L, Fifth U. S. Artillery.
Dutcher, Aaron. — Age, 17 years. August 30, 1862,
at Amenia; wounded In action. May 25, 1864, at Dallas,
Ga.*
FItzpatrick, Michael. — Age, 23 years. August 30,
1862, at Amenia.*
Fowler, Caleb G. — Age, 22 years. September 12,
1864, at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; captured. No-
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 361
vember, 1864; paroled, no date; died of disease, February
23, 1864, at Savannah, Ga.
Frear, Peter. — Age, 27 years. October 7, 1862, at
PoLighkeepsie ; transferred to Co. F, Sixtieth Infantry,
June 8, 1865, to make up time lost by desertion.
Gillespie, Moses. — Age, 22 years. September 6, 1862,
at Amenia; deserted, February i, 1863, at Baltimore, Md.
Goings, Andrew. — Age, 27 years. October 22, 1863,
at Decherd, Tenn.; deserted, June 9, 1864, in the field,
near Pine Hill, Ga.
Gollenbeck, John B. — Age, 23 years. Enlisted August
28, 1862, at Washington, D. C*
Gordon, William. — Age, 28 years. August 19, 1862;
Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volunteers.*
Griffin, Charles E. — Age, 28 years. September 5,
1862, at Amenia.*
Hackett, William. — Age, 19 years. October 18, 1864,
at Kingston, to serve one year.X
Harris, Howard. — Age, 18 years. September 14,
1864, at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Hart, John. — Age, 18 years. August 22, 1862, at
Amenia; killed while on picket, June 24, 1864, near
Marietta, Ga.
Hickey, Nicholas. — Age, 44 years. September 9,
1862, at Stanford; transferred from Co. C to Co. A,
March 25, 1863; deserted, June 3, 1863, at Baltimore,
Md.
Hoftaling, John L. — Age, 31 years. August 21, 1862,
at Amenia. X
Horton, Edward. — Age, 34 years. August 28, 1862,
at Washington; transferred to Co. F, Tenth Regiment,
V. R. C, August, 1863.
362 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Howgate, Charles. — Age, 45 years. September 6,
1862, at Poughkeepsie ; killed in action, July 3, 1863, at
Gettysburg, Pa.
Jackson, George H. — Age, 20 years. June 25, 1863,
at Amenia; joined regiment at Baltimore, Md.X
Jones, Henry L. — Age, 28 years. August 20, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, May 20, 1863, at Baltimore,
Md.
Jones, Lewis. — Age, 18 years. January 18, 1865, at
Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.X
Jones, Lyman H. — Age, 38 years. September 2, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Kenyon, Franklin. — Age, 21 years. May 7, 1864, at
Pawling; deserted, July 8, 1864, in the field near Pine
Hill, Ga.
Lewis, Miles K. — Age, 19 years. September 6, 1862,
at Amenia,*
Lee, Seneca S. — Age, 25 years. August 29, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Sergeant, October 10, 181^ ;
deserted from hospital, May 20, 1863, at Baltimore, Md.
Lyman, Jr., James. — Age, 24 years. September 5,
1862, at Amenia; wounded in action, July 31, 1864, at
Atlanta, Ga.; absent since, In hospital, and at muster-out
of company.
Maguire, Patrick. — Age, 33 years. September 13,
1862, at Washington; deserted, February 6, 1863, at
Baltimore, Md.
McCloskey, Thomas. — Age, 21 years. — ,
1862, at New York City; private, Co. A, 145th N. Y.
Volunteers; absent, sick in hospital, since October, 1864,
at Knoxville, Tenn., and at muster-out of company. Z
McDonald, James. — i\ge, 19 years. September 5,
ROSTER OF REGKvIENT. 363
1862, at Washington; discharged, November 6, 1862, to
enlist in Battery L, Fifth U. S. Artillery.
McDowell, Joseph W. — Age, 44 years. September 2,
1862, at Washington; transferred to V. R. C, September
1, 1863.
McNeil, William. — Age, 20 years. January 24, 1863,
at Baltimore, X
Miller, Hanson. — Age, 18 years. September 2, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Morey, John. — Age, 43 years. August 30, 1862, at
Washington; D. F. D., April 7, 1863.
O'Neil, Thomas. — i\ge, 39 years. September 2, 1862,
at Washington.*
Ostrom, William E. — Age, 37 years. September 15,
1862, at Amenia; transferred to V. R. C, February 15,
1864.
Ostrum, William H. — Age, 35 years. October 4,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Odell, Samuel C. — Age, 16 years. April 18, 1863, at
Washington. X
Odell, Wilson A. — Age, 44 years. August 30, 1862,
at Washington; died of disease, September 21, 1864, at
hospital. Fort Rosecrans, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Pell, Francis. — Age, 23 years. October i, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie.*
Place, James L. — Age, 40 years. August 28, 1862, at
Washington.*
Rosell, George H. — Age, 28 years. August 28, 1862,
at Washington, N. Y. ; deserted, February 2, 1863, at
Baltimore, Md.
Roberts, Cyrus S. — Age, 21 years. September 5, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; promoted Sergeant-Major, October 11,
364 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
1862, and became Second Lieutenant, Co. K, February
13, 1863. (For full record, see Co. K. Roll.)
Rosell, Obed. — Age, 24 years. August 21, 1862, at
Amenia; wounded on picket, June 19, 1864; mustered out
with detachment, June 20, 1865, at Albany, N. Y.
Rust, Levi. — Age, 45 years. August 30, 1862, at
Washington, N. Y. ; killed in action, July 3, 1863, at
Gettysburg, Pa.
Salisbury, William E. — Age, 25 years. April 25,
1864, at Amenia, and mustered in as private, Co. A,
April 25, 1 864.x.
Shaw, John. — Age, 22 years. September 3, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie ; promoted Corporal, March 19, 1863;
deserted, May 20, 1863, at Baltimore, Md.
Shutter, James. — Age, 19 years. May 3, 1864, at
Hyde Park; deserted, May 10, 1865.
Smith, John H. — Age, 20 years. September 5, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; died, August 26, 1863, at hospital in
Washington, D. C.
Sterling, Thomas. — Age, 19 years. September 19,
1864, at Albany, to serve one year.*
Swart, Isaac H. — Age, 26 years. September 7, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Thompson, John. — Age, 43 years. September 15,
1862, at Amenia; deserted, February i, 1863, at Balti-
more, Md.
Thompson, John H. — Age, 22 years. January 25,
1865, at Kingston. X
Traver, John. — Age, 39 years. September 9, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie; deserted, November 26, 1862, at Balti-
more, Md.
ROSTER OF REGHIENT. 365
Tucker, James H. — Age, 22 years. February 13,
1864, at New York City.X
Valentine, William. — Age, 23 years. October 9, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie ; deserted, October 12, 1862, at Rahway,
N.J.
Van Demark, John M. — Age, 44 years. April 19,
1864, ^t Red Hook; mustered out, July 11, 1865, at
Washington, D. C, while in Sickles' Hospital, Alexan-
dria, Va.
Van Dyke, George H. — Age, 18 years. August 30,
1862, at Hyde Park; mustered out with detachment, June
20, 1865, at Albany, N. Y.
Van Keuren, Robert. — Age, 28 years. September 5,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; transferred to Co. C, Ninth Regi-
ment, V. R. C, September 26, 1863; mustered out with
detachment, July 21, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
Van Wagner, Theodore F. — Age, 18 years. April 19,
1864, at Poughkeepsie. X
Wallace, J. Alva. — Age, 21 years. April 16, 1864, at
Hyde Park, to serve three years. X
Webster, George. — Age, 39 years. August 15, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Welch, Patrick. — Age, 22 years. April 19, 1864, at
Fishkill.X
Wilson, George. — Age, 22 years. October 9, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie; deserted, October 12, 1862, at Rahway,
N.J.
Wing, John P. — Age, 19 years. August 30, 1862, at
Amenia; killed in action, July 3, 1863, at Gettysburg, Pa.
Winters, Andrew J.— Age, 20 years. September i,
1862, at Amenia; died of disease, August 16, 1863, at
hospital, Baltimore, Md.
366 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Westmiller, Luther. — Age, 29 years. September 13,
1864, at FIshkill, to serve one year.*
Westmiller, Peter. — Age, 18 years. September 2,
1862, at Poiighkeepsie.*
Whaley, James E. — Age, 18 years. January 11, 1864,
at Washington. X
Whaley, William H. — Age, 18 years. August 27,
1862, at Washington.*
Wheeler, Charles. — Age, 26 years. August 25, 1862,
at Washington; deserted, February 2, 1863, at Baltimore,
Md.
Wheeler, Seth. — Age, 44 years. October 8, 1862, at
Stanford; transferred to V. R. C, April 6, 1864.
Winans, Henry C. — Age, 22 years. August 25, 1862,
at Washington; mustered in as Corporal, October 10,
1862; returned to ranks, December 19, 1863; wounded
in action, June 11, 1864, near Pine Hills, Ga.; died of his
wounds, June 12, 1864, at hospital, Nashville, Tenn.
No. 3.
COMPANY B.
Mustered into the U. S. service, for three years, at
Camp Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Friday, October
10, 1862.
Captains.
McConnell, Robert. — Age, 28 years. Enrolled at
Poughkeepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as
Captain, Co. B, September 10, 1862; dismissed, Decem-
ber 16, 1863 ; dismissal revoked and restored to command,
January 20, 1864; discharged, October 20, 1864.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 367
Commissioned Captain, November 3, 1862, with rank
from September 8, 1862, original,
Tripp, Robert C. — September 6, 1864. See Second
Lieutenants.*
First Lieutenants.
Johnson, Albert. — Age, 31 years. Enrolled at Pough-
keepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as First
Lieutenant, Co. B, September 8, 1862; discharged, April
25, 1863, at Baltimore, Md.
Commissioned First Lieutenant, November 3, 1862,
with rank from September 8, 1862, original.
Tripp, Robert C. — April 25, 1863. See Second Lieu-
tenants.
Ostrom, Andrew J. — November 30, 1864. See Sec-
ond Lieutenants.*
Second Lieutenants.
Tripp, Robert C. — Age, 23 years. Enrolled at Pough-
keepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as Second
Lieutenant, Co. B, September 8, 1862; as First Lieuten-
ant, April 26, 1863; as Captain, October 21, 1864.
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, November 3, 1862,
with rank from September 8, 1862, original; First Lieu-
tenant, December 7, 1863, with rank from April 25, 1863,
vice B. J. Hevenor, not mustered; Captain, November
30, 1864, with rank from October 20, 1864, vice Robert
McConnell, discharged.
Ostrum, Andrew J. — Age, 30 years. Enrolled, Au-
gust 13, 1862, at Poughkeepsie, to serve three years;
mustered in as First Sergeant, Co. B, September 5, 1862;
mustered in as Second Lieutenant, April 26, 1863; as
First Lieutenant, October 21, 1864.
368 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, December 7, 1863,
with rank from April 25, 1863, vice R. C. Tripp pro-
moted; First Lieutenant, November 30, 1864, with rank
from September 6, 1864, vice R. C. Tripp promoted
Captain.
McGill, John. — Age, 26 years. October i, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie, to serve three years; mustered in as Ser-
geant, Co. F, October 11, 1862; promoted First Sergeant,
July 27, 1864; mustered in as Second Lieutenant, Co. B,
October 21, 1864.*
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, November 30, 1864,
with rank from September 6, 1864, vice C. S. Roberts
promoted.
First Sergeants.
Ostrum, Andrew J. — October 10, 1862. See First
Lieutenants.
McGill, John. — July 27, 1864. See Second Lieu-
tenants.
Lee, Frank K. — Age, 20 years. August 13, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Sergeant, Co. B, October
10, 1862; promoted First Sergeant, January i, 1864.*
Sergeants.
Ferdon, William B. — Age, 26 years. September 5,
1862, at Poughkeepsie, and mustered in as Corporal, Co.
B, October 10, 1862; promoted Sergeant, July 13, 1864.*
Brooks, William. — Age, 28 years. August 13, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Corporal, October 10,
1862; promoted Sergeant, April i, 1865.*
Brewer, Charles E. — Age, 26 years. September 4,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; mustered out, May 31, 1865, at
McDougall Hospital, Fort Schuyler, N. Y. Harbor.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 369
Endicott, George. — Transferred from Co. A, 145th
N. Y. Volunteers, January 4, 1864, as a Sergeant.*
Corporals.
Cronk, Silas H. — Age, 25 years. August 13, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie, to serve three years; mustered in as Cor-
poral, Co. B, October 10, 1862; mustered out with com-
pany, June 8, 1865, near Washington, D. C*
Longenbine, Jacob. — Age, 21 years. August 14, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Corporal, Co. B, Octo-
ber 10, 1862.*
Corwin, George W. — Age, 22 years. August 13,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; promoted Corporal prior to
April, 1864.*
Mitchell, Samuel. — Age, 26 years. August 13, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie ; promoted Corporal prior to April,
1864.*
Osborn, Levi J. — Age, 18 years. September 5, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; promoted Corporal prior to April, 1864;
wounded in action. May 25, 1864, at Dallas, Ga.*
Timmins, John. — Age, 19 years. September 6, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; promoted Corporal prior to October,
1864.*
Brazier, James. — Age, 19 years. August 13, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie; promoted Corporal, April i, 1865.*
Nuttal, William. — Age, 21 years. August 14, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie, N. Y. ; mustered in as Corporal, Co. B,
October 10, 1862 ; mustered out June 17, 18(^5, at Albany,
N. Y.
Musicians.
Dahn, John. — Age, 15 years. September 8, 1862, at
370 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Poughkeepsie ; mustered in as Musician ; deserted, Decem-
ber 3, 1862, at Baltimore, Md.
Davidson, Samuel A. — Age, 17 years. February 8,
1863, at Baltimore, Md. ; mustered in as Musician, Feb-
ruary 8, 1863; mustered out. May 30, 1865, at McDou-
gall Hospital, N. Y. Harbor.
Holdredge, Elisha. — Age, 41 years. August 13, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Musician, Co. B., Octo-
ber 10, 1862; D. F. D., January 8, 1864, ^t Point Look-
out, Md.
fVagoner.
Conwoy, William. — Age, 25 years. September 20,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Wagoner, Octo-
ber 10, 1862; deserted, February 17, 1863, at Baltimore,
Md.
Privates.
Albertson, John B. — Age, 45 years. October 10,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; mustered out, June 10, 1865, at
Louisville, Ky.
Adlum, William. — Age, 28 years. August 21, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; captured at South River, Ga., October
18, 1864; paroled at Florence, S. C, December 13, 1864;
mustered out, June 19, 1865, at Annapolis, Md.
Bailey, Chauncey. — Age, 37 years. August 4, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; wounded in action, July 20, 1864, at
Peach Tree Creek, Ga. ; mustered out, June 26, 1865,
at Louisville, Ky.
Baker, Smith. — Age, 21 years. September 29, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; transferred to Battery I, Fifth U. S.
Artillery, November 4, 1862.
Beach, James. — Age, 19 years. September 2, 1864, at
ROSTER OF REGTMENT. 371
Germantown, to serve one year; died, P^ebruary 25, 1865,
at hospital, Savannah, Ga.
Beach, Timothy T. — Age, 19 years. August 13,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Corporal, Octo-
ber 10, 1862; returned to ranks prior to April 30, 1863.*
Bierman, John. — Age, 30 years. August 15, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie.*
Bradley, Charles H. — Age, 23 years. September 30,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; transferred to Two Hundred and
Forty-third Company, First Battalion, V. R. C, March
15, 1865, and mustered out with detachment, June 26,
1865, at Washington, D. C.
Buyce, James. — Age, 19 years. September 5, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Cable, Samuel H. — Age, 25 years. September 15,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Campbell, Joel. — Age, 27 years. September i, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Cannon, Charles H. — Age, 26 years. September 9,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; deserted, November 17, 1862, at
Baltimore, Md.
Cannon, William H. — Age, 18 years. August 13,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; deserted November 17, 1862, at
Baltimore, Md.
Carey, John. — Age, 17 years. September 9, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie; died, September i, 1863, at hospital, Bal-
timore, Md.
Cavanagh, John. — Age, 22 years. September 8, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Chambers, James M. — Age, 43 years. August 7,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; wounded in action, August 2,
372 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
1864, near Atlanta, Ga.; died, December 28, 1864, at
Joe Holt Hospital, Jeftersonville, Ind.
Collins, William. — Age, 30 years. August 13, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Corporal, Co. B, October
15, 1862; returned to ranks, no date.*
Cook, John N. — Age, 18 years. September 2, 1864,
at New York City, to serve one year.*
Cramsie, James. — Age, 19 years. August 23, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted. May 16, 1863, at Baltimore,
Md.
Crozier, Isaac. — Age, 26 years. September i, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; mustered out, June 9,
1865, at McDougall Hospital, N. Y. Harbor.
Decker, Andrew. — Age, 19 years. August 4, 1864, at
Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Develin, John. — Age, 29 years. August 18, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie; deserted, December 11, 1862, at Balti-
more, Md.
Deyo, Orlando. — Age, 22 years. September 27, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Doherty, Edward. — Age, 28 years. August 18, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Doyle, James. — Age, 29 years. September 10, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, January 10, 1863, at Balti-
more, Md.
Egans, Charles F. — Age, 21 years. At Poughkeepsie;
transferred to Battery L, Fifth U. S. Artillery, Novem-
ber 4, 1862.
Farley, Johnson. — Age, 36 years. October 10, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Ferdon, John J. — Age, 44 years. October 10, 1862,
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 373
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, February 20, 1863, at Balti-
more, Md.
Fetter, William. — Age, 19 years. August 22, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, March 17, 1863, at Baltimore,
Md.
Filkins, John H. — Age, 30 years. August 23, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; transferred to Battery L, Fifth U. S.
Artillery, November 4, 1862.
. Fleischhauer, Anthony. — Age, 28 years. August 26,
1864, at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Gilmor, John. — Age, 33 years. October 10, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie.*
Green, Francis C. — Age, 33 years. October 2, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Hannah, John. — Age, 28 years. September 10, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie ; promoted Corporal and returned to
ranks, no dates; deserted. May 9, 1863, at Baltimore, Md.
Harris, Lyman P. — Age, 27 years. September 12,
1864, at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; mustered out,
June 6, 1865, at Washington, D. C, while in Fairfax
Seminary Hospital, Alexandria, Va.
Hewett, George W. — Age, 18 years. September 6,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; wounded in action, July 20, 1864,
before Atlanta, Ga.; captured, March 19, 1865, near
Bentonville, N. C; paroled, no date; mustered out, June
13, 1865, at Camp Parole, Annapolis, Md.
Hoerhold, William. — Age, 28 years. August 26,
1864, at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; died of suicide,
October 20, 1864, at Atlanta, Ga.
Holdredge, William. — Age, 37 years. September 8,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; transferred to Battery L, Fifth
U. S. Artillery, November 4, 1862.
374 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Holtlcer, John. — Age, i8 years. September 3, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Hopkins, Charles B. — Age, 21 years. September 5,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Hopkins, Chester C. — Age, 28 years. September i,
1864, at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; D. F. D., April
24, 1865, at Main Street Hospital, Covington, Ky.
Johnson, Charles T. — Age, 19 years. August 13,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Corporal, Co. B,
October 10, 1862; returned to ranks prior to December,
1864.*
Jones, Adney H. — Age, 24 years. September 18,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Jones, Alonzo V. — Age, 21 years. September 14,
1864, at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Jones, Benjamin. — Age, 18 years. September 3, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Jones, Egbert. — Age, 21 years. September 6, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie; deserted, July 2, 1863, at Gettysburg, Pa.;
apprehended, and again deserted, May 23, 1865, while
awaiting trial.
Jones, Hugh. — Age, 35 years. August 13, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie, to serve three years; deserted. May 24,
1864, at Bridgeport, Ala.
Jones, Thomas C. — Age, 30 years. August 15, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; wounded in action. May 25, 1864, at
Dallas, Ga.*
Jones, Valentine. — Age, 25 years. August 18, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Jones, William H. — Age, 25 years. August 13, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 375
Joos, Matthias. — Age, 32 years. August 19, 1862, at
Poughkeepsle.*
Kane, Hugh. — Age, 30 years. September 5, 1862,
at Poughkeepsle; deserted, February 9, 1863, at Balti-
more, Md.
Kihlmire, Valentine. — Age, 21 years. August 15,
1862, at Poughkeepsle; mustered in as Sergeant, Co. B,
October 10, 1862; returned to ranks, July 13, 1864.*
Lawrence, John. — Age, 44 years. July 29, 1862, at
Poughkeepsle; D. F. D., November 22, 1864, at Sedley
Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa.
Lawson, William P. — Age, 23 years. September 6,
1862, at Poughkeepsle.*
Lumb, Levi. — Age, 22 years. August 13, 1862, at
Poughkeepsle; promoted Corporal prior to April, 1863;
returned to ranks, April, 1864; mustered out, June 20,
1865, at Albany, N. Y.
Lynett, John. — Age, 25 years. September 16, 1862, at
Poughkeepsle; deserted, March 17, 1863, at Baltimore,
Md.
Lyttle, Samuel. — Age, 29 years. September 15, 1862,
at Poughkeepsle; deserted, March 23, 1863, at Baltimore,
Md.
Maccay, Alonzo. — Age, 37 years. August 13, 1862,
at Poughkeepsle.*
McBride, James. — Age, 25 years. September 6, 1862,
at Poughkeepsle; D. F. D., November 10, 1864, at
Atlanta, Ga.
McCann, James. — Age, 28 years. September 2, 1862,
at Poughkeepsle; deserted, February 15, 1863, ^^ Balti-
more, Md.
McKenney, James R. — Age, 24 years. August 27,
376 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
1864, at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; wounded In
action, March 16, 1865, at Averasboro, N. C; mustered
out, May 18, 1865, at McDougall Hospital, Fort Schuy-
ler, N. Y. Harbor.
McLaughling, Richard. — Age, 40 years. September i,
1864, at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
McNeil, William H. — Age, 31 years. August 13,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Mosher, William. — Age, 25 years. September 3,
1862, at Poughkeepsie,*
Muldrey, John. — Age, 18 years. August 22, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie; deserted. May 16, 1863, at Baltimore, Md.
Mulholland, Henry. — Age, 39 years. August 18,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Murgatroyd, Benjamin W. — Age, 27 years. Septem-
ber 6, 1862, at Poughkeepsie; deserted, November 27,
1862, at Baltimore, Md.
Murgatroyd, Thomas. — Age, 32 years. September 6,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; deserted, October 30, 1862, at
Baltimore, Md.
Murter, James. — Age, 25 years. September 20, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; promoted Corporal prior to April,
1863; returned to ranks, no date; wounded in action, Feb-
ruary I, 1865, near Robertsville, S. C; absent since, at
McDougall Hospital, Fort Schuyler, N. Y. Harbor, and
at muster-out of company.
Myers, Frederick. — Age, 34 years. September 6,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; D. F. D., August 13, 1863, at
Washington, D. C.
Noyes, Simeon F. — Age, 18 years. August 15, 1864,
at Hyde Park, to serve one year.*
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 377
O'Neil, Owen. — Age, 33 years. August 18, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie.*
Ostrom, John H. — Age, 38 years. December 22,
1863, at Poughkeepsie; mustered out, July i, 1865, at
McDougall Hospital, N. Y. Harbor.
Ostrum, George E. — Age, 20 years. August 15, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; discharged, April 11, 1863, by order of
general court martial, at Fort Henry, Baltimore, Md.
Palmer, John. — Age, 22 years. September 12, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie. X
Phillips, Augustus. — Age, 18 years. September 6,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Pierce, Seth. — Age, 18 years. August 18, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie.*
Pinhom, George. — Age, 41 years. iVugust 26, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; died, March 28, 1864, In hospital at
Tullahoma, Tenn., from Injuries received by the falling
of a tree.
Richardson, Folsom. — Age, 18 years. March 5, 1863,
at Baltimore, Md. ; wounded In action. May 15, 1864, at
Resaca, Ga.; died of his wounds, August 8, 1864, ^^ Cum-
berland Hospital, Nashville, Tenn.
Rion, Bartholomew. — i^ge, 39 years. September 3,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; deserted, April 3, 1863, at Balti-
more, Md.
RItter, Henry. — Age, 18 years. September 13, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Rodgers, Joseph. — Age, 26 years. October 12, 1864,
at Jamaica, to serve one year; never joined reglment.X
Shafer, Nelson P. — Age, 23 years. August 13, 1862,
at Rhinebeck; transferred to V. R. S., June 15, 1864.
Shaw, Gilbert H. — Age, 23 years. August 5, 1862,
378 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
at Rhinebeck; captured, November i8, 1864, near Madi-
son, Ga. ; paroled, no date.*
Simmons, Stephen. — Age, 38 years. September 5,
1862, at Poughkeepsie ; killed in action, July 20, 1864, at
Peach Tree Creek, Ga.
Smithson, John. — Age, 27 years September 13, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Snyder, George. — Age, 25 years. August 10, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie-, to serve one year; captured, November
18, 1864, near Madison, Ga. ; paroled, no date.*
Stephenson, Stephen H. — Age, 39 years. August 20,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Stroker, John H. — Age, 26 years. August 13, 1864,
at East Fishkill, to serve one year; captured, November
18, 1864, near Madison, Ga.; paroled, no date; sick in
hospital at Columbus, Ohio; mustered out, June 2, 1865,
at Tripler Hospital.
Swarthout, Charles M. — Age, 23 years. September 5,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Sykes, George. — Age, 22 years. September 6, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, November 17, 1862, at Balti-
more, Md.
Tator, Edward. — Age, 21 years. August 2, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie; transferred to Battery L, Fifth U. S.
Artillery, November 4, 1862.
Todd, David P. — Age, 37 years. September 9, 1864,
at Albany, to serve one year.*
Toometh, James H. — Age, 18 years. September 2,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Tripp, Joseph F. — Age, 20 years. October 6, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, January 7, 1863, at Baltimore,
Md.
ROSTER OF REGLMENT. 379
Wallin, William J. — Age, i8 years. August 26, 1864,
at Albany, to serve one year; killed, March 17, 1865, on
the skirmish line near Averasboro, N. C.
Weaver, Charles. — Age, 21 years. September 5, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Weaver, Henry. — Age, 19 years. September 18, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Weishaupt, Adam. — Age, 36 years. August 11, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Welch, James. — Age, 18 years. September 4, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; wounded in action, May 25, 1864, at
Dallas, Ga.*
Werner, Xavier. — Age, 38 years. July 19, 1864, at
Poughkeepsie. X
Whalen, Michael. — Age, 28 years. September 11,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; deserted, February 9, 1863, at
Baltimore, Md.
Williams, James. — Age, 33 years. August 18, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; D. F. D., January 27, 1864, ^t Point
Lookout, Md.
No. 4.
COMPANY C.
Mustered into the U. S. service, for three years, at
Camp Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Saturday, Octo-
ber II, 1862.
CaptaUis.
Gildersleeve, Henry A. — Age, 22 years. Enrolled at
Poughkeepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as
Captain, Co. C, September 17, 1862; as Major, May 11,
1865.
380 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Commissioned Captain, November 3, 1862, with rank
from September 17, 1862, original; Major, April 22,
1865, with rank from March 2, 1865, vice J. H. Cogs-
well promoted.
Van Keuren, William S. — April 22, 1865; Brevet
Major N. Y. Volunteers, October 17, 1865. See First
Lieutenant, Co. H.*
First Lieutenants.
Welling, Edgar P. — Age, 24 years. Enrolled at
Poughkeepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as
First Lieutenant, Co. C, September 17, 1862; died of
typhoid fever, October 21, 1863, at TuUahoma, Tenn.
Commissioned First Lieutenant, November 3, 1862,
with rank from September 17, 1862, original.
Hicks, Henry J. — Age, 24 years. Enrolled, August
28, 1862, at Stanford, to serve three years; mustered in
as private, Co. C, September 15, 1862; promoted Ser-
geant, April 20, 1863; First Sergeant, June i, 1864;
Second Lieutenant, no date; mustered in as First Lieuten-
ant, Co. C, March 27, 1865.*
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, November 21, 1864,
with rank from October 4, 1864, vice F. Mallory pro-
moted; First Lieutenant, January 20, 1865, with rank
from December i, 1864.
Second Lieutenants.
Marshall, Rowland H. — Age, 25 years. Enrolled at
Poughkeepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as
Second Lieutenant, Co. C, September 17, 1862; died, Sep-
tember 12, 1863, at hospital, Georgetown, D. C.
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, November 3, 1862,
with rank from September 17, 1862, original.
ROSTER OF RECxniENT. 381
Smithe, J. Curtis. — Age, 26 years. Enrolled Septem-
ber 5, 1862, at Amenia, to serve three years; mustered in
as Sergeant, Co. A, October 10, 1862; promoted First
Sergeant, January 20, 1863; mustered in as Second Lieu-
tenant, Co. C, April 24, 1865.*
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, September 16, 1864,
with rank from June 22, 1864, vice W. Wattles pro-
m.oted; First Lieutenant, commission cancelled, November
30, 1864, with rank from September 6, 1864, vice Robert
G. Mooney resigned.
First Sergeants.
Story, Henry W. — Age, 28 years. August 29, 1862,
at Clinton; mustered in as First Sergeant; killed in action,
May 25, 1864, at Dallas, Ga.
Brower, William H. — Age, 21 years, September 6,
1862, at Poughkeepsie ; promoted Corporal, prior to
April 30, 1864; Sergeant, October 4, 1864; First Ser-
geant, March 27, 1865.*
Sergeants.
Osborn, Charles H. — Age, 27 years. September 5,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Corporal, Co. C,
October 11, 1862; promoted Sergeant, June i, 1864.*
Wallace, Philip H. — Age, 1,^ years. September 30,
1862, at Clinton; promoted Corporal prior to April 30,
1864; Sergeant, February 15, 1865.*
Shaw, John M. — Age, 18 years. October 3, 1862, at
Clinton; promoted Corporal, June i, 1864; Sergeant,
March 27, 1865.*
Briggs, William B. — Age, 26 years. August 29, 1862,
at Stanford; mustered in as Corporal, October 11, 1862;
382 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
returned to ranks, June i, 1864; promoted Corporal, Oc-
tober 4, 1864; Sergeant, April i, 1865.*
Corporals.
Giraud, Frederick. — Age, 25 years. September 5,
1862, at Pleasant Valley; promoted Corporal, prior to
April, 1863; returned to ranks, February 11, 1865.*
Williamson, Peter S. — Age, 18 years. September 26,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; promoted Corporal, prior to
April 30, 1863.*
Williams, Alfred. — Age, 21 years. September 3, 1862,
at Pleasant Valley; mustered in as Corporal, Co. C, Octo-
ber II, 1862; returned to ranks, prior to April, 1864;
promoted Corporal, February 15, 1865.*
Worden, Rensselaer. — Age, 19 years. August 29,
1865, at Stanford; promoted Corporal, February 15,
1865.*
Watson, William K. — Age, 29 years. September 9,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Sergeant, October
II, 1862; returned to ranks, February 19, 1864; pro-
moted Corporal, November 22, 1864; wounded in action,
March 16, 1865, at Averasboro, N. C; mustered out,
June 20, 1865, at Albany, while in hospital at Troy.
Neuman, James. — Age, 18 years. August 23, 1862,
at Stanford; promoted Corporal, March 27, 1865.*
Hicks, Julius. — Age, 21 years. August 29, 1862, at
Clinton; promoted Corporal, prior to April, 1864;
wounded in action, May 25, 1864, near Dallas, Ga.; trans-
ferred to Co. G, Eleventh Infantry, V. R. C, January 10,
1865; discharged as Sergeant, July 13, 1865.
Mathews, Henry. — Age, 25 years. September 6,
1862, at Clinton; promoted Corporal, April, 1864.*
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 383
Brovver, Theodore H. — Age, i8 years. September 6,
1862, at Poughkeepsle ; promoted Corporal, April i,
1865.*
Musicians.
Bush, Walter R. — Age, 17 years. September 4, 1862,
at Rhinebeck; mustered in as Musician, October 11,
1862.*
McDowell, William H. — Age, 18 years. August 28,
1862, at Stanford; mustered in as Musician, October 11,
1862.*
ff^agoner.
Swartout, John. — Age, 43 years. September 6, 1862,
at Clinton.*
Privates.
Ackert, William. — Age, 18 years. September 12,
1862, at Stanford.*
Allen, Smith P. — Age, 19 years. September 2, 1862,
at Pleasant Valley; died, February 9, 1865, at hospital.
Savannah, Ga.
Ames, William O. — Age, 21 years. October 11, 1864,
at Kingston, to serve one year; died, January 25, 1865, at
hospital. Savannah, Ga.
Baker, Lewis. — Age, 29 years. February 12, 1863, at
Baltimore, Md. ; deserted, May 15, 1863, ^^ Belger Bar-
racks, Baltimore, Md.
Barber, Theodore. — Age, 18 years. August 29, 1862,
at Clinton; mustered out with detachment, June 20, 1865,
at Albany, while in hospital at Troy, N. Y.
Bartholomew, Hiram. — Age, 21 years. March 14,
1865, at Fishkill, to serve one year; mustered out, July
384 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
20, 1865, at Washington, D. C, while in Augur Hos-
pital, Alexandria, Va.
Bradley, John C. — Age, 19 years. September 9, 1862,
at Pleasant Valley; deserted, no date.
Bradley, Darwin E. — Age, 25 years. September 5,
1862, at Clinton; deserted, November 3, 1862, at Balti-
more, Md.
Briggs, John. — Age, 38 years. August 29, 1862, at
Stanford.*
Brown, John H, — Age, 25 years. February 20, 1863,
at Baltimore, Md.; wounded in action, July 20, 1864, at
Peach Tree Creek, Ga.X
Brundage, John B. — Age, 24 years. September 29,
1862, at East Fishkill; deserted, December 31, 1862, at
Baltimore, Md.
Brown, William D. — Age, 22 years. January 20,
1865, at New York City; never joined regiment.X
Bullls, Thomas (2). — Age, 46 years. September 6,
1862, at Stanford.*
Cady, Edmund. — Age, 20 years. September 10, 1862,
at Poughkeepsle.*
Cady, George S. — Age, 21 years. August 12, 1864,
at Poughkeepsle, to serve one year.*
Cammel, Dennis. — Age, 29 years. September 29,
1862, at Poughkeepsle; deserted, July 2, 1863, at Gettys-
burg, Pa.
Cash, William. — Age, 38 years. September 29, 1862,
at Stanford; deserted, April 10, 1863, at Baltimore, Md.
Closs, Christian. — Age, 41 years. September 6, 1862,
at Clinton; died of diarrhea, September 12, 1864, at
Chattanooga, Tenn.
Curry, William H. — Age, 34 years. August 29, 1862,
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 385
at Washington; absent, sick since October 17, 1864, and
at muster-out of company.
Davenport, Charles. — Age, 33 years. April 28, 1864,
at Fishkill.X
Dewey, Frederick F. — Age, 42 years. September 5,
1862, at Poughkeepsie ; transferred from Co. A to Co. C,
March 25, 1863; captured in action, November 19, 1864;
paroled, no date; mustered out with company, June 8,
1865, near Washington, D. C*
Duffy, Thomas. — Age, 23 years. August 5, 1864, at
Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; captured while foraging,
October 23, 1864; paroled, no date.*
Dunbar, George Washington. — Age, 37 years. Sep-
tember 2, 1862, at Stanford; discharged in 1863.
Edwards, George C. — Age, 21 years. September 17,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; deserted, October 10, 1862.
Evans, James. — Age, 20 years. January 7, 1865, at
New York City; mustered out with detachment, May 8,
1865, at Hart's Island, N. Y. Harbor.
Fangmann, Charles. — Age, 29 years. April 20, 1863,
at Baltimore, Md. ; deserted. May 17, 1863, at Baltimore,
Md.
Finlayson, Alexander J. — Age, 25 years. July 30,
1865, at New York City; Sergeant, Co. D, 145th N. Y.
Volunteers; returned to ranks, October 4, 1864; absent,
on detached service, with Brigadier-General Granger,
since April 22, 1864, and at muster-out of company. Z
Florence, Charles. — Age, 18 years. September 6,
1862, at Pleasant Valley.*
Foster, Edward. — Age, 18 years. August 29, 1862,
at Hyde Park; no further record.
Foster, Frederick. — Age, 21 years. August 31, 1864,
386 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; mustered out, May
29, 1865, at McDougall Hospital, Fort Schuyler, N. Y.
Harbor.
Free, Daniel H. — Age, 39 years. September 5, 1862,
at Clinton.*
Gibson, David, — August 29, 1862, at Hyde Park, and
deserted prior to muster-in of company.
Gilbert, Casper. — Age, 34 years. January 13, 1865,
at Union Vale; mustered out with detachment. May 8,
1865, at Hart's Island, N. Y. Harbor.
Gimbert, Robert B. — Age, 18 years. August 6, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Goldsboro, Harrison. — Age, 22 years. April 15, 1863,
at Baltimore, Md. ; deserted. May 26, 1863, ^^ Balti-
more, Md.
Grant, Franklin M. — Age, 22 years. September 5,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Griffin, Patrick. — Age, 24 years. September 13, 1862,
at Stanford.X
Gurney, William E. — Age, 23 years. September 3,
1862, at Stanford; mustered in as Corporal, Co. C, Octo-
ber II, 1862; returned to ranks prior to April, 1864.*
Haford, Edwin R. — Age, 22 years. January i, 1865,
at Washington, to serve one year; mustered out with de-
tachment. May 8, 1865, at Hart's Island, N. Y. Harbor.
Hill, William. — Age, place, date of enlistment, and
muster-in as private, Co. C, not stated. X
Hoag, Perlee. — Age, 37 years. September i, 1862, at
Clinton; wounded in action. May 25, 1864, at Dallas,
Ga.*
Holmes, Joseph W. — Age, 30 years. September 4,
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 387
1862, at Clinton; mustered in as Corporal, Co. C, October
II, 1862; returned to ranks, February 12, 1865.*
Horton, Nathaniel. — Age, 22 years. August 8, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Hubbell, Albert W. — Age, 19 years. September 29,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; deserted, October 11, 1862, at
Camp Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Hughes, George. — Age, 28 years. January 5, 1865,
at La Grange, to serve one year.X
Hull, Abram N. — Age, 23 years. October 4, 1862, at
Stanford; deserted, December 19, 1862, at Baltimore,
Md.
Husted, Orville. — Age, 27 years. December 17, 1863,
at Albany; deserted to the enemy, July 9, 1864, i^
Georgia.
Husted, Reuben A. — Age, 21 years. September 6,
1862, at Stanford.*
Jones, Cleanvater. — Age, 20 years. September ii,
1862, at Clinton.*
Jones, William. — Age, 34 years. August 30, 1862, at
Pleasant Valley.*
Knapp, Albert. — Age, 21 years. August 30, 1862, at
Stanford.*
Lattin, Smith A. — Age, 18 years. September 2, 1862,
at Clinton; deserted, December 23, 1862, at Baltimore,
Md.
LeClaire, Peter. — Age, date, place of enlistment and
muster-in as private, Co. C, not stated. X
Lovelace, George. — Age, 39 years. September 4,
1862, at Stanford; killed, February 11, 1864, near Tulla-
homa, Tenn., by Guerillas.
Lovelace, George P. — Age, 19 years. January 9,
388 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
1864, at Stanford; captured In action, March 19, 1865,
at Bentonville, N. C; paroled, no date.X
Lovett, Henry. — Age, 30 years. January 19, 1865,
at Poughkeepsle, to serve three years; mustered out with
detachment, June 19, 1865, at Harewood Hospital, Wash-
ington, D. C.
Mastin, Walter P. — Age, 20 years. August 18, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; died, March 26, 1865,
at McDougall Hospital, N. Y. Harbor.
May, William. — Age, 32 years. September 20, 1864,
at Albany, to serve one year; never joined regiment.
McCormick, James. — Age, 29 years. October 8,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; no further record.
McFarlin, William H. — Age, 27 years. September 6,
1862, at Pleasant Valley; mustered in as Corporal, Octo-
ber II, 1862; returned to ranks, no date; deserted, De-
cember 2, 1862, at Baltimore, Md.
Millard, Horace. — Age, 45 years. September 3, 1862,
at Pleasant Valley; deserted, December 2, 1862, at Balti-
more, Md.
Moon, David. — Age, 33 years. September 5, 1862,
at Clinton; absent, sick in Hammond Hospital, at Point
Lookout, Md., and at muster-out of company.
Murphy, James. — Age, 26 years. August 30, 1862,
at Pleasant Valley; died, December 10, 1863, at Nor-
mandy, Tenn.
Nichols, George. — Age, 30 years. February i, 1863,
at Baltimore, Md. ; deserted, April 12, 1863, at Balti-
more, Md.
Noxon, William J. — Age, 26 years. October 4, 1862,
at Washington.*
Oakley, William H. — Age, 28 years. September 18,
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 389
1862, at Washington; D. F. D., February 17, 1865, at
hospital, Mound City, Mo.
Oliver, Edward. — Age, 22 years. February 27, 1865,
at New York City, to serve three years.X
Palmatier, William A. — Age, 38 years. September 3,
1862, at Pleasant Valley; mustered in as Corporal, Octo-
ber II, 1862; returned to ranks prior to April, 1863;
killed in action, December 20, 1864, at Savannah, Ga.
Pells, Charles Z. — Age, 46 years. September 5, 1862,
at Pleasant Valley; transferred to Co. G, Eleventh Regi-
ment, V. R. C, January 10, 1865 ; mustered out, July 20,
1865, at Albany, N. Y.
Peters, Henry. — Age, 18 years. September 5, 1862,
at Pleasant Valley; no further record.
Place, Lewis. — Age, 21 years. August 28, 1862, at
Washington.*
Place, Luman. — Age, 20 years. September 5, 1862,
at Washington; captured, August 31, 1864, and paroled;
mustered out at Baltimore, June 6, 1865.
Place, Morgan. — Age, 19 years. August 28, 1862, at
Washington; died of typhoid pneumonia, October 3,
1863, at hospital, Alexandria, Va.
Place, William B. — Age, 19 years. September 3,
1862, at Pleasant Valley; D. F. D., December 19, 1864;
again enlisted at Goshen for one year, and mustered in
as private, same company, February 10, 1865.X
Plumsted, Nathan G. — Age, 44 years. September 29,
1862, at Poughkeepsle ; D. F. D., June 17, 1863, at
Camden Street Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
Pond, Charles H. — Age, 21 years. September 27,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
390 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Raymond, John J. — Age, 29 years. August 28, 1862,
at Washington.*
Runnals, Allison J. — Age, 20 years. August 11, 1864,
at East Fishkill, to serve one year.*
Schoonhover, John. — Age, 42 years. September 14,
1862, at Stanford; died, June 28, 1864, at Louisville, Ky,
Seeley, Alfred. — Age, 23 years. August 28, 1862, at
Stanford; mustered in as Sergeant, October 11, 1862;
discharged, no date.
Seeley, Rufus A. — Age, 32 years. August 27, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie ; promoted Sergeant, prior to April 30,
1863; D. F. D., August 30, 1863.
Shaw, William. — Age, 44 years. October 3, 1862, at
Clinton; D. F. D., January 5, 1864.
Sherman, Francis L. — Age, 24 years. September 17,
1862, at Clinton; deserted prior to muster-in of company.
Shoemaker, Peter W. — Age, 19 years. February 17,
1864, at Hart's Island, N. Y. Harbor.X
Smith, James. — Age, 25 years. September 12, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; discharged, no date.
Snyder, Philetus R. — Age, 18 years. September 4,
1862, at Clinton; mustered out, June 14, 1865, at Mower
Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa.
Spencer, Andrew J. — Age, 34 years. August 8, 1864,
at Pleasant Valley, to serve one year.*
Stanton, Louis. — Age, 30 years. September 17, 1862;
deserted prior to muster-in of company.
Teaters, Henry. — Age, 26 years. October 4, 1862, at
Stanford; deserted, December 23, 1862, at Baltimore,
Md.
Teller, George M. — Age, 35 years. October 8, 1862,
at Stanford; mustered, but no further record.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 391
Thomas, George E. — Age, i8 years. October 9, 1862,
at Clinton.*
Traver, F. Jefferson. — Age, 18 years. August 29,
1862, at Clinton; wounded in action, March 16, 1865, at
Averasboro, N. C; mustered out, June 21, 1865, at hos-
pital, Albany, N. Y.
Traver, Walter. — Age, 21 years. September 25,
1862, at Clinton; no further record.
Travis, Charles. — Age, 21 years. August 29, 1862,
at Hyde Park; deserted prior to muster-in of company.
Travis, Sackett. — Age, 18 years. August 30, 1862, at
Clinton; died, December 5, 1863, at Normandy, Tenn.
Turney, Patrick. — Age, 20 years. August 5, 1864, at
Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; mustered out, May 24,
1865, at McDougall Hospital, Fort Schuyler, N. Y.
Harbor.
Vanderburgh, Alonzo. — Age, 32 years. September 18,
1862, at Washington Hollow.*
Velie, Allen J. — Age, 31 years. September 17, 1862,
at Pleasant Valley.X
Velie, Walter T. — Age, 17 years. October 3, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve three years; wounded in action,
July 20, 1864, near Atlanta, Ga.*
Wagner, Albert. — Age, 18 years. September 12,
1862, at Stanford; mustered out. May 24, 1865, at Mc-
Dougall Hospital, N, Y. Harbor.
Wagner, Alfred. — Age, 19 years. September 26,
1862, at Red Hook.*
Ward, Jacob. — Age, 21 years. September 6, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie; transferred to Co. H, Eighth Regiment,
V. R. C, no date; discharged, July 2, 1865, ^^ Camp
Douglas, 111.
392 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Westervelt, Peter. — Age, 42 years. September i,
1862, at Poughkeepsle ; D. F. D., May 15, 1864.
White, William. — Age, 22 years. August 29, 1862, at
Clinton; mustered in as Sergeant, October 11, 1862; re-
turned to ranks prior to April 30, 1863; transferred to
Co. I, Twenty-second Regiment, V. R. C, no date; re-
transferred to Co. C, September 17, 1864; promoted
Corporal, April 30, 1865.*
Whitely, Nicholas J. — Age, 22 years, August 30,
1863 ; returned to ranks prior to April 30, 1864; wounded
in action. May 25, 1864, at Dallas, Ga.*
Wiley, Martin W. — Age, 24 years. August 29, 1862,
at Clinton; mustered in as Sergeant, October 11, 1862;
returned to ranks, April 20, 1863; promoted Corporal,
June I, 1864; again returned to ranks, November 22,
1864.*
Williams, Henry P. — Age, 18 years. September 19,
1862, at Pleasant Valley; wounded in action, March 16,
1865, at Averasboro, N. C. ; mustered out with detach-
ment, June 20, 1865, at Albany, N. Y., while in hospital
at Troy, N. Y.
Wood, Talmadge. — Age, 45 years. September 3,
1862, at Stanford; wounded in action, July 3, 1863, at
Gettysburg, Pa.; died of his wounds, July 14, 1863, at
Baltimore, Md.
Wooley, Joseph. — Age, 18 years. September 6, 1862,
at Pleasant Valley; mustered in as Corporal, Co. C, Octo-
ber II, 1862 ; returned to ranks prior to April 30, 1863.*
Worden, Alexander. — Age, 21 years. September 3,
1862, at Stanford, to serve three years; mustered in as
private, Co. C, October 11, 1862; died, August 26, 1863,
at Camden Street Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 393
Worden, Philander. — Age, 23 years. September 3,
1862, at Stanford; died, March 13, 1863, at Belger Bar-
racks, Baltimore, Md.
Wursch, John. — Age, 33 years. September 7, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
No. 5.
COMPANY D.
Mustered into the U. S. service, for three years, at
Camp Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Saturday, Octo-
ber II, 1862.
Captains.
Woodin, William R. — Age, 24 years. Enrolled at
Poughkeepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as
Captain, Co. D, September 19, 1862.*
Commissioned Captain, November 3, 1862, with rank
from September 19, 1862, original. Brevet Lieutenant-
Colonel N. Y. Volunteers, October 17, 1865.
First Lieutenants.
Mooney, Robert G. — Age, 47 years. Enrolled at
Poughkeepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as
First Lieutenant, Co. D, September 19, 1862; discharged
for disability, November 6, 1864.
Commissioned First Lieutenant, November 3, 1862,
with rank from September 19, 1862, original.
Mallory, Frank. — October 14, 1864. See Second
Lieutenants.*
Second Lieutenants.
Mallory, Frank. — Age, 21 years. Enrolled at Pough-
keepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as Second
394 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Lieutenant, Co. D, October ii, 1862; as First Lieu-
tenant, December 18, 1864.
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, November 3, 1862,
with rank from September 19, 1862, original; First Lieu-
tenant, November 21, 1864, with rank from October 14,
1864, vice J. P. Mabbett resigned.
Furey, James B. — Age, 32 years. Enrolled at Pough-
keepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as First
Sergeant, Co. D, October 11, 1862; promoted Second
Lieutenant, Co. C, October 18, 1863; mustered in as Sec-
ond Lieutenant, Co. D, January 13, 1865, and mustered
out with company, June 8, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, November 25, 1863,
with rank from November 7, 1863, vice R. H. Marshall
deceased.
First Sergeants.
Germond, Richard. — Age, 29 years. September 6,
1862, at Hyde Park; promoted Corporal, December 15,
1862; Sergeant, November i, 1863; First Sergeant, Jan-
uary I, 1865.*
Commissioned, not mustered. Second Lieutenant, May
12, 1865, with rank from April i, 1865, vice A. J. Ostrom
promoted.
Sergeants.
Handy, Thomas F. — Age, 45 years. September 6,
1862, at Pine Plains; Sergeant, October 10, 1862; mus-
tered out June 21, 1865, at hospital, Albany, N. Y.
Hayes, William B. — Age, 26 years. September 6,
1862, at Gallatin; mustered in as Sergeant, October 10,
1862; promoted First Sergeant, January i, 1864;
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 395
wounded in action, June 22, 1864, at Gulp's Farm, Ga.;
returned to Sergeant, January i, 1865.*
Bell, James. — Age, 25 years. September 6, 1862, at
Hyde Park; mustered in as Corporal, October 11, 1862;
wounded in action. May 25, 1864, at Dallas, Ga.; pro-
moted Sergeant, January i, 1865; wounded in action,
March 16, 1865, at Averasboro N. C; absent, since and
at muster-out of company.
Rowe, John M. — Age, 21 years. September 3, 1862,
at Pine Plains; mustered in as Corporal, Co. D, October
10, 1862; promoted Sergeant, January i, 1864.*
Corporals.
Hopper, Frederick W. — Age, 21 years. September 6,
1862, at Hyde Park; promoted Corporal, October 31,
1863.*
Schultz, Abram. — Age, 19 years. August 29, 1862, at
Hyde Park; promoted Corporal, January i, 1865.*
Templeton, Theadore. — Age, 18 years. September 6,
1862, at North East; promoted Corporal, January 8,
1863.*
Wood, Hiram. — Age, 21 years. September 6, 1862,
at Hyde Park; promoted Corporal, July 15, 1864.*
Woods, Frank. — Age, 22 years. September 6, 1862,
at North East; promoted Corporal, January i, 1864;
wounded in action, July 20, 1864, near Atlanta, Ga.*
Riley, William H. — Age, 19 years. September 6,
1862, at Hyde Park; promoted Corporal, October 10,
1862.*
Keefer, James C. — Age, 19 years. September 6, 1862,
at Pine Plains; mustered in as Corporal, October 10,
1862.*
396 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Killmore, Edward F. — Age, 36 years. September 4,
1862, at Red Hook; mustered in as Corporal, October
10, 1862.*
Musicians.
Goss, John. — Age, 18 years. September 6, 1862, at
Hyde Park; mustered in as Musician, October 10, 1862.*
Wagoner.
Whinfield, Stephen. — Age, 28 years. September 4,
1862, at Poughkeepsie ; appointed Wagoner prior to April
30, 1864.*
Privates.
Ackert, Henry M. — Age, 22 years. August 28, 1862,
at Hyde Park.*
Allen, Walter. — Age, 32 years. September 16, 1862,
at Stanford; died of chronic diarrhea, August 22, 1864,
at hospital. First Division, Twentieth Corps, Atlanta, Ga.
Ayres, Irving E. — Age, 18 years. September 6, 1862,
at North East.*
Baxter, James N. — Age, 22 years. September 17,
1862, at Rhinebeck.*
Bishop, Daniel. — Age, 19 years. October 8, 1862, at
Pine Plains.*
Black, Charles G. — Age, 19 years. October 11, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Braman, Andrew. — Age, 31 years. August 30, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Brennan, John. — Age, 32 years. September i, 1862,
at Pine Plains.*
Brusie, George. — Age, 21 years. September 6, 1862,
at North East; deserted, November 21, 1862, at Stewart's
Mansion Hospital, Baltimore, Md,
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 397
Bullls, William J. — Age, 29 years. August 21, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie ; mustered in as Sergeant, October 10,
1862; discharged, March 18, 1865, for promotion to
First Lieutenant, Fourth U. S. Colored Heavy Artillery.
Burch, George N. — Age, 20 years. September 6, 1862,
at North East; D. F. D., October 28, 1863.
Cassady, Richard. — Age, 21 years. September 6,
1862, at Hyde Park.X
Christ, Martin. — Age, 44 years. September 5, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, May 8, 1863, at Jarvis Hos-
pital, Baltimore, Md.
Clum, Morgan. — Age, 24 years. September 6, 1862,
at Pine Plains; died of diarrhea, September 12, 1864,
Dallas, Ga.
Cook, George. — Age, 21 years, September 6, 1862,
at North East; transferred to Co. B, Twelfth Regiment,
V. R. C, February 6, 1864; mustered out with detach-
ment, July 15, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
Crapser, Martin. — Age, 43 years. August 30, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Crapser, Ezra H. — Age, 18 years. August 28, 1862,
at Hyde Park.*
Cronk, Alva A. — Age, 28 years. August 28, 1862, at
Hyde Park.*
Curray, James H. — Age, 28 years. September 6,
1862, at Pine Plains; mustered in as Sergeant, Co. D,
October 11, 1862; returned to ranks, November i, 1863;
transferred to V. R. C, April 6, 1864.
Dimond, David. — Age, 31 years. August 31, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; died, February 20,
1865, in the field, Georgia.
398 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Dolan, Charles. — Age, 44 years. September 19, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie ; D. F. D., May 25, 1864.
Dowling, Robert. — Age, 36 years. September 4, 1862,
at Red Hook; deserted, November 21, 1862, at Stewart's
Mansion Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
Delaney, James. — Age, 26 years. September 6, 1862,
at North East.*
Eddington, John. — Age, 26 years. October 6, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; promoted Corporal, October 15, 1862;
deserted, November 21, 1862, at Baltimore, Md.
Eggleston, Sandford. — Age, 22 years. September 6,
1862, at North East; mustered in as Sergeant, Co. D,
October 10, 1862; returned to ranks, January i, 1865;
discharged, May 21, 1865, at hospital, Madison, Ind.
Fish, Samuel B. — Age, 39 years. August 29, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; mustered out, June i,
1865, at McDougall Hospital, Fort Schuyler, N. Y.
Harbor.
Foster, George W. — Age, 20 years. September 4,
1862, at Hyde Park; deserted, same date, at Poughkeep-
sie, N. Y.
Foster, Jesse B. — Age, 44 years. September 3, 1862,
at Pine Plains; D. F. D., March 22, 1865, ^t Madison,
Ind.
French, Edward. — Age, 18 years. September 30,
1862, at North East; deserted, March 16, 1863, from
Belger Barracks, Baltimore, Md.
French, Charles E. — Age, 20 years. September 6,
1862, at North East.*
Frost, Orville. — Age, 20 years. September 2, 1862, at
Hyde Park; deserted, March 16, 1863, from Belger
Barracks, Baltimore, Md.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 399
Geddes, James. — Age, 37 years. August 31, 1864, ^t
Poughkeepsie, for one year; mustered out, July 22, 1865,
at Washington, D. C, while in Augur Hospital, at Alex-
andria, Va.
Glancey, Daniel. — Age, 44 years. September 17,
1862, at Pine Plains; wounded in action, June 16, 1864,
and died of his wounds, June 17, 1864, in front of Pine
Knob, Ga.
Gross, Joseph. — Age, 36 years. August 12, 1862, at
New York City; Corporal, Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers.Z*
Haight, George. — Age, 21 years. February 2, 1863,
at Pine Plains. X
Hamis, William H. — Age, 29 years. August 19, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers.*Z
Hardy, George. — Age, 31 years. August 23, 1862, at
New York City; Corporal, Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers.Z*
Hart, Dominick. — Age, 44 years. August 6, 1862;
private, Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volunteers; transferred to
Co. K, Sixteenth Regiment, V. R. C, no date; discharged,
July 5, 1865, at Harrisburg, Pa.Z
Hart, Francis. — Age, 27 years. October 7, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie; deserted, December 23, 1862, at Belger
Barracks, Baltimore, Md.
Hedden, Philip. — Age, 18 years. August 27, 1862, at
New York City; Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volunteers.Z*
Herman, John. — Age, 18 years. August 22, 1862, at
New York City; private, Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volunteers;
captured and paroled, no dates; mustered out, August 3,
1865, at New York City.Z
400 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT,
Holliday, Andrew J. — Age, 19 years. September i,
1862, at PoughkeepsIe.X
Hoolehan, John. — Age, 35 years. August 18, 1862,
at New York City; Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volunteers;
wounded in action, June 22, 1864, at Culp's Farm, Ga.Z*
Hopper, Lazarus. — Age, 44 years. September 16,
1862, at Poughkeepsie ; D. F. D., December 20, 1864.
Howard, John. — Age, 18 years. August 11, 1862, at
New York City; Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volunteers.*
Jillson, William S. — Age, 18 years. October i, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; discharged, November 26, 1862.
Jones, John W. — Age, 18 years. September 23, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; D. F. D., April 17, 1865, ^^ New
Albany, Ind.
Jones, Thomas. — Age, 25 years. September 6, 1862,
at Hyde Park; promoted Corporal, November 2, 1862;
returned to ranks, January i, 1864.*
Jones, Thomas, Jr. — Age, 18 years. August 4, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers.Z*
Killmore, Henry. — Age, 36 years. September 16,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Wagoner, Octo-
ber 10, 1862; deserted, November 26, 1862, at Stew-
art's Mansion Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
King, Stephen. — Age, 30 years. August 31, 1864, at
Poughkeepsie; mustered out, July 13, 1865, in hospital
at Albany, N. Y.
Lang, Phillip Jacob. — Age, 35 years. September 9,
1862, at Clinton; deserted, April 15, 1863, at Belger
Barracks, Baltimore, Md.
Loyd, George H. — Age, 20 years. September 2, 1862,
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 401
at Hyde Park; deserted, March i6, 1863, at Belger Bar-
racks, Baltimore, Md.
Mahana, John. — Age, 29 years. September i, 1862,
at Hyde Park.*
Mahew, John. — Age, 20 years. September 4, 1862,
at North East*
Mayhew, Henry. — Age, 24 years. September 4, 1862,
at North East.*
Mackey, John M. — Age, 44 years. September 11,
1862, at Pine Plains.*
McCune, Patrick. — Age, 20 years. September 6,
1862, at North East; discharged, November 16, 1862, to
enlist in U. S. Army.
McGhee, Joseph. — Age, 26 years. September 6,
1862, at North East; promoted Corporal, October 31,
1863; returned to ranks, July 10, 1864.*
Mcintosh, William. — Age, 20 years. August 29,
1864, at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
McAughlin, John. — Age, 18 years. September 6,
1862, at North East.*
McManus, Patrick. — Age, 44 years. July 29, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers; wounded in action, June 22, 1864, at Culp's Farm,
Ga. ; transferred to 1 24th Company, Second Battalion,
V. R. C, March 7, 1865; mustered out with detachment,
June 29, 1865, at Camp Chase, Ohio.Z
McNamee, Hiram. — Age, 29 years. September 6,
1862, at Hyde Park; captured, June 29, 1863, at West-
minster, Md. ; paroled, July i, 1863.*
Millis, Duncan. — Age, 33 years. September 6, 1862,
at Pine Plains; deserted, May 20, 1863, ^^ Baltimore,
Md.
402 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Mitchell, Charles L. — Age, 43 years. September 5,
1862, at Poughkeepsie ; D. F. D., August 22, 1864, at
Davis Island, N. Y. Harbor.
Myers, James E. — Age, 18 years. September 6, 1862,
at North East; wounded in action, June 22, 1864, at
Gulp's Farm, Ga.X
Myers, Theodore H. — Age, 17 years. September 6,
1862, at North East; deserted, March 16, 1863, at
Baltimore.
Myers, William H. — Age, 21 years. September 6,
1862, at North East*
Near, Joseph E. — Age, 21 years. September 6, 1862,
at Pine Plains; died of typhoid fever, August 14, 1863,
at Fairfax Seminary Hospital, Va.
Neeson, James. — Age, 18 years. September 19, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, October 11, 1862, at Camp
Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Owens, William. — Age, 27 years. September 6, 1862,
at Pine Plains.*
Palmer, Martin C. — Age, 36 years. September 6,
1862, at North East; mustered in as Corporal, Co. D,
October 11, 1862; transferred to Fifth Artillery, Novem-
ber 26, 1862, as a deserter therefrom.
Palmer, William W. — Age, 18 years. September 6,
1862, at North East.*
Persing, John. — Age, 20 years. August 29, 1864, at
Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Phelps, Chauncy. — Age, 34 years. September 6, 1862,
at North East; deserted, November 21, 1862, at Stew-
art's Mansion Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
Phelps, Robert W. — Age, 30 years. September 6,
1862, at North East; mustered in as Corporal, October
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 403
lo, 1862; deserted, November 21, 1862, at Stewart's
Mansion Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
Phillips, William B. — Age, 24 years. October 11,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Porter, John. — Age, 34 years. August 30, 1864, at
Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; died, January 14, 1865,
at Savannah, Ga.
Ralston, George. — Age, 30 years. August 28, 1862,
at Hyde Park.*
Reed, George. — Age, 25 years. September 4, 1862,
at North East; mustered in as Corporal, Co. D, October
10, 1862; died of diarrhea, October 8, 1863, at Grace
Church Hospital, Alexandria, Va.
Reed, Lewis. — Age, 19 years. September 6, 1862, at
North East.*
Refenberg, Hiram. — Age, 18 years. September 6,
1862, at Pine Plains; deserted, October 11, 1862, at
Camp Dutchess, Poughkeepsie.
Rowe, Calvin. — Age, 23 years. September 6, 1862,
at Pine Plains; transferred to Fifth Artillery, November
26, 1862, being a deserter therefrom.
Scott, William. — Age, 18 years. September i, 1862,
at Pine Plains.*
Scribner, Charles H. — Age, 23 years. September 6,
1862, at North East; mustered out, June 21, 1865, at
Albany, N. Y., while in hospital at Troy, N. Y.
Scribner, George M. — Age, 18 years. September 6,
1862, at North East; absent, sick in hospital, Louisville,
Ky., since September 15, 1863, and at muster-out of
company.
Sherow, Benjamin S. — Age, 25 years. September 6,
404 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
1862, at Hyde Park; wounded in action, June 22, 1864,
at Gulp's Farm, Ga.; D. F. D., April 17, 1865.
Sherratt, Samuel. — Age, 19 years. August 28, 1862,
at Hyde Park.*
Shultis, Levi. — Age, 42 years. September 2, 1862, at
Hyde Park.*
Simmons, William. — Age, 35 years. September 5,
1862, at Red Hook; deserted, November 21, 1862, at
Stewart's Mansion Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
Smith, Richard G. — Age, 21 years. September 16,
1862, at Pine Plains; deserted, same date, at Pough-
keepsie, N. Y.
Smith, William. — Age, 27 years. February 4, 1863,
at Pine Plains; deserted, April 10, 1864, at Normandy,
Tenn.
Steigleder, George. — Age, 41 years. August 29, 1862,
at Hyde Park; deserted, March 16, 1863, at Belger
Barracks, Baltimore, Md.
Tator, Stephen L. — Age, 33 years. September 15,
1862, at Rhinebeck; D. F. D., December 24, 1864.
Thurston, Freeman. — Age, 20 years. September 6,
1862, at North East; died, August 28, 1863, at Kelly's
Ford, Va.
Todd, James. — Age, 36 years. September 2, 1862, at
Hyde Park; wounded in action, June 22, 1864, at Gulp's
Farm, Ga.; died of his wounds, July 26, 1864, at Nash-
ville, Tenn.
Warner, Abraham. — Age, 43 years. August 31, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, for one year.*
Weaver, Peter. — Age, 29 years. August 29, 1864, at
Ancram, to serve one year.*
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 405
Wheeler, David B. — Age, 29 years. September 6,
1862, at Pine Plains.*
Wicker, Martin. — Age, 43 years. September 6, 1862,
at Hyde Park; transferred to One Hundred and Twelfth
Company, Second Battalion, V. R. C, January 9, 1865;
D. F. D., July 18, 1865, at Alexandria, Va.
Wilkinson, Sidney Thompson. — Age, 37 years. Sep-
tember 6, 1862, at Pine Plains; wounded in action, March
16, 1865, at Averasboro, N. C. ; absent since, and at
muster-out of company; Brevetted Second Lieutenant,
N. Y. Volunteers.
Wiltsie, Walter. — Age, 21 years. October 3, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie ; deserted, October 11, 1862, at Camp
Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Winne, Stephen. — Age, 25 years. August 31, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to sen^e one year; mustered out, June 21,
1865, at hospital, Albany, N. Y.
Wood, Dewitt. — Age, 22 years. November 26, 1862,
at Baltimore, Md. ; deserted, December 31, 1862, at Bel-
ger Barracks, Baltimore Md.
No. 6.
COMPANY E.
Mustered into the U. S. service, for three years, at
Camp Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Saturday, Octo-
ber II, 1862.
Captains.
Brant, Andrus. — Age, 36 years. Enrolled at Pough-
keepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as Captain,
Co. E, September 23, 1862; discharged for disability,
December 18, 1863.
406 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Commissioned Captain, November 3, 1862, with rank
from September 23, 1862, original.
Wheeler, Obed. — January 16, 1864.* See First
Lieutenants.
First Lieutenants.
Wheeler, Obed. — Age, 21 years. Enrolled at Pough-
keepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as First
Lieutenant, Co. E, September 23, 1862; as Captain,
December 9, 1863.
Commissioned First Lieutenant, November 3, 1862,
with rank from September 23, 1862, original; Captain,
January 16, 1864, with rank from December 18, 1863,
vice A. Brant, discharged; Brevet Major, N. Y. Volun-
teers, October 17, 1865.
Chapman, Perry W. — December 18, 1863.* See
Second Lieutenants.
Second Lieutenants.
Chapman, Perry W. — Age, 21 years. Enrolled at
Poughkeepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as
Second Lieutenant, Co. E, September 23, 1862; as First
Lieutenant, December 19, 1863.
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, November 3, 1862,
with rank from September 23, 1862, original; First Lieu-
tenant, January 16, 1864, with rank from December 18,
1863, vice O. Wheeler promoted; Brevet Captain and
Major, N. Y. Volunteers, October 26, 1866.
Barlow, Charles P. — Age, 22 years. Enrolled Sep-
tember 2, 1862, at Dover, to serve three years; mustered
in as private, Co. E, September 5, 1862; promoted Cor-
poral, September 23, 1862; Sergeant, October 11, 1862;
First Sergeant, January i, 1863; mustered in as Second
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 407
Lieutenant, February 15, 1864; wounded In action, July
20, 1864, at Atlanta, Ga.
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, January 16, 1864,
with rank from December 18, 1863, vice P. W. Chapman
promoted.*
First Sergeants.
Sarles, George F. — Age, 32 years. September 6,
1862, at Dover; mustered in as Corporal, Co. E, October
II, 1862; promoted Sergeant, November 20, 1862; First
Sergeant, February 13, 1864.*
Sergeants.
Blauvelt, Isaac L — Age, 33 years. September 6, 1862,
at Dover; mustered in as Corporal, October 11, 1862;
promoted Sergeant, January 12, 1863 ; wounded in action.
May 25, 1864, and died of his wounds, May 27, 1864,
at Dallas, Ga.
Fiero, Oscar W. — Age, 26 years. August 30, 1862,
at Dover; promoted Corporal, March 13, 1863; Sergeant,
November 12, 1864.*
Latterman, John. — Age, 23 years. September 6, 1862,
at Dover; mustered in as Corporal, October 11, 1862;
promoted Sergeant, June 15, 1864.*
Schermerhorn, George David. — Age, 21 years. Au-
gust 28, 1862, at Dover; promoted Corporal, March 13,
1863; Sergeant, May i, 1865.*
Corporals.
Burhance, Gilbert. — Age, 36 years. September 3,
1862, at Dover; promoted Corporal, November 12,
1864.*
408 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Dunkin, William Henry. — Age, 21 years. September
I, 1862, at Dover; promoted Corporal, March 13, 1863.*
Lafora, Samuel. — ^Age, 21 years. August 23, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers; promoted Corporal, November 12, 1864.*
Liscomb, William H. F. — Age, 19 years. August 27,
1862; private, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volunteers; promoted
Corporal, June 15, 1864.Z*
Miller, George W. — Age, 19 years. September i,
1862, at Pawling; promoted Corporal, May i, 1865.*
Sweetman, John. — Age, 18 years. August 30, 1862,
at Dover; promoted Corporal, January 12, 1863; Ser-
geant, February 15, 1864; wounded in action, June 22,
1864, at Culp's Farm, Ga., and died of his wounds, July
3, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn.
Thomas, DeWitt. — Age, 18 years. September 5,
1862, at Dover; promoted Corporal, December 22, 1862;
Sergeant, July 3, 1864.*
Sherman, Albert M. — Age, 21 years. September 2,
1862, at Dover, to serve three years; wounded In action.
May 25, 1864, at Dallas, Ga.; promoted Corporal, July
3, 1864.*
Weed, Samuel P. — Age, 23 years. September 6, 1862,
at Dover; mustered in as Sergeant, October 11, 1862;
returned to ranks prior to April 30, 1863; promoted
Corporal, June 15, 1864.*
Musicians.
Leonard, Charles W. — Age, 18 years. September 6,
1862, at Dover; mustered in as Musician, Co. E, October
II, 1862.*
Toffey, George W. — Age, 18 years. September 4,
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 409
1862, at Dover; mustered in as Musician, October 11,
1862.*
Wagoner.
Burt, Thomas James. — Age, 26 years. September 19,
1862, at Pleasant Valley; deserted, April 14, 1863, at
Baltimore.
Privates.
Agar, Ira. — Age, 25 years. September 26, 1862, at
Beekman.*
Allison, William. — Age, 18 years. August 26, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers; wounded in action, July 20, 1864, at Peach Tree
Creek, Ga.*
Baker, John D. — Age, 26 years. September 30, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie ; discharged, November 10, 1862, at
Baltimore, Md., to enlist in U. S. Army.
Barnard, George F. — Age, 24 years. Enlisted at
Poughkeepsie, to serve one year, September 24, 1864;
never joined regiment.
Benson, Jacob. — Age, 26 years. September i, 1862,
at Dover; died of chronic diarrhea, December 18, 1863,
at Normandy, Tenn.
Boughton, John H. — Age, 22 years. February 6,
1865, at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; mustered out
with detachment. May 8, 1865, at Hart's Island, N. Y.
Harbor.
Brady, John. — Age, 26 years. August 17, 1864, at
Poughkeepsie, to serve one year, but never joined regi-
ment.
Brant, Philip. — Age, 23 years. September i, 1862;
mustered in as Corporal, October 11, 1862; promoted
410 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Sergeant, March 13, 1863; returned to ranks prior to
April 30, 1864; deserted, April 10, 1865, while on march
from Goldsboro to Raleigh, N. C.
Brown, Alvia. — Age, 24 years. September 18, 1862,
at Dover, to serve three years.*
Brown, George. — Age, 22 years. September 22, 1862,
at Union Vale.*
Bree, Daniel. — Age, 27 years. December 18, 1863,
at Dover.X
Bruingsdorfer, John J. — Age, 29 years. August 30,
1862, at New York City; private, Co. F, 145th N. Y.
Volunteers. *Z
Bullock, George E. — Age, 28 years. September 6,
1862, at Dover; discharged, October 12, 1862.
Burhance, Lawrence. — Age, 39 years. August 30,
1862, at Dover; discharged for epilepsy, June 20, 1864,
at hospital, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Burrhus, George. — Age, 37 years. September 18,
1862, at Pawling; discharged, November 23, 1862, at
Baltimore, Md., to enlist in U. S. Army.
Byrnes Thomas. — Age, 19 years. August 30, 1862,
Co. F from 145th N. Y. Volunteers; wounded in action.
May 25, 1864, at Dallas, Ga.Z*
Carpenter, August. — Age, 33 years. November 23,
1863, at New York City.X
Clark, Hiram D. — Age, 44 years. October 8, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, February 5, 1863, ^t Belger
Barracks, Baltimore, Md.
Clement, Samuel. — Age, 44 years. September 3, 1862,
at Dover; D. F. D., December 13, 1864, at St. Louis, Mo.
Connolly, Bernard. — Age, 31 years. August 9, 1862,
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 411
at New York City; 145th N. Y. Volunteers; killed in
action, July 20, 1864, at Peach Tree Creek, Ga.Z
Cooper, George. — Age, 20. September 6, 1862, at
Dover.*
Cosgrove, William. — Age, 39 years. August 19, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers; wounded in action, May 25, 1864, at Dallas, Ga.;
absent, in hospital, since July 28, 1864, ^^d at muster-out
of company.Z
Crocker, George H. — Age, 23 years. September i,
1863, at Dover; deserted, January 2, 1863, at Belger
Barracks, Baltimore, Md.
Crocker, Mason -J. — Age, 18 years. September i,
1862, at Dover; deserted, January 2, 1863, '^t Belger
Barracks, Baltimore, Md.
Davidson, James E. — Age, 28 years. September 6,
1862, at Dover; wounded in action, June 22, 1864, at
Culp's Farm, Ga.; died of his wounds, July 10, 1864, at
Chattanooga, Tenn.
Davis, Caleb. — Age, 43 years. September 15, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Davis, Caleb, Jr. — Age, 21 years. September 3, 1862,
at Pawling; discharged at Baltimore, Md., November 10,
1862, to enlist in U. S. Army.
Davis, Merritt. — Age, 18 years. September 3, 1862,
at Pawling; discharged at Baltimore, Md., November 10,
1862, to enlist in U. S. Army.
Davis, Philip. — Age, 27 years. September 22, 1862,
at Pawling; died of typhoid fever, August 14, 1863, at
Baltimore, Md.
Dennis, Lafayette. — Age, 36 years. September i,
1862, at Dover.*
412 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Dingee, Isaac. — Age, 19 years. September 3, 1862,
at Dover; deserted, February 3, 1863, at Baltimore, Md.
Dingee, William H. — Age, 24 years. September 6,
1862, at Dover; mustered out, July 15, 1865, at Lovell
Hospital, Portsmouth Grove, R. I.
Donnelly, Benjamin. — Age, 22 years. September 29,
1864, at Kingston, to serve one year.*
Donovan, Hugh. — Age, 19 years. August 19, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers. *Z
Doyle, John. — Age, 29 years. January 7, 1862, at
New York City; Sergeant, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volunteers;
returned to ranks, November 12, 1864.Z*
Draper, James L. — Age, 35 years. August 29, 1862,
at Dover; mustered in as Corporal, October 11, 1862;
transferred to Co. C, Twentieth Regiment, V. R. C, De-
cember 12, 1863; mustered out as private with detach-
ment, July 10, 1865, at Frederick City, Md.
Dunkin, Henry. — Age, 45 years. September i, 1862,
at Dover; D. F. D., February 12, 1863, at Baltimore,
Md.
Dutcher, Gilbert J. — Age, 25 years. September i,
1862, at Dover; mustered in as Sergeant, October 11,
1862; returned to ranks, March 13, 1863; discharged,
November i, 1863, for promotion to organization, not
stated.
Elliott, James. — Age, 21 years. August 24, 1862, at
New York City; private, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volunteers;
killed In action. May 25, 1864, at Dallas, Ga.Z
Ellsworth, Herman. — Age, 22 years. September 8,
1862, at Dover; D. F. D., March 4, 1863, ^^ Camden
Street Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 4l3
Fagan, Thomas. — Age, 27 years. August 28, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers.Z*
Fardun, Robert. — Age, 22 years. August 11, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; discharged, September
30, 1864, to accept commission as Second Lieutenant,
104th N. Y. Volunteers; never reported there for duty;
returned, no date; mustered out with detachment. May 8,
1865, at Hart's Island, N. Y. Harbor.
Fiero, John J. — Age, 25 years. August 30, 1862, at
Dover; absent, sick, at Dover, N. Y., since October 11,
1862, and at muster-out of company.
Foley, Patrick. — Age, 27 years. August 9, 1862, at
New York City; private, Co. E, 145th N. Y. Volunteers;
captured, February 21, 1865; released, April 28, 1865;
mustered out, July i, 1865, at New York City.Z
Garland, Patrick. — Age, 21 years. September i, 1862,
at Dover.*
Gertz, Fritz. — Age, 25 years. August 23, 1862, at
New York City; private, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volunteers;
sent to Nashville, April, 1864, for transfer to nav}^Z
Gilligan, Michael. — Age, 25 years. September 5,
1862, at Dover.*
Hannan, Joseph. — Age, 22 years. August 11, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; never joined regiment.
Harley, Edward. — Age, 21 years. January 7, 1865,
at New York City; mustered out with detachment, May
8, 1865, at Hart's Island, N. Y. Harbor.
Heaselton, William. — Age, 44 years. September 27,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; D. F. D., February 12, 1863, at
Camden Street Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
Herring, WiUiam. — Age, 37 years. July 26, 1862, at
414 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
New York City; private, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volunteers;
wounded in action, May 25, 1864, near Dallas, Ga.Z*
Humeston, William P. — Age, 26 years. August 30,
1862, at Amenia; promoted Corporal, no date; D. F. D.,
February 15, 1864, at Camp Dennison, Ohio.
Jackneil, John D. — Age, 21 years. August 4, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie.X
Jackson, John. — Age, 20 years. August 23, 1864, at
Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; never joined regiment.
Kelly, Solomon G. — Age, 18 years. September 27,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Kerrigan, John. — Age, 25 years. August 3, 1862, at
New York City; reported discharged, June 13, 1865.
Kesler, Frederick. — Age, 21 years. January 28, 1865,
at Kingston; mustered out with detachment, May 8, 1865,
at Hart's Island, N. Y. Harbor.
Keutzmeyer, Henry. — Age, 20 years. September 5,
1862; Corporal, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volunteers.Z*
Lape, Smith. — Age, 18 years. September 17, 1862, at
Dover; discharged, May 20, 1863, at Baltimore, Md.
Leonard, Joshua. — Age, 45 years. September 6, 1862,
at Dover; died of typhoid fever, November 24, 1864, at
Louisville, Ky.
Leach, Lon V. — Age, 33 years. September i, 1862,
at Dover; mustered in as Corporal, October 11, 1862;
promoted Sergeant, August 21, 1863; D. F. D., March
20, 1865, at Albany, N. Y.
Maillard, Peter. — Age, 42 years. December 9, 1863,
at New York City; private, 145th N. Y. Volunteers;
wounded in action. May 25, 1864, at Dallas, Ga., and
June 17, 1864, at Golgotha, Ga.X
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 415
Manuel, DeGulla. — Age, 24 years. September 12,
1864, at Albany, to serve one year; never joined regiment.
McDonald, Robert. — Age, 21 years. August 19,
1862, at New York City; private, Co. F, 145th N. Y.
Volunteers; wounded in action, March 16, 1865, ^^
Averasboro, N. C; mustered out with detachment. May
18, 1865, at McDougall Hospital, Fort Schuyler, N. Y.
Harbor.Z
McGrath, James. — Age, 27 years. August 30, 1862,
at Dover; drowned, October 12, 1862, in N. Y. Harbor.
Miller, William. — Age, 29 years. September i, 1862,
at Pawling.*
Mowers, Daniel C. — Age, 18 years. September i,
1862, at Dover.*
Murphy, Judd. — Age, 33 years. September 2, 1862,
at Dover; killed in action, July 3, 1863, at Gettysburg, Pa.
Murphy, Patrick. — Age, 22 years. September 30,
1862, at Dover; wounded in action, July 20, 1864, at
Peach Tree Creek, Ga.; mustered out, June 29, 1865,
from Lovell Hospital, Portsmouth Grove, R. I.
Myers, Samuel. — Age, 32 years. August 21, 1862, at
New York City; Corporal, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers; killed in action. May 25, 1864, at Dallas, Ga.Z
Phillips, Henry C. — Age, 30 years. September 6,
1862, at Dover; mustered in as Corporal, October 11,
1862; transferred as private to unassigned detachment,
First Battalion, V. R. C, February 6, 1864; mustered
out with detachment, June 28, 1865, at Washington,
D. C.
Prout, William. — Age, 45 years. August 30, 1862, at
Pawling; D. F. D., June 23, 1863, at Baltimore, Md.
Reynolds, Lyman. — Age, 43 years. October 8, 1862,
416 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
at Poughkeepsie ; deserted, February 5, 1863, from Bel-
ger Barracks, Baltimore, Md.
Rice, Patrick. — Age, 22 years. August 17, 1864, at
Hyde Park, to serve one year; never joined regiment.
Riley, Patrick. — Age, 19 years. September 12, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; never joined regiment.
Robinson, John C. — Age, 19 years. September 9,
1864, at Stuyvesant, to serve one year; never joined regi-
ment.
Roe, Daniel. — Age, 37 years. September 5, 1862, at
Dover.*
Rodgers, Joshua. — Age, 45 years. August 29, 1862,
at Dover; promoted Sergeant prior to April, 1863; re-
turned to ranks prior to April, 1864; mustered out with
detachment, May 18, 1865, at McDougall Hospital,
N. Y. Harbor.
Rogers, Sheridan L. — Age, 29 years. September i,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; wounded in action, March 16,
1865, at Averasboro, N. C. ; absent, in hospital, since and
at muster-out of company.
Rosell, Madison. — Age, 40 years. September 10,
1862, at Dover.*
Sarles, Seely. — Age, 44 years. September 6, 1862, at
Dover, to serve three years; discharged, June 20, 1865,
at Albany, N. Y.
Shalloon, Matthew. — Age, 26 years. January 12,
1865, at Pleasant Valley, to serve one year; mustered out
with detachment. May 8, 1865, at Hart's Island, N. Y.
Harbor.
Sherman, Joseph T. — Age, 33 years. August 30,
1862, at Dover; deserted, October 8, 1862, at Pough-
keepsie, N. Y.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 417
Sloan, Arthur. — Age, i8 years. September 5, 1862,
at Dover; died of pneumonia, August 30, 1864, at hos-
pital, Chattanooga, Tenn.
Sloan, Henry. — Age, 42 years. September 21, 1862,
at Dover; absent, in hospital at Washington, D. C, Au-
gust 18, 1863, and at muster-out of company.
Slocum, John. — Age, 22 years. September i, 1862, at
Pawling; mustered in as Sergeant, October 11, 1862;
deserted, October 18, 1862, at Baltimore, Md.
Small, Arthur. — Age, 29 years. February 13, 1865,
at Hudson; never joined regiment; mustered out with de-
tachment. May 8, 1865, at Hart's Island, N. Y. Harbor.
Smith, Ellis. — Age, 24 years. December 18, 1862, at
Baltimore, Md. ; deserted February 3, 1863, at Belger
Barracks, Baltimore, Md.
Smith, William. — Age, 20 years. September 10, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; never joined regiment.
Spencer, Henry. — Age, 28 years. August 28, 1862, at
Dover; wounded, August — , 1864; absent, in hospital,
since March 13, 1865, and at muster-out of company.
Stage, David R. — Age, 45 years. December 21, 1863,
at Dover; mustered out, July 2, 1865, ^t hospital, Louis-
ville, Ky.
Stage, George W. — Age, 20 years. September i, 1862,
at Dover; promoted Corporal, September 22, 1863;
wounded in action, May 15, 1864, at Resaca, Ga.; trans-
ferred to V. R. C, July 26, 1864.
Stage, Silas B. — Age, 39 years. December 21, 1863,
at Dover; died of diarrhea, October 3, 1864, in hospitarl
at Chattanooga, Tenn.
Stow, William. — Age, 26 years. September 2, 1862,
at Dover.*
418 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Talladay, Nelson. — Age, 41 years. September i,
1862, at Dover; transferred to 119th Company, Second
Battalion, V. R. C, March 2, 1864; discharged, Octo-
ber II, 1865, at Hicks Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
Tallman, John. — Age, 32 years. September 2, 1862,
at Dover.*
Toffey, William H. — Age, 18 years. September 5,
1862, at Dover.*
Turney, Benjamin. — Age, 25 years. September 2,
1862, at Dover; mustered in as First Sergeant, October
II, 1862; deserted, December 31, 1862, at Baltimore,
Md.
Vantine, Isaac. — Age, 26 years. January 20, 1865, at
Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; mustered out with de-
tachment. May 8, 1865, at Hart's Island, N. Y. Harbor.
Washburn, Daniel. — Age, 24 years. September i,
1862, at Pawling; died of typhoid fever, September 26,
1863, at Point Lookout, Md.
Waterman, Albert. — Age, 25 years. September 2,
1862, at Dover; wounded in action, July 3, 1863, at
Gettysburg, Pa.; deserted, April 8, 1864, at Hospital,
New York City.
Watson, Richard. — Age, 21 years. September 9, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; never joined regiment.
Watts, Benjamin. — Age, 23 years. September 4, 1862,
at Dover; wounded in action. May 15, 1864, at Resaca,
Ga.*
Watts, Robert. — Age, 25 years. December 23, 1863,
at Dover; died of chronic diarrhea, August 27, 1864, at
hospital, Chattanooga, Tenn.
Whaley, Dennison. — Age, 38 years. September 10,
1862, at Pawling.*
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 419
Wilcox, George A. — Age, 19 years, August 28, 1862,
at Dover; discharged, November lo, 1862, at Baltimore,
Md., to enlist in U. S. Army.
Wising Jacob. — Age, 32 years. May 16, 1863, at
Baltimore, Md.; mustered out. May 10, 1865, at hos-
pital, Baltimore, Md.
No. 7.
COMPANY F.
Mustered into the U. S. service, for three years, at
Camp Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Saturday, Octo-
ber II, 1862.
Captain.
Green, John L. — Age, 3 1 years. Enrolled at Pough-
keepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as Captain,
Co. F, September 24, 1862.*
Commissioned Captain, November 3, 1862, with rank
from September 24, 1862, original.
First Lieutenants.
Cruger, Stephen Van Rensselaer. — Age, 19 years. En-
rolled at Poughkeepsie, to serve three years, and mustered
in as First Lieutenant, Co. F, September 24, 1862; as
First Lieutenant and Adjutant, September 21, 1863;
wounded in action. May 15, 1864, at Resaca, Ga.; dis-
charged for disability, September 28, 1864; order re-
voked and reinstated, October 6, 1864; mustered in as
Captain, Co. A, March 2, 1865.
Commissioned First Lieutenant, November 3, 1862,
with rank from September 24, 1862, original; First Lieu-
420 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
tenant and Adjutant, September 14, 1863, with rank
from August 6, 1863, vice W. W. Thompson discharged;
commissioned Captain, November 2, 1864, with rank
from November 18, 1864, vice Robert McConnell re-
signed; Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel, N. Y. Volunteers, and
Brevet Major, U. S. Volunteers.
Bowman, Pulaski. — September 14, 1863. See Second
Lieutenants.
Paulding, Samuel H. — See Second Lieutenants.*
Second Lieutenants.
Bowman, Pulaski. — Age, 26 years. Enrolled at
Poughkeepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as
Second Lieutenant, Co. F, September 24, 1862; as First
Lieutenant, September 21, 1863; wounded in action, July
20, 1864, before Atlanta, Ga. ; discharged, July 30, 1864,
for disability.
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, November 3, 1862,
with rank from September 24, 1862, original; First Lieu-
tenant, September 14, 1863, with rank from August 6,
1863, vice S. V. R. Cruger promoted.
Paulding, Samuel H. — Age, 34 years. Enrolled Sep-
tember 6, 1862, at Poughkeepsie, to serve three years;
mustered in as First Sergeant, Co. F, October 11, 1862;
as Second Lieutenant, Co. H, April 9, 1863; mustered in
as First Lieutenant, Co. F, July 31, 1864.*
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, March 27, 1863,
with rank from March 18, 1863, vice C. J. Gaylord re-
signed; First Lieutenant, September 16, 1864, with rank
from July 30, 1864, vice P. Bowman resigned.
Ostrom, Landon. — Age, 24 years. Enrolled Septem-
ber 5, 1862, at Rhinebeck, to serve three years; mustered
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 421
in as First Sergeant, Co. K, October ii, 1862; mustered
in as Second Lieutenant, Co. F, October 26, 1864.*
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, September 16, 1864,
with rank from July 30, 1864, vice S. H. Paulding
promoted.
First Sergeants.
Paulding, Samuel H. — October 11, 1864; promoted.
See Second Lieutenants.
Ryan, John. — Age, 22 years. September 6, 1862, at
Rhinebeck; mustered in as Sergeant; promoted First Ser-
geant, April 9, 1863 ; died of typhoid pneumonia, July 19,
1864, at hospital, Nashville, Tenn.
Brees, George W. — Age, 24 years. September 6,
1862, at Rhinebeck; mustered in as Sergeant, October 11,
1862; promoted First Sergeant, April i, 1865.*
Sergeants.
Gahagan, William. — Age, 18 years. September 9,
1862, at Red Hook; mustered in as Corporal, Co. F,
October 11, 1862; promoted Sergeant, April 9, 1863.*
Gunnell, Charles A. — Age, 33 years. May 7, 1863,
at Baltimore, Md.; promoted Corporal, July 26, 1864;
Sergeant, April i, 1865.X
Ostrander, Daniel. — Age, 22 years. September i,
1862, at Red Hook; promoted Corporal, October 11,
1862; Sergeant, July 25, 1864.*
Sheak, James M. — Age, 33 years. September 2, 1862,
at Rhinebeck; mustered in as Corporal, October 11, 1862;
promoted Sergeant, March 6, 1864; mustered out. May
25, 1865, at McDougall Hospital, Fort Schuyler, N. Y.
Harbor.
422 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Corporals.
Cane, John. — Age, 19 years. September 15, 1862, at
*
Poughkeepsle ; promoted Corporal, March 18, 1864.
Fraleigh, Thomas M. — Age, 38 years. August 25,
1862, at Red Hook; promoted Corporal, January 17,
1865.*
Kellihar, Thomas. — Age, 22 years. September 9,
1862, at Rhinebeck; promoted Corporal, March 4, 1864;
wounded in action. May 25, 1864, at Dallas, Ga.*
Miller, William H. — Age, 18 years. September 9,
1862, at Pine Plains; promoted Corporal, August 30,
1863; mustered out, June 20, 1865, at Davenport, la.
Moore, Alonzo. — Age, 27 years. June 23, 1863, at
Baltimore, Md. ; promoted Corporal, June 20, 1864.X
Rogers, George L. — Age, 19 years. September 5,
1862, at Rhinebeck; promoted Corporal, June 20, 1863;
mustered out, June 9, 1865, at McDougall Hospital,
N. Y. Harbor.
Smith, Isaac. — Age, 18 years. September i, 1862, at
Rhinebeck; promoted Corporal, May 11, 1863; wounded
in action. May 25, 1864, at Dallas, Ga., and died of his
wounds, June 4, 1864, In hospital, near Kingston, Ga.
Smith, James. — Age, 33 years. September 8, 1862,
at Red Hook; promoted Corporal, April i, 1865.*
Stickel, Ezra A. — Age, 18 years. September 8, 1862,
at Red Hook; promoted Corporal, November 3, 1863;
died. May 17, 1865, at Raleigh, N. C.
Miiskians.
Spencer, Ezra. — Age, 17 years. September i, 1862,
at Rhinebeck; mustered in as Musician, Co. F, October
II, 1862,*
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 423
Glass, John. — Age, 17 years. July 26, 1862, at New
York City; private, Co. A, 145th N. Y. Vokinteers.*Z
Wagoner.
Francisco, WiHiam T. — Age, 40 years. September 6,
1862, at Rhinebeck; mustered in as Wagoner, Co. F,
October 1 1, 1862.*
Privates.
Albertson, x\mbrose D. — Age, 28 years. September
20, 1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Alendorf, John N. — Age, 42 years. September 2,
1864, at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; absent, sick in
hospital, since December i, 1864, and at muster-out of
company.
Bauman, Philip. — Age, 37 years. September 6, 1862,
at Rhinebeck; captured in action, December i, 1864;
paroled, no date; mustered out, July 5, 1865, at Hicks
Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
Bell, John A. — Age, 21 years. August 26, 1864, at
Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; captured, March 10,
1865 ; paroled, no date; in Camp Parole, Annapolis, Md.,
at muster-out of company.
Best, Jacob. — Age, 33 years. September 30, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie.*
Brandon, Henry. — Age, 18 years. February 3, 1863,
at Baltimore, Md., and mustered in as Musician, Feb-
ruary 3, 1863; deserted, August 16, 1863, at Kelly's
Ford, Va.
Briggs, Elias A. — Age, 26 years. September 6, 1862,
at Rhinebeck; mustered in as Corporal, Co. F, October
II, 1862; transferred to V. R. C, September i, 1863.
424 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Brown, John. — Age, 21 years. September 24, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, September 26, 1862, at Camp
Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Bullock, George. — Age, 33 years. September 22,
1862, at Red Hook; D. F. D., November 6, 1864, at
hospital, Alexandria, Va.
Burdick, Charles, Jr. — Age, 18 years. September 6,
1862.*
Carey, Francis. — Age, 28 years. April 29, 1863, at
Baltimore, Md.X
Carter, Charles. — Age, 43 years. September 6, 1862,
at Rhinebeck; D. F. D., June 4, 1863.
Champlain, Jefferson H. — Age, 21 years. April 27,
1863, at Baltimore, Md. ; discharged, December 30, 1863.
Daniels, Joshua O. — Age, 32 years. September 23,
1862, at Fishkill; transferred to V. R. C, September i,
1863.
Denny, Charles G. — Age, 22 years. January 20, 1864;
enlisted at Twelfth District. X
Dewitt, William. — Age, 29 years. April 13, 1863, at
Baltimore, Md. ; wounded in action, July 3, 1863, at
Gettysburg, Pa. ; transferred to V. R. C, no date.
Donnelly, John. — Age, 35 years. August 28, 1862,
at Rhinebeck; mustered out. May 19, 1865, at Louis-
ville, Ky.
Doyle, William B. — Age, 44 years. September 17,
1862, at Rhinebeck; transferred to V. R. C, December
15, 1863; discharged, August 5, 1865.
Duell, John. — Age, 21 years. September 20, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Sergeant, October 11,
1862; detached as private. Telegraph Operator, March
4, 1864; mustered out, July 12, 1865, at Albany, N. Y.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 425
Dunn, Patrick. — Age, 27 years. September 3, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Dykeman, Benjamin. — Age, 18 years. September 5,
1862, at Milan.*
Funk, Peter W. — Age, 19 years. September i, 1862,
at Rhinebeck; mustered in as Corporal, October 11, 1862;
returned to ranks, March 8, 1864.*
Gallatin, William. — Age, 18 years. September 9,
1862, at Red Hook; no further record.
Gorman, Richard. — Age, 18 years. September 29,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Green, George. — Age, 22 years. August 26, 1864, at
Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Group, Virgil H. — Age, 21 years. September 15,
1862, at Red Hook.*
Hapeman, Richard.— Age, 40 years. March 4, 1863,
at Baltimore; died of typhoid pneumonia, August 25,
1863, at Jarvis Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
Hauver, Ezra. — Age, 26 years. September 15, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; claimed as a deserter and returned to
128th N. Y. Volunteers, October 8, 1862.
Hawkins, William H. — Age, 23 years. February 8,
1864, at Rhinebeck.X
Hedden, Nathan C. — Age, 43 years. August 8, 1862,
at New York City; Corporal, Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers; wounded in action, July 20, 1864, before Atlanta,
Ga.; died of hemorrhage, September 2, 1864, at Cum-
berland Hospital, Tenn.
Henderson, George. — Age, 21 years. September 10,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; no further record.
Hermance, Nelson. — Age, 22 years. September 6,
1862, at Red Hook.*
426 THE DUTCHEvSS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Hodges, Pliney F. — Age, 37 years. August 30, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Hotaling, Peter, — Age, 30 years. September 13,
1862, at Red Hook.*
Huff, David A. — Age, 21 years. April 20, 1863, at
Baltimore, Md. ; wounded in action, May 25, 1864, at
Dallas, Ga.X
Hustis, Joel D. — Age, 34 years. September 9, 1862,
at Milan; wounded in action, July 20, 1864, before
Atlanta, Ga. ; transferred to Co. D, Fifth Regiment,
V. R. C, no date; accidentally killed. May 2, 1865, while
on duty as guard, at Camp Morton Military Prison, Ind.
Jackson, John. — Age, 24 years. September 9, 1862,
at Rhinebeck; deserted, September 25, 1862, at Camp
Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Jacoby, Peter. — Age, 40 years. September 10, 1862,
at Gallatin; absent in First Division, Twentieth Army
Corps Hospital, since July 27, 1864, ^^^ ^t muster-out
of company.
Johnson, James. — Age, 26 years. September 29, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; no further record.
Jones, Charles. — Age, 32 years. September 29, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; transferred to First U. S. Artillery,
November 15, 1862.
Kelly, John. — Age, 25 years. September 9, 1862, at
Red Hook, to serve three years.*
Killmer, John L. — Age, 35 years. September 3, 1862,
at Milan.*
Knight, Richard L. — Age, 23 years. September 2,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Labonta, Joseph F. — Age, 23 years. September 27,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
ROSTER OF REGLMENT. 427
Leyden, Martin. — ii\ge, i8 years, January i8, 1864,
at Rhinebeck; died, July 17, 1864, "i hospital.
Lown, Richard. — Age, 18 years. September 9, 1862,
at Red Hook.*
Ludlow, John. — Age, 24 years. October 2, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie ; no further record.
Mackay, Anthony. — Age, 44 years. September 22,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Masten, Hiram. — Age, 33 years. September 9, 1862,
at Pine Plains; D. F. D.,June 10, 1864, at Ladies' Home
Hospital, New York City.
May, John. — Age, 35 years. January 4, 1864, ^t
Fishkiil.X
McCune, William. — Age, 24 years. May 7, 1863, at
Baltimore; deserted, June 18, 1863, at Baltimore, Md.
McGowan, James. — Age, 28 years. September 3,
1862, at Red Hook.X
McKenney, John. — Age, 42 years. September 4, 1862,
at Rhinebeck; died, January 14, 1863, at hospital, Phila-
delphia, Pa.
McMurray, James. — Age, 28 years. September 18,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; no further record.
Mead, Isaac G. — Age, 31 years. August 17, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serv-e one year.*
Mellis, Henry. — Age, 45 years. August 30, 1862, at
Pine Plains.*
Melius, Peter. — Age, 27 years. September i, 1862,
at Milan; absent, at Joe Holt Hospital, Jeffersonville,
Ind., since July 4, 1864, and at muster-out of company.
Merritt, Robert. — Age, 18 years. April 30, 1864, at
East Fishkill; wounded in action, March 16, 1865, at
428 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Averasboro, N. C; mustered out, May i8, 1865, at
McDougall Hospital, Fort Schuyler, N. Y. Harbor.
Muller, Henry C. — Age, 25 years. September 9,
1862, at Red Hook; died. May 30, 1863, at Camden
Street Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
Murch, Marius. — Age, 23 years. September 6, 1862,
at Rhinebeck; mustered in as Corporal, October 11, 1862;
deserted, May 12, 1863, at Baltimore, Md.
O'Connor, Morris. — Age, 23 years. September 12,
1862, at Poughkeepsie ; mustered out. May 26, 1865, at
McDougall Hospital, N. Y. Harbor.
Odell, John E. — Age, 32 years. September 6, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; killed, February 11, 1864, by Guerillas,
while returning from Lincoln County, Tenn., to Tulla-
homa.
O'Neil, James W. — Age, 38 years. September 20,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Corporal, October
II, 1862; died, December 12, 1862, at hospital, Balti-
more, Md.
Ostrander, Andrew. — Age, 23 years. September 11,
1862, at Red Hook; captured in action, July 3, 1863, at
Gettysburg, Pa.; paroled, no date; absent, at De Camp
Hospital, David's Island, N. Y. Harbor, April, 1864, on
muster-out roll as D. F. D., no date.
Ostrander, Martin. — Age, 25 years. August 26, 1862,
at Red Hook; mustered out, June 23, 1865, at Albany,
N. Y.
Ostrander, Virgil. — Age, 24 years. August 26, 1862,
at Red Hook; captured in action, March 19, 1865, at
Bentonville, N. C; paroled, April 2, 1865; mustered
out, June 21, 1865, at Camp Parole, Annapolis, Md.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 429
Pahmeyer, Theopilus. — Age, 29 years. June 2, 1863,
at Baltimore, Md.X
Paulmier, Thomas Brown. — Age 30 years. August
26, 1862, at Red Hook; mustered in as Corporal, Co. F,
October 11, 1862; returned to ranks, April 30, 1863.*
Pottenburg, William. — January 18, 1864, at Rhine-
beck. X
Powell, William. — Age, 23 years. September 26,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; deserted, September 29, 1862,
at Camp Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Pryor, George. — Age, place, date of enlistment and
muster-in as private in Co. F, not stated.*
Pultz, John E. — Age, 26 years. September 6, 1862,
at Red Hook; wounded in action, July 20, 1864, before
Atlanta, Ga.; died of his w^ounds, September 20, 1864.
Rogers, Leander. — Age, 18 years. December 31,
1863, at Rhinebeck.X
Rogers, William F. — Age, 15 years. September 6,
1862, at Rhinebeck; mustered in as Musician, Co. F,
October 11, 1862; D. F. D., no date, at hospital.
Rupley, Samuel K.— Age, 21 years. September 15,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; detailed as Telegraph Operator
at Baltimore and never rejoined the regiment.
Rynders, Charles E. — Age, 19 years. January 20,
1864, at Rhinebeck.X
Rynders, James H. — Age, 18 years. January 21,
1864, at Poughkeepsie; wounded in skirmish, March 21,
1865; mustered out, June 6, 1865, while in hospital at
Albany, N. Y.
Rynders, John. — Age, 18 years. January 18, 1864, at
Rhinebeck; mustered out, July 24, 1865, at Louisville,
Ky.
430 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Rynders, Stephen H. — Age, 36 years. September 6,
1862, at Poughkeepsle ; wounded in action, July 3, 1863,
at Gettysburg, Pa. ; transferred to Co. G, Ninth Regiment,
V. R. C, March 2, 1864; mustered out July 15, 1865, at
Washington, D. C.
Ryndes, Henry B. — Age, 18 years. September 6,
1862, at Red Hook; no further record.
Scharmerhorn, Nicholas. — Age, 31 years. August 26,
1862, at Red Hook; mustered in as Corporal, October 1 1,
1862; deserted, June 2, 1863, on expiration of furlough,
at Baltimore, Md.
Schleter, John. — Age, 45 years. September 15, 1862,
at Red Hook; transferred to Fourth U. S. Cavalry,
November 12, 1864.
Secore, William. — Age, 21 years. January 18, 1864,
at Rhinebeck.X
Shaver, John D. — Age, 39 years. September 5, 1862,
at Rhinebeck; D. F. D., no date, from hospital.
Sherwood, Thomas. — Age, 25 years. October i, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie ; deserted, September 28, 1862, at Camp
Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Showerman, Allen. — Age, 38 years. August 23, 1862,
at Red Hook; mustered out, June 13, 1865, at Albany,
N, Y., while in hospital at Troy, N. Y.
Showerman, Horatio. — Age, 24 years. August 15,
1864, at Fishkill, to serve one year.*
Showerman, Peter. — Age, 29 years. September 4,
1862, at Red Hook.*
Simmer, Henry. — Age, 20 years. September 14, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Simon, John. — Age, 39 years. June 10, 1863, at
Baltimore; wounded in action, June 22, 1864, at Culp's
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 431
Farm, Ga.; and died of his wounds, July 9, 1864, in
hospital at Nashville, Tenn.
Sigler, Henry. — Age, 27 years. September i, 1862,
at Stanford; killed, June 16, 1864, on picket line near
Marietta, Ga.
Smith, James, Jr. — Age, 19 years. April 13, 1864, at
Red Hook.X
Smith, William. — Age, 23 years. September 10, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Sparks, Cornelius G. — Age, 18 years. September 20,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; wounded, May 15, 1864, at
Resaca, Ga.; killed in action, June 16, 1864, at Golgotha,
Ga.
Stickel, Peter. — Age, 21 years. August 26, 1862, at
Red Hook.*
Stickle, Oscar. — Age, 18 years. August 17, 1864, at
Hyde Park, to serve one year.*
Stickle, William H. — Age, 18 years. September 8,
1862, at Red Hook.*
Traver, Jerome. — Age, 25 years. January 11, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie. X
Wagner, John A. — Age, 24 years. September 4, 1862,
at Red Hook.*
Wagner, Robert. — Age, 21 years. September 24,
1862, at Stanford. X
Waltemier, David H. — Age, 29 years. September 15,
1862, at Milan.*
White, Nicholas. — Age, 21 years. October 2, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; mustered in, but no further record.
Williams, Henry. — Age, 23 years. October i, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, same date, at Camp Dutchess,
Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
432 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Wiltsie, James. — Age, i8 years. September 23, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie ; mustered out, July 12, 1865, at Albany,
N. Y.
No. 8.
COMPANY G.
Mustered into the U. S. service, for three years, at
Camp Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Saturday, Octo-
ber II, 1862.
Captain.
Wickes, Edward A. — Age, 19 years. Enrolled at
Poughkeepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as
Captain, Co. G, September 26, 1862; mustered out, to
date August 2.
Commissioned Captain, November 3, 1862, with rank
from September 26, 1862, original; Brevet Major, U. S.
Volunteers.
First Lieutenant.
Underwood, Dewitt C. — Age, 28 years. Enrolled at
Poughkeepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as
First Lieutenant, Co. G, September 26, 1862.*
Commissioned First Lieutenant, November 3, 1862,
with rank from September 26, 1862, original.
Second Lieutenants.
Sweet, John. — Age, 37 years. Enrolled at Pough-
keepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as Second
Lieutenant, Co. G, September 26, 1862; died of typhoid
fever, August 13, 1864, at Twentieth Army Corps Hos-
pital, near Atlanta, Ga.
ROSTER OF RECIPIENT. 433
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, November 3, 1862,
with rank from September 26, 1862, original.
Murfitt, Benjamin T. — Age, 20 years. Enrolled, Sep-
tember 10, 1862, at Poughkeepsie, to serve three years;
mustered in as Sergeant, Co. G, October 11, 1S62; pro-
moted First Sergeant, August 28, 1863; mustered in as
Second Lieutenant, Co. G, November 9, 1864.*
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, September 16, 1864,
with rank from August 27, 1864, vice J. Sweet deceased;
Brevet First Lieutenant, N. Y. Volunteers.
First Sergeants.
Murfitt, Benjamin T. — August 28, 1863. See Second
Lieutenants.
Wickes, James H. — Age, 21 years. September 11,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as First Sergeant,
October 11, 1862; returned to Sergeant, no date; dis-
charged, August 21, 1863, to accept promotion as Captain
in Fourth Infantry, U. S. Colored Troops.
Sutton, James L. — Age, 37 years. September 12,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Sergeant, October
II, 1862; promoted First Sergeant, November 10, 1864.*
Sergeants.
Bierce, George. — Age, 20 years. September 3, 1862,
at Beekman; mustered in as Corporal, Co. G, October 1 1,
1862; promoted Sergeant, November 10, 1864.*
Hosfall, Charles Edward. — Age, 25 years. September
27, 1862, at Poughkeepsie; promoted Sergeant, Novem-
ber I, 1862.*
Sweet, Alonzo. — Age, 22 years. September 3, 1862,
at Beekman; mustered in as Corporal, Co. G, October 1 1,
1862; promoted Sergeant, April 6, 1863.*
484 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Williams, George H. — Age, i8 years. September 22,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Corporal, Co. G,
October 11, 1862; promoted Sergeant, August 28, 1863.*
Corporals.
Burnett, William E. — Age, 44 years. August 26,
1862, at Beekman; mustered in as Corporal, October 11,
1862; absent in hospital. Savannah, Ga., since February i,
1865, and at muster-out of company.
Harp, Benjamin A. — Age, 44 years. September 25,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; promoted Corporal prior to April,
1864; wounded in action. May 15, 1864, at Resaca, Ga.,
and June 22, 1864, at Kingston, Ga.; died of his wounds,
September 7, 1864.
Herzel, Henry. — Age, 24 years. October 8, 1862, at
Beekman; promoted Corporal, October 22, 1864.*
Myers, James W. — Age, 19 years. September 9, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; promoted Corporal, February 15,
1863.*
Power, William H. — Age, 18 years. September 30,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; promoted Corporal, March 27,
1863; captured in action, March 19, 1865, at Benton-
ville, N. C; paroled, April 2, 1865, at Richmond, Va.;
mustered out, June 20, 1865, at Albany, N. Y.
Teal, Simon P. — Age, 32 years. September 26, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; promoted Corporal, June 5, 1863;
wounded and missing in action, July 20, 1864, at Peach
Tree Creek, Ga., and at muster-out of company.
Warner, Isaac. — Age, 20 years. October i, 1862, at
Beekman; promoted Corporal, June 18, 1864.*
Washburn, Zebulon. — Age, 22 years. August 30,
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 435
1862, at Beekman; promoted Corporal, November 10,
1864.*
Wood, James L. — Age, 26 years. September 4, 1862,
at Beekman; promoted Corporal, October 25, 1862.*
Peters, Cornelius. — Age, 36 years. September 6, 1862,
at Beekman; promoted Corporal, no date; died, September
26, 1863, at hospital, Alexandria, Va.
Musicians.
Bodey, Ogden E. — Age, 17 years. September 19,
1862, at Poughkeepsle; mustered In as Musician, Octo-
ber II, 1862; grade changed to private prior to October
31, 1864.*
Collins, Jeremiah. — Age, 15 years. September 15,
1862, at Dover.*
M"" a goner.
Galaway, George A. — Age, 26 years. September 24,
1862, at Dutchess County; mustered In as Wagoner,
October 1 1, 1862.*
Privates.
Agner, Simon. — Age, 39 years. September 7, 1864,
at Poughkeepsle, to serve one year; absent, missing since
November 20, 1864, and at muster-out of company.
Appleby, John D. — Age, 33 years. August 25, 1862,
at Union Vale.*
Baird, Zachariah D. — Age, 21 years. September 22,
1862, at Poughkeepsle; deserted, July 30, 1863, at Bel-
ger Barracks, Baltimore, Md.
Barker, Frank. — Age, 20 years. September 20, 1864,
at Claverack, to serve one year; mustered out, July 28,
1865, at Lincoln Hospital, Washington, D. C.
436 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Bier, Matthew. — Age, 34 years. September 2, 1862,
at Union Vale; mustered in as Corporal, October 11,
1862; D. F. D., January 15, 1863.
Brown, Charles. — Age, 40 years. September 20, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Buckley, Thomas S. — Age, 33 years. August 27,
1862, at Beekman.*
Burnett, Thomas. — Age, 40 years. October i, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie ; wounded in action, July 20, 1864, at
Peach Tree Creek, Ga., and died of his wounds, July 30,
1864, near Atlanta, Ga.
Burnett, Barnard C. — Age, 40 years. September 22,
1862, at Fishkill; promoted Corporal, no date; returned
to ranks, March 27, 1863; killed In action, July 3, 1863,
at Gettysburg, Pa.
Camac, Edwin W. — Age, 22 years. July 5, 1864, at
Poughkeepsie. X
Clark, Dwight W. — Age, 19 years. September 29,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; wounded in action, March 16,
1865, at Averasboro, N. C. ; mustered out, May 31, 1865,
at McDougall Hospital, N. Y. Harbor.
Clements, Albert. — Age, 33 years. September 2, 1862,
at Union Vale; transferred to V. R. C, September 30,
1863.
Cline, Valentine. — Age, 23 years. September 6, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Crum, Richard. — Age, 44 years. September 16, 1862,
at Fishkill; deserted, February 25, 1863, at Belger Bar-
racks, Baltimore, Md.
Daly, Alonzo. — Age, 18 years. September 29, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; transferred to Co. H, Twenty-second
Regiment, V. R. C, May 6, 1864.
ROSTER OF RECxIRIENT. 437
DeGrott, Philip R. — Age, 24 years. February i,
1864, at Pawling.X
DeLong, James Reid. — Age, 36 years. September 2,
1862, at Beekman; promoted Corporal, October 14,
1863; returned to ranks, no date; mustered out, May 30,
1865, at McDougall Hospital, N. Y. Harbor.
Dixon, William. — Age^ 40 years. September 15, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie ; transferred to Co. C, Eighteenth Regi-
ment, V. R. C, September 26, 1863; mustered out with
detachment, July 19, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
Dolan, James. — Age, 28 years. September 21, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Donaldson, William W. — Age, 25 years. September
29, 1862, at Beekman.*
DuBois, Charles A. — Age, 22 years. September 17,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; promoted to Sergeant, October
II, 1862; Commissary Sergeant, April i, 1863; returned
to ranks, November i, 1863.*
Eicholz, Theodore. — Age, 36 years. September 23,
1864, at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Emigh, Andrew J. — Age, 33 years. September 8,
1862, at Union Vale; deserted, February 12, 1863, at
Belger Barracks, Baltimore, Md.
Emigh, Thaddeus S. V. — Age, 35 years. October 8,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; D. F. D., no date.
Fitchett, Jacob. — Age, 44 years. September 21, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; mustered out, June 9,
1865, at David's Island, N. Y. Harbor.
Foster, William H. — Age, 19 years, September 12,
1864, at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; captured,
November 19, 1864, on Sherman's March to the Sea;
died, January 31, 1865, at Florence, S. C.
438 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
GImbert, Allen. — Age, 26 years. September 19, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie ; transferred to Co. K, Sixth Regiment,
V. R. C, March 16, 1864; mustered out, July 6, 1865,
at Cincinnati, Ohio.
Griffith, Amos D. — Age, 21 years. September 4,
1862, at Beekman; wounded in action, July 20, 1864, at
Peach Tree Creek, Ga.*
Gritman, Charles. — Age, 24 years. October 2, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; absent, sick, since May 15, 1863, and
at muster-out of company.
Harp, George. — Age, 18 years. September 25, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; wounded in action, June 20, 1864, be-
fore Atlanta, Ga.*
Halsted, Homer. — Age, 19 years. September 29,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; deserted, July 2, 1863, at Gettys-
burg, Pa.
Hill, Harvey. — Age, 18 years. August 25, 1862, at
Beekman.*
Horton, James. — Age, 18 years. September 11, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; wounded in action, July 20, 1864, be-
fore Atlanta, Ga.; died of his wounds, August 9, 1864.
Houston, Henry. — Age, 40 years. September 21,
1864, at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Johnson, Robert. — Age, 24 years. August 5, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie. X
Kuhfuss, Augustus. — Age, 30 years. September 29,
1864, at Poughkeepsie; missing since November 20, 1864,
and at muster-out of company.
Lane, Jeremiah. — Age, 44 years. September 5, 1862,
at Union Vale.*
Lane, Rensselaer. — Age, 24 years. September 5, 1862,
at Union Vale.*
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 439
Lee, Egbert M. — Age, i8 years. September 3, 1862,
at Union Vale.*
Lewis, Charles E. — Age, 19 years. September 29,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Corporal, Co. G,
October lo, 1862; discharged, February 10, 1864, to
enlist as Hospital Steward in U. S. Army,
Light, Charles A. — Age, 18 years. January 25, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie.X
Light, John C. — Age, 19 years. September 19, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Low, Aaron, — Age, 18 years. October 4, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie; discharged, July 24, 1864, for promotion.
Losee, Charles D, — Age, 18 years. September 6,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; mustered out with detachment,
June 19, 1865, while at Harewood Hospital, Washington,
D. C.
Lynanson, James M. — Age, 20 years. September 25,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Lynanson, Moses. — Age, 44 years. September 25,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Lynanson, William D. — Age, 18 years. September 25,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; no further record.
Moffatt, John. — Age, 42 years, ^August 8, 1862, at
New York City; private, Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volunteers;
wounded in action, August, 1864.Z*
Murray, John. — Age, 18 years. September i, 1862,
at New York City; private, 145th N. Y. Volunteers;
absent, at hospital, since September 26, 1862, and at
muster-out of company,
Murtagh, William, — Age, 33 years. August 9, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers; wounded in action, June 22, 1864, at Culp's Farm,
440 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Ga.; discharged, May 13, 1865, from Jefferson Hospital,
Jeffersonville, Ind.Z
Myers, Charles. — Age, 24 years. September 13, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Newman, Thomas. — Age, 26 years. September 10,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; promoted Sergeant, no date; re-
turned to ranks, April 6, 1863; deserted, June 10, 1863,
from McKim's Mansion Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
Odell, Charles, — Age, 18 years. September 8, 1862,
at Pleasant Valley; deserted, July 19, 1863, '^t Harper's
Ferry, Va.
Owen, Frank. — Age, 30 years. January 23, 1864, at
Dover.X
Osborne, John W. — Age, 23 years. September 13,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; transferred to Co. I, January 13,
1863; discharged, March 4, 1863.
Osterhout, Daniel W. — Age, 18 years. September 17,
1862, at Union Vale; no further record.
Phillips, Henry J. — Age, 49 years. September 5,
1862, at LaGrange.*
Provost, Samuel. — Age, 25 years. February i, 1864,
at Washington. X
Robbins, Myron W. — Age, 20 years. September 18,
1864, at Jerusalem, to serve one year.*
Robertson, Benjamin. — Age, 18 years. September 18,
1862, at Stanford.*
Rooney, Daniel H. — Age, 18 years. October i, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; promoted Corporal prior to April,
1863; returned to ranks, June 18, 1864; transferred to
V. R. C, no date; discharged. May 3, 1865, at Madison,
Ind.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 441
Rosell, Nicholas H. — Age, i8 years. September 6,
1862, at Union Vale; no further record.
Rosell, Thomas. — Age, 18 years. August 26, 1862,
at Beekman.*
Ruddy, Jeremiah. — Age, 37 years. September 13,
1862, at Poughkeepsie ; no further record.
Sherlock, Lafayette. — Age, 37 years. September 22,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Corporal, Co. G,
October 10, 1862; returned to ranks prior to April 30,
1863; died of chronic diarrhea, July 8, 1864, at Browne
Hospital, Louisv'ille, Ky.
Shook, Peter. — Age, 19 years. September 11, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Simpson, William H. — Age, 18 years. August 23,
1862, at Beekman.*
Smalley, William R. — Age, 43 years. September 2,
1862, at Union Vale; Color Bearer.*
Smith, John H. (2). — Age, 23 years. September 20,
1864, at Hudson, to serve one year.*
Spencer, Philip. — Age, 18 years. September 2, 1862,
at Beekman.*
Sprague, John H. — Age, 41 years. September 6, 1862,
at Union Vale.*
Starley, George. — Age, 38 years. September 23, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serv^e one year.*
Still, Richard H. — Age, 39 years. September 6, 1862,
at Union Vale.*
Townsend, Albert W. — Age, 2 1 years. September 24,
1864, at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; captured, No-
vember 19, 1864, on March to the Sea; died, January 31,
1865, at Florence, S. C.
Traver, Thomas G. — Age, 21 years. September 6,
442 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
1862, at Poughkeepsie, In Co. I; transferred to Co. G,
January 13, 1863; died of diarrhea, September 28, 1864,
at First Division, Twentieth Corps Hospital, Atlanta, Ga.
Trivett, Theodore. — Age, 18 years. September 15,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; discharged, February 24, 1864,
to enlist as Hospital Steward, U. S. Army.
Wallace, Thomas. — Age, 44 years. August 26, 1862,
at Stanford; absent, in hospital, since September 16, 1863,
and at muster-out of company.
Warner, John S. — Age, 17 years. October 4, 1862,
at Beekman; captured, March 24, 1865, ^i^'^^ Averasboro,
N. C, and paroled, no dates.*
Weaver, George. — Age, 18 years. September 23,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Weil, Jacob. — Age, 45 years. May 26, 1862, at Balti-
more, Md. ; mustered out, June 20, 1865, at Douglas
Hospital, Washington, D. C.
Welker, Charles. — Age, 17 years. September 23,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Welker, Oscar. — Age, 19 years. September 29, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
West, John Edward. — Age, 20 years. September 19,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Wile, William C. — Age, 17 years, October 6, 1862,
at Pleasant Valley.*
Willcox, Henry H. A. — Age, 33 years. September 2,
1862, at Beekman; died, April 19, 1863, at Belger Bar-
racks, Baltimore, Md.
Williams, Edward. — Age, 40 years. September 4,
1862, at Beekman; died, June 11, 1865.
Wolcott, Charles. — Age, 18 years. August 4, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
ROSTER OF REGLMENT. 443
Woodin, Warren C. — Age, 32 years. August 25,
1862, at Beekman.*
Woodin, William Isaac. — Age, 23 years. August 25,
1862, at Beekman; absent, in hospital at Wilmington,
N. C, since March 13, 1865, ^"*-^ ^^ muster-out of
company.
Woodruff, Benjamin N. — Age, 18 years. September
30, 1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Wright, Thomas W. — Age, 31 years. September 2,
1862, at Beekman; wounded in action. May 15, 1864, at
Resaca, Ga.; died, October 22, 1864, in First Division,
Twentieth Army Corps Hospital, Atlanta, Ga.
Young, Alexander. — Age, 41 years. September 10,
1862, at Fishkill; D. F. D., August 17, 1863.
No. 9. !
COMPANY H.
Mustered into the U. S. service, for three years, at
Camp Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Saturday, Octo-
ber II, 1862.
Captains.
Thorne, Piatt M. — Age, 25 years. Enrolled Septem-
ber 27, 1862, at Poughkeepsie, to serve three years; mus-
tered in as Captain, Co. H, October 11, 1862; appointed
Assistant Inspector-General, Army of Georgia, May 26,
1865; relieved, August i, 1865; mustered out with com-
pany, June 8, 1865, near Washington, D. C*
Commissioned Captain, November 3, 1862, with rank
from September 27, 1862, original; Brevet Lieutenant-
Colonel, U. S. Volunteers.
444 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
First Lieutenants.
Van Keuren, William S. — Age, 22 years. Enrolled at
Poughkeepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as
First Lieutenant, Co. H, September 27, 1862; wounded
in action, July 20, 1864, at Peach Tree Creek, Ga.; pro-
moted First Lieutenant and Adjutant, November 18,
1864; mustered in as Captain, Co. C, May 11, 1865;
mustered out with company, June 8, 1865, near Washing-
ton, D. C.
Commissioned First Lieutenant, November 3, 1862,
with rank from September 27, 1862, original; First Lieu-
tenant and Adjutant, November 21, 1864, with rank from
November 18, 1864, vice S. V. R. Cruger promoted;
Captain, April 22, 1865, with rank from March 2, 1865,
vice H. A. Gildersleeve promoted Major. See Captain,
Co. C.
Fitzpatrick, John. — March 2, 1865.* See Second
Lieutenants.
Second Lieutenants.
Gaylord, Charles L — Age, 22 years. Enrolled at
Poughkeepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as Sec-
ond Lieutenant, Co. H, September 27, 1862; discharged,
March 18, 1863.
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, November 3, 1862,
with rank from September 27, 1862, original.
Fitzpatrick, John. — Age, 2 1 years. Enrolled Septem-
ber 6, 1862, at Poughkeepsie, to serve three years; mus-
tered in as First Sergeant, Co. H, September 11, 1862;
promoted Seconcl Lieutenant, June, 1864; mustered in as
First Lieutenant, March 2, 1865.
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, September 14, 1863,
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 445
with rank from August 6, 1863, vice P. Bowman pro-
moted; First Lieutenant, November 30, 1864, with rank
from November 18, 1864, vice W. S. Van Keuren pro-
moted; Brevet Captain, N. Y. Vokinteers, September 21,
1866.
Browne, John D. — Sergeant-Major, 145th N. Y. Vol-
unteers; mustered in as Second Lieutenant, Co. H, this
regiment, April i, 1865.*
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, November 30, 1864,
with rank from November 18, 1864, vice John Fitzpatrick
promoted.
First Sergeants.
Fitzpatrick, John. — October 11, 1862. See Second
Lieutenants.
Clark, William W. — Age, 23 years. August 28, 1862,
at Hyde Park; promoted Corporal prior to April, 1863;
First Sergeant prior to June, 1864.*
Sergeants.
Foster, William E. — Age, 46 years. September 2 {,
1862, at Poughkeepsie ; mustered in as Corporal, October
II, 1862; promoted Sergeant, no date; discharged, July
26, 1863, to receive promotion as First Lieutenant in
First U. S. Colored Infantry.
Malcher, David. — Age, 27 years. September 4, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Sergeant, October 11,
1862; brevetted Second Lieutenant, N. Y. Volunteers.*
Sleight, James D. — Age, 18 years. September 5, 1862,
at Hyde Park; promoted Corporal prior to April 30,
1863; Sergeant prior to June, 1864.*
Sleight, Stephen H. — Age, 22 years. September 5,
446 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
1862, at Clinton; mustered in as Sergeant, Co. H, Octo-
ber 10, 1862.*
Corporals.
Brevoort, James A. — Age, 21 years. September 8,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; promoted Corporal prior to
April 30, 1863.*
Churchill, George W. — Age, 44 years. September 22,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; promoted Corporal prior to June,
1864.*
Cox, Matthew J. — Age, 37 years. September 2, 1862,
at New York City; Corporal, Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers.Z*
Conols, Martin. — Age, 38 years. September 2, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; promoted Corporal prior to June,
1864.*
Gallagher, Thomas. — Age, 21 years. Enlisted, Au-
gust 28, 1862, at Hyde Park; promoted Corporal prior
to June, 1864.*
Manning, Theodore. — Age, 18 years. August 22,
1862, at Hyde Park; mustered in as Musician, October
10, 1862; promoted Corporal prior to October, 1864.*
Stoutenburgh, James D. C. — Age, 38 years. Septem-
ber 2, 1862, at Hyde Park; promoted Corporal prior to
June 30, 1864.*
Musicians.
Collin, John. — Age, 22 years. September 19, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Musician, Co. H, Octo-
ber 1 1, 1862.*
Manning, Theodore. — October 11, 1862; promoted.
See Corporals.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 447
JV a goner.
Kirtland, George M. — Age, 35 years. October 4,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Wagoner, Octo-
ber 1 1, 1862.*
Privates.
Baker, John G. — Age, 25 years. September 2, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, January 20, 1863, at West
Building Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
Banks, James. — Age, 24 years. September 5, 1862, at
New York City; Corporal, Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers.Z*
Barker, James T. — Age, 25 years. September 5, 1862,
at Hyde Park; deserted, January 20, 1863, at Baltimore,
Md.
Barrett, Daniel. — Age, 32 years. August 27, 1862, at
Hyde Park; absent, sick in hospital at Camp Dennison,
Ohio, since October 7, 1863 ; transferred to Co. C, Eighth
Regiment, V. R. C, no date; discharged, July 12, 1865,
at Camp Douglass, 111.
Barrett, Leonard. — Age, 18 years. January 20, 1865,
at Poughkeepsie. X
Barrett, Nathaniel. — Age, 29 years. August 27, 1862,
at Hyde Park; died of scurvy, May 12, 1864, ^t hospital,
Chattanooga, Tenn.
Barritt, Robert. — Age, 39 years. August 30, 1862, at
Hyde Park; mustered in as Sergeant, October 11, 1862;
returned to ranks prior to June, 1864; absent, sick in
hospital, since April 30, 1865, and at muster-out of
company.
Bennett, John L. — Age, 18 years. August 25, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volun-
44§ THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
teers; in hospital at Bolivar Heights, Va.; never joined
regiment.Z
Blonk, Samuel. — Age, 41 years. August 21, 1862;
private, Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volunteers. Z*
Bohen, Matthew. — Age, 26 years. A.ugust 10, 1862;
private, 145th N. Y, Volunteers. Z*
Brady, Charles. — Age, 19 years. August 23, 1862, at
New York City; private, Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers.Z*
Briggs, Zenas C. — Age, 40 years. August 30, 1862,
at Hyde Park; mustered in as Corporal, October 10,
1862; returned to ranks, no date; transferred to V. R. C,
October 22, 1864.
Broderick, John. — Age, 23 years. August 30, 1862,
at Hyde Park; deserted. May 29, 1863, at Baltimore,
Md.
Burke, John E. — Age, 23 years. January 16, 1865, at
Ghent; mustered out with detachment, July i, 1865, ^^
Finley Hospital, Washington, D. C.
Campbell, John H. — Age, 20 years. January 28,
1865, at Tarrytown.X
Cann, George. — Age, 22 years. No date, at Fishkill;
admitted to hospital. Savannah, Ga., for disability, Jan-
uary II, 1863; in Soldiers' Depot, New York City, Jan-
uary 31, 1863; no further record.
Carson, James. — Age, 25 years. January 25, 1865,
at New York City; mustered out with detachment, July
I, 1865, at Finley Hospital, Washington, D. C.
Cassidy, William. — Age, 31 years. October 6, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie, and deserted, October 6, 1862, at Camp
Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Cavannah, John. — Age, 44 years. September 24,
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 449
1862, at Clinton; deserted, December 4, 1862, at Camp
Belger, Baltimore, Md.
Chester, Washington. — Age, 30 years. June 18, 1865,
at Dover, to serve one year.X
Clifford, Michael. — Age, 24 years. September 15,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; deserted, September 18, 1862, at
Camp Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Condon, Michael. — Age, 25 years. August 30, 1862,
at Hyde Park; mustered in as Corporal, October ir,
1862; deserted, January 27, 1863, at Camp Belger, Balti-
more, Md. ; present, April, 1863, ^s Sergeant; no further
record.
Conroyd, John. — Age, 32 years. September 4, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie. X
Coyle, James. — Age, 27 years. July 17, 1862, at New
York City; transferred to V. R. C, January 2, 1865.
Crawford, James. — Age, 20 years. September 12,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; Sergeant, September 13, 1862;
deserted, October 10, 1862, at Camp Dutchess, Pough-
keepsie, N. Y.
Cregen, James. — Age, 22 years. September 8, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Corporal, October 11,
1862; deserted, December 18, 1862, at Fort McHenry,
Baltimore, Md.
Culver, Alonzo. — Age, 42 years. August 27, 1862,
at Clinton; D. F. D., August 6, 1864.
Cummings, Charles. — Age, 33 years. August 13,
1862; 145th N. Y. Volunteers; wounded In action, May
25, 1864, at Dallas, Ga.Z*
Dempsey, William. — Age, 30 years. September 15,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
450 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Doren, William. — Age, 31 years. September 18,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Doty, Isaac C. — Age, 40 years. August 30, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie; wounded in action, August — , 1864; mus-
tered out, June 8, 1865, at New York City.
Downey, John. — Age, 35 years. August 26, 1862, at
New York City; private, Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volunteers;
D. F. D., November 8, 1864, at Central Park Hospital,
New York City.
Earl, James. — Age, 45 years. August 28, 1862, at
Hyde Park; D. F. D., November 24, 1863.
Eaton, John. — Age, 22 years. January 24, 1865, at
Gallatin, to serve one year.X
Eckert, Charles. — Age, 19 years. January 18, 1865,
at Stuyvesant.X
Edwards, Thomas. — Age, 20 years. January 18,
1865, at La Grange. X
Elmendorf, Wilham H. — Age, 21 years. September
4, 1862, at Poughkeepsie; deserted, November 30, 1862,
at Baltimore, Md.
Ferguson, Paul. — Private, Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers, New York City; absent, in hospital, Washington,
D. C, since May, 1863.
Fitzgibbons, Thomas. — Age, 24 years. September 10.
1862, at Pleasant Valley; deserted, November 24, 1862,
at Baltimore, Md., as Hugh Fitzgibbons.
Flynn, Hugh. — Age, 18 years. July 17, 1862, at New
York'City; deserted, April 28, 1864, at TuUahoma, Tenn.
Frear, Abram E. — Age, 22 years. September 26,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; promoted Corporal, no date; re-
turned to ranks, March 19, 1863; transferred to Co. C,
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 451
17th Infantry, V. R. C, April 28, 1864; discharged, June
17, 1865, at Indianapolis, Ind.
Furbush, George M. — Age, 18 years. January 9,
1865, at LaGrange, to serve one year; mustered out, June
21, 1865, from Harewood Hospital, Washington, D. C.
Germon, Jacob. — Age, 18 years. August 14, 1862, at
New York City; private, Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers. *Z
Gilbert, Francis J. — Age, 24 years. August 11, 1862;
Sergeant, Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volunteers.Z*
Gllmartin, John. — Age, 18 years. September 2, 1862,
at Poughkeepsle ; deserted, February 8, 1863, at Balti-
more, Md.
Grad, John. — Age, 42 years. September 11, 1862, at
Poughkeepsle; killed In action. May 25, 1864, at Dallas,
Ga.
Halstead, Daniel. — Age, 37 years. September 17,
1862, at Poughkeepsle; D. F. D., February 10, 1864.
Halsted, Henry. — Age, 37 years. September 26, 1862,
at Poughkeepsle; no record subsequent to April, 1863.
Harrison, Wllber F. — Age, 19 years. August 17,
1864, at Poughkeepsle, to serve one year.*
Hart, Thomas J. — Age, 25 years. September 15,
1862, at Poughkeepsle; deserted. May 22, 1863, at Balti-
more, Md.
Henderson, Charles. — Age, 41 years. September 15,
1862, at Poughkeepsle; deserted, October 10, 1862, at
Camp Dutchess, N. Y.
Hogan, John. — Age, 40 years. September 4, 1862,
at Poughkeepsle; D. F. D., November i, 1862.
Holahan, Michael. — Age, 18 years. September 2,
452 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
1862, at Poughkeepsle ; deserted, November 30, 1862, at
Baltimore, Md.
Howard, Charles. — Age, 20 years. January 5, 1865,
at New York City.X
Howard, John. — Age, 24 years. November 24, 1862,
at Baltimore, Md. ; deserted, December 20, 1862, at
Baltimore, Md.
Hubbard, Husted. — Age, 18 years. August 4, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers; absent, in hospital at Murfreesboro, Tenn., since
December i, 1863, and at muster-out of company.
Hughes, Henry C. — Age, 32 years. August 9, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Hull, John R. — Age, 26 years. September 16, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, September 18, 1862, at Camp
Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Johnson, George H. — Age, 27 years. September 29,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; deserted, October 10, 1862, at
Camp Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Jones, George W. — Age, 18 years. August 26, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers.Z*
Kearney, Michael. — Age, 28 years. October 7, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, December i, 1862, at Balti-
more, Md.
Kennedy, Daniel. — Age, 43 years. September 15,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; D. F. D., March 22, 1865.
Lambert, John. — Age, 39 years. August 18, 1862;
private, Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volunteers; mustered out,
July I, 1865, from McDougall Hospital, Fort Schuyler,
N. Y. Harbor.Z
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 453
Leonard, Michael. — Age, 36 years. September 17,
1862, at Clinton.*
Loveridge, Barr. — Age, 19 years. August 30, 1862, at
New York City; private, Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers.*Z
Ludford, Henry. — Age, 29 years. January 18, 1865,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.X
Lynch, William. — Age, 18 years. September 13,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; deserted, February 15, 1865, at
West Building, Baltimore, Md.
Madden, Thomas. — Age, 33 years. October 4, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; died of inflammation of the bowels, Sep-
tember 22, 1864, at Atlanta, Ga.
Magin, Michael. — Age, 44 years. September 15,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; absent, in hospital at Philadel-
phia, Pa., since July 4, 1863, and at muster-out of com-
pany.
Mangin, Patrick. — Age, 44 years. September 27,
1862, at Clinton.*
Marsh, Daniel W. B. — Age, 18 years. August 29,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; wounded in action, June 29, 1864,
at Kenesaw Mountain, Ga.; D. F. D., September 11,
1865, at DeCamp Hospital, David's Island, N. Y.
Harbor.
McCarthy, William. — Age, 40 years. July 18, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers; died, May 28, 1864, in hospital at Chattanooga,
Tenn.Z
McClenan, William. — Age, 18 years. September 6,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; deserted, February 15, 1863, at
West Building Hospital, Baltimore, Md,
McDermott, Thomas. — Age, 35 years. October 4,
454 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
1862, at Poughkeepsie ; wounded In action, July 20, 1865,
at Peach Tree Creek, Ga.*
McGrattan, Henry. — Age, 22 years. September 19,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; deserted as private, January 25,
1863, at Baltimore, Md.
Merritt, James W. — Age, 44 years. September 8,
1862, at Hyde Park; absent. In hospital at Jeffersonvllle,
Ind., since May 22, 1864, and at muster-out of company.
Miller, Jacob F. — Age, 44 years. January 13, 1865,
at Pleasant Valley, to serve one year; mustered out, June
19, 1865, at Harewood Hospital, Washington, D. C.
Milton, Isaac S. — Age, 42 years. September 16, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, October 11, 1862, at Pough-
keepsie, N. Y.
Moore, Arthur R. — Age, 42 years. August 15, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers; absent, in hospital, since April 26, 1864, ^t Mur-
freesboro, Tenn., and at muster-out of company.Z
Morton, John V. S. — Age, 43 years. August 14, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers.Z*
Munsell, John. — Age, 43 years. September 26, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; transferred to Co. A, Seventh Infantry,
V. R. C, October 22, 1864; mustered out with detach-
ment, July 20, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
Murphy, Alonzo H. — Age, 27 years. January 15,
1864, at LaGrange.X
O'Hare, Michael. — Age, 32 years. October 7, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Parker, John Hall. — Age, 23 years. August 24, 1862,
at Hyde Park; deserted. May 26, 1863, at Baltimore,
Md.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 455
Plain, Aaron N. — Age, 37 years. September 24, 1862,
at Clinton.*
Priestley, Stephen. — Age, 25 years. August 18, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers. *Z
Rable, William E. — Age, 25 years. August 4, 1862,
at New Yoric City; private, Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers.Z*
Reagan, Patrick. — Age, 44 years. September 25,
1862, at Poughkeepsie ; died of chronic diarrhea, May
22, 1864, in hospital at Resaca, Ga.
Riker, John R. — Age, 19 years. January 19, 1865, at
Canaan, Conn.X
Rill, Joseph. — Age, 26 years. September 3, 1862, at
New York City; private, Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volunteers;
absent, sick in hospital, at Bolivar Heights, Va.Z
Rixie, George. — Age, 18 years. August 4, 1862; pri-
vate, Co, D, 145th N. Y. Volunteers; D. F. D., January
2, 1865.Z
Robinson, James. — Age, 25 years. January 13, 1865,
at Washington. X
Ronk, Jacob. — Age, 42 years. September 29, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, April 8, 1863, on expiration of
furlough, at Fishkill, N. Y.
Rosell, Nicholas. — Age, 41 years. September 24,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; deserted, February 12, 1863, at
Baltimore, Md.
Rowan, John W. — Age, 18 years. August 21, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. D, 145th N, Y. Volun-
teers; wounded in action, July 20, 1864, at Peach Tree
Creek, Ga.*
Rooney, John. — Age, 18 years. September 2, 1862, at
456 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Poughkeepsie ; deserted, February 15, 1863, at Balti-
more, Md.
Russell, Lawrence. — Age, 37 years. September 23,
1862, at Hyde Park; mustered out. May 24, 1865, at
Albany, N. Y.
Sanford, Albert. — Age, 21 years. September 2, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, February 16, 1863, at Balti-
more, Md.
Scully, Andrew. — Age, 23 years. August 30, 1862, at
Hyde Park; mustered in as Corporal, Co. H, October 10,
1862; returned to ranks prior to June, 1864; transferred
to V. R. C, no date; mustered out, July 5, 1865, at Camp
Dennison, Ohio.
See, James N. — Age, 19 years. August 4, 1862, at
New York City; private, Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volunteers;
transferred to Co. K, Fifth Regiment, V. R. C, January
16, 1865, and mustered out with detachment, July 5,
1865.Z
Shackle, George. — Age, 41 years. January 18, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie. X
Silvernail, John. — Age, 42 years. September 4, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, March i, 1863, at West Build-
ing Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
Smith, Henry T. — Age, 29 years. September 8, 1862,
at Stanford; transferred to V. R. C, October 22, 1864.
Smith, Thomas. — Age, 35 years. September 15, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, same date and place.
Strehen, John. — Age, 35 years. August 30, 1862, at
Hyde Park; mustered out, June 20, 1865, ^^ Albany,
N. Y.
Sullivan, John. — Age, 27 years. January 11, 1865,
at Ghent.X
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 457
Taylor, James. — Age, 24 years. September 23, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie ; deserted, September 26, 1862, at Camp
Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Teator, John. — Age, 44 years. September 22, 1862,
at Stanford; transferred to V. R. C, September 17, 1863.
Teator, WiUIam. — Age, 24 years. Date, place of en-
listment and muster-in not stated; deserted, no date.
Tomkins, William R. — September 24, 1862; private,
Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volunteers.Z*
Towhey, John. — Age, date, place of enlistment and
muster-in not stated.X
Travis, Patrick. — Age, 20 years. August 30, 1862, at
Hyde Park.*
Varity, Samuel. — Age, 44 years. August 29, 1862, at
Hyde Park; mustered in as Corporal, Co. H, October 11,
1862; deserted. May 26, 1863, at Baltimore, Md.
Vernon, Robert. — Age, 23 years. July 30, 1862;
private, Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volunteers; wounded in
action, August — , 1864; mustered out, May 26, 1865,
at Louisville, Ky.Z
Ward, George. — Age, 39 years. January 10, 1865, at
Kinderhook.X
Ward, John. — Age, 44 years. September 18, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; mustered out. May 27, 1865, at Cin-
cinnati, Ohio.
Webber, Jacob. — Age, 34 years. January 13, 1865,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.
Weekes, Neuman J. — Age, 19 years. August 17,
1862, at New York City; Corporal, Co. D, 145th
N. Y. Infantr^^X
Welch, John. — Age, 22 years. January 17, 1865, at
Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.X
458 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Wheeler, Clark B, — Age, 40 years. September 22,
1862, at Poughkeepsie ; deserted, October 13, 1862, at
Baltimore, Md.
Wicker, Charles M. — Age, 36 years. August 28,
1862, at Hyde Park; promoted Corporal prior to June
30, 1864; died of chronic diarrhea, August 8, 1864, in
front of Atlanta, Ga.
Wicker, John Peter. — Age, 25 years. August 28,
1862, at Hyde Park; mustered in as Corporal, October
10, 1862; returned to ranks prior to April 30, 1863.*
Winckler, Peter. — Age, 19 years. August 17, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Wixon, Noah. — Age, 18 years. September 29, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; promoted Corporal prior to April 30,
1863; returned to ranks prior to June 30, 1864; killed in
action, December 20, 1864, near Savannah, Ga.
No. 10.
COMPANY I.
Mustered into the U. S. service, for three years, at
Camp Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Saturday, Octo-
ber II, 1862.
Captains.
Broas, Benjamin S. — Age, 25 years. Enrolled at
Poughkeepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as
Captain, Co. I, October 6, 1862; discharged for disability,
November 25, 1863, at Tullahoma, Tenn.
Commissioned Captain, November 3, 1862, with rank
from October 6, 1862, original.
Titus, Richard. — November 26, 1863. See First Lieu-
tenants.*
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 459
First Lieutenants.
Titus, Richard. — Age, 24 years. Enrolled at Pough-
keepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as First
Lieutenant, Co. I, October 6, 1862; as Captain, Novem-
ber 26, 1863.
Commissioned First Lieutenant, November 3, 1862,
with rank from October 6, 1862, original; Captain, De-
cember 7, 1863, with rank from November 25, 1863,
vice B. S. Broas, discharged; Brevet Major N. Y. Volun-
teers, October 17, 1865,
Sleight, David B. — December 7, 1863. See Second
Lieutenants.
Humeston, Seneca. — May 11, 1865. See Second
Lieutenants,*
Second Lieutenants.
Sleight, David B. — Age, 24 years. Enrolled at Pough-
keepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as Second
Lieutenant, Co. I, October 6, 1862; as First Lieutenant,
December 19, 1863; killed in action, March 16, 1865, at
Averasboro, N. C.
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, November 3, 1862,
with rank from October 6, 1862, original; First Lieu-
tenant, December 7, 1863, with rank from November 25,
1863, vice Richard Titus promoted.
Humeston, Seneca. — Age, 24 years. Enrolled Septem-
ber 6, 1862, at Washington, to serve three years; mus-
tered in as First Sergeant, Co. I, September 11, 1862;
mustered in as Second Lieutenant, July 17, 1864; as First
Lieutenant, May 11, 1865.
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, December 7, 1863,
with rank from November 25, 1863, ^^^^ ^' ^- Sleight
460 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
promoted; First Lieutenant, April 22, 1865, with rank
from March 16, 1865, vice D. B. Sleight killed in action;
Brevet Captain N. Y. Volunteers, October 17, 1865.
Smith, Charles H. — Age, 27 years. Enrolled Septem-
ber 6, 1862, at Washington, N. Y., to serve three years;
mustered in as Corporal, Co. I, October 11, 1862; pro-
moted Sergeant, January 18, 1863; First Sergeant, Jan-
uary I, 1864; mustered in as Second Lieutenant, May 30,
1865.*
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, May 12, 1865, with
rank from April i, 1865, vice H. J. Hicks promoted.
First Sergeants.
Humeston, Seneca. — October 11, 1862. See Second
Lieutenants.
Smith, Charles H. — January 18, 1863. See Second
Lieutenants.
Marlow, William. — Age, 27 years. August 27, 1862,
at New York City; Sergeant, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers; promoted First Sergeant, May 30, i865.*Z
Sergeants.
Curtis, Piatt C. — Age, 26 years. September 19, 1862,
at Washington; promoted Corporal, November 25, 1863 ;
wounded in action, June 22, 1864, at Culp's Farm, Ga.;
promoted Sergeant, March 6, 1865.*
Seaman, Gilbert. — Age, 24 years. September 6, 1862,
at Washington ; mustered in as Sergeant, Co. I, October
II, 1862; mustered out with detachment, June 15, 1865,
at Finley Hospital, Washington, D. C.
Swezey, Isaac T. — Age, 18 years. August 30, 1862,
at Washington; mustered in as Corporal, Co. I, October
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 461
II, 1862; promoted Sergeant, December 19, 1863;
wounded in action, December 13, 1864, near Savannah,
Ga. ; in hospital, Albany, N. Y., at muster-out of com-
pany; brevetted First Lieutenant, N. Y. Volunteers.
Wright, Robert. — Age, 20 years. September 6, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie ; mustered in as Corporal, October 11,
1862; promoted Sergeant, May 30, 1865.*
Hoffman, Henry. — Age, 25 years. September 12,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Sergeant, Co. I,
October 11, 1862; D. F. D., November 30, 1863, at
Stanton Hospital, Washington, D. C.
Corporals.
Allen, Albert. — Age, 33 years. September 12, 1862,
at Stanford; promoted Corporal, December 5, 1864.*
Dubois, Daniel S. — Age, 19 years. September 5, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Corporal, October 11,
1862; captured in action, March 19, 1865, at Averasboro,
N. C; paroled, April 2, 1865; mustered out, June 17,
1865, at Camp Parole, Annapolis, Md.
Florence, Edward L. — Age, 20 years. August 30,
1862, at Washington; mustered in as Corporal, Co. I,
October 11, 1862; mustered out, June 20, 1865, at
Albany, N. Y.
Holden, George W. — Age, 23 years. September 19,
1862, at Union Vale; promoted Corporal, December 19,
1863; wounded in action, June 22, 1864, ^t Culp's Farm,
Ga.; mustered out. May 22, 1865, at Albany, N. Y.
Humphries, Theophilus. — Age, 18 years. September
5, 1862, at La Grange; promoted Corporal, May 30,
1865.*
Lockwood, Theodore. — Age, 18 years. September 5,
462 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
1862, at Pleasant Valley; mustered in as Corporal, Octo-
ber 10, 1862.*
King, Levi, — Age, 19 years. September 6, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie ; mustered in as Corporal, Co. I, October
II, 1862; wounded in action. May 25, 1864, at Dallas,
Ga, and December 27, 1864, ^^^^ Savannah, Ga.; mus-
tered out. May 30, 1865, at McDougall General Hos-
pital, N. Y. Harbor.
Tracy, Alonzo F. — Age, 19 years. September 4, 1862,
at La Grange; promoted Corporal prior to January,
1863; mustered out. May 24, 1865, at McDougall Hos-
pital, Fort Schuyler, N. Y. Harbor.
Wolven, Jeremiah. — Age, 43 years. September 5,
1862, at La Grange; promoted Corporal, March 6,
1865.*
Musicians.
Wolven, Theodore F. — Age, 18 years. September 30,
1862, at La Grange.*
Miller, Daniel. — Age, 19 years. September 5, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
PFagoner.
Wicks, Theodore. — Age, 30 years. August 30, 1862,
at Washington.*
Privates.
Abel, Calvert. — Age, 25 years. September 5, 1862,
at La Grange; mustered in as Sergeant, Co. I, October 11,
1862; returned to ranks prior to April 30, 1863; trans-
ferred to Co. C, Twelfth Regiment, V. R. C; mustered
out with detachment, June 28, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
Anson, Job Henry. — Age, 32 years. September 16,
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 46a
1862, at Washington; deserted, February, 1863, at Balti-
more, Md.
Anson, Stephen J. — Age, 36 years. October 4, 1862,
at Poughkeepsle ; deserted, February, 1863, at Baltimore,
Md.
Barnes, Henry. — Age, 25 years. October 8, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie ; wounded in action, July 3, 1863, and died
of his wounds, July 4, 1863, at Gettysburg, Pa.
Barton, William H. — Age, 23 years. September 20,
1864, at Stanford, to serve one year.*
Bishop, John. — Age, 19 years. September 14, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie; never joined regiment.
Boughton, Sidney D. — Age, 44 years. September 29,
1862, at Stanford; D. F. D., June 22, 1863. ■
Brush, Richard. — Age, 44 years. January 26, 1864, at
Rhinebeck; never joined regiment.X
Budd, Josiah. — Age, 20 years. September 6, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie; wounded in action, July 20, 1864, ^t
Peach Tree Creek, Ga., and absent since, in hospital, and
at muster-out of company.
Buschy, Charles. — Age, 28 years. January 10, 1865,
at Red Hook; mustered out with detachment. May 8,
1865, at Hart's Island, N. Y. Harbor.
Cash, William H. — Age, 36 years. September 5,
1862, at La Grange.*
Cook, George Francis. — Age, 21 years. September
30, 1862, at Poughkeepsie, and deserted same day.
Crampton, Mathew. — Age, 21 years. October 6,
1862, at La Grange.*
Coffy, Frank. — Age, 19 years. October 18, 1864, at
Kingston, to serve one year.
Connell, Joseph. — Age, 20 years. September 29,
464 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
1862, at Poughkeepsie ; D. F. D., March 26, 1864, at
Tullahoma, Tenn.
Day, George. — Age, 21 years. April 22, 1864, at
Twelfth Congressional District.X
Dykeman, Henry. — Age, 23 years. August 22, 1862,
at Amenia; wounded in action, July 20, 1864, at Peach
Tree Creek, Ga.; died of hemorrhage, September 13,
1864, in hospital at Chattanooga, Tenn.
Dykeman, Joseph D. — Age, 43 years. September 6,
1862, at Amenia; mustered out. May 20, 1865, while in
hospital at Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Edson, Almon. — Age, 29 years. October 9, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, same date, at Poughkeepsie,
N. Y.
Fanandon, Peter H. — Age, 41 years. January 13,
1865, at Pleasant Valley, to serve one year.X
Farrell, John. — Age, 21 years. April 2, 1864, at East
FishkillX
Fitzsimmons, John. — Age, 44 years. September 8,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; deserted, October 4, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Free, James E. — Age, 38 years. August 22, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; discharged, August 14, 1865, at Albany,
N. Y.
Gaven, Martin. — Age, 27 years. October 4, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie, and deserted, same day.
Haden, James. — Age, 19 years. October 6, 1862, at
La Grange; deserted, same date, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Haines, Charles L. — Age, 20 years. September 20,
1864, at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Hall, William. — Age, 38 years. September 6, 1862,
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 465
at Washington; wounded in action, May 15, 1864, at
Resaca, Ga,*
Hall, William H. — Age, 40 years. September 6,
1862, at La Grange; D. F. D., August 8, 1863.
Hart, Edward. — ^Age, 22 years. August 20, 1862, at
Amenia; wounded in action, March 16, 1865, at Averas-
boro, N. C. ; absent, in hospital, since and at muster-out
of company.
Hart, John. — Age, 21 years. September 6, 1862, at
Washington; deserted, September 13, 1862, at Pough-
keepsie, N. Y.
Hollenbeck, William J. — Age, 18 years. January 14,
1865, at Claverack; discharged, March i, 1865, at or
near Hart's Island, N. Y, Harbor.
Houghtaling, Eli. — Age, 30 years. September 18,
1862, at Red Hook.*
Howard, David. — Age, 45 years. September i, 1862,
at Union Vale; transferred to V. R. C, April 25, 1864.
Howard, Silas. — Age, 45 years. September i, 1862, at
Union Vale; transferred to V. R. C, March 23, 1864.
Hurd, Mark. — Age, 22 years. September 6, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie ; deserted, October 4, 1862, at Pough-
keepsie, N. Y.
June, Eli. — Age, 44 years. September 6, 1862, at
Washington; mustered in as Corporal, October 11, 1862;
returned to ranks, January i, 1864; D. F. D., January 4,
1864, from Convalescent Camp, Va.
Kniffen, William H. — Age, 38 years. September 29,
1862, at Poughkeepsie. X
Lawrence, Eugene. — Age, 18 years. August 14, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers. *Z
466 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Leach, George, — Age, 26 years. September 6, 1862,
at Poughkeepsle ; deserted, October 4, 1862, at Pough-
keepsie, N. Y.
Leblier, Max. — Age, 19 years. August 30, 1862, at
New York City; private, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers.Z*
Le Claire, Charles. — Age, 22 years. August 11, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers; killed in action, May 25, 1864, at Dallas, Ga.
Leonard, Patrick. — Age, 38 years. September 6, 1862,
at LaGrange.*
Mack, Thomas. — Age, 22 years. September 4, 1862,
at Amenia.*
Marshall, George. — Age, 28 years. August 27, 1862,
at Washington, N. Y.; deserted, February 16, 1863, at
Baltimore, Md.
Martin, James. — Age, 21 years. May 15, 1863, at
Baltimore, Md. ; deserted, June 23, 1863, at Baltimore,
Md.
Maxwell, Lewis F. — Age, 19 years. September 6,
1862, at New York City; private, Co. G, 145th N. Y.
Volunteers. Z*
McAllister, William. — Age, 27 years. October 3,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.X
McCord, George. — Age, 27 years. August 21, 1862,
at New York City; Corporal, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers; returned to ranks, December 5, 1864.Z*
McCord, William. — Age, 23 years. August 23,
1862, at New York City; private, Co. F, 145th N. Y.
Volunteers; wounded, February 2, 1865, in campaign of
the Carolinas; absent, at hospital, since and at muster-out
of company.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 467
McGuire, John. — Age, 39 years. August 20, 1862,
at NeAv York City; private, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers; wounded in action, July 20, 1864, at Peach Tree
Creek.*
McLavy, James. — Age, 36 years. August 29, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie ; deserted, October 11, 1862, at Pough-
keepsie, N. Y.
Mead, John S. — Age, 18 years. September 3, 1862;
,died of disease, October 15, 1862, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Miller, John N. — Age, 20 years. January 15, 1865,
at Washington; mustered in as Sergeant, October 10,
1862; returned to ranks, March 6, 1865.*
Miller, Daniel. — Age, 19 years. September 5, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Miller, Peter. — Age, 21 years. January 15, 1865, ^t
Poughkeepsie; mustered out with detachment, May 8,
1865, at Hart's Island, N. Y. Harbor.
Nestor, Thomas. — Age, 35 years. August 19, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co, F, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers; wounded in action. May 25, 1864, at Dallas, Ga.Z*
O'Brien, Timothy. — Age, 21 years. April 19, 1864,
at La Grange, to serve three years, and mustered in as
private, April 19, 1864.X
O'Day, John. — Age, 40 years. August 22, 1862, at
New York City; private, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers. *Z
Odell, Milton. — Age, 37 years. September 8, 1862,
at La Grange; died of chronic diarrhea, April 18, 1864,
at Hospital, Tullahoma, Tenn.
O'Neal, Henry. — Age, 20 years. May 12, 1864, in
Fifth Congressional District.X
468 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
O'Neill, Michael. — Age, 31 years. December 18,
1863, at Dover.X
Osborn, John W. — Age, 23 years. September 13,
1862, at Poughkeepsie ; mustered in as Sergeant, Co. G,
October 11, 1862; returned to ranks and transferred to
Co. I, January 13, 1863; discharged, March 4, 1863.
Ostrom, William H. — Age, 25 years. August 15,
1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Palmatier, Charles E. — Age, 18 years. September 5,
'1862, at Poughkeepsie; died, April 2, 1863, at Belger
Barracks, Baltimore, Md.
Palmatier, William. — Age, 21 "years. September 18,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; captured, February 24, 1865, at
Hanging Rock, S. C; paroled, April 2, 1865, at Aiken's
Landing, Va.; mustered out, June 21, 1865, at Camp
Parole, Annapolis, Md.
Partridge, Stephen P. — Age, 22 years. December 30,
1863, at Washington; mustered out with detachment.
May 8, 1865, at Hart's Island, N. Y. Harbor.
Peterson, John. — Age, 20 years. September 30, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, October 4, 1862, at Pough-
keepsie, N. Y.
Phelps, William R. — Age, 31 years. August 21, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers; killed in action, June 16, 1864, at Golgotha, Ga.
Pinkham, William Henry. — Age, 40 years. September
6, 1862, at Washington; deserted, November 15, 1862,
at Baltimore, Md.
Post, Edward. — Age, 22 years. January 20, 1865, at
Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; mustered out with de-
tachment, May 8, 1865, at Hart's Island, N. Y. Harbor.
Potter, Sylvester. — Age, 26 years. September 5, 1862,
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 469
at La Grange; D. F. D., February 29, 1864, at Hospital
No. 8, Nashville, Tenn.
Potter, Thomas. — Age, 26 years. September 8, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie ; deserted, October 20, 1862, at Balti-
more, Md.
Pottinger, William. — Age, 18 years. September 4,
1862, at New York City; private, Co. F, 145th N. Y.
Volunteers. *Z
Price, Archibald. — Age, 19 years. May 12, 1864, ^t
Fifth Congressional District.X
Quick, George W. — Age, 30 years. September 22,
1862, at Washington; wounded in action, July 20, 1864,
before Atlanta, Ga.*
Redding, Thomas. — Age, 37 years. December 18,
1863, at Dover.X
Roberts, William H., Jr. — Age, 24 years. September
6, 1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Rogers, Alexander. — Age, 31 years. September 3,
1862, at La Grange.*
Rogers, Thomas T. — Age, 28 years. September 3,
1862, at La Grange.*
Sackett, George. — Age, 21 years. September 6, 1862,
at Washington ; discharged. May 28, 1864, for promotion
as Second Lieutenant, Co. K, Sixteenth Artillery.
Sedore, Edgar. — Age, 23 years. September 6, 1862,
at La Grange.*
Shaw, George. — Age, 27 years. August 14, 1862;
private, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volunteers; absent, in hos-
pital at Philadelphia, Pa., prior to April 30, 1864, and
at muster-out of company.
Short, Joseph E. — Age, 37 years. May 11, 1864, at
Brooklyn. X
470 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Smith, Briggs E. — Age, 21 years. September 6, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie ; mustered out with company, July 11,
1865, near Washington, D. C, while in Fairfax Semi-
nary Hospital, Alexandria, Va.
Smith, Charles H. — Age, 18 years. April 18, 1864,
at North East; never joined regiment.X
Smith, Francis. — Age, 35 years. July 26, 1862, at
New York City; private, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers. *Z
Smith, John. — Age, 19 years. January 18, 1865, at
Ghent; never joined regiment.X
Stilwell, William Maret. — Age, 21 years. September
5, 1862, at Poughkeepsie.*
Thornton, Albert G. — Age, 36 years. August 15,
1864, at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; never joined
regiment.
Twohey, Patrick. — Age, 28 years. August 21, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers; wounded in action, June 22, 1864, at Culp's Farm,
Ga.*Z
Vanderbeck, James. — Age, 20 years. August 28,
1862, at New York City; private, Co. F, 145th N. Y.
Volunteers; D. F. D., November 19, 1863, at hospital,
New York City.Z
Van Wagner, Edward I. — Age, 23 years. September
4, 1862, at Poughkeepsie; mustered in as Corporal, Co. I,
October 11, 1862; transferred to Forty-third Company,
Second Battalion, V. R. C, March 26, 1864; mustered
out with detachment, August 10, 1865, at Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Ward, Elijah. — Age, 43 years. September 19, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; D. F. D., December 2, 1864.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 471
Washburn, George C. — Age, 21 years. September 6,
1862, at Poughkeepsie; deserted, October 14, 1862, at
Baltimore, Md.
Weibler, Henry. — Age, 19 years. December 24, 1863,
at Fishkill; never joined regiment.X
Welling, Edward. — Age, 33 years. September 4,
1862, at Washington; D. F. D., February 18, 1864, at
Distribution Rendezvous, Va.
Whalen, James. — Age, 44 years. September 9, 1862,
at Washington; died of scurvy, August 15, 1864, at hos-
pital, Nashville, Tenn.
Whaley, John, Jr. — Age, 37 years. September 23,
1862, at Washington; deserted, November 15, 1862, at
Baltimore, Md.
Wheeler, Daniel. — Age, 42 years. August 27, 1862,
at Washington.*
Wightman, John. — Age, 33 years. August 23, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. F, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers.X*
Williams, Cyrus, — Age, 21 years. January 9, 1864,
at Fishkill; never joined regiment.X
Wilson, Charles. — Age, 18 years. September 16,
1862, at La Grange.*
Winegar, Allen. — Age, 19 years. September 16, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, February, 1863, at Baltimore,
Md.
Worden, George W. — Age, 19 years. September 29,
1862, at Poughkeepsie. X
Wurdon, George H. — Age, 32 years. September 14,
1864, at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; never joined
regiment.
Wynn, Thomas Walker. — Age, 35 years. September
472 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
15, 1862, at Poughkeepsie ; deserted, October 4, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
No. II.
COMPANY K.
Mustered into the U. S. service, for three years, at
Camp Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Saturday, Octo-
ber II, 1862.
Captain.
Scofield, John S. — Age, 57 years. Enrolled October 7,
1862, at Poughkeepsie, to serve three years; mustered in
as Captain, Co. K, October 11, 1862.*
Commissioned Captain, November 3, 1862, with rank
from October 6, 1862, original.
First Lieutenants.
Corcoran, Michael. — Age, 28 years. Enrolled at
Poughkeepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as
First Lieutenant, Co. K, October 11, 1862; discharged,
January 29, 1863.
Commissioned First Lieutenant, November 3, 1862,
with rank from October 6, 1862, original.
Steenburgh, Wade H. — January 30, 1863. See Second
Lieutenants.*
Roberts, Cyrus S. — April 22, 1865.* See Second
Lieutenants.
Second Lieutenants.
Steenburgh, Wade H. — Age, 35 years. Enrolled at
Poughkeepsie, to serve three years, and mustered in as
Second Lieutenant, Co. K, October 7, 1862; as First
Lieutenant, January 30, 1863; discharged for disability.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 473
November 7, 1864; prior service as Captain, Twentieth
Militia.
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, November 3, 1862,
with rank from October 6, 1862, original; First Lieu-
tenant, February 2, 1863, with rank from January 29,
1863, vice M. J. Corcoran resigned.
Roberts, Cyrus S. — Age, 21 years. Enrolled Septem-
ber 5, 1862, at Poughkeepsie, to serve three years; mus-
tered in as private, Co. A, October 10, 1862; promoted
Sergeant-Major, October 11, 1862; mustered in as Sec-
ond Lieutenant, Co. K, February 13, 1863; as First
Lieutenant, January i, 1865.*
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, February 2, 1863,
with rank from January 29, 1863, vice W. H. Steen-
burgh promoted; First Lieutenant, November 30, 1864,
with rank from September 6, 1864, vice W. H. Steen-
burgh resigned; First Lieutenant and Adjutant, not mus-
tered, April 22, 1865, with rank from March 2, 1865,
vice W. S. Van Keuren promoted; Brevet Captain and
Brevet Major, U. S. Volunteers.
Van Keuren, Benjamin. — Age, 25 years. Enrolled
September 29, 1862, at Poughkeepsie, to serve three
years; mustered in as private, Co. C, October 11, 1862;
promoted Sergeant, no date; Sergeant-Major, March 31,
1865; mustered in as Second Lieutenant, Co. K, April i,
1865.*
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, April 22, 1865, with
rank from March 16, 1865, vice S. Humeston promoted.
First Sergeant.
Sylands, Enos B. — Age, 21 years. September 5, 1862,
at Rhinebeck; mustered in as Sergeant, October 25, 1864.*
474 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Sergeants.
Buckmaster, George W. — Age, 22 years. September
13, 1862, at Rhinebeck; mustered in as Corporal, Octo-
ber II, 1862; promoted Sergeant, October 26, 1864;
wounded at Gettysburg, Pa.*
Heeb, Jacob. — Age, 25 years. September 5, 1862, at
Rhinebeck; mustered in as Corporal, October 11, 1862;
promoted Sergeant prior to April, 1863.*
Lamp, Henry, Jr. — Age, 21 years. September 6,
1862, at Rhinebeck; mustered in as Corporal, Co. K,
October 11, 1862; promoted Sergeant prior to April,
1863; wounded in action, July 20, 1864, at Peach Tree
Creek, Ga.*
Van Wyck, Richard T. — Age, 23 years. October 4,
1862, at East Fishkill; mustered in as Corporal, Co. K,
October 11, 1862; promoted Sergeant prior to April,
1864.*
Commissioned, not mustered. First Lieutenant, May
31, 1865, with rank from March 17, 1865, vice Cyrus S.
Roberts promoted.
Corporals.
Burroughs, George. — Age, 20 years. September 4,
1862, at East Fishkill; mustered in as Corporal, Co. K,
October 1 1, 1862.*
Champlin, James M. — Age, 25 years. October 4,
1862, at Fishkill; promoted Corporal prior to April,
1863; returned to ranks, no date; mustered out, July 4,
1865, at hospital, Nashville, Tenn.
Conklin, James E. — Age, 32 years. September 30,
1862, at Fishkill; promoted Corporal, October 26, 1864.*
Hevenor, Benjamin J. — Age, 24 years. September 6,
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 475
1862, at Rhinebeck; mustered in as Corporal, Co. K,
October 1 1, 1862.
Commissioned, not mustered, First Lieutenant, June
29, 1863, with rank from April 25, 1863, vice A. John-
son discharged.
Jones, Robert M. — Age, 38 years. September 26,
1862, at Fishkill; promoted Corporal prior to April,
1863; returned to ranks prior to April, 1864.*
Moore, Peter. — Age, 25 years. September 30, 1862,
at Fishkill; mustered in as Corporal, Co. K, October 11,
1862.*
Montross, Jacob G. — Age, 28 years. October 8, 1862,
at East Fishkill; promoted Corporal prior to April,
1863.*
Smith, William A. — Age, 29 years. September 5,
1862, at Rhinebeck; promoted Corporal, November i,
1864.*
Taylor, George. — Age, 25 years. August 7, 1862, at
New York City; private, Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volunteers;
promoted Corporal prior to April, 1864; mustered out.
May 24, 1865, at McDougall Hospital, Fort Schuyler,
N. Y. Harbor.Z
Tuttle, x^braham. — Age, 19 years. September 30,
1862, at Fishkill; promoted Corporal prior to April,
1864.*
Musicians.
Jones, Morris H. — Age, 15 years. November i, 1862,
at Baltimore, Md., to serve three years, and mustered in
as Musician; D. F, D,, November 21, 1863, at hospital,
iVlexandria, Va.
Mosher, Americus G. — Age, 17 years. September 29,
1862, at East Fishkill; mustered in as Musician, October
476 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
II, 1862; wounded in action, May 15, 1864, ^t Resaca,
Ga.; mustered out, June 27, 1865, at Albany, N. Y.
Privates.
Adams, Sylvester J. — Age, 37 years. August 13,
1864, at Poughkeepsie ; D. F. D., May 16, 1865, at
McDougall Hospital, Fort Schuyler, N. Y. Harbor.
Allen, William. — Age, 45 years. October 6, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie.*
Ashton, John. — Age, 39 years. September 18, 1862,
at Fishkill; mustered out, May 24, 1865, at McDougall
Hospital, Fort Schuyler, N. Y. Harbor.
Barraclough, Edward. — Age, 21 years. September i,
1864, at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Birch, Robert. — Age, 25 years. September 11, 1862,
at Fishkill; deserted, October 15, 1862, at Camp Milling-
ton, Baltimore, Md.
Brierly, John. — Age, 38 years. September 5, 1862, at
Fishkill; deserted, November 4, 1862, at Camp Belger,
Baltimore, Md.
Browley, Edward. — Age, 25 years. October 4, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, same date, at Camp Dutchess,
Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Browley, William. — Age, 28 years. October 4, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, same date, at Camp Dutchess,
Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Buckland, Charles M. — Age, 25 years. September 6,
1862, at Rhinebeck.*
Buckley, Patrick. — Age, 24 years. October 3, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, same date, at Camp Dutchess,
Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Burns, Michael. — Age, 33 years. October 7, 1862, at
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 477
Poughkeepsie; died of chronic diarrhea, September 23,
1864, at First Division Hospital, Twentieth Army Corps,
Atlanta, Ga.
Burtis, Adelbert. — Age, 18 years. August 13, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; never joined regiment;
mustered out with detachment. May 8, 1865, at Hart's
Island, N. Y. Harbor.
Carson, Charles. — Age, 25 years. August 23, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; never joined regiment.
Church, William B. — Age, 18 years. August 2, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers.*Z
Clark, Clement. — Age, 32 years. October 9, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie.*
Clarke, George Alexander. — Age, 37 years. Septem-
ber 5, 1862, at Rhinebeck; transferred to Co. C, Twen-
tieth Regiment, V. R. C, December 12, 1863; mustered
out with detachment, as first Sergeant, July 10, 1865, at
Frederick City, Md.
Coghlll, Michael. — Age, 22 years. October 3, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, January i, 1863, at Camp
Belger, Baltimore, Md.
Crane, Patrick. — Age, 23 years. September 29, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; wounded in action, July 3, 1863, at
Gettysburg, Pa.; D. F. D., caused by wounds. May 28,
1864.
Corcoran, Michael. — Age, 21 years. September 8,
1864, at Poughkeepsie; deserted and arrested, no date; no
further record.
Davison, Henry. — Age, 36 years. October 3, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie; deserted, same date, at Camp Dutchess,
Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
478 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Dederick, William H. — Age, 21 years. September 6,
1862, at Rhinebeck.*
Donnelly, William. — Age, 34 years. August 21, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; never joined regiment.
Dore, Henry. — Age, 35 years. September 30, 1862,
at Fishkill; mustered in as Sergeant, October 11, 1862;
returned to ranks prior to April 30, 1863; mustered out,
May 31, 1865, at McDougall Hospital, N. Y. Harbor.
Dutcher, Leonard T. — Age, 18 years. September 5,
1862, at Fishkill; transferred to Co. E, Seventh Infantry,
V. R. C, no date; mustered out, July 22, 1865, at Wash-
ington, D. C.
Filkins, Henry. — Age, 44 years. October 10, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie; D. F. D., May 25, 1863.
Firth, James. — Age, 27 years. August 7, 1862, at
New York City; Corporal, Co. D, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers.Z*
Gay, John. — ^Age, 28 years. October 6, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie, and deserted on same date.
Gerow, Lewis C. — Age, 21 years. October 7, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie.*
Goldman, Morris. — Age, 27 years. October 10, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, October 16, 1862, at Camp
Millington, Baltimore, Md.
Grady, John. — Age, 20 years. September 14, 1864,
at Pawling, to serve one year; never joined regiment; no
further record.
Griffin, Morenous W. — Age, 28 years. September 6,
1862, at Rhinebeck; deserted, February 2, 1863, at Bel-
ger Barracks, Baltimore, Md.
Griner, John. — Age, 19 years. September 8, 1862, at
Rhinebeck.*
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 479
Hawks, Daniel. — Age, 44 years. September 13, 1862,
at FIshkilL*
Hendrick, John. — August 2, 1864, at Claverack.X
Higgs, Andrew J. — Age, 36 years. September 30,
1862, at FIshkill; transferred to Co. F, Fifteenth Infan-
try, V. R. C, no date; D. F. D., June 21, 1865, at Cairo,
iii.
Horton, Gilbert A. — Age, 32 years. September 20,
1862, at Fishkill; captured, October 18, 1864; paroled,
no date; absent, at Parole Camp, Annapolis, Md., at
muster-out of company.
Hunt, Robert. — Age, 31 years. October 3, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie, to serve three years. X
Hyde, Richard. — Age, 35 years. July 22, 1862, at
New York City; private, Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volunteers;
wounded in action, July 23, 1864, and died of his wounds,
July 25, 1864, before Atlanta, Ga.Z
Ireland, Henry. — Age, 32 years. September 30, 1862,
at Fishkill; deserted, July 22, 1863, '^t Harper's Ferry,
Va.
Jones, Seth. — /\ge, 21 years. August 29, 1864, at
Ghent, to serve one year; never joined regiment; mustered
out, July II, 1865, at Albany, N. Y.
Kelly, Daniel. — Age, 25 years. October 4, 1862, at
Poughkeepsie, to serve three years; deserted, October 4,
1862, at Camp Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Kenny, James W. — Age, 24 years. August 27, 1864,
at Clermont, to serve one year; mustered in, but never
joined regiment.
Kerr, James. — Age, 32 years. August 6, 1864, at
Pleasant Valley, to serve one year; mustered In, but never
joined regiment.
480 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT
Knichel, Joseph. — Age, 27 years. September 9, 1862,
at Fishkill.*
LaFrance, Joseph. — Age, 19 years. August 11, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie.*Z
Lawrence, Charles H. — Age, 18 years. July 30, 1862,
at New York City; Musician, Co. E, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers. *Z
Leathern, George. — Age, 28 years. September 29,
1862, at Fishkill.X
Lillie, Amos T. — Age, 28 years. September 6, 1862,
at Rhinebeck; mustered out with detachment, June 15,
1865, at Finley Hospital, Washington, D. C.
Lockwood, Hamilton. — Age, 16 years. April 16,
1864, at Poughkeepsie ; missing in action since August 9,
1864, and at muster-out of company.
Ludorf, Henry. — Age, 32 years. October 5, 1862, at
Rhinebeck; deserted, October 16, 1862, at Baltimore, Md.
Lynch, James. — Age, 45 years. September 29, 1862;
wounded in action, July 3, 1863, at Gettysburg, Pa.;
transferred to V. R. C, April 6, 1864.
Marshall, Henry. — Age, 37 years. August 13, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie. X
Marshall, John. — Age, 23 years. September 25, 1862,
at Dutchess County; deserted, November 9, 1862, at
Camp Millington, Baltimore, Md.
Masten, John. — Age, 45 years. January 11, 1864, at
Poughkeepsie. X
Mather, William. — Age, 20 years. September 8,
1862, at Fishkill.*
Mayfield, Peter. — Age, 35 years. August 30, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers. *X
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 481
McAuliffe, Patrick. — Age, 30 years. August 8, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers; mustered out, July 12, 1865, ^^ McDougall Hos-
pital, Fort Schuyler, N. Y. Harbor.Z
McClelland, Charles. — Age, 29 years. September 8,
1862, at FIshklll.*
McCue, Patrick. — Age, 18 years. August 4, 1862, at
New York City; private, Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volunteers;
captured in action, March 19, 1865, at Goldsboro, N. C. ;
paroled, April 2, 1865, at Alkens Landing, Va.; mus-
tered out with detachment, June 26, 1865, at Camp
Parole, Annapolis, Md.
McGrath, Michael. — Age, 24 years. August 25,
1862, at New York City; private, Co. A, 145th N. Y.
Volunteers; absent, in hospital, at Murfreesboro, Tenn.,
and at muster-out of company. Z
McKInsey, John. — Age, 40 years. August 27, 1864,
at Poughkeepsie, and mustered In as private, Co. K,
August 27, 1 8 64.x
McQuade, Thomas. — Age, 20 years. August 17,
1864, at Hyde Park, to serve one year; never joined
regiment.
Merrick, James. — Age, 29 years. August 28, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers.*Z
Meyers, John. — Age, 43 years. September 5, 1864,
at Greenport, to serve one year; never joined regiment.
Miller, Jacob. — Age, 43 years. September 12, 1862,
at Rhinebeck; transferred to V. R. C, February 6, 1864.
Mooney, Frank. — Age, 21 years. October 7, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie, to serve three years, and deserted, same
date, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
482 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Moore, Joseph. — Age, 22 years. •September 10, 1862,
at FIshkill; mustered out, July 13, 1865, at Louisville, Ky.
Murphy, Thomas. — Age, 29 years. September 4,
1862, at Fishkill, and deserted, October 8, 1862.
Murphy, William. — Age, 28 years. November 6,
1862, at Baltimore, Md. ; deserted, November 27, 1862,
at Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Md.
Murphy, William H. — Age, 20 years. August 29,
1862, at Hyde Park.*
Murray, Edward. — Age, 33 years, September 18,
1862, at Fishkill.*
Newhouse, Adam. — Age, 23 years. August 23, 1864,
at Ancram, to serve one year; never joined regiment.
Nichols, Washington. — Age, 30 years. July 30, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers; mustered out. May 18, 1864, at Cairo, 111.
O'Brien, Lawrence. — Age, 32 years. September 16,
1862, at Rhinebeck; discharged. May 29, 1865, at Trip-
ler Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.
Odell, Charles H.-^Age, 21 years. October 3, 1862,
at Fishkill.X
Oswald, Leopold. — Age, 40 years. September 5,
1862, at Rhinebeck.*
Potenburgh, Frederick. — Age, 41 years. September 6,
1862, at Rhinebeck; wounded in action, July 3, 1863, at
Gettysburg, Pa.; transferred to Co. I, 12th Regiment,
V. R. C, April 28, 1864; mustered out with detachment,
July 28, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
Power, Walter. — Age, 23 years. September 27, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie; deserted, September 29, 1862, at Camp
Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Prescott, William H. — Age, 25 years. January 24,
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 483
1864, at Livingston; mustered out with detachment, May
8, 1865, at Hart's Island, N. Y. Harbor.
Rapp, Jacob. — Age, 34 years. September 5, 1862, at
Rhinebeck; deserted, February 7, 1863, at Camp Belger,
Baltimore, Md.
Reddy, James. — Age, 21 years. September 14, 1864,
at Pawling, to serve one year; never joined regiment.
Rest, Bernhart. — Age, 44 years. September 15, 1862,
at Rhinebeck; deserted, March 20, 1863, ^^ Camp Belger,
Baltimore, Md.
Rikert, Henry G. — Age, 29 years. August 28, 1862,
at Stanford; deserted, same date, at Camp Dutchess,
Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Robertson, Samuel. — Age, 30 years. September 29,
1862, at Fishkill.*
Rockefeller, Albert. — Age, 31 years. October 6, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie, N. Y.; deserted, same date, at Camp
Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Schenk, Jacob. — Age, 26 years. September 5, 1862,
at Rhinebeck.X
Schryver, Ezra. — Age, 28 years. August 30, 1864, at
Poughkeepsie, to serve one year.*
Shafter, Dewitt. — Age, 18 years. September 5, 1862,
at Rhinebeck.*
Smith, William A. — Age, 37 years. July 18, 1862, at
New York City; private, Co. I, 145th N. Y. Volunteers;
discharged, March 10, 1864, at Nashville, Tenn.Z
Smith, William A. — Age, 29 years. September 5,
1862, at Rhinebeck; promoted Corporal, November i,
1864.*
Snyder, Jacob C. — Age, 21 years. August i, 1864, at
484 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Poughkeepsle, to serve one year; mustered out, to date
June 8, 1865, at New York City.
Tator, Frederick. — Age, 40 years. September 6, 1862,
at Rhinebeck.*
Tator, Stephen R. — Age, 23 years. September 9,
1862, at Rhinebeck.*
Ticehurst, WiUiam. — Age, 24 years. September 30,
1862, at Fishkill.*
Traver, Henry M. — Age, 43 years. September 5,
1862, at Rhinebeck.*
Turner, John W. — Age, 28 years. October 3, 1862,
at Fishkill; deserted, December 6, 1862, at Camp Belger,
Baltimore, Md.
Van Nosdall, James. — Age, 18 years. September 20,
1862, at Poughkeepsie ; mustered in as Sergeant, October
II, 1862; deserted, July 22, 1863, at Harper's Ferry, Va.
VanVleck, George E. — Age, 28 years. September 29,
1862, at Fishkill; mustered in as Corporal, Co. K, Octo-
ber II, 1862; deserted, February i, 1863, at Camp Bel-
ger, Baltimore, Md.
Wagner, George A. — Age, 23 years, September 5,
1862, at Rhinebeck; died of chronic diarrhea and pneu-
monia, October 10, 1863, at Grace Church Branch Hos-
pital, Alexandria, Va.
Warnick, Augustus. — Age, 19 years. August 18,
1864, at Poughkeepsie, to serve one year; mustered out,
June 10, 1865, at McDougall Hospital, N. Y. Harbor.
Way, Alonzo. — Age, 36 years. September 30, 1862,
at Fishkill, to serve three years.*
Way, Cornelius. — Age, 24 years. October 2, 1862, at
Fishkill.*
Way, Thomas. — Age, 21 years. October 3, 1862, at
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 485
FIshkill; wounded In action, July 3, 1863, at Gettysburg,
Pa. ; absent since, in Satterlee Hospital, West Philadel-
phia, Pa., and at muster-out of company.
Weeks, Washington. — Age, 19 years. October 3,
1862, at Fishkill; wounded in action, May 25, 1864, ^t
Dallas, Ga.*
Weeks, William H, — Age, 20 years. October 3, 1862,
at Fishkill.*
Weissart, Henry. — Age, 34 years. September 5, 1862,
at Rhinebeck; deserted, February 3, 1863, at Camp Bel-
ger, Baltimore, Md.
Whiting, Charles. — Age, 18 years. August 28, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers. *Z
Whitworth, James. — Age, 32 years. September 8,
1862, at Fishkill, to serve three years; wounded in action,
July 20, 1864, at Peach Tree Creek, Ga.*
Wilson, Archibald. — Age, 36 years, August 11, 1862,
at New York City; private, Co. A, 145th N. Y. Volun-
teers; V. R. C, no date.
Woodin, Alfred. — Age, 24 years, August 25, 1862,
at Clinton; deserted, July 29, 1863, from hospital, Phila-
delphia, Pa,
Wyant, Charles. — Age, 32 years. September 5, 1862,
at Rhinebeck; captured, March 11, 1865, at Fayette-
ville, N. C; paroled, April 2, 1865, at Aiken's Landing,
Va,; mustered out June 22, 1865, ^^ Camp Parole,
Annapolis, Md.
Unassigned men who never joined regiment.
Bowen, John C. C, — Age, 22 years. January 25,
1865, at Kingston, to serve one year; mustered out with
486 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
detachment, May 8, 1865, at Hart's Island, N. Y.
Harbor.
Drasho, Alexis. — Age, 41 years. March i, 1865, ^^
New York City; unassigned, March 2, 1865; veteran;
no further record.
Dark, Isaac D. — Age, 18 years. September 27, 1862,
at Poughkeepsie ; no further record.
Furrenden, Peter H. — Age, 41 years. January 13,
1865, at Pleasant Valley, to serve one year; unassigned;
mustered out with detachment. May 8, 1865, at Hart's
Island, N. Y. Harbor.
McKenzie, John. — Age, 40 years. January 16, 1865;
mustered out at Hart's Island, May 23, 1865.
Riley, James F. — Age, 31 years. January 25, 1864;
deserted, May 23, 1865.
Smith, William. — No record, except deserted, March
15, 1863, at Baltimore.
Wadhams, Melville. — Age, 19 years. January 25,
1865, at New York City; unassigned; mustered out with
detachment. May 8, 1865, at Hart's Island, N. Y.
Harbor.
SPECIAL ROLL.
No. 12.
Original, appointed, and promoted officers of the 150th
N. Y. Volunteers, with rank at entry and close of service,
arranged alphabetically.
1. Bartlett, Charles G., Lieutenant-Colonel, September
29, 1862, original. Discharged for promotion,
December 31, 1864.
2. Barlow, Charles P., private, Co. E, September 5,
1862. First Lieutenant.*
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 487
3. Bartlett, William H., private, September 5, 1862.
Second Lieutenant.*
4. Bowman, Polhemus, Second Lieutenant, Co. D, Sep-
tember 24, 1862, original, D. F. D. as First
Lieutenant, Co. D, July 30, 1864.
5. Bartlett, Rev. Edward O., Chaplain, October 20,
1863.*
6. Brant, Andrus, Captain, Co. E, September 23, 1862,
original. D. F. D., December 18, 1863.
7. Broas, Benjamin S., Captain, Co. I, October 6, 1862,
original. D. F. D., November 25, 1863.
8. Browne, John D., Sergeant-Major. Second Lieu-
tenant, Co. H.*Z
9. Campbell, Cornelius N., Surgeon, August 29, 1862,
original.*
10. Chapman, Perry W., Second Lieutenant, Co. E, Sep-
tember 23, 1862, original. First Lieutenant,
Co. E.*
11. Cogswell, Joseph H., Captain, Co. A, September 8,
1862, original. Lieutenant-Colonel.*
12. Cook, Stephen G., Assistant Surgeon, September 12,
1862, original. D. F. D., October 19, 1864.
13. Corcoran, Michael, First Lieutenant, Co. K, Octo-
ber 8, 1862, original; discharged, January 29,
1863.
14. Cruger, S. V. R., First Lieutenant, Co. F, September
24, 1862, original. Captain, Co. A.*
15. Fitzpatrick, John, First Sergeant, Co. H, September
9, 1862. First Lieutenant, Co. H,*
16. Furey, James B., First Sergeant, Co. D, September 6,
1862. Second Lieutenant, Co. D.*
488 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
17. Gaylord, Charles I., Second Lieutenant, Co. H, Sep-
tember 27, 1862, original. Discharged, March
18, 1863.
18. Gaylord, George H., First Lieutenant and Quarter-
master, September i, 1862, original. Discharged,
March 9, 1863.
19. Gildersleeve, Henry A., Captain, Co. C, September
17, 1862, original. Major.*
20. Green, John L., Captain, Co. F, September 24, 1862,
original.*
21. Gridley, Henry, First Lieutenant, Co. A, September
8, 1862, original. Instantly killed in action, June
22, 1864, at Gulp's Farm, Ga.
22. Hamill, Alex., Assistant Surgeon, March 26, 1865.*
23. Hicks, Henry J., private, Co. C, September 15, 1862.
First Lieutenant, Co. C*
24. Humiston, Seneca, First Sergeant, Co. I, September
9, 1862. First Lieutenant, Co. L*
25. Johnson, Albert, First Lieutenant, Co. B, September
8, 1862, original. Discharged, April 25, 1863.
26. Ketcham, John H., Colonel, October 11, 1862, orig-
inal. Discharged, March 2, 1865.
27. Mabbett, James P., Second Lieutenant, Co. A, Sep-
tember 8, 1862, original. First Lieutenant, Co.
C; D. F. D., October 14, 1864.
28. Mallory, Frank, Second Lieutenant, Co. D, Septem-
ber 19, 1862, original. First Lieutenant, Co. D.*
29. Marshall, Rowland, Second Lieutenant, Co. C, Sep-
tember 17, 1862, original. Died, September 13,
1863, in hospital at Georgetown, D. C.
30. McConnell, Robert, Captain, Co. B, September 8,
1862, original. Discharged, October 20, 1864.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 489
31. McGill, John, Sergeant, Co. F, October 11, 1862.
Second Lieutenant, Co. B.*
32. Mooney, Robert G., First Lieutenant, Co. D, Sep-
tember 9, 1862, original. D. F. D., November
6, 1864.
33. Murfitt, Benjamin, Sergeant, Co. G, October 11,
1862. Second Lieutenant, Co. G.*
34. Ostrom, Landon, First Sergeant, Co. K, October 11,
1862. Second Lieutenant, Co. F.*
35. Ostrom, Andrew J., First Sergeant, Co. B, Septem-
ber 5, 1862. First Lieutenant, Co. B.*
36. Paulding, Samuel H., First Sergeant, Co. F, Octo-
ber II, 1862. First Lieutenant, Co. F.*
37. Pearce, Henry, Assistant Surgeon, October 6, 1862,
original. D. F. D., April 7, 1864.
38. Roberts, Cyrus S., private, Co A, September 5, 1862.
First Lieutenant, Co. K.*
39. Scofield, John S., Captain, Co. K, October 7, 1862,
original.*
40. Sleight, David B., Second Lieutenant, Co. I, Octo-
ber 6, 1862, original. First Lieutenant, Co. L
Killed in action, March 16, 1865, at Averasboro,
N. C.
41. Smith, A. B., Major, September 24, 1862, original.
Colonel.*
42. Smith, Charles H., Corporal, Co. I, October 10,
1862. Second Lieutenant, Co. L*
43. Smith, Henry C, Quartermaster-Sergeant, October
II, 1862. Quartermaster.*
44. Smithe, J. Curtis, First Sergeant, Co. A, October 10,
1862. Second Lieutenant, Co. C*
490 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
45. Steenburgh, Wade H., Second Lieutenant, Co. K,
October 7, 1862, original. First Lieutenant,
Co. K.; D. F. D., November 7, 1864.
46. Sweet, John, Second Lieutenant, Co. G, September
26, 1862, original. Died in hospital, August 13,
1864, Big Shanty, Ga.
47. Thompson, William, Adjutant, September i, 1862,
original. D. F. D., August 6, 1863.
48. Titus, Richard, First Lieutenant, Co. I, October 6,
1862, original. Captain, Co. L*
49. Thorne, Piatt M., Captain, Co. H, September 27,
1862, original.*
50. Tripp, Robert C, Second Lieutenant, Co. B, Octo-
ber II, 1862, original. Captain, Co. B.*
51. Underwood, Dewitt C, First Lieutenant, Co. G,
original.*
52. Van Keuren, William S., First Lieutenant, Co. H,
September 27, 1862, original. Captain, Co. C*
53. Van Keuren, Benjamin, private, Co. C, September
29, 1862. Second Lieutenant, Co. K.*
54. Vassar, Rev. Thomas E., Chaplain, October 11,
1862, original. D. F. D., August 6, 1863.
55. Wattles, William, First Sergeant, Co. A, October
10, 1862. First Lieutenant, Co. A.*
^6. Welling, Edgar P., First Lieutenant, Co. C, Septem-
ber 17, 1862, original. Died, October 21, 1863,
in hospital at Tullahoma, Tenn.
57. Wheeler, Obed, First Lieutenant, Co. E, September
23, 1862, original. Captain, Co. E.*
58. Wickes, Edward A., Captain, Co. G, September 26,
1862, original.*
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 491
59. Woodin, William R., Captain, Co. D, September 19,
1862, original.*
SPECIAL ROLL.
No. 13.
Promotions and appointments in 150th N. Y. Volun-
teers in rotation, after the field, staff and line officers were
mustered into the U. S. service, October 10 and 11, 1862.
1. Jan. 29, 1863. Wade H. Steenburgh, from Second
Lieutenant, Co. K, to First Lieu-
tenant, Co. K, vice Corcoran
resigned.
2. Jan. 29, 1863. Cyrus S. Roberts, from Sergeant-
Major to Second Lieutenant,
Co. K, vice Steenburgh pro-
moted.
3. March 18, 1863. Samuel H. Paulding, from First
Sergeant, Co. F, to Second Lieu-
tenant, Co. F, vice C. J. Gaylord
resigned.
4. April I, 1863. Henry C. Smith, from Quarter-
master Sergeant to Quarter-
master, vice Geo. R. Gaylord
resigned.
5. April 25, 1863. Robert C. Tripp, from Second
Lieutenant, Co. B, to First
Lieutenant, Co. B, vice Johnson
resigned.
6. April 25, 1863. Andrew J. Ostrom, from First Ser-
geant, Co. B, to Second Lieuten-
ant, Co. B, vice Tripp promoted.
492 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
7. Aug. 6, 1863. S, V. R. Cruger, from First Lieu-
tenant, Co. F, to Adjutant, vice
Thompson resigned.
8. Aug. 6, 1863. Polhemus Bowman, from Second
Lieutenant, Co. F, to First Lieu-
tenant, Co. F, vice Cruger pro-
moted Adjutant.
9. Aug. 6, 1863. John Fitzpatrick, from First Ser-
geant, Co. H, to Second Lieu-
tenant, Co. F, vice Bowman pro-
moted.
10. Nov. 7, 1863. James P. Mabbett, from Second
Lieutenant, Co. A, to First Lieu-
tenant, Co. C, vice WeUing de-
ceased.
11. Nov. 7,1863. WilHam Wattles, from Sergeant-
Major to Second Lieutenant,
Co. A, vice Mabbett, promoted.
12. Nov. 25, 1863. Richard Titus, from First Lieuten-
ant, Co. I, to Captain, Co. I,
vice Broas resigned.
13. Nov. 25, 1863. David B. Sleight, from Second
Lieutenant, Co. I, to First Lieu-
tenant, Co. I, vice Titus pro-
moted.
14. Nov. 25, 1863. Seneca Humiston, from First Ser-
geant, Co. I, to Second Lieuten-
ant, Co. I, vice Sleight pro-
moted.
15. Nov. 25, 1863. James B. Furey, from First Ser-
geant, Co. D, to Second Lieu-
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 493
tenant, Co. D, vice Marshall
deceased.
1 6. Dec. 1 8, 1863. Obed Wheeler, from First Lieu-
tenant, Co. E, to Captain, Co.
E, vice Brant resigned.
17. Dec. 18, 1863. Perry W. Chapman, from Second
Lieutenant, Co. E, to First Lieu-
tenant, Co. E, vice Wheeler,
promoted.
18. Dec. 18, 1863. Charles P. Barlow, from First Ser-
geant, Co. E, to Second Lieu-
tenant, Co. E, vice Chapman,
promoted.
19. Jan. 22, 1864. William Wattles, from Second
Lieutenant, Co. A, to First Lieu-
tenant, Co. A, vice Gridley
killed in action.
20. Jan. 22, 1864. J. Curtiss Smithe, from First Ser-
geant, Co. A, to Second Lieu-
tenant, Co. A, vice Wattles, pro-
moted.
21. July 30, 1864. S. H. Paulding, from Second Lieu-
tenant, Co. F, to First Lieuten-
ant, Co. F, vice Bowman re-
signed.
22. July 30, 1864. Landon Ostrom, from First Ser-
geant, Co. F, to Second Lieu-
tenant, Co. F, vice Paulding
promoted.
23. Aug. 27, 1864. Benj. Murfitt, First Sergeant, Co.
G, to Second Lieutenant, Co. G,
vice Sweet deceased.
494 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
24. Sept. 6, 1864. Alfred B. Smith, from Major to
Lieutenant-Colonel, vice Bart-
lett promoted and transferred.
25. Sept. 6, 1864. Joseph H. Cogswell, from Captain,
Co. A, to Major, vice Smith,
promoted.
26. Sept. 6, 1864. Robert C. Tripp, from First Lieu-
tenant, Co. B, to Captain, Co. B,
vice Cogswell promoted.
27. Sept. 6, 1864. Andrew J. Ostrom, from Second
Lieutenant, Co. B, to First
Lieutenant, Co. B, vice Tripp,
promoted.
28. Sept. 6, 1864. John McGill, from First Sergeant,
Co. B, to Second Lieutenant,
Co. B, vice Ostrom promoted.
29. Sept. 6, 1864. William H. Bartlett, First Ser-
geant, Co. A, to Second Lieu-
tenant, Co. A, vice Smithe, pro-
moted.
30. Sept. 6, 1864. Cyrus S. Roberts, from Second
Lieutenant, Co. K, to First Lieu-
tenant, Co. K, vice Steenburgh
resigned.
31. Oct. 14,1864. Frank Mallory, Second Lieutenant,
Co. D, to First Lieutenant, Co.
D, vice Mabbett, resigned.
32. Oct. 14, 1864. Henry J. Hicks, First Sergeant,
Co. C, to Second Lieutenant,
Co. C, vice Mallory promoted.
33. Oct. 18, 1864. William S. Van Keuren, from First
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 495
Lieutenant, Co. H, to Adjutant,
vice Cruger promoted.
34. Oct. 18, 1864. John Fitzpatrick, from Second
Lieutenant, Co. H, to First
Lieutenant, Co. H, vice Van
Keuren promoted.
35. Oct. 18, 1864. John D. Browne, from Sergeant-
Major to Second Lieutenant,
Co. H, vice Fitzpatrick pro-
moted.
36. Oct. 18, 1864. S- V- R- Cruger, from Adjutant to
Captain, Co. A, vice McCon-
nell resigned.
37. Dec. I, 1864. Henry J. Hicks, from Second Lieu-
tenant, Co. C, to First Lieuten-
ant, Co. C, vice Smithe pro-
moted. Commission revoked.
38. March 2, 1865. Alfred B. Smith, from Lieutenant-
Colonel to Colonel, vice
Ketcham resigned.
39. March 2, 1865. Joseph H. Cogswell, from Major
to Lieutenant-Colonel, vice
Smith promoted.
40. March 2, 1865. Henry A. Gildersleeve, from Cap-
tain, Co. C, to Major, vice
Cogswell promoted.
41. March 2, 1865. William S. Van Keuren, from Ad-
jutant to Captain, Co. C, vice
Gildersleeve promoted.
42. March 2, 1865. Cyrus S. Roberts, from First Lieu-
tenant, Co. K, to Adjutant, vice
Van Keuren promoted.
496 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
43. March 16, 1865. Seneca Humiston, from Second
Lieutenant, Co. I, to First Lieu-
tenant, Co. I, vice Sleight killed
in action.
44. March 16, 1865. Benjamin Van Keuren, from Ser-
geant-Major to Second Lieu-
tenant, Co. K, vice Humiston
promoted.
45. May 12, 1865. Charles H. Smith, from First Ser-
geant, Co. I, to Second Lieuten-
ant, Co. I, vice Humiston, pro-
moted.
Brevet commissions issued by Governor Fenton to
enlisted men of the regiment.
Sergeant Isaac T. Swezey, Co. I, First Lieutenant.
Private Sidney T. Wilkinson, Co. D, Second Lieutenant.
Sergeant David Malcher, Co. H, Second Lieutenant.
Com. Sergeant John M. Case, Second Lieutenant.
SPECIAL ROLL.
No. 14.
Officers who mustered in with the regiment and mus-
tered out with the regiment without change of rank.
Dr. C. N. Campbell,
Surgeon.
William R. Woodin,
Captain,
Co.
D.
John L. Green,
Captain,
Co.
F.
Edward A. Wickes,
Captain,
Co.
G.
Piatt M. Thorne,
Captain,
Co.
H.
John L. Scofield,
Captain,
Co.
K.
DeWitt C. Underwood,
First Lieutenant, Co. G
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 497
Officers who maintained the same rank during the ser-
vice, but who left the service before the regiment blustered
out.
John H. Ketcham, Colonel.
Charles G. Bartlett, Lieutenant-Colonel.
Robert McConnell, Captain, Co. B.
Andrus Brant, Captain, Co. E.
Benjamin S. Broas, Captain, Co. I.
William Thompson, Adjutant.
George R. Gaylord, Quartermaster.
Dr. S. G. Cook, Assistant Surgeon.
Henry Pearce, Assistant Surgeon.
Rev. Thomas E. Vassar, Chaplain.
Albert Johnson, First Lieutenant, Co. B.
Robert G. Mooney, First Lieutenant, Co. D.
Michael Corcoran, First Lieutenant, Co. K.
Charles J. Gaylord, Second Lieutenant, Co. H.
Officers who left the service after promotion, but before
muster-out of the regiment.
Polhemus Bowman, entered service as Second Lieu-
tenant, Co. F. D. F. D. as First Lieutenant, Co. F.
James P. Mabbett, entered service as Second Lieu-
tenant, Co. A. D. F. D. as First Lieutenant, Co. C.
Wade H. Steenburgh, entered service as Second Lieu-
tenant, Co. K. D. F. D. as First Lieutenant, Co. K.
Officers who were killed in action.
Henry Gridley, First Lieutenant, Co. A.
David B. Sleight, First Lieutenant, Co. C.
Officers who died from disease during the service.
Edward P. Welling, First Lieutenant, Co. C.
Rowland H. Marshall, Second Lieutenant, Co. C.
John Sweet, Second Lieutenant, Co. G.
498 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
SPECIAL ROLL.
No. 15.
Fatal casualties in battle, or from wounds received In
battle, arranged by companies and In order of occurrence.
Company A.
(i) John Van Alstyne, killed at Gettysburg, Pa.,
July 3, 1863.
(2) Charles Howgate, killed at Gettysburg, Pa.,
July 3, 1863.
(3) Levi Rust, killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3,
1863.
(4) John P. Wing, killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3,
1863.
(5) Henry L. Stone, killed near Marietta, Ga.,
June II, 1864.
(6) Henry C. WInans, wounded near Pine Hills,
Ga., June 11, 1864, and died In Nashville
Hospital, July 12, 1864.
(7) First Lieutenant Henry Gridley, killed in action
at Culp's Farm, Ga., June 22, 1864.
(8) John Hart, killed on picket near Marietta, Ga.,
June 24, 1864.
(9) Willis D. Chamberlain, killed in front of At-
lanta, Ga., August 23, 1864,
1) John Cass, killed at Averasboro, N. C, March
17, 1865.
Company B.
II. (i) Stephen Simmons, killed at Peach Tree Creek,
Ga., July 20, 1864.
I.
(I)
2.
(2)
3-
(3)
4-
(4)
5-
(5)
6.
(6)
7-
(7)
8.
(8)
9-
(9)
10.
(10)
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 499
12. (2) Folsom Richardson, died of wounds, Cumber-
land Hospital, Nashville, Tenn., August 8,
1864. Wounded at Resaca, Ga., June 15,
1864.
13- (3) James M. Chambers, wounded before Atlanta,
Ga., August 2, 1864. Died in hospital, Jef-
fersonville, Ind., December 28, 1864.
14. (4) William J. Wallin, killed on skirmish line near
Averasboro, N. C, March 17, 1865.
Company C.
15. (i) Tallmage Wood, wounded at Gettysburg, July
3, 1863. Died of wounds, July 14, 1863, at
Baltimore, Md.
16. (2) George Lovelace, killed by Guerillas between
Mulberry and Tullahoma, Tenn., February
II, 1864.
17. (3) Henry W. Story, killed in action at Dallas, Ga.,
May 25, 1864.
18. (4) William A. Palmatier, killed in action at Savan-
nah, Ga., December 20, 1864.
Company D.
19. (i) Daniel Glancey, wounded in action, June 16,
1864. Died at Pine Knob, Ga., June 17,
1864.
20. (2) James Todd, wounded in action, June 22, 1864,
at Culp's Farm, Ga. Died at Nashville,
Tenn., July 26, 1864.
Company E.
21. ( I ) Judd Murphy, killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3,
1863.
500
THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
22. (2) James Elliott, killed in action at Dallas, Ga.,
May 25, 1864.
23. (3) Samuel Myers, killed in action at Dallas, Ga.,
May 25, 1864.
24. (4) Isaac I. Blauvelt, wounded in action May 25,
1864. Died May 27, 1864, ^t Dallas, Ga.
^S- (5) John Sweetman, wounded in action at Gulp's
Farm, Ga., June 22, 1864. Died at Chatta-
nooga, Tenn., July 3, 1864.
26. (6) James E. Davidson, wounded in action at Gulp's
Farm, Ga., June 22, 1864. Died at Chatta-
nooga, Tenn., July 10, 1864.
27. (7) Bernard Connolly, killed in action at Peach Tree
Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864.
Company F.
28. (i) John E. Odell, killed by guerillas between Mul-
berry and Tullahoma, Tenn., February 11,
1864.
29. (2) Isaac Smith, wounded at Dallas, Ga., May 25,
1864. Died at Peach Tree Creek, Ga.,
June 4, 1864.
30. (3) Henry Sigler, killed on picket near Marietta,
Ga., June 16, 1864.
31. (4) Cornelius G. Sparks, killed in action at Gol-
gotha, Ga., June 16, 1864.
32. (5) Nathan C. Hedden, wounded in action before
Atlanta, Ga., July 20, 1864. Died at Cum-
berland Hospital, Tenn., September 2, 1864.
33. (6) John E. Pultz, wounded in action at Peach Tree
Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864. Died Septem-
ber 20, 1864.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT.
501
34. (7) John Simon, wounded in action at Gulp's Farm,
Ga., June 22, 1864. Died at Chattanooga
Hospital, July 9, 1864.
Company G.
(i) Barnard C. Burnett, killed at Gettysburg, Pa.,
July 3, 1863.
(2) Thomas Burnett, wounded in action, July 20,
1864, at Peach Tree Creek and died July 30,
1864, near Atlanta.
(3) James Horton, wounded in action at Peach Tree
Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864. Died August 9,
1864.
(4) Thomas W. Wright, wounded in action in
Resaca, Ga., May 15, 1864. Died at At-
lanta Hospital, October 22, 1864.
(5) Benj. A. Harp, wounded in action at Resaca,
Ga., May 15, 1864. Died September 7,
1864.
Company H.
( 1 ) John Grad, killed in action at Dallas, Ga., May
25, 1864.
(2) Noah Wixon, killed in action near Savannah,
Ga., December 20, 1864.
Company I.
( 1 ) Henry Barnes, wounded at Gettysburg, Pa.,
July 3, 1863. Died July 4, 1863.
(2) Charles LeClaire, killed at Dallas, Ga., May 25,
1864.
(3) William R. Phelps, killed in action at Golgotha,
Ga., June 16, 1864.
502 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
45. (4) Henry Dykeman, wounded at Peach Tree
Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864. Died at Chat-
tanooga Hospital, September 13, 1864.
46. (5) First Lieutenant David B. Sleight, killed in
action at Averasboro, N. C, March 16,
1865.
Co7npany K.
47. (i) Richard Hyde, wounded in action in front of
Atlanta, Ga., July 23, 1864. Died July 25,
1864.
SPECIAL ROLL.
No. 16.
Casualties by death from disease in the field or hospital,
arranged by companies and in order of occurrence.
Company A.
1. (i) Andrew J. Winters, died in a Baltimore hos-
pital, August 16, 1863.
2. (2) John H. Smith, died in Field Hospital, Kelly's
Ford, Va., August 26, 1863.
3. (3) Corporal Albert B. Reed, died of typhoid
fever on hospital train, Warrenton Junc-
tion, Va., September 16, 1863.
4. (4) Caleb G. Fowler, died in a Savannah hospital,
February 23, 1864.
5. (5) Wilson .\. Odell, died in a Murfreesboro,
Tenn., hospital, September 21, 1864.
6. (6) Thomas Benham, died of fever at Amenia,
N. Y., while on a furlough, April i, 1865.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 503
Company B.
( 1 ) John Carey, died in a Baltimore hospital, Sep-
tember I, 1863.
(2) George Pinhorn, died in hospital, Tullahoma,
Tenn., March 28, 1864.
(3) William Haerhold, suicided at Atlanta, Ga.,
October 20, 1864.
(4) James Beach, died in a Savannah hospital,
February 25, 1865.
Company C.
( 1 ) Philander Worden, died at Belger Barracks,
Baltimore, Md., March 13, 1863.
(2) Alexander Worden, died at Camden Street
Hospital, Baltimore, Md., August 26,
1863.
(3) Second Lieutenant Rowland H. Marshall, died
in hospital, Georgetown, D. C, September
12, 1863.
(4) Morgan Place, died in hospital, Alexandria,
Va., October 3, 1863.
(5) First Lieutenant Edward P. Welling, died in
hospital, Tullahoma, Tenn., October 21,
1863.
(6) Sackett Travis, died at Normandy, Tenn.,
December 5, 1863.
(7) James Murphy, died in Regimental Hospital,
Normandy, Tenn., December 10, 1863.
(8) John Schoonhoven, died in a Louisville, Ky.,
hospital, June 28, 1864.
(9) Christian Closs, died in a Chattanooga hos-
pital, September 12, 1864.
504 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
20. (10) William O. Ames, died in a Savannah hospital,
January 25, 1865.
21. (11) Smith P. Allen, died in a Savannah hospital,
February 9, 1865.
22. (12) Walter P. Mastin, died in McDougall Hos-
pital, N. Y. Harbor, March 26, 1865.
Company D.
23. ( I ) Joseph E. Near, died in Fairfax Seminary Hos-
pital, Va., August 14, 1863.
24. (2) Freeman Thurston, died in Field Hospital,
August 28, 1863.
25- (3) George Reed, died in Grace Church Hospital,
Alexandria, Va., October 8, 1863.
26. (4) Walter Allen, died in Atlanta Hospital, Au-
gust 22, 1864.
2?- (5) John Porter, died in hospital. Savannah, Ga.,
January 14, 1865.
28. (6) David Dimond, died in the field, campaign of
South Carolina, February 20, 1865.
Company E.
29. ( I ) James McGrath, drowned in N. Y. Harbor,
October 12, 1862.
30. (2) Philip Davis, died in a Baltimore hospital,
August 14, 1863.
31. (3) Daniel Washburn, died at Point Lookout,
Md., September 26, 1863.
32. (4) Jacob Benson, died at Normandy, Tenn., De-
cember 18, 1863.
33- (5) Robert Watts, died in Chattanooga Hospital,
August 27, 1864.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT.
505
34. (6) Arthur Sloan, died in a Chattanooga hospital,
August 30, 1864.
35. (7) Silas B. Stage, died in a Chattanooga hospital,
October 3, 1864.
36. (8) Joshua Leonard, died in a Louisville, Ky.,
hospital, November 24, 1864.
Company F.
37. ( I ) James W. O'Neil, died in a Baltimore hospital,
December 17, 1862.
38. (2) John McKenney, died at hospital, Philadel-
phia, Pa., January 14, 1863.
39. (3) Henry C. Muller, died in Camden Street Hos-
pital, Baltimore, Md., May 30, 1863.
40. (4) Richard Hapeman, died in Jarvis Hospital,
Baltimore, Md., August 25, 1863.
41. (5) Martin Leyden, died in hospital (name un-
known), July 17, 1864.
42. (6) John Ryan, died in Nashville Hospital, July
19, 1864.
43. (7) Ezra A. Stickel, died at Raleigh, N. C, May
17, 1865.
Company G.
44. ( I ) Henry H. A. Wilcox, died at Belger Barracks,
Baltimore, Md., April 10, 1863.
45. (2) Lafayette Sherlock, died in Browne Hospital,
Louisville, Ky., July 8, 1864.
46. (3) Second Lieutenant John Sweet, died at 20th
Army Corps Field Hospital, Big Shanty,
Ga., August 13, 1864.
47. (4) Thomas G. Travers, died in 20th Corps Hos-
pital, Atlanta, Ga., September 28, 1864.
THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
(5
(6
(7
William H. Foster, captured on Sherman's
Campaign. Died at Florence, S. C, Jan-
uary 31, 1865.
Albert W. Townsend, captured and died at
Florence, S. C, January 31, 1865.
Edward Williams, died June 11, 1865 (no
other record).
Company H.
( 1 ) Nathaniel Barrett, died in Chattanooga Hos-
pital, May 12, 1864.
(2) Patrick Reagan, died in Field Hospital,
Resaca, Ga., May 22, 1864.
(3) William McCarthy, died in hospital, Chatta-
nooga, Tenn., May 28, 1864.
(4) Charles H. Wicker, died In Field Hospital,
Atlanta, Ga., August 8, 1864.
(5) Thomas Madden, died in Field Hospital, At-
lanta, Ga., September 22, 1864.
Company I.
(i) Charles E. Palmatier, died in hospital, Belger
Barracks, Baltimore, Md., April 2, 1863.
(2) Milton Odell, died in hospital, TuUahoma,
Tenn., April 18, 1864.
(3) James Whalen, died In a Nashville hospital,
August 15, 1864.
(4) John S. Mead, ciied at Poughkeepsie, October
15, 1862.
Company K.
60. ( I ) George A. Wagner, died in Alexandria, Va.,
October 10, 1863.
ROSTER OF REGIMENT. 507
6i. (2) Michael Burns, died in 20th Army Corps Hos-
pital, Atlanta, Ga., September 23, 1864.
RECAPITULATION.
Special Roll No. 15.
Co. A 10 Co. F 7
Co. B 4 Co. G 5
Co. C 4 Co. H 2
Co. D 2 Co. 1 5
Co. E 7 Co. K I
Total killed and died of wounds 47
RECAPITULATION.
Special Roll No. 16.
Co. A 6 Co. F 7
Co. B 4 Co. G 7
Co. C 12 Co. H 5
Co. D 6 Co. 1 4
Co. E 8 Co. K 2
Total deaths from disease 61
RECAPITULATION.
Rolls Nos. 15 and 16.
Co. A 16 Co. F 14
Co. B 8 Co. G 12
Co. C 16 Co. H 7
Co. D 8 Co. I 9
Co. E 15 Co. K 3
Total killed and died of disease 108
MISCELLANEOUS.
PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S ADDRESS AT GETTYS-
BURG, NOVEMBER 19, 1863.
"Four score and seven years ago, our Fathers brought
forth upon this continent a new Nation, conceived in Liberty
and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created
equal. Now we are engaged in a great Civil War ; testing
whether that Nation, or any Nation so conceived and so
dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-
field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of
that field as a final resting-place for those who here gave
their lives that that Nation might live. It is altogether fitting
and proper that we should do this.
But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate — we cannot con-
secrate— we cannot hallow — this ground. The brave men,
living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far
above our power to add or detract. The world will little
note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never
forget what they did here. It is for us, the living, rather,
to be here dedicated to the unfinished work which they who
fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather
for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining be-
fore us, — that from these honored dead we take increased
devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full meas-
ure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain — that this Nation, under God,
shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of
the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from
the earth.
"Abraham Lincoln."
MISCELLANEOUS. 509
"Executive Mansion,
"Washington, January 26, 1863.
"Major-General Hooker:
"General : I have placed you at the head of the Army of
the Potomac. Of course I have done this upon what appear
to me to be sufficient reasons, and yet I think it best for you
to know that there are some things in regard to which I am
not quite satisfied with you.
"I beheve you to be a brave and skilful soldier, which of
course I like.
"I also believe you do not mix politics with your profes-
sion, in which you are right.
"You have confidence in yourself, which is a valuable if not
an indispensable quality.
"You are ambitious, which, within reasonable bounds, does
good rather than harm ; but I think that during General Burn-
side's command of the army you have taken counsel of your
ambition and thwarted him as much as you could, in which
you did a great wrong to the country and to a most meri-
torious and honorable brother officer.
"I have heard, in such a way as to believe it, of your re-
cently saying that both the army and the government needed
a dictator. Of course it was not for this, but in spite of it,
that I have given you the command. Only those generals
who gain successes can set up dictators. What I now ask of
you is military success, and I will risk the dictatorship. The
government will support you to the utmost of its ability, which
is neither more nor less than it has done and will do for all
commanders. I much fear that the spirit which you have
aided to infuse into the army, of criticizing their commander
and withholding confidence from him, will now turn upon
you. I shall assist you as far as I can to put it down. Neither
you nor Napoleon, if he were alive again, could get any good
out of an army while such a spirit prevails in it. And now
beware of rashness ; beware of rashness, but with energy and
sleepless vigilance go forward and give us victories.
"Yours very truly,
"A. Lincoln/'
510 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
THE BIVOUAC OF THE DEAD.
(Written by Theodore O'Hara in 1847.)
The muffled drum's sad roll has beat
The soldier's last tattoo;
No more on life's parade shall meet
That brave and fallen few.
On fame's eternal camping ground
Their silent tents are spread,
And glory guards, with solemn round,
The bivouac of the dead.
No rumor of the foe's advance.
Now swells upon the wind;
No troubled thoughts at midnight haunts
Of loved ones left behind :
No vision of the morrow's strife
The warrior's dream alarms;
No braying horn nor screaming fife
At dawn shall call to arms.
Their shivered swords are red with rust,
Their plumed heads are bowed;
Their haughty banner, trailed in dust,
Is now their martial shroud.
And plenteous funeral tears have washed
The red stains from each brow.
And the proud forms, by battle gashed,
Are free from anguish now.
The neighing troop, the flashing blade.
The bugle's stirring blast;
The charge, the dreadful cannonade.
The din and shout, are passed ;
Nor war's wild note nor glory's peal
Shall thrill with fierce delight
Those breasts that nevermore may feel
The rapture of the fight.
MISCELLANEOUS. 511
Like the fierce northern hurricane
That sweeps his great plateau,
Flushed with the triumph yet to gain,
Came down the serried foe.
Who heard the thunder of the fray
Break o'er the field beneath,
Knew well the watchword of that day
Was "victory or death."
Long had the doubtful conflict raged
O'er all the stricken plain,
For never fiercer fight had waged
The vengeful blood of Spain;
And still the storm of battle blew,
Still swelled the gory tide ;
Not long our stout old chieftain knew
Such odds his strength could bide.
'Twas in that hour his stern command
Called to a martyr's grave
The flower of his beloved land.
The nation's flag to save.
By rivers of their father's gore
His first-born laurels grew.
And well he deemed the sons would pour
Their lives for glory, too.
Full many a norther's breath has swept
O'er Angostura's plain —
And long the pitying sky has wept
Above its mouldered slain.
The raven's scream or eagle's fight.
Or shepherd's pensive lay
Alone awakes each sullen height
That frowned o'er that dread fray.
512 THE DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIMENT.
Sons of the dark and bloody ground,
Ye must not slumber there,
Where stranger steps and tongues resound
Along the heedless air.
Your own proud land's heroic soil
Shall be your fitter grave;
She claims from war his richest spoil —
The ashes of her brave.
Thus 'neath their parent turf they rest,
Far from the gory field,
Borne to a Spartan mother's breast
On many a bloody shield;
The sunshine of their native sky
Smiles sadly on them here.
And kindred eyes and hearts watch by
The heroes' sepulchre.
Rest on, embalmed and sainted dead !
Dear as the blood ye gave;
No impious footsteps here shall tread
The herbage of your grave;
Nor shall your glory be forgot
While fame her record keeps,
Or honor paints the hallowed spot
Where valor proudly sleeps.
Yon marble minstrel's voiceless stone
In deathless song shall tell,
When many a vanished age hath flown,
The story how ye fell.
Nor wreck, nor change, nor winter's blight.
Nor time's remorseless doom.
Shall dim one ray of glory's light
That gilds your deathless tomb.
The losses of Officers
Union Army, have been
experienced statistician in
show:
Killed or died of wounds
Died of disease
Drowned ....
Other accidental deaths
Murdered ....
Killed after capture
Committed suicide .
Executed ....
Executed by enemy
Died from sunstroke
Other known causes
Causes not stated
Totals
and Men, and the causes, in the
tabulated by Mr. J. W. Kirkley, an
the Adjutant-General's office, and
Officers
Men
Aggregate
6,365
103,673
110,038
2,795
221,791
224,586
106
4,838
4,944
142
3.972
4,114
37
487
514
14
86
100
26
365
391
....
267
267
4
60
64
5
308
313
62
1,972
2,034
28
12,093
12,121
9,584 349.912 359,496
GENERAL STATISTICS
Comparative Statement of the Number of Men Furnished, and
of the Deaths in the Union Army during the War
MEN FURNISHED
STATES, TERRITORIES, &c.
White
Troops
Sailors and
Marines
Colored
Troops
In-
dians
Total
Aggre-
gate of
deaths
2,576
8,289
15,725
4,903
51,937
206
11,236
11,912
1,390
2,576
8,289
15.725
4,903
55,864
206
12,284
16,534
1,290
345
1,713
57S
California
2J63
94
1,353
333
Connecticut
Dakota
1,764
954
3,269
5,354
6
Delaware
882
290
Florida
215
Georgia
15
Illinois
255,057
193,748
76,797
18,069
51,743
5,224
64,973
33,995
122,781
85,479
23,913
545
100,616
3,157
1,080
33,930
67,500
6,561
409,561
3,156
304,814
1,810
315,017
19,521
31,092
1,965
32,549
2,224
1,078
5
1,811
1,557
440
2,080
23,703
250,092
196.363
76,242
20,149
75,760
5,224
70.107
46,638
146.73C
87,364
24,020
545
109,111
3,157
1,080
33,937
76,814
6,561
448,850
3,156
313,180
1,810
3«7,936
23,236
31,092
1,965
33,288
34,834
26,672
Iowa
13,001
Kansas
2,630
Kentucky
314
10,774
945
Maine
Maryland
5,030
3,925
19,983
498
3
151
104
8,719
3.966
1,387
104
9,398
2.982
Massachusetts
13 942
14,753
Minnesota
2,584
Mississippi
78
Missouri
8 344
13,885
239
Nevada
33
New Hampshire
882
8,129
125
1,185
4,882
5,754
277
35,164
4,125
46,534
360
Ohio
3,274
' " " '14,307
1,878
5,092
h',6n
1,837
35,475
45
Rhode Island .
Tennessee ....
33,183
1,321
6,777
Texas
619
120
141
5,224
Virginia
42
964
31,872
91,029
i96
165
'., '3,536
964
32,068
91,327
3,530
99.337
22
West Virginia
4,017
Wisconsin
133
12,801
Indian Nations
1,018
99,337
36,847
1,672
Corps)
106
552
Gen'l and Qen'l Staff Officers U.
243
239
Miscel's U. S. Vols, (brigade
332
Regular Army
5,978
Qrand aggregate
2 494,592
101,207
178,975
3,530
2,778,304
359,528