Numbers 18.] CONFEDERATE STATES COMMISSION, London, October 30, 1862.
Honorable J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of State. SIR: It becomes my painful duty to inform the Government of an occurrence which has recently happened on board the C. S. ship Sumter, lying in the Bay of Gibraltar. Captain Semmes and his officers having been transferred to the Alabama, the Sumter was left in charge of a midshipman and boat's crew only, a guard deemed sufficient by Captain Semmes. On the 14th of this month I received a telegram from Sergeant Stephenson, of the marines (one of those left in charge of the ship), that Acting Midshipman Andrews (in command(had been shot and killed by one of the men named Hester, who was master's mate; that Hester had been taken into custody by the civil authorities there and asking for instructions. I immediately replied by telegraph to Sergeant Stephenson directing him to take charge of the ship and the public property on board, and that an officer would be sent at once to relieve him. Lieutenant Chapman, a former officer of the Sumter, was then in Paris on duty assigned him by the Secretary of the Navy. In the emergency I wrote to and ordered him to proceed immediately to Gibraltar and take command of the ship, after the death of Midshipman Andrews and the arrest of the master's mate the only person on board having the semblance of authority being the sergeant of marines.
Some days after I received a letter dated on board the Sumter the 17th of October, signed by all the ship's crew (only nine in number), including the sergeant of marines, denouncing in strong terms the act of Hester as a cool, deliberate murder and promising that everything should be done by those on board to take care of the ship until further orders. I subsequently received two letters from a Mr. George F. Cornwell, dated respectively at Gibraltar the 17th and 22nd of October, informing me that he had been engaged as counsel by Hester, and stating that the latter fully owned the act and vindicated it on the ground that Midshipman Andrews had termination to take the vessel out of this port (Gibraltar) and give her up at Algeciras to the U. S. ship Supply, then in the latter port, and had threatened to shot any one who opposed his purpose. Mr. Hester not being (as he says) able to rely on the crew adopted this fatal course and believes that he has only done his duty. I should have stated above that in the letter from the crew of the Sumter no particulars of the affair were given nor anything stated as the cause of the act except as in the following paragraph quoted from that letter:
As regards the accusation made by Mr. Hester against Mr. Andrews being a traitor it is as far as we all know entirely without foundation, for he was one that was beloved and respected by all that knew him, more especially by his crew. Lieutenant Chapman came immediately to London on receipt of my letter (as the shortest route to Gibraltar) and sailed for that port in the mail packet on Monday last, the 27th instant. He should have arrived there yesterday. I instructed Lieutenant Chapman to make full inquiry into the affair and its circumstances and to report them accordingly. In the letters of Mr. Cornwell, the counsel, he reports the earnest request of Hester that I would provide means for his defense, and in his last letter a like earnest request that I would take measures to have the prisoner restored to the jurisdiction of the Confederate States, fearing the result of a trial by the British authorities. He further requests that measures be taken to have certain officers of the Sumter, including Lieutenant Chapman, brought as witnesses on his behalf at his trial. I can form no opinion of what it may be proper for me to do in the premises until I get the report of Lieutenant Chapman. Should there be reasonable foundation for the alleged belief of Hester that Andrews designed the surrender of the ship to the enemy I shall consider it my duty to do whatever may be found best to give him the full benefit of the proofs he may adduce. On the question of jurisdiction it would certainly be right that he should be tried under the authority of our Government, but even should the jurisdiction be yielded by the British Government, (which in our unrecognized condition is by no means certain) I should be at a great loss to know how to bring the prisoner to trial and what to do with him in the meantime. This, however, can be only or best determined after getting Lieutenant Chapman's report. I have further to state that in the dilemma arising out of his unfortunate affair, and with the entire concurrence and advice of Captains Bulloch and Sinclair, of the Navy, as well as of Lieutenant Chapman, I have determined to have the Sumter sold, and have taken measures to have the sale made by Captain Bulloch, the senior officer in the service here. Her armament and such stores of clothing, &c., as can be used in fitting out other ships will be reserved. Lieutenant Chapman's report shall be transmitted as soon as received to the Secretary of the Navy.I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. MASON
William Andrews, born Georgia. Appointed from Georgia. Acting Midshipman, July 20, 1861. Killed at Gibraltar on C. S. S. Sumter, October 15, 1862, by Acting Masters Mate Joseph T. Hester.
Joseph T. Hester, born--Appointed from--Acting Masters Mate, April 1, 1862. Served on C. S. S. Sumter, 1862. Imprisoned at Gibraltar, for the murder of Midshipman William Andrews, October 15, 1862.
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
James W. Cooke.
James W. Cooke.Birth: Aug. 23, 1812, Beaufort, Carteret County, North Carolina.
Death: Jun. 21, 1869, Portsmouth, Portsmouth City, Virginia.
James Wallace Cooke was born to Thomas and Esther (Wallace) Cooke in Beaufort, NC on Aug. 23 1812. His father, a successful merchant, was lost at sea in a hurricane off the banks of NC in Sept. 1815. James was orphaned the following year when his mother died of consumption. James and his younger sister were taken in by their father's brother, Henry Marchant Cooke, also of Beaufort, NC. Henry Cooke, the Customs collector at the port of Beaufort, got his nephew James an appointment to the US Naval Academy at age 15. He rose to the rank of lieutenant in the US Navy but resigned his commission to join the Confederate Navy. The high point of his career was his involvement with the construction of the RAM Ironclad, CSS Abermarle. He was the ironclad's first captain and he played a successful role in the battles of Plymouth and Abermarle Sound. He was North Carolina's highest ranking officer in the Confederate Navy. He died on June 21, 1869 in Portsmouth, Va.
Parents: Thomas Cooke (1787 - 1815)
Esther Mihetable Wallace Cooke (1795 - 1816)
Burial: Cedar Grove Cemetery, Portsmouth, Portsmouth City, Virginia. Cooke, James W.
Born in North Carolina. Appointed from North Carolina. Resigned as lientenant, U. S. Navy, July 2, 1861. Served in Virginia Navy till transfer. Lieutenant, C. S. Navy, June 11, 1861. Commander, July 15, 1862. Captain Provisional Navy, June 10, 1864. "Promoted for gallant and meritorious conduct in command of the ironclad steam sloop Albemarle on the 19th, 20th, and 2l8t of April, 1864, in attacking the enemy's ships and l)atteries, and in cooperation with the army in the capture of the town of Plymouth, N. C., and in the action of the 5th of May, 1864, between the sloop Albemarle, under his command, and nine of the enemy's gunboats in Albemarle Sound." Naval batteries, Aquia Creek, Potomac River, 1861. Ordered to command C. S. S. Edwards, October 3, 1861. Commanding C. S. S. FMis, 1861-62; battle of Roanoke Island, N. C, February 7-8, 1862; wounded; captured; paroled February 12, 1862. Commanding C. S. S. Albemarle in the Confederate attack upon Plymouth, N. C, April 19, 1864. Commanding inland waters of North Carolina, 1864.
Tuesday, December 04, 2012
James H. Flower.
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Thomas Goldthurst Colt.
Thomas Goldthurst Colt.
Brith: 1843 or 1842, Pittsfield.
Age: 40 or 41.
Occupation: Farmer.
Father: Henry Goldthurst Colt.
Mother: Elizabeth Colt.
Death: May 10, 1883, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
Captain Thomas G. Colt, Thirty-seventh Massachusetts Volunteers, acting assistant adjutant-general, to be brevet major, for marked gallantry April 2, 1865, and to be brevet lieutenant-colonel, for meritorious services at battle of Little Sailor's Creek, April 6, 1865.
To be assistant adjutant-generals with the rank of captain.
Captain Thomas G. Colt, of the Thirty-seventh Massachusetts Volunteers.
From the Regimental History.
Captain Colt was one of the most popular officers in the regiment on account of his unwavering courage, quick military genius, warm social nature and untiring interest in the welfare of all with whom he came in contact. Returning to his home in Pittsfield, he retained ever a keen interest in all that pertained to his much-loved regiment. His early death, which occurred from pneumonia on the l0th of May, 1883, at the age of 41, was deeply mourned by a wide circle of comrades and friends in all walks ot life.
Brith: 1843 or 1842, Pittsfield.
Age: 40 or 41.
Occupation: Farmer.
Father: Henry Goldthurst Colt.
Mother: Elizabeth Colt.
Death: May 10, 1883, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
Captain Thomas G. Colt, Thirty-seventh Massachusetts Volunteers, acting assistant adjutant-general, to be brevet major, for marked gallantry April 2, 1865, and to be brevet lieutenant-colonel, for meritorious services at battle of Little Sailor's Creek, April 6, 1865.
To be assistant adjutant-generals with the rank of captain.
Captain Thomas G. Colt, of the Thirty-seventh Massachusetts Volunteers.
From the Regimental History.
Captain Colt was one of the most popular officers in the regiment on account of his unwavering courage, quick military genius, warm social nature and untiring interest in the welfare of all with whom he came in contact. Returning to his home in Pittsfield, he retained ever a keen interest in all that pertained to his much-loved regiment. His early death, which occurred from pneumonia on the l0th of May, 1883, at the age of 41, was deeply mourned by a wide circle of comrades and friends in all walks ot life.
Monday, December 03, 2012
George Lowry or Lawery 56th., Ohio Infantry.
Colonel KINNEY, Fifty-sixth Ohio.
I answered this note in effect that our orders were to "return to Memphis as soon as the bridge was completed or as soon as General Sherman's division came up," and that I was now acting in obedience to that order and preparing to return. An orderly soon cam down with the information that the Fifty-second Indiana were coming to guard the bridge. After reaching the neighborhood of Colliersville and on down until this side of Germantown the enemy were hovering all around us, but our dispositions for defense probably deterred them from making an attack. George Lowry, drummer, Company K, straggling to the front against positive orders, was captured by the enemy. I append a list of the prisoners taken from the train and belonging to this command.
I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,W. H. RAYNOR,Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Fifty-sixth Ohio Regiment.
George Lowry or Lawery, Private, Age 21, Enlisted December 12, 1861, for 3 years. Captured June 27, 1862, at Germantown, Tennessee, exchanged August 30, 1862. Transfered to company C., Battalion, January 26, 1864. Veteran.
I answered this note in effect that our orders were to "return to Memphis as soon as the bridge was completed or as soon as General Sherman's division came up," and that I was now acting in obedience to that order and preparing to return. An orderly soon cam down with the information that the Fifty-second Indiana were coming to guard the bridge. After reaching the neighborhood of Colliersville and on down until this side of Germantown the enemy were hovering all around us, but our dispositions for defense probably deterred them from making an attack. George Lowry, drummer, Company K, straggling to the front against positive orders, was captured by the enemy. I append a list of the prisoners taken from the train and belonging to this command.
I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,W. H. RAYNOR,Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Fifty-sixth Ohio Regiment.
George Lowry or Lawery, Private, Age 21, Enlisted December 12, 1861, for 3 years. Captured June 27, 1862, at Germantown, Tennessee, exchanged August 30, 1862. Transfered to company C., Battalion, January 26, 1864. Veteran.
Sunday, December 02, 2012
Confederate Navy Prisoners Of Fort Warren,1862.
All these men were being held at Fort Warren as prisoners of war. I happen to ran across a book that list all the officers of the Confederate Navy. Most all the men listed here is in that book I will list as much information as i can on each man.
For those of you who didn't find a ancestor or name of interest you may request a look up. My address can be found in my profile.
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Assistant Paymaster L. E. Brooks, C. S. Navy.
Brooks, Leslie E., Born in Alabama. Appointed from Alaliama. Assistant paymaster, March 18, 1862. Assistant paymaster Provisional Na\'y, .lune 2, 1864. On C. S. S. Louisiana when destroyed, April 28, 1862. I'risoner in Fort Warren. C. 8. S. Chattahoochie, 1862-63. Naval station, Columbus, 1863-64. Waiting orders, 1864.
Captain's Clerk William B. Clark, C. S. Navy.
Clarke, William B., Born in--Appointed from--Captain's clerk (Commander John K.Mitchell). Surrendered at Forts Jackson and St. Philip, La., April 28, 1862.
Second Assistant Engineer Orrin Culver, C. S. Navy.
Culver, Orel (Orrel or Orrin?), Born in--Appointed from Second assistant engineer, October 7, 1861. On C. S. S. Manassas when destroyed. C. S. S. Louisiana; taken jjrisoner at capture of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862 j conliueil in Fort Warren.
Carpenter Virginius Cherry, C. S. Navy.
Cherry, Virginius, Boru in--Appointed from--Carpenter (no date), Taken prisoner at the surrender of P^orts Jackson and St. Pliilip, April 28, 1862; took oath of allegiance to the United States on the passage to Fort Warren.
Third Assistant Engineer John H. Dent, C. S. Navy.
Dent, John H., Born in Alabama. Appointed from Alabama. Acting third assistant engineer, May 11, 1861. Second assistant engineer, May 21, 1863. Second assistant engineer Provisional Navy, June 2, 1864. Served on C. ii.H. Mvlxae, 1862. C. S. S. Louisiana, 1862; prisoner at surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862; sent to Fort Warren. C. S. S. Chattahoochie, 1862-63. C. S. S. Fatrick Ecnry, 1863. C. S. S. Charleston, 1863-64. C. S. S. Coquette, 1864.
Third Assistant Engineer Joseph Elliott, C. S. Navy.
Elliott, Joseph, Born in--Appointed from--Acting third assistant engineer, October 3, 1861. Resigned April 11, 1863. Served on C. S. floating battery New Orleans, 1862. C. S. S. Louisiana; taken prisoner at Fort St. Philip, May, 1862; took oath of allegiance on passage to Fort Warren.
Second Assistant Engineer Henry Fagan, C. S. Navy.
Fagan, Henry, Born in Florida. Appointed from District of Columbia. Formerly third assistant engineer U. S. Navy. Original entry into C. S. Navy, July 23, 1861. Second assistant engineer, December 25, 1861. Died May 30, 1863, from the effects of boiler explosion on C. S. S. Chattahoochie. Served on C. S. S. AfcBae; taken prisoner at surrender of Forts Jackson and St Philip, April 28, 1862. C. S. S. Chattahoochie, 1863.
Asst. Surg. Joseph D. Grafton, C. S. Navy.
Grafton, Joseph D. , Born in Missouri. Appointed from Arkansas. Formerly assistant surgeon, U. S. Navy. Assistant surgeon, June 6, 1861. Passed assistant surgeon, October 25, 1862. Drowned May 29, 1863. On C. S. S. Louinidiia at surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862; imprisoned at Fort Warren. Reported on ('. S. S. Florida November 4, 1862 ; sent to bark Lapwing March 28, 1863 ; returned to Florida May 3, 1863.
Lieutenant Frank M. Harris, C. S. Navy.
Harris, Frank M., Born in--Appointed from . Master not in line of promotion, December 14,1861. Master not in line of promotion Provisional Navv, June 2, 1864. On C. S. S. Manassas when destroyed April 24, 1862. C. S. S. Louisiana; captured at the surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862; imprisoned .'it Fort AVarren. Ordered to duty under Acting Master T. E. Hogg, C. S. Navy, May, 1864, expedition for tlie capture of Panama steamer. Captured on prize steamer Youn;/ Republic, 1864.
Second Assistant Engineer James Harris, C. S. Navy.
Harris, James, born in--Appointed from--Second assistant engineer, 1862. Served on C. S. S. Louisiana; captured at the surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862.
Third Assistant Engineer Theodore Hart, C. S. Navy.
Hart, Theodore, Born in--Appointed from--Third nssistant fngineer (no date), Served on C. S. S. Loumaua, captunsd at sirrender of FortH .Jackson and 8t. Philip, April 28, 18G2, and took oath of allegiance to United States on passage to Fort Warren, May, 1862.
Lieutenant Beverly Kennon, C. S. Navy.
Kennon, Beverly, Born in Virginia. Appointed from Virginia. Resigned as lieutenant U. S. Navy, April 23, 1861. Lieutenant, .June 15, 1861. Resigned, 1861. Asks to be allowed to withdraw his resignation, January 7, 1862. Lieutenant for the war (nominated), August 20, 1862. First lieutenant Provisional Navy (nominated), to rank from July 23, 1864. Special duty, New Orleans, 1861. Commanding Louisiana State steamer C!nrernor Moore, 1862. Prisoner, Fort Warren, May, 1862. Served for nine months without rank or pay.
Commander John K. Mitchell, C. S. Navy.
Mitchell, John K, Born in North Carolina. Appointed from Florida. Formerly commander, U. S. Navy. Commander, November 11, 1861. Commander, October 23, 1862, to rank from March 26, 1861, Commanding naval force. Lower Mississippi River, at the surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862. Prisoner in Fort Warren, 1862. Chief Bureau Orders and Detail, 1863-64. Assumed command of James River Squadron, May 7, 1864; C.S.ii. Bichmond, flagship till May 18, 1864; later Virginia (No. 2) ; transferred command to Rear-Admiral Semmes, February 18, 1865.
Third Assistant Engineer Thomas Menzies, C. S. Navy.
Menzies, Thomas A. Born in Maryland. Appointed from Maryland. Third assistant engineer, October 7, 1863. Kesigned, January 4, 1864. Served on C.S.S. Nansemond, 1862-63. C.S. S. Manassas when destroyed, April 24, 1862. C. S. S. Louisiana; captured April 28, 1862, at surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip. Prisoner, Fort Warren. Ordered to Charleston, S. C, July 10, 1863. Savannah Squadron; detached from C. S. S. Savannah, September 2, 1863.
Third Assistant Engineer William Newman, C. S. Navy.
Newman, William, Born in--Appointed from--Third assistant engineer (no date), Resigned June 2, 1863. Served on CS S. Manassas, 1862. C. S. S. Louisiana at the surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862; prisoner; taken to Fort Warren.
Second Assistant Engineer Milton Parsons, C. S. Navy.
Parsons, Milton T. Born in--Appointed from--Second assistant engineer (no date), Served on C. S. S. Louisiana; captured at tlie surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862; prisoner in Fort Warren, 1862.
Purser's Steward David Porter, C. S. Navy.
Not on file.
Captain's Clerk George Taylor, C. S. Navy.
Taylor, George, Born in--Appointed from--Captain's clerk, Surrendered, April 28, 1862.
Third Assistant Engineer James H. Tombs, C. S. Navy.
Tombs, James H., Bom in Florida. Appointrd from Florida. Declined appointment as third assistaut engineer, U.. S. Navy, April 24, I861. Third assistant engineer, C. S. Navy, June 2, 1861. Second assistant engineer, September 5, 1863 First
assistant engineer, August 15, 1863. Chief engineer Piovisional Navy, June 2, 1864, to rank from October .5, 1863. "Nominated by Davis to be promoted for gallant and meritorious conduct in expedition to attempt destruction of U. S. ironclnd frigate New Ironside, in Charleston Harbor, on the night of October 5, 1863, and to rank from that date." Served on C. S. S. Meliae, Mobih; Squadron. On C. S. S. Louisiana at the time of surrender of Forts .Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862. C. S. S. Chicora, Charleston Squadron, 1862-1864.
Lieutenant John Wilkinson, C. S. Navy.
Wilkinson, John, Born in Virginia. Appointed from Virginia. Formerly lieutenant, C. S. Navy. First lieutenant, June 10, 1861. First lieutenant, October 23, 1862, to rank from October 2, 1862. First lieutenant Provisional Navy (nominated), Jinie 2, 1864, to rank from January 6, 1864.
Lieutenant William H. Ward, C. S. Navy.
Ward, William H, Born in Virginia. Appointed from Virginia. Formerly lieutenant, U. S. Navy. Master, not in line of promotion, October 26, 1861 (acceptance). First lieutenant, October 23, 1862, to rank from October 2, 1862. First lieutenant Provisional Navy, .June 2, 1864, to rank from January 6, 1864. Arrested and confined as a military prisoner in Fort Lafayette, August 31, 1861. Gosport Navy- Yard, 1862 ; transferred to New Orleans, March 31, 1862. C. S. S. Louisiana ; surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862. C. S. S. Richmond, 1S&2-63. C. S. S. Palmetto State, 1863-64. C. S. S. Tallahassee, l861. C. S. S. Jtichmond, .lames River Squadron, 1864. Commanding C. S. S. Ckickamauga, December, 1864.
Lieutenant William C. Whittle, Jr., C. S. Navy.
Whittle, William C, jr., Born in Virginia. Appointed from Virginia. Resigned as master, C. S. Navy, May 15, 1861. Served as lieutenant in the Virginia Navy. Acting ma.stcr, C. S. Navy, Jnne 16, 1861. Acting lieutenant, September 19, 1861. Lieutenant for the war, February 8, 1862. First lieutenant, February 8, 1862. First lieutenant, October 2.3, 1863, to rank from October 2, 1862. First lieutenant Provisional Navy, June 2, 1864, to rank from Jannary 6, 1864. Served on C. S. S. Nashville, 1861-62. C. S. S. Louisiana, at the surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862. Prisoner at Fort Warren. C. S. S. Chattahoochie, 1862-63. Special service abroad, 1863-64. C. S. S. Shenandoah, 1865.
Lieutenant Alex. F. Warley, C. S. Navy.
Warley, Alexander P. ( F.), Born in South Carolina. Appointed from South Carolina. Eesigned as lieutenant, U. S. Navy, December 24, 1860. First lieutenant, March 26, 1861.First lieutenant, October 23, 1862, to rank from October 2, 1862. First lieutenant Provisional Navy, June 2, l!-!64, to rank from Janiuiry 6,1864. Commanding C. S. S. Manassas when destroyed, April 24, 1862. C. S. S. Louisiana, at surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862. Prisoner at Fort
Warren. C. S. S. Palmetto State, 1862-63. Naval station, Charleston, S. C, 1863-64. Commanding C. S. S. Jl'ater Witch, 1864 ; detached September 9, 1864. Ordered to command C.S.S. Albemarle, September 10, 1864. Detached from Charleston Squadron, March 21, 1865.
Third Assistant Engineer James Waters, C. S. Navy.
Waters, James, Born in--Appointed from--Acting third assistant engineer, November 5, 1861 (acceptance.).Served on C.S S. Bed Rover; reported November 7, 1861. C.S.ii. Lonisiana at the surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862; prisoner on U. S. S. Clifton.
Second Assistant Engineer George T. Weaver, C. S. Navy.
"Weaver, George J. ( T. ), Horn in--Appointed from--Second assistant engineer, January 10, 1862 (acceptance). Served on C. S. S. Manassas C. S. S. Louisiana at surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28,1862. Prisoncr at Fort Warren . Mobile Squadron, surrendered May 4, 1865; paroled May 10, 1865.
Gunner James Wilson, C. S. Navy.
Wilson, James, Born in--Appointed from--Gunner (no date), Captured at tle surrender of Forts Jackson and 8t. Pliilip, April 28, 1862; took oath of allegiance to tlie United States on passage to Fort Warren.
Chief Engineer William Youngblood, C. S. Navy.
Youngblood, Wilson, ( William ), Born in . Appointed from . Original entry into C. S. Navy, .January 23, 1863. Firet assistant engineer, August 15, 1863. Chief engineer (nominated), to rank from Octobiu- 26, 186)4. Served on C. S. S. Louisiana; captured at the surrender of Forts .Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862. * H. A. F. Young resigned as master, U. S. Navy, May 15, 1861.
Flag-Officer Samuel Barron, C. S. Navy.
Barron, Samuel, Born in Virginia. Appoiated from Virginia. Formerly captain, U. S. Navy. Served as captain in tlie Virginia Navy, in cluirge of office of naval detail and equipment, April to June, 1861. Captain C. 8. Navy, .June 5, 1861, to rank from March 26, 1861. Captain. Provisional Navy, June 2, 1864, to rank from May 13, 1863. Virginia Defenses, 1861. Prisoner at attack on Forts Hatteras and Clarke, N. C, August 29, 1861 ; exchanged 1862. Flag-officer commanding naval forces in Europe, 1862-64.
For those of you who didn't find a ancestor or name of interest you may request a look up. My address can be found in my profile.
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Assistant Paymaster L. E. Brooks, C. S. Navy.
Brooks, Leslie E., Born in Alabama. Appointed from Alaliama. Assistant paymaster, March 18, 1862. Assistant paymaster Provisional Na\'y, .lune 2, 1864. On C. S. S. Louisiana when destroyed, April 28, 1862. I'risoner in Fort Warren. C. 8. S. Chattahoochie, 1862-63. Naval station, Columbus, 1863-64. Waiting orders, 1864.
Captain's Clerk William B. Clark, C. S. Navy.
Clarke, William B., Born in--Appointed from--Captain's clerk (Commander John K.Mitchell). Surrendered at Forts Jackson and St. Philip, La., April 28, 1862.
Second Assistant Engineer Orrin Culver, C. S. Navy.
Culver, Orel (Orrel or Orrin?), Born in--Appointed from Second assistant engineer, October 7, 1861. On C. S. S. Manassas when destroyed. C. S. S. Louisiana; taken jjrisoner at capture of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862 j conliueil in Fort Warren.
Carpenter Virginius Cherry, C. S. Navy.
Cherry, Virginius, Boru in--Appointed from--Carpenter (no date), Taken prisoner at the surrender of P^orts Jackson and St. Pliilip, April 28, 1862; took oath of allegiance to the United States on the passage to Fort Warren.
Third Assistant Engineer John H. Dent, C. S. Navy.
Dent, John H., Born in Alabama. Appointed from Alabama. Acting third assistant engineer, May 11, 1861. Second assistant engineer, May 21, 1863. Second assistant engineer Provisional Navy, June 2, 1864. Served on C. ii.H. Mvlxae, 1862. C. S. S. Louisiana, 1862; prisoner at surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862; sent to Fort Warren. C. S. S. Chattahoochie, 1862-63. C. S. S. Fatrick Ecnry, 1863. C. S. S. Charleston, 1863-64. C. S. S. Coquette, 1864.
Third Assistant Engineer Joseph Elliott, C. S. Navy.
Elliott, Joseph, Born in--Appointed from--Acting third assistant engineer, October 3, 1861. Resigned April 11, 1863. Served on C. S. floating battery New Orleans, 1862. C. S. S. Louisiana; taken prisoner at Fort St. Philip, May, 1862; took oath of allegiance on passage to Fort Warren.
Second Assistant Engineer Henry Fagan, C. S. Navy.
Fagan, Henry, Born in Florida. Appointed from District of Columbia. Formerly third assistant engineer U. S. Navy. Original entry into C. S. Navy, July 23, 1861. Second assistant engineer, December 25, 1861. Died May 30, 1863, from the effects of boiler explosion on C. S. S. Chattahoochie. Served on C. S. S. AfcBae; taken prisoner at surrender of Forts Jackson and St Philip, April 28, 1862. C. S. S. Chattahoochie, 1863.
Asst. Surg. Joseph D. Grafton, C. S. Navy.
Grafton, Joseph D. , Born in Missouri. Appointed from Arkansas. Formerly assistant surgeon, U. S. Navy. Assistant surgeon, June 6, 1861. Passed assistant surgeon, October 25, 1862. Drowned May 29, 1863. On C. S. S. Louinidiia at surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862; imprisoned at Fort Warren. Reported on ('. S. S. Florida November 4, 1862 ; sent to bark Lapwing March 28, 1863 ; returned to Florida May 3, 1863.
Lieutenant Frank M. Harris, C. S. Navy.
Harris, Frank M., Born in--Appointed from . Master not in line of promotion, December 14,1861. Master not in line of promotion Provisional Navv, June 2, 1864. On C. S. S. Manassas when destroyed April 24, 1862. C. S. S. Louisiana; captured at the surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862; imprisoned .'it Fort AVarren. Ordered to duty under Acting Master T. E. Hogg, C. S. Navy, May, 1864, expedition for tlie capture of Panama steamer. Captured on prize steamer Youn;/ Republic, 1864.
Second Assistant Engineer James Harris, C. S. Navy.
Harris, James, born in--Appointed from--Second assistant engineer, 1862. Served on C. S. S. Louisiana; captured at the surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862.
Third Assistant Engineer Theodore Hart, C. S. Navy.
Hart, Theodore, Born in--Appointed from--Third nssistant fngineer (no date), Served on C. S. S. Loumaua, captunsd at sirrender of FortH .Jackson and 8t. Philip, April 28, 18G2, and took oath of allegiance to United States on passage to Fort Warren, May, 1862.
Lieutenant Beverly Kennon, C. S. Navy.
Kennon, Beverly, Born in Virginia. Appointed from Virginia. Resigned as lieutenant U. S. Navy, April 23, 1861. Lieutenant, .June 15, 1861. Resigned, 1861. Asks to be allowed to withdraw his resignation, January 7, 1862. Lieutenant for the war (nominated), August 20, 1862. First lieutenant Provisional Navy (nominated), to rank from July 23, 1864. Special duty, New Orleans, 1861. Commanding Louisiana State steamer C!nrernor Moore, 1862. Prisoner, Fort Warren, May, 1862. Served for nine months without rank or pay.
Commander John K. Mitchell, C. S. Navy.
Mitchell, John K, Born in North Carolina. Appointed from Florida. Formerly commander, U. S. Navy. Commander, November 11, 1861. Commander, October 23, 1862, to rank from March 26, 1861, Commanding naval force. Lower Mississippi River, at the surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862. Prisoner in Fort Warren, 1862. Chief Bureau Orders and Detail, 1863-64. Assumed command of James River Squadron, May 7, 1864; C.S.ii. Bichmond, flagship till May 18, 1864; later Virginia (No. 2) ; transferred command to Rear-Admiral Semmes, February 18, 1865.
Third Assistant Engineer Thomas Menzies, C. S. Navy.
Menzies, Thomas A. Born in Maryland. Appointed from Maryland. Third assistant engineer, October 7, 1863. Kesigned, January 4, 1864. Served on C.S.S. Nansemond, 1862-63. C.S. S. Manassas when destroyed, April 24, 1862. C. S. S. Louisiana; captured April 28, 1862, at surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip. Prisoner, Fort Warren. Ordered to Charleston, S. C, July 10, 1863. Savannah Squadron; detached from C. S. S. Savannah, September 2, 1863.
Third Assistant Engineer William Newman, C. S. Navy.
Newman, William, Born in--Appointed from--Third assistant engineer (no date), Resigned June 2, 1863. Served on CS S. Manassas, 1862. C. S. S. Louisiana at the surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862; prisoner; taken to Fort Warren.
Second Assistant Engineer Milton Parsons, C. S. Navy.
Parsons, Milton T. Born in--Appointed from--Second assistant engineer (no date), Served on C. S. S. Louisiana; captured at tlie surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862; prisoner in Fort Warren, 1862.
Purser's Steward David Porter, C. S. Navy.
Not on file.
Captain's Clerk George Taylor, C. S. Navy.
Taylor, George, Born in--Appointed from--Captain's clerk, Surrendered, April 28, 1862.
Third Assistant Engineer James H. Tombs, C. S. Navy.
Tombs, James H., Bom in Florida. Appointrd from Florida. Declined appointment as third assistaut engineer, U.. S. Navy, April 24, I861. Third assistant engineer, C. S. Navy, June 2, 1861. Second assistant engineer, September 5, 1863 First
assistant engineer, August 15, 1863. Chief engineer Piovisional Navy, June 2, 1864, to rank from October .5, 1863. "Nominated by Davis to be promoted for gallant and meritorious conduct in expedition to attempt destruction of U. S. ironclnd frigate New Ironside, in Charleston Harbor, on the night of October 5, 1863, and to rank from that date." Served on C. S. S. Meliae, Mobih; Squadron. On C. S. S. Louisiana at the time of surrender of Forts .Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862. C. S. S. Chicora, Charleston Squadron, 1862-1864.
Lieutenant John Wilkinson, C. S. Navy.
Wilkinson, John, Born in Virginia. Appointed from Virginia. Formerly lieutenant, C. S. Navy. First lieutenant, June 10, 1861. First lieutenant, October 23, 1862, to rank from October 2, 1862. First lieutenant Provisional Navy (nominated), Jinie 2, 1864, to rank from January 6, 1864.
Lieutenant William H. Ward, C. S. Navy.
Ward, William H, Born in Virginia. Appointed from Virginia. Formerly lieutenant, U. S. Navy. Master, not in line of promotion, October 26, 1861 (acceptance). First lieutenant, October 23, 1862, to rank from October 2, 1862. First lieutenant Provisional Navy, .June 2, 1864, to rank from January 6, 1864. Arrested and confined as a military prisoner in Fort Lafayette, August 31, 1861. Gosport Navy- Yard, 1862 ; transferred to New Orleans, March 31, 1862. C. S. S. Louisiana ; surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862. C. S. S. Richmond, 1S&2-63. C. S. S. Palmetto State, 1863-64. C. S. S. Tallahassee, l861. C. S. S. Jtichmond, .lames River Squadron, 1864. Commanding C. S. S. Ckickamauga, December, 1864.
Lieutenant William C. Whittle, Jr., C. S. Navy.
Whittle, William C, jr., Born in Virginia. Appointed from Virginia. Resigned as master, C. S. Navy, May 15, 1861. Served as lieutenant in the Virginia Navy. Acting ma.stcr, C. S. Navy, Jnne 16, 1861. Acting lieutenant, September 19, 1861. Lieutenant for the war, February 8, 1862. First lieutenant, February 8, 1862. First lieutenant, October 2.3, 1863, to rank from October 2, 1862. First lieutenant Provisional Navy, June 2, 1864, to rank from Jannary 6, 1864. Served on C. S. S. Nashville, 1861-62. C. S. S. Louisiana, at the surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862. Prisoner at Fort Warren. C. S. S. Chattahoochie, 1862-63. Special service abroad, 1863-64. C. S. S. Shenandoah, 1865.
Lieutenant Alex. F. Warley, C. S. Navy.
Warley, Alexander P. ( F.), Born in South Carolina. Appointed from South Carolina. Eesigned as lieutenant, U. S. Navy, December 24, 1860. First lieutenant, March 26, 1861.First lieutenant, October 23, 1862, to rank from October 2, 1862. First lieutenant Provisional Navy, June 2, l!-!64, to rank from Janiuiry 6,1864. Commanding C. S. S. Manassas when destroyed, April 24, 1862. C. S. S. Louisiana, at surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862. Prisoner at Fort
Warren. C. S. S. Palmetto State, 1862-63. Naval station, Charleston, S. C, 1863-64. Commanding C. S. S. Jl'ater Witch, 1864 ; detached September 9, 1864. Ordered to command C.S.S. Albemarle, September 10, 1864. Detached from Charleston Squadron, March 21, 1865.
Third Assistant Engineer James Waters, C. S. Navy.
Waters, James, Born in--Appointed from--Acting third assistant engineer, November 5, 1861 (acceptance.).Served on C.S S. Bed Rover; reported November 7, 1861. C.S.ii. Lonisiana at the surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862; prisoner on U. S. S. Clifton.
Second Assistant Engineer George T. Weaver, C. S. Navy.
"Weaver, George J. ( T. ), Horn in--Appointed from--Second assistant engineer, January 10, 1862 (acceptance). Served on C. S. S. Manassas C. S. S. Louisiana at surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 28,1862. Prisoncr at Fort Warren . Mobile Squadron, surrendered May 4, 1865; paroled May 10, 1865.
Gunner James Wilson, C. S. Navy.
Wilson, James, Born in--Appointed from--Gunner (no date), Captured at tle surrender of Forts Jackson and 8t. Pliilip, April 28, 1862; took oath of allegiance to tlie United States on passage to Fort Warren.
Chief Engineer William Youngblood, C. S. Navy.
Youngblood, Wilson, ( William ), Born in . Appointed from . Original entry into C. S. Navy, .January 23, 1863. Firet assistant engineer, August 15, 1863. Chief engineer (nominated), to rank from Octobiu- 26, 186)4. Served on C. S. S. Louisiana; captured at the surrender of Forts .Jackson and St. Philip, April 28, 1862. * H. A. F. Young resigned as master, U. S. Navy, May 15, 1861.
Flag-Officer Samuel Barron, C. S. Navy.
Barron, Samuel, Born in Virginia. Appoiated from Virginia. Formerly captain, U. S. Navy. Served as captain in tlie Virginia Navy, in cluirge of office of naval detail and equipment, April to June, 1861. Captain C. 8. Navy, .June 5, 1861, to rank from March 26, 1861. Captain. Provisional Navy, June 2, 1864, to rank from May 13, 1863. Virginia Defenses, 1861. Prisoner at attack on Forts Hatteras and Clarke, N. C, August 29, 1861 ; exchanged 1862. Flag-officer commanding naval forces in Europe, 1862-64.
Saturday, December 01, 2012
COMMANDER GEORGE UPHAM MORRIS. U.S.N.
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COMMANDER GEORGE UPHAM MORRIS. U.S.N.
(deceased).
(deceased).
Commander George Upham Morris was born in Massachusetts, June 3, 1830, and died at the Jordan Alum Springs, in Virginia, in August, 1875. He was the son of Commodore Charles Morris, one of the best known and most respected of our older naval officers, both on account of personal character and professional ability.
Commander Morris entered the navy as midshipman in August, 1846; became lieutenant in September,1855;, and was promoted commander July 25, 1866.
When the iron-clad ram " Merrimac" came out from Norfolk, on the 8th of March, 1862, and attacked the " Congress" and " Cumberland" at Newport News, Morris, who was executive-officer of the last-named ship, was in temporal command, and distinguished himself in the highest degree by his conduct on that occasion. "As her guns approached the water's edge," said the Secretary of the Navy in his annual report, " her young commander, Lieutenant Morris, and the gallant crew stood firm at their posts and delivered a parting fire, and the good ship went down heroically, with her colors Flying."
It was but a very few minutes from the time the " Merrimac's" ram struck the vessel until she was at the bottom. A large number perished with the vessel, but m. in)- of the officers and men, Lieutenant Morris among them, managed to reach the shore, where they manned the batteries in the intienchnients, to resist Magrudcr's force, coming from Yorktown to cooperate with the " Merrimac."
In May, 1862, Commander Morris was ordered to the command of the steam gun-vessel " Port Royal." In her he had an engagement with a nine-gun battery on the James River, and was subsequently wounded during an engagement with Fort Darling.
In February, 1864, he was engaged with Fort Powell, at Grant's Pass, in the " Port Royal."
Commander Morris was retired less than a year before his death, the date of which is given above.
It was but a very few minutes from the time the " Merrimac's" ram struck the vessel until she was at the bottom. A large number perished with the vessel, but m. in)- of the officers and men, Lieutenant Morris among them, managed to reach the shore, where they manned the batteries in the intienchnients, to resist Magrudcr's force, coming from Yorktown to cooperate with the " Merrimac."
In May, 1862, Commander Morris was ordered to the command of the steam gun-vessel " Port Royal." In her he had an engagement with a nine-gun battery on the James River, and was subsequently wounded during an engagement with Fort Darling.
In February, 1864, he was engaged with Fort Powell, at Grant's Pass, in the " Port Royal."
Commander Morris was retired less than a year before his death, the date of which is given above.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Benjamin Trumbull Kneeland.
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Birth: 1825, Marcellus, Onondaga County, New York.
Death: 1905, Nunda, Livingston County, New York.
Benjamin had a son, George Kneeland.
Spouse: Harriet Niles Kneeland (1826 - 1910.)
Burial: Hunts Hollow Cemetery, Portage, Livingston County, New York.
BENJAMIN T—Age, 37 years. Enrolled, July 29, 1862, at Suffolk, Va.; mustered in as surgeon, July 29, 1862, to serve three years; mustered out, June 30, 1865, at Clouds Mills, Va.; commissioned surgeon, November 1, 1862, with rank from July 28, 1862, original.
A note from the regimental history.
None of us will ever forget our thorough medical examination by Surgeon Kneeland; how he stripped, pounded, pinched, and pulled us, examining every limb, bone, muscle, and tooth, tested our hearts and lungs, accepting only those he could pronounce " sound as a new silver dollar".
Colo. Freeman Conner, Battle Report.
Numbers 200. Reports of Lieut, Colonel Freeman Conner, Forty-fourth New York Infantry.
HDQRS. FORTY-FOURTH NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, July 6, 1863.
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report of the action taken by this regiment in the engagement on July 2: About 4 p. m. our regiment, Colonel J. C. Rice commanding, was placed in position on Round Top hill, with the Eighty-third Pennsylvania on our left and the Sixteenth Massachusetts on our right. Company B was immediately thrown out as skirmishers. When they had advanced about 200 yards, they met the enemy advancing in three lines of battle. Orders were immediately given by Captain L. S. Larrabee, commanding the company, to fall back upon the battalion. It was while executing this order that that faithful and brave officer was shot through the body and instantly killed, being the first officer that this regiment ever had killed in battle. The enemy continued to advance until the first line came within about 40 yards of our line. Upon their first appearance we opened a heavy fire upon them, which was continued until they were compelled to retreat. After they had disappeared in our immediate front, we turned our fire upon those who had advanced in the hollow to our right, and continued it until we were out of ammunition.
After we had been engaged about one hour, Colonel Vincent, commanding brigade, was wounded, and the command fell upon Colonel J. C. Rice, and the command of the regiment upon myself. We remained in our position until the next morning about 8 a. m., when we were relieved by Colonel Hayes, Eighteenth Massachusetts. We were then moved to the right about three-eights of a mile, and formed in line of battle, the Sixteenth Michigan on our left and the Twentieth Maine on our right. I regret to add that in addition to Captain Larrabee, whose death I have already noticed, the officers are called upon to mourn the loss of First Lieutenant Eugene L. Dunham, Company D, a brave and efficient officer, who was instantly killed during the heavy firing from the enemy in our front. Captain William R. Bourne, Company K; Captain Bennett Munger, Company C; Adjt. George B. Herendeen; First Lieutenant Charles H. Zeilman, commanding Company F, and Second Lieutenant Benjamin N. Thomas, Company K, were wounded, the latter, it is feared, mortally. It affords me great pleasure to be able to state that both officers and men behaved with the greatest coolness and bravery, not a single case of cowardice having come to my ear.
Most respectfully, your obedient servant,
FREEMAN CONNER,Lieutenant Colonel, Comdg. Forty-fourth New York Volunteers.
Names of those from the 44th., New York Infantry.
RICE, JAMES C—Age, 30 years. Enrolled, September 3, 1861, at Albany, to serve three years; mustered in as lieutenant-colonel, September 13, 1861; as colonel, July 4, 1862; discharged, August 23, 1863, for promotion to brigadier-general,
U. S. Vols.; commissioned lieutenant-colonel, September 3, 1861, with rank from same date, original; colonel, July 21,1862, with rank from July 4, 1862, vice S. W. Stryker, resigned.
CONNOR, ( Conner ) FREEMAN.—Age, 25 years. Enrolled, August 8, 1861, at Albany, to serve three years; mustered in as captain, Co. D, September 13, 1861; as major, July 4,1862; as lieutenant-colonel, July 14, 1862; wounded in action, December 13, 1862, at Fredericksburg, Va.; discharged for wounds, April 3, 1863; reinstated and mustered in as lieutenant-colonel, May 12, 1863; wounded in action, May 8, 1864, at Laural Hill, Va.; mustered out with regiment, October 11, 1864, at Albany, N. Y.; prior service as first lieutenant, Co. D, Eleventh Infantry; commissioned captain, October 12, 1861, with rank from August 12, 1861, original; major, July 21, 1862, with rank from July 4, 1862, vice E. P. Chapin, promoted; lieutenant-colonel, September 9, 1862, with rank from July 14, 1862, vice E. P. Chapin, promoted colonel, One Hundred and Sixteenth Regiment; commissioned colonel but not mustered, September 5, 1863, with rank from August 27, 1863, vice J. C. Rice, promoted.
DUNHAM, EUGENE L.—Age, 23 years. Enrolled, August 8, 1861, at Albany, to serve three years; mustered in as first sergeant, Co. D, August 30, 1861; mustered in as second lieutenant, August 19, 1862; promoted first lieutenant, April 16, 1863; killed in action, July 2, 1863, at Gettysburg, Pa.; commissioned second lieutenant, November 11, 1862, with rank from August 19, 1862, vice H. D. Burdick, resigned; first lieutenant. May 30, 1863, with rank from April 16, 1863, vice B. K.. Kimberley, promoted.
BOURNE, WILLIAM R.—Age, 26 years. Enrolled, August 20, 1861, at Albany, to serve three years; mustered in as first sergeant, Go. K, September 5, 1861; mustered in as second lieutenant, May 14, 1862; as first lieutenant, December 18, 1862; as captain, January 11, 1863; wounded in action, July 2, 1863, at Gettysburg, Pa.; discharged for disability, October 9, 1863, at Washington, D. C; commissioned second lieutenant, July 21, 1862, with rank from July 4, 1862, vice O. D. Gaskill, promoted; first lieutenant, January 14, 1863, with rank from December 18, 1862 vice 0. D. Gaskill, resigned; captain, February 25, 1863, with rank from January 11, 1863, vice 0. A. Woedworth, resigned.
MUNGER, BENNETT.—Age, 41 years. Enrolled, August 11, 1862, at Albany, to serve three years; mustered in as captain, Co. C, October 3, 1862; wounded in action, July 2, 1863, at Gettysburg, Pa.; discharged on consolidation, October 11, 1864; commissioned captain, November 11, 1862, with rank from October 14, 1862, vice W. H. Revere, resigned,
HERENDEEN, GEORGE B.—Age, 27 yearn Enrolled, August 16, 1861, at Albany, to serve three years; mustered in as private, Co. D, August 30,1861; promoted sergeant-major, October 6, 1861; mustered in as second lieutenant, Co. I, April 1, 1862; as first lieutenant, Co. B, August 19, 1862; as first lieutenant and adjutant, February 10, 1863; mustered out with regiment, October 11, 1864, at Albany, N. Y.; commissioned second lieutenant, April 19, 1862, with rank from April 3, 1862, vice E. D. Spencer, resigned; first lieutenant, January 14, 1863, with rank from August 19, 1862, vice C. E. Royce, promoted; first lieutenant and adjutant, February 25, 1863, with rank from December 18, 1862, vice H, Kelley, promoted.
ZEILMAN, CHARLES H.—Age, 24 years. Enrolled at Albany, to serve three years, and mustered in as first sergeant, Co. F, August 8, 1861; as second lieutenant, July 25, 1862; as first lieutenant, December 25, 1862; •wounded in action,
July 2, 1863, at Gettysburg, Pa., and May 5, 1864, at the Wilderness, Ya.; mustered out with company, October 11, 1864, at Albany, N. Y.; commissioned second lieutenant, October 28, 1862, with rank from July 25, 1862, vice J. B.Webber, appointed adjutant, One Hundred and Sixteenth Infantry; first lieutenant, January 14, 1863, with rank from December 21, 1862, vice 0. W. Gibbs, promoted; captain, not mustered, January 27, 1864, with rank from September 20, 1863, vice G. E. Royce, appointed lieutenant-colonel of colored troops.
THOMAS, BENJAMIN N.—Age, 19 years. Enrolled, August 20, 1861, at Albany, to serve three years; mustered in as private, Co. C, October 5, 1861; promoted corporal, January 1, 1862; sergeant, May 1, 1862; first sergeant, August 1, 1862; transferred to Co. K, October 26, 1862; mustered in as second lieutenant, December 27,1862; wounded in action, July 2,1863; died of his wounds, July 8, 1863, at Gettysburg, Pa.; commissioned second lieutenant, January 11, 1863, with rank from December 27,1862, vice W. R. Bourne, promoted.
LARRABEE, LUCIUS S.—Age, 24 years. Enrolled, August 8, 1861, at Albany, to serve three years; mustered in as first
lieutenant, Co. B, August 10, 1861; as captain, September 19, 1861; wounded in action, August 30, 1862, at Groveton, Va.; killed in action, July 2, 1863, at Gettysburg, Pa.; prior service as first lieutenant in Co. F, Eleventh Infantry; commissioned first lieutenant, October 12, 1861, with rank from August 8, 1861, 'Original; captain, October 12, 1861, with rank from September 31, 1861, vice S. W. Stryker, promoted.
Update 12-9-2012.
The following information is given by Linda Mott.
Col. Conner, S W. Stryker, and Capt.
Lucius S. Larrabee were all former members of the Chicago Cadets, a militia
group formed during the late 1850’s in Chicago, IL. The group was led by Col. Elmer
Ellsworth and utilized French military tactics called “Zouave.” The Chicago
Cadets of 1859 aka Chicago Zouave Cadets were so successful with their displays
that the group went on a whirlwind tour across 21 US cities, principally, New York City, Boston and West Point the summer of 1860. Ellsworth,
resigned from the group shortly after the tour, but would later remember his
cadets when war was declared. He asked Conner, Stryker, Larrabee and Ed Knox
(also there’s about 6 more Chicago Cadets) to help train his NYC firemen
recruits the (11th NYVI) after war was declared in April of 1861.
These 4 men and the other 6 were given positions of 1st LT in the 10
companies formed. Ellsworth appointed the fire chiefs who had signed on as the
Company Captains. Not all of the men Ellsworth asked to help would stay with
the 11th NYVI. However Conner, Larrabee and Knox remained through
the 1st Battle of Bull Run in July 21, 1861, later resigning not
long after. They again
appear with the 44th NYVI formed in Aug. of 1861. The rest you’ve
posted with the exception of Ed Knox who isn’t mentioned in the Battle Report.
The Battle Report about the action at Gettysburg must have been difficult for Col. Conner to write. He and Lucius Larrabee had been together since the late 1850’s in Chicago, IL.
Linda Mott.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Philip Coombs Mason.
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Philip Coombs Mason was bom in the old seaport town of Newburyport, Mass., March 5, 1834. He was the youngest son of WiUiam S. and Abigail (Jackman) Mason, there being two older sons and a daughter in the family. His father and grandfather (William Mason) fought in the war of 1812, and his grandfather was captured and confined in Dartmoor prison, in England, as a prisoner of war. All of his ancestry were of the typical New England stock.
The coat-of-arms in the possession of the family bears the emblems of the Scottish and English. It is known that the Masons were among the first settlers of Newburyport. Both grandfathers of Philip were seafaring men, and William S. Mason, his father, was for many years captain of the trading ship "Nikola" of Newburyport, and did an extensive business with Russia and other foreign countries.
Lieutenant Mason received his education in the Newburyport schools. After leaving high school, he learned the photograph business of Mr. John McArthur. When the Civil War broke out he was one of the first volunteers to go from Newburyport in Company A of the Seventeenth Regiment. By faithful and meritorious service he rose from first sergeant in the old company to second and first lieutenant which latter promotion came to him on July 8, 1863.
He participated in all the engagements of the old regiment and was mustered out with it in 1864. After serving his time in the war. Lieutenant Mason took up the photograph business in Newbern, N. C, where he remained until a serious illness compelled him to return North. In 1867, he married Sarah L., daughter of Benjamin French of Salisbury, Mass. She, too, came of old New England parentage, whose ancestors came to this country in 1640. Both paternal and maternal grandfathers distinguished themselves in the Revolutionary War.
During President Grant's administration, Lieutenant Mason was appointed United States Gauger of Internal Revenue under Mr. Charles C. Dame, collector of Newburyport. He remained in the service twelve years, when, through change of administration, he lost his position. After a lapse of twelve years, however, he was reinstated in his old position, where he remained until November, 1903, when illness compelled him to give it up in order to regain his health.
Lieutenant Mason was a member of Post 49, G. A. R., of Newburyport, and one of its past commanders, but he has resided in Somerville for nearly twenty-five years.
(A brother officer of the Seventeenth contributes the following more full account of Lieutenant Mason's war service.)
"At the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, Lieutenant Mason joined the company known as the 'City Grays,' and after having helped to organize and drill the company for several weeks, he was appointed first sergeant of it. As first sergeant he went to the seat of war in Company A of the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the company being commanded by CaptainDavidF. Brown of Newburyport and Captain Henry Splaine of Haverhill.
"He was promoted second Heutenant September 25, 1862, and first lieutenant July 8, 1863. At the expiration of his term of enUstment, he was mustered out of service August 3, 1864, at Lynnfield, Mass. During his three years of service he never lost a day on accoimt of sickness. He was an ideal first sergeant, was an intrepid and gallant lieutenant, a good drillmaster, a judicious manager, and never neglected to look after the interests of Company A and the others with whom it was his privilege to serve. He was on every march, and in every fight that his regiment took part in during his term of service.
"Many first sergeants, it may be said were not as fortunate as Mason for with him, when everything else failed, an appeal to the Hibernian tent was invariably successful. No matter whether they were tired or hungry, these men were always ready to help Sergeant Mason out of a difficulty. All he had to say was, 'Boys, I must have two men for special duty. I know it isn't your turn. but, then, what am I going to do?' At that announcement all would spring to their feet and say; 'Sure, Mr. Mason, we will do am^thing in the world for you.'
These conditions and doings, as may be judged, brought about a feeling of mutual regard and respect between Mason and his Hibernian friends. A treaty of reciprocity was established between them, and Mason kept his end of the treaty as sacredly as the others did theirs. He did many acts of kindness for them, saved some of them from getting into trouble, and when it did happen that one of them did get into trouble. Mason would be the first one at headquarters to make a special plea in his behalf. It often appeared to the writer that Mason, like the Geraldines of old, was more Irish than the Hibernians themselves, and that the Hibernians were more Yankee than Phil Mason himself.
"Many of the officers and sergeants joked Mason about the happy and handy relations existing between him and his Irish friends; but at that early stage of their lives they evidently had not studied environment and its effect upon human conduct.
"The friendship thus formed between Phil and his comrades, it may be added, was continued into the private life of both succeeding their war service, and both parties never tired of telling of instances illustrative of their mutual service and good will. So much did these influences attend Phil Mason for years after his army service that one day be became father of a beautiful boy, and, behold, the child was born on St. Patrick's day. Served him right. So much for environment association." Of Lieutenant Mason's three children, two of them are alive at this writing, and are most usefuland respected members of the community: Miss Abbie Daniels Mason and Mr. Arthur French Mason.
Henry A. Merchant, 23th., Pennsylvania Infantry.
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Henry A.Marchant, first Lietutenant, company F., mustered in August 2, 1861, for 3 years. Promted to Captain of company I., January 1863.
Henry A. Marchant, Captain, company I., transferred from company F., Killed ay Cold Harbor June 1, 1864.
The following came from the 23rd., regimental history.
CAPTAIN MARCHANT, Twenty-third Pennsylvania, in 1861, gave the men of his company special instructions as to the use of the turnaque in case of a wound to stop the flow of blood until given aid by the surgeon. He was killed at Cold Harbor, and when found, he had first been wounded in the thigh and had applied the turnaque with his twisted pocket handkerchief, but was afterwards riddled with balls. He was a most gallant soldier and a true gentleman, highly respected by all.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Major Robert G. Rider, 85th., Illinois Infantry.
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He enrolled Company K and was elected captain of that company at its organization, commanded the company at the battle of Perryville, through the Kentucky and Murfreesboro campaigns, and was promoted to be major of the regiment April 6, 1863. He was appointed provost marshal when the brigade was assigned to garrison duty at Murfreesboro, Tenn., but returned to duty with the regiment when the brigade was ordered to Nashville to prepare for an active campaign at the front. When In the assault on Kennesaw mountain .Colonel Dilworth was called to command the brigade, the command of the Eighty-fifth devolved upon Major Rider. He retained command of the regiment until disabled by a gun shot wound in the head at the assault upon the enemy's lines at Jonesboro, Ga. Recovering, at least partially, from his wound he resumed command of the regiment, which he led in the march to the sea. He resigned at Savannah, Ga., December 19, 1864.
Returning to Havana he resumed the practice of medicine, which he continued until 1880, when he removed to Mount Ayr, Iowa. In 1884 he retired from the active practice of his profession, but resided in Mount Ayr to the time of his death, which occurred on November 14, 1899.
Name: RIDER, ROBERT G. Rank; CPT. Company; K. Unit; 85 IL US INF. Age: 32. Joined When: JUL 18, 1862. Joined Where; MASON CO, IL. Period; 3 YRS. Muster In; AUG 27, 1862. Muster In Where; PEORIA, IL. Remarks: PROMOTED MAJOR MAY 30, 1863.
Name; RIDER, ROBERT G. Rank: MAJ. Company; HQ. Unit; 85 IL US INF. age: 32 joined When: MAY 30, 1863. Joined Where: BRENTWOOD, TN. Joined By Whom; GOV OF ILL. Period: 3 YRS. Muster In: MAY 30, 1863. Muster In Where; NASHVILLE, TN. Remarks: RESIGNED DEC 19, 1864.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
George A. Blanchard, 85th., Illinois.
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Name: BLANCHARD, GEORGE A. Rank: 1LT. Company: C. Unit: 85 IL US INF. Personal Characteristics. Residence: HAVANA, MASON CO, IL. Age: 29. Height: 5' 5. Hair: BROWN. Eyes: BLUE. Complexion: LIGHT. Marital Status: MARRIED. Occupation: ROUST ABOUT. Nativity: WATERTOWN, JEFFERSON CO, N. Y. Service Record. Joined When: JUL 23, 1862. Joined Where: MASON CO, IL. Joined By Whom: CPT BLACK. Period: 3 YRS. Muster In: AUG 27, 1862. Muster In Where: PEORIA, IL. Remarks: PROMOTED CAPTAIN.
Name: BLANCHARD, GEORGE A. Rank: CPT. Company: C. Unit: 85 IL US INF. Personal Characteristics. Residence: HAVANA, MASON CO, IL. Age: 29. Height: 5' 5. Hair: BROWN. Eyes: BLUE. Complexion: LIGHT. Marital Status: MARRIED. Occupation: ROUST ABOUT. Nativity: WATERTOWN, JEFFERSON CO, N. Y. Service Record. Joined When: MAR 7, 1863. Joined Where: NASHVILLE, TN. Joined By Whom: GOV OF ILL Period: 3 YRS. Muster In: MAR 30, 1863. Muster In Where: NASHVILLE, TN. Remarks: HONORABLY DISCHARGED MAY 15, 1865.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Thomas J. Haddock, Indiana
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Name: Thomas J. Haddock.
Age: 20.
Date Enrolled: 1861/12/21.
Where Enrolled: Princeton, Indiana.
Regiment: 58.
Company: K.
Discharge Date: 1864/12/03.
Notes: Wounded & taken prisoner at Chicamauga.
Authors note. More can be found on him and his family, at the siye of ( Find a Grave.)
Monroe Key Indiana.
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Birth: Sep. 4, 1841.
Death: Feb. 16, 1932.
Wife: Eliza Somers Key (1847 - 1936)
Children: Nellie Key (1874 - 1961) Anna T Key (1879 - 1934 Carrie Key (1884 - 1886)
Burial: Oak Hill Cemetery, Patoka, Gibson County, Indiana.
Monroe Key was mustered in at Camp Gibson as Sergeant of Company C; was promoted to 2d Lieutenant of that Company, October i, 1864, and was with the Regiment until its muster out. Since leaving the army, Lieutenant Key has made his home in Gibson county. He was elected Sheriff of the county in 1888, and re-elected in 1890, serving four years altogether. He then retired to his farm near Patoka, where he now resides.
Name: Monroe. Age: 19. Date Enrolled: 1861/10/01. Where Enrolled: Princeton, Indiana. Regiment: 58. Company: C. Discharge Date: 1865/07/25. Notes: Sgt.; 2nd Lt., December 19, 1864. Veteran Volunteer, February 14, 1864.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Colonel Robert Henry Lee.
Col. R. H. Lee, whose picture in his Confederate uniform looks so much like "old times." is a grandson of Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, who, on June 7. 1776. moved in the Continental Congress that "These united colonies are and of right ought to be free." He is a nephew of "Light Horse" Harry Lee, who in Congress prepared the resolutions on the death of Washington, which contained the memorable sentiment. " First iii war. first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen and he was a first cousin tn General Robert E. Lee. He has a daughter in Nashville, wife of Rev. .1. R. Winchester. Colonel I.ee was selected to read the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in 1876, where it will he remembered Hon, Wm. M. Evarts was orator of the day ami Henry V. Longfellow read the poem. In politics Colonel l.ee was always "an old line Whig," and opposed disunion, when hut Virginia seceded he promptly joined the Southern army, and was made lieutenant in the Second Virginia Infantry, which was a part of the glorious old Stonewall brigade. He was seriously wounded and captured at Kernstown in March, 1862, and was for months at Johnson's Island. In that engagement his color-bearer was shot down, when he caught up the flag and carried it through the thickest of the light. When he fell wounded Colonel Allen, commanding the regiment, bore it successfully through the charge.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
James Humphrey, First Kentucky Cavalry.
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The following was taken from the regimental history.
Page 364. We lay still until about 1 o'clock, when the enemy advanced upon us, shelling us very rapidly. We fell back and commenced forming at another place, still within range of their cannon. We had Companies A and B, and a few others formed. The shells were flying all about us. I was near Company A, and a shell burst in the midst of it. I heard a groan, and when the smoke and dust cleared away, I saw that Lieut. Humphrey had his leg shot off. Capt. Wolford and some others dismounted to help him, when here came another shell in the same place. After it burst we looked, and oh, what a sight! Capt. Wolford was lying on the ground, his head nearly torn off by a piece of shell He was killed so quick that he hardly knew what hurt him. Just then the Rebels charged and we gave way.
Page 372. The leg of Lieut. James Humphrey was nearly shot off by the enemy's Artillery, and some of his comrades dismounted and hastily bandaged it in order to stop the flow of blood, but were compelled to leave him. He then fell into the hands of t the enemy, and was taken to a citizen's house near by where the wounded limb was amputated. Fourteen days afterward, it being found necessary to again amputate the leg above the knee, he died under the operation. Lieut. Humphrey was a gallant and popular young officer, and was universally lamented by his comrades in arms, and the community in which he resided.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Edward A. Flint.
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Grad. Harvard, 1851. Returned from South America to serve in war.
2d Lieut. 1st Mass. Cav. M. Nov. 14, 1862, age 30 [Boston]. 1st Lieut. Mar. 21, 1863. Capt. Feb. 16, 1864. Maj. July 2, 1864 (not M.). On detached ser. with Cos. C and D, at Gen. Meade's hdqrs, 1864-65. Bvt. Col. U. S. V. April 9, 1865, " for gallant and meritorious service during the war." Exp. June 26, 1865.
Notes from Massachusetts First Cavalry, regimental history.
Page 90. 2d Lieutenant Edward A. Flint joined the regiment with his commission from Massachusetts, November 18.
Page 170-1. The first shot a solid one struck in the bed of a small stream, throwing up a spray of water, and bounding along struck the hilt of Lieutenant Flint's sabre, took the bit out the bugler's horse mouth in the next squadron, and took off the leg of Quartermaster-Sergeant Read of company A., September, 1863.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
George Stone Kimball, Maine.
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First Maine Cavalry.
Company C.KIMBALL, GEORGE S. Age 27; res. Gardiner; mus. Oct. 20, '61, Augusta, as 2d lieut. ; pro. capt. '63; killed in action at Middleburg, Va., June 19, '63.
Capt. George Stoxe Kimball, who descended from excellent stock, was boi-n at Gardiner, Me., Jan. 2, 1833. His father was Capt. Nathaniel Kimball, a native of Kennebec County, one of Maine's most skilful and successful sea captains, and the pioneer of steamboat navigation between Boston and the Kennebec River. His mother was a daughter of Col. John Stone, of Gardiner, who in his day was well known in the Kennebec valley, and highly esteemed for his many sterling virtues. Capt. Kimball graduated from Bowdoin College in 1853, and studied law in the office of Hon. Henry Ingalls, Wiscasset. After his legal course he went to Stillwater, Minn., and opened an office, where he practised law for a while; but not liking that then new country, he returned to his native city shortly before the opening of the war of the rebellion. Upon the call for troops, he was one of the first to resjiond, enlisting in the First Maine Cavalry, Sept. 20, 1861, and was soon after appointed second lieutenant; was promoted captain, April 13, 1863, and was killed in action at the head of his command, leading a charge at Middleburg, Va., June 19, 1863.
Before leaving Augusta, Me., the members of his company presented him with a sword and belt, which fell into the hands of the enemy, who held the ground sufficiently long to rifle the dead ; but when they were finally driven from the field, his body was recovered, embalmed, brought to Gardiner, and interred with apjiropriate and imposing public ceremonies.
He will be remembered by those who knew him for his many excellent qualities, as always courteous, kind, generous to a fault, full of jollity and life, and in earlier life always the foremost and most expert in all manly sports and games.
He was one of, if not the most, popular of the students in his college class, and the same traits of character were shown in his army life, making his companionship a source of pleasure. He was a gentleman honored and beloved by officers and soldiers, the thought of himself finding little place in his sympathetic and impulsive nature. He was married early in life, and left one child, a daughter, about eight years of age.
Notes from the regimental history.
George S. Kimball, made a charge up the pike, in which they were driven back and Lieut. Kimball was killed ; but the rest of the regiment came up and drove the enemy back. Col. Smith's horse was shot during the day.
Lieut. Kimball was killed beyond the enemy's first line, and in tlie few minutes intervening between the first and second charge, his body had been partially stripped and robbed.
The main body of the regiment attacked, and after a most spirited contest, the enemy in superior force retired. In connection with this fight, it is my purpose to speak more particularly of the charge made by Lieut. Kimball with Co. C. He dashed up the pike, ran the gauntlet of stone walls lined with dismounted men, penetrated a large body of mounted men posted just beyond the woods, and was killed when he had nearly gained their rear. Many of us knew him well. He was amiable, genial, unguarded, and he fell like a warrior. When I consider the superior forces encountered, the peculiar dangers of the situation, and the resistance actually overcome, I think that charge is not surpassed in gallantry by any other within my knowdedge. True, they were not " six hundred " ; there were hardly sixty, and Tennyson has not immortalized them; but when I recall the charge as I saw it, Kimball followed by his company of sorrels, compact and steady, and all moving like an arrow's Hight, swiftly and unerringly "into the jaws of death," I fail to see in what respect of heroism it is inferior even to the immortal " Charge of the Light Brigade."
Monday, November 19, 2012
CAPTAIN JAMES W. HERVEY.
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Captain J. W. Hervey was born in New Bedford, Mass., February 2, 1838. He was educated in the schools of his native city. Passing through the grammar and high school, he fitted for college at the Friends Acad emy, and in 1856 entered Yale, where he remained until 1860. Before he went to the war, he was employed in the Mechanics Bank, and was a member of the Home Guard during the first year of the war. Enlisting as a private in Company A of the Forty-first Massachusetts Infantry Volunteers, August 23, 1862, he was mustered as First Lieutenant, August 31, 1862 ; commissioned Captain, February 8, 1863, and was honor ably discharged March 5, 1864, on surgeon s certificate of disability. Captain 1 ; Hervey was seriously injured while on picket in Louisiana.
After the war, he held a position in the Mechanics National Bank, for many years. He is now agent for the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee, Wis.
A CONCERT AT BATON ROUGE.
REPORTED BY CAPTAIN HERVEY.
THE Forty-first boys got up a concert one evening. Wishing the use of a piano, half a dozen of us, one rainy day, called at a house in the city, and asked permission of the lady of the house to use the piano. She said she had strong objections. The boys said I must be spokesman ; so I asked her what they were.
Well," she said, spitefully, " you Yankees won t allow my daughter to sing our national songs, and I am not willing that you should sing yours in my house."
Said I : " The sentiments of the songs we sing are such as you are in duty bound to respect."
In reply, she said: "Our songs are as dear to us as yours are to you."
I said You have no right to have any national songs."
" My heart," says she is with the Confederacy. I love it. I am all bound up in it ; and why should I not be ? for my brother fell at Murfreesboro, and my husband is still in the field."
I told her I pitied her, and that she was an unfortunate woman to be so bound up in such an unrighteous Confederacy ; but that we did not come there to discuss those matters. We assured her we were gentlemen ; that we intended her, or her property, no harm.
" Well," says she, " if you will come in, I can t help it, for I am a defenceless, unarmed woman." And, turning abruptly, she left us.
THE following letter, written by Captain Hervey, will be read with much interest by many comrades of the regiment. It throws much light on the kind of service the regiment was called upon to render during the fall of
1862 and 63 :
CAMP AT PORT HUDSON, LA.,
Dec. ist, 1863.
MY DEAR WIFE This first day of December, and more particularly the 3Oth ult, will always be remembered as among the saddest of our experience as soldiers. Again had the wires been cut, and a force of thirty men, under command of Lieutenant Twitchell, had been sent to repair the difficulty. On the day of their return, the Colonel, fearing they might meet with trouble, ordered a detail of fifty men, under command of Captain Muzzey and Lieutenants W. A. Gove and Geo.W. Howland, to proceed toward Baton Rouge, to meet them. About two miles from the fortifications, an ambuscade had been carefully planned for the Baton Rouge squad ; but as luck would have it, the relieving force fell into it. Now, see how nicely they had planned it. They had cut the wires, a few miles below, knowing that the force from Baton Rouge would be delayed till nearly dark in repairing it. The force sent out at i o clock, P.M., had divided into three squads. Lieutenant Gove had the advance ; Captain Muzzey the main force, and Lieutenant Howland the rear guard.
The latter was sent around by the right following a Cut-off. The others proceeded along the Baton Rouge road, and, when about half a mile belowPlains Store,the advance guard received a volley from a force of 150 rebels in ambush. The vol ley was accompanied by unearthly yells, which frightened the horses, rendering them quite unmanageable. This occurred in a bend of the road, and the advance at the time was concealed from the rest of the force. Hearing the volley, the main body galloped forward, but saw neither the advance (who had scattered to the woods), nor the rebels ; and the first intimation they had of a concealed force was another volley. Captain Muzzey tried to rally his men ; but as the rebs now rushed out of the woods in overwhelming numbers, and endeavored to surround them (who numbered scarcely thirty men), they took to the woods, when the corps fell in with Lieutenant Howland, who was coming to its assistance with all haste. He had but seven men. We lost two killed, and three mortally wounded; (and these latter have since died;) one Lieutenant wounded and taken prisoner, to gether with four privates. Several were wounded, but not seriously. I lost two from my company Private Charles R. Booth and Charles B. Douglass. Company C also lost two killed, one of whom was a New Bedford boy Franklyn Nye enlisted by J. F. Vinal.
I am pained to inform you of the death of Chas. A. Lucas, formerly a Sergeant in Company A. I had forwarded his discharge papers, but he died before they could avail him. It is a sad day for me ; but such is War. God grant a speedy termination of the strife Poor Gove, a prisoner ! He was shot, and his horse, stumbling, threw him and stunned him, and he was easily captured.
It is now Monday, the 7th of December. As I write, a flag of truce has been to Jackson The party found Lieutenant Gove comfortable. Every attention was shown him, and, upon his word of honor that he would not attempt to escape, he was allowed the freedom of the town.
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