Civil War Detectives

We all know what a detective is and how they worked by watching TV, but what about the detectives of the Civil War? They were a different kind of detective at that time and most all were under the control of the government, there were the detectives that worked for the army and navy then there was the secret service and the internal revenue service. Both the North and South had detectives, in fact there were so many you could find one on about any street corner of any major city. Today by watching detective shows we know a lot worked under cover and some under deep cover. It was the same at the time of the civil war but then they were called spy’s and were tried as such.

Being that this service was so secretive one agent wasn’t known to another, and as there were so many undercover agent they were arresting each other. These detectives or undercover agents were unsigned to secret society, church’s, hotels, ships and about any place a group of people gathered. When one went out he or she always had to be careful who they spoke too and what they said even if it was in jest or you could find yourself under arrest.

Although the Detective Service was a good idea there were many problems with these agency there was the lack of communication between each other, when one state agency sent detectives to another state that agency was to inform the other state agency, but a lot of the time this don’t happen. Then there was the problem with the detectives themselves, it was a standing order that when ever a detective came to town he was to report to the General Office of Detectives of that town or state, but this rarely happen.

Now as with any agencies there were the good and the bad within the agency, some detectives thought they could get away with anything, because they worked for the government, some would steal, rob, take bribes and even murder in the name of the law, but these few would soon find they were not above the law.

I have put together a list of detectives, although it is a small list, as it was stated earlier this agency was so secretive that not to many names are known. Even in the official reports the names were left out in case the reports were intercepted by the enemy. One can find some names in reports and from trial transcripts but those are few.
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Note. This is all the information I will have on thses men the rest is up to you to research.

1. John T. Meale, was a detective for the provost marshal of Washington.

2. James E. Young, of Wisconsin rendered valuable services as a spy and detective in the States of Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Minnesota, for which he was never paid.

3. George Wormald, was never paid for he services.

4. John F. Neale, Was injured while employed as a detective by the provost marshal at Washington.

5. B. B. Mitchell, was employed as a detective for the purpose of breaking up horse-stealing in the Indian territory, and was never paid.

6. J. W. Pomfrey, was never paid as a detective for the government.

7. Pardon Worsley, worked for the for secret service and never paid.

8. Matthew Maguire, was a detective of Liverpool and was never paid.

9. James W. Butler, was a detective but was never paid.

10. George Kingsley, worked as a detective in Kansas and Missouri.

11. J. G. Losee, worked as a detective in Kansas and Missouri.

12. John S. Young, as a sergeant of the New York detectives.

13. Robert King, a detective of New York, also Washington and Ohio.

14. G. D. Humphrey, was to be appointed detective at Emporia Kansas.

15. Edwin Tucker, was to be appointed detective at Eureka Kansas.

16. S. P. Coffin, was a detective and was assassinated.

17. John Caphart, detective at Castle Thunder.

18. M. M. Gay, was a U. S. detective, employed by Lieutenant-Colonel Dick, provost-marshal-general of Missouri

19. Lafayette C. Baker was a provost-marshal of the War Department, known as a detective, Special Agent for the War Department.

20. Gustav Brown, detective officer for the Southern District of California.

Although the following four men were Detectives I could not find any information to tell me what District or branch of the service they worked for.

21. Robert B. Crow.

22. J. F. Schaffer.

23. George W. Thomas.

24. William Causey.

They Changed From The U. S. To C. S. A. Navy.

There were many reasons why these men changed sides; family, home land, political and so on, but for what ever reason these men did. All the men on this page will have additional information on them, there is no family information here only military. That doesn’t mean that family info can’t be found. If you see a name of interest and would like more information, you can write to me, my address can be found in my profile.
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James W. Cooke, of North Carolina, a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States.
Midshipman, 1 April, 1828. Passed Midshipman, 14 June, 1834. Master. Lieutenant, 25 February, 1841. Resigned 2 May, 1861.
Now to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Captain.

Commander James W. Cooke, of North Carolina, for gallant and meritorious conduct in command of the ironclad steam sloop Albemarle on the 19th, 20th, and 21st of April, 1864, in attacking the enemy's ships and batteries, 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.
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Joseph N. Barney, of Maryland, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States.
Midshipman, 30 June, 1835. Passed Midshipman, 22 June, 1841. Master, 22 March, 1847. Lieutenant, 5 August, 1847. Dismissed 4 June, 1861.
Now to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Commanders.

Joseph N. Barney, of Maryland, first lieutenant in the Navy, to be promoted for gallant and meritorious conduct in command of the steam sloop Jamestown, in the action in Hampton Roads on the 8th day of March, 1862, and in the action at Drewry's Bluff on the 15th of May, 1862.
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Hunter Davidson, of Virginia, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States.
Midshipman, 29 October, 1841. Passed Midshipman, 10 August, 1847. Master, 14 September, 1855. Lieutenant, 15 September, 1855. Dismissed 23 April, 1861.
Now to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Commander.

First Lieut. Hunter Davidson, of Virginia, for gallant and meritorious conduct in command of the torpedo boat Squib in passing through the enemy's fleet off Newport News on the night of the 9th of April, 1864, and attacking the steam frigate Minnesota.
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Isaac N. Brown, of Mississippi, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States.
Midshipman, 15 March, 1834. Passed Midshipman, 6 July, 1840. Master, 15 August, 1846. Lieutenant, 31 October, 1846. Dismissed 25 April, 1861.
Now to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Commander.

Isaac N. Brown, of Mississippi, a lieutenant in the Navy, vice Commander Raphael Semmes, promoted, for gallant and meritorious conduct in successfully engaging the enemy's fleet on the Mississippi River before the city of Vicksburg, whilst in command of the ironclad steamer Arkansas, on the 15th of July, 1862.
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Catesby Ap R. Jones, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States.
Midshipman, 18 June, 1836. Passed Midshipman, 1 July, 1842. Master, 14 September, 1848. Lieutenant, 12 May, 1849. Resigned 17 April, 1861.
Now to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Commander.

Catesby ap R. Jones, of Virginia, a first lieutenant in the Navy, to be promoted for gallant and meritorious conduct as executive and ordnance officer of the steamer Virginia, in the action in Hampton Roads on the 8th of March, 1862, and in the action at Drewry's Bluff on the 15th of May, 1862.
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Admiral.
Franklin Buchanan, of Maryland, a captain in the Navy of the Confederate States, for gallant and meritorious conduct in attacking the enemy's fleet in Hampton Roads, and destroying the frigate Congress, sloop of war Cumberland, and three small steamers, whilst in command of the squadron in the waters of Virginia, on the 8th of March, 1862.

Captain.
Captain. Raphael Semmes, of Alabama, a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States, vice Capt. Franklin Buchanan, promoted, for gallant and meritorious conduct in capturing and destroying the enemy's commerce on the high seas, whilst in command of the steamer Sumter.

Commander.
Isaac N. Brown, of Mississippi, a lieutenant in the Navy, vice Commander Raphael Semmes, promoted, for gallant and meritorious conduct in successfully engaging the enemy's fleet on the Mississippi River before the city of Vicksburg, whilst in command of the ironclad steamer Arkansas, on the 15th of July, 1862.

Commander.
First Lieut. Joseph Price, of North Carolina, to be promoted for gallant and meritorious conduct in the capture of the enemy's steam sloop Water Witch, in Ossabaw Sound, on the 3d of June, 1864, to rank from the 12th day of July, 1864.
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Lieutenants in the Navy.

John H. Parker, of Virginia, a lieutenant in the United States Navy.
Midshipman, 30 December, 1836. Passed Midshipman, 1 July, 1842. Lieutenant, 2 June, 1850. Dismissed 18 January, 1862.
Now to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Nicholas H. Van Zandt, of the District of Columbia, a lieutenant in the United States Navy.
Midshipman, 19 October, 1841. Passed Midshipman, 10 August, 1847. Master, 14 September, 1855. Lieutenant, 15 September, 1855. Dismissed 24 December, 1861.
Now to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Charles J. Graves, of Georgia, a lieutenant in the United States Navy.
Acting Midshipman, 17 December, 1853. Midshipman, 10 June, 1857. Passed Midshipman, 25 June, 1860. Master, 24 October, 1860. Lieutenant, 8 April, 1861. Dismissed 24 December, 1861.
Now to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Walter R. Butt, of Virginia, a lieutenant in the United States Navy.
Acting Midshipman, 20 September, 1855. Midshipman, 9 June, 1859. Passed Midshipman, 31 August, 1861. Dismissed 5 October, 1861.
Now to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Surgeon.

Charles F. or ( T. ) Fahs, of Virginia, a surgeon in the, United States Navy.
Assistant Surgeon, 19 April, 1851. Passed Assistant Surgeon, 10 April, 1856. Surgeon, 1 May, 1861. Dismissed 13 November, 1861.
Now to be a surgeon in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Assistant surgeon.

James E. Lindsay, of North Carolina, a assistant surgeon in the United States Navy.
Assistant Surgeon, 2 May, 1860. Dismissed 10 October, 1861.
Now to be a assistant surgeon in the Navy of the Confederate States.
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The following names also went over to the other side. Note a few will be a repeat from the above information.

James W. Cooke, of North Carolina, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Charles F.M. Spotswood, of Virginia, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

William L. Maury, of Virginia, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Robert B. Pegram, of Virginia, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Carter B. Poindexter, of Virginia, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Henry H. Lewis, of Virginia, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Nay y of the Confederate States.

George W. Harrison, of Virginia, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

William A. Wayne, of Georgia, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Peter U. Murphy, of North Carolina, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Isaac N. Brown, of Mississippi, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Catesby ap R. Jones, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

John J. Guthrie, of North Carolina, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Joseph N. Barney, of Maryland, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Van Rensellear Morgan, of Virginia, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Edward L. Winder, of Maryland, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

John Wilkinson, of Virginia, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Charles M. Fauntleroy, of Virginia, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

William B. Fitzgerald, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

John S. Maury, of North Carolina, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Reginald Fairfax, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

William A. Webb, of Virginia, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Charles C. Simms, of Virginia, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

John W. Bennett, of Maryland, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Augustus McLaughlin, of Maryland, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

William H. Parker, of Virginia, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

William L. Powell, of Virginia, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

William H. Murdaugh, of Virginia, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

James H. Rochelle, of Virginia, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Robert D. Minor, of Missouri, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

David P. McCorkle, of the District of Columbia, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

William Sharp, of Virginia, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Charles P. McGary, of North Carolina, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Hunter Davidson, of Virginia, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Robert R. Carter, of Virginia, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Oscar F. Johnston, of Tennessee, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Beverly Kennon, of Virginia, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

F. E. Shepperd, of North Carolina, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Joseph W. Alexander, of Virginia, late a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to be a lieutenant in the Navy of the Confederate States.

French Forrest, of Virginia, late a captain in the Navy of the United States, to be a captain in the Navy of the Confederate States.

George N. Hollins, of Maryland, late a captain in the Navy of the United States, to be a captain in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Samuel Barron, of Virginia, late a captain in the Navy of the United States, to be a captain in the Navy of the Confederate States.

William F. Lynch, of Virginia, late a captain in the Navy of the United States, to be a captain in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Isaac S. Sterrett, of Maryland, late a captain in the Navy of the United States, to be a captain in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Lloyd J. Beall, of Maryland, late a paymaster in the Army of the United States, to be a colonel of the Marine Corps of the Confederate States.

Henry B. Tyler, of Virginia, late adjutant and inspector of the Marine Corps of the United States, to be lieutenant-colonel of the Marine Corps of the Confederate States.

George H. Terrett, of Virginia, late a captain of the Marine Corps of the United States, to be major of the Marine Corps of the Confederate States.

John D. Simms, of Virginia, late a captain in the Marine Corps of the United States, to be captain in the Marine Corps of the Confederate States.

Israel Greene, of Virginia, late a first lieutenant in the Marine Corps of the United States, to be a captain in the Marine Corps of the Confederate States.

George Holmes, of Florida, late a first lieutenant in the Marine Corps of the United States, to be a captain in the Marine Corps of the Confederate States.

Adam N. Baker, of Florida, late a first lieutenant in the Marine Corps of the United States, to be a first lieutenant in the Marine Corps of the Confederate States.

George P. Turner, of Virginia, late a first lieutenant in the Marine Corps of the United States, to be a first lieutenant of the Marine Corps of the Confederate States.

E. Cantey Stockton, of South Carolina, to be a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps of the Confederate States.

James R. Y. Fendall, of Mississippi, to be a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps of the Confederate States.

Wilbur F. Johnson, of Georgia, to be a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps of the Confederate States.

Edmund J. Lloyd, of Virginia, to be a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps of the Confederate States.

William F. Patton, of Virginia, late a surgeon in the Navy of the United States, to be a surgeon in the Navy of the Confederate States.

George Blacknall, of North Carolina, late a surgeon in the Navy of the United States, to be a surgeon in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Lewis W. Minor, of Virginia, late a surgeon in the Navy of the United States, to be a surgeon in the Navy of the Confederate States.

William F. McClenahan, of Virginia, late a surgeon in the Navy of the United States, to be a surgeon in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Daniel S. Green, of Virginia, late a surgeon in the Navy of the United States, to be a surgeon in the Navy of the Confederate States.

John T. Mason, of Virginia, late a surgeon in the Navy of the United States, to be a surgeon in the Navy of the Confederate States.

William B. Sinclair, of Virginia, late a surgeon in the Navy of the United States, to be a surgeon in the Navy of the Confederate States.

R. F. Mason, of Virginia, late a surgeon in the Navy of the United States, to be a surgeon in the Navy of the Confederate States.

James F. Harrison, of Virginia, late a passed assistant surgeon in the Navy of the United States, to be a surgeon in the Navy of the Confederate States.

D. B. Phillips, of Virginia, late a passed assistant surgeon in the Navy of the United States, to be a surgeon in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Charles H. Williamson, of Virginia, late a passed assistant surgeon in the Navy of the United States, to be a surgeon in the Navy of the Confederate States.

William E. Wysham, of Maryland, late a passed assistant surgeon in the Navy of the United States, to be a surgeon in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Daniel B. Conrad, of Virginia, late a passed assistant surgeon in the Navy of the United States, to be a surgeon in the Navy of the Confederate States.

H. W. M. Washington, of Virginia, late a passed assistant surgeon in the Navy of the United States, to be a surgeon in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Algernon S. Garnett, of Virginia, late an assistant surgeon in the Navy of the United States, to be an assistant surgeon in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Frederick Van Bibber, of Maryland, late an assistant surgeon in the Navy of the United States, to be an assistant surgeon in the Navy of the Confederate States.

John W. Sandford, jr., of North Carolina, late an assistant surgeon in the Navy of the United States, to be an assistant surgeon in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Bennett W. Green, of Virginia, late an assistant surgeon in the Navy of the United States, to be an assistant surgeon in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Joseph D. Grafton, of Arkansas, late an assistant surgeon in the Navy of the United States, to be an assistant surgeon in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Charles M. Morfit, of Virginia, late an assistant surgeon in the Navy of the United States, to be an assistant surgeon in the Navy of the Confederate States.

R. R. Gibbes, of South Carolina, to be an assistant surgeon in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Sidney Smith Lee, of Virginia, late a commander in the Navy of the United States, to be a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States.

William C. Whittle, of Virginia, late a commander in the Navy of the United States, to be a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Robert D. Thorburn, of Virginia, late a commander in the Navy of the United States, to be a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Robert G. Robb, of Virginia late a commander in the Navy of the United States, to be a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Murray Mason, of Virginia, late a commander in the Navy of the United States, to be a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States.

William W. Hunter, of Louisiana, late a commander in the Navy of the United States, to be a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Archibald B. Fairfax, of Virginia, late a commander in the Navy of the United States, to be a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States.

William McBlair, of Maryland, late a commander in the Navy of the United States, to be a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Richard L. Page, of Virginia, late a commander in the Navy of the United States, to be a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Frederick Chatard, of Maryland, late a commander in the Navy of the United States, to be a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Arthur Sinclair, of Virginia, late a commander in the Navy of the United States, to be a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Charles H. Kennedy, of North Carolina, late a commander in the Navy of the United States, to be a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Matthew F. Maury, of Tennessee, late a commander in the Navy of the United States, to be a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States.

John R. Tucker, of Virginia, late a commander in the Navy of the United States, to be a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States

Thomas J. Page, of Virginia, late a commander in the Navy of the United States, to be a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States.

George Minor, of Virginia, late a commander in the Navy of the United States, to be a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Robert F. Pinkney, of Maryland, late a commander in the Navy of the United States, to be a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Thomas R. Rootes, of Georgia, late a commander in the Navy of the United States, to be a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States.

James L. Henderson, of Virginia, late a commander in the Navy of the United States, to be a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States.

William T. Muse, of North Carolina, late a commander in the Navy of the United States, to be a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Thomas T. Hunter, of Virginia, late a commander in the Navy of the United States, to be a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Charles F. McIntosh, of Virginia, late a commander in the Navy of the United States, to be a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States.

William P. Williamson, of Virginia, late a chief engineer in the Navy of the United States, to be a chief engineer in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Michael Quinn, of Virginia, late a chief engineer in the Navy of the United States, to be a chief engineer in the Navy of the Confederate States.

James H. Warner, of Virginia, late a chief engineer in the Navy of the United States, to be a chief engineer in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Thomas A. Jackson, of Virginia, late a chief engineer in the Navy of the United States, to be a chief engineer in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Virginius Freeman, of Virginia, late a first assistant engineer in the Navy of the United States, to be a chief engineer in the Navy of the Confederate States.

John De Bree, of Virginia, late a paymaster in the Navy of the United States, to be a paymaster in the Navy of the Confederate States.

Thomas R. Ware, of Virginia, late a paymaster in the Navy of the United States, to be a paymaster in the Navy of the Confederate States.

James A. Semple, of Virginia, late a paymaster in the Navy of the United States, to be a paymaster in the Navy of the Confederate States.

John Johnston, of North Carolina, late a paymaster in the Navy of the United States, to be a paymaster in the Navy of the Confederate States.
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Important note. I have a close friend by the name Bud Shortridge, who’s a Naval Hobbiest researcher of the more modern ships. His main field is those of the Liberty & Victory classes ( 1941-? ), you will find him very knowledgeable and willing to help. So if you looking for information on these Liberty & Victory ships or have a general question give him a try it’s all ( Free) and tell him Dennis sent you.

Liberty Ship Site:
http://home.comcast.net/~cshortridge/site/

Confederate and Union Navy Men

It’s been a while since I have done anything on the Navy of the Civil War. This page will be miscellaneous information on the Confederate and Union Navy. Some of this names may have additional information, if you see a name and would like me to take a look I would be glad too. My address can be found in my profile.
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FORT WARREN, Boston Harbor, June 4, 1862.
Roll of all prisoners of war at this station since the 1st of March, 1862.

Assistant Paymaster L. E. Brooks, C. S. Navy.
Captain's Clerk William B. Clark, C. S. Navy.
Second Assistant Engineer Orrin Culver, C. S. Navy.
Carpenter Virginius Cherry, C. S. Navy.
Third Assistant Engineer John H. Dent, C. S. Navy.
Third Assistant Engineer Joseph Elliott, C. S. Navy.
Second Assistant Engineer Henry Fagan, C. S. Navy.
Asst. Surg. Joseph D. Grafton, C. S. Navy.
Lieutenant Frank M. Harris, C. S. Navy.
Second Assistant Engineer James Harris, C. S. Navy.
Third Assistant Engineer Theodore Hart, C. S. Navy.
Lieutenant beverly Kennon, C. S. Navy.
Commander John K. Mitchell, C. S. Navy.
Third Assistant Engineer Thomas Menzies, C. S. Navy.
Third Assistant Engineer William Newman, C. S. Navy.
Second Assistant Engineer Milton Parsons, C. S. Navy.
Purser's Steward David Porter, C. S. Navy.
Captain's Clerk George Taylor, C. S. Navy.
Third Assistant Engineer James H. Tombs, C. S. Navy.
Lieutenant John Wilkinson, C. S. Navy.
Lieutenant William H. Ward, C. S. Navy.
Lieutenant William C. Whittle, Jr., C. S. Navy.
Lieutenant Alex. F. Warley, C. S. Navy.
Third Assistant Engineer James Waters, C. S. Navy.
Second Assistant Engineer George T. Weaver, C. S. Navy.
Gunner James Wilson, C. S. Navy.
Chief Engineer William Youngblood, C. S. Navy.
Flag-Officer Samuel Barron, C. S. Navy.
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HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA,
Charleston, November 7, 1864.

List of officers desired for special service to report to Lieutenant-General Hardee, commanding Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

Commander I. N. Brown, C. S. Navy.
Commander W. T. Glassell, C. S. Navy.
First Lieutenant W. E. Evans, C. S. Navy.
First Lieutenant J. W. Alexander, C. S. Navy.
First Lieutenant S. W. Averett, C. S. Navy.
Second Lieutenant Charles W. Read, C. S. Navy.
Lieutenant A. Barbot, C. S. Navy.
Master Lee Moses, C. S. Navy.
Master W. P. Hamilton, C. S. Navy.
Master G. W. Sparks, C. S. Navy.
Master Samuel Milliken, C. S. Navy.
Boatswain Robert McCalla, C. S. Navy.
Midshipman H. T. Minor, C. S. Navy.
Chief Engineer E. W. Waring, C. S. Navy.
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U. S. FLAG-SHIP MINNESOTA,
Hampton Roads, Va., December 7, 1861.

Brigadier General BENJAMIN HUGER,
Commanding Department, &c., Norfolk, Va.

SIR: I understand that quite a number of seamen are held as prisoners by the Confederate States. My Government is holding similarly a number of individuals, late officers of the U. S. Navy and Marine Corps avowing secession principles, who are petitioning for their release. Their names are as follows:

Robert Tansill, late captain, U. S. Marine Corps.
John R. F. Tattnall, late first lieutenant, U. S. Marine Corps.
T. S. Wilson, late first lieutenant, U. S. Marine Corps.
H. B. Claiborne, late midshipman, U. S. Navy.
Hilary Cenas, late midshipman, U. S. Navy.
A. D. Wharton, late midshipman, U. S. Navy.
W. M. Page, late surgeon, U. S. Navy.
James E. Lindsay, late assistant surgeon, U. S. Navy.
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U. S. STEAMER CAMBRIDGE, Newport News, Va., November 18, 1861.

We the undersigned officer of the U. S. steamer Cambridge were attached to her at the time of the capture of the Louisa Agnes and Revere, British schooners. We would hereby testify that the captains of the above vessels and their men had good accommodations.

R. D. EDLBRIDGE, Acting Master, U. S. Navy.
F. W. STRONG, Acting Master, U. S. Navy.
SAMUEL VERY, Jr., Acting Master, U. S. Navy.
H. A. RICHARDSON, Acting Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Navy.
JOS. C. CANNING, Acting Assistant Paymaster, U. S. Navy.
FRANK A. BREMON, First Assistant Engineer, U. S. Navy.
CHARLES C. PENNINGTON, Second Assistant Engineer, U. S. Navy.
JOHN J. STEIGER, Third Assistant Engineer, U. S. Navy.
JAMES POWERS, Third Assistant Engineer, U. S. Navy.
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GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT. ADJT. GENERAL'S OFFICE, NO. 118. Washington, August 27, 1862.

The following partial list of officers of the U. S. service who have been exchanged as prisoners of war for prisoners taken in arms against the United States is published for the information of all concerned:

Captain J. McGrath, Forty-second New York Volunteers, for Lieutenant A. M. De Bree, C. S. Navy.
Captain M. W. Burns, Fourth Excelsior (New York volunteers), for Lieutenant W. T. Glassell, C. S. Navy.
Captain W. M. Fisk, Fourth [Excelsior] (New York volunteers), for Lieutenant F. M. Harris, C. S. Navy.
Captain James McKeirnan, Seventh New York [Jersey] Volunteers, for Lieutenant B. Kennon, C. S. Navy.
Captain A. E. Miles [Niles], First [Thirteenth] Pennsylvania Volunteers, Reserve Corps, for Lieutenant J. N. Wilkenson [John Wilkinson], C. S. Navy.
Captain G. W. Hinds, Ninety-sixth New York Volunteers, for Lieutenant W. H. Ward, C. S. Navy.
Captain C. L. Conner, Eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers [Reserves], for Lieutenant W. C. Whittle, C. S. Navy.
Captain F. A. Conrad, Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers [Reserves], for Lieutenant J. B. Weaver, [C. S. Navy].
Captain W. A. Donaldson, Second Excelsior (New York volunteers), for Purser Henry Myers, [privateer Sumter].
Captain G. J. Vernon [?], Forty-fourth Ohio Volunteers; Captain M. C. Angell, Sixty-first New York Volunteers; Captain J. B. Moore, Sixty-seventh [Fifty-seventh] Pennsylvania Volunteers; Captain E. A. Irvin, First Pennsylvania Volunteers [Thirteenth Pennsylvania Reserves]; Captain J. M. Mott, Tenth [Sixteenth] Michigan Volunteers; Captain S. Davis, Ninth [West] Virginia Volunteers, and First Lieutenant S. H. Pilsbury, Fifth Maine Volunteers, for Flag-Officer Samuel Barron, C. S. Navy.
Captain Robert S. Granger, First U. S. Infantry, for Lieutenant B. P. Loyall, C. S. Navy.
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FORT HAMILTON, N. Y., October 10, 1861.
Colonel E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters Army.

SIR: In closed please find statements of deserters from the enemy, sent here by Colonel Brown, commanding Fort Pickens. I have this day ordered their release by authority of yours of 7th instant.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
MARTIN BURKE,

Almond Rice, Angelica, N. Y., was a steam-boat man on the Mississippi; could not get away from New Orleans; belonged to the so-called rebel Marine Corps; was sent to the Warrington Navy-Yard about the 1st of May; was part of the time in the navy-yard and part of the time on board the privateer Judith. When he first went to Pensacola Harbor thinks there were about 10,000 troops there. That number was after [ward] reduced to about 6,000, and they had about that many when he left. Thinks there were about four or seven guns left in Fort Macon; the rest were sent to Pensacola. There were four guns (42s and 32s0 between the navy-yard and the bayou bridge toward Pensacola. Most of the machinery had been removed from the navy-yard, but the rebels were still casting shot and shell at the foundry. Had been a sailor on board of the sloop of war Albany; paid off in 1849 or 1850. There were three companies of marines (250), nearly all Northern men, and a Louisiana infantry regiment about 900 strong in the navy-yard; will go home when released if he can get there.

John Matthews, Madison, Ind., says he was a steam-boat man; joined the rebel forces at New Orleans; was out of money and could not get away; was put in the parish prison and kept there twenty days; was afterward impressed in rebel service; was sent to the Warrington navy-yard on the 21st of April; was attached to the marines and quartered in the navy-yard. The greater part of the marines are Northern men, and would take the first opportunity to get away; were very much dissatisfied. Thinks there were about 7,000 men under arms on the rebel side; will go home when released; does not know much about the strength or location of the batteries on the rebel side; was pretty constantly in the guard-boat.

Samuel Benham, Buffalo, N. Y., say he had been a man-of-war's man on board of the Savannah; was paid off about a year ago; was impressed in the rebel service at New Orleans; was attached to the Marine Corps and sent to Pensacola Harbor about the 1st of May, 1861. Was put on board schooner Judith and went out at night in the coast-guard boat. Thinks when he first went to Pensacola the rebels had about 15,000 men, but when he left thinks they had only 6,000 or 7,000; knows but little about the strength or location of the rebel batteries; will go home when released.

Daniel R. Smith, Allegheny, Pa., says he was a boatman on the Mississippi; was impressed in the rebel service, and was sent to the Warrington Navy-Yard with the marines about the 1st of May; was closely questioned by Colonel Brown at Fort Pickens, and his answers taken down in writing; gave Colonel Brown all the information he possessed.

B. F. Lidy, Lancaster, Pa., says he was a steam-boat man; was impressed into the rebel service at New Orleans; was sent with the rebel marines to Warrington Navy-Yard about the 26th of April last. Says the marines are mostly either Northern men or foreign born, and thinks all but about fifty would leave if they could get a good chance. Gives same information as the others; says the Lovell battery, near the light-house, has 10, 8, and 6 inch (three guns), all covered in with earth on timbers about six feet thick; will go home when release.

Ovid P. Reno, Beaver County, Pa., says he is a boatman; joined the rebel service at New Orleans; was impressed; was attached to the marines and sent to Warrington Navy-Yard. Gives same information as others.

John Harmon, Allegheny County, Pa., says he was in New Orleans; could not get work; enlisted to keep from starving, intending to desert so soon as he had a chance to get home; belonged to the marines; was sent them to Pensacola; says the batteries between the navy-yard and Pensacola were washed away; knows nothing about the other batteries. There are a good many Northern men in the rebel marines, all of whom will take the first opportunity to get home.
---------------------------------------------

U. S. MARSHAL'S OFFICE, SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK,
New York, May 29, 1862.

Colonel MARTIN BURKE, U. S. Army, Commandant, &c., Fort Lafayette.

COLONEL: I beg leave to in close you copy of an order received from the Navy Department determining what is to be done with the prisoners captured on vessels breaking the blockade. I shall send down Officer Sampson to-morrow (Friday) to examine and release all persons who claim to be subjects of another Government than that of the United States of America.

I am, colonel, with sincere esteem, your obliged and faithful servant,
ROBT MURRAY,
U. S. Marshal.

Daniel B. Harrington, a deserter from Tantall's rebel fleet, was committed to Fort Lafayette January 21, 1862. Harrington represents in a letter dated January 28, 1862, to the Secretary of state that he was wrecked at sea and escaped in a small boat to Key West where he was impressed in the Confederate Navy; that he deserted the first opportunity and was taken on board the U. S. frigate Wabash where he took the oath of allegiance. He was released February 6, 1862, by order of the Secretary of State.

Francis Collohan was one of a party of six who deserted and escaped from the insurgents at Warrington Navy Yard, Fla., and went to Fort Pickets from whence they were taken in the U. S. steamer Rhode Island to Philadelphia and thence transferred January 21, 1862, to Fort Lafayette. January 26, 1862, Collohan was released upon taking the oath of allegiance by order of the Secretary of State.

Timothy Conovan was one of a party of six who deserted and escaped from the insurgents at Warrington Navy Yard, Fla., and went to Fort Pickets from whence they were taken in the U. S. steamer Rhode Island to Philadelphia and transferred January 21, 1862, to Fort Lafayette. January 26, 1862, Conovan was relesed upon taking the oath of allegiance by order of the Secretary of State.

Edward English was one of a party of six who deserved and escaped from the insurgents at Warrington Navy - Yard, Fla., and went to Fort Pickets from whence they were taken in the U. S. steamer Rhode Island to Philadelphia and were transferred January 21, 1862, to Fort Lafayette. By orderr of the Secretary of State English was released upon taking the oath of allegiance January 26, 1862.

Alfred Johnson was one of a party of six persons who deserves and escaped from the insurgents at Warrington Navy Yard, Fla., and went to Fort Pickets from whence they were taken in the U. S. steamer Rhode Island to Philadelphia and thence transferred to Fort Lafayette January 21, 1862. Johnson was released January 26, 1862, upon taking the oath of allegiance by order of the Secretary of State.


Joseph Parker was one of six persons who deserted and escaped from the insurgents at Warrington Navy - Yard, Fla., and went to Fort Pickets from whence they were taken in the U. S. steamer Rhode Island to Philadelphia and were transferred January 21, 1862, to Fort Lafayette. Parker was released upon taking the oath of allegiance January 26, 1862, by order of the Secretary of State.

James Smith was one of a arty of six who deserted and escaped from the insurgents at Warrington Navy - Yard, Fla., and went to Fort Pickets from whence they were taken in the U. S. steamer Rhode Island to Philadelphia and thence transferred to Fort Lafayette January 21, 1862. January 26, 1862, Smith was released upon taking the oath of allegiance by order of the Secretary of State.

Sidney Bennett was arrested by order of the Secretary of the Navy and committed to Fort Lafayette January 24, 1862. He was charged with having used highly treasonable and disloyal language whilst serving as landsman on board the U. S. frigate Santee then in the Gulf of Mexico. The said Sidney Bennett remained in custody at Fort Lafayette February 15, 1862, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day he was transferred to the charge of that Department.
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Important note. I have a close friend by the name Bud Shortridge, who’s a Naval Hobbiest researcher of the more modern ships. His main field is those of the Liberty & Victory classes ( 1941-? ), you will find him very knowledgeable and willing to help. So if you looking for information on these Liberty & Victory ships or have a general question give him a try it’s all ( Free) and tell him Dennis sent you.

Liberty Ship Site:
http://home.comcast.net/~cshortridge/site/

Captain Robert Cobb Kennedy, Burning New York

In the years of 1861-1864, there were three plots being born in Canada. These plots were for the most part headed by Clement C. Clay, a long in these plots were likes of John W. Booth, Captain Robert Cobb Kennedy, Colonel Jacob Thompso, Professor McCulloh, D. L. Yulee and S. R. Mallory. These plots were being formed in secrecy in a hotel in Canada and other hotels in the United States. One of the plans was called the ( Kidnapping Plot ), it was a plan to Kidnap President Lincoln and bring him back to the south to face President Davis, and if the Union tried to get him back he was to be kill outright. This plan was looked into in great detail and approved by President Davis. It was later found that it would fail, as being to dangerous to the plotters.

Later a second plan was formed this called for the assassination of President Lincoln, Secretary William H. Seward and Vice president Andrew Johnson. John W. Booth was the leader of the group and headed for Washington to carry off the plot, but when the group reached Washington some of the men became nervous and wanted to pull out of the plot, and in the end it would be John W. Booth who would assassinate President Lincoln. The third plot was the destruction of as many Union cities and town and ships at sea as they could, this plan was put into working order, and Captain Robert Cobb Kennedy was given the task of burning New York, Professor McCulloh would be the one to furnish the chemicals for the job. Many books have been written about the assassination of Lincoln and the plots of the conspirators, but it’s not my intent to write a book but to tell a very little part of the story.

My story begins in the mouth of November in the year of 1864, in a room in the Queen’s Hotel in Toronto Canada, where Clement C. Clay was getting more men for his plan to assassinate the President and his whole cabinet. In the room was Robert C. Kennedy, John McGill, McDonald, Cleary. The new men were told that if they could pull it off they would be rich men, there was a offering of $200,000 dollars to the conspirators that pulled it off, but if they failed they would all hung. Clement C. Clay was to leave Toronto that day, but before he left he gave each of the two new men ten dollars, and told them to wait till his return. Robert C. Kennedy left Toronto and headed for Washington to look things over, and when he returned he told his friends that it was too dangers and was pulling out, but that he had another plan. McGill asked what it was and Kennedy said, "To fire the city of New York." McGill thought in his mind that New York was a pretty big place to burn. They finally came to the conclusion that they would not go, and as they were leaving Kennedy call them traitors.

Although Clement C. Clay helped in the planning of the destruction of Union cities he would take no part in the burning of New York, at the time of the planning some of his associates were; Doctor Blackburn, Jacob Thompson, George N. Sanders; his son, Lewis Sanders; ex-Governor Westvott, of Florida; Lewis Castleman, William C. Cleary, Mr. Portfield, Captain Magruger, and a number of rebels of less note.

In the month October, Robert C. Kennedy was been held as a prisoner at Johnson’s Island, he was of the First Georgia Infantry, from Company 14, and was being held in Block 7. Then on night of Tuesday, October 4, 1864, he made his escape by scaling the prison fence between the block-house and Block 1, and made his way to Canada.

After he made his way back he took up with Clement C. Clay and together stated putting the plot of assassination of Lincoln together. Kennedy was to be the leader in the assassination but later backed out as being to dangers. He instead rook the lead in the burning of New York. After the fires started he watched it from one of the hotel windows.

After making is escape he headed for Canada. Now Kennedy like to drink and this would be his down fall, for when he drink he like to talk about his involvement in the burning. Will it wasn’t long that the law was on him and he was soon arrested, tried and hung. Not to much is known of his movements in New York, before the fire. The only one that really knows is Robert Cobb Kennedy himself.
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The confession of Robert C. Kennedy.

After my escape from Jonson's Island I went to Canada, where I met a number of Confederates. They asked me if I was willing to go on an expedition. I replied, "Yes; if it is in the service of my country." They said, "It's all right", but gave no intimation of its nature, nor did I ask for any. I was then sent to New York, where I staid some time. They were eight men in our party, of whom two fled to Canada. After we had been in New York three weeks we were told that the object of the expedition was to retaliate on the North for the atrocities in the Shenandoah Valley. It was designed to set fire to the city on the night of the Presidential election, but the phosphorus was not ready and it was put off until the 25th of November. I was stopping at the Belmont House, but moved into Prince street. I set fire to four places-Barnum's Museum, Lovejoy's Hotel, Tammany Hotel, and the New England House. The others only started fires in the house where each was lodging and then ran off. Had they all done as I did we would have had thirty-two fires and played a huge joke on the fire department. I know that I am to be hung for setting fire to Barnum's Museum, but that was only a joke. I had no idea of doing it. I had been drinking and went it there with a friend, and, just to scare the people, I emptied a bottle of phosphorus on the floor. We knew it wouldn't set fire to the wood, for we had tried it before, and at one time concluded to give the whole thing up.

There was no fiendishness about it. After setting fire to my flour places I walked the streets all night and went to the Exchange Hotel early in the morning. We all met there that morning and the next night. My friend and I had rooms there, but was sat in the office nearly all the time reading the papers, while we were watched by the detectives of whom hotel was full. I expected to die then, and if I had it would have been all right; but now it seems rather hard. I escaped to Canada, and was glad enough when I crossed the bridge in safety.

I desired, however, to return to my command, and started with my friend for the Confederacy via Detroit. Just before entering the city he received an intimation that the detectives were on the lookout for us, and giving me signal, he jumped from the cars. I didn't notice the signal, but kept on and arrested in the depot.

wish to say that killing women and children was the last thing though of. We wanted to let the people of the North understand that there are two sides to this war, and that they can't be rolling in wealth and comfort while we at the South are bearing all the hardships and privations.

In retaliation for Sheridan's atrocities in the Shenandoah Valley we desired to destroy property, not the lives of women and children, although that would of course have followed in its train.

Done in the presence of Lieutenant Colonel Martin Burke.
OFFICE COMMISSARY-GENERAL OF PRISONERS,
Washington, D. C., March 25, 1865.

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Known associates of Jacob Thompson, Robert Cobb Kennedy and Clement C. Clay.

George N. Sanders.
Lewis Sanders.
Beverly Tucker.
Ex-Governor Westvott, of Florida.
Lewis Castleman
William C. Cleary.
Mr. Portfield.
Captain Magruger.
David E. Herold.
G. A. Atzerodt.
Lewis Payne.
Mary E. Surratt.
Michael O'Laughlin.
Edward Spangler.
Samuel Arnold.
Samuel A. Mudd.
John H. Surratt.
John Wilkes Booth.
Jefferson Davis.
Clement C. Clay.
George Harper.
George Young.
John McGill.
Mary Knapp.
Mrs. Sarah Douglass.
William H. Carter.
Doctor Blackburn.
Snevel Conover.
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Up dated August 17, 2009.

This new information on the places that were burned on that night of November 25, 1864, was given by Christine G. Roberts, a professional writer who is working on the Burning of New York.
Thanks Christine.

Belmont Hotel
Love-Joy's Hotel
New Englland House
The City Hotel
The Everett House
The United States Hotel
The Astor House
Barnum's American Museum
Niblo's Garden Theatre
The Metropolitan Hotel
The LaFarge House
St. James Hotel
St. Nicholas Hotel
Tammany Hall
The Fifth Avenue Hotel
Hanford Hotel
Winter Garder Theatre
Planting Mill
Howard Hotel
The Brandreth House
Franche's Hotel
Wallack's Theatre
Collamore House
Panorama
Fires in Harbor
2 Hay stacks on Moore St.
Hoffman House
St. Denis
Fifth Ward Museum Hotel
Palace Garden Theatre
Albemarle Hotel
Hotel Victoria
Gilsey
The Grand
The Coleman House
The Martinique
St. George Cricket Club

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Those of you who would like to look more into the assassination of President Lincoln and the burning of New York will find the following site very helpful.

THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES.
http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/records/default.cfm?

Some of the key words are; Jacob Thompson, Robert C. Kennedy, Captain Kennedy, Captain Robert C. Kennedy, Clement C. Clay and C. C. Clay.

The Hanging Of William Johnson.

WILLIAM JOHNSON, a colored soldier. He deserted from the twenty third United States colored troops, and on the 8th attempted to commit an outrage on a white woman at Cold Harbor. Considerable importance was given to the affair, in order that the example might be made more effective. JOHNSON confessed his guilt and was executed within the outer breast works about Petersburg, on an elevation, and in plain view of the enemy, a white flag covering the ceremony. Johnson also had confessed he had deserted from another unit, but that unit was not stated.

You are viewing unusual images of Petersburg, Virginia, vicinity. The execution of William Johnson, Jordan's farm. William was a negro soldier. He was accused of desertion, and was hung. This image was taken after the trap door was sprung, and William is shown hanging by the neck. It was taken in 1864 by O'Sullivan, Timothy H., 1840-1882.

This photo was taken from the Haper's weekly.

Captain Charles Griffin, Fifth U. S. Artillery.

Captain Charles Griffin,Fifth Regiment of Artillery, Major by brevet, May 5, 1862, Lieutenant-Colonel by brevet, May 27, 1862, Colonel by brevet, July 1, 1862, for meritorious and distinguished services at the siege of Yorktown and at the battles of Hanover Court-House and Malvern Hill.

Numbers 12. Report of Captain Charles Griffin, Fifth U. S. Artillery.

BATTERY D, FIFTH ARTILLERY, Camp near Chain Bridge, September 12, 1861.

SIR: Yesterday, after the enemy opened fire on the troops under your command, in accordance with your instructions, two rifles pieces of Battery D, Fifth Artillery, were placed in position some 1,800 yards from the enemy's battery and opened fire, and continued firing until the enemy ceased firing or until Lieutenant Hasbrouck. Some time after Lieutenant Hasbrouck placed his pieces in battery the remaining two pieces of the battery under Lieutenant Hazlett joined and came into battery. The enemy at this time had ceased firing and the cannoneers were resting for the want of a target. Some twenty or thirty minutes after this the enemy showed himself in a little cleared place, whence a roudn from the guns showed him in a full run. From the first position of the rifled pieces some 40 rounds were fired, alls hell, and from the second position some 18, to which the enemy made no reply.

The conduct of the lieutenants (Hazlett and Hasbrouck) was that of gallant soldiers, and of the men of the battery all that could be desired. It affords me much gratification to testify to the coolness and handsome deportment of the Vermont third and some 80 men of the Second Vermont, who were ordered to support the battery. They were for about an hour under a very warm fire from the enemy's artillery.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. GRIFFIN,
Captain, Fifth Artillery, Commanding Battery D.
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No. 38. Report of Captain Charles Griffin, Fifth U. S. Artillery.

CAMP NEAR ARLINGTON, VA., July 23, 1861.

COLONEL: In compliance with your instructions, I have the honor to report that Battery D, Fifth Regiment of Artillery, arrived on the battle-field near Manassas at about 11.30 a.m. on the 21st instant, after a march of near twelve miles. The battery immediately opened on the enemy's battery at about one thousand yards' distance, and continued firing until his battery was silenced or forced to retire. The battery then advanced about two hundred yards, and opened upon a regiment of infantry formed upon the right of their line, causing it to fall back. The battery then changed position to the right and front, and opened upon a regiment formed near the enemy's right and a little in front of the one first referred to, doing deadly execution, and causing it to retreat in much confusion.

An order was then received through Major Barry, Fifth Artillery, to advance to the brow of the hill, near the position occupied by the enemy's battery when we first arrived on the field. The battery opened upon the enemy's battery amidst a galling fire from his artillery, and continued firing for near half an hour. It then changed position to the right and fired two rounds, when it was charged by the enemy's infantry from the woods on the right of our position. This infantry was mistaken for our own forces, an officer on the field having stated that it was a regiment sent by Colonel Heintzelman to support the battery. In this charge of the enemy every cannoneer was cut down and a large number of horses killed, leaving the battery [which was without support except in name] perfectly helpless. Owing to the loss of men and horses, it was impossible to take more than three pieces from the field. Two of these were afterwards lost in the retreat, by the blocking up of the road by our own forces and the complete exhaustion of the few horses dragging them. The same thing happened with reference to the battery-wagon, forge, and one caisson. All that is left of the battery is one Parrott rifle gun and one 12-pounder howitzer limber.
Of the 95 men who went into action 27 are killed, wounded, and missing, and of 101 horses 55 are missing.

In conclusion, I would state that my officers and men behaved in a most gallant manner, displaying great fearlessness, and doing their duty as becomes brave soldiers.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. GRIFFIN,

Captain, Fifth Artillery, Commanding Battery D.
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Numbers 12. Report of Captain Charles Griffin, Fifth U. S. Artillery, of engagement May 27.

CAMP NEAR HANOVER COURT-HOUSE, VA.,
May 28, 1862.

SIR: In compliance with the orders of the 27th instant from the general commanding the division the batteries were assigned as follows: Battery C, Massachusetts Artillery, to General Martindale's brigade, Battery E to Colonel McQuade's, and battery D, Fifth U. S. Artillery, to General Butterfield's brigade, and for a detailed account of the Massachusetts batteries attention is respectfully called to the reports of their commanders.

Battery D, Fifth Artillery, left camp near Dr. Gaines' at 5.30 a. m., and arrived on the field of action about 1 o'clock, and by direction of General Porter was sent under the command of First Lieutenant Kingsbury to relieve two pieces of Battery M, Second U. S. Artillery, which were firing on the road to our left. Lieutenant kingsbury directed one section, under command of First Lieutenant Charles E. Hazlett, to move about 200 yards to the front of the position occupied by the guns of the Second Artillery. One piece was placed on a little rise in the road and the other in a plowed field to the left, and opened on two pieces of the enemy, one 6-pounder and one rifled gun, distant about 1,500 yards. The fire was kept up with spirit on both sides for about an hour, when the enemy's guns were silenced. Our guns told handsomely, killing 3 horses and striking one caisson twice, one shot exploding the ammunition-chest of the limber, and according to the information of the prisoners killing 1 man and wounding 4 more and 3 horses. The same source states that our guns dismounted one piece, which was carried away, and completely disabled the section, killing and wounding quite a number of cannoneers.

It is but just to specially call the attention to the commander of the section, First Lieutenant Hazlett, First Sergt. Samuel Peeples, and Corporal Timothy Gready, gunners to the pieces.

About 3 o'clock p. m. the battery, by order of general porter, moved in the direction of Hanover Court-House, and had proceeded about 2 miles when, heavy firing being heard in our rear, it was turned back, and had proceeded about 2 miles when, heavy firing being heard in our rear, it was turned back, and about 5 o'clock commenced firing at the enemy, about 1,800 yards distant. The enemy occupied the position held by our guns at 1 o'clock and was heavily pressed by our musketry. Our infantry soon after routed them when the battery was moved to the front by Lieutenant Kingsbury through an open plowed field, firing advancing, our infantry protecting the flanks, and driving the enemy before them until the that was sounded.

The battery fired 169 rounds (10-pounder Parrot gun) of percussion shell and, shrapnel, the performance being highly satisfactory, nearly every projectile bursting. Three privates were slightly bruised, 2 horses killed, 1 (Lieutenant Kingsbury's) wounded. The officers of the battery were First Lieuts. H. W. Kingsbury and C. E. Hazlett, Second Lieutenant L. M. Harrison, H. B. Reed, and C. H. Carrol, all of the Fifth Artillery; and where officers and men, afters and men, after a march of 20 miles through rain and mud, behaved with such courage, willingness, and alacrity it would be difficult to mention any others specially by name.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. GRIFFIN,
Captain, Fifth Artillery.

Gun Boat Kansas Civil War.

The first Kansas was named for the Kansas River, which is formed by the confluence of the Republican and Smoky Hill Rivers at Junction City and northeastern Kansas, and flows east some 200 miles before emptying into the Missouri River at Kansas City.
The second Kansas was named for the state, which was admitted to the Union 29 January 1861, as the 34th state.

The first Kansas was built at Philadelphia Navy Yard with machinery taken from prize steamer Princess Royal; launched 29 September 1863; sponsored by Miss Annie McClellan; and commissioned at Philadelphia 21 December 1863, Lt. Comdr. Pendleton G. Watmough in command.

The day of her commissioning, the gunboat was ordered to Hampton Roads to join the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. She arrived Newport News, Va., 30 December; but engine and boiler trouble required her to return to the Washington Navy Yard for repairs.

In March 1864 the gunboat was stationed at Wilmington, N.C., off New Inlet, where she served during most of the remainder of the war. With Mount Vernon, Howquah, and Nansemond, she engaged Confederate ironclad-ram Raleigh, (Flag Officer Lynch) which had steamed over the bar at New Inlet 6 May to attack the Northern blockaders. The withering fire from the Union ships caused Raleigh to withdraw toward safety within the harbor, but she grounded and broke her back while attempting to cross the bar at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. After strenuous efforts to save the stricken vessel proved fruitless, she was destroyed to prevent her falling into Union hands.

Shortly before dawn 15 May, Kansas ended a 2-hour chase by capturing British steamer Tristram Shandy as the blockade runner attempted to escape to sea with a cargo of cotton, tobacco, and turpentine. The next day the proud gunboat towed her prize into Beaufort. On her return passage she brought Colonel James Jourdan to reconnoiter Confederate defenses at Fort Fisher in preparation for future attacks.

Throughout the night of 27-28 May, Kansas chased a blockade-running steamer which finally escaped. That morning boiler trouble prevented her getting underway to chase another steamer which dashed out from Wilmington. After remaining on blockade duty at New Inlet until August, the gunboat returned to Philadelphia for repairs.

Kansas rejoined her squadron late in September; and, after briefly cruising at sea, she returned to her old station off New Inlet in mid-October. There she chased and headed off steamer Annie trying to slip out of New Inlet with a cargo of cotton. This action 31 October enabled Wilderness and Niphon to capture the chase a short time later. On 7 December, while Admiral Porter and General B. F. Butler planned joint operations against Wilmington to close that vital Confederate port once and for all, Kansas was one of the Union gunboats which were making blockade-running in that quarter hazardous. That day they forced steamer Stormy Petrel ashore where she was abandoned by her crew and, a few days later, destroyed by a gale.

At daylight Christmas Eve, Kansas was part of the huge fleet which formed in line of battle before Fort Fisher and pounded the formidable Confederate works with a furious bombardment. Although the cannonade drove the staunch Southern defenders from their guns to shelter in bomb proofs, transports carrying the Union soldiers did not arrive from Beaufort until too late to launch the assault that day.

The next morning, the ships again opened fire on the forts and maintained the bombardment while troops landed near Flag Pond Battery, north of the main defensive works. Some 2,000 men established a beachhead under the protection of naval gunfire which kept the Confederate garrison pinned down and away from their guns. Late that afternoon, supported by heavy fire from the Union ships, Army skirmishers advanced to within yards of the fort. Lt. Aeneas Armstrong of the Confederate Navy later described the effectiveness of the bombardment: "The whole of the interior of the fort, which consists of sand, merlons, etc., was as one 11-inch shell bursting. You can not inspect the works and walk on nothing but iron." However, General Butler, considering the works too strong to be carried by assault with the troops available, aborted the operation by ordering his troops to reembark.

Undaunted by this setback, the Navy was not to be denied. At Porter's request Grant sent him a new commander. Kansas was one of some five dozen ships which Porter sent against Fort Fisher 13 January 1865. A naval landing party of 2.000 sailors and marines reinforced 8.000 soldiers under Major General Alfred H. Terry. The ensuing onslaught was a classic example of complete Army-Navy coordination. New Ironsides led three monitors to within 1,000 yards of Fort Fisher and opened on its batteries. Meanwhile, Kansas and the other wooden warships formed in line of battle in close order and shelled Flag Pond Battery and the adjacent woods at 0715. Half an hour later they sent in boats to assist in disembarking the landing party which went ashore out of range of the fort's guns. Once the beachhead had been established, Kansas stood toward Fort Fisher to join in the bombardment of the main Confederate works. She continued the bombardment intermittently for the next 2 days. Shortly before noon 15 January, her launch went ashore with 20 men to join the naval brigade for the final push. The gunboat maintained heavy fire during the following hours while soldiers, sailors, and marines braved the deadly fire of the stouthearted Southern defenders. Finally at 2200 loud cheering and illumination of the fleet announced the fall of the forts.

After cleanup operations in the Wilmington area, Kansas moved to the James River late in February to support General Grant's final drive to Richmond. From time to time during the closing weeks of the war, Kansas supported Army operations ashore with her guns, particularly near Petersburg. The day after General Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House, the gunboat was ordered to a station off Cape Henry to prevent the escape of Confedredate sympathizers who were reportedly planning to capture vessels in the bay.

Kansas entered the Philadelphia Navy Yard 23 April and decommissioned 4 May. She recommissioned 28 July, Lt. Cmdr. Clark H. Wells in command, and departed Philadelphia 5 August to begin a 4-year voyage in the South Atlantic which took her to Cape Town, Africa, as well as to many ports in the Caribbean and South America. This long and interesting deployment ended 15 September 1869, when the gunboat arrived Washington Navy Yard, where she decommissioned a week later.

After a year in ordinary at Washington, she recommissioned 26 September 1870, Lt. Cmdr. Norman H. Farquhar in command. She stood down the Potomac 10 October and arrived Hampton Roads 3 days later to join Mayflower for the Tehuantepec surveying-expedition sent to southern Mexico to determine the feasibility of constructing an interoceanic canal across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec which separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Pacific Ocean. The ships sailed via Key West for Vera Cruz 14 October. The expedition carefully surveyed the narrow neck of land and recorded invaluable scientific information making "many calculations to prove that a ship-canal across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec is not only practicable, but that the obstacles in the way of the canal route are of the most ordinary nature."

When she returned to Washington 15 June 1871, her crew was seriously debilitated by fever contracted in the tropics. As a result, she was ordered to the North Atlantic to join a special squadron under Vice Admiral Rowen at Portsmouth, N.H. She stood in to Staten Island 10 October to participate in the reception given the Russian Fleet. She departed New York Harbor 29 November for Cuba and arrived Havana o December. The gunboat left that port 25 February 1872 to obtain supplies and await Comdr. A. F. Grossman who headed another Nicaragua-surveying expedition. She was employed gathering data on potential interoceanic canal routes until returning to Key West 13 July.

Kansas departed Key West 6 August to determine positions for a submarine cable between Key West and Havana and returned a week later. She departed Key West 21 August and arrived Halifax, N.S., 5 September. She stood out of Halifax 17 September and arrived New York 21 November after visiting Salem, Mass., and Newport, R.I., en route. She got underway for another surveying expedition of Central America 1 January 1873, which ended when she returned to Key West 15 July.

In November Spanish authorities in Cuba seized arms-running ship Virginius, illegally flying the American flag on the high seas, and summarily shot 53 of her passengers and crew. On hearing of this incident, Wyoming sailed without orders to Santiago and entered a vigorous protest. Kansas stood out of New York 14 November to join Wyoming in checking brutal action and in protecting the nation's interests. After battling severe weather, she arrived Santiago 2 December. As a host of other warships from the Home Fleet, the South Atlantic, and the European station converged on Cuba, the 102 survivors of Virginius, owing their lives to the prompt naval action, were delivered on board the first arrival, Juniata, and taken to New York.

Kansas returned to Key West Christmas Day. In February 1874 she participated in a naval drill in Florida Bay. Her final year of active service was devoted to cruising in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, at the time a region of considerable unrest. She sailed from Pensacola 8 July 1875, and arrived Portsmouth, N.H., on the 21st. She decommissioned there 10 August and laid up until sold at Rockland, Maine, to Captain Israel L. Snow 27 September 1883.

Navy Death Lists Of 1828-1829.

List of deaths in the navy of the United States, since the 1st December, 1827.

CAPTAIN.

1. Robert Henley, died on October 7, 1828, cause of death unknown, died at Charleston, S. C.
Service: Midshipman, 8 April, 1799. Lieutenant, 29 January, 1807. Commander, 12 August, 1814. Captain, 3 March, 1825.

MASTER COMMANDANT.

2. Benjamin W. Booth, died on July26, 1828, cause of death Consumption, died at Gibraltar.
Service: Midshipman, 20 June, 1806. Lieutenant, 7 January, 1813. Master Commandant, 28 March, 1820.

LIEUTENANTS.

3. Frederick W. Smith, died on June 4, 1828, cause of death unknown, died at New York.
Service: Midshipman, 1 January, 1808. Lieutenant, 24 July, 1813.

4. William M. Robins., died on May 18, 1828, cause of death unknown, died at Baltimore.
Service: No record found.

5. Geo. B. McCulloh, died on December 31, 1827, cause of death unknown, died in Mediterranean.
Service: Sailing Master, 27 July, 1813. Lieutenant, 9 December, 1814.

6. Allen Griffin, died on September 18, 1828, cause of death unknown, died at Baltimore.
Service: Midshipman, 1 January, 1812. Lieutenant, 1 April, 1818.

SURGEONS.

7. A. M. Montgomery, died on January 3, 1828, cause of death unknown, died at New York.
Service: Surgeon's Mate, 16 July, 1814. Surgeon, 7 May, 1825.

8. Samuel R. Marshall, died on May20, 1828, cause of death unknown, died at New York.
Service: Surgeon's Mate, 14 May, 1799. Surgeon, 16 January, 1800.

9. Benjamin P. Kissam, died on October 6,1828, cause of death unknown, died at Portsmouth, N. H.
Service: Surgeon, 24 July, 1813.

SURGEONS’ MATES.

10. Henry C. Pratt, died on March 10, 1828, cause of death unknown, died at Sea.
Service: Surgeon's Mate, 9 August, 1826.

11. Charles Wayne, died on August 19, 1828, cause of death unknown, died at Cole’s Ferry, Va.
Service: Surgeon's Mate, 29 August, 1825.

PURSERS.

12. John B. Timberlake, died on April2, 1828, cause of death unknown, died at Mahon.
Service: Purser, 25 April, 1812.

13. Nathaniel Lyde, died on July ‘1, 1828, cause of death Fall from a gig, died at Portsmouth, N. H.
Service: Purser, 25 April, 1812.

CHAPLAIN.

14. John Cook, died on August 21, 1828, cause of death unknown, place unknown.
Service: Chaplain, 19 May, 1812.

MIDSHIPMAN.

15. Frederick Rodgers, died on April 5, 1828, cause of death Drown, died at Norfolk.
Service: Midshipman, 4 March, 1823.

16. William J. Slidell, died on April 5, 1828, cause of death Drown, died at Norfolk.
Service: Midshipman, 1 January, 1823.

17. Robert M. Harrison, died on April 5, 1828, cause of death Drown, died at Norfolk.
Service: Midshipman, 9 November, 1825.

18. Henry K. Mower, died on April 5, 1828, cause of death unknown, died in Mediterranean.
Service: Midshipman, 1 March, 1825.

19. Quinton Ratcliffe, died on October 1, 1828, cause of death unknown, died at Baltimore.
Service: Midshipman, 1 February, 1823.

20. Bushrod W. Turner., died on September 30, 1828, cause of death Yellow fever.
Died in West Indies.
Service: Midshipman, 21 October, 1824.

21. Terrill K Crenshaw, died on October 2,1828, cause of death Yellow fever.
Died in West Indies.
Service: No record found.

22. John Fisher, died on November 11, 1828, cause of death Yellow fever.
Died in West Indies.
Service: Midshipman, 1 November, 1826.

SAILING MASTERS.

23. Biseoe S. Doxey, died on May 20, 1828, cause of death unknown, died at Baltimore.
Service: Sailing Master, 20 June, 1812.

24. Peter Carson, date of death unknown, cause of death unknown, died at Norfolk.
Service: Appointed Sailing Master, 1 November, 1816.

25. D. S. or ( C. ) Stellwagen, date of death unknown, cause of death unknown, died at Philadelphia.
Service: Sailing Master, 14 May, 1814.

BOATSWAINS.

26. James Thayer, died on January 9, 1828, cause of death Consumption, died at Norfolk.
Service: Boatswain, 1 April, 1822.

27. David Vestlery, died on November 6, 1828, cause of death Drops, died at Norfolk.
Service: Boatswain, 8 June, 1822.

CARPENTER.

28. HenryWhittington, died on January 28, 1828, cause of death Sore throat, died at Portsmouth, Va.
Servive: Carpenter, 11 December, 1827.

NAVY AGENT.

29. Enoch G. Parrott, died on June 15, 1828, cause of death unknown, died at Portsmouth, N. H.
Service: Navy agent April, 1822.

List of deaths in the navy of the United States, since the 1st December, 1828.

CAPTAIN.

1. Thomas Tingey, died on February 23, 1829, cause of death unknown, died at Washington.
Service: Captain, 23 November, 1804.

LIEUTENANTS.

2. Samuel M. Breckenridge, died on June 4, 1829, cause of death Explosion of Fulton, died at New York.
Service: Midshipman, 15 December, 1819. Lieutenant, 17 May, 1828

3. Augustus Cutts, died on June 12, 1829, cause of death unknown, died at Portsmouth, N. H.
Service: Appointed Midshipman, 9 November, 1813. Lieutenant, 13 January, 1825.

SURGEON.

4. Elnathan Judson, died on May 8, 1829, cause of death Consumption, died at Washington.
Service: Surgeon, 27 March, 1818.

ASSISTANT SURGEONS.

5. Samuel G. Clarkson., died on May 17, 1829, cause of death Yellow fever, died at Pensacola.
Service: Surgeon's Mate, 8 August, 1826.

6. John Denny, died on September 19, 1829, cause of death unknown, died at New York.
Service: Surgeon's Mate, 17 August, 1826.

PURSER.

7. Gardner Thomas Jr., died on September 25, 1829, cause of death unknown, died at New York. Service: Purser, 22 July, 1815.

CHAPLAIN.

8. Cave Jones, died on January 29, 1829, cause of death unknown, died at New York.
Service: Chaplain, 26 May, 1824.

MIDSHIPMEN.

9. Joshua H. Justin, died on April 8, 1829, cause of death Consumption, died at Norfolk.
Service: Midshipman, 30 November, 1814.

10. James B. Lardner, died on April 8, 1829, cause of death unknown, died at Pensacola.
Service: Midshipman, 4 December, 1822.

11. N. G. C. Slaughter, died on April 8, 1829, cause of death Small-pox, died at Pensacola.
Service: Midshipman, 1 March, 1825.

12. G. M. Meredith died on April 8, 1829, cause of death unknown, died on Coast of Brazil.
Service: Midshipman, 1 October, 1827.

13. Joshua W. Larkin, died on May 20, 1829, cause of death Fall of a block, died at Callao Roads.
Service: Midshipman, 1 December, 1824.

14. James M. or ( F. ) Prevost, date of death unknown, cause of death unknown, died in Pacific.
Service: Midshipman, 12 November, 1819.

15. Charles Root, died on December 8, 1828, cause of death unknown, died off Coast of Brazil.
Service: Midshipman, 1 April, 1828.

GUNNER.

16. John Lord, died on Juy9, 1829., cause of death unknown, died at Boston.
Service: Gunner, 17 June, 1817. Last appearance on Records of Navy Department till 7 July, 1828.
-------------------------------

Important note. I have a close friend by the name Bud Shortridge, who’s a Naval Hobbiest researcher of the more modern ships. His main field is those of the Liberty & Victory classes ( 1941-? ), you will find him very knowledgeable and willing to help. So if you looking for information on these Liberty & Victory ships or have a general question give him a try it’s all ( Free) and tell him Dennis sent you.

Liberty Ship Site:
http://home.comcast.net/~cshortridge/site/

Battle Report Of General Winfield S. Hancock, 1862.

This Battle report is well known and can be found all over the ( web ), but they all are licking one thing photo’s oh you can find a report here and there with maybe with one photo and that’s all. I added as many photo’s of the officers as I could so you could see the officer this report is talking about I hope you well enjoy them as much as I did in hunting them down.

Note. These photo’s can be enlarged by clicking on them.

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No. 55. Report of Brigadier General Winfield S. Hancock, U. S. Army, commanding First Division.

HEADQUARTERS HANCOCK'S DIVISION,
Falmouth, Va., December 25, 1862.

MAJOR: During the evening of the 10th instant, I was instructed to send two regiments of infantry, the Fifty-seventh New York Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Chapman commanding, and the Sixty-sixth New York Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Bull, commanding, to the Lacy house, immediately opposite Fredericksburg, in order that they might serve as a protecting party to the engineers engaged int he construction of the pontoon bridges, which were to be erected there in the course of the ensuing morning, and to march with the remainder of my division, at 6 a.m., to a point on the railroad near the bridge over which the division was to cross the Rappahannock.

These orders were complied with, the troops being massed by 8 a.m. on the 11th at the place designated, and the two regiments detached arriving at the Lacy house shortly after midnight. During the operations of the 11th instant, Lieutenant-Colonel Chapman, of the Fifty-seventh New York Volunteers, was severely wounded. Many valuable officers and men, in the aggregate 150, were killed and wounded in these two regiments while they were engaged in protecting the working parties.

Late in the afternoon of the 11th instant, orders were received to cross the river at Fredericksburg, by the third bridge. The division moved to effect that object, but, finding that the bridge was not completed, the troops were ordered into bivouac.

The next morning, the 12th instant, at daylight orders were received to march the entire division into Fredericksburg across the second bridge.

At 8 a.m. the division had arrive at that bridge and commenced the passage, the troops of General French's division crossing the upper bridge at the same time. My division was then formed in line of battle, on the street nearest the river, with the left resting on the third bridge, over which the Ninth Corps then commenced marching. French's division formed the second line in my front, and Howard's the first line, in a street nearer the enemy.

At a later hour orders were received to march by the left flank across Hazel Run, thence down the Rappahannock, forming in the rear of General Franklin's grand division, my division taking the lead, and each division of the corps marching in three parallel lines of brigades, the Ninth Corps marching parallel to us, and between our line and the river. To perform this maneuver it became necessary to erect bridges over Hazel Run. Three bridges were constructed. Subsequently it was determined to defer this movement until the next morning.

About 8 a.m. on the 13th instant, I was notified by Major-General Couch, commanding Second Army Corps, that General French's division would attack the enemy in front of the town, and that my division would support him. The formation for the attack was prescribed int he orders received: Brigade front, intervals between the brigades of 200 paces. I first relieved the pickets of General French's division by two regiments of my own, instructing them, however, to reform and join in the assault after General French's skirmishers had driven in the opposing pickets.

At 12 m. General French commenced the attack by a could of skirmisher, followed by Kimball's brigade, and subsequently, at intervals by his other two brigades. My division followed that of General French, without intervals, so long as we moved by the flank. The difficulty of the movement consisted in the fact that we had to march for a considerable distance by the flank through the streets of the town, all the time under a heavy fire, before we were enabled to deploy; and then, owing to obstacles-among them a mill race-it was impossible to deploy, except by marching the whole length of each brigade by the flank in a line parallel to the enemy's works, after we had crossed the mill-race by the bridge.

The troops then advanced, each brigade in succession, under a most murderous fire of artillery and musketry, the artillery fire reaching the troops in a destructive manner in the town, even before they had commenced the movement. The distance to overcome by the way the troops were obliged to march before reaching the enemy's works was probably 1,700 yards. It took an unusually long time to advance that distance, as the planking of one of the bridges was found to be partly taken up, requiring the men to cross on the stringers.

Colonel Zook's brigade was the first in order. As soon as it had formed line, it advanced to the attack with spirit, passing the point at which the preceding troops had arrived, and being joined as it passed by the brave regiments of Kimball's brigade and some other regiments of French's division. It failed, however, to take the stone wall, behind which the enemy was posted, although our dead were left within 25 paces of it. These troops still held their line of battle in front of the enemy and within close musketry range.

The Irish Brigade next advanced to the assault. The same gallantry was displayed, but with the same results. Caldwell's brigade was next ordered into action, and, although it behaved with the utmost valor, failed to carry the enemy's position. All the troops then formed one line of battle, extending from a point a little distance to the right of Hanover street, in a line nearly parallel to the enemy, with the left thrown back, the extreme left extending about the front of two regiments to the left of the railroad culvert. This line was held during the entire day and until it was relieved, some of the regiments not coming off the field until 10 o'clock the following morning. This line was held for hours after the troops had exhausted their ammunition, and after the ammunition of the killed and wounded within reach had been expended. Shortly after the last of my brigades came into action, it appeared as if the front crest of the enemy's hill might have been taken had there been other troops at hand, for the enemy were at that time running from their rifle-pits and works on the crest directly in front of our right. But by the time Howard's troops were ready to attack, the enemy had repaired this, and making a strong attack at the same time toward our left, it became necessary that a portion of that division should be detached toward that flank. After this hour it appeared to me, although reports were occasionally received that we were gaining ground, which led us to hope it might prove true, that, our object having failed, the only thing to be done was to maintain our front line by constantly supporting it until darkness covered the scene.

At one time, about 3 p.m., the enemy essayed an attack in column down Hanover street, and advance within 150 yards of our front line. The leader being killed, the column was dispersed. Several gallant attacks by Howard, Sturgis, Humphreys, Griffin, and others were afterward made in support of these brave troops, who could not advance and would not retire. These subsequent attacks, although conducted with spirit, failed to produce any more serious impression upon the enemy.

Late in the evening three companies of Colonel Owen's brigade relieved three companies of the Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, of my division, which had exhausted their ammunition.

No ground was held in advance of our line, nor did any soldiers fall nearer the enemy than those of the regiments of my division and those of Kimball's brigade, of French's division. It seemed that the defenses of the enemy were too powerful to be taken by an assault of infantry. One serious difficulty in the advance was in the nature of the obstacles already referred to and the fact that a number of substantial fences intervened, which were required to be pulled down before the troops could continue their advance. Each of theses fences destroyed the unity of at least one brigade. These obstacles naturally caused brigades and regiments to lose somewhat their solidity of organization for an assault, for all these operations were conducted under a terrific fire.

The bravery and devotion of the troops could not have been surpassed, as an evidence of which it is but necessary to mention the losses incurred. Out of 5,006 men, the maximum taken into action by me, the loss was 2,013 men, of whom 156 were commissioned officers. It will be observed that the losses in some of the regiments were of unusual severity, such as is seldom seen in any battle, no matter how prolonged. These were veteran regiments, led by able and tried commanders, and I regret to say that their places cannot soon be filled.

Although the division failed to carry the enemy's heights, it lost no honor, but held the ground it took, and, under the most discouraging obstacles, retained it until relieved after the action was over. It will be impossible to mention in this report the names of all those who were distinguished. For those I refer to the reports of brigade and regimental commanders; still, it is due to their valor that I should mention those brigade and regimental commanders who performed the most important parts, and whose commands, in their heroic efforts, most severely suffered.

Brigadier General T. F. Meagher, commanding Second Brigade, led his brigade to the field under a heavy fire; but, owing to a serious lameness, making it difficult for him to either ride or walk, he was unable to bear that prominently active part which is usual with him. Some time after the Irish Brigade had gone into action, its regiments having suffered very severely, and after having been replaced by General Caldwell's brigade, General Meagher was instructed to collect the remnants of his regiments and march them to the point of formation, in order that their cartridge-boxes might be refilled. General Meagher, toward evening, took the remnant of his brigade, with his wounded, across the river, out of range of the enemy's fire.

On learning this fact, I directed him to return with all the men who were not disabled in his brigade. The general returned at once, and explained to me that he had understood that the transfer of the remnant of his brigade across the river was sanctioned by me.

The next morning, before the hour at which we were ordered to support the Ninth Corps in the meditated attack of that day upon the enemy's works, the brigade returned, numbering 240 men, all that could be collected up to that time.

The circumstance of the retiring of this brigade across the river, after it had been withdrawn from the battle, which I very much regretted at the time, although in no wise affecting the conduct of the brigade in action (it behaved with great spirit), is candidly and fully explained by General Meagher in his accompanying report.

The strength of this brigade when the action commenced was 92 officers, and 1,323 enlisted men. Its loss was 53 commissioned officers and 488 men.

Brigadier General J. C. Caldwell, commanding First Brigade, conducted his brigade into action, and was wounded while gallantly performing his duty on the advance line. He had two staff officers wounded. When this brigade went into action, it had 116 commissioned officers and 1,871 enlisted men. Its loss was 62 commissioned officers and 932 enlisted men killed and wounded.

Colonel S. K. Zook, commanding Third Brigade, led his brigade with spirit, remaining on the field until the close of the fight. He had a horse shot under him during the contest. At the commencement of the engagement this brigade numbered 92 commissioned officers and 1,440 enlisted men. Its loss was 38 commissioned officers and 491 enlisted men killed and wounded.

Colonel J. R. Brooke with his gallant regiment, the Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, from being unhurt, was enabled to perform the highest service to his country, and added to the laurels he and his regiment had already won on many fields. This regiment went into action with 14 commissioned officers and 300 enlisted men, of which it lost 8 officers and 147 enlisted men killed and wounded.

Colonel George W. Von Schack,who was slightly wounded, but kept the field, held the culvert over the railroad to the last, with his brave regiment, the Seventh New York Volunteers, and commanded the brigade after General Caldwell had been wounded. The strength of his regiment when the action commenced was 25 commissioned officers and 463 enlisted men. It lost 18 commissioned officers and 227 enlisted men killed and wounded.

Colonel Edward E. Cross, commanding the Fifth New Hampshire Volunteers, severely wounded, behaved in the handsomest manner. The conduct of his regiment was heroic; refusing to yield any ground, his brave officers and men died where they stood. This regiment numbered 23 commissioned officers and 280 enlisted men when it went into action; 17 officers and 165 men were killed and wounded. This regiment had five commanders during the action, the first four having been killed or wounded.

Colonel Paul Frank, commanding the Fifty-second New York Volunteers, occupied the extreme left with his regiment, and held his position in a steady and soldierly manner. The regiment numbered 11 commissioned officers and 149 enlisted men at the commencement of the action, of which it lost 2 officers and 43 enlisted men killed and wounded.

Co. Robert Nugent, severely wounded, commanding the Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers, conducted his troops with his usual spirit, and was making a final effort to advance when he was shot. His regiment had 19 commissioned officers and 219 enlisted men when the attack was made. Its loss was 16 officers wounded and 112 enlisted men killed, wounded, and missing. This gallant regiment was marched off the field by its fourth commander that day, the three senior commanders having been wounded.

Colonel Patrick Kelly, commanding the Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers, was active and resolute, as he always is, and, with his regiment, performed their usual good service. The Eighty-eighth numbered 23 commissioned offices and 229 enlisted men when the assault commenced, of which it lost 12 officers and 115 enlisted men killed and wounded.

Colonel Nelson A. Miles, severely wounded, commanding the Sixty-first

and Sixty-fourth Regiments New York Volunteers, consolidated, conducted himself in the most admirable and chivalrous manner. His battalion behaved with steadiness unsurpassed by any troops. The strength of his command was 27 commissioned officers and 408 enlisted men. Three officers were wounded and 105 enlisted men killed, wounded and missing. The third commander during this action marched the regiments off the field, the others being disabled.

Colonel H. L. Brown, of the One hundred and forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, I regret to say, was severely wounded in several places. His presence was much needed, his regiment being large and inexperienced in such a fight. Owing to his absence, and the fact that many of his officers were disabled, and a great number of is men killed and wounded, a portion of his regiment, under a very heavy fire, was forced back. Many gallant spirits, however, particularly on the right and left of the regiment, maintained their position to the last. This regiment had 25 commissioned officers and 475 enlisted men when it went into action. Its loss was 12 commissioned officers and 212 enlisted men killed and wounded. This regiment had two commanders during the engagement.

Colonel Dennis Heenan, commanding the One hundred and sixteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, was wounded severely. His regiment suffered heavily, and, although comparatively young in the service, behaved handsomely. This regiment marched on the field with 17 commissioned officers and 230 enlisted men. Its loss was 12 officers wounded and 77 men killed, wounded, and missing. The fourth officer in command during the battle brought the regiments off the field, the others being disabled.

Colonel Richard Byrnes, a veteran soldier, commanding the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers, displayed his excellent qualities in this section. His regiment entered the action with 16 officers and 400 men, of whom 7 officers and 149 enlisted men were killed and wounded.

Colonel William P. Baily, commanding the Second Regiment Delaware Volunteers, was wounded. The strength of this regiment when it went into action was 19 commissioned officers and 225 enlisted men. The loss was 7 officers wounded and 47 enlisted men killed, wounded, and missing. The Second Delaware had three commanders during the battle, the first two having been wounded.

Colonel Richard S. Bostwick, commanding the Twenty-seventh Connecticut Volunteers, bore himself worthily. His regiment had joined the division but a few days before the action, and on the day of the engagement had 270 men on picket who were not in the fight. His battalion behaved in a highly creditable manner. They took position in the front line, fighting under great discouragement, their arms being unreliable. The strength of this battalion at the commencement of the assault was 24 commissioned officers and 360 enlisted men. It lost 6 commissioned officers and 107 men in killed and wounded.

Lieutenant Colonel H. Boyd McKeen (wounded), commanding the Eighty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, behaved with extraordinary gallantry. The Eighty-first numbered 16 commissioned officers and 245 enlisted men when the action began. It lost 12 officers and 164 enlisted men killed and wounded. This regiment was marched off the field by the fourth officer, on whom the command had devolved during the fight, the first three having been wounded and carried off the field.

Major N. G. Throop, commanding the Fifty-seventh New York Volunteers, was very severely wounded in the performance of his duty, Lieutenant Colonel Chapman having been seriously wounded the day previous. The Fifty-seventh numbered 11 commissioned officers and 181 enlisted men. Its loss was 9 commissioned officers and 78 enlisted men killed and wounded. This regiment had three commanders during the action, the first two having been disabled.

Major Joseph O'Neill, a brave officer, commanding the Sixty-third New York Volunteers, was wounded. His regiment numbered 17 officers and 145 enlisted men when the assault began. Its loss was 7 officers and 37 enlisted men killed and wounded. This regiment had two commanders during the day, the first having been wounded.

Captain Julius Wehle, a brave soldier, was killed while leading his regiment, the Sixty-sixth New York Volunteers, Lieutenant Colonel James H. Bull, commanding the same regiment, having been mortally wounded the day previous. This regiment numbered 13 commissioned officers and 225 enlisted men at the commencement of the action. Its loss was 6 officers and 78 enlisted men killed and wounded. This regiment had four commanders during the engagement, the first three having been killed or wounded.

In seventeen regiments, comprising my division in this action (sixteen battalions, two regiments having been for some time past consolidated in one), 25 commanding officers were killed or wounded and removed from the field during the engagement.

Of the artillery of the division, Captain R. D. Pettit's battery of rifled guns was detached from my command and placed in position on the heights overlooking Falmouth. His battery was constantly engaged during the action, but, as it was not under my command, I have had no report. The battery of 12-pounder brass guns (Company C, Fourth Artillery), under command of First Lieutenant Evan Thomas, of that regiment, crossed the river with the division, and on the day of the battle was placed near the railroad depot, where it continued unemployed, although under a severe fire until late in the afternoon, when this zealous young officer, receiving an order for another battery to proceed to the front, in its absence moved forward with his battery, and took a very advanced position upon the plain, opening with effect upon the enemy, using shrapnel. His position was thought to be too far in advance, on account of the enemy's musketry, and he was ordered to retire with his battery. This battery, for the time being, was under the orders of the commander of the corps, and was directed by the chief of artillery of the same.

The valor of the troops was so marked in the action that I can safely state that, had the enemy met us in an open field, the contest would have been decided in our favor in a very short time. Scarcely any troops could have withstood the onset of our men.

The following officers of my personal staff (I have only selected those who were highly distinguished) deserve well of their country: First Lieutenant W. G. Mitchell, W. D. W. Miller, acting aide-de-camp; Second Lieutenant J. M. Rorty, ordnance officer and acting aide-de-camp, and Second Lieutenant H. P. Ritzius, provost-marshal and acting aide-de-camp. They were exposed to the fire of the enemy throughout the day, and behaved in the most gallant manner. As an evidence of their dangerous services, I may be permitted to mention that three of them were wounded and four of their horses shot.

Surg. L. M. Knight, Fifth New Hampshire Volunteers, chief medical officer of the division, is entitled to commendation for his arduous and faithful services in his care of the wounded. Captain C. H. Hoyt, division quartermaster, reported to me on the field, and conducted himself with spirit. Also the acting division commissary, Captain Balloch, is entitled to credit for his efficiency, and for his conduct in Fredericksburg during the occupation of that place

My personal orderlies having been much exposed during the engagement, I wish to mention them for their good conduct on the field. Their names are as follows: Corpl. Owen McKenzie, Company K, Sixth New York Cavalry; Private Thomas Watson, Company K, Sixth New York Cavalry; Private James Wells, Company K, Sixth New York Cavalry; Private John Harper, Company K, Sixth New York Cavalry.

I have heretofore transmitted a nominal list of casualties and a tabular statement of the same, and now transmit a rough sketch* of the field, together with the reports of brigade, regimental, and battery commanders.

On the morning of the 14th, the division was directed to support the Ninth Corps in a meditated assault upon the enemy's works. That assault was, however, subsequently abandoned. Although shattered from the contest of the day previous the troops were ready again to perform their duty.

On the night of the 15th, the division recrossed the river to Falmouth, and occupied its previous camps.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WINF'D S. HANCOCK,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Division.