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3 ^ISB DlflbEEDS E
HISTORY
OF THE
NINTH REGIMENT,
Connecticut Volunteer Infantry,
"THE IRISH REGIMENT,"
IN THE
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-65.
THE RECORD OF A GALLANT COMMAND ON THE MARCH, IN BATTLE AND IN BIVOUAC.
by Thomas Hamilton Murray,
Secretary-General, American-Irish Historical Society ; Author of Papers on "The Irish Element in Connecticut," "Early Irish in the Plymouth Colony," " The Irish Soldiers in King Philip's War," " From Dawn to Revolution," "Thirty Historic American Families," "The Irish at the Battle of Bunker Hill," " Early Irish Educators of American Youth," "The First Regiment, Penn- sylvania Line," "Gen. John Sullivan and the Battle of Rhode Island," etc., etc.
New Haven, Conn.
The Price, Lee & Adkins Co.
1903.
. . LIBRARY . .
Connecticut Agricultural College.
vol LL3..B..3.
class no iit,..k m3><t
COST.. .JJl JM.
DATE
brU...O.+ 19.U.*
Copyright, 1903, by
MICHAEL P. COEN, Naugatuck, Ct.,
for the
Ninth Regiment Veteran Association, Connecticut Volunteers.
/ / 38^.
COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION OF THIS VOLUME.
Michael P. Coen, Naugatuck. John G. Healy, New Haven. Richard Fitz Gibbon, Bridgeport. Lawrence O'Brien, New Haven. Rollin McNeil, M.D., New Haven.
"It is hardly necessary for me to say that the conduct of your men meets my cordial approval, and I am proud of both officers and their command."
Governor Buckingham, of Connecticut, to Colonel Cahill, after Biloxi and Pass Christian, 1862.
"* * * Connecticut, represented by the sons of the ever green shamrock, * * *"
Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, in 1862, General Orders, Department of the Gulf.
"The Ninth, Col. Thomas W. Cahill, is still attached to the Department of the Gulf. In the part taken by this regiment in the several engagements in which it has par- ticipated, it has fully sustained the character for gallantry and energy which it possessed at the close of my last
report."
Adjutant-General, State of Connecticut, 1862-3.
To The
Officers And Men, Living And Dead,
of The
Ninth Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry,
Whose Services In The
Great Civil War Contributed So Much To The
Preservation of The Union,
This Volume Is
Cordiallv Dedicated.
ENGAGEMENTS.
Off Mississippi City, Miss., April 4, 1862. Pass Christian, Miss., April 4, 1862. New Orleans, La., April, 1862. Baton Rouge, La., August 5, 1862. La Fourche Crossing, La., June, 1863. Chattahoola Station, La., June, 1863. Pass Manchac, La., March, 1864. Bayou des Allemands, La., 1864. Deep Bottom, Va., July, 1864. Winchester, Va., September 19, 1864. Fisher's Hill, Va., September 22, 1864.
NINTH BATTALION.
Cedar Creek, Va., October 19, 1864.
BY WAY OF PREFACE.
THE volume here presented aims to narrate, in a clear and concise manner, the record of a splen- did regiment.
The Ninth Connecticut rendered great service to the cause of the Union. No regiment in the Nineteenth Corps, or in any corps, possessed braver hearts or a firmer spirit of loyalty to the Republic.
More than forty years have passed since the Ninth was mustered in, and the ranks of the survivors are growing thinner year by year. Hardly more than ioo officers and men of the command, out of the total enlist- ment, are now known to be alive. But of those who are still with us, the greater part are as erect in body and as clear in mind as they were the day they enlisted. The years have dealt kindly with them.
To perpetuate a remembrance of the valiant deeds of these survivors of the Civil War, and their departed comrades of the Ninth, is the object of the present vol- ume.
The author is indebted for material to many sources. The work has been published under the auspices of the Ninth Regiment Veteran Association, — survivors of the command — and a committee on publication has had gen- eral direction of the undertaking. The plan, arrange- ment and execution of the volume, however, were mat- ters left altogether to the author's taste, judgment and experience.
Of the committee on publication, Richard Fitz Gibbon was Lieutenant-Colonel of the Ninth, and was, for a con- siderable period, in command of the regiment ; John G. Healy, a captain in the regiment, became Lieutenant- Colonel of the Ninth Battalion, organized late in 1864, and composed of re-enlisted veterans ; Lawrence O'Brien,
8 PREFACE.
a captain in the regiment, was at one time during the war, provost marshal and judge of the Parish of Saint James, La. Michael P. Coen was a corporal in Com- pany F, of the regiment. His father and brother both lost their lives in the service. Rollin McNeil, M.D., New Haven, of the committee, was an assistant surgeon in the Regiment, and was later Surgeon of the Ninth Bat- talion, C. V.
In addition to material received from the committee, valuable data has been furnished by Major Patrick Maher, a veteran of the Twenty-Fourth regiment, C. V. Major Maher was one of the founders, in 1849, of the Washington-Erina Guards, of New Haven, and was later an officer of the Emmet Guard of that place. As an authority on Irish military organizations in Connecti- cut he stands unexcelled.
The author is also indebted to the Hon. John F. Hur- ley, recently mayor of Salem, Mass., who served in the Fourth Massachusetts Light Battery during the war. This battery was encamped at Camp Chase, Lowell, Mass., with the Ninth Regiment, C. V., and accompanied it on the Constitution to Ship Island. Mr. Hurley has furnished the writer a statement of many interesting facts, and has otherwise expressed his interest in this work.
To the Hon. James P. Bree, New Haven, State Auditor of Connecticut, acknowledgment is likewise made for valuable assistance rendered, and also to Gen. Thomas McManus, of Hartford. This latter gentleman was a major in the Twenty- Fifth Regiment, C. V., during the Civil War, having also been adjutant of the regiment. From Jan., 1883, to Jan., 1885, he was Quartermaster- General of Connecticut, with the rank of Brigadier-Gen- eral. Thanks for data received are also extended Thomas M. Cahill, M.D., of New Haven, a son of Colonel Cahill, and to Dr. Patrick Cassidy, of Norwich. Dr. Cassidy was Surgeon-General on the staff of Governor Luzon B.
PREFACE. g
Morris of Connecticut, ranking also as Brigadier-Gen- eral.
Much information has been obtained, too, from files of Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport and other Connecticut journals published during the war. Official publications issued by the State and National governments have been consulted. Collections of letters written home from the front have been placed at the author's disposal and from this source, too, many interesting facts have been gleaned. Access has also been had to regimental and company papers, thus greatly facilitating the work of the author.
The interest displayed by the public in the preparation of the present volume has been most gratifying. The author has received hearty co-operation on every hand. The kindliest sentiments have been expressed, and the most cordial inquiries made, from time to time, regard- ing the progress of the work. T. H. M.
New Haven, Ct., August, 1903.
AN INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.
EARLY IRISH MILITARY OFFICERS IN CONNECTICUT — MENTION OF CAPT. DANIEL PATRICK IN 1637 — IRISH NAMES IN 1729, 1756, 1767 AND AT OTHER PERIODS — MANY CONNECTICUT IRISH SERVE IN THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE, IN THE WAR OF l8l2 AND IN THE CONFLICT WITH MEXICO — IRISH COMPANIES DISBANDED BY THE KNOW NOTHING ADMINISTRA- TION, 1855.
IRISH settlers are found in Connecticut at a very early period. Some of them participated in campaigns against the Indians. Captain Daniel Patrick, who had served in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, came here dur- ing the Pequod war, 1637, and rendered effective service.
He is believed to have been an Irishman. One writer inclines to the opinion that his name was originally Gill- patrick or Fitzpatrick, and that he probably went from Ireland to the Low Countries and rendered military ser- vice there before coming to America.
Capt. Patrick became one of the founders of what is now the town of Greenwich, Ct. He eventually swore allegiance to the Dutch government and was granted the rights of a "patroon" in Greenwich and vicinity. His wife was a woman of Dutch blood.
A number of Irish soldiers from Connecticut partici- pated in "The Great Swamp Fight," in 1675, during King Philip's war. This fight took place in southern Rhode Island and resulted in a severe defeat for the Indians. Among the Connecticut soldiers mentioned as taking part in the battle were: James Murphy, Daniel Tracy, Edward Larkin, James Welch and John Roach. The latter is referred to in the Norwalk records as "a soldier in the late Indian war," and was granted a tract of land as a gratuity.
W A R OF THE REBELLION, 1 861-1865. n
Quite a number of military officers bearing Irish names are identified with the colonial history of Connecticut. Thus, we find: Capt. John Lyon, (Greenwich), 1728; Capt. Joseph Keeny, (Preston), 1729; Ensign John Keeny, (New London), 1730; Ensign Richard Keeny, (Glastonbury), 1731 ; Lieut. James Tracy, 1756; Lieut. Daniel Lyon, 1756; Lieut. David Lacey, 1756; Capt. Timothy Hierlehy, 1758; Lieut. James McGunnigall, Jr., 1759; Lieut. Cornelius Higgins, (Haddam), 1759; Capt. Daniel Tracy, (Norwich), 1759; Lieut. Joseph Tracy, (Norwich), 1759; Lieut. Patrick Walsh, 1759; Lieut. Roger Riley, 1767; Capt. Thaddeus Lacy, (Woodbury), 1769, and a number of others.
The Rev. James H. O'Donnell, now of Norwalk, Ct, in his History of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Hartford, goes extensively into this subject of early Irish people in Connecticut, and to his work we are indebted for a number of facts set forth in this chapter. As the volume on which we are here engaged is a military one, however, we are confining our labors almost entirely to that line of narrative. There is a mass of material at hand concerning pioneers and Irish settlers, generally, in Connecticut, from 1640 down, but such does not come within the scope of the present work.
At the outbreak of the Revolution, the Irish and their descendants were very numerous in Connecticut, and it has been estimated that fully one thousand of them en- listed in the patriot ranks. The Revolutionary rolls of the State are replete with Irish names. In the "Lexing- ton Alarm List," 1775, of Connecticut men, are found such names as : Fitzgerald, Gleason, Griffin, Kennedy, Manning, Martin, Murphy, McCartee, McMullen, Riley and the like. In every Connecticut regiment, during the Revolution, Irish names abound. And this applies not only to the regiments serving more especially within the State, but also to the Connecticut regiments of the Con- tinental Line.
I2 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
The Connecticut rolls relating to the War of 1812 also contain many Irish names, the bearers being from New Haven, Hartford, New London, Norwich, Groton, Strat- ford, Litchfield, Bridgeport, Middletown, Danbury and other parts of the State. Many of these served in the Regular Army, especially in the Twenty-Fifth Infantry and in the Thirty-Seventh Infantry.
In the war with Mexico, Connecticut men of Irish blood were likewise represented in the Regular Army. They were found in the First and Second artillery regi- ments ; and in the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Ninth and Tenth regiments of infantry ; also in other organizations.
THE WASHINGTON-ERINA GUARDS OF NEW HAVEN.
On July 31, 1849, a meeting of those interested in a projected Irish company was held in the Glebe building, corner of Church and Chapel streets, New Haven. Capt. James Quinn was chairman of the meeting, and John Duffy, secretary.
The organization was named the Washington-Erina Guards. Provision was made for drilling the men and the company made good progress. After drills had been in progress some time, Col. John Arnold, of the Second Regiment, requested the members of the company to pe- tition Governor Trumbull for a charter and to have the organization taken into the service of the State as part of Col. Arnold's regiment, as there was a vacancy for a company in the latter.
In accordance with Col. Arnold's request, a petition to Governor Trumbull was drafted Feb. 8, 1850, and was signed by John Duffy, Thomas Newman, James Gal- lagher, William Geary, Francis McBryan, John Maher, Barney Galligan, Patrick Maher, James Brady, Patrick W. Kennefick, Daniel Crowley, James Banning, Michael Shields, Stephen Flynn, Geoffrey Ahearn, Rendles Sheilds,1 Edward Hamel, Thomas W. Cahill, Thomas
1 Spelled elsewhere as Randal and Randall Shields.
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 13
Preston and John L. Duffy. This petition, however, was never forwarded to Governor Trumbull, as it was thought the incoming governor (Seymour) would be more likely to grant the desired recognition. Governor Seymour did so in March, 1852, the organization becoming officially known as Company E, of the Second Regiment. The officers commissioned were to take rank from March 17, that year, and comprised : Captain, John Duffy ; First Lieutenant, Thomas W. Cahill ; Second Lieutenant, Randal Shields; Third Lieutenant, Peter Hanley. The company established an armory at the corner of Water and Fleet streets, New Haven, purchased its own uni- forms, and received flint-lock muskets from the State. These muskets it continued to use until an order came in August, 1854, from John C. Hollister, then Adjutant- General of the State, requesting the company to return the muskets to the arsenal, in Hartford, and stating that the command would be supplied with percussion-lock muskets instead. The old muskets were thereupon re- turned and the new ones received.
A strict rule for admission to the company was that the applicant must be a native, or a naturalized citizen, of the United States. The company paraded with the regi- ment, attended the regimental encampments, went to Hartford to attend Governor Seymour's inauguration, one year, and was hospitably entertained by the people of that city. The company became very popular through- cut the State, and received many compliments on its drill and general soldierly bearing.
The organization of the Washington-Erina Guards took place, as has been stated, on July 31, 1849. Of the original members, the following were still living, Aug. 8, 1899, fifty years after: William Geary, Peter Sheridan, Thomas Preston, Michael McCarten, James Daly, Patrick Maher, John Cummisky, Thomas Layden, Michael Hughson, John Conlin, Jeremiah Donovan, James Wrinn, Daniel Carroll, Michael Gilhuly, Timothy
1 4 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
Fogarty, Patrick Garvey, and Daniel J. Crowley, — seven- teen in all. John Cummisky, one of these survivors, died in Chicago, 111., Jan. 8, 1900.
MENTION OF OTHER IRISH COMPANIES.
In the meantime, another military organization was formed, in New Haven, known as the Jackson Guards, composed, like the Washington-Erina Guards, of men of Irish birth or descent. The new organization was an off- shoot of the Washington-Erina Guards, the requirements for admission being practically the same. The first cap- tain of the Jacksons was Patrick Garvey. The Jacksons were attached to the Second Regiment as Company D.
There was also an Irish company, attached to the militia, at this time, in Hartford ; one in Bridgeport ; one in Derby (Birmingham), and one in Norwich. These companies were composed of an excellent class of citi- zens, and in drill, discipline, and every other respect, were a credit to the State. According to an official roster of the State militia, the officers of these six Irish companies were, in December, 1854, as follows:
Infantry Company F, First Regiment, Hartford, (Emmet Guards), Captain, Edward McManus ; First Lieutenant, James McHugh ; Second Lieutenant, Michael Collins ; Third Lieutenant, Cornelius Ryan.
Infantry Company E, Second Regiment, New Haven, (Washington-Erina Guards), Captain, Thomas W. Cahill ; First Lieutenant, Patrick Maher; Second Lieutenant, Randall Shields ; Third Lieutenant, Michael McCarten.
Infantry Company D, Second Regiment, New Haven, (Jackson Guards), Captain, (vacancy) ; First Lieutenant, Peter Sheridan ; Second Lieutenant, John Scanlan ; Third Lieutenant, Michael Hughson.
Infantry Company C, Third Regiment, Norwich, (Jackson Guards), Captain, Patrick McKiernan ; First Lieutenant, James Williams ; Second Lieutenant, Thomas O'Rourke ; Third Lieutenant, John Gaffney.
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 15
Rifle Company B, Second Regiment, Derby, (Bir- mingham), (Derby Rifles), Captain Patrick McMahon; First Lieutenant, Hugh McGowen ; Second Lieutenant, Michael Stevens; Third Lieutenant, Patrick Moneghan.
Infantry Company B, Eighth Regiment, Bridgeport, (Montgomery Guards), Captain, M. O'Connell ; First Lieutenant, John Fox; Second Lieutenant, Edward N. Goodwin; Third Lieutenant, Richard Sewell.
At the time the foregoing companies were disbanded, in 1855, Infantry Company D, Second Regiment, New Haven, was commanded by Lieut. John Maher, Jr., the captaincy being vacant. With this, and possibly one or two other exceptions, the companies had, doubtless, the same officers as in December, 1854.
THE DISBANDMENT OF THE COMPANIES.
William T. Minor, of Stamford, was elected Governor of Connecticut by the Know Nothings and held the office for two years, — 1855-57. During his administration steps were taken to disband the six Irish companies in the militia and these steps were carried into effect.
Henry J. Gardner, the Know Nothing Governor of Massachusetts, also issued an order disbanding the Irish companies of the militia in the Bay State. Benjamin F. Butler was at that time colonel of a Massachusetts regi- ment. In this regiment was an Irish company — the Jackson Musketeers, of Lowell. Butler refused to pro- mulgate the disbanding order to his regiment, quoted the military law of the State, and challenged the Governor to bring him before a court-martial. Governor Gardner did not dare accept the challenge. He did, however, issue an order dismissing Butler from command of the regiment, but Butler refused to be dismissed and again appealed to the law. Again the Know Nothing admin- istration halted, nonplussed by Butler's masterly knowl- edge of the law relating to the case.
Finally, Governor Gardner and his accessories found
1 6 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
a way out of their dilemma. The regiments constituting the militia were reorganized, renumbered and relocated.
Butler was thus frozen out, and the Irish companies throughout the State had to suffer. Butler, however, soon achieved a great triumph over the Know Nothing governor. In a short time after the reorganization of a brigade, the field officers got together to elect a brigadier general as they were by law authorized to do. They elected Butler to the position, much to the chagrin of the Governor and his supporters. Governor Gardner was obliged to sign Butler's commission as brigadier-general, and had he hesitated or refused to do so, the General would have promptly got after him with a mandamus or taken some other equally prompt step.
On August i, 1855, Capt. Ruckoldt of the New Haven City Guards, (a German company), stood on the corner of Chapel and Orange streets, New Haven. As Capt. Thomas W. Cahill and Lieut. Patrick Maher of the Washington-Erina Guards approached, Capt. Ruckoldt said, in substance, to Capt. Cahill that he (Ruckoldt) had met Governor Minor in the lodge, the previous night, and had learned that the Governor was going to disband all the Irish companies — giving no reasons — but that he was going to retain the German company.
This information greatly interested his two hearers. The fact that the Irish companies, composed of American citizens, were to be disbanded, and that the German com- pany, among whose members there were not over ten citizens — the rest being aliens — was to be retained, was especially significant. Capt. Ruckoldt's statement proved quite accurate.
Gov. Minor, however, experienced some difficulty in having his disbanding order promulgated. The Irish companies had many friends in the State, even among the old-line stock. The Governor discussed his scheme with John C. Hollister, Adjutant-General of the State, with the result that Hollister got out of office. But
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 17
Minor was determined to go ahead. So, Justin Hodge of Barkhamsted, a veteran of the Mexican war, was made adjutant-general to succeed Hollister. Without loss of time, the Governor issued the following:
Office of the Commander-in-Chief,
Stamford, August 24, 1855. Justin Hodge, Esq.,
Adjutant-General. Dear Sir : — Military Companies organized as foreign Companies, and composed entirely of the foreign born, are believed to be detrimental to the military interests of our State, and their continuance inconsistent with the spirit of our Institutions, therefore, in pursuance with the authority vested in the Commander-in-Chief by Sec- tion 26 of the statute law1 of this State, passed May ses- sion, 1854, entitled, an Act for Forming and Conducting the Military Force, the following Companies being com- posed of the foreign born, viz:
Infantrv Companv F, Hartford, First Regiment.
C, Norwich, Third
D, New Haven, Second "
E, New Haven, Second " Rifle " B, Birmingham, " Infantry " B, Bridgeport, Eighth "
are hereby disbanded.
You will issue the necessary orders for the purpose of disbanding each of the foregoing Companies, and notify the Quartermaster-General of the same, that the arms and equipments of each of said Companies belonging to the State may be returned to the Arsenal. Respectfully yours,
(Signed) William T. Minor,
Commander-in-Chief
of the Connecticut Militia.
1 The following is a copy of the law referred to :
An Act for Forming and Conducting the Military Force, May Session, 1854.— Section 26. The commander-in-chief is hereby fully authorized and empow- ered to disband any military company or band, as the interest of the militia in his opinion may require; to discharge commissioned and non-comissioned officers, and all other persons who have performed the duty required by this act, or who, from incom- petence or other cause, have failed to perform their duty, to delegate to the major- general and brigadier-generals the power to discharge officers and other persons, and generally to exercise all the powers necessary to carry into full effect the provision of this act. 2
1 8 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
Adjutant-General Hodge refused to promulgate the foregoing, and resigned. The Governor was then obliged to get another adjutant-general to do his bid- ding. He selected Joseph D. Williams for the position, and this gentleman did the work required, as the follow- ing order shows :
Adjutant-General's Office,
Hartford, Sept. 25, 1855.
In pursuance of the foregoing order directed to Gen- eral Justin Hodge, dated Aug. 24, 1855, the following Companies have been disbanded, viz :
Infantry Company F, Hartford, 1st Regiment.
C, Norwich, 3rd
D, New Haven, 2d
E, New Haven, 2d Rifle " B, Birmingham, 2d Infantry " B, Bridgeport, 8th
and orders have been issued and directed to the com- manders of the Companies with the Colonels of their respective Regiments.
(Signed) J. D. Williams,
Adjutant-General.
The same day, Sept. 25, Williams issued an order to each commander of the six companies, notifying him that his company was "this day disbanded," and directing him to return State property to the Arsenal at Hartford. The following is a copy of the order issued at this time to Capt. McKiernan, of Norwich :
Adjutant-General's Office,
Hartford, Sept. 25, 1855.
Patrick McKiernan, Esq.,
Capt. Com'd'g Company C, 3rd Regt., Connecticut Militia, Sir: —
By order of the Commander-in-Chief, Infantry Com- pany C, 3rd Regt., Connecticut Militia, is this day dis- banded.
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 19
In pursuance of the above order you are hereby directed to deliver all of the property belonging to the State in your possession to the Quartermaster-General at the State Arsenal at Hartford.
Yours, &c,
(Signed) J. D. Williams,
Adjutant-General.
The orders to the commanders of the five other com- panies were similar in phraseology, and were addressed, respectively, to Capt. Thomas W. Cahill, Capt. Edward McManus, Capt. M. O'Connell, Capt. Patrick McMahon, and Lieut. John Maher, Jr. Adjutant-General Williams also issued the following:
Adjutant-General's Office,
Hartford, Sept. 25, 1855. Levi Woodhouse, Esq.,
Quartermaster-General. Sir: —
By order of the Commander-in-Chief, the following named companies have been this day disbanded, viz : Infantry Company F, Hartford, 1st Regiment.
" " " C, Norwich, 3rd
D, New Haven, 2d
E, New Haven, 2d Rifle " B, Birmingham, 2d Infantry " B, Bridgeport, 8th
and the arms and equipments of said companies belong- ing to the State have been ordered into your Office. If they should not be forthcoming you will take early meas- ures to enquire into the cause.
Yours, &c,
(Signed) J. D. Williams,
Adjutant-General
The disbandment of the Irish companies occasioned great dissatisfaction throughout the State. The New Haven Register, speaking of Capt. Cahill and his com- pany (the Washington-Erina Guards, Co. E, Second Regiment), said :
2o NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
''Capt. C. is himself a native of New England — was born within a stone's throw of Bunker Hill, and came with his parents to this city, before he was a year old — and has steadily resided here since. He is as intelligent and patriotic as Gov. Minor, and in every sense as good a citizen. He is one of the best officers in the State, and every member of his company is a naturalized citizen. No breach of duty is charged upon them ; no unsoldierly act is alleged ; no disrespect of superior officers ; no contempt of orders ; no evidence of want of at- tachment to the country ; but a full compliance by them with all the militia laws is conceded. We hardly know which is the most despicable — the injustice of the act, or the hypocrisy which attempts to excuse it.
"The injustice of such a step is the more apparent when it is remembered that by the law under which this com- pany was mustered and enrolled, it is provided that any person who shall serve seven years in any company, shall be exempt from the poll tax, and at the expiration of that term, from military duty. Here are men, then, who served with fidelity nearly four years, been at great expense for dress and equipments, devoting their time and money to the service of this State, turned off without a decent apology for the act, and the contract meanly abrogated ! We have no patience with such demagog- ism. The young men thus attempted to be disgraced, are among the most industrious of our mechanics — most of whom either came here in infancy, or were born upon the soil — and are 'American citizens,' as much as Gov. Minor or his supple Adjutant, and as worthy of confi- dence. The indignation felt by all classes of our citizens, (outside of the 'midnight conclave' where the order originated), is intense ; and the authors of it have only added another mill-stone to the weight which is rapidly sinking them to an infamy as merited as it is fathomless."
The Bridgeport Farmer, Oct. 2, 1855, referring to the Montgomery Guards of that city, another of the dis-
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1 861-1865. 21
banded companies, said : "This Company B, as it is here called, known in this city by the name of Montgomery Guards, was formed in 1852, by Captain Coates, a nat- uralized Irishman, who had been an officer of some grade, or a drill master, in the United States Army. Mr. Coates was a very zealous whig, and in all party matters, was particularly intimate with Mr. John M. Wilson, now one of the principal managers of the Know Nothing Inquisi- tion in this city. All the members of the company are of Irish parentage, we believe, though some of them are natives of this country. Those of them who were not born here, have, we are told, been duly naturalized, and of course, are entitled to all the rights and privileges, as well as to all the name of American citizens. They are all, we understand, industrious and skillful mechanics, * * * * They have expended a considerable amount of money to equip themselves with uniforms, etc., and devoted much time to the study and practice of infan- try tactics. As a company, and as individuals, they have discharged, promptly and faithfully, all the duties that are required by law, and at the regimental muster, made as fine an appearance, we are informed, as any company on the field. In actual service, we have no doubt, they would shed their blood and sacrifice their lives as heroically, in defence of American liberty, as any other company in this State, not excepting even Captain Minor's favorite company, the Stamford Guards. * * "The ground on which this disbandment was first at- tempted to be justified, was, that these companies were composed chiefly of persons not naturalized. But it does not appear, from all we can learn, that this is true in relation to any considerable number. Indeed, nearly all who were born abroad, have been duly naturalized, and taken the Elector's oath, to support the Constitution of this State, and of the United States — while a consid- erable portion of them are natives of this or some of the neighboring States — and all devotedly attached to our
22 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
country and her free institutions. It cannot, therefore, with any show of truth, be said that there is the least ground for apprehension on account of any allegiance they may owe or be supposed to owe to any foreign power. Nor does it appear that they have been disobe- dient soldiers or refractory citizens. * * * This disbandment was so entirely uncalled for and un- justifiable, that two Adjutant-Generals refused to obey the order of the Governor for that purpose, which was issued contrary to the advice and remonstrances of some of the best military men in the State. The decree had been uttered, however, by the Know Nothing Inqui- sition, and Governor Minor was required to see it en- forced."
The animus of the Know Nothings against the Irish companies had a racial and religious basis. These com- panies were Irish and Catholic. The "foreign" company retained was German and Protestant. The fact that the Irish companies were composed of American citizens, and the German company mainly of aliens, counted for nothing with the dark-lantern plotters. The tactics of the latter, however, were short-lived. The Know Noth- ing party was soon tumbled from power.
The Washington-Erina Guards, after their disband- ment in 1855, as a military company, continued to meet as a social organization, until May 18, 1857, when a new organization was formed in New Haven. This was the famous Emmet Guard of that place. Present at the meeting for organization were representatives of the Washington-Erina and Jackson Guards, the latter of which had also been disbanded in 1855, and several prom- inent adopted citizens. Capt. Patrick Maher was chair- man of the meeting, and Michael McCarten was secre- tary. A committee was appointed to solicit funds, it was decided to name the new organization the Emmet Guard, and John Bell was engaged to make the uniforms. Capt. Maher, as a committee to purchase muskets, subsequently
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 23
waited upon Eli Whitney and bought the required num- ber of guns at $3 each. They were of an old pattern, but answered the purpose very well. The Emmets became a very successful organization, acquired great proficiency in drill and was one of the best known military com- panies in the State.
On July 30, 1859, the Emmet Guard received in New Haven, as guests, the Irish Fusiliers, (Co. A, 69th Reg't, New York), at that time commanded by Capt. Michael Corcoran, who afterwards became a General and was in command of Corcoran's Irish Legion. The Emmets entertained the Fusiliers in New Haven over July 31 and Aug. 1, and displayed true Irish hospitality. The company orders issued to the Emmets, for this occasion, were signed by "Thomas W. Cahill, Commandant," and "P. McLaughlin, Orderly Sergeant." These orders stated that the Hibernian, Montgomery, and Carmen societies of New Haven would also participate, on the evening of July 30, in the reception to the visiting organization. In i860, the Emmets made a return visit to New York as the guests of the Fusiliers and were handsomely treated.
The Emmets continued drilling and perfecting them- selves in general military knowledge. They had a full set of regimental officers, so that when the War of the Rebellion broke out there was material and ability enough in the organization to officer a regiment or a brigade. The Emmet Guard, of New Haven, was a nucleus in the formation of the Ninth Regiment, C. V., in the Civil War, and furnished two or three companies and sixteen commissioned officers to the cause of the Union. These officers were as follows.
FORMER RANK. NAME. REGIMENT. RANK.
Captain, Thomas W. Cahill, Ninth Conn., j Col., Acting
( Brig.-Gen. Captain, Patrick Maher, Twenty-Fourth Conn., Major.
Second Lieut., Michael McCarten, Ninth Conn., Captain.
Commissary, M. A. Williams, Ninth Conn., Captain.
Pioneer, John Carroll, Ninth Conn., First Lieut.
24 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
FORMER RANK.
Orderly Sergt.
Sergeant,
Corporal,
Corporal,
Private,
Private,
Private,
Private,
Private,
Private,
Private,
NAME.
, J. P. Hennessey, John Shaw, T. Sheridan, Francis McKeon, John G. Healy, Lawrence O'Brien, John J. Kealy, John Murphy, John McCusker, James Lawler, F. H. Gallagher,
REGIMENT.
Ninth Conn., Twenty-Fourth Conn., Ninth Conn., Ninth Conn., Ninth Conn., Ninth Conn., Twenty-Fourth Conn. , Twenty-Fourth Conn. , Ninth Conn., Ninth Conn., Ninth Conn.,
RANK.
Captain. Second Lieut. Captain. First Lieut. Lieut.-Colonel. Captain. Captain. First Lieut. Second Lieut. Second Lieut. Second Lieut.
.... j -^,
Coi.. Thomas W. Cahill. (Reproduced from a War-Time Print).
CHAPTER I.
ORGANIZATION OF THE NINTH — SOME PRELIMINARY EVENTS LEADING THERETO — ACTIVITY OF IRISH- AMERICANS IN THE CAUSE OF THE UNION — THE FLAG DISPLAYED ON CATHOLIC CHURCH EDIFICES — PATRI- OTIC ACTION BY THE REV. THOMAS F. HENDRICKEN AND OTHER PRIESTS — GOVERNOR BUCKINGHAM FAVORS THE RAISING OF AN IRISH REGIMENT — THOMAS W. CAHILL IS MADE COLONEL.
THE War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865, was one of the greatest conflicts in all history. Huge armies were engaged, and the naval operations were also conducted on a vast scale. Connecticut was one of the most loyal of states. She responded promptly to the calls of President Lincoln for defenders of the Union, and is credited with over 54,000 enlistments. As the poet John Boyle O'Reilly sings :
" Thrice blest the nation that has every son A soldier, ready for the warning sound ; Who marches homeward when the fight is done, To swing the hammer and to till the ground.
"Call back that morning, with its lurid light,
When through our land the awful war bell tolled ; When lips were mute, and women's faces white As the pale cloud that out from Sumter rolled.
" Call back that morn : an instant all were dumb, As if the shot had struck the Nation's life ; Then cleared the smoke, and rolled the calling drum, And men streamed in to meet the coming strife."
No class of Connecticut men volunteered with greater alacrity than those of Irish birth or descent. It has been estimated that between 7;ooo and 8,000 of this ele-
26 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
ment alone, enlisted into the various regiments that went to the front from the State. They were represented in the infantry, cavalry, and artillery. Many Connecticut men of Irish lineage also enlisted into organizations credited to other states and many more rendered valiant service in the navy.
Many were killed in battle and thus cemented their devotion to the Republic with their blood. Others, per- ished of wounds or disease, while still others returned home crippled for life. But the Nation was preserved and so their sacrifices were not in vain. A grateful people will long remember its Irish heroes who wore the blue.
Soon after the outbreak of the war, Connecticut began organizing regiments and sending them forward to sup- port the Flag. Young men of Irish birth or extraction enlisted in these early regiments by the hundred, and were as zealous as any descendant of the Pilgrim or the Puritan to fight for the maintenance of the Union. At frequent intervals, notices were published in the daily papers, throughout the State, requesting patriotic young Irishmen to attend meetings, here and there, for the pur- pose of organizing military companies. Prominent men of Irish extraction participated in great "war meetings," the Stars and Stripes were displayed on Catholic church edifices, priests addressed their flocks on the great issues of the hour, and everywhere a spirit of earnest patriotism was manifested. The insult offered the Irish element by the Know Nothing administration, in 1855, when the six companies were disbanded, was forgiven, if not for- gotten, now that the life of the Nation was at stake. In the New Haven Palladium, April 20, 1861, appeared the following :
"Our Irish fellow-citizens are strong in their patriotic devotion to the country of their adoption. At a very en- thusiastic meeting of the Emmet Guard last evening [in New Haven] it was determined to offer their services to the Government as soon as they shall have been recog- nized as citizens and soldiers bv the Governor.
W A R OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 27
"The McGowan Guards, too, a target company, formed some two years ago, will tender their services as soon as the Emmets shall have done so, and the two companies will prove themselves among the best of the soldiers who are to fight for the flag."
In its issue of April 22, 1861, the Palladium said: "We are glad to hear that Governor Buckingham, in a letter to Captain Cahill, of the Emmet Guard, has informed him that the officers chosen by that company shall be fully commissioned immediately upon being reported by the Adjutant-General, without the usual formalities attending the organization of military com- panies."
In the Palladium for May 15, 1861, appeared the fol- lowing notice : "All patriotic young Irishmen who desire to defend the flag of their adopted country, and to serve for three years, or during the war, are requested to meet at Hibernian Hall, [New Haven], this evening, at 7^ o'clock. Particulars given by M. A. Williams, as per instructions. It is intended to attach this company to Colt's Regiment, to> be armed with Colt's Rifles. We understand that this regiment will be commanded by United States officers."
In its issue the next day, May 16, 1861, the Palladium, referring to this meeting, said : "The military meeting at Hibernian Hall last evening was large and enthusi- astic. Mr. Michael A. Williams was elected Chairman, and John Brown, secretary. This meeting was held for the purpose of organizing a military company for three years' service. The meeting adjourned to meet this evening at Healy's Hotel, in Broad street, where those who wish to enlist can have the opportunity."
On April 25, 1861, the Palladium notes that "A mag- nificent American flag was last night hoisted on the spire of St. Patrick's church on Grand street [New Haven]. It shows — as have many similar demonstrations — that our adopted citizens are with us in the support of the Government."
28 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
Early in the war, the Rev. Thomas F. Hendricken, of Waterbury, Ct., (afterwards bishop of the diocese of Providence, R. I.), called a meeting of the young men of his parish. The meeting was held in the basement of the church and a military company was organized and its services offered to Governor Buckingham. It was in- tended to serve for three months. As the short-time regiments were then full, the company waited and was finally mustered into the Ninth. The Croffut-Morris history of Connecticut in the Rebellion, speaking of Waterbury's part in helping the cause of the Union, states that a company, the City Guard, of that place, was promptly recruited to the maximum and its services offered to the Governor. On April 20, 1861, "it left for New Haven, being escorted to the depot by an immense crowd of citizens and civil societies, and a speech of fare- well being made by Rev. Mr. Hendricken of the Catholic church." The same work also states that about the same time, "A beautiful American flag was raised over the old Catholic church, [in Waterbury] ; the three hundred Catholic pupils, under the direction of the Misses Slater, participating in the patriotic ceremonies. The Irish Catholics assembled, and fifty voted to volunteer."
One of the leading spirits at a great war meeting in Middletown, Ct., at this time, was M. H. Griffin, a promi- nent Democrat. He "was a loyal Irish-American of wealth and influence in Middletown, and he gave all his efforts to the work of prosecuting the war. He incited a spirit of patriotism by personal appeals in the street and in the workshop, gave freely of his money and his time, and zealously promoted the work of organization and equipment for the front."
In the Croffut-Morris history, already quoted, it is stated that "A fine company of Irishmen from Norwich was raised for the Fifth Regiment; but it finally joined the First New York Artillery. Capt. Thomas Maguire became major of the regiment, and was succeeded by
W A R OF THE REBELLION, 1 861-1865. 29
Capt. William A. Berry, killed in front of Petersburg. He in turn was succeeded by Capt. Thomas Scott of Nor- wich."
Early in the war, the project of forming a distinctively Irish regiment,1 in Connecticut, was suggested, and re- ceived the favorable consideration of Governor Bucking- ham. He thoroughly disapproved of the Know Nothing tactics, of 1855. His activity in securing justice for the companies that had been arbitrarily disbanded by Gov- ernor Minor also did credit to his head and heart.
At the May session of the General Assembly, 1861, Mr. Gallagher of New Haven introduced in the House of Representatives, May 3, a joint resolution reinstating as a part of the military force of the State all regularly organized military companies, composed of foreign born citizens that were disbanded in 1855, and also reinstating their respective officers to take rank from the date of their several commissions ; also providing for paying said companies for armory rent, and the performance of mili- tary duty as if said companies had not been disbanded.
"The resolution was read the first time, and by order of the House (the rule being dispensed with), the second time, and, on motion, was referred to the Joint Standing Committee on Military Affairs."
Another extract from the Journal of the House, at this time, reads: "Tuesday Morning, May 28. The report of the Joint Standing Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the joint resolution reinstating as a part of the military force of this State all regularly organ- ized military companies, composed of foreign born citi-
1 There were many Irish regiments in the Union army during the war. Among them were the Tenth New Hampshire, Ninth Massachusetts, Twenty-eighth Massa- chusetts, Thirty-seventh New York, Sixty-third New York, Sixty-ninth New York, Eighty-eighth New York, One Hundred and Fifty-fifth New York, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth New York, One Hundred and Seventieth New York, Seventeenth Wis- consin, Twenty-third Illinois, Nintieth Illinois, Seventh Missouri, Fifteenth Michi- gan, etc. There were many other regiments in the service which, while not known as Irish regiments, were largely composed of men of Irish birth or parentage. The Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery was one of these. Corcoran's Irish Legion and Meagher's Irish Brigade covered themselves with glory during the struggle.
3°
NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
zens, that were disbanded in 1855, and also reinstating their respective officers to take rank from the date of their several commissions ; also providing for paying said companies for armory rent, and the performance of mili- tary duty as if said companies had not been disbanded, by authorizing the Comptroller to draw an order on the Treasurer, in favor of the captain or senior lieutenant of such companies, for the use and benefit of each of said companies, on receipt of satisfactory evidence of their having performed military duty and paid armory rent," was received from the Senate. It was adverse to the passage of the resolution, but recommended "the passage of a substitute resolution therefor, submitted by the Com- mittee, providing for the legal and honorable discharge of the military companies of adopted citizens disbanded in the year 1855, from the performance of further active military duty in the same manner that they would have been discharged if they had served for the full term of five and seven years under the laws of this State." The report of the Committee was accepted, the resolution originally referred to the Committee was rejected, and the substitute recommended by the Committee was passed.
The substitute resolution here mentioned was finally adopted, by both House and Senate, and thus the Know Nothing stain was removed from the fair escutcheon of Connecticut, so far as that stain had affected the reputa- tion of the Irish companies.
The difference between the original resolution, which was rejected, and the substitute which was passed, con- sisted, briefly, in this : The original resolution provided that the disbanded companies and their officers should be reinstated as a part of the military force of the State, and that the companies thus reinstated should receive payment for armory rent and military duty performed from the time of their disbandment, in 1855, down. The substitute provided for the honorable discharge of the
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 31
companies and their officers, and did not provide for armory rent or for payment for military duty since 1855. This arrangement, while not fully realizing the expecta- tions of the friends of the original resolution, was, never- theless, a fair one under existing circumstances. It ac- knowledged and vindicated the loyalty of the Irish companies, which loyalty had been questioned and assailed by the Know Nothing regime.
The following is an extract from Governor Bucking- ham's inaugural address, 1861 :
The requisition for troops from the Secretary of War, did not call for chaplains. I have, however, no hesita- tion in recommending the appointment of one to each regiment, at the expense of this State ; and as many of our adopted citizens, connected with the Roman Catholic Church, have manifested their loyalty by uniting with the volunteers, I would recommend, also, the appointment of two additional chaplains of that religious faith to each brigade.
The following communication was also of especial significance ; it shows that the idea of an Irish regiment had been entertained even previous to the passage of the foregoing legislation :
State of Connecticut, Office of the Commander-in-Chief,
Norwich, April 26, 1861. Capt. Thos. W. Cahill,
Emmet Guard.
Dear Sir: — Yours of the 25th inst., enclosing the resolutions of the Emmet Guard, asking "Whether the services of a regiment composed of Irish adopted citizens would be received by the State authorities with the under- standing that the regiment nominate their own officers throughout?" [is received].
In reply, I am directed by the Governor to say that a regiment composed of Irish adopted citizens would be received and the wishes of the regiment consulted and
32 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
respected in the appointment of officers. No one would intentionally be pressed who was unacceptable.
Very respectfully,
O. N. Shipman,
Executive Secretary.
On May 3, 1861, Mr. Byington introduced, in the State Senate, the following:
Whereas, Honorable mention has been made of the fidelity and patriotism of our adopted citizens, by the Governor of the State in his usual message to this body, and
Whereas, It being understood that large numbers of this class of our fellow citizens desire to organize them- selves into a regiment for the defence of our common country, therefore,
Resolved, That the Governor be, and he hereby is, re- quested to accept such regiment of adopted citizens, and to muster them into service as necessity or occasion may require.
On motion the resolution was referred to the Joint Standing Committee on Military Affairs.
As soon as it was decided to form an Irish regiment, much enthusiasm was manifested in the interest of such an organization, and great activity prevailed. Recruit- ing places were established, patriotic appeals were issued through the press and from the platform, posters were put up, inviting enlistments, and other effective steps taken. Recruits began to pour in. One company, (A), and the nucleus of two others, for the new regiment, went into camp at Hartford. Great interest in "The Irish Regiment"1 was manifested in New Haven, Bridgeport, Hartford, Waterbury, Meriden, Norwich and many other places throughout the State. No longer were heard sneers at the "foreign-born." The Know Nothing cabal
1 Certain regiments organized in Connecticut were called at home by such names as "The Lyon Regiment," "The Charter Oak Regiment," " The Irish Regiment," etc.
^»H^ 4
1 â– - - ate
£ o-:
& sdSBSBL
^io-:^;
Lieut. Col. Richard Fitz Gibbon. (Reproduced from a War-Time Print).
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1865. 33
had been driven from power by an indignant people. Strong arms were needed to defend the Nation and the Irish of Connecticut nobly responded. On May 17, 1861, the following notice under the head "A Chance for Vol- unteers," appeared in the New Haven Palladium: "A recruiting office is now opened in Engineers' Hall, Arti- zan street, [New Haven], to those who would serve the country and protect its flag. Office open every evening from 7 until 9 o'clock, when persons can receive all necessary information. John Duffy."
The following is the text of a poster displayed at New Haven and probably elsewhere : "Forward the 9th !" Here followed a woodcut of an American eagle defend- ing the American shield. The poster then continued : "9th Regiment, Irish Volunteers ! This destined to be gallant Regiment, organized under the auspices of His Excellency, the Governor of this State, to be officered by Irishmen throughout, is now rapidly filling up. All per- sons wishing to join, can receive further information at the Headquarters, in Crown street, 3 doors from Church street, New Haven, Conn."
Another poster with the heading "Forward the Ninth !" displayed an eagle holding the inscription, "The Union must be preserved." The poster then went on to say that "The Emmet Guards, lately commanded by Thomas W. Cahill, now Colonel of the 9th Regiment, Connecti- cut Volunteers, require a few more men to complete the maximum number required by the State. Application may be made at the camp ground or at the tent on the green." Then followed information as to the pay of pri- vates, the matter of bounty, etc., as follows : United States pay per month, $13; Bounty from State of Con- necticut, per year, $30 ; Bounty to soldiers wife, per month, $6; Bounty to wife and child per month, $8 ; Bounty to wife and two children, per month, $10, "making the pay of privates who enlist in Connecti- cut companies range from fifteen dollars and fifty cents to
34
NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
twenty-five dollars and fifty cents, according to size of family. In addition, $100 of bounty from the United States when honorably discharged." This poster was signed : "Michael McCarten, Captain."
Capt. Cahill was commissioned Colonel of the Ninth, Sept. 3, 1861. Lieut.-Col. Richard Fitz Gibbon1 and Major Frederick Frye, of the regiment, had already seen active service in the field, the former as a captain in the First Regiment, C. V., and the latter as a captain in the Third Regiment, C. V.
Under the head of "The Emmet Guard Going," the New Haven Palladium, Sept. 5, 1861, states that "At a large and enthusiastic meeting of the Emmet Guard, [New Haven], last evening, Lieutenant Maher in the chair, it was voted to enlist for the war. The meeting was addressed by Col. (late Capt.) Cahill in a feeling and eloquent manner. They will meet at their armory to- morrow night to receive such members as may wish to join their war organization." At the meeting, Sept. 4, here described, the Emmets adopted a preamble and reso- lutions, regretting the loss of Cahill as captain of the Guard, but expressing satisfaction at his promotion to the rank of Colonel of the Ninth Regiment. Thanks were also extended Lieut. McCarten, "who now retires to occupy a more advanced position." The committee on these resolutions consisted of Engineer McCaffrey, Lieut. Wrinn and Adjutant Geary.
On Sept. 9, 1861, the New Haven Palladium stated that "The 9th (Irish) Regiment, C. V., is to be removed to-day or to-morrow from their present camp ground at Hartford to this city, taking position on Mr. Hallock's field at the right of the 6th and 7th. This is done be- cause it is apparent that the regiment will be largely re- cruited from this section of the State. On this account — although we believe the Hartford camps to be com- fortably situated — we welcome the change as a good one.
1Generally spelled Fitz Gibbons in the records.
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 35
The regiment will probably be filled in ten days from this time."
Sept. 10, 1861, the Palladium notes that the Emmet Guard, of New Haven, "led by Colonel (late Captain) Cahill, made a very fine show in their parade yesterday afternoon. At its close, Mr. Bartholomew Healy gave them a fine entertainment at the Broad Street Hotel. The parade was a very admirable one, which did much credit to those engaged in it."
In the Hartford C our ant, Sept. 12, 1861, appeared the following : "Lieut. Wm. Wright, late of the 3d Regiment, C. V., will open a recruiting office to-day, under the American Hall, [Hartford], for the purpose of enlisting a company for the 9th Regiment. He is desirous of having his company composed exclusively of Irishmen; and as there has not been a company raised as yet in this city for the 9th Regiment, it is to be hoped he will meet with liberal encouragement. There is no reason why Hartford should not be represented by a full com- pany of Irishmen in the 9th, under Col. Cahill ; they can be raised, and Lieut. Wright will do it. Go and hear Father Quinn's lecture at St. Peter's church to-night. He will tell you all about the war." This is believed to have been the Father Quinn who was chaplain in a Rhode Island regiment. Lieut. Wright was commis- sioned Captain of Co. G, of the Ninth, and was one of the best officers that ever carried a sword.
CHAPTER II.
THE NINTH IN "CAMP WELCH," NEW HAVEN THE REGI- MENT ATTENDS MASS AT ST. JOHN'S CHURCH — THE REV. DANIEL MULLEN BECOMES CHAPLAIN OF THE COMMAND LIST OF CONNECTICUT PLACES REPRE- SENTED IN THE REGIMENT — GEN. B. F. BUTLER AC- CEPTS THE ORGANIZATION FOR HIS NEW ENGLAND DIVISION.
THE rendezvous o<f the Ninth, being finally estab- lished in New Haven, was named "Camp Welch" in honor of the then mayor of the city. Col. Cahill issued his first regimental order Sept. 19, 1861. He states that "In issuing this, the first order, the command- ant feels that not a moment should be lost which can be used to advance the military knowledge so necessary to every man who aspires to be a soldier. For this reason, it will be necessary for commandants of companies to clevote every possible moment to the purposes of drill and instruction of their respective companies. All offi- cers in command will, therefore, observe the following order until further notice. * * * " He then orders that at reveille, "the men of each command will turn out on their respective company grounds, and place their tents and quarters in proper order under direction of the commandants, until the chiefs of squads are appointed, and the guard tents by the guard or prisoners. The companies will turn out promptly for drill at *j\ o'clock a. m., until 9^ a. m., at which time the companies will assemble on their respective grounds for detail for guard mounting and other duty. The men and officers will again fall in for drill at 2 o'clock p. m., until 4 o'clock p. m. The roll will be called every morning at reveille, and the reports submitted to Lieut. -Col. Fitz Gibbons for inspection and consolidation."
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 37
A representative of the New Haven Register had visited the camp Sept. 10, 1861, and stated in his paper the next day that "We strolled through the camp of the 6th, 7th and 9th Regiments yesterday, and were gratified with the neat and tidy appearance of the grounds and equipage. The men appeared cheerful and contented. They appear to be an excellent body of men. No com- plaints are heard about, "rations," and the officers are one and all bending down to the work of preparing the men for active service. * * * "
Early in the history of the Ninth, a band was organ- ized and comprised some of the best musicians in the State. The organization numbered, at the start, 25 members with Christian Streit as leader. The places represented were New Haven, East Haven, Meriden, Brooklyn, Clinton, Wallingford and Naugatuck. It was stated to have been one of the best bands that ever marched at the head of a regiment.
While the Ninth was overwhelmingly composed of men who were of Irish blood, and Catholic in creed, quite a number in the command were neither Irish nor Catholic. But all were patriots and were united, like a band of brothers, to defend the Flag. In no regiment that went to the front was there a more intense American spirit or more loyal devotion to the cause of the Union.
While the Ninth was in Camp Welch,1 New Haven, many events of interest took place. Visitors to the camp were numerous and much interest was shown toward the regiment. On one occasion, George A. Shubert, of New Haven, sent Capt. Michael McCarten a check for $50 as a contribution to the latter's company. Mr. Shubert's generosity was promptly and cordially acknowledged by the Captain, Sept. 28, 1861. On another occasion, the following event took place as narrated in a New Haven paper:
'Referred to sometimes as "Camp English." The Fifteenth Connecticut named their quarters in that vicinity, "Camp Lyon."
38 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
"Presentation. — Quite a pleasant affair came off at the residence of Mr. Thomas Healy, No. 16 Factory street, [New Haven], on Wednesday evening, it being the presentation of three fine regulation swords, with all the necessary accompaniments, together with pistols, to Captain McCarten, Lieutenants John G. Healy and John Shaw, of the "Emmets," 9th Regiment, C. V. Sergeants McKenna and Gately, of the same Company, were also the recipients of two fine pistols. The articles were the gifts of several of our influential citizens, and were pre- sented on behalf of the donors, by Wm. Downes, Esq., whose remarks were appropriately responded to by the fortunate recipients. Remarks were also made by Mr. Bartholomew Healy, and Mr. Thomas Healy, (father of Lieut. Healy), who regretted that his age disqualified him from entering with his son into the service of this, his adopted country. The ceremonies, which were of a very interesting nature, being concluded, the party, at the invitation of Mr. H. partook of a most bountiful sup- ply of refreshments, and adjourned at an early hour, feel- ing conscious that they had participated in the ceremo- nies of placing in the hands of men, implements which would be wielded powerfully by them in defence of this, our glorious country."'
About this time, also, a sword, sash and belt were pre- sented Capt. Duffy of the Ninth. The sword was of French manufacture, had a double-gilt hilt, and bore the inscription : "Presented to Capt. John Duffy by Citizens of New Haven, Oct., 1861." The Palladium stated at the time that the sword, belt and sash would be "on exhibi- tion in Malley's window on Chapel street." In the Palla- dium, Oct. 28, 1861, is a paragraph stating that "Lieut. Lawrence O'Brien, of the 9th Regiment, C. V., was pre- sented with a sword, sash, belt, etc., by the Sodality of the B. V. M., a society connected with St. Patrick's church, [New Haven]. It was a good gift to a worthy officer." Other commissioned officers in the regiment
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 39
were similarly honored by various organizations and friends. Lieut. Daniel Carroll, for instance, was pre- sented a sword, sash and belt by the Davis Literary Institute of New Haven, and other friends. The presenta- tion speech was delivered by Robert Scully, to which the recipient feelingly replied. There were also addresses by Patrick Sisk, B. Hogan and other gentlemen. The Hartford Courant, Nov. 2, 1861, stated that "Lieutenants Clinton and Burke of Capt. Wright's Company of this city, were presented, Thursday, with sword, sash and belt, by their friends in Hartford."
In its issue of Oct. 8, 1861, the New Haven Palladium says : " * * * We are personally acquainted with Capt. William Wrright of Hartford, a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, formerly for some years in the English army, who is now filling up a company for this [the Ninth] regiment. He lacks only about twenty men, and we give our assurance that they could not go under a bet- ter leader. Capt. Wright resigned an appointment in the regular LT. S. Army — having previously served in the three months volunteers — and ought to have his com- pany immediately filled. We wish all success to the 9th Regiment and to him."
The Ninth was under the disadvantage, while encamped at New Haven, of not having arms, the latter not yet having been supplied. Enough Whitnev guns were ob- tained, however, to admit of guard moummg, but beyond these few, the men were deprived of the benefit they would have derived from the possession of guns. The latter were not delivered to the regiment until it had reached Ship Island, Miss. In the meantime, however, much solid work was devoted to marching and other evolutions, the drill being constant and thorough. The men rapidly learned the duties of the soldier, in camp and on the march, and were also instructed as to manoeu- vres in skirmish and battle. The Ninth was composed of splendid material, as was subsequently acknowledged
4o NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
by Gen. Phelps, Gen. Butler and other competent author- ities. Its record at the front, in fidelity and bravery, was excelled by no regiment in the service. A uniform of blue was furnished the regiment by the State, while en- camped at New Haven, but without arms the regiment's progress was, of course, somewhat retarded, in certain respects, at that time. However, this was speedily made up when the command went South.
Previous to its departure from New Haven, in 1861, the regiment used to attend Mass, on Sunday, at St. John's church, and on at least one occasion, Mass was celebrated in Camp Welch by the Rev. John Smith of the church just mentioned. On Nov. 17, 1861, the Rev. Daniel Mullen, of Winchester (Winsted), enlisted into the regiment as chaplain of the latter, and remained with it until late in August, 1862, when poor health compelled him to resign.
Among the Connecticut places represented in the regiment were the following::
Berlin,
Bethany,
Bethel,
Bloomfield,
Branford,
Bridgeport,
Bridgewater,
Bristol,
Brooklyn,
Burlington,
Canaan,
Cheshire,
Clinton,
Colebrook,
Cromwell,
Danbury,
Derby,
East Haven,
Easton,
East Windsor,
Enfield,
Fairfield,
Farmington,
Greenwich,
Griswold,
Groton,
Guilford,
Hamden,
Hampton,
Hartford,
Huntington,
Litchfield,
Lyme,
Manchester,
Meriden,
Middletown,
Milford,
Monroe,
Morris,
Naugatuck,
New Britain,
New Hartford,
New Haven,
New London,
Newtown,
Norfolk,
North Canaan,
Norwich,
Plainfield,
Plymouth,
Portland,
Redding,
Ridgefield,
Salisbury,
Saybrook,
Seymour,
Simsbury,
Southington,
Stafford,
Stamford,
Sterling,
Stonington,
Stratford,
Torrington,
Trumbull,
Vernon,
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 4I
Wallingford, Weston, Windsor,
Waterbury, Wethersfield, Wolcott,
Waterford, Wilton, Woodbridge,
Westbrook, Winchester, Woodbury. Westport,
A few facts relative to the composition of each of the ten companies1 in the regiment, in 1861, are here pre- sented :
Company A, Capt. John Duffy, was composed princi- pally of New Haven men, but Danbury, Derby, Hartford, Enfield, Branford and Waterbury were also represented. Later during the war, other Connecticut places had rep- resentatives in the company.
Company B, Capt. Patrick Garvey, had a large num- ber of Meriden and New Haven men in 1861. Other places represented in the company, at this time, were Middletown, Windsor, Cheshire, Waterbury, Wood- bridge, Hamden, Farmington, Portland, Norfolk, New Britain, Wallingford and Southington.
Company C, Capt. Michael McCarten, was chiefly made up of New Haven men, though Bridgeport, Hart- ford, Norwich, Waterbury and New London were also represented.
Company D, Capt. Thomas C. Coates, was composed principally of Bridgeport men. Other localities repre- sented in the company, at the outset, were New Haven, Plymouth, Norwalk, Fairfield and Meriden.
Company E, Capt. James P. Hennessey. This was another New Haven company, with a sprinkling of mem- bers from Derby, Hartford, New Britain, Middletown, Hamden and elsewhere.
Company F, Capt. John Foley, had about 48 Water- bury men, in 1861, including the brothers, Michael P. and John P. Coen, both of whom were corporals. Later, other Waterbury men were in the company. Other
1 As the war progressed, there were, of course, many changes among officers and men of the companies. A roll of the regiment will be found toward the close of this volume.
42 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
places represented in it. in 1861, included Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, Plymouth and Norwich.
Company G, Capt. William Wright, had between 30 and 40 Hartford men in its ranks at this time, and also men from New Haven, Bridgeport, Stonington, Wethers- field, Manchester, Portland, New Britain, Simsbury, Southington and East Windsor.
Company H, Capt. Silas W. Sawyer, included about 30 Norwich men, in 1861, besides members from Bridge- port, Griswold, New Haven, Portland, Groton, New London and Danbury. There were more Norwich men in the company later.
Company I, Capt. Elliot M. Curtis, had at this time about 28 men from Bridgeport, the rest of the company including Stratford, Hartford, Plymouth, Monroe, Bris- tol, Wolcott, Berlin, Canaan, North Canaan, Bloomfield, Burlington, Norfolk, Salisbury, Westport, Newtown, Derby, Lyme, Woodbury, Seymour, Huntington, Plain- field and New Hartford men.
Company K, Capt. John A. Nelson, was made up from Hartford, Bridgeport, New Haven, Derby, Griswold, Bethel, Easton, Winchester, Simsbury, Fairfield, New- town and Danbury.
The Ninth was a three-years regiment. New Haven furnished nearly 400 men to the command during the latter's period of service, and thus easily lead in numbers. The four other Connecticut places most largely repre- sented were Bridgeport, Waterbury, Hartford and Nor- wich. The youngest member of the Ninth, in 1861, was Richard Hennessey, a drummer boy, who was not yet 12 years of age, of Company E. He was a son of Capt. Hennessey of that company. Thomas Delaney, a drum- mer boy of Company F, Waterbury, is mentioned as 15 years of age. His father, Patrick Delaney, was a private in the company. James Warren, a musician of Company K, is also mentioned as aged 15 years. There were sev- eral in the regiment, in 1861, aged, respectively, 16, 17, 18, 19, and so on, up to 45.
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1865. 43
Major-General Benjamin F. Butler, of Lowell, Mass., was organizing a New England Division for the expedi- tion against New Orleans. He came to Connecticut and had an interview with Governor Buckingham. The Gov- ernor suggested that he take the Ninth into his com- mand. Butler was pleased with the idea, and immediately accepted the offer. The necessary papers were soon made out by the Governor, and in a short time the Ninth received orders to proceed to Gen. Butler's rendezvous, Camp Chase, Lowell.
An especially notable event took place at Camp Welch, Oct. 30, 1861, the occasion being the presentation of colors to the regiment. The New Haven Palladium, in its issue of that date, had the following report of the cere- monies :
"This forenoon the Ninth Connecticut Regiment was presented with a brace of colors with appropriate cere- monies. One of them, the flag of the Union, was the gift of Mrs. Charles DeForest, and the other, the flag of the State, was the gift of a number of patriotic ladies. These flags were both of silk, and were exceedingly beautiful. The trimmings were of the richest and most costly description.
"Soon after 10 o'clock the regiment, which is com- posed chiefly of Irish adopted citizens, was drawn up in a three-quarter square, when the ladies, accompanied by E. K. Foster, Esq., the Rev. Mr. Harwood, and others, approached the lines, bearing the splendid colors of the State and the Nation. The Colonel and staff met the guests in advance of the lines, when Judge Foster ad- dressed the regiment in one of his usually happy efforts. He adverted to the great cause of Constitutional liberty which they were going forth to defend. He expressed an abiding confidence in their valor, and their determina- tion to stand by their colors and the cause they repre- sented while they were able to lift a hand in their defence.
"Major Fry [e] then stepped forward and received the
44 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
colors from the hands of the ladies, and responded in an elegant speech, pledging himself and the regiment to be true to the honor of the State and the welfare of the Nation. He regarded the gift as a sacred trust, which would, under all circumstances, be sacredly defended. He trusted that on the return of the regiment these colors would be brought back with it, and if soiled, it would only be by the dust and smoke of battle, but in other respects they would be more glorious than now, new and gorgeous as they have been made by the fair hands which presented them.
"This ceremony being over, another presentation fol- lowed, that of an elegant regulation sword to Capt. Hen- nessey, of Company E, of the same regiment. Col. L. W. Sperry and James Thompson were neighbors of Capt. Hennessey, and were forward in this movement of giving a testimonial to his character and worth.
"By request, J. F. Babcock addressed the Captain and his company, in relation to the contest in which they were about to engage, and the vast interests they were called upon to defend. He adverted to the origin of the Ameri- can Revolution, and the aid our fathers received from true hearts of other lands ; and expressed his confidence that the Ninth Connecticut would see that the banner of the State, the banner of the Union, and their own green flag of Erin, were not disgraced when the bugle sounded to the charge upon the enemy of us all. He introduced Col. Sperry, who presented the sword, expressing the highest confidence in the gallant recipient whom he esteemed as a neighbor, respected as a citizen, and had faith to believe would prove a soldier worthy of his coun- trymen, who had already so distinguished themselves in the first struggle for liberty, and in the recent efforts of our troops to preserve it from destruction by traitor hands.
"Mr. Thompson then presented the sash and belt, all of which the gallant captain modestly received, declaring
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1865. 45
that it would be his constant effort to preserve these gifts from dishonor. He felt the responsibility laid upon him, and he believed it would appear, when the struggle was over, that he and his men had done something in honor of the land of their birth, and the land of their adoption. The exercises were closed with three hearty cheers for Messrs. Sperry, Thompson and Babcock, for Capt. Hen- nessey and the cause to which all patriotic hearts were devoted."
The State flag mentioned here was especially de- signed for the Ninth. The field was of dark blue. On one side of the flag, in the center of the blue field, was the State seal, having the National seal as a background. On the other side appeared an Irish emblem or seal, comprising a green ground with a harp of gold. A spray of shamrock was entwined, and underneath was the in- scription "Erin Go Bragh." This Irish emblem was, like the State seal, backed by the National one, and was in the center of the blue field on this side of the flag. This flag, with the others belonging to the regiment, is now treas- ured among the other battle standards, at the State Capitol, in Hartford.
On the last Saturday night of the regiment's stay in Camp Welch, New Haven, a great storm visited the scene. It was a perfect hurricane. Tents were blown down, trees uprooted, vessels in the harbor driven ashore and other damage inflicted. When the next morning dawned, a spectacle of devastation appeared on all sides. Matters were righted as speedily as possible, however, and during the day — Sunday — thousands of people visited the camp to bid the Ninth farewell. An interest- ing feature of the afternoon was the presentation of an Irish pike to the regiment. This pike, handsomely made, was manufactured by John Egan, and was spoken of by the New Haven Register as "The Egan Axe." The event took place at dress parade, about 4 p. m., and was wit- nessed by a great crowd. The presentation speech was
46 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
delivered by James Gallagher, of New Haven, he having been deputed for that purpose by Mr. Egan. Mr. Gal- lagher in his speech referred to the pike as "an emblem of the warlike days of your ancestors. In their hands it was a formidable weapon.*' Mr. Egan desired, he said, that it should be carried at the head of the regiment. A felicitous response was made. While at Camp Welch, a society of patriotic ladies presented each man of the regi- ment a useful little outfit consisting of needles, thread, pins, buttons, etc. The gift was much appreciated.
Major Frederick Fkye.
CHAPTER III.
THE REGIMENT LEAVES NEW HAVEN FOR CAMP CHASE, LOWELL, MASS. — CHEERS AND FAREWELLS MARK THE DEPARTURE — THE ARRIVAL AT LOWELL — THE NINTH ESCORTED INTO CAMP BY THE TWENTY-SIXTH MASSA- CHUSETTS— SCENES AND INCIDENTS OF NOTE IN CAMP CHASE — BILL ALLEN AND HIS BULLDOG CREATE AMUSEMENT — "CONNECTICUT OVER THE FENCE."
THE NINTH, about 845 strong,1 left New Haven for Camp Chase, Lowell, Mass., on Monday, Nov. 4, 1861. A few days previously the men had been paid and given a brief leave of absence to visit their homes. This privilege was not abused, for when the roll was called, on the day of departure, every man had re- ported, and was in his place.
The regiment presented a sturdy appearance as it moved out of Camp Welch, with band playing and colors flying, and was the recipient of much applause. The command had not received as much care and attention from the authorities as had been bestowed upon other regiments. It was not equipped, feasted and favored as some of the other regiments had been. Its uniforms, in some instances, showed the signs of wear and a suffi- ciency of other articles of apparel, that should have been supplied by the State or the National government, was in many cases wanting. Nevertheless, the Irish buoyancy of the regiment rose superior to these drawbacks. Offi- cers and men were no mere holiday soldiers, but were of the kind that would charge the foe as impetuously and fight him as valiantly, even without uniforms, as would the most handsomely uniformed regiment in the service.
1 At one period in the South, it numbered fully goo men. Many accessions were received at New Orleans.
48 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
A special train had been made up and was awaiting the Ninth at the intersection of Lamberton street and the New York & New Haven railroad. All New Haven was astir with enthusiasm, and a great multitude assem- bled at the point of embarkation to witness the regiment's departure. The fine band of the Ninth poured forth a flood of martial melody, interspersing American with Irish airs, the populace cheered and cheered again, hands were clasped through car windows and from platforms in last farewells and, amid a great wave of enthusiasm, the long train moved off.
As it proceeded the light-hearted men of the regiment indulged in song and jollity. War choruses were ren- dered with a will, jokes were cracked and general good humor prevailed. Now and then a friendly wrestling bout would occupy attention. Take a train with over 800 healthy young men aboard and a good deal of noise will be made and some paint scratched, even in sport. So it was in this case, and the occasion was seized upon by idle gossips to malign the regiment. For the Ninth had opponents even at home. These were the "Peace-at-any- Price" men, vituperative Copperheads, selfish money- getters who would let the Union perish rather than raise a hand in its defence. Yet, here was a regiment enlisted for three-years' service, volunteers who were going to the front to uphold the Flag and, if need be, lay down their lives that the Nation might live. How despicable the adverse criticism heaped upon them by cowardly or thoughtless stay-at-homes !
The wildest and most ridiculous yarns were circulated about the command at this stage. These stories reached Lowell, whither the regiment was bound, and nearly created a panic in that locality. It was considered wise by hysterical citizens to raise a force of 500 special police to save the place from being destroyed and plowed over, but Gen. Butler promptly stamped out the undertaking, and that was the end of it. Later, after the Ninth had
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1865. 49
been domiciled at Camp Chase, the people of Lowell laughed at the fears they had entertained.
Governor Buckingham, of Connecticut, in a letter to Col. Cahill, under date of February 8, 1862, alluding to these stories reflecting on the regiment, says : "I may, however, add that the whole State knows that the re- ports respecting your men when they left were so> mis- represented as to be actually untrue."
The regiment reached Lowell that evening and spent the night aboard the train on the outskirts of the city. The next forenoon the command was escorted into Camp Chase by the Twenty-sixth Massachusetts, a large por- tion of the latter being composed of citizens of Irish birth or parentage. Camp Chase, as already stated, was the rendezvous for Gen. Butler's force, at the time. Among the organizations there when the Ninth arrived was the Fourth Massachusetts Light Battery, Capt. Charles H. Manning, in which organization were many Irish. John F. Hurley, who 40 years after was elected mayor of Salem, Mass., was a member of this battery, and among other names on the roll were Barry, Burns, Carney, Curley, Doherty, Dolan, Donahue, Foley, Gallagher, Grady, Griflin, Hart, Kiernan, Kilbride, Mahoney, Mc- Carthy, McDonough, McElroy, Murphy, Nagle, Sulli- van and the like. Corporal William M. Peabody, of the battery, kept a diary during the war. In that diary, speaking of the arrival of the Ninth, in Camp Chase, he says :
"Nov. 5. Tuesday. Morning dawned clear and cold. All traces of yesterday's storm have disappeared, and the usual routine of duty has been resumed. Company drilled this a. m., in marching. At noon the Ninth Con- necticut Infantry, under command of Colonel Thomas W. Cahill, arrived here * * * and was received by the Twenty-sixth Massachusetts Infantry, who escorted them into camp. As the Nutmeggers marched in we had
4
5o NINTH REGIMENT CONN VOE INFANTRY.
a fine view of them, and saw that this Irish regiment was made up of very hardy material. The regiment, about 900 strong, pitched camp on the parade ground between the headquarters building and the camp of the Twenty- sixth Massachusetts regiment, and were soon at home in their new quarters. This re-enforcement increases the number of troops here to about 2,400 men, and brings us all into pretty close quarters."
The great storm that visited New Haven the last Sat- urday evening, Nov. 2, before the Ninth left Camp Welch, was also in evidence at Lowell. At Camp Chase, so heavy was the rainfall that ditches had to be dug around tents, and the ropes of the latter tightened to resist the hurricane. The storm was still in force at midnight, and many of the men were awake because of it. It was only by constant watching and prompt action that tents were kept standing in the camp of the Fourth Massachusetts battery. The camp of the Twenty-sixth Massachusetts regiment, however, did not fare so well, a large number of the regiment's tents being blown down. Whole companies were left without shelter, and a thorough drenching was inflicted on their property. The Eastern Bay State regiment, in camp, also suffered severely in like manner. The parade ground was turned into a lake. By the time the Ninth reached Lowell, however, the camp was again in good condition.
Camp Chase occupied what was known as the Lowell Fair Grounds. It was named in honor of the Hon. Salmon P. Chase, Secretary of the United States Treasury, in the cabinet of President Lincoln. The camp comprised a large number of acres, the land being hard and level. Part of the site had been used as a race course, and was still in that condition. The entrance to the course was located at the northwest corner, and here were large gates opening out to the Billerica road. Nearby was the guard house. The Fair building was still standing. It was now devoted to the following uses : the first floor
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 5 1
was utilized as dining quarters for the troops ; the second, as offices for the Commandant of the post, for the Surgeon and for quartermaster and commissary stores. The cooking for the soldiers was done in a long, low one-story building constructed of rough boards.
Like most other regiments, the Ninth had a pet or two-, so that when big Bill Allen marched into Camp Chase with the regiment that day, leading a bulldog by a string, and carrying a cat under his arm, a roar of merriment greeted the appearance of the Connecticut warrior. Camp Chase was surrounded by a high board fence. At intervals, when off duty, a few men of the Ninth, in search of relaxation and change of scene, would scale this fence and drop down on the other side. From this arose the phrase "Connecticut over the fence." Men from other commands in camp would also' scale the fence, but no matter to* what organization they belonged, the phrase was always "Connecticut over the fence." So that members of the Ninth were often blamed for the doings of men from other organizations on the field.
Once a man getting over the fence, was lightly prod- ded by a bayonet in the hands of a sentry. The humor of this, and the literal execution of orders, so pleased Gen. Butler that he made the sentry a sergeant.
While at Lowell, the Ninth received many visitors from home, this pleasantly serving to relieve the monot- ony of camp life. Gen. Butler early formed a liking for the regiment, and did everything that was then pos- sible for its comfort and welfare. On Nov. 10, an in- spection of all the troops in camp, including the Ninth, took place, conducted by Gen. Butler.
Butler visited the camp again on Nov. 12, this being the third day in succession he had done so. This circum- stance, together with the fact that extensive supplies of clothing had lately been received, gave rise to the belief that a movement of some kind was soon to take place. On Nov. 15, the Fourth Massachusetts battery was mus-
52
NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INEANTRY.
tered into the United States service, the oath being administered by Col. E. F. Jones, of the Twenty-sixth Massachusetts. The men of the battery raised their right hands, "each man repeating the oath after the Colonel."
During the Ninth's stay at Lowell, the officers and men wrote many letters to loved ones at home. Some of these letters have been shown us, having been sacredly treasured these forty years. They all breathe a spirit of Christianity and patriotism. Poor Corporal John P. Coen, of Waterbury, who was accidentally killed in Louisiana ! We have several of his letters before us as we write ; letters to his father, mother, wife and sisters ; letters sometimes signed jointly by himself and his brother, Corporal Michael P. Coen, expressing affection for their kin and kindliest good will for neighbors and associates in Waterbury. May these letters be treasured a century to come for the noble lessons they teach !
On Nov. 18, Col. Cahill issued the following:
Headquarters, Ninth Reg't, C. V.,
Camp Chase, Lowell, Mass., Nov. 18, 1861. Regimental Order No. 4.
In accordance with Special Orders now received from Headquarters, Department of New England, each com- pany commander will hold his command in readiness to march from Camp Chase at 10 o'clock a. m., Tuesday, November 19, 1861, to take the cars at the Depot, near said Camp, and on arrival in Boston every commissioned officer will see that no enlisted man leaves the ranks on any pretext whatever.
No officer or man will be allowed to leave the ship "Constitution" after embarkation therein without a
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 53
written order from the commander of the forces em- barked.
The severest punishment will follow the infraction of this order. per Qrder
T'hos. W. Cahill,
Col. Ninth Reg't, C. V. A. Gordon Hall, Adjutant.
On Nov. 19, Corporal Peabody, of the Fourth Massa- chusetts Light Battery, wrote in his diary :
"Company placed under marching orders to-day. About 9 a. m., the 26th Mass. and 9th Connecticut regi- ments broke up camp and in heavy marching order moved out to the railroad track. There, a long train of cars awaited them, and embarking, they proceeded for Boston, leaving their tents standing for the use of other troops to assemble here."
The next day, Nov. 20, the battery just mentioned also proceeded to Boston and joined the Twenty-sixth Massachusetts and Ninth Connecticut regiments aboard the Constitution. The troops remaining in Camp Chase, were the Eastern Bay State regiment and three companies of Rifle Rangers, the whole force numbering about 500 men. The Constitution lay at Long Wharf, Boston. She was a new steamship of 3,000 tons burthen and belonged to the Pacific Mail Steamship Co. She had been constructed for the carrying trade between Panama and San Francisco, and was in excellent condi- tion for the business of a military transport. For this purpose, double-berth bunks had been constructed on each side and, lengthwise, through the centre. These bunks were located on the middle and third decks. The two regiments and the battery aboard comprised a total force of 1,946, all commanded by Col. E. F. Jones, of the Twenty-sixth Massachusetts. This was the Col. Jones
54 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
who had commanded the Sixth Massachusetts, on its passage through Baltimore, in April, when attacked by a mob. He was a brave officer.
The commander of the ship itself was Capt. Fuller, a veteran of the wave, and some 50 years of age. It was stated that the government was paying $2,000 per day for the use of the Constitution. Strict discipline was maintained by Col. Jones before sailing. Guards were placed at the gangway of the ship, and up the wharf. No visitors were allowed aboard and no passes were issued to the soldiers. Meanwhile, supplies were being rapidly taken aboard, and every effort was being made to sail as quickly as possible. Among other goods aboard was a supply of Enfield rifles for the Ninth, which, how- ever, were not then distributed. The men from Connec- ticut and Massachusetts passed the time in various ways and eagerly awaited the hour for departure. During the afternoon of Nov. 20, a large barque displaying French colors arrived in port and caused much interest among the spectators on the Constitution. The officers and men of the Ninth were in excellent health and spirits and eager to get to the front to participate in active opera- tions against the foe.
Nov. 21 dawned cold, but pleasant. Up to this time, very few on the Constitution knew the destination of the ship, and there was considerable speculation as to where the force would land. The stevedores finished their work of loading the ship about 11 a. m., and Capt. Fuller began issuing his orders for the start. The lines were cast off at 11.30, and the Constitution began her voyage seaward.
CHAPTER IV.
THE BAND OF THE NINTH ENLIVENS THE TRIP DOWN BOSTON HARBOR — THE JOURNEY TO PORTLAND, ME. — THE TWELFTH MAINE INFANTRY EXPECTS TO BE TAKEN ABOARD, BUT IS SENT BACK — TRIP FROM PORTLAND TO FORTRESS MONROE — GEN. PHELPS COMES ABOARD THE "CONSTITUTION" AND ASSUMES COMMAND OF THE TROOPS — THE VOYAGE TO SHIP ISLAND, MISS.
AS the Constitution left the wharf, she was given hearty cheers by the large crowd that had assem- bled to see her off. The deck was a mass of soldiers who waved farewells to the people on shore. The band of the Ninth struck up a lively air and continued to play until well down Boston harbor. The Constitution at first picked her way cautiously owing to the shipping in the harbor, but when clear of this, more steam was put on and the ship increased her speed.
Samuel Colby, a veteran Boston pilot, was aboard, and safely guided the Constitution down toward the bay. Fort Independence, on the starboard, was passed and Fort Winthrop, to larboard. Lower down, Fort Warren was sighted. All this time, the band of the Ninth kept play- ing, "to the great delight of the boys." By I p. m. the ship was pretty well outside, and the effect of the waves began to make itself felt on board. Many of the men showed indications of seasickness and clung to the rail or sought their berths below deck. The Constitution once clear of the lower harbor, shaped her course north- erly for Portland, Me., the object being to take on a Maine regiment at that place.
The ship was now making about nine miles an hour. At 4 p. m. she was running up the coast, through a rough
5 6 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
sea. Only about a third of the force aboard remained on deck, the rest having gone below. The weather was cold, and those on deck were as well muffled up as cir- cumstances would permit. At sunset, the Constitution was off Thatcher's Island and about five miles from that point. By this time, many of those on deck were shel- tered in nooks around the smokestack, and elsewhere, to avoid the biting winds. Night came down cold, but clear. About 9 p. m. the ship was off Portsmouth, N. H., and at midnight reached Portland, Me.
The next morning, Nov. 22, 1861, was cold. The Con- stitution was anchored about a mile from the wharves, and from her deck a good view of Portland could be ob- tained, and was much enjoyed by the men of the Ninth. About 9 a. m. the steamer Forest City, with the Twelfth Maine Infantry aboard, came out to the Constitution. Col. George F. Shepley was in command of the regiment, and the intention was to transfer it from the Forest City to the Constitution for transportation south with the Con- necticut and Massachusetts troops. Owing to the crowd already on the Constitution, however, Col. Jones finally decided not to take the Twelfth aboard, and ordered the regiment to return to Portland, proceed to Camp Chase, Lowell, and there report to Gen. Butler. Pay- master Roland G. Usher, U. S. Volunteers, left Portland in a rowboat about noon, came aboard the Constitution and soon began distributing one month's pay to the Twenty-sixth Massachusetts regiment and the Fourth Massachusetts Light Battery. The next forenoon, Nov. 23, some 200 tons of coal were taken aboard ; also two pilots — Sewall Drinkwater and David Jackson. There were now four pilots on the Constitution — Samuel Colby, of Boston ; Richard H. Collins, of New York, and Messrs. Drinkwater and Jackson, just mentioned.
Sunday, Nov. 24, the ship was well out, and making good progress on a southerly course. There was a heavy sea running and many of the officers and men
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1865. 57
were disagreeably aware of that fact. The Constitution made her fastest time at night when the soldiers were asleep and all was quiet aboard. Corporal Peabody of the Fourth Massachusetts Light Battery, to whose diary we are much indebted, makes the following entry :
"Nov. 26, Tuesday. Morning opened warmer and clear. Many on board think that we are now off the coast of Virginia, and this belief has given the sick new life and energy ; for this morning the deck is crowded with men, all of them being cheerful and happy. Since midnight the course of our ship has been almost due west, which causes the belief that Capt. Fuller intends to make port. All hands are on the lookout for land, and all are re- warded for their trouble, for about 9 a. m., a small speck is seen far away to the South which, growing larger as the Constitution rapidly approaches, reveals to view the sandy beach and tall trees on Cape Henry. Every man able to crawl was at this time on deck viewing with the intensest interest the scenery around us. At 10 a. m., we passed inside Capes Henry and Charles, and were in Hampton Roads."
Fortress Monroe is located about seven miles up the Roads. The Constitution steamed slowly and at about 1 1 a. m., dropped anchor within a mile of the fort. It now became reported among the Ninth that the object of the ship in coming here was to take aboard Gen. John W. Phelps, who was to assume command of the expedition. The location of Fortress Monroe, at the extreme end of Old Point Comfort, Va., made it a place of great strategic importance, and the works were, consequently, of tre- mendous strength. At this period they' covered about 60 acres and constituted the strongest regular fortification in the United States. During the forenoon of Nov. 27, the Constitution was busy taking on supplies, and it now became generally known, to those aboard ship, that the destination of the latter was Ship Island, Gulf of Mexico.
General Phelps came on board about 1 p. m., and as-
5 8 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
sumed command. He was a native of Vermont, born Nov. 13, 1813. He was a tall man, and of medium, but strong, build. His hair and beard were of an iron gray and his address very pleasing. He graduated from West Point in 1836, served in the Fourth U. S. Artillery in the operations against the Creek Indians, distinguished him- self in the Florida war and in the war with Mexico, in which latter conflict he served under Gen. Scott, and par- ticipated in the capture of the City of Mexico. On the breaking out of the Civil War, he was made Colonel of the First Vermont Infantry, and on May 17, 1861, be- came a brigadier-general of volunteers. He permitted no mere show or parade upon taking command on the Constitution, and created a very favorable impression. At 5 p. m., the anchor was "hove up" and the ship stood out to sea. Cape Henry was passed about 5.45 p. m., the course was shaped to the southward, and the Ninth and the other organizations aboard were on their way to Ship Island.
The Florida coast was sighted during the forenoon of Nov. 30, about ten miles away, and the men of the Ninth left their recreations, and hastened to get a glimpse of the scene. Not much was visible, however, but a low, dark fringe of coast and at times even this was not in plain view. About 8 p. m., on Sunday, Dec. 1, the revolving light on a distant reef, the extreme southern point of Florida, was sighted. It was some ten miles away. The weather was pleasant, the night clear, the sky studded with stars and the sea smooth as glass. The Ninth, and other troops, crowded the main deck intent upon enjoying these delightful conditions and witnessing every object of interest. The Constitution rounded the light above men- tioned at 9.30 p. m., being then about five miles distant, and entered the Gulf of Mexico. On Tuesday morning, Dec. 3, a portion of the Alabama coast was in sight, some seven miles away, on the starboard side. The aspect was not particularly attractive, but was intently viewed by the
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 59
troops. Ships of the Union blockading fleet were sighted about 2.30 p. m., and a hour later more warships were passed. At 4 p. m., the Constitution dropped anchor in Mississippi Sound, half a mile off the westerly end of Ship Island. Here the voyage of the Constitution ended.
The New Haven Palladium, Dec. 19 1861, states that "At Ship Island, on the 4th, Major Frye, of the Connecti- cut 9th, accompanying Gen. Phelps to the island pre- vious to the disembarkation of the troops, hoisted upon the lighthouse there the beautiful American flag pre- sented to the regiment just before its departure from this city."
Ship Island had been selected as the rendezvous for the troops that were to act in conjunction with the fleet for the capture, from the Confederates, of New Orleans. In the War of 18 12, the island had been used for a similar purpose by the British, preparatory to their attack on the same city, then defended by that gallant soldier of Irish parentage — Gen. Andrew Jackson.
On the morning of Dec. 4, 1861, everybody aboard the Constitution was awake at an early hour, and after break- fast, began preparing to go ashore. About 9 o'clock, a river steamer, the Henry Lezvis, came alongside. She took the Twenty-sixth Massachusetts on board and landed the regiment at the wharf on Ship Island. At 10 a. m., the Ninth Connecticut regiment, and the Fourth Massachusetts Light Battery, were conveyed from the Constitution to the wharf by the same steamer. An hour later, a lot of camp equipage was brought ashore and the soldiers began securing their belongings.
The Henry Lewis continued plying back and forth some time, transferring supplies and other material, and at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon the troops went into camp on the island. The Ninth was located on ground near the lighthouse, with the Twenty-Sixth Massachusetts close by. The Massachusetts Light bat- tery was located at the rear of Fort Massachusetts, about
60 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
300 yards from the wharf. The men slept soundly that night. The next day, the various commands did consider- able work toward improving their respective camps. Gen. Phelps established his headquarters in a house formerly occupied by the keeper of the light. The steamer Henry Lewis continued plying back and forth this day, between the Constitution and the wharf, and brought ashore a great amount of supplies. These were taken in charge by the commissary and the quartermaster. Ship Island is a dreary place, eight or ten miles long, and varying in width from a few hundred yards to a mile. It is about ten miles from the nearest mainland and a few hours by steamer from the mouth of the Mississippi. The island is little more than a big sand bar, and the walking in the loose sand is neither easy nor pleasant. The water be- tween the island and the mainland is known as Missis- sippi Sound. Through this sound, the enemy had been carrying on an extensive trade with New Orleans and Mobile. They used river steamers, chiefly. The Henry Lewis, for instance, already mentioned, had thus been used by the rebels, and was bound from New Orleans to Mobile, with a cargo of sugar and molasses, when cap- tured by our blockading fleet. Ship Island is one of a chain of islands, the others including Cat Island, Horn Island, Petit Bois Island and Dauphin Island. Of these, Cat Island is about five miles to the westward of Ship Island, and Petit Bois is about sixteen miles to the east- ward. One of the few good points about Ship Island was that water could easily be obtained by digging a hole, three or four feet deep, in the sand. Before the war, the island had been a Summer resort for wealthy families of the Gulf States, on account of the health-giving breezes. A large hotel had been located here, but about all that remained of it now was a chimney, 25 or 30 feet high, and a pile of debris. Sharks and porpoises were in evi- dence in the waters surrounding the island, and thou- sands of gulls collected daily in the neighborhood. On
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1*65. 61
one part of the island was a forlorn forest of oak and pine. Ship Island was well situated as a base for opera- tions against New Orleans. At the breaking out of the war, the U. S. Government was constructing a fort on the island, the large force of men engaged being under Lieut. F. E. Prime, U. S. Engineer. On July 6, 1861, a Confederate force, consisting of three companies of the Fourth Louisiana Infantry, under Capt. Higgins, ar- rived on two steamers from New Orleans, landed on the island, captured Lieut. Prime and his men and sent them North. The Confederates then landed guns, ammuni- tion and supplies, erected barracks and started to com- plete the fort. At 7 o'clock on the evening of Sept. 16, 1 86 1, the Federal gunboat Massachusetts, and the sloops- of-war Marion and Preble, appeared off the island, so alarming the enemy that the latter evactuated, having, be- fore their departure, set fire to the barracks and shanties, the woodwork of the fort, and the lighthouse. Since then our people had been in possession of the island. The fort — Massachusetts — had been put in as good con- dition as circumstances would permit and, when the Ninth Connecticut landed, was garrisoned by 170 seaman and marines under command of Lieut. Thomas McKean Buchanan, executive officer of the gunboat Massachusetts. In an easterly direction from Gen. Phelps' headquarters could be seen all that remained of the English ship Elisa- beth Bibby, that had been driven ashore by our gunboats while she was endeavoring to run the blockade with a cargo of coal.
Among the vessels of the Federal blockading fleet in these waters, at the time the Ninth landed on Ship Island, was the gunboat New London, Lieut.-Commander Reed. She was formerly a propeller and plied between New London, Conn., and New York City. She was of 221 tons, 125 feet in length, and was purchased by the U. S. Government in Aug., 1861, for $30,000. In her new sphere of action her armament included four 32-pound
62 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
broadside guns and one 30-pound rifled pivot, which latter she carried in her bow. She rendered excellent service during the war.
Dec. 4, 1861, Gen. Phelps issued a proclamation against slavery. This was considered a premature act and was disavowed by his superiors. Phelps, believing that a temporizing policy was to be followed, eventually resigned. Late in the afternoon of Dec. 7, the Constitution having completed unloading, departed for Boston. She was heartily cheered by men of the Ninth, and other com- mands, gathered on the beach.
At Ship Island the Ninth received its arms — the En- field rifles already mentioned. Dec. 9, 1861, Col. Cahill issued "Circular No. 1," containing instructions as to the use of the arms, and requiring every man "not detailed for some particular duty or on the sick list" to be kept at drill every available moment. Dec. 13, the Colonel issued "Regimental Order, No. 6," establishing the fol- lowing routine :
Reveille at daybreak.
Police call immediately after roll call.
Surgeon's call at sunrise.
Breakfast at 7.30 a. m.
Company Drill from 8.30 to 10.30 a. m.
Guard Mounting at 9 a. m.
Officers attend target practice at 10.30 a. m.
Recall from fatigue at 12 m.
Dinner at 12.30 p. m.
Police at 1 p. m.
Company drill from 2 to 3 p. m.
Recall from police at 3 p. m.
Battalion drill by wings from 3 to 4 p. m.
Dress parade at 5 p. m.
Supper after dress parade.
Tattoo at 9 p. m.
Taps ten minutes after tattoo.
Sunday inspection at 8 a. m.
Guard mounting immediately after inspection, at dress parade or at such hour as may be ap- pointed.
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1865 63
Saturday afternoon was to be devoted to "a thorough cleaning of quarters, tents, knapsacks, arms, accoutre- ments, etc., and to washing clothing, preparatory to the Sunday inspection." Regimental Order No. 7, required that commanders of companies in the Ninth would "forthwith make a requisition upon the Quartermaster for the number of knapsacks required for their com- mands, having those before issued ready to return. They will also make a requisition forthwith for the number of canteens, blankets and tin cups now needed in their sev- eral commands. The Quartermaster-Sergeant will com- mence to issue on the above requisitions a 8 o'clock a. m., to-morrow * * * ."
Speaking of the early part of the Ninth's stay at Ship Island, the Croft'ut-Morris work on Connecticut during the Rebellion says of the regiment : "The men were still wretchedly clad, and it was midwinter. Nearly half of them were without shoes and as many more without shirts ; several had no coats or blankets. Some drilled in primitive attire of blouse and cotton drawers. The tents were hardly capacious enough to cover them. There was no straw to sleep on. They were without transportation, and were obliged to bring the wood for their fires four miles. This was made into rafts, and men almost naked, in water up to their arms, floated it down to camp. The Twenty-sixth Massachusetts was equipped with warm blankets, ample tents, and two uniform suits of clothing per man; and to them the members of the Ninth furnished a contrast which would have been amus- ing if it were not humiliating. With the buoyancy of the Irish character, the men were hopeful, and during these severe months sent home to their families not less than twenty thousand dollars, — almost their entire pay."
On another occasion while some of the Ninth were en- gaged unloading vessels, or in similar work, "they came upon a stock of canvas shoes consigned to the post sutler. These Col.Cahill immediately appropriated, receipting for
64 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
them on his own account, and distributing them among his barefoot command. Gen. Phelps could find nothing in the regulations authorizing such an act ; but the Colo- nel found sufficient justification in the paramount law of necessity," and the men kept the shoes. The sutler was later reimbursed by the government. During all its privations, the regiment never flinched.
When, finally, fully uniformed and equipped, the Ninth was excelled in appearance by no regiment in the service. Lieut. John G. Healy,1 of the Ninth, in writing home from Ship Island, under date of Dec. 12, 1861 ; says: "For the first time since this island was dis- covered, Mass was offered up on last Sunday. I will try and picture to you the scene. In front of one of the tents, and before a rudely constructed altar, knelt about one thousand soldiers. Father Mullen, our worthy chap- lain, was offering up the sacrifice of the Mass. There in the soft, white sand the poor fellows prayed — prayed to God to protect their wives and children, their fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters — prayed to God to send them home safe to those dear ones they had left behind. After Mass, Father Mullen preached an excellent ser- mon, and during that time there were very few dry eyes. Our chaplain is in good health. He wishes to be remem- bered to you all." Making another entry, under date of Sunday evening, Dec. 15, 1861, the same officer says in his letter: "We had Mass again this morning [in the camp of the Ninth], and a much larger congregation than on last Sunday. At an early hour, all the Catholics in the Twenty-sixth regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, came down and the U. S. Marines from the fort and off the gunboats attended. * * * In fact, Father Mul- len had quite a congregation."
'Afterwards, successively, Captain and Lieutenant-Colonel.
Capt. Terence Sheridan. Lieut. Mcii'l Mullins.
Lieut. Francis McKeon.
CHAPTER V.
REVIEWS AND INSPECTIONS ON SHIP ISLAND — OFFICERS OF THE NINTH WITNESS TARGET PRACTICE BY ARTIL- LERY— GENERAL BUTLER AND FAMILY ARRIVE ON THE ISLAND — THE NINTH PARTICIPATES IN AN EXPE- DITION TO BILOXI, MISS. — THE ENGAGEMENT OFF MISSISSIPPI CITY — REBEL GUNBOATS COME DOWN UNDER COVER OF DARKNESS AND OPEN HOSTILITIES.
DECEMBER 24, 1 86 1, opened with pleasant weather, and the Ninth early received notice that a review and inspection of the troops was to take place that day. This was to be in honor of Commodore McKean, com- manding the fleet outside, who was to visit the island. At the appointed time, he put off from the Niagara, in his cutter, and landed on the wharf at 1 p. m. Here he was duly received, and an artillery salute was fired by the Fourth Massachusetts battery. As the hour for the re- view neared, line was formed, at 2 p. m., on the parade ground, by Col. Jones. The Twenty-sixth Massachusetts was on the right, the Ninth Connecticut on the left, and the Massachusetts battery in the centre. Gen. Phelps and his staff, with Commodore McKean and other visit- ors, took up position on a sandy knoll in front of the line and about 300 feet from the centre thereof. The column was set in motion at 2.30 by Col. Jones, and marched in review. The soft, yielding sand made the march very fatiguing. Half an hour later, the troops halted in their original position and got ready for inspec- tion. "This duty," says an eye-witness, "was rigidly per- formed by the General himself, the smallest article carried by the men not escaping his keen eye; while the naval officers who accompanied him appeared to be much in- terested in the manner of the army doing this business." 5
66 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
Inspection was over at 4 p. m., and the men were dis- missed to their camps. An hour later, Commodore McKean returned to the Niagara.
Writing from Ship Island, Christmas evening, 1861, Col. John G. Healy, of New Haven, then a lieutenant, informs his relatives at home that "We had Mass here to-day at 6, 7 and 10.30 o'clock. I had the honor of serving. Oh ! how differently was our chapel trimmed from that of St. John's [in New Haven]. In a large tent, with a rough-looking altar before him, Father Mullen offered up the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, with nothing under his feet but the bare ground. * * * After Mass, he preached a sermon and when he repeated the words : 'Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy !' I could, as it were, hear the choir of St. John's singing that beautiful psalm. * * * Ours was the only tent on the island that was trimmed. We got a few bushes and tied them up on the outside and inside of the tent. Some of the boys in the company got up a dinner which was, indeed, excellent. They bought some potatoes, cabbage, and some preserved turkey — an article which is put up in cans. After they had the table 'set,' they invited us up to their tent and we certainly had a good dinner ; but bow different from the Christmas dinners at home !"
On Dec. 31, the troops were again reviewed by Gen. Phelps. The line was once more formed under the supervision of Col. Jones, and was made up as on the pre- vious occasion, viz : The Twenty-sixth Massachusetts on the right, the Ninth Connecticut on the left and the battery in the centre. The column was in heavy march- ing order and moved forward in review at 9.30 a. m. The march was about a mile and a half in length, through the soft sand. Inspection followed, and was concluded about 11.30 a. m., when the Ninth, and the other commands, were dismissed to their quarters. The officers of the Ninth Connecticut and Twenty-sixth Massachusetts, and many of the men, went to a point near Gen. Phelps' head-
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 67
quarters, on the afternoon of Jan. 14, 1862, to witness tar- get practice by the Massachusetts Light Battery. The target was the wreck of the English ship Elizabeth Bibby, already mentioned, located about a mile and a half away. Gen. Phelps was an interested spectator of the shooting. The battery fired seventeen rounds of spherical case shot. Seven of these struck the wreck, the remainder going very close. The result was quite satisfactory, as this was the battery's first attempt in that line.
Day by day, events of interest were transpiring. Ships were arriving from the North with horses, supplies or munitions, captured vessels were being brought in and other incidents were taking place. During the week of Jan. 22, 1862, a bakery was established on the island, and the men were treated to fresh bread. Some excitement was caused among the Ninth, and other troops, in the forenoon of Jan. 23, by the appearance, about four miles off shore, of the Confederate gunboat Crescent. She was under a flag of truce and had come from New Orleans. She was met by the Union gunboat Water Witch and escorted to the U. S. flagship Niagara. The beach was lined with men of the Ninth, and their comrades of the other commands, who watched every movement of the rebel craft. About 2 p. m., the latter departed. It was stated that her object in coming was to demand the re- turn of a captured vessel brought in a couple of days be- fore. The demand was, of course, refused. On Feb. 1, 1862, the George Green sailed from Ship Island for Bos- ton, Mass. She had on board some members of the Ninth who had been discharged on account of disability, and also some men of the Massachusetts organizations, discharged for like reason.
Corporal Peabody of the Massachusetts battery, writes, under date of Feb. 2, 1862 : "Sunday. Pleasant weather to-day. * * * At 10 o'clock, 51 of our men mounted and, under command of Lieut. Henry Davidson, left camp on a ride to the timber. Unfortunately, none of
68 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
us being horsemen, we had a hard time managing our horses, especially when passing the Ninth Connecticut, which being drawn up in line on the parade in front of their camp, were being drilled in firing by regiment, blank cartridges being used. This firing greatly fright- ened our horses. A general stampede ensued, the ani- mals flying in all directions. Many of our men were thrown into the sand and left there to return to camp on foot. I managed to hang on to my horse and got into camp at noon without having to walk."
The Ninth had now been on the island two months, and various reports began to circulate among the troops. One was to the effect that the projected expedition against New Orleans had been abandoned, and that the troops would be sent to Fortress Monroe. Another re- port had it that there were but twenty days' rations left on the island, and so the stories went on, being asserted, doubted and contradicted. On Saturday forenoon, Feb. 8, the English steamer Labuan, which had been captured near the mouth of the Rio Grande river, by the U. S. S. Plymouth, was brought in by a prize crew. The U. S. transport Constitution, which had long been expected on her return trip from Boston, appeared off the island on the forenoon of Feb. 12, and created the wildest enthu- siasm. The men from Connecticut vied with those from Massachusetts as to whom would be the first to reach the beach to welcome her. When within a couple of miles of the island, she hove to and fired a gun "which found an echo in the throat of every man on the beach."
The Constitution had on board the Twelfth Maine In- fantry ; the Eastern Bay State regiment, and three com- panies of Massachusetts unattached cavalry, the whole force — 2,400 — men being under the command of Col. Shepley. In the afternoon, the troops landed and went into camp. Washington's birthday anniversary, Feb. 22, 1862, was observed on the island by an artillery salute of
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 69
34 guns. The Ninth paraded in front of its camp, the band playing "The Star Spangled Banner" and other pa- triotic airs. Similar exercises were held by the other or- ganizations present.
An incident of considerable interest occurred while the Ninth was aboard the Constitution, in Dec, 1861, en route to Ship Island. When the regiment arrived at Lowell, from New Haven, it was found that a large number of boys had followed the regiment from home. They were all sent back, at least it was then SO' thought. But some time after leaving Fortress Monroe, it was reported to Gen. Phelps that there were stowaways aboard. They were all located, and when questioned gravely declared they belonged to the Ninth. The oldest of the boys was but fourteen years of age. The report was brought into the cabin, and Gen. Phelps, turning to Col. Cahill, said :
"Colonel, these boys say they belong to the Ninth Con- necticut !"
Col. Cahill proposed that the General and himself go out on deck and interrogate the youths themselves. They did so. The boys were called up, one at a time. The first boy said that he was fourteen years old, and that he was born in Randolph, Vt. When he told Gen. Phelps his name the General said, with a smile :
"Colonel, that is enough !"
The boy was a son of Gen. Phelps' next door neighbor in Randolph. The boys were mustered into the service and some of them were added to the boys of the Ninth's drum corps. Others were assigned to other organiza- tions aboard. The drummer boys of the Ninth were a brave set, and never faltered wherever called. They were greatly admired by the little bootblacks and newsboys of New Orleans.
The regular monthly review and inspection was held on Ship Island, Feb. 28, the line being formed at 9 a. m., and in the following order :
7o NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
Twenty-sixth Massachusetts Infantry, Col. Edward F. Jones..
Fourth Massachusetts Light Battery, Capt. Chas. H. Manning.
First Co., Massachusetts Unattached Cavalry, Capt. S. Tyler Reed.
Second Co., Massachusetts Unattached Cavalry, Capt. James Magee.
Third Co., Massachusetts Unattached Cavalry, Capt. H. A. Durivage.
Eastern Bay State Regiment, Acting Col. Jonas H. French.
Twelfth Maine Infantry, Col. George F. Shepley.
Ninth Connecticut Infantry, Col. Thomas W. Cahill.
The line wheeled into column by companies, at 9.30, and passed in review before Gen. Phelps and staff, who occupied the familiar sand knoll. The march through the sand was, as usual, very tedious, but the men ac- quitted themselves handsomely. The inspection by Gen. Phelps was very thorough, and the line was dismissed at noon.
Regimental Order No. 13, dated Feb. 24, 1862, refer- ring to Co. K of the Ninth says : " * * * Lieut. John Carroll of Co. F of this regiment, is hereby assigned to the command of said Co. K until further orders, and Lieut. Charles S. Palmer of Co. I, heretofore in command of said Co. K, having been promoted by order of General Phelps, commanding U. S. forces on Ship Island, by Brigade Order No. 2J, to the post of Acting Asst. -Quar- termaster of this Post — will, therefore, on receipt of this order turn over to Lieut. John Carroll such property as may be in his possession, belonging to said Co. K."
The Twelfth Connecticut regiment, Col. Henry C. Deming, arrived on Ship Island, March 8 per steamer Fulton, together with six companies of the Thirteenth Maine, Lieut.-Col. Henry Rust. The force aggregated
WAR OF THE REBELLION, i 861-1865. 71
1,600 men and was commanded by Col. Deming. Also arrived this day, the ship North America, with the Four- teenth Maine, Col. Frank S. Nickerson. In the after- noon of March 8, an expedition of 100 men from the Twenty-sixth Massachusetts, under Col. Jones, em- barked on the steamer Calhoun for Mississippi City, located on the mainland about ten miles away. The object of the expedition was to learn the strength of the enemy and to ascertain if a lodgment could be made so that a new camp could be established there. On reaching Missis- sippi City, Col. Jones marched inland a few miles, had an engagement and was forced to retreat, having one man wounded. The expedition arrived back at Ship Island at 11 p. m. The ship Idaho arrived from Boston March 9, 1862, having on board four light batteries, viz: the First Vermont, Second Vermont, First Maine and Sixth Massachusetts — about 550 men in all.
The camp of the Ninth was not without a little humor, now and then. A member of the regiment tells about an incident of this character. He says : "There was big Dennis and his educated pig. The latter was of a stray, wild breed, with stripes, and had been captured on the island. Dennis named the pig 'Jeff Davis," taught him to stand on his hind legs, hold a pipe and perform various other evolutions. The pig became quite a pet in camp. Gen. Phelps on going his rounds one day, noticed Den- nis and the pig, and was invited to witness a 'review.' The General laughingly consented, and Dennis pro- ceeded to put 'Jeff Davis' through a regular 'drill' with pipe and stick. Gen. Phelps was heartily amused by the performance. The pig went with Dennis to New Or- leans and from thence was sent to New Haven by ex- press."
In Regimental Order No. 14, issued to the Ninth, March 16, 1862, it is stated that "Adjutant Alfred G. Hall of this regiment has been appointed aide-de-camp and acting assistant adjutant-general on the Brigade
7 2 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
staff, by Brigade Order No. 35. In consequence of the above appointment, Patrick T. Claffee is hereby ap- pointed acting-adjutant, subject to the confirmation of His Excellency, the Governor of the State of Connecti- cut, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly."
St. Patrick's Day. 1862, was appropriately celebrated by the Ninth. The regiment was excused by Gen. But- ler from routine duty that day, and made the occasion one of festivity in camp.
Troops continued to come. Brig.-Gen. Thomas Wil- liams and staff arrived off the island on the afternoon of March 12, on the Constitution, together with three regi- ments— the Sixth Michigan Infantry, Twenty-first In- diana and Fourth Wisconsin. They landed next day. March 20, the Mississippi arrived, having on board Major-Gen. Benjamin F. Butler and family, who had been taken on board at Fortress Monroe. The Missis- sippi also brought the Thirty-first Massachusetts and four companies of the Thirteenth Maine. Gen. Butler landed on the island, March 23, and was given an artillery salute of thirteen guns from the fort. On March 29, he issued General Order No. 8, covering the embarkation of troops for a movement against New Orleans. The troops selected included the Ninth Connecticut, and numbered about 6,000 men — comprising the brigades of Gen. Phelps and Gen. Williams. All preparations were made and many of the troops were embarked, when orders were received countermanding the embarkation, and or- dering the troops already on board ship to return to the island. The reason for this, it was stated, was that "Farragut had as yet been unable to get his large ships over the bar at South West Pass."
Gen. Butler's staff at Ship Island comprised the fol- lowing: Major George C. Strong, assistant adjutant- general, ordnance officer, and chief of staff; Capt. Jonas H. French, aide-de-camp, and inspector general ; Capt. Peter Haggerty, aide-de-camp ; Capt. George A. Kensel,
Chaplain Dan'l Mullen. Capt John 1 >uffy.
Chaplain Leo Rizzo. Lieut. John C. Curtis
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 73
chief of artillery ; First Lieut. W. H. Weigle, aide-de- camp ; First Lieut. James W. Cushing (Thirty-first Mass. Vols.), acting chief quartermaster ; First Lieut. James E. Easterbrook (Thirty-first Mass. Vols.), acting chief com- missary ; First Lieut. Godfrey Weitzel, chief engineer ; First Lieut. John C. Palfrey, assistant engineer; First Lieut. Charles N. Turnbull, chief topographical engineer ; Surgeon Thomas H. Bache, medical director; Major Joseph M. Bell, volunteer A. D. C. ; Capt. Richard S. Davis, volunteer A. D. C. ; First Lieut. J. B. Kinsman, volunteer A. D. C. ; Second Lieut. H. E. Clark, volun- teer A. D. C.
And now an event of unusual importance took place. On the forenoon of April 1, 1862, the gunboat New Lon- don brought to Ship Island a small schooner, captured near Biloxi, Miss. In addition to the crew, there had been on the schooner, previous to capture, a married couple with their child, the latter being about five years of age, traveling from Mobile to New Orleans. Upon the appearance of the Yankee gunboat the parents be- came frightened, abandoned the child and escaped in a small boat. Capt. Reed of the Nezv London brought the child to Ship Island and gave her in charge of Gen. But- ler. The next morning, Major Strong, Captains French and R. S. Davis, and Lieutenants Turnbull and Kinsman of Gen. Butler's staff, Capt. Conant of Co. G, Thirty- first Massachusetts, and others, with the little girl, em- barked in a sloop and, under a flag of truce, left for Biloxi, to place the child in the hands of the authorities there, intending to have them return her to her parents. The sloop reached Biloxi, the child was placed in safe hands and the Union party had returned to the sloop and started for Ship Island. On the way out of Biloxi, the sloop grounded on a sand bar, whereupon the enemy, disregarding the flag of truce, fired upon her.
This conduct of the rebels so angered Gen. Butler, that the Ninth Connecticut regiment, and the Sixth
74 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
Massachusetts battery, were at once ordered to Biloxi to punish the foe. The men embarked on the Henry Lewis and started at 3.45 p. m., April 2, accompanied by the New London and the /. P. Jackson. Among those going with the expedition were Major Strong, of Gen. Butler's staff, and a number of other officers volunteering for the expedition. Col. Cahill had command of the Ninth, and the orders were to burn the town if an apology were not promptly forthcoming. The Third Mississippi regiment, (Confederate), had been occupying Biloxi, but had fallen back some miles into the country. The Federal landing was, therefore, unopposed save by a single bloodthirsty individual. The inhabitants of the place lined the beach, as the Yankees approached, "and one wild son of Missis- sippi stood on the wharf, rifle in hand, defying the troops to come on shore." He soon consented to retreat, how- ever, and was later captured. Col. Cahill took posses- sion of the town. The mayor had disappeared, but in a short time he was captured and brought in. He proved that he was not responsible for the firing on the Yankee sloop, and that the authors of the outrage were stragglers over whom he had no control. So the town was spared. Soon after our troops landed at Biloxi, writes Lieut, (afterwards Capt. and Lieut. -Col.) Healy of the Ninth, a guard was "sent to the residence of the mayor for the purpose of bringing him to headquarters to apologize for the firing on the flag of truce. The officer in charge of the guard, Capt. Wright of Co. G (of the Ninth), was instructed that if he could not find the mayor, he was to bring a member of the latter's family, as hostage, and to leave word for him to come after, inside of one hour, or we would bring the captured member of the family to Ship Island. Capt. Wright and the guard started out, but could not find the mayor. So they brought in the latter's wife. In less than a hour, the mayor made his appearance and was taken to headquarters."
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 75
The inhabitants were a poverty-stricken, wretched lot of people and drew exclamations of pity, even from the soldiers. The troops established themselves in the cen- ter of the town, pickets were thrown out, an attack pre- pared for, but none came.
It was soon rumored that a force of the enemy, 1,800 strong-, was at Pass Christian, twenty miles to the west- ward. A conference between Col. Cahill and Major Strong was held, to consider the situation, and it was de- cided to sail down and attack the place. They had no orders from Gen. Butler to do this, but relied upon the success they were confident they would achieve, to justify them in the course. Accordingly on the evening of April 3, the Ninth and the rest of the troops re-em- barked on the Henry Lewis, which was armed with two three-inch Sawyer guns in her bow. That night, she anchored off Mississippi City. About 4 a. m., April 4, while the Lewis was still at anchor, the three rebel gun- boats Pamlico, Oregon and Carondelet, having stolen down in the darkness, made a furious attack upon her. At the time the attack opened, Col. Cahill of the Ninth was aboard one of the Federal gunboats arranging a plan for the contemplated movement against Pass Christian. He was advised to hurry to the Henry Lewis and "run her into shoal water so that when she sunk, the men could get ashore. He started at once, and returned in an open boat through the midst of the fire. A rebel gunboat was plying savagely, with shot and shell, the crowded transport. Several shots took effect. One passed through the wheelhouse ; one crashed through the cabin, turning Father Mullen, the chaplain, suddenly out of his berth. * * * " Such is a description of the engage- ment, given by the Croffut-Morris volume, which thus continues : As soon as Col. Cahill "was within hailing distance, he shouted to his men to fire ; and the saucy little pieces instantly replied to the enemy's guns. The
76 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
rebel was now near and broadside to. The officers of the Ninth superintended the firing'." One shot shattered a rebel pilot-house; "another cut the tiller rope. The Lewis had all steam on and was backing towards shore. Soon the overmatched rebel gunboats made off, rapidly pursued by our own."
Another account of the fight states that the rebel gun- boats had "stolen down Lake Borgne in the darkness, to within cannon-shot of our little fleet. The Henry Lewis received the first fire of the enemy, the Carondelet sending a ten-inch shot, (120-pounder), through the cabin, which smashed things generally, and another shot carried away her wheelhouse. The rough treatment the Lezvis was receiving, for a few moments threw the Ninth Connecti- cut regiment and Everett's battery into much confusion, but soon the battery got their little guns at work and returned shot for shot. At the time the Carondelet pitched into the Lewis, the Pamlico and Oregon attacked the New London and Jackson [gunboats]. At 4.30 (a. m.), our gunboats having succeeded in getting under way, opened fire and moved toward the enemy. * * * Capt. Reed of the New London, with the same reckless daring he always exhibits in action, pushed his little ves- sel into the thickest of the fight in an attempt to bring the Carondelet to close quarters ; but his attempts in this direction were all defeated, the enemy continuing to re- treat up the lake, fighting at long range until 6 a. m., when they withdrew from the conflict and steamed away toward New Orleans." During the fight, besides the damage to the Henry Lezvis, the New London was struck in the cutwater, and Capt. Conant, of the Thirty-first Massachusetts, who was aboard the Lezvis, was slightly wounded. Corporal Peabody of the Fourth Massachu- setts Light Battery thus describes the interest displayed at Ship Island while the foregoing engagement was in progress :
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1 861-1865. 77
"April 4, Friday. With the first streak of day, our company was aroused by the sound of heavy firing. Turning out, the boys rushed to the outside of the fort, and then we learned the cause of the disturbance. Away in the direction of Biloxi, we saw a succession of bright flashes, to be soon followed by the report of heavy guns, which revealed to us the fact that our gunboats were en- gaging those of the enemy. For a time, the fight seemed to be stationary, but, finally, a change in the direction of the flashes, indicated that the vessels were under way and appeared to be falling back. At this juncture, 4.30 a. m., Commander Homer C. Blake, of the gunboat Hattcras, slipping the anchor, dashed away under a full head of steam, to aid in the fight. For over an hour more the fight went on, the heavy guns on both sides belching out every minute. * * * It was a big audience that witnessed this little fight, nearly every sol- dier on the island being collected around the fort and along the beach."
One of the Ninth's officers states that after leaving Biloxi for Pass Christian "everything went on well until about 4 o'clock the next morning, when three rebel gunboats were seen coming toward us. The Captain and myself occupied one of the staterooms. I was awakened by hearing someone say that there were three rebel boats coming after us. I got out, went into the cabin, returned to my stateroom, and just as I was putting on my coat a shell from the enemy struck our boat. It went through the cabin and knocked a hole in the room we were in. But, thanks be to God, we were not injured ! Then the excitement commenced. The New London and Jackson fired away at the rebel boats and they fired at us." A shot from the New London "knocked the wheelhouse off one of the rebel boats, tak- ing the two legs from the pilot." An examination was then made to ascertain how many were injured on the
7 8 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
Henry Lewis. It was found that only a few were hurt and they slightly. "One of the officers present (Capt. Conant), received a slight wound in the leg. Two of the Ninth's band were slightly wounded. Michael McDon- ough of our company (C of the Ninth), received a slight wound on the cheek, occasioned by part of a shell that had burst. The piece hit him hard enough to draw blood. I never saw men like those of the gallant Ninth ! It was as much as the officers could do to keep them in a safe place. I saw some of them coolly lighting their pipes and smoking while the enemy was firing. They were as cool as cucumbers."
Capt. Elliot M. Curtis.
CHAPTER VI.
THE FIGHT AT PASS CHRISTIAN — THE NINTH LANDS AND MARCHES THROUGH THE PLACE — MEETS A CONFED- ERATE FORCE BEYOND — GALLANT CHARGE BY THE MEN FROM CONNECTICUT — CAPTURE OF THE FLAG OF THE THIRD MISSISSIPPI — WARM COMMENDATION FROM GEN. BUTLER — THE START FROM NEW ORLEANS.
SOME hours after the close of the engagement with the rebel gunboats, preparations were completed for the attack on the enemy at Pass Christian. The Federal squadron had, in the meantime, been increased by the arrival of the gunboat Hatter as.
About 10 or ii a. m., the same day, April 4, 1862, the squadron moved up toward the wharf at the place men- tioned. It was expected that the landing would be con- tested, as a report had been received that the rebels had a regiment of infantry, two companies of cavalry and a battery of artillery in the place. Before the Ninth, and Everett's battery, landed, therefore, the gunboats threw a few shells into the woods and into some of the principal buildings. The troops then went ashore and finding no rebel force, immediately went in search of the latter.
"Col. Cahill of the Ninth, and Major Strong of Gen. Butler's staff, with four companies of the Ninth, went out on the main road in rear of two companies of the Ninth, deployed as skirmishers, and commanded by Capt. French of Butler's staff. Lieut. -Col. Fitz Gibbon and Major Frye, each with two companies of the Ninth, de- ployed to the right and left of the road. In this order, the line moved forward for two miles, when the enemy, comprising several companies of the Third Mississippi infantry, Brown's battery and Norman's cavalry — the whole force commanded by Lieut. -Col. Mellen of the
80 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
Third — were found drawn up in line of battle. A sharp fight ensued in which the rebels were beaten and driven to Camp Suggville, which our troops captured, together with the fine silk flag of the regiment. In this fight, Pri- vate John Leonard, Co. A, of the Ninth Connecticut, was wounded and the only man hurt. He was struck in the left arm, below the elbow. After this engagement, our troops returned to Pass Christian and camped there until the next morning, Nov. 5. * * * This morn- ing (Nov. 5) the boys of the Ninth and of Everett's Massachusetts battery are feeling jubilant over the fight of yesterday, and well they may. * * * "
Another account states that the Third Mississippi "Kept up a constant fusilade as the Ninth advanced ; but the latter fired one volley, and charged with an Irish 'Y-a-a-a-a-ah !' " when the defenders of the soil broke and ran to the woods. The victors scattered themselves through the comfortable camp, and made themselves at home. Capt. Lawrence O'Brien, (then a lieutenant), found in the commander's tent this dispatch to Gen. Lovell, (Confederate), at New Orleans : 'The Federals are landing in force. I shall defend the place. Have eight hundred infantry, two companies of cavalry, and two batteries." The ink was not dry when he was re- treating, demoralized, in the direction of a force that had gone to recapture Biloxi.
"The camp was well provided and amply furnished ; the officers' quarters even possessing a piano. They aban- doned tents and equipage, arms and ammunition, food and everything else ; and the Ninth loaded the transport with as much as they could carry back to the island. Next morning, they embarked ; and, before leaving, a committee came down and expressed the thanks of the citizens for the good conduct of the soldiers during the night. The regiment returned to the island in high spirits, bearing among their trophies sundry wrought- iron bowie knives (one of them marked 'Yankee exter-
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1865. 81
minator) and a beautiful silk flag (of the Third Missis- sippi), carried off in spite of the tearful protestations of the fair rebels who made it."
Col. John G. Healy, of New Haven, then a lieutenant in the Ninth, wrote the following- little sketch of the Pass Christian affair shortly after: "A white flag was hung out of one house, but we took no notice of it, as it was not in the proper place. We started to go up to the dock, but went aground instead, so that the troops had to be landed in small boats. The first companies landed were sent out as skirmishers and on picket duty. As we landed before the color company, the Colonel ordered our com- pany to take charge of the colors until the landing of that company. The Ninth formed in the principal street and awaited further orders. We very soon received informa- tion that the rebels were encamped within six miles of us. We procured a guide and started to meet them. We had marched some time when the pickets discovered them coming to meet us. We went on but a short dis- tance further, when they fired a shell at us, but it did no damage. They had fired a few more shells, when our artillery came up and replied." The enemy soon fell back to a bridge where they intended to make a stand, but, as the same officer continues, "we soon routed them again, firing as we advanced. They attempted to destroy the bridge, but we were too close upon them. We fixed the bridge so that the artillery could pass, and then went on. Just before we had come to the bridge, one of our skir- mishers came in and informed us that the rebels had a masked battery a short distance from the left of our com- pany. At this time the company was in the woods in support of the skirmishers. I went to the main body of the regiment and informed Major Strong of what I had heard. He gave orders for us to charge the battery and capture it. I transmitted the order to the Captain and he immediately commanded: 'Double quick!' and you may well say it was quick. I never saw men rush for- 6
|/3<3
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ward so in my life. But we were disappointed, for on reaching the place where we supposed the battery to be located, we found that it was only a kind of decoy. The rebels had felled some trees and put them together so that at a short distance away the structure looked as though constructed for a battery. We then marched by company front upon the camp of the rebels." In ac- cordance with orders, this was afterwards burned.
Capt. Lawrence O'Brien, of New Haven, then a lieu- tenant, writing about the attack on the rebels at Pass Christian, says : "We were separated in columns of com- panies and attacked them from so many points that the enemy imagined we were a brigade. When we were close upon them, they broke and fled in disorder, leaving all their camp equipage in our possession. In this charge, my company had to cross a bayou over which we all attempted to leap, but only a little more than half our number got over with dry feet. Capt. Patrick Garvey and some of the men were compelled to climb the bank, while I and the other members of our company, who had cleared the stream, were in advance. Capt. Garvey shouted to me : 'Keep them at it !' So we rushed on and were the first to reach the rebel camp. I rushed to the deserted headquarters, and upon a table found the following dispatch : [See foregoing]. * * * I gave this dispatch to Col. Cahill in presence of Dr. Charles A. Gallagher and our chaplain, Father Mullen. The Colonel delivered it to Major Strong, who reported it to Gen. Butler. While we were attacking the left wing of the enemy, Capt. William Wright charged on their right and captured a new flag which had been presented the Third Mississippi the day before. This was one of the first flags captured by the Union troops during the war, and was sent North to become one of the attractions at the big Sanitary Fair held in New York city. I never saw such enthusiasm as that displayed in this charge on the rebel camp, every officer and man endeavoring to distin-
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1865. 83
guish himself. All the prizes we could not carry away from the captured place, we burned. * * * We secured a quantity of note paper at the post office, with Confed- erate printed headlines. This was sent to our friends in the North and prized by them as souvenirs. We returned to Ship Island loaded down with trophies of war. All the troops rushed down to the landing and gave us a most welcome reception back home to the island."
Col. Cahill afterwards wrote concerning these events at Biloxi and Pass Christian : "While at this place, [Biloxi], we received reliable information that the enemy were encamped in some force, (two regiments, a battery and two companies of cavalry), at Pass Christian, some twenty miles distant. * * * Accordingly, on the night of the second day, we left Biloxi, and with the gun- boats [New London and Jackson], sailed down the sound. A storm came up suddenly, and it being impossible to navigate in those waters, having no good pilots, we were obliged to come to anchor below Mississippi City, where, at an hour before daylight the next morning we were attacked by three rebel gunboats, the Pamlico, Oregon, and Carondclet, bringing eleven heavy guns into action. The New London and Jackson, however, came gallantly up to their work. * * * The anchors of the Lewis had got fouled in some way, and we experienced great difficulty in getting under way, being all the time under a very heavy fire. Accompanying us were two- guns of the Sixth Massachusetts battery, — 3-inch steel rifles — with which we kept up a rapid and accurate fire, damag- ing the enemy considerably.
''The enemy finding he was getting the worst of the fight, made for the shoals off Cat Island, where our gun- boats could not follow, and escaped. All this occupied considerable time, and it was late in the afternoon before we could land the men and the two small guns. We got them all ashore by 6 p. m., and immediately moved on the enemy, whom we ascertained to be about three or four
84 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
miles from the landing. We found the enemy advancing in column, with artillery in front. We received the fire from his two pieces of artillery. I ordered a charge, and the enemy broke, and ran for a bridge across a creek in his rear, tearing up the bridge. After a short delay, we crossed and followed in pursuit, but being obliged to drag our guns by hand, we could not overtake him. We fol- lowed him to his camp, and destroyed and carried away all his camp and garrison equipage, remaining on the ground until 9 p. m."'
In view of the results attained, Gen. Butler issued the following :
Headquarters, Department of the Gulf,
April 12, 1862. General Orders No. 10.
The Major- General commanding desires publicly to testify his appreciation of the gallant courage and good conduct of the Ninth Connecticut Volunteers, Colonel Cahill commanding, and a section of the Sixth Massa- chusetts Battery, on a recent expedition to Biloxi and Pass Christian * * * .
Of their bravery- in the field he felt assured, but another quality, more trying to the soldier, claims his admiration. After having been for months subjected to the privations necessarily incident to camp life upon this island, these well-disciplined soldiers, although for many hours in full possession of two rebel villages filled with what to them were most desirable luxuries, abstained from the least unauthorized interference with private property and all molestation of peaceful citizens. This behavior is worthy of all praise * * * .
The General commanding commends the action of the men of this expedition to every soldier in this department. Let it be imitated by all in the towns and cities we shall occupy, a living witness that the United States soldier fights only for the Union, the Constitution, and the en- forcement of the laws.
By command of Mat. -Gen. Butler,
George C. Strong, A. A. General.
In its issue of April 30, 1862, the New Haven Palladium notes the fact that : "A member of the Ninth Connecti-
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 85
cut regiment, writing home to his wife, mentions that after the rout of the rebels at Pass Christian, a party [of the Ninth] proceeded to a small house to ascertain if refreshments of some kind could be obtained. At the house they recognized a woman there as an old acquaint- ance, who formerly resided in New Haven. The family were utterly destitute, and all [the men] could obtain was a drink of buttermilk. They paid her ten cents apiece for the buttermilk, and then distributed the crackers in their knapsacks to the children."
In a letter to Col. Cahill, in 1862, after the events at Eiloxi and Pass Christian, Governor Buckingham of Connecticut, wrote : "It is hardly necessary for me to say that the conduct of your men meets my cordial ap- proval, and I am proud of both officers and their com- mand."
A circular issued to the Ninth, April 10, 1862, by the Colonel, states that "Sergeant Walter Maloney, of Co. A, and Sergeant Patrick Ingoldsby, of Co. C, are appointed color sergeants of this regiment, and will be exempt from all guard duty."
On April 10, 1862, Col. Cahill issued Regimental Order No. 20, from the camp of the Ninth on Ship Island. The order provided as follows :
First Lieutenant M. A. Williams, of Co. A, is hereby appointed to the office of captain, made vacant by the resignation of Captain John Duffy. Second Lieutenant John Cogan is appointed First Lieutenant, [vice] Wil- liams, promoted. First Sergeant Farrell H. Gallagher, of the same company, is also appointed a second lieutenant, vice Second Lieutenant Cogan, promoted.
The above appointments will take effect from the date of Captain Duffy's discharge (April 10), and are subject to the confirmation of His Excellency, the Governor of the State of Connecticut, and will be obeyed and re- spected accordingly.
The following non-commissioned officers are hereby appointed in Co. A, the date of their appointment to take
86 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
effect from April I, 1862, and will hereafter be obeyed and respected as such : For
First Sergeant, Thomas Starkey,
Second Sergeant, Michael Kennedy.
Third Sergeant, Joseph Gahagan.
Fourth Sergeant, William Scully.
Fifth Sergeant, Walter Maloney.
Quartermaster-Sergeant Nathan I. Bennett is also pro- moted acting First Lieutenant and Quartermaster of the regiment, vice Lieutenant W. W. Harrall, Quartermaster of the same, resigned. Sergeant Wright, of Co. I, is promoted Quartermaster-Sergeant, vice Bennett, pro- moted, and both will be obeyed and respected accord- ingly.
Quartermaster Bennett, appointed, will be subject to the confirmation of His Excellency, the Governor of the State of Connecticut.
First Sergeant Henry McKenna, of Co. C, is hereby appointed Second Lieutenant of the same company, vice Second Lieutenant John Shaw, resigned. The date of appointment to take effect from April 1, 1862, and subject to the confirmation of His Excellency, the Governor of the State of Connecticut, and will be obeyed and re- spected accordingly. The following named Sergeants are also appointed, and will be obeyed and respected in the same order in which they stand : For
First Sergeant, Dennis Gately.
Second Sergeant, Patrick Ingoldsby.
Third Sergeant, Bryan Donohue.
Fourth Sergeant, Peter Donnelly.
Fifth Sergeant, James Mullen.
The above appointments of non-commissioned officers to date from April 1, 1862.
Second Sergeant [J. B.] Prescott, of Co. K, is ap- pointed First Sergeant of Co. F, vice First Sergeant Ryan, resigned.
Second Sergeant, Timothy Ryan.
Third Sergeant, Fred Jervis. [Jewett?]
Fourth Sergeant, Daniel Leahy, who will be obeyed and respected accordingly. The date of their appointments will take effect from April I, 1862.
* * * Third Sergeant Tallmadge, Co. K, is also appointed Second Sergeant in the same company, vice Prescott, promoted [to be First Sergeant of Co. F].
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1865 87
Gen. Butler tells of an amusing incident that happened while the Ninth was on Ship Island. He says, in sub- stance, that one day a detail from the regiment was sent to the upper portion of the island to relieve a party from the Twenty-sixth Massachusetts, which was engaged cutting wood. It was foggy when they came to the place of meeting, and as the two bodies of men approached each other the first thought was that they must be Con- federates, each party seeming so to the other. Both began to get ready for a fight, when a quick-witted Irish- man of the Ninth exclaimed :
"Be me souL Captain, I believe that these are the Twenty-sixth's boys. Let me find out; I will give the countersign !"'
"The countersign?" exclaimed the officer, "What countersign have you?"
"Oh, aisy, Captain !" and he stepped forth and cried out: "Connecticut over the fence!"
The men on both sides broke out into roars of laughter, and all danger of a collision was averted.
On the morning of April 9, 1862, Gen. Butler had issued orders for a grand review that day, of all the troops on the island. The review ground was located about two and a half miles from the fort, and "east of the line of camps of the army." Gen. Butler and staff occu- pied a knoll in front of the centre of the line. At 2 p. m. the troops began moving forward in review. The line was made up as follows, the Ninth having the place of honor :
FIRST BRIGADE.
Brig.-Gen. John W. Phelps.
Ninth Connecticut, Col. Thomas W. Cahill. Twelfth Connecticut, Col. Henry C. Deming. Eighth New Hampshire, Col. Hawkes Fearing, Jr. Fourth Massachusetts Battery, Capt. Charles H. Man- ning.
88 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
First Vermont Battery, Capt. G. W. Duncan. Second Vermont Battery, Capt. P. E. Holcomb. Third Company Massachusetts Cavalry, Capt. H. A. Durivage.
SECOND BRIGADE.
Brig.-Gen. Thomas Williams.
Twenty-first Indiana, Col. James W. McMillan. Twenty-sixth Massachusetts, Col. Edward F. Jones. Thirty-first Massachusetts, Col. Oliver P. Gooding. Sixth Michigan, Col. Fred W. Curtenius. Fourth Wisconsin, Col. H. E. Paine. Sixth Massachusetts Battery, Capt. Charles Everett. Second Company Massachusetts Cavalry, Capt. James Magee.
THIRD BRIGADE.
Col. George F. Shepley (Twelfth Maine) Com- manding.
Twelfth Maine, Lieut.-Col. W. K. Kimball. Thirteenth Maine, Col. Neal Dow. Fourteenth Maine, Col. F. S. Nickerson. Fifteenth Maine, Col. J. McClusky. Thirtieth Massachusetts, Col. N. A. M. Dudley. First Maine Light Battery, Capt. E. P. Thompson. First Company Massachusetts Cavalry, Capt. S. Tyler Reed.
The whole force, including parts of the Seventh and Eighth Vermont regiments, numbered about 12,000 men. The review was an unqualified success, and was over at 4 p. m. This review was considered by the men to indi- cate that an important movement of some kind was about to take place, and so it proved.
Gen. Butler issued, on April 10, 1862, "General Orders No. 9," providing for the embarkation of troops, for the movement against New Orleans. They were to embark the next day, in the following order:
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1 861-1865. 89
On board ship Great Republic: the Twenty-first Indiana, Fourth Wisconsin, and Sixth Michigan, regi- ments.
On board steamer Mississippi: Twenty-sixth and Thirty-first Massachusetts regiments, Brown's Sappers and Miners and the Sixth Massachusetts battery.
On steamer Matanzas: the Ninth Connecticut regi- ment and the Second Vermont battery.
On the North America: the Thirtieth Massachusetts regiment, Reed and Durivage's Massachusetts Cavalry, and the Fourth Massachusetts battery.
On ship E. Wilder Farley: the Twelfth Connecticut regiment.
Each regiment was ordered to "take three tents, and the detached companies of cavalry, artillery, and pioneers, one tent each. The remaining tents will be left standing. The troops will carry their camp kettles, mess pans, cups, plates, knives and forks, and each soldier his knapsack, overcoat, blanket, one extra shirt, one extra pair of drawers, one extra pair of shoes, canteens, and in his haversack four days' cooked rations. They will also' take all the axes, hatchets, picks, shovels, and spades, they may have in possession. Officers' baggage will be lim- ited to bedding and one valise, bag or knapsack. No trunks in any case to be taken. The remaining baggage of officers and men will be properly secured, as compactly as possible, marked, and turned over to the division quartermaster. Captains of companies will be held re- sponsible that every soldier has in his cartridge box 40 rounds of ammunition. The troops will be inspected at 6 p. m., to-day, to see that this order has been complied with, as far as may be necessary at that hour, to insure promptness in the embarkation to-morrow. One non- commissioned officer for each regiment will be left behind to turn over the baggage, tents, etc., to the chief quarter- master."
The next day, April 11, a storm prevailed, and the
9o NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
troops did not embark. They did begin embarking, how- ever, on Tuesday morning, April 15. "All our boys," writes a participant, "seem much pleased at the prospect of a change of scene, and active service. Still, sweet mem- ories of the island, so barren and desolate, and our home for 132 days, will ever remain with us. Since the first troops landed on this island, Dec. 4, 1861, to April 9, last, fifty men have died, and are buried there."
Shortly before the Ninth left Ship Island, Private Robert Walsh of Company E, was accidentally killed, being shot through the heart. He belonged in New Haven, and was a good soldier and comrade. His death was much regretted. The date of the fatality was April 14, 1862. Private Martin Burke, of Company B, was injured at Ship Island in February, 1862. He was of Cheshire, Ct. He recovered from his injury and was mustered out Oct. 26, 1864, his term of service having expired.
The embarkation of the troops was completed Wednes- day forenoon. The transport fleet hauled out at 4 p. m., and anchored two miles off shore to await the darkness, so that further movements would be covered. The troops aboard — 8,000 men — comprised the brigades of Generals Phelps and Williams. Quarters were provided aboard the Mississippi for Gen. Butler's family, and the steamer Saxon was headquarters ship for Butler and his staff. Gen. Phelps and staff had quarters aboard the Matansas with the Ninth, while Gen. Williams and staff were quar- tered aboard the Great Republic. The Third Brigade re- mained on the island.
That night between 8 and 9 o'clock, the fleet weighed anchor and stood out to sea. The steamer Matanzas, with the Ninth aboard, was towing the E. Wilder Farley; the Mississippi had the North America in tow ; and the gun- boat /. P. Jackson had the Great Republic. The course taken was a little south of west.
Capt. Mch'l McCarten. Caim T. C. Coates.
.jrwe/tfrp £Nts.co. mis haw- /v ko/v*.
Capt. Wm. Wright. Capt. Patrick Garvev.
CHAPTER VII.
ARRIVAL OF THE NINTH AT THE SOUTH WEST PASS — UNDER FIRE AT THE ATTACK ON FORTS JACKSON AND
ST. PHILIP ENTERS THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS
PROCEEDS, LATER, TO CAMP PARAPET, UP THE RIVER — LEAVES THERE FOR THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE,
THE CAPITAL OF LOUISIANA ENGLAND'S ENMITY TO
THE UNION.
THE trip of the Matamas, with the Ninth on board, to the South West Pass, was devoid of special inci- dent. The steamer continued towing the E. Wilder Farley, on which was the Twelfth Connecticut. Thursday morn- ing, April 17, 1862, opened clear and warm. Officers and men of the Ninth were early on deck. At intervals, ships of the Union blockading squadron were sighted, while the coast line could be dimly seen just above the horizon. As the Matamas neared the Pass, the interest of those on board continued to increase. The gulf coast of Louisi- ana is not remarkable for attractiveness, but on this occasion every feature was noted with interest by the men aboard the ships. Arrived at the Pass, the Ninth had a view of the U. S. frigate Colorado, and the British frigate Rinaldo, anchored there. Entering the Missis- sippi, the great "Father of Waters," the Ninth beheld a desolate scene. The waters of the mighty river are of a yellowish hue which they assume after their confluence with the Missouri. This hue is caused by the mud brought down in such great volume that it tinges the fierce current of the river for several miles out into the Gulf. The bed of the Mississippi, near its mouth, is con- tinually changing in character, forming new bars that puzzle and menace the pilots. It was these bars that so retarded Farragut in getting his big ships into the river,
92 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
and it was only after transferring the heavy batteries from the ships to lighters that he at length succeeded.
Crowded conditions prevailed aboard the Matanzas. Only 260 men could be accommodated below decks at a time and, therefore, the men had to sleep by reliefs, that is, a part at a time. On one occasion, the Matanzas took the Great Republic in tow, the latter being helpless owing to the loss of her rudder.
Sixty miles below New Orleans, then held by the rebels, and toward the mouth of the river, were Forts Jackson and St. Philip, strongly constructed and heavily armed by the Confederates, for the defence of the city. The rebels considered them impregnable, and believed they would prove an impassable barrier to any Union force attempt- ing to come up the river from below. But in this they were mistaken, as the result proved. Some twenty-two miles below the forts, just mentioned, were the heads of the five passes of the Mississippi through which access could be had to the gulf. These passes were the South West, the South, the South East, the North East and Pass a la Outre. The largest and most utilized of these was the South West.
As the Ninth, aboard the steamer Matanzas, proceeded up the river, by way of the South West Pass, the men gazed upon the neighboring shores.
" Do you know of the dreary land,
If land such region may seem, Where 'tis neither sea nor strand, Ocean, nor good, dry land,
But the nightmare marsh of a dream? Where the Mighty River his death-road takes, 'Mid pools and windings that coil like snakes, A hundred leagues of bayous and lakes,
To die in the great Gulf Stream?"
Pilot Town, a cluster of houses, was noted about two miles from the mouth of the river, and elicited much com- ment. The houses were all built on piles to keep them clear of the river. Here resided gulf and river pilots,
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 93
from whom the place derived its name. Nearby, stood a tower, 75 or 100 feet high, used by the pilots for keeping a watch on the river and gulf in search of vessels needing their services. A naval hospital was also located at this point. Anchored near Pilot Town were the barque Almo and the gunboat Miami. The Ninth continued up the river toward the head of the passes already mentioned. Not long after, could be heard the boom of the heavy guns of Farragut's fleet, including the mortars of Porter's flotilla, in their bombardment of Forts Jackson and St. Philip. A member of the Ninth, writing, after the war, of this period, says :
« # * * The facts, I believe, are these : Gen. Phelps being on board the Matanzas with the Ninth was extremely anxious to witness the bombardment of the forts and, pushing by Gen, Butler, moved up in their direction. Soon a solid shot came skipping across the bow of the Matanzas.
" 'Col. Cahill, what do you suppose they're firing for?' facetiously inquired the General.
" T don't know, sir !' replied the Colonel in the same vein.
" 'Nor I, either!' rejoined the General. 'Go on!'
"Butler is reported to have been very much offended at this action, but Phelps witnessed the fighting and enjoyed it like the veteran soldier that he was."
Capt. Lawrence O'Brien, of the Ninth, writes : "While we were on board the Matanzas, the latter was employed in towing many of the sailing vessels close up to the fleet. Two of Porter's mortar schooners were taken in tow by us after they had been disabled by the guns of the forts. The Matanzas was twice under the fire of both forts, and while we were making fast to the disabled mortar schooners, shots from the forts passed clear over the deck of our steamer. A large heavy chain which had been stretched across the river between the forts was cut in two by sailors of the fleet, and on April 23 Farragut
94 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
was all ready to run his fleet past the forts. As each vessel passed us, we knew that the great and final effort was about to take place. Darkness came on, but there was no sleep for soldier or sailor that eventful night. A red light had been hoisted at the masthead of the Hartford, Farragut's flagship. The forts commenced firing after midnight, and continued for some time. We, of the Ninth, could see the answering flames of fire from the sides of our fleet, the whole making an almost continuous blaze of light. We knew when our friends were past the forts by the flash and noise from above. In the morning, we were ordered to sail with the transports around to the rear of Fort St. Philip, and one regiment, — the Twenty- sixth Massachusetts — reached the river bank above. We were preparing to attack the forts when the latter sur- rendered. * * * We were then ordered to return on board our vessels, and sailed up to New Orleans."
So confident were the Confederates in the strength of the two forts that a New Orleans paper declared : "We have made such extensive preparations to receive them, [the Union forces] , that it were vexatious if their invinci- ble armada escapes the fate we have in store for it." Farragut's force comprised 47 armed vessels. The mortar boats, under Porter, took the lead, and on April 18, began the attack on Fort Jackson, and were sup- ported by the gunboats. The forts were not at first much affected by this attack, and it was decided to run by them on the night of the 23d. It was a perilous undertaking. The night was an intensely dark one, and at 2 o'clock in the morning the daring passage began.
" Right abreast of the Fort
In an awful shroud they lay,
Broadsides thundering away, And lightning from every port;
Scene of glory and dread ! A storm-cloud all aglow
With flashes of fiery red, The thunder raging below,
And the forest of flags overhead !"
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863.
95
In addition to the opposition of the forts, Farragut also had to contend with a Confederate naval force, but was victorious against every odd. While the movement was in progress, Butler landed his troops and got them around to the rear of Fort St. Philip, thus bringing about a prompt surrender of that stronghold.
As soon as the news of the Confederate disaster reached New Orleans, a great panic ensued there. Peo- ple fled from the city, cotton was got ready to be set on fire, some $4,000,000 in specie was removed from the banks, and other steps hastily taken. Upon the approach, April 25, of Farragut, Gen. Lovell, the rebel com- mander, and his forces deserted the city, the torch was applied to cotton on the levee and 15,000 bales were burned ; also a large number of steamers, uncompleted gunboats and other vessels. Farragut kept the city under the guns of his fleet until May 1, when Gen. Butler took possession. The loss of New Orleans was a staggering blow to the rebels. Fort St. Philip had a record as a place of defence, previous to the construction of Fort Jackson. It was Fort St. Philip that, in the war of 18 1 2- 1 5, held an English naval force at bay for over a week and at last obliged it to retire down the river.
An exciting incident took place early on the morning of April 27. A spectator thus describes it : "At 3 a. m. everybody on board was aroused from his sleep, in a hurry, and rushed on deck to ascertain the cause. Look- ing up the river, we saw a large raft loaded with all sorts of combustible material coming down, whirling and twisting with the current. It had been sent down by the rebels and was only about three miles above us, and the glare sent up by this mass of burning stuff lighted up the surrounding country with the brightness of day. As it swept swiftly down, we could see that the raft was about 200 feet long by about 50 in width. It was piled high with what seemed to be pitch pine, and sent up smoke and flame to a height of about 40 feet. When the
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raft was less than a mile from the line of gunboats, the Jackson slipped out and, under a full head of steam, dashed at the raft, striking it amidships and scattering the fire in all directions into the river. Lines were then hitched to the raft and, being towed to the west bank, it was grounded and allowed to burn itself out."
Passing up the river toward New Orleans, a soldier thus records what he saw : "Some time after leaving Quaran- tine, the scenery on both banks of the river began to change. In place of low, swampy lands, beautiful planta- tions began to appear. We saw people working in the fields, riding in carriages on the roads behind the levee, beautiful villas nestling in groves of fine trees. * * * Some of the plantations that we passed seemed deserted, as nobody could be seen. At one plantation, we saw about 50 negroes at work on what seemed to be sugar cane. All hands, even the overseer, stopped in their work to gaze at the Yankees. At intervals we passed a house upon which the white flag appeared. Again, we would pass a house which displayed a small flag — the Stars and Stripes — at door or window. Whenever this happened, there was tremendous cheering on board. About 4 p. m. we were up with a fine plantation, located on the east bank. The owner's residence, a beautiful white house with broad verandas about it, and embowered in a fine grove of trees, was thrown open and the verandas were occupied by the family. As we passed it, we were greeted with handkerchief waving, and, suddenly, out of the front door, appeared the Stars and Stripes. Our troops yelled, their delight was so great at this incident." At Chalmette, some miles below New Orleans, the rebels had con- structed two batteries, one on each side of the river, but the guns of Farragut's ships easily knocked them to pieces. Another battery about a mile above Chalmette experienced a like fate.
Upon taking possession of New Orleans, Gen. Butler established his headquarters at the St. Charles Hotel.
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 97
Nearby was posted the Sixth Massachusetts battery and other troops. The populace was in an ugly mood and soon after his arrival, Butler decided to parade a regiment through the city as an object lesson. He selected the Ninth Connecticut, then quartered at the Reading Cotton Press, for this purpose, an honor the regiment duly ap- preciated. The command made a fine showing, and the effect on the belligerent populace was a salutary one.
While the Ninth was in New Orleans, at this time, Pri- vate Mark O'Neal, of Company D, while taking a walk in the city on the evening of May 4, 1862, was attacked and assassinated by thugs. He was in uniform at the time, and alone. When information of the murderous happening reached the quarters of the Ninth, the men of the latter became furious and evinced a desire to rush out and wreak vengeance for the loss of their comrade. They were finally quieted, however, by their officers. Private O'Neil belonged in New Haven and had enlisted Sept. 27, 1861.
When Butler took possession of the city he was confronted by many serious difficulties. The populace was sullen and, though not openly hostile, found many ways in which to show their dislike for the new-comers. Butler, however, was fully equal to the situation, as he abundantly demonstrated. Among the Confederate or- ganizations in the city had been one known as the "Foreign Legion," which was promptly put out of ser- vice upon Butler's arrival.
England's enmity to the Union was well known, hav- ing been frequently displayed during the war. The Croffut-Morris work, speaking of the organization of the Thirteenth Connecticut, recalls that "England was just beginning to take sides with the Confederates ; so the mustering-officer, in addition to the usual oath, bound the men to serve 'against England or any foreign power that may wage war against us.' "
In New Orleans at the time of Butler's advent was a
98 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
Confederate military company, composed of Englishmen. Parton, the historian, speaking of this company, says : "The British Guard consisted of fifty or sixty English- men, old residents of New Orleans, many of them men of large property and extensive business. On returning to their armory, late in the evening, after the disbanding of the Foreign Legion, they had held a formal meeting, at which it was voted to send their arms, accoutrements, and uniforms to the camp of General Beauregard. On learning this, a few days after the occupation of the city, General Butler sent for Captain Burrows, the commander of the company, who confessed the fact. The general then directed him to order his company to leave New Orleans within twenty-four hours ; and declared his in- tention to arrest and confine in Fort Jackson any who should fail to obey the order. The violation of the law of neutrality had been clear and indefensible. These men had enjoyed for many years the protection of the United States government, under which they acquired wealth and distinction, and then embraced the first opportunity that had offered to give material aid to its enemies."
This action by Gen. Butler, as might be expected, called forth an exhibition of brazen effrontery from the acting British consul, who unblushingly declared that the enforcement of the order would "infringe the rights of British subjects residing in New Orleans."
But Butler replied: "I intend this order to be strictly enforced. I am content for the present to suffer open enemies to remain in the city of their nativity ; but law- defying and treacherous alien enemies shall not."
The order was enforced. Every member of the Eng- lish company got out of New Orleans, except the Cap- tain and another, who soon found themselves incarcer- ated in Fort Jackson.
On another occasion an Englishman had boasted that he had challenged a Union officer to a duel, but that the latter had cowardly avoided the encounter. Butler heard
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 99
of the Englishman's boast and sent for him. After get- ting him to admit that he had lied when he made the boast, and that the latter had no basis in fact, Butler re- quested him to sign a paper to that effect. But the Englishman refused, saying in substance :
"You may fill my head with bullets, but I will never sign that paper!"
"Very well," nonchalantly replied Butler, and, turning to an officer, remarked : "Arrange to have the prisoner executed at sunrise. I am going to dinner."
And forthwith, the General left the apartment. He was gone but a short time, when a messenger came run- ning up to' him with the information that the Englishman had signed. So the latter's life was spared.
Speaking of the Trent case, and the Slidell-Mason affair, Boynton's History of the Navy During the Re- bellion remarks that: "Almost as simultaneously as the telegraph could flash the account over the Kingdom, Great Britain blazed with excitement, and the real spirit of England was fully revealed. The feelings of hostility toward the North, which had been partially held in check for decency's sake, had now found an occasion and an excuse, if not a proper cause. It showed, in a manner that American statesmen would be wise to> remember, even when it is forgiven, how, beneath all the friendly manifestations which lie on the surface, the old feeling of dislike and even animosity toward our country remains in the heart of England, so that a very slight cause will kindle it into a flame that will burn with all its former intensity of passion. England may respect us, may de- sire and seek our friendship ; but while she remains as she now is, a country of classes, she cannot be a sincere and hearty friend."
Gen. Butler once expressed his opinion that we made a mistake in not accepting England's challenge at that time, even with civil war on our hand. "England of her own soldiers," said he, "has never had more than twenty-
ioo NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTR Y.
five thousand men on any one battle-field. The time has gone past for buying Germans to fight her battles. We had more soldiers starve at Andersonville than England had men at Waterloo — and a large part of those at Waterloo were commanded by an Irishman. * * * Ninety days would have enlisted Irishmen enough to take Canada. * * * When patriotic Irishmen began to learn that there was a chance for war with England, they came to me in squads. And if I had said to them : 'Yes, I want you to march to Canada and take that first, and then for the western coast of Ireland, or against any Englishmen we can find against us down South,' I could have filled up not only one or two regiments in Massachusetts, but eight or ten."
Lossing, referring to England's sympathy for the South, observes that "The Confederates organized a navy department, and gave places to the officers who had de- serted the National flag ; but their means for the creation of a marine force were insignificant. So they looked to Europe for aid, and, in the greed of England for the 'supremacy of the seas,' they found a steadfast friend and a helper. The first formidable pirate ship put afloat was the Sumter, Capt. Semmes, whose destructive career was ended at the close of 1861. Meanwhile, arrangements were made by the Confederates with Laird, a member of the British Parliament and a ship-builder, at Liverpool, to construct several powerful steamships for their use. The Oreto (afterward Florida) was soon at sea, and, in September, 1862, she ran the blockade at Mobile under English colors. She went to sea again in December, and made havoc among American merchantmen. She was never again in a Confederate port, but always found a welcome in British colonial harbors.
"Semmes was soon in command of a powerful vessel, built by Laird, called the Alabama, She was essentially a British pirate ship, with a Confederate commander and flag ; and she fulfilled the expectations of the British ship-
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1865. XO\
ping interest, by frightening American commerce into British vessels, and giving them a monopoly of the carry- ing trade. She always avoided our national vessels sent after her. She was finally blockaded in the French port of Cherbourg, by the Kearsarge, Captain Winslow. The French Government ordered the pirate to leave their waters. She went out on the 15th of June, 1864, met the Kearsarge, and, after a short conflict, was sent to the bot- tom of the sea. Her commander and others were picked up by an English vessel in attendance, which carried them to England to save them from their conqueror."
The Alabama, says Lossing, "was built, armed, and furnished in England, and almost wholly manned by Brit- ish subjects, several of them from the Royal navy. She sailed out of England under a British flag, and was always welcomed into British ports. And before she went into battle with the Kearsarge, her commander, in a little speech to her officers and crew, repeated the words of Lord Nelson, 'England expects every man to do his duty !' She was not allowed to carry her prizes into British ports, and so her commander generally plundered and burnt them at sea. The Alabama captured and de- stroyed 64 American vessels." The estimated value of property destroyed by the pirate was $10,000,000.
The Rev. Frederic Denison, in his History of The Third Rhode Island, states that : "However others may, we cer- tainly never shall forget how, through English sympa- thy and English capital, the slaveholders' Rebellion was encouraged and strengthened and prolonged. * * * We were obliged to contend with English sentiments and English guns. After due consideration we have cred- ited the toil, treasure and blood of the last two years of the war to England — a heavy account certainly. * * * As John Bull selfishly, if not madly, gored us in the hour of our calamity and affliction, we shall claim the right of remembering our wounds in the years of our prosperity."
The Ninth remained in New Orleans but a few days,
1 02 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. IN FA NTR Y.
at this time, being then transferred to Camp Parapet, about seven miles above the city. This fortified camp had constituted one of the defences of New Orleans, and comprised fine earthworks, some two and a half miles in length. The rebels had mounted twenty-nine guns in the place.
During the stay of the Ninth in New Orleans, it was thus referred to, May 3, 1862, by the Evening Delta of that city : "A regiment of soldiers this morning took up their line of march, apparently towards the Jackson Rail- road station. The crowd that followed them was much larger than any we have yet seen upon the streets upon any similar occasion. We think that this idle curiosity displayed by our citizens has had sufficient vent, and it is high time that orderly people were betaking themselves to indoor amusements. If they have nothing to do, let them stay at home, avoid the sun, and preserve their health." From which, the temper of the Delta could be readily judged.
Corporal Peabody of the Fourth Massachusetts battery, already quoted, writes in his diary, under date of May 5, 1862 : "Monday. Weather clear and hot. * * * After dinner an up-river movement began. The Ninth and Twelfth Connecticut, except one company of the Ninth, embarked on the steamship Mississippi, and, about 2 p. m., sailed for Carrollton, some miles north of the city. Shortly after the departure of the big steam- ship, the river steamer Diana hauled into Pier 17 [New Orleans], and taking on the baggage and guard of the troops just gone, cast loose about 4 p. m., and proceeded up-river. About 4.30 . o'clock, the river steamer Ceres hauled into Pier 17 to take on board our battery. De- positing knapsacks, haversacks and canteens on the mid- dle deck, we returned to the pier and began loading battery; this work we completed about 6 p. m. At 6.15, lines were cast loose and we started up-river. We had a fine view of the river up and down for several miles.
W A R OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1865. I03
* * * All along the levee in the city, were river steamers, some partially burned and many others burned to the water's edge. * * * About 7 p. m., we passed the beautiful town of Carrollton, on the east bank of the river, and about five miles above New Orleans. Fifteen or twenty minutes later, we reached Camp Parapet, two miles above Carrollton. * * * Here we found the Mississippi, anchored out in the river, and the Diana at the levee and tied up. The Ceres also hauled into the levee at the stern of the Diana and made fast for the night."
The next morning, May 6, 1862, the Diana was busily engaged transferring the Ninth and Twelfth Connecticut regiments from the Mississippi to the shore. The Fourth Massachusetts Light Battery landed from the Ceres. By noon, nearly all the property of the Ninth regiment was on shore. The troops, numbering about 2,000 men, went into camp, the line being made up as follows, from right to left : The Ninth Connecticut on the extreme right on the low ground toward the Matarie Ridge road. Then came, in line, the Third section of the Massachusetts bat- tery, under Lieut. Taylor; the Second section, under Lieut. Davidson ; the Twelfth Connecticut regiment ; and then the First section of the battery. This section was located in a charming orange grove. The entire force was commanded by Gen. Phelps, who had established his headquarters in the rear of the Twelfth Connecticut. Gen. Phelps' staff was made up as follows : First Lieut. Alfred G. Hall, Ninth Connecticut, A. D. C, and acting assistant adjutant-general ; Surgeon William B. Brownell, Twelfth Connecticut, medical director; First Lieut. Erwin U. N. Hitchcock, Seventh Vermont, A. D. C. ; First Lieut. Frank Wells, Thirteenth Connecticut, quar- termaster and commissary ; First Lieut. George W. Pot- ter, Twelfth Connecticut, provost marshal.
The fortifications of Camp Parapet extended from the river to a point in the swamps between Matarie Ridge
104 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
road and Lake Ponchartrain. The rebel garrison had consisted of Louisiana troops. Across the river on the west bank the enemy had also constructed a redoubt, mounting six guns. Previous to vacating Camp Para- pet, they had dismounted and spiked the guns and thrown fifteen of them into the river. The gun carriages had been set on fire, and the platforms and traverses smashed. A huge raft had previously been constructed, and stretched across the river as an adjunct to the fortifi- cations to prevent Davis' fleet and Halleck's troops from getting by from above. But the Federal forces had at- tacked the rebels in the rear and compelled them to abandon the works.
The location of the Ninth at Camp Parapet was less desirable than the ground occupied by the other organi- zations, but the men made the best of their surroundings and improved their quarters as much as circumstances would permit. The water of the Mississippi was gener- ally used for washing and cooking purposes, and though yellow in hue, it was found to be clean and quite cold. The Ninth had a good view of vessels going up or down the river, and this added variety to the scene. On the afternoon of May 7, the steamer Diana, which had gone down to New Orleans, returned, bringing Weitzel's com- pany of Pioneers to camp. There was already consid- able sickness at Camp Parapet, and the chief trouble being diarrhoea, attributed largely to the river water. On Sunday afternoon, May 18, Gen. Butler and his staff passed through the camp.
Capt. Michael McCarten, of Co. C, of the Ninth, had resigned April 15, 1862. He was one of the most popu- lar officers in the regiment, and his departure was very generally regretted. He resigned on account of the serious illness of his wife, her physician expressing the opinion that if the captain did not soon return home she would not live. Capt. McCarten felt very badly over this piece of information, and received much sympathy from
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1 861-1863. 105
his brother officers. He wrote out his resignation and tendered it. After some difficulty, it was accepted, and he made preparations to leave. This was shortly before the Ninth left Ship Island for the South West Pass.
Lieut. John G. Healy, of the Ninth, had been pro- moted in April, and succeeded Capt. McCarten, as cap- tain of Co. C, of the regiment. While at Camp Parapet, in May, Capt. Healy was ordered to take a detail and proceed to the Court House in Carrollton. Information had been received that some boxes of arms and ammu- nition had been stored in the Court House, by the enemy, and Capt. Healy was directed to get possession of these. He accordingly selected fourteen men and marched to the place, entered the village, and, followed by a large crowd, proceeded to the building just mentioned. Ar- riving at the Court House, he posted a guard to keep back the crowd, and then entered the building. A thor- ough search was made, but nothing in the line of war material was found, save a number of empty musket boxes. Capt. Healy next visited the jail to ascertain the number of prisoners. He found twenty-three confined there, but as none had been locked up for political of- fences, he did not release any. Capt. Healy discovered two men in the village with loaded muskets. He took these muskets away from them, and let the two men go.
Corporal Michael P. Coen, of Company F, of the Ninth, writing home to Waterbury, from Camp Parapet, May 24, 1862, informs his relatives that "We have got a full suit of new clothes here now, of a style similar to those of Gen. Thomas Francis Meagher's Irish Brigade, — sky blue overcoats, dark blue or black dresscoats, blue trousers with a green stripe, high black dress hats with a pair of green tassels, a green scarf of silk around the waist, besides our belts," etc.
On May 21, 1862, Adjutant Alfred G. Hall, of the Ninth, who was then acting assistant adjutant-general on the staff of Gen. Phelps, started for Lake Ponchar-
106 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
train, accompanied by Corporal W. M. Peabody of the Fourth Massachusetts Light Battery. They set out on horseback at 7 a. m., and reached the lake about two hours later. The scenery at this point was beautiful, and the place had been a popular Summer resort. Lake Ponchartrain is some forty miles long by twenty-five miles in width, forming a magnificent sheet of water. Here Adjutant Hall and Corporal Peabody separated, the former embarking for Ship Island, and the Corporal returning to- Camp Parapet with the horses. The Fif- teenth Maine regiment landed at Camp Parapet May 31.
The same day, the Ninth Connecticut began embark- ing at 10 a. m., enroute to Baton Rouge. The regiment and its camp equipage was all aboard about 4 p. m., lines were cast off and the two steamers conveying the Ninth and its appurtenances headed up the river.
Baton Rouge is about 123 miles above where Camp Parapet was located. A good idea of the scenes along the route is given by a soldier, who went up the river some weeks after the Ninth. He says : "About 6 a. m., passed Kenner, a small town on the east bank of the river, eleven miles above Camp Parapet. About 2 p. m., we were up with the beautiful town of Donaldsonville, on the west bank, fifty-four miles by river from Camp Para- pet. All the way to this point we had seen fine planta- tions, but about this vicinity the scenery was magnificent, surpassing anything we had heretofore witnessed on the river. All nature is smiling on magnificent fields of cot- ton and sugar cane, while the white villas of the planters, snugly ensconced among fine and cool-looking groves, and the plantation hands, working in the fields, would almost lead one to believe that profound peace reigned in the land. But after a glance inboard, the sight of a 12-pounder cannon looking you in the face changes your thoughts." Baton Rouge is located on the east bank of the river, and was then a place of some 7,000 people, and the capital of the State of Louisiana. It is built mainly
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1865. 107
on a bluff, the latter extending from a point about ten miles below the city to Port Hudson, many miles above. The capitol building, or State House, was quite an im- posing structure, with handsome grounds. The building had been set on fire by the enemy, on the approach of the Union forces, and badly damaged. Brig.-Gen. Thomas Williams took possession of the city, for the Union, May 10, 1862. At the time the Ninth arrived in Baton Rouge, there were two churches there, a Catholic and a Presbyterian. The former was built of brick, in Gothic style. A rectory adjoined it, and, as was stated at the time, "the reverend father is at home to all visit- ors.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE NINTH'S HEAVY LOSSES NEAR VICKSBURG, MISS — GREAT SUFFERING WHILE AT WORK ON THE "CUT- OFF" CANAL — THE BATTLE OF BATON ROUGE — COL. CAHILL OF THE NINTH ASSUMES COMMAND OF THE
UNION FORCES ON THE DEATH OF GEN. WILLIAMS
HIS OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE ENGAGEMENT — THE REBELS ARE DEFEATED.
THE city of Vicksburg, Miss., located at a bend on the east side of the Mississippi, above Baton Rogue, La., had been strongly fortified by the rebels. It commanded the river at that point and blockaded navi- gation up and down. Heavy batteries had been erected on the bluffs overlooking the river.
The Union commanders decided to reopen navigation by cutting a canal across the peninsular at Vicksburg, thus changing the course of the river, isolating the city and enabling the Union forces to avoid the batteries of the enemy.
The Ninth Connecticut was a part of the expeditionary force, under Gen. Wiliams, for this purpose. Under date of Baton Rouge, June 17, 1862, Col. Cahill issued a regi- mental order to the Ninth, covering the embarkation of the command. This order provided that the latter should go aboard as follows :
On the steamer Diana: the Field and Staff; Band and Field Music; Company D, Company E, Company F, Company I.
On steamer Burton: Company B, Company C, Com- pany G ; Capt. Wright of Company G, to be in command.
On steamer Sallie Robinson: Company A, Company K, Company H ; Capt. Sawyer of Company H, to be in com- mand.
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 109
Says the Croffut-Morris work : "Coming in sight of batteries which the rebels had posted here and there to command the river, the infantry would go ashore and attack by land on the flank, driving the enemy from the position, and enabling the fleet to pass up. The Ninth was several times engaged in these operations, and ren- dered much service. The vessels went to the very guns of Vicksburg, when the brigade was landed on the west side of the river, and advanced to Young's Station, oppo- site the city.
"Here Commodore Farragut had already arrived, and had set large numbers of soldiers and negroes at work digging the famous canal for a new channel of the river ; and the regiment of Williams' brigade at once joined enthusiastically in the excavation for the cut-off. Col. Cahill of the Ninth was the ranking colonel, and com- manded in the absence of Gen. Williams.
"Here the Ninth again suffered greatly. There was nothing to eat for weeks but pork and hard-tack ; no water to drink but the muddy water of the Mississippi. The swamp reeked with malaria, and the men slept upon the mud. The supply of quinine, that panacea for all the soldier's aches and ills, was exausted; there was little medicine of any sort. Requisitions were sent as far as New Orleans ; but the medical Dogberry declined to honor them on the ground of 'irregularity.' Almost the whole of the Ninth regiment was at one time on the sick-list with fever caused by exposure and privation. The poor fellows died sometimes at the fearful rate of a score a week ; and out of the * * * Connecticut members present, the state catalogue of troops shows that one hundred and fifty-three died during this season, — a mortality not equalled by any other of our regiments within a similar period.
"After a month of this deadly service, the engineers discovered that the water was falling and would not flow through their canal; and the work was abandoned.
no NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
Williams' brigade returned down the river again about the ist of August; Breckinridge pursuing along the shore. On the boat Algerine left behind were three hundred sick, in charge of Surgeon Gallagher of the Ninth. * * * "
One of the Ninth's officers, in a brief sketch of the regiment some years ago, speaking of the period of which we are treating, states that "In June the Ninth joined the expeditionary corps under Gen. Thomas Wil- liams, for the destruction of 'Camp Moore.' From this place the regiment went to a point on the Missis- sippi river opposite Vicksburg, and on June 25th was put to work, with other regiments, in cutting the famous canal which was expected to isolate Vicksburg by divert- ing the river away from its wharves and rendering them unapproachable to shipping. During the continuance of this work, a force of twenty picked men, under Capt. Healy and Lieutenant Patrick T. Claffee, [both of Co. C], was crossed over the river under cover of darkness, and remained in the swamp under the guns of Vicks- burg for eight days. The work was finally abandoned as not feasible, though not until the Ninth had suffered severe loss from the terrible exposure of the men."
Col. Cahill, of the Ninth, wrote: "When Gen. Wil- liams prepared to go up the river, I was taken from Gen. J. W. Phelps' command, then at Camp Parapet, and ordered to report to Gen. Williams and with him occu- pied Baton Rogue; made the summer campaign of 1862 up the river, landing at Grand Gulf and other points, driv- ing the enemy from his works, and went into position before Vicksburg, acting in connection with Admiral Farragut in the first siege of that place."
"Early in June," writes Capt. Lawrence O'Brien, "the Ninth went on an expedition to West Baton Rouge and spent two days on the plantation of Col. Allen (Con- federate). We returned to Baton Rouge, and June 18, started on the expedition to Vicksburg. Our steamers
Capt. Lawrence O'Brien.
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1865. n 1
would travel by day, and put into shore for the night. On June 24, we landed below Ellis Cliffs, to attack a battery which annoyed our boats as they passed. On our approach, the enemy ran away and we went in pursuit, bent upon capturing the battery. The march in the heat was very distressing upon all engaged. Next day we went up Bayou Pierre and marched around to the rear of Grand Gulf, a place the enemy had fortified, but here, also, he decamped, going on a train. We got sight of the train and would have captured it, but for the over- caution of the General in halting more than an hour on the appearance of a small body of the enemy's cavalry. The latter had been surprised while foraging on a plan- tation which was well stocked. These cavalrymen quickly decamped.
"While we were waiting, Nims' battery furnished amusement, racing with the horses and mules of the plantation. The men had the most difficulty after mount- ing the mules to stay on their backs. It was midday and the sun was intensely hot, but the colored people were of great service to us, helping to get good drinking water. The march was a circuit of fifteen miles, the most part being through wild cane fields and we were very tired when we reached Grand Gulf. It was night, and when all our people were on board, the town was set on fire and as we left it, the blaze lighted up the country for miles.''
Speaking of the Ninth's heavy loss by disease at Vicks- burg, Capt. O'Brien states: "We could not give a funeral escort to the dead ; the few who were able to do* guard and picket duty could not attend to any extra duty. Gen. Williams was not in sympathy with his men. He exacted the most rigid discipline. Notwithstanding the great amount of sickness prevailing, he ordered the brigade to parade every day, in marching order, with knapsacks packed. I saw men drop out of the line exhausted, and when we returned many of them would
H2 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
be dead. This drill and parading was done when the thermometer registered no to 115 in the shade."
The Ninth lost a valuable officer, July 21, 1862, by the death of First Lieut. Frederick M. Fairchild of Bridsre- port. He belonged to Company K, and had enlisted into the regiment Feb. 18, 1862. He had previously been first sergeant of Company H, First Connecticut regiment.
The Fourth Massachusetts Light Battery did not accompany the Ninth regiment to Vicksburg, but remained with other organizations at Baton Rouge. We quote from the diary of Corporal Peabody. Writing under date of July 26, 1862, he says: "Saturday. At a very early hour this morning, the expedition commanded by Gen. Williams arrived from Vicksburg, Miss., on the steamers Sallie Robinson, Diana, Louisiana Belle, and N. Burton. The troops that came down on these steamers were the Seventh Vermont, Ninth Connecticut, Thirtieth Massachusetts and Fourth Wisconsin regiments, the Sec- ond Massachusetts battery and two sections of the Sixth Massachusetts battery. About 6 o'clock, these troops began disembarking and moved to their respective camps. Officers and men all look as if they had seen hard service, and many of them are sick from disease contracted while digging the cut-off on the point of land opposite Vicks- burg. Between n and 12 a. m., Farragut's fleet arrived down from the same place and anchored in the river in front of the city. This strong reinforcement to this gar- rison, causes considerable excitement among the popu- lation of the city, who have been on the streets from an early hour this morning watching every move of our troops. Teams have been driving through the streets all day, conveying to the different camps the equipage of the troops just arrived. To-night our troops are dis- tributed as follows: The Sixth Michigan, Fourth Wis- consin, Ninth Connecticut, and Fourteenth Maine regi- ments occupy the barracks. The Thirtieth Massachu-
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. II3
setts regiment occupies the State Capitol. The Twenty- first Indiana and Seventh Vermont regiments, with the Second and Sixth Massachusetts batteries and Magee's Massachusetts cavalry, are encamped near Magnolia cemetery. Gen. Williams has re-occupied the comman- dant's house at the arsenal and has assumed command of the post.
"July 31, [1862], * * * The troops arrived promptly, [at the race course, Baton Rouge], and line being formed at once, at 7 a. m. we moved forward in review. The troops in line, from right to left, were the Sixth Michigan, Fourth Wisconsin, Twenty-first Indi- ana, Ninth Connecticut, Seventh Vermont, Fourteenth Maine, and Thirtieth Massachusetts regiments ; the Sec- ond, Fourth, and Sixth Massachusetts batteries ; also a section of small guns attached to the Twenty-first Indi- ana regiment, manned by their own men under the com- mand of Second Lieut. James H. Brown, of Company F ; and Magee's company of Massachusetts cavalry. Review ended, inspection followed, this duty being per- formed by Gen. Williams, most thoroughly. * * *
"August 1, Friday. Day opened fine. At 5 a. m., battery harnessed and marched to the race-course for drill and inspection. The regiments turned out in small force this morning. Not a regiment of infantry present with over 200 men, the Fourth Wisconsin being the smallest, numbering 60 men. Two sections represent the Second Massachusetts, and one section the Sixth Massa- chusetts, battery. * * *
"August 2. Saturday. Morning came in pleasant. At 5 a. m., battery * * * marched to the race-course for inspection and drill. Passed the Fourth Wisconsin, Sixth Michigan and Ninth Connecticut marching out. These regiments turn out a small number of men this morning, owing to the prevalence of sickness. Arriving on the ground promptly on time, we found Gen. Williams and staff already there. Line was quickly formed, the
ii4 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
review was of short duration and then inspection was held. Inspection over, the troops were drilled in vari- ous evolutions under the eye of the General, until 7 a. m., when all were dismissed to camp. * * * Sickness among the troops here is very prevalent and several soldiers die each day. Nearly one-half of this garrison is in the hands of surgeons. Rumors fill the air that a force of rebels, from 7,000 to 10,000 strong, is advanc- ing from Camp Moore, to attack this post. Should the rumors prove true and the 'Johnnies' capture us, they will not only get the troops, but $2,000,000 of govern- ment property. Gen. Williams is expecting something as he keeps out on all roads strong scouting parties. In order to be prepared for all emergencies, the Thirtieth Massachusetts regiment, 350 men, was ordered from the State House this p. m., to a camp in the sub- urbs. In the barracks, the troops are held in readiness to move in a moment. Such is the vigilance of our post commander.
"August 4. Monday. Troops called to arms at 1 o'clock this morning. * * * Under arms until sun- rise, but no enemy appearing the line was dismissed. * * * At sunset a negro came in and reported to Gen. Wil- liams that a force of the enemy, about 8,000 strong, was encamped at Corinth bridge, on the Clinton road, ten miles from the city, and would surely attack his troops in the morning. To-night the weather is fine. Every- thing is perfectly quiet about our lines and in the city. There is no excitement among our soldiers, although most all are expecting to be attacked, within a few hours, by a force almost three times our strength. Of about 5,000 troops here, nearly one-half are in the hospitals. To assist us in the coming battle we have three gun- boats. * * * "
The Confederate force to attack Baton Rouge was commanded by Major Gen. John C. Breckenridge, of Kentucky, who had been vice-president of the United
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 115
States. His force was divided into two divisions, the first being commanded by Brig. Gen. Charles Clark, of Mississippi, and the second by Brig. Gen. Daniel Rug- gles, "a renegade native of Massachusetts and an old army officer." The Confederate troops comprised regi- ments from Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Tennessee and Louisiana. They left Camp Moore, eighty miles away, July 29, 1862, and advanced to the attack. Aug. 4, they arrived at Corinth bridge, ten miles away.
At daylight on the morning of Aug. 5, 1862, the battle of Baton Rouge began. Gen. Williams was killed during the engagement and the command of the Union forces thereupon devolved on Col. Cahill of the Ninth, Lieut. Col. Richard Fitz Gibbon commanding the regiment. The following is Col. Cahill's official report of the bat- tle:
Baton Rouge, August 9, 1862.
To Captain R. J. Davis, A. A. General, Department of the Gulf:—
Sir — Being called to the command of the force at Baton Rouge, on the occasion of the action August 5, by the unfortunate death of General Williams, it becomes my duty to report the circumstances of the glorious vic- tory. Rumors of the advance of the enemy in heavy force had prevailed for some days. On the afternoon of August 4, General Williams called the attention of the comman- dants of regiments and batteries to the probability of an attack at an early hour in the morning. The Fourteenth Maine, Col. A. Nickerson ; the Twenty-first Indiana, under Lieut. Col. Keith ; the Sixth Michigan, under Act- ing Lieut. Col. Clark ; and the Seventh Vermont, Col. Roberts, were encamped, the first with its right resting on the intersection of the Greenwell Springs road, and fronting on a road running to the intersection of the Bayou Sara and Clinton roads. These encampments were in heavy timber. The Twenty-first Indiana were encamped on about the same line front, and on the right of the Greenwell Springs road. On nearly the same line front, but still further to the right, at the intersection of the Clay Cut and Perkins roads, were the Sixth Michigan.
n6 NINTH REGIMENT CONN. VOL. INFANTRY.
The Seventh Vermont were some distance to the rear, and between the Sixth Michigan and Twenty-first Indi- ana, with the camp fronting the city. Everett's battery, under Lieut. Carruth, was in bivouac, on the right of the Fourteenth Maine, and on the right of the Twenty-first Indiana. Still further to the right were the guns in charge of the Twenty-first Indiana. On the extreme right, the
guns of Nims' battery, under Lieut. , were brought
mto position early in the action on the right. The Thir- tieth Massachusetts, under Colonel Dudley, were brought up from their quarters in the Capitol on the night of the 4th, and took position on the left of the Sixth Michigan. On the extreme left, in advance of the left bank of the Bayou Gap, with an oblique front towards the intersection of the Bayou Sara and Clinton roads, with two pieces of Manning's battery, were the Ninth Con- necticut and Fourth Wisconsin. The remaining guns of Manning's battery were in position on the right bank of the bed of Bayou Gap. This was the real line of de- fence for the left flank, covering the north and east of the arsenal grounds. General Williams, in his instructions to myself and Lieut. Col. Bean, commanding 4th Wis- consin Volunteers, was very clear and positive in his or- ders to hold this position at all hazards, as he anticipated the enemy would advance (under cover of the fire from the ram Arkansas, with the gunboats from the Red river), through the open grounds of the Sawmill and Dough- erty's Plantation, and take possession of the Manae ground. The above mentioned advance on the left bank of the Bayou was only ordered by General Williams, after a lengthy consideration, on the evening of the 4th instant, with the intention of checking an advance on the same position by the Bayou Sara and Clinton roads ; and for that reason we only brought forward the light how- itzers of Manning's battery to the advance positions, leaving the heavy guns on the original line.
At early daylight on the morning of August 5, the enemy threw his whole force on the camps of the Four- teenth Maine, Twenty-first Indiana and Sixth Michigan, with the batteries attached to each regiment. These troops stood their ground nobly, meeting the tremendous force thrown upon them with unflinching bravery. On looking over the battle ground since the engagement, I cannot conceive how it was possible for so many men to
WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863. 117
have been engaged in so small a space of ground. The attack was nearly simultaneous ; but the first fire in line from the enemy's right was directed on the Fourteenth Maine, and was instantly answered by that regiment by a solid line volley, which must have done terrible execution. The companies of the Twenty-first