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TEARS AND PRAYERS AT HOME.

HISTORY

OF THE

Sixteenth Regiment, New Hampshire
Volunteers.

BY
ADJUTANT, LUTHER TRACY TOWNSEND.

Published by
HENRY L. JOHNSON AND LUTHER T. TOWNSEND.

NORMAN T. ELLIOTT,
Printer and Publisher.
¦WASHINGTON, J>. k:.,
I897.

Copyrighted 1897
By Henry L,. Johnson and Luther T. Townseud.

CONTENTS. CHAPTER I.

Page. q, 10

Preface 
Northern Troops at Disadvantage  n
Slumbering of the military spirit at the North, and activity at
the South. Jefferson Davis and his schemes. Federal
troops were brave but ignorant of military matters.
CHAPTER II.
Organization and Departure of the Regiment  22
1. Organization — Camp life at Concord. The professional
gambler ; foraging proclivities. Rebellion against shoddy
overcoats.
2. Departure — Sorrow of the home. Farewells. Experiences
in New York. Poor rations at the outset. Thanksgiving
dinner. CHAPTER III.
Sea Voyage  33
Embarking on Eastern Queen. Superstition. Tempestuous "
weather and sea sickness. Fortress Monroe. Pleasant
weather and rebellious. Sense of justice. Corn meal
porridge and doughnuts. Yarns. Wreck of the M. San-
ford. Dry Tortugus and its sutler. A norther. Ship
Island. Farragut's victory. General Jackson's victory.
Landing. Our one eyed pilot.
CHAPTER IV.
Camp Life in Carrollton  52
Pitching tents. Malarial ills. Experiences of Companies
C, D and F. Drills. Poor hospital accommodations.
Northern surgeons and southern diseases. Orders and
counter orders. Rail fences. Skill of northern troops.
Deaths of Campbell and Wilds. Unsoldierly thoughts.
CHAPTER V.
First Advance on Port Hudson  73
Change of muskets. On the transport. " Camp Dunghill."
Delays. Song over poor rations. Farragut passing Port
Hudson. Retreat. Southern thunder storms. Troops
supplying themselves with sugar.
CHAPTER VI.
A Mud March Unparalleled During the War  96
The start. Walking on sugar. Misdirections. Discrimina
tion that was criminal. Preparation for an attack.
Beswamped. Posting for the night. A stranger in camp.
A hideous retreat. The belated pickets. Taken prisoners.
Disobedience and " horse sense." The next morning after
the march. Recapitulation. Recruits from the conva'es-
cent camp.

CHAPTER. VII.
Return to Baton Rouge and Expedition to Brashear City. 126
A desirable camping ground. The movement down the Miss
issippi. Illustration of total depravity. Movement to
Brashear City. Mosquitoes. Irksome duties. Expedi
tion of Lieut. Wilkins. k Destruction of Queen of the West.
Fighting up the Teche Country.
CHAPTER VIII.
Capture of Fort Burton, at Butte a la Rose  150
Previous attempts to subjugate bayous Teche and Atchafalaya.
The new expedition. The scenery. Mishaps and diffi
culties. The fight. "Swamp devils." Befooled. The
prophecy. CHAPTER IX.
Detached Service  169
1. Service rendered by Company C. Captain D. P. Upton.
On the Arizona.
2. Service rendered by Company G. Volunteering of the
- company. More than they bargained for. Making them
selves comfortable. Dividing rations. Contrabands com
ing in. Carrying despatches.
3. Two other expeditions — First, the molasses candy expedi
tion. Second, the expedition that made no headway.
CHAPTER X.
The Garrison of Disease and Death  186
Location of Fort Burton. Mosquitoes and .other pests. Lack
of supplies. Hosteter's Bitters. Pitiful sights. Pleading
for a transfer. General Banks in danger. Our regiment
abandoned. Final efiort of the adjutant. Captain Hyatt's
intercessions and letter. CHAPTER XI.
Evacuation of Butte a la Rose and Return to Port Hudson... 2ro
The rescue. Dismantling of the fort. A narrow escape from
an accident. Followed up by the Confederates. Their
view of Butte a la Rose. Three pictures. Again in Bra
shear City. Pickled cabbage. Return to Port Hudson.
CHAPTER XII.
The Investment of Port Hudson  220
Three ways of gaining possession of the place. Letter of
Banks to Grant. " Impregnable works " and " inaccessi
ble fortifications." Grant's method. The first assault bv
Banks. The Sixteenth ordered into the trenches Order
countermanded. General Emory. Condition of the Six
teenth. Second assault. Criminal slaughter of New
Hampshire men. Negro troops. A new peril

CHAPTER XIII.
Three Affairs of Independent and Important Interest  240
1. "The Storming Column" — General Order number forty-
nine. The unwisdom of the order. The fortunate escape.
2. Attack at Springfield Landing — Location. ' Commendations
of the Sixteenth.
3. Defence of Fort Butler at Donaldsonville — The defenders.
Location. Major Bullen's report and death. Desperate
fighting. The enemy fooled. The brave lad of the Six
teenth. Close of the siege. Commendations.
CHAPTER XIV.
Dark Hours Preceding the Fall of Port Hudson  :  ;.... 273
General depression throughout the country. Resisting the
drafts. Federal defeats. Department of the Gulf. Gen
eral Grant. Surrender of Vicksburg. Surrender of Port
Hudson. CHAPTER XV.
Retrospective  290
Disposition of the regiment. Comparative losses. We answered
all calls made upon us. Brilliant movements. Instances
of poor generalship. EpUaph.
CHAPTER XVI.
Return and Muster Out  ,  ¦.  301
Contrasts. Captain Bosworth's statement. Captain Howard's
statement. Remark of the post quartermaster. The start.
Leaving sick and dying men on the way. Cattle and freight
cars. Arrival at Concord. Affecting scenes. Conclusion
of the narrative. CHAPTER XVII.
Present Point of View 1897  313
Philosophy of history. Animosities of the past. Our cause
right and just. Rightful recognition of soldiers' services.
Worthy pensioners. Readiness for war. The soldier a
minister of righteousness and peace. The perilous cry of
"peace." The heroic spirit. State militia; The training
of our youth.
Roster, of our dead and living Comrades, and personal
sketches  329-561
Summary  562
Sketch of origin of the Association, and construction of the
Headquarters Building of Sixteenth Regiment at The
Weirs  5^5-574

TABLE OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
Frontispiece — Tears and Prayers at Home. Page.
"Better Overcoats or No Muster In"  26
One of the Contractors  30
Eastern Queen in Rough Weather  36
The Only Southern Woman to Visit Our Sick in New Orleans..... 58
Thinking of Home  68
Diagram of the Parapet at Carrollton  71
Why Should Union Soldiers Starve?  80
Passage of Port Hudson by Admiral Farragut's Fleet  84
Each Man His Own Cook  87
Diagram showing the position of Sixteenth before Port Hudson,
April 15th  90
Laying in Sugar Supplies  93
Diagram of the "Mud March"   103
Group of Pickets Following the Regiment on the "Mud March " 115
Beating the Reveille to Rouse the Men After the " Mud March " 121
Brashear City and Berwick Bay  132
Destruction of Queen of the West  140
Diagram of the fight near Franklin  144
Diagram showing position of Banks'* forces at Franklin  147
Diagram showing bayous west of the Mississippi  154
A Glimpse of Grand Lake  157
Near Butte a la Rose ; Bushwhackers Firing on Federal Transports 160
The Capture of Butte a la Rose  163
Guerrillas Firing on the Louisiana Belle  172
Contrabands Coming Within Federal Lines  177
Diagram showing Fort Burton and Butte a la Rose  187
Picket Duty at Butte a la Rose  !gi
Bringing in Fresh Vegetables  jq5
Keeping up Appearances at Butte a la Rose  202
The Sentry in a Thunder Storm  2i6
General Banks' Headquarters Before Port Hudson, Guarded by the
Sixteenth  * 2,0
The Negro Color Sergeant  2,5
Springfield Landing  2.g 269
2S4 288

Fort Butler and Donaldsonville
The Confederates Grounding Arms at Port Hudson .
Raising Stars and Stripes at Port Hudson 

299
3°5

Soldiers Laying Aside the Implements of War and Returning to the
Arts of Peace 
Floating Hospital at Vicksburg 
Interior of Floating Hospital  " ^
The Wife Whose Husband Did Not Return 
Henceforth let the Soldier be Honored 
A Camp Fire at The Weirs 
Our Headquarters 

3io329 563
569

Dedication.

TO OUR DEAD AND LIVING COMRADES,
AND
TO THOSE WHO IN SUSPENSE AND ANGUISH
REMAINED AT HOME TO SUFFER WHILE THEIR LOVED
ONES WERE IN THE ARMY
THIS VOLUME
IS
AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED.

PREFACE.

SEVERAL years have past since the adjutant of the
Sixteenth New Hampshire regiment was appointed
by his comrades to write their regimental history.
Other duties have prevented his entering upon the com
position of the work until the present year. The nearly
completed manuscript was submitted to the surviving
members of the regiment who were present at the re
union held in August, 1896, at the Weirs, and its
immediate publication was requested. The committee
having the publication of the history in charge, after a
careful consideration of the matter, reached the con
clusion that it first should be brought out in some one
of the New Hampshire publications, and the Granite
Monthly was selected.
The author was led to undertake the writing of this
history from his personal interest in the remarkable rec
ord of the regiment and from the frequently expressed
desire of many of his army comrades. There is no ques
tion, we presume, that, other things being equal, the
officers best qualified to prepare a regimental history are
the colonel and his adjutant, the adjutant, perhaps, hav
ing some advantages over the colonel. Nothing relating
to the regiment takes place at headquarters with which
the adjutant is not made acquainted. All regimental

orders pass through his hands and receive his signature.
He is in touch with the officers on the one hand, and
with the men in the ranks on the other. It is almost a
duty imposed upon him to keep a journal of all import
ant orders and movements— at least every efficient adju
tant will do this. But there is one drawback : namely,
when the adjutant becomes the regimental historian, he is
forced to introduce himself in evidence as to some parts
of the record, and must therefore be personal in his
statements, or else employ a kind of cumbersome cir
cumlocution which is always more or less a literary
offense. We therefore apologize in advance for any apparent
breach of delicacy or modesty that may appear in this
narrative, though we may assure the reader that there
are many personal items which some one else as histor
ian probably would mention that we shall pass in silence.
The sincere thanks of the author are here tendered
to several members of our regimental association for
many suggestions offered by them, for several incidents
they have furnished which had escaped either the author's
attention or memory, and especially for the patience
with which both officers and men have' borne the delay
of. the publication of the. eventful story of what their
regiment did and suffered.
Washington, D. C, November, 1896.

HISTORY OF THE
SIXTEENTH REGIMENT, NEW HAMPSHIRE
VOLUNTEERS. BY
Adjutant, Luther Tracy Townsend.

CHAPTER I.

NORTHERN TROOPS AT DISADVANTAGE.
THE civil and political condition of our country, just
prior to the War of the Rebellion, and the causes
that led to that conflict of arms, already have
become such an important part of our national history
and so often have been dwelt upon by different regi
mental historians, that with the exception of brief and
incidental allusions, we shall pass in silence all such
general and familiar matters, confining attention in this
volume chiefly to the organization and actual service of
our regiment.

12 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
As the object is not to make a cumbersome volume,
but one that, without taking overmuch of the reader's
time, easily can be read, we shall exclude certain other
matters which are found in many histories of our volun
teer regiments. That is, instead of filling the body of
our history with the full text of the orders that were
received from division and brigade headquarters, or
even with the full text of the orders issued from our own
regimental headquarters, which of themselves almost
would fill a good-sized volume, we simply shall note in
brief that such and such orders were received and obeyed.
Duplicate or original copies of all orders are in the
state or the national archives, and can be consulted if
one so desires.
There is, however, one somewhat general topic that
relates to the poorly prepared condition of the North
ern troops to cope at the outset with those of the South,
which is so involved in any historical treatment of our
army life as to justify emphatic and even frequent repe
tition. We, therefore, make an exception to the special
purpose we have in mind, while preparing these pages,
and in this opening chapter shall call attention to the
reasons why our troops, especially during the earlier
months of their life in the service, not infrequently ap
peared to considerable disadvantage. We make this
exception all the more readily because we do not remem
ber to have seen the matter over-emphasized in any
regimental history we have examined, and often it has
not been touched upon at all.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. IB
It requires only the most hasty glance at the half cen
tury preceding the conflict between the North and South
to enable any one at all familiar with our national his
tory to recognize the correctness of the statement that
the period from 1815 to 1861, excepting the war with
Mexico, was in our republic a time of peace. The peo
ple of the Northern states, with few exceptions, felt the
utmost security, not dreaming that a civil war was pos
sible. He who at the North then talked war was re
garded as an alarmist. During that time, therefore, the
military spirit of the free states was allowed to slumber.
On the other hand, especially from 1830 to 1861,
the people of the slave states were preparing for what
seemed to them a possible, if not a probable, conflict
with the North on the questions of slavery and state
rights. During the twelve years immediately preceding the
rebellion, Jefferson Davis had completely in hand the
military affairs of our entire country. He was chair
man of the senate committee on military matters from
1849 to 1851. He was secretary of war from 1853 to
1857. He was again chairman of the senate committee
on military matters from 1857 to 1861. During those
twelve years, Jefferson Davis was busy, very busy, but
not in the interests of the entire republic.
Through his scheming, the regular army had been
ordered to distant and not easily accessible parts of our
country. Indeed, the army was so far depleted that at
the breaking out of hostilities there were scarcely ten
thousand names on the United States army rolls.

14 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Naval matters were in like condition. The war-ships
of the republic had been dispatched to distant parts of
the world. Northern fortifications had been neglected
and dismantled, while those in the South had been
thoroughly equipped, in some instances with supplies
taken from Northern forts and arsenals.
By order of the war department, of which Mr. Davis,
as we have said, was chief, the muskets of the dis
banded militia companies of the Northern states were
shipped to Washington, and thence were distributed
throughout the Southern states. The author will be par
doned for introducing evidence illustrative of these
proceedings which came to his personal knowledge.
In the year 1857, a military company, of which he
was a member, was organized by the students of Dart
mouth College chiefly for the purpose of exercise.
In the college at that time were several Southern
students. Whether or not they were informers, we do
not know, but not long after the organization of our
company, there came a United States government order
to the town authorities of Hanover, who had loaned the
muskets of its disbanded military company to the
students, to ship all military equipments in town with
out delay to Washington. To us the order was a cause
of much regret. A communication from the students
was sent to Washington, giving the facts and requesting
that the muskets might be retained. The reply came
that those arms must be forwarded to Washington but
that the government, immediately, would send to the
students an equal number of improved Springfield

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 15
muskets. We were satisfied, not to say delighted. We
looked. We waited. But we had been deceived. The
improved Springfield muskets never reached us, and the
old ones with which we had drilled were not again seen
by Northern men until captured from Confederate
soldiers on Southern soil.
We need not proceed further in this review of what
then appeared, and appears still, to be Southern treason,
Southern theft, Southern deceit, and Southern outrage,
on both a large and small scale. The recollection of
these things makes one knit the brow, though nearly
forty years have intervened.
In too many ways for us on these pages to recount,
those seceding states, during the score and a half of
years designated, were playing their part with consum
mate skill, while we at the North were asleep. They
zealously cultivated what is termed the military spirit ;
while we at the North were absorbed with business and
the making of money. They were intending war, if
their purposes could not otherwise be accomplished,
while we, stripped of military defenses, were hugging
the silly delusion that the era of war was at an end.
The military organizations of the South were under
thorough discipline ; those of the North, with few
exceptions, were in most deplorable condition. They of
the South were well supplied with military leaders, and
the majority of the West Point graduates were either in
the South or were Confederate sympathizers, while we
at the North did not know which way to turn for skilled
commanders. President Lincoln was once asked why

16 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
he appointed such civilians as Generals Butler and
Banks to lead army corps. His reply was, that he was
perfectly sure of the patriotism of those men, but was
not sure of that of the men who had been schooled in
military matters at the government expense and who were
then holding army commissions.
They of the South had money in their treasury ; ours
had been pillaged. Their people for the larger part were
united; ours, divided. So pronounced at the North was
the division of sentiment as to slavery and the rights of
states to secede, that Franklin Pierce, while in the
presidential chair, said publicly that if blood flowed
in the approaching conflict it would be in Northern
streets, not on Southern soil. And Jefferson Davis,
speaking of the impending troubles, assured the South
ern people that if a call to arms were issued by the Fed
eral government he should be able to hold in the palm
of his hand all the blood that would be shed.
Those leaders in the secession movement thought they
had the Federal government and the people of the
Northern states completely in their grasp ; and seem
ingly they had. They were confident. When firing
opened on Fort Sumter, the leaders in the Confed
erate states thought that the people of the North in
stantly would be paralyzed, and certainly there were
many strong reasons to inspire this confidence and
expectation. But that attack, like a thunderbolt from a clear sky,
startled from torpor into vigorousness the patriotic spirit
of the Republic. The slumbering heroism of the North

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 17
and West was aroused. There was something like a
conflagration of patriotism and heroism, ending in a
fusion of the different political parties and the coming
together of men who had been holding and defending
conflicting opinions. So that when the bugle-call
sounded over the land, men stopped and listened ; the
prayer was closed when only half offered ; the plow was
unhitched and stood still in the furrow ; the hammer
lay in quiet on the anvil ; the manuscript of the author,
though nearing its conclusion, was folded up and laid
aside ; Sabbath religious services were interrupted and
converted into war meetings ; the spirit of 1776 was the
spirit of 1861 and '62, and there was organized for the
protection of the Union an army of as brave men as ever
faced an enemy, but who, for the larger part, were
utterly" ignorant of military science and service.
Seventy-five thousand volunteer troops answered with
a quick response the first call of President Lincoln.
Other calls came and were answered, and yet the dark
ness continued to deepen. Month after month passed,
and there was nothing but a dismal record for the
Federal troops.
Nor should this occasion surprise, for ill prepared
were our raw recruits to fight a thoroughly disciplined
foe. We had courage, be it repeated, but no skill in
warfare. We are not extravagant in saying that any
one of our Grand Army men who are left is better pre
pared to command companies, and even regiments, than
were scores of those who, after the first call for volun
teer troops, were given high commissions.

18 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
In some instances, as the reader may recollect, sergeants
of police forces and captains of fire-engine and hook and
ladder companies became regimental officers on the sim
ple ground that they knew somewhat of marching men
in companies. Others not qualified even to that extent
were commissioned.
Infantry regiments were formed and hurried to the
front, in which were men who up to the time of enlist
ment, never had taken sight along a gun barrel ; artillery
companies were formed in which were men who never
had taken in their hands a cannon ramrod ; cavalry
companies were formed in which were men who never
had handled a sword or sat astride a horse.
These inexperienced men, at great disadvantage, at
terrible sacrifice, and on the field of battle in the face of
a trained, determined, and desperate foe, had to learn
the arts of war. Is it any surprise, therefore, that our
troops sometimes appeared to disadvantage ?
And moie than this ; scores of regiments were hurried
to the front well-nigh foodless and shelterless. Trans
portation was frequently inadequate. The army was
often in one place while its ammunition was in another.
Inexperienced commissaries and quartermasters much of
the time were bewildered, knowing next to nothing of
the duties devolved upon them. The brave troops,
meanwhile, were left under blistering suns, midst drench
ing storms and piercing winter winds, unprotected and
half starving. One marvels sometimes that a solitary
soldier of our volunteer troops lived to be mustered out
of service.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 19
And during all this time they of the South were
fighting skilfully and desperately. The day of our
victory was, therefore, of necessity long delayed, and
for months our people could not guess which way the
scales would tip.
It was during those darkest hours of the war, the sum
mer of 1862, that the call for three hundred thousand
volunteer nine-months' men, sounded among the hills of
New England.
The romance of war had long since given place to its
stern realities. The sick, wounded, and maimed soldiers
were returning to their homes, and the stories of the
hardships they had endured were beginning to be familiar
as household words, and the meaning of the word war
was coming to be realized in its fulness. It was no
longer an excursion South at the government expense,
but meant possible, if not probable, death from bullet
or disease.'
The men that answered this almost despairing call for
volunteer troops did so, therefore, witli a far better under
standing of what the meaning of it all was than had been
the case with many of their predecessors at the time of
their earlier enlistment.
It is well to bear in mind also that the large majority
of those who entered the service in obedience to this
urgent call of President Lincoln were not among the
surplus of our population, but were men who had
homes, were engaged in the various industrial, mechan
ical, business, and professional occupations and, there
fore, at great personal sacrifice in the majority of in-

20 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT.
stances, placed their names on the rolls of our patriotic
and volunteer army.
There can be no question, therefore, as to the courage
and patriotism of these late volunteers. But the trouble
was as we have said, that as to every branch of the
service, they were utterly ignorant of the most import
ant duties relating to military life.
This, however, also must be said, they were apt
scholars in the art and science of war, and it was not
long before they learned to do anything that any soldier
on earth ever did on the field of battle or in the presence
of an enemy.
In fact our youngest men "grew bronzed, aged
and desperately thoughtful" as the months went on.
Infantry boys who at first shut their eyes when they
pulled the trigger, after awhile came to love and pet
the musket as if it were a trusted friend.
Artillery boys who at first more than once put their
fingers in their ears when the cannon went off, after
awhile became used to the thunders of an engagement,
seized the ramrod, sent home the cartridge, and flashed
the cannon sooner than the enemy was ready for it.
And cavalry boys who in their earlier engagements
with the enemy clung with both hands to keep astride
their horses, after awhile learned to ride at a breakneck
speed, slashing through and flanking the most chivalric
troops of which the Southern army could boast.
One of the staff officers of the Confederate A. P. Hill's
celebrated corps recently wrote thus as to his recollec
tions of the last few months of the war : —

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. ' 21
•' The closing days of the terrible conflict are to me a
chaos— a memory of muddy roads, of short rations, of
marching and halting and of getting under cover of
batteries to resist the desperate rush of that splendid
corps of horsemen in blue who so unexpectedly assailed
us from all sides."
Statesmen and soldiers in Europe who after the
Battle of Bull Run lost all faith in the power and
disposition of Northern volunteers to fight, at length
confessed that the world never had seen better fighting.
The Confederate troops, who at the outset despised our
mettle and laughed at our awkwardness on the field, at
length trembled and sometimes fled when they saw us
coming. When our men had learned the arts of war and had
confidence in their leaders, when they realized the perils
that threatened the national existence, and when the
resolution to conquer or to die had become supreme,
then we were a match for any troops that ever were
drawn up in line of battle on this or on the other side of
the Atlantic ocean.
And these pages we hope may worthily commemorate
the courage and patriotism of the men of New Hampshire,
who, in the gloomiest hours of the rebellion, left their
homes and their various occupations and professions
to suffer and die for the preservation of the Union,
whose overthrow had been threatened.

CHAPTER II.
ORGANIZATION AND DEPARTURE OF THE REGIMENT.
I. ORGANIZATION.
OUR preliminary camp. life while at Concord, which
was on the pine plains north of the city on the east
side of the Merrimac river, began about the mid
dle of October 1862, and was for the larger part unevent
ful. The regular company and battalion drills, dress
parade, guard mounting, and policing of the grounds,
kept our men occupied, though not laboriously so, dur
ing the bright and exhilarating days of October and
early November.
On the fifteenth of November, there wTas witnessed by
quite a gathering of citizens and soldiers our initial
dress parade. AVe certainly did not disgrace ourselves,
though there were some hitches in the movements of the
men, and not a little anxiety and uneasiness on the part
of the officers. But the day came, and not long after,
when we had no hesitancy in appearing on dress parade
before any class or number of witnesses, and soon after
our arrival in Louisiana no regiment at dress parade was
more highly complimented by the staff officers of Gen
eral Banks than ours.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 23
While at Concord, the regiment held regular prayer
and religious conference meetings, organized a temper
ance association, honoring the adjutant by giving it his
name and by electing him its first president. These
various meetings were continued until the active cam
paign in Louisiana brought them to a close.
As an illustration of the spirit of our regiment, we
give an incident outside the routine duties of the en
campment that occurred while we were at Concord. A
man bearing the name Russell appeared among us,
whose genial ways and smooth words won the confi
dence of some of our boys, and also their money.
He was, as it turned out, a professional gambler, and
before his real character was known, had taken the last
dollar at a game of cards from at least one of our boys,
who afterward "told on him."
The evidence was so conclusive that Russell was seized
and placed astride a stout pine rail from which the
rough bark had not been taken, and no fewer than three
hundred of our men carried him to Concord and de
livered him to the police authorities of that city. While
crossing the bridge, the cry was raised, "Throw him
into the river."
A movement was made as if to do this. His passion
ate plea for life betrayed his terror ; he was spared this
baptism and soon after was set at liberty ; it is very
doubtful if he ever after attempted to ply his profession
among the sturdy troops of New Hampshire.
We should not be faithful to the true historic spirit,
however, were we to leave the impression that all the

24 HISTORY OE THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
members of our regiment were saints ; for there were
among them some sinners.
Those unsanctified ones began even while at Concord
to betray foraging proclivities, which, however, served
us many a good turn afterwards when we were in the
enemy's country. They had, of course, no justification
for indulging these aptitudes while they were still on the
soil of New Hampshire.
A turkey roost was visited by some of those bad boys
and the stolen turkeys were brought into camp at mid
night. The guard had been bought up and it was quite
impossible for the officers to discover the perpetrators of
the theft. In justice to all concerned, however, it
should be said that the thieves in this particular instance
were professionals, who had enlisted to secure the
bounty offered by certain towns, and wrho deserted be
fore the regiment left the state.
A little later a barrel of cider was stolen, rolled from
no small distance, and secreted in a trench dug in one of
the tents, and then covered with straw and an army
blanket. By what means the boys in the neighborhood
of that tent had cider twice or three times a day, was
more than the innocent ones could understand. But it
goes without saying that those preliminary thefts were
condemned by the officers of the regiment and by all
our men except a very few who shared more or less in
the plunder.
There was still another incident of note while at. Con
cord which illustrates the spirit of our men.

-NI H31SnW ON MO S1VO0M3AO y3I138

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 27
Overcoats had been issued before we were must
ered into service. They looked well and were of
darker color than the ordinary army blue. But they
proved to be made of the cheapest shoddy goods and on
being wet the dye stuff used in coloring them stained
everything it touched. It was affirmed almost under
oath, certainly with the oaths of some of the boys, that
a barrel of ink could be made from each overcoat.
This attempted imposition, however, miscarried, for
our men absolutely refused to be mustered into service
until there was an exchange of overcoats. The governor
of the state pleaded with the men not to make trouble;
but they were resolute and firm as the hills surrounding
them. A few days later the exchange was made.
The judgment may seem severe but was freely ex
pressed that the manufacturers of those goods and the
ones who attempted to palm them off upon the govern
ment ought to have been court-martialed and shot.
II. DEPARTURE.
The intensest sufferings during our civil war were not
on the field of battle, but in the home circle ; not amid
the rattle of musketry and boom of cannon, but in noise
less heart throbs, when the gray-haired father, with
choking voice said to his son, "Go, my precious boy,
and God bless you" ; when the devoted mother prayed
and wept all night long after her son's enlistment ; and
when, amid farewell words, and during the months that
followed, wives, and young women who had pledged
their affections to their lovers, suffered the agony of
many deaths.

28 HISTORY 0E THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
In consequence of these distressing experiences there
sank into the grave prematurely a whole generation of
those who saw no field of battle, who heard no report of
musket or cannon, but who remained, in tears, with
aching hearts and sleepless nights, among the quiet
hills of the Granite State.
The latter part of the week beginning November fif
teenth was a season of increasing activity among the
members of our regiment, for we had received orders to
be in readiness for a move on short notice. It was not
expected, however, that we should break camp before
Monday or Tuesday of the week following. But late on
Saturday, the order came that we were to take our de
parture the next morning.
The colonel and other christian officers of the regi
ment had pleaded with Governor Berry not to require
us to make our first move on Sunday. He did, perhaps,
all in his pjower to comply with our request, but the
railway and steamboat arrangements had been made, and
orders from the United States officers were imperative.
We may also note that several of our men, who had
been f urloughed from Saturday until Monday, were at
the railroad station or were already on their way home
when the order to move reached our camp. But a notifi
cation at the station or a telegram to those who had
gone was all that was necessary to bring back our men
to the regiment ; their furloughs did not keep them from
their places in the ranks an hour longer than was abso
lutely necessary.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 29
Saturday night was cold, and there was a storm of
sleet and snow that lasted till near morning. It was
clear by sunrise, however, and at about eight o'clock on
Sunday morning, November twenty-third, in a frosty
atmosphere, but under as brilliant a New England sky
as one could wish to see, the Sixteenth marched in four
ranks through the main street of Concord. At the rail
way station were friends from different sections of the
state who had come to see us off.
The ranks were broken for a few minutes, and friend
clasped the hand of friend, and hopes were mingled
with sad apprehensions. The words of affection and
admonition, and the farewells then spoken, still linger
in the memory of the few who survive to recall them.
A little later a train of twenty cars moved slowly away
with its freight of almost a thousand loyal hearts, nearly
half of whom, in life and health, were never again to see
their native state. The mental and heart anguish of
that morning, in its fulness, was known only to God,
and into his ears on that day, from its earliest morning
hour to the hour that brought the day to its close, was
poured a volume of prayer such as only burdened, devout,
and loving hearts can offer.
The ride during the day was without anything of
interest worthy of note, except that in passing through
towns and cities our boys were cheered and signalled by
the people with handkerchiefs and the waving of hands.
Such responses were returned as are customary under
like circumstances, though, if the truth were known,

30 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
many in the regiment were less demonstrative than they
would have been on some other day of the week.
And yet, we have to confess that on that day there
was evidence that we were not all as pious or as strict
Sabbath observers as we might have been. For, during
the day, one of our men captured a well-bred spaniel
dog at one of the railway stations and carried him on to
New York. The owner followed on the next train and
entered complaint. After proving property, the dog
was restored and the forager was severely reprimanded by
the colonel for laying in commissary stores on Sunday
and before we were out of Puritan New England.
, Our route was over the Nashua and Worcester rail
way to Allyn's Point, where, between six and seven
o'. clock in the evening, the regiment left the train and
embarked on the steamer City of Boston. The sail on
Long Island Sound during the night was not an un
pleasant one, but there were many heavy hearts, for our
men were beginning to realize, some of them keenly,
that every hour increased the distance between them and
scenes and faces the dearest of any on earth.
Not far from four o'clock in the morning, November
twenty-fourth, we reached the dock in East river, New
York. A biting northwest wind told us plainly enough
that we were not yet in the sunny south, and we felt that
we had not taken with us the comforts of our New Eng
land home life.
We were cared for during the early part of the day at
the Park barracks, and at four o'clock in the afternoon
were ordered to pitch our tents in Battery Park. The

ONE OF THE CONTRACTORS.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 31
weather a part of the time during our encampment there
was piercing cold, and our cloth tents, with beds on the
ground, the beds consisting of bundle straw, afforded a
protection not the best, as one easily can imagine.
Several of our men in consequence of that exposure were
made sick and two or three never fully recovered.
Our stay in the city of New York, however, was not
altogether devoid of comfort and interest. Our regiment
was much praised by the people of the city, both on ac
count of the excellent soldiery bearing of the men and
more especially for their uniform good behavior.
Sometimes the boys complained, but not without
reason, of accommodations and especially of rations,
though on the whole the complaints were fewer than
might have been expected. The most pronounced ex
pressions of dissatisfaction were on Thanksgiving day,
November, twenty-seventh. Indeed, it seemed for
awhile that their downright and indignant protests would
end in open revolt. The meat was miserable in quality
and poorly cooked. The bread was heavy and sour,
and some of our men, who had known from earliest
childhood what a Thanksgiving day's dinner meant in
New England, declared in no suppressed tones that they
would make a "nigger" and Irish soup of the cooks if
another such dinner was served.
The cooks, perhaps, were not altogether to blame.
They were the mercenary contractors to whom had been
let out the provisioning of the regiment, and whose sole or
paramount object seems to have been not to provide for
the welfare and comfort of the men or to do an honest

32 HISTORY OE THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
thing by the government but to make as much money as
they could out of their contracts, who were blameworthy
and ought to have been imprisoned and put on the mis
erable fare they were serving to us.
The yeomanry of New Hampshire as well as other men
can appreciate good usage and endure bravely hardships
that are inevitable, but they cannot be blamed for re
senting anything like imposition or ill usage, and our
men never hesitated to give expression to such resent
ment, and we may add that evidence of the total deprav
ity of many of those army contractors certainly was not
wanting. And did not those men who became rich through
frauds perpetrated upon the government at the expense
and suffering of men who were sacrificing everything to
save the nation, merit the wrath of heaven?
Saturday, November twenty-ninth, was for our
regiment a gala day. The sons of New Hampshire re
siding in New York city, gave us what was called a
Thanksgiving dinner. In the way of food supplies it
was all that the name indicates. It concluded, as such
occasions usually do, with a round of laudatory and
patriotic speech-making.
We may add that more than once during our stay in
New York, fruit and provisions of various kinds were
sent to our encampment in quantity by gentlemen who
had gone from New Hampshire to New York city, and
who in consequence were kindly disposed and naturally
interested in our welfare.

CHAPTER III.

SEA VOYAGE.

AS early as Monday, December fourth, orders were
received to embark on the steamer, Eastern
Queen. The regiment was in readiness to obey
the order. Then followed counter orders. On Tuesday
we again were notified to march to the Eastern Queen,
and our tents were struck. Then the order was for
the second time countermanded.
But on Thursday, December sixth, early in the morn
ing, in the midst of a snow squall, our regiment really
was on its way to the steamer. Seven companies,
counting from the left, embarked, and, except for the
emphatic protest of our officers, the other three compan
ies and a New York battery besides would have been
crowded upon a small unseaworthy side-wheel steamer,
of only seven hundred tons register, which, even with a
much smaller freight, was in no way fit for such a voy
age as was before us.
Friday, December seventh, 1862, at three o'clock in
the afternooon, our steamer weighed anchor, and slowly
sailed, as we supposed, for our destination. But when
about four miles from her last anchorage, much to the

34 . HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
surprise of all and the annoyance of some, she was
slowed down and stopped, and the anchor was cast into
the sea. To all our questions put to the officers of the
steamer, no satisfactory explanation was given. The
regimental officers supposed, however, that her captain
was following secret orders. But we had reason after
wards to suppose that the superstitious dread common
among sailors of beginning a voyage on Friday had
taken possession of our captain, and had led him to
defy the explicit orders that had been given, and, in
utter disregard of any disastrous consequences that
might result, he took the matter of sailing into his own
hands, and anchored until daylight the next morning.
At least no denial of this charge ever has been made
and no other explanation though repeatedly asked for
ever has been given.
The first day out was one of interest to some of our
men who never before had been on the broad Atlantic,
whose lives, rather, had been passed among the peaceful
and beautiful landscape scenes of New England.
From the squalls of the night before, the Jersey coast
was covered with patches of snow that to us were not an
unfamiliar sight. During the day, too, we encountered
several snow squalls, as if Winter was not to part
company with her Granite State boys without giving
them, as reminders, a parting salute or two.
By afternoon and evening of this first day out, sea
sickness became an epidemic. Poor seasick and home
sick wretches! Thoughts of the fireside circle, of food
prepared by the hands of wives and mothers, the charm

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 37
of the dining-room table, and all such visions floated
before our minds, only to increase our misery.
Nor is it to be wondered that many of us felt during
that day and night that we were the most guilty crim
inals on land or sea, and deserved severe punishment
for ever having complained of anything in our home life,
and that we had been fools and idiots for enlisting in
the army, even to save the Union!
Seven o'clock, Sunday morning, the sealed orders
were broken. There had been many speculations as to
the destination of our regiment. Almost every place on
the Southern seaboard had been mentioned, but the
orders were that the steamer should proceed direct to
Ship Island, at the mouth of the Mississippi river, unless
it became necessary to recoal at Tortugas. We were
thus destined to be taken to a much greater distance
from home than had been expected when the assignment
of our regiment was made to the Banks expedition.
This news added a fresh gloom to the already accumu
lated woes of our boys. Sunday and Sunday night were
about as dismal as cold, biting winds, rolling and heavy
seas, downright seasickness, and homesickness, could
make them.
On waking Monday morning, it was discovered that
the sun was rising on the starboard side of the steamer,
instead of on the port, where it should be shining if we
were sailing south. It was evident, therefore, that for
some reason the course during the night had been
changed. Explanations followed, and we learned that
under the pounding of heavy seas the boat had sprung

38 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
a leak ; and quite early in the morning the report was
circulated that she was filling three times as fast as she
could be pumped, and that the water was already nearly
up to the furnace fires.
Those reports proved to be yarns. But that the
steamer was disabled was evident enough, for she listed
badly, and labored heavily and at times perilously
amidst those stormy and rough seas that were breaking
upon and over her.
The facts were, that the strain had loosened the plank
ing, above the water-line fortunately, and at ten o'clock
the night before the sheathing of the guards of the
paddle-wheel and some of the paddles on the starboard
side had been smashed into fine kindling. The steamer
was, therefore, in great danger of having the wheel
twisted on the shaft to such extent as to prevent its
revolution, or else broken completely, and we should
then have been left helpless and at the mercy of the
stormy Atlantic. In this condition the steamer was
headed for Fortress Monroe, about forty miles north of
the point she had reached the night before.
At half -past ten o'clock Monday -morning, December
eighth, we cast anchor near Fortress Monroe and repairs
were begun.
This was for us a brief and grateful respite from sea
sickness. No one of the regiment, however, was allowed
to go on shore or even to speak to any persons who came
near in boats, or to send letters or telegrams to anxious
ones at home. The destination of the Banks expedition
was to be kept a profound secret.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 39
And yet, some of the ship's crew who went on shore
to get help and materials for repairs, reported that our
destination was well known even to the workmen at
Fortress Monroe. This, we presume, is a specimen of
the way army secrets at that time were kept. Anything
known in the city of AVashington was said to be known
almost the same day in the city of Richmond.
The dread of putting to sea again was keenly felt by
most of our men, and not a few declared they would
gladly face death on the field of battle or anywhere
else, but could not again endure sea-sickness. " I would
give," said a poor fellow, while looking wistfully at the
beach, "a month's pay for a handful of that sand to
carry along with me."
Late in the afternoon of Monday, December eighth,
the repairs were completed, and our miserably unfit
craft weighed anchor and again headed out to sea.
On the way down the bay we met the steam transports
Robert Morris and John A. Warren, loaded with troops
coming into port, for what reason we did not know, and
as our exceptionally fine band played its greeting to
these incoming comrades, cheer after cheer in acknowl
edgment rose from about three thousand throats, echo
ing far over the waters of the beautiful Chesapeake
bay. The next few days were pleasant, with a constantly
rising temperature and a comparatively smooth sea.
As the boys under those favorable conditions began to
improve in health, they also became more and more

40 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
pugnacious. As a result, there were two rebellions on
the same day, December tenth.
The first was a determination on the part of several of
the men to resist the general order to have all the
soldiers vaccinated. Some of the men who did not be
lieve in vaccination said they would be shot first. After
awhile this insubordination, through the persuasion of
the regimental officers, came to an end. But later, a
report being circulated that the vaccine virus was not
pure, some of the men, after the surgeons had done their
work, actually cut and dug the virus out of their arms
with their jack-knives.
The second mutiny was in consequence of the poor
rations that had been issued. For dinner that day the
men were served with pork and bread. For supper there
was doled out to them a half-dipper of coffee, four
spoonfuls of half-boiled rice, and a table-spoonful of
molasses. Think of that kind of fare for sick, also for
convalescent and well men ! Some of the boys almost
swore that they would make an attack on the ship's
stores unless they were better served. This rebell
ion was so pronounced that the officers of the boat,
who seemingly were trying to make a handsome thing
out of their contract to supply the men, became alarmed
and asked for a guard to defend the stores against an
attack. After this mutinous demonstration, the boat, as might
be inferred, attempted, during the rest of the voyage,
no further imposition and nonsense of the kind that had
caused the trouble.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 41
The sense of justice in the men, however, had become
so outraged that they did what more honest men would
not have done, and what they themselves would not
have done but for the provocation; that is, though the
ship's stores were under guard, a barrel of extra fine
syrup somehow was on tap and was used freely during
the voyage. Three or four of the men found the fresh
meat locker and discovered a way into it, tipped the cooks
of the boat who, unbeknown to the officers cooked on a
single day, for the boys, an entire hind quarter of fresh
beef. And this was not all. One of the men of Company
H, feeling that the sutler was taking advantage in over
charging for tobacco, which, however, was probably not
the case, at least, when the doctrine of chances and risks
is taken into account, removed the hinges of one of the
chests of the sutler, and filled his boot-legs with plugs
of navy tobacco ; after that every man, including the
guards, who wanted a chew, had one.
It was during those days that the facility with which
New Hampshire men can turn their hand to various un
dertakings, found two very clever illustrations. Captain
Sanborn, feeling that his sick men needed what they
were not getting, went into the kitchen of the steamer
and made for them a barrel of corn meal porridge. Cap
tain Hersey, not to be outdone by Sanborn, next took
possession of the kitchen, rolled up his sleeves, made
and fried for his men a barrel or more of doughnuts.
It was at that time, too, that the boys of Company K,
who largely were from Portsmouth, being, therefore,

42 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
somewhat familiar with seafaring life, and with the
yarns of sailors, were merciless enough to tell the farmer
boys and others from the interior of the state the most
harrowing stories of shipwrecks, of boats springing
leaks, of tempests, AVest India tornadoes, and other
perils and prognostications that had some grain of truth,
but were told out of pure mischievousness. Those men
of Company K deserved a severe reprimand, but, so far
as we recollect, they never received it.
At eight o'clock, Saturday morning, December four
teenth, we passed Cape Sable, the extreme point of
Florida to the south, and a few hours later saw the
wreck of the Marion Sanford, one of our fleet of boats
bound, as we were, to Ship Island. She had struck on
the reef of San Key, and was well out of water. At the
time we passed, the wreckers were stripping her of
whatever of value could be taken. AATe afterward
learned that the troops that sailed on her, including the
Fifteenth New Hampshire regiment, were taken off in
safety and fonvardecl by other transports.
There is always a kind of "mute eloquence" in a
wreck like this, and the sight of the Sanford did not
tend to calm our fears, and certainly did not inspire con
fidence that we ourselves were out of danger, though
we were in the Gulf of Mexico.
Sunday, December fourteenth, about ten o'clock in the
forenoon, we were piloted through a serpentine passage
to Fort Jefferson, on Dry Tortugas, a coral island, not
far from the Florida coast, which was used during the
war as a station for furnishing supplies of coal and

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 43
naval stores to the Gulf squadron. A vast amount of
money had been appropriated by Southern members of
congress to make this place impregnable, though when
we were there everything had the appearance of incom
pleteness, except the climate ; that seemed marvelously
perfect. It was like summer. The shade-trees, cocoa,
date palm, castor-oil, and other trees and plants were in
their leafage and fruitage. This was a new experience
for most of us, and we wondered at seeing summer in the
month of December.
During the day our men were allowed on shore, and
not a few of them patronized the sutler of that post, and
nearly cleaned him out. There were some things not
paid for, but "drawn," a mild term used in the army
in the place of the word stealing. This came about,
however, from a sense of New England justice. The
sutler was so exorbitant in his prices that some the boys,
only a few of them, however, thought they might even
up a little, and then he would make, as they reckoned,
at least two hundred per cent, profit on what he sold.
Among other property taken during this wicked raid
on the sutler was a hugh cheese. How the privates
managed to secure it was not generally reported, though
the cheese was generously distributed, and some of the
officers were remembered, even while protesting against
such acts of vandalism. The steamer, having taken her
supply of coal, which was put on board by the wheel
barrow load, headed out soon after daylight into the
Gulf of Mexico. The day, December fifteenth, was
everything that could be desired ; the water was smooth,

44 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
the sea-gulls were calling or scolding, the porpoises were
sporting, and the whales occasionally were spouting.
The night following was the same in quietness as the
day had been. There were glowing stars in the sky and
the surface of the Gulf was luminous with phosphores
cent animalcukfe.
"All this is a weather breeder," said the Portsmouth
boys. We of the interior winked and laughed. The
cry of wolf had been heard too many times to alarm us
any more.
But on Tuesday morning everything was ugly. We
were in a "norther" on the Gulf of Mexico. The boat
was headed towards the storm, and for the first forty-
eight hours we made a distance of scarcely a mile. For
three days and nights we were in what the apostle Paul
would have called a howling euroclydon. The waves
several times washed the decks and poured volumes of
water down the hatchways before they were properly
closed and fastened. The sheathing was again torn from
the guards, the boat listed, and we were, for a second
time, in imminent danger of being swamped ; and there
is every reason to suppose we should have been, had the
boat been loaded as was first proposed. It was during
those tumultuous hours that the captain used the men
for trimming the boat. They were ordered first to one
side, then to the other. After awhile they became
tired of this sort of business and did not respond, as the
captain thought, with becoming alacrity to his orders,
whereupon he quite astonished them by shouting,

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 45
" Well, go to hell, then, if you want to ; I have as many
friends there as yon have."
Thursday night the "norther" had spent its fury,
and nine o'clock Friday morning (fortunate day !) a low
strip of land was discovered, which proved to be Ship
Island, near which we anchored not far from the noon
hour of the same day. AAre had made an average of but
five knots an hour in the entire distance of five hundred
miles from Tortugas to Ship Island.
Here was our expected destination, and we were soon
in readiness to land. But, a little later, orders were
received to sail to New Orleans. As our stores of coal
were nearly exhausted, the steamer took on fresh sup
plies, and in consequence did not leave Ship Island
until evening.
Early the next morning, having taken on board dur
ing the night both harbor and river pilots, we were over
the bar and sailing quietly up the river.
The lower Mississippi is impressively uninteresting,
the shores on either side are low and boggy, but the day
will come when those lands, raised by yearly overflows,
will be among the most fertile in the world.
Soon the flags of Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip, on
opposite sides of the river, came in view. A gun from
Fort Jackson brought us to, and a boat came alongside
to receive our report. Those forts are the key to New
Orleans, and are the scene of Farragut's splendid naval
fight, the recollection of which was an inspiration to us,
and it was a comfort to feel that the grand old comman
der was on the river above us.

46 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
The partly water-covered wreck of the Federal gunboat
Verona received our cheers and rightly so, for after
having sunk several Confederate boats she was run
ashore in a disabled condition, though still flying the
stars and stripes, and firing her last gun just as her deck
sank below the water.
A little further up the river the smoke-stack and
framework of the wrecked Confederate steamboat, Gov
ernor Moore, were passed. AVe did not sneer or hiss,
but had respect for the courage displayed during that
celebrated fight by her officers and men.
The opinion on recalling all the facts seems not extrava
gant that the silencing of those forts, the destruction of
the Confederate fleet and the capture of New Orleans by
Farragut, and the subsequent complete subjugation of
that city by General Butler were among the most bril
liant achievements 'either by land or sea, of the entire
AVar of the Rebellion.
As we continued our course up the river the scenes
became more and more interesting, at least more and
more novel to our men. The soft Southern sky, the
mild temperature, the rich plantations with their orange
and lemon groves laden with fruit, the fragrance of
which filled the air, were in such contrast with the dis
tressing experience of the voyage, the seasickness, the
stived and uncomfortable quarters, and the ten hundred
and one bad odors of the steamer, that some of our boys
thought we were not far from the gateways of Paradise.
Within sight of the lights of the city of New Orleans,
after a day packed with interest, December nineteenth,

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 47
the anchor of the Eastern Queen was cast for the night.
Not many of the men from Merrimack county ever can
forget the emotions that came to them as their eyes
rested upon the large steamer Kearsarge anchored near
by, for some of her timbers were said to have been cut
on the mountain, bearing that name, under whose shadow
those men had passed their boyhood and young manhood.
As wre stood on the deck of our steamer and looked
upon the city of New Orleans, the thoughts of both the
past and the future that most vividly came to mind were
of the brilliant fight, just below the city, between Gen
eral Jackson and Sir Edward Packenham, in the AVar of
1812, and also of the fights in which we expected to be
engaged, within how few days we did not know.
In that fight under Jackson the metal of the American
soldier shows to such advantage that we shall be par
doned for pausing in our narrative long enough to recall
a few of the leading facts of that famous battle.
General (Sir Edward) Packenham at the time held
possession of the river and the territory just below New
Orleans. He had under his command twelve thousand
veteran soldiers and four thousand well trained marines
and sailors. To meet this force General Jackson had
but five thousand troops, only one thousand of whom
were regulars. With the exception of that one thous
and, his men were undisciplined, having been brought
together hurriedly from Tennessee, Mississippi, and
Louisiana. On the morning of the fight, January eighth,
1815, they were posted behind a breastwork of cotton-

48 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
bags and earth, thrown up hastily on learning of the
enemy's approach.
It was early in the morning when those twelve thous
and bronzed and thoroughly drilled British troops, fresh
from their recent victories in Spain, where they had
been led by Sir Arthur Wellesley, afterwards Duke and
Lord Wellington, were seen advancing, "with solid step
and measured pace," against those raw recruits, com
manded by Jackson. "Their compact and perfect
squares, faultless in their alignment as on di'ess parade,
extending far away, right and left, in columns of regi
ments, their arms glistening in the sunlight, and the
scarlet of England, the green of Erin, and the plaid of
Scotland commingling," were said by an eyewitness to
have been "superbly magnificent."
The Americans, being insufficiently armed, some of
them without uniform, others from the penitentiary,
released on condition that they would fight that day,
were ordered by Jackson to form in two ranks. The
first rank was to do the firing, and the second, the
loading- As the enemy drew near our lines Jackson's men were
perfectly cool; they took deliberate aim; each one
covered his man with his deadly musket, reserving his
fire till the foe was in easy range. The critical moment
came. The enemy was about to fire and then charge.
At that instant the command, "Fire!" was given by
Jackson ; and when the smoke cleared, the space in
front of the parapet and cotton bags was covered with
heaps of the enemy's dead and dying. The British

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 49
leader, Packenham, fell at the first fire, and was carried
from the field, mortally wounded.
The troops were again rallied by General Gibbs, and
advanced, but he was killed by those deadly marksmen
from the AVest and South. The next in command, Gen
eral Keane, was likewise killed.
A fourth general, Lambert, then took command, but,
after several ineffectual attempts to rally his men, a
retreat was ordered, and those haughty battalions, that
never before had met such disaster, and who easily had
conquered the famous legions led by Soult on the Penin
sula, now fled before those undrilled Americans, from
the field which they thought and said was to be a
highway for their triumphant march upon the "booty
and beauty" of New Orleans.
Two thousand of the British were killed and wounded,
according to the historian, D. B. Scott, though Edward
Eggleston estimates the British loss at twenty-six hun
dred, and the American loss at only eight killed and
thirteen wounded.
Such was the famous Battle of New Orleans. And
the thought that came to us was that the descendants of
the men who gained that brilliant victory are the men
whom we were to meet within ten days, perhaps, on the
field of battle.
And what may be expected when men from New Eng
land, the descendants of those who met the flower of
the British army under General Gage at Concord, Lex
ington, and Bunker Hill, shall meet in battle the sons of
those men who under General Jackson sent death and

50 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
defeat into the ranks of those who were regarded as
among the best soldiers of the world. It will be as of
old, Greek meeting Greek !
Returning to the narrative, we find, on consulting our
journal, that it was nearly noon Saturday, the day fol
lowing our arrival at New Orleans, before we could get
word from the authorities what disposition was to be
made of our regiment. No one seemed to know who we
were or where we came from, or what to do with us.
At length an order came to move up the river to Car-
rollton, a place about six miles above New Orleans, and
there select a camp ground for ourselves. This was
done, and the colonel, quartermaster, and adjutant, pro
ceeded to obey orders. The grounds were selected and
we were on the point of landing, when the order that
had been given was countermanded,, and we were told to
go up the river two miles further to the Beauregard
parapet, -which had been thrown up under the direction
of General Beauregard, as a defense of New Orleans.
This, too, was done, and there, in mid-afternoon, we
disembarked, all being thoroughly glad once more to set
foot on what was supposed to be solid ground, though
several of our men failed to understand what the trouble
was, and declared that the whole state of Louisiana
when they walked reeled like a drunken man, and that
when they stepped the ground rose to meet their feet.
The bad boys of Company K, who were well acquainted
with "sea leg" experiences, came into prominence
again and explained to those who were inexperienced,
that Louisiana was formed something like the so-called

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 51
floating islands of Mexico, and that the waves of the
Gulf being forced up under the soil, caused the undula
tions. This explanation, however, carried no weight.
Indeed, the boys of Company K were no longer believed
even when they told the truth.
We should be remiss if we did not speak a word at
this point in praise of the aged government pilot who
navigated our unseaworthy craft from New York to the
mouth of the Mississippi. He had but one eye, yet he
could see with that many times as far as the most of us
could with two. During bad weather he never left the
pilot-house, and while we were in the "norther" on the
Gulf that faithful man was for seventy-five hours with
out closing his eye, and he stood at the wheel until his
feet were so swollen that neither boots nor shoes could
be worn. Dead or alive, he has our thanks and this ex
pression of our appreciation.

CHAPTER IV.
CAMP LIFE IN CARROLLTON.
DECEMBER Twentieth, about three o'clock in the
afternoon the boys began pitching their tents.
Fences and timbers from deserted negro huts
were borrowed (?) for fuel and for tent floors. Head
quarters were provided in a deserted plantation house,
surrounded with shade and fruit trees:
The next day, December twenty-first, was also a
busy one, as we were arranging everything for comfort
as far as possible, building cook-houses and setting
things to rights. Few realized that it was Sunday until
late in the afternoon, when the regiment was called to
gether to listen to a sermon by the chaplain, the first
we had heard since leaving Concord. The sermon was
appropriate and well received, as were all the sermons
of our scholarly and thoughtful chaplain.
Here at Carrollton were flocks of singing birds, frag
rance of orange and lemon trees, beautiful cultivated
and wild flowers, and green grass plots instead of bare,
leafless trees and snow-drifts; and yet more than one in
our regiment said, "Oh, for the quiet of a New England
Sabbath!" "But for us," as a writing in our journal

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 53
says, "there is to be no Sabbath until New England is
reached again, and by many of us New England has been
seen for the last time."
Here in Carroll ton began our death-roll. Lieut. Pres-
cott Jones, Company E, was the first to answer the
summons. He was a brave-hearted and zealous soldier,
greatly beloved in his company and by all in the
regiment who had made his acquaintance. He died
January eleventh.
Here, too, at Carrollton we began to breathe a
poisoned atmosphere, and our food for the most part
was poor in quality and poorly cooked, proving an ir
ritant and poison to some of the men, who, having keen
appetites after the sea voyage, over-ate, notwithstand
ing the unfitness of the rations issued.
A Northern man in a Southern climate, among those
swamps where the germs of fever and ague, of dysentery,
and of the whole brood of malarial ills, poison the air,
should not only fear that he is going to be sick, but
should feel that he is sick until acclimated. Our men
did not realize this, and our Northern surgeons, who
knew nothing, or but little, of tropical and swamp dis
eases, did not warn us, or if they did in a general way,
we gave no heed to their admonitions. Hence our men
hourly became victims of various forms of disease.
Our muster-roll, December thirty -first, shows that one
man in every seven of our regiment encamped at Car
rollton was on the sick list.

54 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
We now return to the three companies, C, D, and F,
that had been left in New York, with Major Davis in
command. On the same day that the regiment sailed, these three
companies were removed to the Franklin Street barracks,
where the accomodations were none too good, and the
rations very unsatisfactory. Two weeks later these
companies were ordered to embark on the ocean steam
ship Mississippi.
The orders reached Major Davis in the early evening.
The companies were quickly in readiness, and the
lighter, with the men on board, was alongside the
steamer at about eleven o'clock at night. All the gang
ways, however, were closed, the winds were howling,
and the thermometer was at nearly zero. There stood
those shivering, homeless vagabonds, for such they
seemed, trying at that nearly midnight hour to get the
attention of some officer on board the Mississippi.
Our men had been ordered there, but the officers of
the ship knew nothing of any such orders, and had
been notified that their ship already had its full com-
pletement of troops. The captain of the steamship was
merciful, however, and allowed our men to go on board
out of the biting cold.
The Forty-seventh Massachusetts and the One Hun
dred Seventy-fifth New York were already in pos
session, and had availed themselves of the best
accommodations they could find, as most certainly under
similar circumstances, we should have done. Our men
bent upon securing the next best, if they could not have

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 55
the first choice, took possession of the saloon, but, as
this was contrary to the rules of the ship, they were
obliged to give up those accommodations, and each man
bunked as best he could, and thus passed the remainder
of the night.
After that experience, however, which was one of
decided discomfort, arrangements were made that proved
on the whole very satisfactory.
The voyage of the Mississippi with the exception of
being overhauled by what was thought at first to be a
Confederate cruiser but afterward proved to be a Federal
gunboat, was almost continuously pleasant, therefore
uneventful and without peril. Those three companies
joined the regiment, January first, 1863, amid hearty
cheers, together with other friendly greetings and con
gratulations such as befic a reunion of that kind.
From that date to near the close of January our camp
life was a busy one, but not particularly laborious.
Daily drills, frequent regimental reviews and inspec
tions, dress parades, guard mountings, guard and picket
duties, and target practice occupied the time, but we
have to add that after a week or more, the days dragged.
Our men wanted to fight, end the war, and return to their
homes. January third, there was a regimental drill under the
eyes of Gen. T. W. Sherman. He complimented the move
ments of the regiment in flattering terms. Subsequently
similar compliments were paid us by Gen. George L.
Andrews, in whose brigade we served for a time.

56 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
January twenty-third we received what are called
"heavy marching orders," and with the other regiments
of the brigade, under Colonel Ingraham, marched a few
miles out on the famous shell road to Lake Pontchar-
train. This active campaign was, however, a short one
for we returned to camp in early evening, where we
were made almost wild by reports that the Mississippi
river had been opened, that Vicksburg and Port Hudson
had fallen.
But later, like many other camp rumors that originate
no one knows how or where, this one was found to have
not the slightest foundation ; still it had given us a bit
of cheer, and we continued to hope during the next few
clays that there might be a grain of truth iu what we
had heard, or that it might be a prophecy of what was
to happen.
Under date of January twenty-fifth, the journal of the
adjutant reads thus : " Our men continue to sicken, and
are destitute of proper hospital conveniences and care.
Our improvised hospital is, to be sure, a commodious
plantation house, but as yet the sick have under them
only a rubber blanket and the bare floor, with an army
blanket for their covering. Each room in the hospital
has from eight to twelve patients. Colonel Pike and
the ward master are both down with fever. Lieutenant
Burnham, Lieutenant AVilkins, Captain Bosworth are
also very sick, and seventy or more of our men are in
the hospital."
Frequently our three surgeons were sick and off duty,
and our regimental hospital was left in care of the hos-

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 59
pital steward. The most seriously ill were sent to the
Marine, Charity, and St. James hospitals in New Orleans
where they were very well cared for.
It should be born in mind that sickness, even in the
best equipped and best ordered hospitals of a "con
quered rebel city," like New Orleans, did not receive
the attention bestowed in .the hospitals further north,
and on the borders between the two sections.
Here in Louisiana there were no gifts of flowers and
delicacies from the women of the city; there were instead
and on every hand expressions of hate. There was no
careful nursing by patriotic and devout women who were
in the service of the christian commission and other
Northern charity organizations. Doubtless many a man
died in these Southern hospitals who would have lived
had a few encouraging words at a critical moment been
spoken in his ear, or had a little tender care been be
stowed. And, as already hinted, our Northern surgeons at the
outset did not know how to treat the forms of sickness
that prevailed in the South. AATe shall also be pardoned
for saying that personally we received more valuable
hints in talks with the "old colored mammies," on
matters of health and hygiene, than from any and all
other sources.
It was during those days that our regiment and the
brigade to which we had been assigned were kept con
stantly under marching orders to answer an expected
call from General Weitzel, who was iiressed at Berwick
Bay by a considerable force of the enemy. But that

60 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
brave and skillful officer was able to hold his ground
without reinforcements.
Several reasons, up to this date, had been assigned why
our regiment had not been ordered to the front. We
need not specify what they were but may be allowed to
say that it was no fault in the makeup of the regiment
for both Generals Sherman and Emory had made to Gen
eral Banks essentially the same report, namely, that
" the Sixteenth New Hampshire Volunteers had the ma
terial for a better regiment than ever stepped on Louisi
ana soil from the North."
We think the compliment paid us by Sherman and
Emory was a little extravagant, for the Fifteenth regi
ment so far as we could see, had essentially the same
material as constituted our regiment, and if we had as
good fighting material as was every day seen to be in the
Eighth New Hampshire, we ought to have been satisfied.
However, we were proud of the good opinion these su
perior officers had of our regiment.
January twenty-eighth, we were ordered to move back
to Carrollton, and to encamp on the ground that had
been occupied by the Fifteenth regiment of our own
state, and that regiment was ordered to take our position
at the parapet. All that there seemed to be to this move
was an exchange of places. After beginning to pitch
our tents, the order was countermanded, and another
was issued that we should move towards the parapet
one mile.
The day following, the men were busy putting in
order their tents, preparing kindling-wood, and build-

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 61
ing cook-houses. AVhere they borrowed their lumber
was a mystery then and is so still, but t?iey knew.
We always received orders, on reaching new camping
grounds, not to destroy or use any private property.
But the orders, strange as it may seem, though passing-
through the adjutant's tent, did not often reach the men
till all mischief had been done.
Occasionally the order would read, " Only the top rail
is to be taken from the fences." Usually there were five
rails in a plantation fence. After the top rail had been
removed four were left. The fourth was then the top
rail, and could be taken by the next man without dis
obeying orders. In this way fences frequently lost their
top rails until only the bottom ones remained, and even
those, especially during the closing days of an encamp
ment, sometimes were taken and sometimes left, as cir
cumstances and the needs of the regiment seemed to
require. What sense was there, anyway, in protecting a hick
ory rail fence belonging to a Confederate general, when
the comfort and health of our men were imperiled ? We
sometimes longed for a return of the days of General
Butler, who decided that everything needed, even slaves,
were contraband of war.
To those who were acquainted with the men of our
regiment, we hardly need say that while the prelimin
ary thefts to which we have referred, those at Concord,
those on board the steamer, and those at Tortugas, were
never approved by the officers of the regiment or by the
majority of our men, yet when we reached the enemy's

62 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
country, our officers without exception had no conscien
tious scruples as to foraging, and under cover of inter
national military law the officers helped the boys
whenever they could, and we scarcely need add were
willing at anytime to share in their plunder. And still,
from a poor and destitute Southern family we never
knowingly allowed anything to be taken without giving
full compensation.
The clemency shown the Confederates by General
Banks, we are forced to say, gained nothing for the Union
cause, and his. policy before the campaign ended was
largely modified.
International law declares that an army, when in a
hostile country, may even save its own commissary
stores, and live on what it can forage. This law seems
to have been better understood, or at least better recog
nized by our privates than by some of the officers who
commanded them.
We are not able to say how many classical scholars
there were in our regiment, but many of the men, so far
as foraging is concerned, knew perfectly well how to in
terpret and apply practically the saying of the ancient
Romans, " Inter arma leges silent," — in time of war the
laws are silent, or as sometimes translated, take a rest.
It appeared, however, during our encampment at
Carrollton that foraging was not the only accomplish
ment of the men of the Sixteenth. Indeed its members
could turn their hand to almost anything in the mechan
ical arts. They could build railways, repair broken
cars, take in pieces and put together locomotives and

Missing Page

Missing Page

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 65
then if required could man the train with a full comple
ment of engineers, conductors and brakemen.
If an encampment continued in one place for several
days, there were those who built ovens and baked fresh
bread. Others set up barber shops, and repaired
' watches. In fact, as already said, we could do anything
and everything at the outset except to fight according to
the rules of war. All this civil business could be be
gun and carried on within five minutes after our tents
were pitched. We had in our regiment a dentist, a
gunsmith, and a cobbler, who had with them their kits
of tools and were prepared on short notice to engage in
their several callings.
One easily can believe if the men of our own and
other New England regiments as well, were thrown into
the enemy's territory and were told to shift for them
selves that in fewer than ten days they would establish
an independent commonwealth. All quartermasters,
commissaries, and sutlers could be dismissed and a
thoroughly equipped community speedily would be
organized. Better than this : give the boys an easy chance and in
less than forty-eight hours they would have slaughter
houses, provision and grocery stores in full operation.
and fresh beef, veal, pork, poultry, eggs and milk for sale,
while the men assigned for " light duty," owing to partial
disability, would be making butter and cheese.
An instance that is almost pathetic in some of its de
tails is illustrative of what we are saying. The first
private to die at Carrollton was a member 'of Company

66 ' HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
B. There was no coffin, or box even, in which to bury
him. Nor was there any lumber except unplaned fence
boards. His comrades could not endure the thought of
an interment without a coffin. Two men of his company,
who were carpenters, borrowed a saw and hammer of a
negro, which he of course had stolen, took in pieces a
black walnut wardrobe they had found in one of the
deserted houses nearby and made a coffin that would
have done no discredit to any undertaker's warehouse
anywhere in the states, and in this the dead private
was decently buried.
February second was the date of our first division
drill under General Emory, and certainly our regiment
in both appearance and movement was not inferior to
any other in the division. Ours at that time was ranked
among the fighting regiments and we were in readiness
for any move that might be ordered.
While still encamped at Carrollton our assistant sur
geon, Sylvester Campbell, was the second of our com
missioned officers to die. He was a christian gentleman
in the truest sense, and a skilled physician. His death
was a great shock to those of us who knew him best.
From that date on, deaths in our regiment were of
such frequent occurrence that we cannot take time
to enumerate them separately as they occurred, but men
tion will be made of them in the closing pages of our
history. We may make an exception, however, in the
case of Lieut. George T. Wilds, of Company K, who died
April twentieth. A truer patriot, a more faithful friend,
and a more devout christian could not be found in our

THINKING OF HOME.

NEWr HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 69
or any other regiment. His death cast a gloom over his
entire company and over all the officers of the regiment.
As already suggested, this sort of campaigning in
which we were engaged at Carrollton was not only un
satisfactory, but to an extent demoralizing. Debilitated
by the climate, and half sick from poor food and expos
ure, some of our men became despondent.
Others, tired of the merely mechanical round of
duties, began to think too much. They saw imaginary
perils, greater, perhaps, than ever would come to them
on the field of battle.
Home and friends became idealized, and in conse
quence homesickness was on the increase. Unless soon
called into active service, the danger was that the cour
age of our men would be less than when they left home,
and less than that of those who had nothing compara
tively at stake, as we had.
And it were better, too, if our men had enlisted for
the war, for there were those, only a few, who already
were counting the months and weeks that remained to
complete the time of their enlistment.
All the more were they thinking these unpatriotic and
unsoldierly thoughts because nothing aggressive was
doing. The expressions were freely indulged, that if
we were to move against the enemy at all, it should be
before the heat became more oppressive, and before
death made any further inroads upon our ranks.
Such were the closing days of our encampment in this
malarial region, which, beginning in December, ex-

70 HISTORY OF" THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
tended through the wet and disagreeable months of
January and February.
The accompanying sketch will aid the reader in
getting a clearer idea of this encampment.
There were occasional changes in the positions of the
regiments, and at one time or another the Thirty-first
Massachusetts, the Fifty-third Massachusetts and the
One Hundred Seventy-fifth New York were encamped
near us.
As will be seen, we were surrounded by water,
swamps, and low land. This low and wet plain was
ditched in every direction, and the surface of the Missis
sippi was from ten to fourteen feet above the ground of
our encampment. There was a liability during our stay
there of a break in the levees which would have deluged
the flats and have made of them boating ponds and
lakes rather than parade grounds. Contrabands were
kept constantly busy with their handbarrows fighting
this dangerous enemy.

ENCAMPMENT OF NEGROES
NEWYORK REGIMENT

NE6RO ENCT

MISSISSIPPI KIVER

CHAPTER V.

FIRST ADVANCE ON PORT HUDSON.
OUR regiment had been in Louisiana since the last
of December, 1862 ; the month of March, 1863, was
upon us and we had not yet seen an armed Confed
erate soldier, nor were we equipped to meet the enemy
had he appeared. AVe were still carrying the old mus
kets that were brought with us from Concord, caliber
sixty-nine. The adjutant, who, in addition to other duties, re
cently had been made, by a general order, ordnance-
officer of the regiment, was brought into more than one
controversy with superior staff officers on the question
whether we were to be sent to the front with those out-of-
date and cumbersome arms. The adjutant voicing the
feelings of our officers and men, protested and appealed
in vain to the ordnance department, and at last broke
through all red tape and made a personal visit to
General Emory, who, quite to the adjutant's surprise,
received him graciously.
This appeal apparently accomplished its purpose, and
our regiment a few days later was provided with very
good muskets, some of them having a caliber of fifty-
seven, others fifty-eight.

74 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
On the morning of March fifth, we were under orders
to move quickly, but as usual were kept waiting all day
and until eleven o'clock at night before the order to fall
into line reached us.
The remainder of the night was passed in moving our
selves and what stores we had from our encampment to
the transport General Banks.
Before this work was completed the rain was pouring
in torrents. Ammunition, camp equippage, forage, and
lumber were hurried, almost thrown, on board in dire
and sickening confusion amid the thunder and light
ning. There were further delays, and not until past
ten o'clock the next day did the steamer head up the
river, to what place no one on board except the officers
of the boat knew.
Twelve hours, later, the boat, owing to a dense fog,
tied up for the night, and our regiment detailed pickets
to patrol and guard the shore against a possible attack.
The fog lifted in the early morning, March seventh. Our
pickets shortly after were called in, and we had for the
larger part a comfortable and pleasant day on the
Mississippi. Our transport reached Baton Rouge at dark, and we
received orders to be in readiness to disembark at a
moment's notice. The order that next reached us was
not to disembark at that point, but a mile or more down
the river. The transport dropped down to the place
designated, where we disembarked and bivouacked.
The one who gave this order either could not have
known where he was sending us or else he must have

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 75
intended harm, for it was a villainous spot, a swamp,
indeed, with so much underbrush, rotten wood, and
decayed vegetable matter, that eaxly in the day the boys
very appropriately named the place "Camp Dunghill."
It was a sort of outpost, beyond any lines previously
occupied by our forces, and was supposed to be in close
proximity to the enemy's pickets.
The first night there we slept without tents, under an
open sky, on soft beds of mud and swamp grass, with
only our blankets for protection, and mosquitoes, wood
ticks, lizards, and snakes for companions.
On the next morning, the ninth, about daylight we
receivec] orders to provide ourselves with three days'
rations, which, however, was no very easy thing to do,
and a hundred rounds of ammunition. Forty rounds
were placed in the cartridge boxes, which was their full
capacity, and the rest was distributed in haversacks,
pockets, and knapsacks. This seemed to us then, and
seems to us still, an unnecessary and a merciless order;
why load our men down with this weight of ammuuition
when there were plenty of mules in the department?
It should be borne in mind also that each soldier, in
addition to rations and ammunition, had his canteen of
water, his plate, dipper, knife, fork, and spoon, his
towel, soap, woolen and rubber blankets, overcoat, gun,
and other accoutrements to carry.
At the hour designated we were in readiness to move,
but as before there were vexatious delays. We waited
all day for more specific orders, and in the evening
received word that probably we should not march until

76 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
the next morning. The morning dawned amid a heavy
rain, showers continuing all the day, and still, though
unprotected, we were kept waiting. We presume that
no soldier will dispute the statement that delays like
these amid many discomfortures, wear men out faster
than vigorous movements, even into the heart of the
enemy's country.
The night of the tenth was passed like the night before.
Another day came and went as had the others, under
orders to march, but still no marching and no suitable
protection against our uncomfortable exposures.
The morning of the twelfth found us still on the ground
of our miserable encampment in readiness to march, and
still we were kept until five o'clock of the afternoon of
the next day before any definite order to move reached
us. It then came in this form, — " You will march in
ten minutes." We immediately formed in line, but
waited until dark before any move was made.
Is it surprising, after these repeated experiences, that
our men began to have their confidence shaken in the
executive ability of our superior officers, or in the
thorough organization of our army corps ? Nothing
ever seemed to be done at the time designated. And
thus early in our experience we reached the unmilitary
conclusion that an order to move to-day meant to-morrow
or the day after.
Much to our relief, and after the stars were out, on the
evening of the thirteenth, we found ourselves in motion
for somewhere, and that tohere appeared to be a matter
of supreme indifference.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 77
The march was first through Baton Rouge and then on
for six miles from that city towards Port Hudson, where
we pitched our shelter tents, turning in about midnight.
During this advance the following was the order of
alignment: General G rover's division, consisting of five
brigades, took the lead ; General Emory, having three
brigades, followed ; and General Auger with four
brigades brought up the rear, affording support and pro
tection for several batteries and for ammunition, forage
and subsistence wagons, ambulances, and other appen
dages that commonly follow an army.
The Sixteenth regiment was brigaded with the One
Hundred Tenth New York, the One Hundred Sixty-
second New York and Fourth Massachusetts, Colonel
Ingraham of the Thirty-eighth Massachusetts command
ing the brigade.
The division to which we were assigned, consisting of
twelve regiments, was under the command of General
Emory. A little past three o'clock on the morning of March
fourteenth, our division was ordered into line, and there we
stood or sat or laid down on the ground, being permitted
for comfort to change our position, until seven o'clock,
when the familiar orders, "Attention, battalion!
Shoulder arms ! By the right of companies into
column, forward march ! " were given and obeyed.
At eight o'clock, we were halted for breakfast. The
rations issued consisted of half-cooked and not half-
freshened salt beef,, hardtack, and coffee. Rations of
such issue sometimes led our men to appear before the

78 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
quartermaster's tent in the guise of serenaders. The
quartermaster must not be held responsible personally
for the poor rations issued ; he was a victim of circum
stances. This was the principal song indulged in on
such occasions :
" Old horse, old horse, how came you here ?
You plowed this earth for many a year ;
You've lived alone for man's abuse,
Now salted down for soldier's use."
We ought to say, however, that some of us, on the
morning in question, had for breakfast fresh beef,
chickens and duck which our skillful pickets, who
were well versed in the principles of international
martial law, had captured the night before and brought
into camp.
Between nine and ten o'clock General Banks and his
staff, on their way to the front, passed us, receiving
cheer Upon cheer given with such enthusiasm that the
general must have been thoroughly gratified. We were
at that hour about twelve miles from Port Hudson.
The line of march was continued over a dusty road
and under a hot sun, with a halt of ten minutes every
hour until three o'clock in the afternoon, at which time
we were within, perhaps, four miles of Port Hudson.
Here we were ordered to encamp under our shelter tents
for the remainder of the day.
Our men, as usual, had an eye to business and comfort.
There were sheep and young cattle in the fields near by,
and there were butchers and meat dealers in our regi
ment. There were men, too, who could build fires and
cook meat, and all our men were by this time, as already

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 81
suggested, lawyers enough to know what ought to be
done when in an enemy's country. The only barrier in
the way of this business at that time was an explicit
order not to forage and not to take any live stock. The
adjutant's writing materials had been misplaced by the
sergeant-major or some one else, and, in consequence,
valuable time was lost before copies of the order could
be issued to the several companies. Lest a false im
pression should be left by the foregoing remark, we may
be allowed to say that no regiment had a more efficient
sergeant-major than the one whose name appears on our
roster. The officers, meanwhile, were viewing with conflicting
and apparently distracting emotions the vandalism going
on. At length the orders were ready and issued. All
foraging ceased immediately, but, as if Providence had
taken a hand in favoring us, there was a store of meat
at our disposal sufficient to last the regiment a half
week at least, nor was there anything left in sight on
which to forage.
Towards night of this same day, April fourteenth,
word was passed to our headquarters that ten thousand
of the enemy were moving out of Port Hudson to make
an attack on our lines. Let them come ! was the feeling
of most of our men though we did not, perhaps, realize
fully what such a movement might mean for ,us. Still,
we had become so thoroughly tired of the humdrum of a
soldier's life in camp, such as we had been leading, that
we were reckless enough to think that anything for
a change would be for the better.

82 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Soon after dark we were ordered to strike tents and be
in line in five minutes. This was done. A few minutes
later a counter order came to break ranks, but to be
ready to re-form again on short notice. What did all this
hubbub mean? Nobody seemed able to say. Perhaps
it was a part of our discipline. Perhaps, too, the trouble
with us was that we wanted to know all the inside plans
of the campaign, nor could we understand why General
Banks, did not take each one of us into his confidence.
After the last order reached us we waited a little time
to ascertain what might come next. But as no newmove
seemed contemplated for the immediate present, we pro
ceeded to make ourselves as comfortable for the night as
the circumstances would allow.
During the afternoon and evening there had been con
siderable irregular firing by Admiral Farragut's fleet on
Port Hudson, which, however, was not sufficiently dis
turbing to alarm or keep us awake- But at ten o'clock
in the evening began as tremendous and magnificent a
cannonade as ever was heard by mortals. Hundreds of
guns were flashing their lightning into the darkness ;
columbiads, howitzers, rifled pieces of all calibres, were
belching forth their thunders from both fleet and fort ;
mortars were filling the air with their shells, whose
graceful curves could be traced till the moment of ex
plosion by the trails of fire that followed them. It was
one of those awe-inspiring exhibitions of barbaric and
titanic forces that is never forgotten.
At this juncture, we were again ordered into line of
battle. The hours that followed were of intensest excite-

PASSAGE OF PORT HUDSON BY ADMIRAL FARRAGUT'S FLEET.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 85
ment and interest. Expecting momentarily an attack,
we waited and watched the progress of the fight between
the warships and the Confederate forces.
Not long after one o'clock the next morning, April
fifteenth, a light of considerable brightness was seen in
the direction of Port Hudson. Our first thought was
that the inflammable buildings of that fortress had been
fired by the shells of our fleet; but as early as three
o'clock the light was seen to be moving down the river
towards the position we then held. The cannonade still
continued, though less heavy than before, and was ap
proaching nearer and nearer; a fierce fight, as it seemed,
was going on; our fleet was retiring and the enemy was
following it down and fighting it. We were sure of all
this. We could hear the discharge of musketry and
other small arms; shells were in frequent explosion, and
there would be, as it seemed, an occasional broadside.
The brilliancy of the light was constantly on the increase,
and the fighting, apparently, was not much farther than
a mile or two from the extreme left of our line, though
hidden by a belt of trees that skirted the river.
The excitement and anxiety among our troops, on
the increase from the start, ,at length, almost reached
fever heat. The next move of the Confederates, and
before morning, perhaps, would be in our rear, and our
retreat easily and certainly would be cut off. In this
excited state we stood in line until a little past five
o'clock in the morning.
At that hour, while every eye was watching the sup
posed fight, there was first a deep lurid outburst of light,

86 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
then a glare and brilliancy something like a distant flash
of lightning, then there was the flying into the air of
dark masses of planking and timbers, followed by a dis
mal, heavy boom that made the earth tremble. The
atmosphere seemed to strike us as with a blow that quite
stopped the breath. Then there was silence, and after
that the gray of early morning filled a calm and beau
tiful sky. What did it all mean? A part of the fleet
certainly must have met disaster?
Withdrawing our eyes from what had been riveting
them for hours, we began looking into one another's
faces. There were sick faces ; for some of our boys had
been eating, the evening before, too freely of fresh killed
mutton that had been less than half cooked and was eaten
without pepper or salt; there were tired faces, and faces
with bloodshot eyes, but they were resolute faces, more
ready that morning to meet the enemy which we expected
to appear any moment, or more ready to move against the
enemy's strong citadel at Port Hudson, if need be, than
to go back to the filthy camp at Baton Rouge or to
"Camp Death" at Carrollton, though it is possible we
should have felt different if we had had a larger experi
ence in actual service.
Of an attack, however, we felt certain whether in the
front by fresh troops from Port Hudson, or in the rear
by the troops that we supposed had passed down the
river during the night, we could not tell.
As late as nine o'clock that morning, word was passed
quietly along the line that an attack was imminent any
moment. Had the attack come from the south, as

EACH MAN HIS OWN COOK.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 89
seemed most likely, our regiment would have had all the
fighting desired, for we were in the most exposed position
of any of our troops as will be seen by the accompanying
diagram, which also indicates the position of regiments
nearest us.
Not far from ten o'clock, our brigade was called to
listen to the reading of an order by Colonel Ingraham,
which was to the effect that " the object of the expedi
tion had been accomplished," a phrase that afterwards
became a byword among the troops whenever a move
ment of any considerable magnitude was made that re
sulted in nothing, or next to nothing — like the famous
" march up the hill and dowm again."
The " object of the expedition" subsequently was
more fully explained as being a demonstration on our
part against Port Hudson to aid the fleet in passing its
batteries. The announcement of Colonel Ingraham was in every
way reassuring to our troops, but we could not see that
the land forces had contributed in any considerable
measure, or rather, in any measure at all, to what had
been accomplished. We had not fired a shot that reached
the fort, nor had we seen an enemy except a few scouts
in the distance.
For the fleet, however, it was an expensive victory.
Only two of Farragut's gunboats, the Hartford and
Albatross, had run past the batteries of Port Hudson,
while one hundred and thirteen of his men had been
killed or wounded, four boats of the fleet had been dis
abled, and the war-ship Mississippi, which had run

90 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
aground, was set on fire, and after having been aban
doned floated down the river, discharging meanwhile
her loaded cannon and smaller ordnance as the flames
touched them ; when the flames reached the magazine
the final explosion, which had almost appalled us,
followed, causing the excitement of the early morning
hours. Next came the order for our troops to retreat. The
reason for this order was not generally understood, and,
in consequence, the teamsters of the quartermaster's
department, especially those who were some distance
from the front, became panicky.
Two of the infantry brigades and a part of the artillery
that had been well in the rear were also a good deal
disturbed, as word reached them that there had been fight
ing all through the night, that our troops were defeated
and were in full retreat.
The hubbub of mule teams in consequence of such
announcements, the swearing even of officers who were not
accustomed to swear and the anxiety and confusion
of the men in the ranks, cannot easily be described.
We then could see with how little difficulty a panic
might be started that would render troops utterly uncon
trollable. Had the enemy really made an attack upon
us that morning, likely enough there would have been
another famous Bull Run disaster. Knowing that there
had been no fighting, for we were at the front, the Six
teenth did not run, nor were we in any haste.
At midday we halted for General Banks and staff to
pass. We were tired, faint, hungry, and thirsty. Our

Port Hudson

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 91
kind-hearted colonel had been taken sick and was left by
the roadside until an ambulance was secured for him.
Our horses were staggering with fatigue and want of
food, but we were quickly in line of march again, and it
was sunset before we halted and pitched our tents in a
cane field for the night.
This hardly had been done before a terrific tropical
and typical Southern thunder storm fell upon us. Our
cooking fires, which had just been lighted, were quickly
extinguished. Our shelter tents were torn from their
fastenings and trailed in the mud, and the weary, hungry
troops were left without protection from the torrents of
rain falling upon them ; the men stood it bravely, though
wondering what would come next.
At length the shower ceased, almost as quickly as it
had come upon us ; fires made out of fence rails, were
again built ; poor rations were distributed and ditch
water was our beverage.
Later, the rain commenced anew, and when we laid
down, some time between nine and ten o'clock at night,
we had from two to four inches of water under us, and,
though it may appear strange to others but not to
soldiers, we slept the sleep of the righteous and we slept
it soundly till break of day.
March sixteenth was a day of rest so far as active
campaigning was concerned ; but before the morning
hours were passed our boys had dried their clothing,
found a spring of pure water, made several other obser
vations, and began the familiar game of confiscation.
The most important find during the day will have to be

9fi HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
accredited to our neighbors, the pickets of the One Hun
dred Tenth New York, who were posted just beyond our
left flank.
On the other side of this picket line, not far away but
behind a belt of trees, were two storehouses well filled
with sugar and molasses. The guards had been posted to
prevent raids in that direction, but under pretext of
going to the spring for water the boys in twos appeared
before the guard with flasks and haversacks ; a twinkle in
the eye and a smile answered for pass words. The
situation was taken in and the guard smiled back, and
received their pay a little later in sugar and molasses.
Before three o'clock nearly every man in the Sixteenth
and in the One Hundred Tenth New York had been
well supplied with the products of those storehouses.
Later in the afternoon the thieving was discovered and
a detachment was ordered out to arrest any soldiers who
were found in the sugar house or coming from it with
sugar or molasses on their person. Several belated men
were arrested and marched into camp. But as they
passed through the files of spectators, most of them by
dexterous movements backed into openings made for
them and in turn became innocent lookers on, so that by
the time the guard-house was reached nearly all the
prisoners had disappeared. The officers were too busy
at that time to inquire into this nnsoldierlike behavior
of both the guards and men-
It may be remarked in passing that for our afternoon
dinner we had that day fresh mutton, stewed chicken,
and hardtack served in about fourteen different styles.

LAYING IN SUGAR SUPPLIES.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 95
We also had sweet potatoes taken from a field near by,
and for our. tea and coffee we had fresh milk from cows
that were grazing in the field. This need occasion no
surprise, for not a few of our farmer boys understood the
fine art of coaxing a strange cow to stand while the last
drop of milk is taken from her. There is scarcely need of
saying that we had sugar in quantity for our tea and
coffee, and sugar or molasses, as we choose, for our
hardtack- Having feasted, we prepared for the night, repitching
our soiled shelter tents and making our beds out of fence
rails, corn husks, and oat straw. About nine o'clock we
turned in having clear consciences and with a prospect
of sound and uninterrupted sleep for the night.
Strange as it may seem men in the army as well as
elsewhere can sin and then sleep as if nothing had
happened. But the expectations of the soldier as to having a
sound night's sleep are not always realized. At two
o'clock the next morning the adjutant was roused from
sleep and ordered to detail a lieutenant to act as quarter
master. At a little after three o'clock he was again
called to send the regiment to the quartermaster for
rations, and shortly before five o'clock he received orders
to have the regiment strike tents without a moment's
delay, as another advance toward Port Hudson was in
prospect.

W

CHAPTER VI.
A MUD MARCH UNPARALLELED DURING THE WAR.
THE heading of this chapter certainly is a bold one,
but it is written without hesitation, and in full
knowledge of the celebrated mud march of General
Burnside, and of others scarcely less difficult, that were
made in the Peninsular campaign and elsewhere during
the war.
It was while on one of the Peninsular mud marches
that a soldier composed the following revised version of
a familiar prayer, the fitness or point of which our men,
after making the march we are now to describe, had no
difficulty in appreciating :
" Now I lay me down to sleep,
In mud that's many fathoms deep ;
If I'm not here when you awake,
Please hunt me up with an oyster rake."
The morning of March sixteenth was delightfully
ushered in with the mild breath of early spring. The
forests surrounding our temporary encampment were
rich in foliage, and the songs from a thousand birds
added to the charm of the hour.
In compliance with orders issued the night before, we
were astir early, having been in readiness to fall into

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 9?
line since about five o'clock in the morning. But as
usual, hour after hour passed, and still there were no
specific orders to move. The sun meanwhile became
blistering hot. It was a little past the hour of noon, and
while some of the boys were napping, having neglected
to eat their noon rations, that the order came, " Fall in
immediately," and quite to our surprise and almost in
fewer minutes than it takes to narrate it, we had
formed our line, broken by "right face" into "fours,"
and were moving quick time towards the enemy.
There were indications that the Confederate troops
from Port Hudson, having learned of our retreat two days
before, had begun a move either to intercept or attack
us. Our regiment, together with the Fourth Massa
chusetts and four companies of the One Hundred
Tenth New York, were sent over one road towards Port
Hudson, and two brigades over another, either to recon
noitre or to hold in check the Confederates if they
really were advancing against us, until the main body of
our troops could be brought into position to meet them.
That we were sent to reconnoitre seems the more probable.
This movement tested the metal of the Sixteenth more,
perhaps, than any other we had made. The mud was
still sticky under our feet, and the sun was blazing hot
over our heads. Our men, under the rapid advance,
began to stagger ; they dared not " fall out," for in that
case they would be left in a deserted and desolate region,
and likely enough all such stragglers speedily would
fall into the hands of the enemy.
Soon the men began to lighten themselves of the loads

98 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
they were carrying. First large supplies of sugar were
thrown away. For a distance of a mile or more those in
the rear hardly could step except on sugar mixed with
mud. Haversack after haversack was emptied of that
for which the boys, with a measure of peril, had run the
guard the day before.
Next, the men cast away their blankets, their shelter
tents, and their knapsacks. How could they do other
wise ? Many of them were more than half sick, and
nearly all were debilitated. Nor was there an ambulance,
or so much as an army wagon, provided for this expedi
tion. It will be remembered, too, that each man had been
required to take with him a hundred rounds of ammuni
tion. Some of the men had become thoroughly indig
nant, feeling that this surplus of ammunition, as already
suggested should have been carried by mules, not by
men. That not a little of this ammunition, aside from
what filled the cartridge-boxes, was thrown into the
bushes and trenches by the roadway on this march, need
therefore occasion no surprise.
And what made matters worse was this fact that we
had been misdirected, or at least we were being led over
a road with which the guides could not have been famil
iar. It was a roadway that appeared to have been in
use only a part of the year, and was especially unfit for
travel during the spring months.
If this mistake had not been made we should have
inarched dry-shod over an excellent road, and have been
spared the first instalment of our mud experience. As

Missing Page

Missing Page

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 101
it was, we marched several miles out of our way for no
other purpose that we could see than to go at least four
miles on a cross road through mud nearly knee-deep.
But all this was only preliminary.
There were with us up to this time four companies of
the One Hundred Tenth New York, and the Fourth
Massachusetts, the entire detachment being under the
command of Colonel Walker. After reaching the Clinton
road, which we should have reached two or three hours
earlier, we were marched five or six miles further in
quick time to make up for the hours we had lost in con
sequence of our misdirection, for which, however, we
had been in no way responsible. On coming up to the
other detachments, we should have been allowed at least
a brief rest ; but the commanding officers gave no heed to
our request, and, seeming to care nothing for the plight
we were in, ordered the Sixteenth, with the four com
panies of the One Hundred Tenth New York, Colonel
Sage commanding, to proceed without delay to the place
for which we had started by the impassable road we had
taken on first leaving our encampment at noon.
Whether New Hampshi re and New York troops were in
tentionally discriminated against we cannot say, but the
Fourth Massachusetts, that had started with us, was de
tached and permitted to pitch their shelter tents near
the Clinton road. And more than this, there were several
regiments that had marched that day scarcely more than
five miles, while we had marched twenty, a larger part
of the way being over difficult roads, and some of the
way through mud knee-deep. And yet, without a

102 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
moment's rest, we were ordered to proceed on a cross
road that led us into one of the most dismal swamps
soldiers ever were required to enter.
As we recall all these facts, the more provoking and
heartless appears the treatment we received. We ought
to have gone into a state of rebellion and have taken the
consequences. In confirmation in part of what we are saying, we copy
a few lines from one of the regimental histories — that
of the Fifty-third Massachusetts — which gives an ac
count of their day's work, in contrast to that of ours :
"March seventeenth, " says their historian, "the
regiment marched with two others on a reconnoissance
up the Clinton road ; proceeded five miles, and bivou
acked for the night in a beautiful little opening in the
woods, with a brook of clear water running through it,
and surrounded with cornus trees in full bloom- It was
a charming spot where we would fain have lingered, but
we were ordered back the next morning, and again the
object of the expedition was accomplished."
Why could not that regiment, or some other one
equally favored, have plunged into the swamp, and we
have been allowed to bivouac for the night or at least for
a few hours in that " beautiful little opening" ? Some
body certainly was pig-headed, bull-headed, thick
headed or something else of the sort.
The accompanying diagram will give the reader an
idea of what we have been saying.
The cane field, where we were encamped and from
which we started, was at the point marked by an obelisk

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 105
[f]. We moved to the left, following up the river to the
point marked by the single star [*]. Here we filed to
the right, going through two feet of mud a part of the
way to the point marked by two stars [**]. Thence we
were hurried on to the point marked by a circle [oj. At
this place were several regiments, among them the Fifty-
third Massachusetts, that had marched only five miles,
that is, from the two stars to a point this side of the
circle. Here also the Fourth Massachusetts was de
tached and allowed to rest.
The Sixteenth and the four companies of the One
Hundred Tenth New York then proceeded towards
the point marked by the square [ ? J, the New York
companies stopping at a point indicated by the circle
with a dot in the centre [Oj, while our regiment pro
ceeded to the point indicated by the square [ P J. In the
space between the circle [OJ and the square [ P ] were
two bayous of considerable size and several small ones,
also a cypress swamp, skirted with ponderous and dense
trees extending nearly the entire distance between the
two points indicated.
Soon after our start on this march, and before we had
reached the swamp, at a point indicated on the diagram
by two small circles [oo], our regiment was suddenly
halted. The orders, "Halt!" " Musicians to the rear !"" Load
at will!" " Company A, deploy!" were given in rapid
succession by our cool and courageous Lieutenant-
Colonel Fuller, who was then in command. The com
pany officers could be heard cautioning their men in

106 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
somewhat authoritative tones, thus: "Steady, boys."
"Keep cool." "Load carefully." The loading was
quickly done and the guns were brought into position
for the "Ready!" "Aim!" "Fire."
Had the enemy really appeaxed, our regiment would
have fought that night like veterans. We were just
cross, out of sorts, and desperate enough to fight any
body of troops coming against us. Death seemed to have
no terrors. The orders had been given to meet, as we
had reason to suppose, a cavalry raid of the Confede
rates. The scare was caused, however, by a small body
of Federal cavalry returning from an attempt to discover
the position and strength of the enemy at the north of
us. Without stopping, this cavalry company moved
back to the Clinton road, leaving us to scout and patrol
for ourselves.
It was afterwards learned that fifteen hundred Con
federates were at that hour slowly moving towards the
position we then held. We did not know anything of
our danger, however, and a little later resumed our
march. The flashing eye and nerve of our boys seen a
few minutes before when a fight was in prospect, soon
gave place to half-closed eyes, bent shoulders, and that
long, loping pace that characterizes thoroughly tired
men. As a precautionary measure, company F was divided
and sent out on either side to flank the regiment during
its advance. It was, however, an impossible undertak
ing. After repeated attempts to make headway through
water, mud, underbrush and among prostrate trees, Cap-

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 107
tain Woods, realizing that he must have fallen consider
ably behind the regiment, and, therefore, no longer could
flank it, sought the road and awaited the coming of
Lieutenant Adams, who was in command of the other
detachment of the company.
After a brief delay and to the very great relief of Cap
tain Woods, Adams emerged from the swamp and the
entire company took up its line of march, reaching soon
after the position occupied by the four companies of the
One Hundred Tenth New York.
Of the pickets inquiry was made for the whereabouts
of the Sixteenth and being informed that it had passed
into the swamp beyond, Captain Woods hurried on his
men as rapidly as possible until the regiment was over
taken. The last few miles of our mud march almost beggars
description. Every now and then some of the' men
would stumble and fall, and were so exhausted that
they were unable to rise without help. The shoes
of many of the men, filled with water and mud, became
so imbedded that after repeated and ineffectual efforts to
extricate them, were left behind, and the men continued
to stagger on in their stocking-feet.
The horses of the officers were loaded with the guns
and knapsacks of the fainting men, and though thus
relieved several of our over-taxed comrades dropped out
of the ranks, found some knoll and sank upon it appar
ently indifferent whether they should sleep till morn
ing, fall into the hands of the enemy, or meet death in
that lonely place,

108 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Those who had strength continued the march through
this swamp and its bayous whose waters in places
reached nearly to the arm-pits of the shorter men, and
we found ourselves, a few minutes before nine o'clock in
the evening, at the place for which we had started nine
hours before. Under a partly clouded sky we broke
ranks and expected to bivouac there till morning.
As precautionary measures no fires were lighted, no
conversation permitted save in whispers, and no com
mands given except in undertones. The pickets were
well posted ; headquarters, such as we had, were in an
open field by the roadside and silence reigned. Those
who were not assigned to guard duty, wet and covered
with mud, gnawing a little hardtack to keep soul and
body together, threw themselves in great disorder upon
the ground for such rest as they could get.
' Scarcely more than an hour could have passed after we
had taken our position for the night when a man came
into our lines, who, in a quiet and perfectly self-possessed
way, as our recollection serves us, made essentially these
statements : " The Confederates are near you and are
advancing. General Dwight who has reconnoitered to a
point near Port Hudson, is in full retreat. [Dwight had
gone by the road indicated by a double dotted line ( )
to within four miles of Port Hudson.] The regiment
that has been on your right [four companies of the One
Hundred Tenth New York] is withdrawn and. you ought
to follow."
There were no written orders, indeed the man seemed
to have no special orders from any one, and after giving

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 109
this information disappeared as quickly as he had come.
Inquiry was made for him subsequently, but he could
not be found. For aught we knew he might have been
a Confederate spy, or picket but friendly to our side
giving us this information that we might make good our
escape. If these are the facts, we hereby express to that man,
alive or dead our gratitude. And if he is still living
and this story of the mud march ever comes to his
notice, we hope he will report his name to our regiment
through the adjutant-general of New Hampshire, or in
any other possible way.
If we are mistaken in this conjecture, and if the scout
was a Union soldier, we shall welcome any correction of
these statements. *
Immediately on the departure of this man our officers
were hastily summoned for consultation. While thus
engaged one of our number, Dr. Fisk, who had been
prospecting for drinking water, reported that he had seen
a woman at the back of a plantation house near by giving
signals with a candle. Presumably she was communi
cating with Confederate troops who were known to be in
close proximity to the position we then held.
* Since the publication of the foregoing account wt have received a
letter from one of our officers who has the impression that the man who
gave us this information had authority to do so from General Dwight.
We will not say positively that such was not the case, but anything like an
order for retreat should have come into the hands of the adjutant, which
was not the case. And further, we do not see how it was possible for a
Federal soldier from Dwight's division at that time to have reached us for
the Confederates were between us and Dwight except on our right where
stretched a well nigh impenetrable swamp.
Our recollection is quite vivid and is confirmed by others whom we have
consulted that after receiving the information given by the scout we made
our retreat upon our own responsibility.

110 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
On further investigation it was ascertained that the four
companies of the One Hundred Tenth New York had
withdrawn, and that we were without artillery or cavalry
or any other support, and were without any communi
cation with the other troops of our brigade, who were
four miles away.
We were not long, therefore, in reaching the conclu
sion that we were on the wrong side of the swamp.
Hence, we decided to retreat. Word was passed as
quickly as possible from man to man, and in a half-
dazed condition our regiment soon was in line of march,
headed for the several bayous and hideous swamps
through which we had just passed. We made this move
none too soon. The waters in the first bayou were
slowly rising. Our conjecture was that the Confeder
ates had turned the water of some other bayou into this
one in order, if possible, to cut off our retreat. Then
began a repetition of what we had experienced an hour
or so before.
It was by this time too dark to pick our way, as at a
few points we had been able to do when we entered the
swamp on the other side. Our men soon wTere wading
in mud that was waist-deep. Every now and then they
would stumble over logs and one another. Many of
them were too tired to utter a word ; with bent forms
and downcast eyes they struggled on. Some were swear
ing at every mishap and others in half prayer and half
oath were saying, "O God! I cannot stand this any
longer." The hooting of owls and splashing of reptiles,
especially young alligators and moccasin snakes, added

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. Ill
gloom to the darkness of the night. Why some of the
men were not fatally bitten by reptiles is more than we
can tell.
When hardly knowing which way the road led we
would light a candle or two, and, having made our
observations, continue to feel our way in the darkness,
which at times was so dense that we scarcely could see
the hand before the face.
The most distressing record to make in this part of
the narrative is that some of our men, as we have reason
to believe, who entered this doleful swamp never came
out of it.
We were while going and returning, thus beswamped
for nearly five hours.
At a little past midnight, more dead than alive, we
crawled out of this dismal slough and soon after reached
the Clinton road. Here we had hoped to rest, but found
that the other troops, who had been taking their ease
since mid-forenoon the day before, already were form
ing in line to retreat, the report having reached them
that an advance of the Confederate cavalry had begun.
The Sixteenth was not given time, therefore, to make a
cup of coffee or even to take breath, but was ordered to
continue its march in quick time. Some of our men,
however, could not do this and dropped in their tracks
by the roadside. Had their lives depended on making
this move with the other troops they would have re
mained, for a time at least, where they had fallen.
We do not know that any complaint or criticism
should be offered at this point, for the enemy doubtless

112 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
was following us up closely and the position then occu
pied was a bad, at least an exposed one, had an attack
been made.
The march was continued for an hour and a half longer,
until fairly good fighting ground was reached. A halt
was ordered, the troops were properly arranged, and
there was rest until daylight.
The place assigned to our regiment was low and
swampy, so much so that on rising at daylight the
rubber blanket under the major and adjutant, who were
bunked together, had sunk into the soft ground and was
filled with a pailful or more of mud and water.
At this point in the narrative, we must go back for a
few moments, for some of our comrades were left on the
other side of the swamp when the main body of the
regiment had crossed, or was crossing it. There were
three groupings of these belated and imperiled men.
The first grouping were the pickets that had been
stationed to the north and east of the regiment. In the
hurry and confusion of the retreat the officer of the day,
Lieutenant  (we withhold his name), had forgotten
to see that the guards were notified and called in.
One of those guards, a private of Company C, who was
stationed nearest the road leading to the swamp, seeing
that the regiment was on a move, grew uneasy. He felt
there must have been an oversight or mistake on the
part of some one, and therefore resolved to shoulder on
his own account a measure of responsibility. Accord
ingly, he went to his nearest neighbor, telling him to
pass along word from man to man to come at once to

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 113
the place where had been the headquarters of the regi
ment. When all had reported, he said to them, " Boys,
no doubt we have been left through some blunder.
What shall we do ( "
After consultation it was the unanimous opinion of
the men, though without orders, that they would better
quit their post and follow on after the regiment rather
than remain where they were sure to fall into the hands
of the Confederates. Accordingly, they did about as
unmilitary a thing as soldiers well could do,— deserted
their post and followed the retreating regiment.
They found, first of all, that the planking of the bridge
over the first and deepest bayou had been thrown into
the stream by the last of our men who had crossed it.
Holding their cartridge-boxes above the water, they
forded this bayou in safety. But the remainder of the
march in the darkness was fearful and horrible. Once
in the swamp, however, they were safe from the Con
federates, for no enemy on earth would have followed
them where they went that night. Those retreating
guards overtook some of the stragglers of our regiment
who from sheer exhaustion had fallen behind, but by
encouragement and help the most of them followed until
the main body of the troops was reached on the Clinton
road. The second grouping of our deserted men numbered
six who had been stationed on outpost duty on the left
flank of the regiment. They, too, had become uneasy.
What indications of life they heard were on their front
where the enemy was, and not far away, and it was

114 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
ominously and painfully silent in the direction where
our regiment was supposed to be ; and furthermore, the
signal, an occasional rapping on the sword scabbard by
the officer of the day, that had been agreed upon, with
which to keep those pickets in touch with the regiment,
was no longer heard. The men concluded, therefore, to
investigate, and upon doing so found that the regiment
had gone and that they were left apparently alone.
Those six men concluded, without further delay, that
they would follow the regiment. There was between
them and the ford a rail fence well covered with vines.
On the south side of this they quietly crept a part of the
way on their hands and knees in order not to arrest at
tention, for by that time the Confederate scouts were
close upon them.
The water in the first bayou still rising, having also
something of a current, was then almost too dangerous
to enter. But the men took the chances. How they
ever forded it and found their way through the swamp
beyond it is an astonishment to every one who partici
pated in that doleful night's adventure.
One of their number, in giving an account of his
experience to the writer, said : " We could not see our
way and we went through that swamp solely by the
sense of feeling. We could tell by the condition of the
mud where the men already had passed, and this was
our only guide."
One of the number, after ineffectual efforts to keep
along with the rest, fell behind, and -for two days was
reported as missing. It is a. wonder that in despair he

Group of Pickets Following the Regiment on the " Mud March.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. Il7
did not sink in the darkness and find his burial-place in
the mud.
The other five reached the embankment on the side of
the Clinton road but could go no further. To their dis
may they found that the other troops, including our
regiment, had some time before taken up their line of
march, and where they had gone those five men did not
know. While they were lying there [at the point on
the diagram marked O], a company of Confederate
cavalry scouts passed down the road within ten feet of
them, and a few minutes later galloped, back, having
discovered, no doubt, that the detachments bivouacked
at the points indicated in the diagram by the three small
circles [ °0] were in good position to repel an attack.
At daylight those five men followed down the road,
keeping, meanwhile, a sharp lookout for the enemy,
until the other troops were overtaken.
The third grouping of our deserted men, four in
number, three of whom were members of the band, the
other a private, had sought the comfort and protection of
a slave cabin near the position taken by the regiment
for the night and had fallen asleep. Within a few
minutes after the guards and pickets had gone, this
cabin was surrounded and the four men were taken
prisoners, and the next morning marched into Port
Hudson. It is just to all parties to say at this point that it sub
sequently turned out that the conjecture of the private
in Company C, Ramsey C. Boutwell, was correct. The
lieutenant of the guard, on his own confession subse-

118 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
quently made, had not attended to one of his most
important duties, which was to call in the guard and the
outpost picket at the time the regiment moved.
Though this remissness was known to the regimental
officers, it was thought best not to reprimand either the
lieutenant for his neglect or the men on picket duty
for their disobedience and desertion. Indeed, who was
qualified to administer discipline ? Those in command
above us, as we believe, had failed in their duty, having
left our regiment to shift for itself. Nor could our
own regimental officers very well court-martial the
guards and pickets, since without orders the entire
regiment had taken the matter of retreat into its own
hands. It is perfectly manifest that the Sixteenth regiment,
according to the rules of war, ought to have had its
colors taken away, and have been disgraced.
But, on the other hand, had we remained beyond the
bayou one hour longer than we did, there would have
been for us no escape. We therefore have no regrets
and feel not the slightest mortification in recording
those unmilitary acts.
In all probability under similar circumstances this
behavior would have been repeated by our men. And
whatever may be thought of what we are saying, and
while realizing the peril of the unmilitary conduct that
by implication we are recommending, still we accord
our praises to good judgment and common sense as well
as to implicit and explicit obedience to orders, especially
when the ship is on fire or when confidence in the com
manding officers is somewhat impaired.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 119
Casabianca was a brave, good boy, but we always have
thought he was lacking somewhat in "horse sense" if
the expression can be pardoned, when he remained
" Standing on the burning deck,
Whence all but him had fled."
Returning now to the main narrative, we find our reg
iment, with most of the stragglers who had followed us,
still bivouacked at the place we had reached between
two and three o'clock in the morning. It was slightly
foggy and not fairly light when our men were astir the
next morning. Such looking men as composed the Six
teenth regiment when the light fully dawned, this world,
at least in civilized countries, rarely has seen. Their
features were pinched and haggard; their eyes blood
shot and sunken ; their legs and feet stiff and swollen.
There was scarcely a foot in the regiment but could
show its blistered toes ; there were ankle-joints com
pletely peeled by the hard usage ; some of the men had
on but one shoe, others had both feet bare or bound up
in rags. Some of the men while struggling and stagger
ing in the swamp had bravely clung to all their accou
trements and the hundred rounds of ammunition, but
others had been forced to throw away not only their am
munition but their guns, knapsacks, blankets, and for
clothing had on little except coat and pants. There was
not a man in the whole number who was not mud-be
sprinkled or mud-besoaked nearly to his waist, and not
a few in the ranks, who, while in the swamp had stum
bled over stumps, fallen timber, and each other, were a
mass of mud from head to feet. As one of our regimen-

120 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
tal correspondents wrote, — "a sorer-skinned, stiffer-
jointed, or more woebegon and bog-covered body of men
was never seen."
Our readers easily can infer that those were among
the experiences that helped to sap the vitality of the
Sixteenth, and, notwithstanding the natural vigor of its
men, made them an easy prey to disease and accounts in
part for the terrible fatality that came to them a month
or more later. There is no doubt that scores of our reg
iment never after that mud march knew a well day.
We find on consulting our journal that our rations
that morning were reduced to coffee and hardtack. As
soon as we had partaken of these the troops were
ordered to fall into line, and after a march of an hour or
more we reached the cane-field that we had left the day
before. At the order, "Break ranks!" most of the men
dropped to the ground completely exhausted.
We need not say, for it passes without saying, that
the recollection of what we have just narrated, even
after these many years have intervened, is sickening
almost beyond endurance.
Pardon the recapitulation of what we were subjected
to during twenty-four hours beginning on the morning
of March seventeenth.
First, We were kept waiting, most of the time in line,
from five o'clock in the morning till midday.
Second, We made a needless march several miles on
rough and muddy roads, in roundabout ways when
shorter and well-made roads should have been taken; and
all this was in consequence of the blunder or ignorance
of those who had misdirected us.

Beating the Revielle' to Rouse the Men After the " Mud March.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 123
Third, Though already exhausted from a long and
quick march, and though there was at command an
abundance of fresh troops, yet our regiment and four
companies of the One Hundred Tenth New York, were
sent through a purgatory of mud and ditch water, to an
outpost which was in close proximity to the enemy.
Fourth, There had been furnished neither cavalry to
escort us, nor artillery to support us, nor baggage wagons
to help us, nor a solitary army ambulance to carry our
sick and disabled men.
Fifth, There were no means of communication between
our regiment and the remainder of the troops then on
the Clinton road, nor any officer in authority to tell us
why we were sent to this outpost, or what to do while
there, or when to return.
Sixth, While we were in this perilous position and
when we made. our retreat, the Confederate scouts were
within sight of us, and their troops, in force at least
five thousand, as subsequently was learned, including
cavalry and infantry, were within two miles of where
we bivouacked and were cautiously feeling their way
down the strip of land lying between the Mississippi and
the bayous that we must cross before we could reach the
other troops of our command. Had they flanked us even
with a small detachment of cavalry, we should have
been bagged and marched to Port Hudson in the morning.
We do not care to say more, nor will we comment
further on that whole miserable affair. Our indignation
is too intense.
After reaching the encampment in the cane-field, we

124 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
were notified that there still was danger, though seem
ingly not so great as the day before. Our men, there
fore, measurably had to be kept in shape and position
to form in line.
The likelihood of an attack meanwhile was so great
that General Banks wanted every available man to be
brought to the front.
The adjutant accordingly was sent during the day to
Baton Rouge to look up those of the Sixteenth who had
been left in the hospital and convalescent camp and to
bring to the front all who were willing to accompany
him. The men were called together, and after a state
ment of the case thirty-two volunteered to make
the effort. Some of those who volunteered were too sick
to march, and the line when formed presented as pitiful
a sight as one cares to look on. Had the authority rested
with the officer every one of those men except a half
dozen professional bummers would have been sent back
to the hospital. Poor men ! Some of them marched
until they sank in their tracks and were carried back in
an ambulance ; others never recovered from the effort to
do their duty and not to a,ppear to desert their comrades
while in the face of the enemy. The historian may say
that there is scarcely anything amid all his duties that
he looks back upon with so little satisfaction as the
using of his words and influence to induce those
men to join the rest of the regiment, though none were
required to accompany him except such as volunteered.
It was, in a large measure, the volunteering of those
sick men to add their failing strength to the next move

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 125
that rendered the scene so pathetic that it never can be
forgotten by the executive officer of the regiment to his
dying day.
The next morning, March twentieth, we were ordered
at ten o'clock to strike tents and be ready for an imme
diate advance. In this condition of expectancy we
remained hour after hour until near four o'clock in the
afternoon, when the order came so suddenly that the
line was forming while men were buckling on their knap
sacks and other accoutrements.

CHAPTER VII.
RETURN TO BATON ROUGE AND EXPEDITION TO
BRASHEAR CITY.
THERE had been intimations that our troops were to
make another advance by way of the Clinton
road to Port Hudson. The hearts of our men
sank at the thought not of meeting the enemy but of
the muddy bayous and cedar swamps that stretched
between us and that stronghold of the enemy.
Having but recently been in those swamps, Ave had
had the necessary experience and were, therefore, just
the men to be sent there again; such we thought would
be the decision of our superior officers.
It soon became apparent, however, that the contemp
lated move was to be south, not north, and late in the
afternoon of March twentieth our regiment found itself
again on its old and filthy camp ground at Baton
Rouge. Five days later, in answer to our appeals, almost de
mands, for another camping ground, the authorities
ordered our removal to a point overlooking the river
and shaded by a magnificant growth of magnolia. There,

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 127
amid the songs of mocking and other birds and the re
freshing shade of lofty trees, we passed some of the
most delightful days of the entire campaign. Many of
the men rallied surprisingly quick from the effects of
the severe experiences and exposure through which they
had just passed.
Among the various duties of those days were regi
mental inspections. At one of these an officer, a young
West Pointer, passed some very severe criticisms upon
the clothing and accoutrements of our men. The
adjutant was not the only one in the regiment who
would have taken supreme delight in holding that fellow
bodily under the mire through which we had marched,
not until smothered to death, but until the upstart had
learned something of our baptism in that ditch water
by which our clothing had been soiled past redemption.
April third our encampment on those grounds, the
pleasantest we had occupied since leaving New England,
was broken up and we were ordered on board the trans
port Iberville and proceeded down the Mississippi dis
embarking at Algiers opposite New Orleans.
Four days after reaching that place we received orders
to put in storage all surplus baggage which was to be
left in care of those members of the regiment who were
too sick or enfeebled to make the contemplated advance.
Our late experiences had taught us valuable lessons
and therefore, everything that could possibly be dis
pensed with was placed in the storehouse. No man
was disposed or foolish enough to take with him any
relic or curiosity, however highly prized; indeed, all

128 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
extra clothing and many articles of comfort in camp
life were packed and left behind.
At that juncture there came to light an illustration of
the perversity, almost total depravity, of human nature.
We are sorry to add that the man who furnished the
exhibition was New Hampshire born and bred, though
it also should be said that he enlisted not to fight in the
ranks but to take charge of one of the teams of the regi
ment. In the discharge of his duties as teamster he had
made the discovery that whenever he chose he could
load upon his wagon articles, useful or otherwise, with
out having to give an account of the same either to the
quartermaster or any one else. And he also had learned
that he could unload his team at railway stations or
boat wharves and secure rail and boat transportation by
merely marking the goods and saying that they were to
be delivered at such and such stations or ports.
Though a teamster in such ways could take advantage
of his position, yet it was not supposed that any one
would be dishonest, or at least venturesome enough to
use his prerogatives for personal ends, or that goods
would be shipped except by the order of some army
officer. But here was a man during those days
when we had been undergoing all manner of hardship,
when we had been in danger of an attack at any hour,
day or night, when sick, wounded, and dying men had
been thick about us, who was making on his own account
provision for the future. In the words of one of our
men who made an invoice of this enterprising teamster's

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 129
possessions and foragings, — "He had collected at differ
ent places articles enough with which to set up a junk
store." Among the miscellaneous collection that he intended
and fully expected to ship North for sale, use, or exhi
bition were a quantity of grape and canister, a twenty-
four pound cannon-ball, eighty feet of cable chain, a
quantity of cane fishing poles and knives for cutting
cane, the last of which he had mistaken for Confederate
implements of war; there were also in his possession
nineteen cast-off muskets.
He had been successful in reaching Algiers with those
accumulations of his industry and forethought, but
when attempting to store them with the baggage of the
regiment his scheme was discovered and his heartless
comrades, greatly to his mortification, made an exhi
bition of them on a grass plot near the store house,
charging, however, no admission fees.
On the night of April seventh there was no sleep for
the officers of the regiment and only little for the men.
At an«early hour the line was formed, but no movement
was made until nearly ten o'clock, when we were
ordered on board a train of fifteen fiat freight-cars that
stood on the tracks of the Great Western railway and
then we learned that our destination was Brashear City,
eighty miles distant.
That the expedition was to be one of considerable mag
nitude was apparent from the fact that all available troops
and army munitions and supplies were hurried on to Ber
wick bay as rapidly as transportation eould be secured.

130 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
The Great Western railway follows the Mississippi
river almost due west for about twenty-five miles and
then runs southwest, at first past immense plantations
on which were large quantities of sugar-cane, ungathered
for lack of laborers, and then for miles and miles
through dismal swamps where hundreds of young alli
gators could be seen swimming in pools, sleeping on
hummocks, or basking in the sun. We greatly desired
to engage in musket practice on those fellows, but had
received emphatic orders not to do so.
At three o'clock in the afternoon we passed General
Grover's splendid division of fighting troops, who after
leaving Baton Rouge, instead of coming by New Orleans
as we had done, had disembarked at Donaldsonville
and marched thirty-five miles overland, successfully
clearing that part of the country of several strong de
tachments of the enemy.
Those troops had been held back until the remainder
of the army could reach Brashear City in order that
General Grover, by making a rapid march along the
strip of land lying between Lake Palourede and Bayou
Boeuf, towards Franklin, could cut off the retreat of the
Confederate troops should they attempt to escape north
when pressed by our forces at Berwick bay. That part
of the campaign appears to have been admirably
planned. At Bayou Bceuf ended the car ride of the Sixteenth,
of which we did not complain though the road was in
poor condition, rough and out of repair, and though the
sun's rays at times were blistering hot and though the

^s -&u;.-n-r /v

BRASHEAR CITY, BERWICK'S BAY, LA.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 133
flat freight-cars were without so much as a piece of board
for a seat. Some of our men were so overcome by the
tiresomeness of their ride that they had to be carried
from the cars and laid on the ground by the roadside.
But we had seen too much hardship of other kinds to
utter one word of complaint against the poor railroad
accommodations afforded us.
After leaving the train we inarched about five miles to
Brashear City, which like many other Southern and like
not a few Western cities was a small town, such as would
be called in New England a village.
There the Sixteenth and the Fourth Massachusetts
were detached from their divisions and assigned to pro
vost-guard duty, Lieutenant-Colonel Fuller being ap
pointed "commander of the post."1
At that time we were living in shelter tents and quite
contrary to our desires were forced to do garrison duty
instead of advancing with the other troops of our divi
sion, who were soon to pursue the retreating enemy up
the Teche country.
On the night of our arrival we were ordered to be pre
pared for an attack before morning and were told that
we must defend Brashear City "at all hazards." We
put ourselves in readiness to meet the enemy, but he did
not appear
During that and several succeeding nights there was
no sleep at all for some of the men and very little for
any of them. Our beds were the ground, our tents a
piece of cotton cloth open at both ends, and such armies,
not of Confederate troops but of mosquitoes, filled the

134 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
air after sunfall as we did not know could be mustered
for service anywhere in the world. They seemed to
come in clouds and it was one desperate fight for life
from early evening till morning.
This we endured several nights until our requisition
for mosquito netting could be filled. Not all our men
were supplied at the first issue, and the unsupplied ones
in some instances offered as high as four dollars for a
piece of this netting, though costing the government only
a few cents; this fact gives some idea of the torture expe
rienced by us during the first few nights of our stay at
Brashear City. Some of our men in their desperation and
at the risk of smothering to death folded themselves up
in tent cloth and in old sails found on the wharves.
The importance of the defense of that place to any
careful observer was apparent enough, for there was the
base of supplies, and in case our advancing columns in
the Teche campaign were repulsed, the safety of the re
treating army would depend largely upon the possession
by our troops of that vitally strategic point at Brashear
City. The gravity of the situation and our responsibility
in the matter of defense were keenly felt by our officers.
Among other duties assigned us were the loading and
unloading of cars and transports, which proved exceed
ingly distasteful ; the care of the sick of other regiments
who had been left there by the advancing troops was
also one of our duties. That service was a painful one,
and all the more so because other duties occupied almost
every available moment of our time and we had for
those sick soldiers neither hospital stores, nor a hospital
building, nor even a hospital tent,

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 135
Those sick and dying men, without suitable food, with
no adequate protection, bled and poisoned by mosqui
toes, breathing an atmosphere loaded with malaria, their
clothing soaked at night with heavy dews and occasional
showers, and by day their faces and hands almost blis
tered by the hot rays of the sun, were dying in numbers
that were startling. We wondered then and wonder
still if they could not have been better provided for.
We should have done more for them ourselves if we
could have bought from the stores of the town or from
sutlers articles and provisions that would have been of
benefit, but our money was gone and pay day had been
long delayed.
Our journal states that "April tenth was a day of
unusual activity. Troops rapidly were pushing forward;
army supplies were arriving from New Orleans and
were despatching to the front; cars loaded with sick men
were arriving from New Orleans and were left here to
grow sicker and die; at least, if there were other
reasons for leaving them no one could tell what they
were." General Bank's headquarters were still on the Brash
ear side of the Atchafalaya bayou. General Weitzel
crossed to Berwick on the opposite side by ferry early
in the morning of April tenth, and General Emory
crossed in the afternoon of the same day. Before even
ing there was considerable firing while the Federal
troops were feeling their way to Franklin. The general
advance, however, did not take place till the next day,
April eleventh.

136 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Our regiment, meanwhile, was being scattered. Two
companies, B and F, were sent up Bayou Atchafalaya a
short distance to strengthen the garrison at Fort Buch
anan. The object of this garrison was to protect Gen
eral Grover's division and also to prevent a raid on
Brashear City from the north.
Company A was sent on outpost duty four miles south
of Brashear City to guard against an attack by guerillas
from that quarter.
A number of men belonging to Company C under com
mand of Lieutenant Wilkins of Company I, every com
missioned officer of Company C being at that time sick
or on detached duty, were sent across the bayou and then
west on an untracked but partially graded railroad bed
to report on the feasibility of establishing an army tele
graph line in that direction.
The following spicy account of that expedition is given
by one of the men in these words : "We crossed the
bayou to Berwick by boats from gunboat Arizona, and
being in heavy marching order, we borrowed a mule and
a horse cart. To this cart we harnessed the mule and
into it we loaded our knapsacks and all our luggage
except our rifles. We started up the graded railroad
bed which ran through a heavy-timbered swamp. There
were deep ditches full of water on either side of us.
We proceeded in this way till we came to a break in
the road-bed filled with water, too wide and deep to
cross. Having no pontoon-bridge with us, and nothing
with which to build a bridge, we were obliged to return
to Berwick, which we reached early that evening,—

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 137
thanks to the mule and cart. The ditches each side of
this graded railroad were wide and deep, and the snakes
and alligators were very numerous.
On our way out we were very quiet, as the Rebs might
discover us and cut off our return. But on the way back
to Berwick we indulged ourselves in shooting huge
snakes and alligators. I shot one snake and four alli
gators. On reaching Berwick, which was quite a village
of deserted houses and one hotel, we found no inhabi
tants here except two or three sick or wounded Rebs in
the houses and so we took possession of the vacant ho
tel and making search, discovered a cistern of good
water and some iron kettles.
We made a fire in a brick fireplace, and some of the
boys, with the aid of negroes, brought in their pant-legs
tied up sweet potatoes in quantity from a plantation
near-by which the darkies had told us of. We put on
the kettles, and soon had all the good, boiled sweet
potatoes we could eat. and as none of us had had a
potato for a long time, we were in good condition to
appreciate them.
After satisfying our hunger, pipes were in order, and
with our heels on the railing of the verandah, with not
a man on guard, with the full moon shining as only the
Southern moon in that latitude can shine, we enjoyed
our surroundings and situation to the fullest extent.
Later we selected our several rooms, and lying on our
blankets (the furniture in this hotel was gone except a
few chairs and boxes we used for seats), we slept the
sleep of tired boys till some one woke up about mid-

138 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
night and woke all the rest, saying, ' I am hungry.' ' So
say we all of us,' was the response.
The kettles were once more filled, fire made up, and
another supper of sweet potatoes was eaten followed by
pipes as before, and we thought we could then sleep till
morning, which we did. We had breakfast of sweet
potatoes, and then signaling the Arizona, she sent a
boat for us, and we returned to our regiment and com
pany." The companies of our regiment that were not on
detached duty but were still at Brashear City and also
those at Fort Buchanan, were constantly in expectation
of a raid by guerrillas or an attack by Confederate gun
boats that were just above us on the bayou.
The Queen of the West, one of the enemy's boats, or
rather one of ours that had been captured by the Con-
fedrates, was of sufficient armament and strength seem
ingly to send our entire fleet, then at Brashears City to
the bottom, had an attack been made.
After the main army was on the way up the Teche
road and near Franklin, the Queen of the West and her
escorts, as had been expected would be the case, were
seen slowly dropping down the river toward Fort
Buchanan with the manifest intention of taking it and
also of reca,pturing Brahear City. Had she succeeded,
both fort and town, with all the stores in them, would
have been captured, the base of supplies cut off, and a
retreat of our army across Berwick Bay to Brashear City
and to New Orleans would have been out of the question.
There was, as can easily be imagined, no little trepida-

DESTRUCTION OF QUEEN OF THE WEST.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 141
tion among those who understood the perils that
threatened us when the Queen of the West was seen
approaching the fort.
But Captain D. P. Upton, as he was called by us (and
he was in every way worthy of the title, though only a
lieutenant-commander), was not asleep.
By a belt of trees his boat was well concealed from the
Confederate fleet. He ordered his gunners to clear the
decks, and to open fire the moment the enemy's boats
appeared in full sight. This they did. But the shots
went wide of the mark. The Confederate captain,
meanwhile did not deign to waste his ammunition on
our little craft. Captain Upton, becoming impatient
with the poor marksmanship of his gunners, said, "Let
me sight that gun." He did so and the shell flew on its
way, landed in the magazine, and instantly a part of the
Queen of the West went into the air ; she was set on fire
and after floating a little distance sank on the bottom
of the bayou.
The other boats of the Confederate fleet were in
dismay. They wondered what sort of ordnance our fleet
was using ; and heeding the maxim that discretion is
the better part of valor, they were next seen steaming
as rapidly as possible up the bayou till lost from sight.
It was the privilege of the Sixteenth to conduct the
famous Captain Fuller of the Queen of the West to its
guard quarters. The fallen commander seemed quite
dazed at his capture and the loss of his boat at a
moment when he was perfectly sure of playing havoc
with the Nineteenth army corps, which seemingly would

142 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
have been the case but for that fortunate shot of the
Arizona,. Our boys also that day placed under guard eighty
other Confederate prisoners, among whom were Captain
Semmes, an accomplished artillery officer, son of the
commander of the Alabama, and Lieutenant Vincent,
said to be the officer who not long before had ordered
his men to fire upon unarmed Union prisoners in the city
of Richmond.
The fighting meantime, near Franklin had been severe,
but on the whole the Federal troops were having the
advantage. During the three days, beginning April
fourteenth, there were thirteen hundred prisoners
brought into our lines, many of whom were badly
wounded. Our regiment had not a little to do in guard
ing and caring for those men.
The Union troops that suffered most during those
three days were the Twenty-sixth Connecticut, and the
One Hundred Fifty-ninth New York, whose wounded
men on reaching Brashear City came under our care.
The loss in the first mentioned of those two regiments
was fearful and sickening. In a single engagement the
colonel was shot through the mouth, and subsequently
died ; the lieutenant-colonel and adjutant were both
killed outright ; and fully half the men were killed or
mortally wounded.
That fatality was all the more distressing because it
easily could have been prevented. If only a few men
had been deployed on the left flank of these two advanc
ing regiments, the concealed Confederates would have

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been discovered and the slaughter prevented.
The accompanying diagram, which was furnished to
the adjutant by one of the wounded Confederates, will
make the matter perfectly clear.
As will be seen, the Confederate troops that were in
ambush at the left had the Twenty-sixth Connecticut
completely at its mercy.
We may add, too, that if the general plan of this cam
paign had not miscarried, the fatality of these troops
and other losses incurred while moving up the Teche
country would have been prevented.
The intention of General Banks appears to have been
to capture the entire Confederate force at some point
near the town of Franklin ; and except for somebody's
trick or blunder this could have been easily done.
The facts are these: On the tenth of April, as we have
seen, Generals Weitzel and Emory had crossed the
bayou from Brashear City to Berwick Bay, and on the
eleventh began their march towards Franklin.
Weitzel was to keep well in the rear of the enemy,
while Emory was to flank him on the left. Meanwhile,
as already suggested Grover, by a quick and unsus
pected move, was to cross the bayou at a point above
the enemy and cut off his retreat north. But owing to
some misdirection, Grover had moved his division to an
unfordable place on the bayou, and therefore had to
countermarch before crossing it. Those unfortunate and
needless movements and delays enabled the enemy to
discover the intention of Grover, and before he reached
Franklin where he was to co-operate with the other

146 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
divisions, the Confederates were quietly and safely re
treating towards New Iberia, fighting while on the way,
and doing our troops all the damage they could.
The accompanying diagram will aid the reader in
following the movements we have been describing :
After the three divisions under Weitzel, Emory, and
Grover had formed a junction they followed the retreat
ing Confederates as far as Opelousas, about one hundred
and fifteen miles north of Berwick, at which place Gen
eral Banks' army went into camp from April twentieth
to May fifth, or in other words, they went into the busi
ness of giving assistance and protection to those who
were gathering cotton, sugar, and molasses, and ship
ping them to Brashear City and New Orleans.
That doubtless was a legitimate business, but whether
our troops should have been delayed for such a purpose
is a grave question.
An order of not a little rhetorical merit issued by
General Banks at that date will be of interest to our
readers, and is such, perhaps, as will justify a departure
from the design we set forth in the preface namely that
we would not take the reader's time to give in this his
tory the text in full of the various army orders issued:
Headquarters Department of the Gui,f.
Near Vermiwonvii^e, April 19, 1863.
General Order No. 28.
The morning salute celebrates the anniversary of the battles of Lexing
ton and Concord in 1775, and the assault upon American troops at Balti
more in 1861. The day is consecrated to union and liberty. Soldiers, you
have exhibited your devotion to its hallowed memories and the principles
it represents. In peace you contributed in every professional and indus
trial pursuit to the prosperity and power which gave a world-wide renown
to the American states. In war you have learned to endure fatigue,

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 149
suffered deprivations, conquered difficulties, and achieved victories. In
three months you have become soldiers ; you have defeated the enemy,
dispersing his army and destroying his navy. In twenty days you have
marched three hundred miles, fought four engagements, expelled him
from his fortifications, driven him at the point of the bayonet from Bei-
wick City to Opelousas, captured ten guns and two thousand prisoners, in
cluding some of his best officers of all arms, and made the reorganization
of his forces for the present impossible, by depriving him of all the
material resources of war, destroying his foundries, and demolishing his
salt works, that for two years have sustained the life of the Confederacy.
The navy of the Gulf shares in the honors of the campaign. It has
encountered and dispersed the fleet of the enemy, and sunk the Queen of
the West. To-day it will reduce the fortifications at Butte a la Rose and
open the Atchafalaya to the Red river and Cortableu to Washington, of
Louisiana. Let us be grateful to Him who giveth us the victory and true to the
cause we defend.
New glories are before us. The army of the Gulf will command the
attention of the people, and every eye will be fastened upon its move
ments. Let us be true to the flag we bear, and remember that "to defy
danger is to drive it into the ranks of the enemy."
By command of Major-General Banks.
Richard B. Irwin, A. A. G.
Prior to these movements up the Teche country there
had been communications between Generals Grant and
Banks as to a co-operation of the two armies in the
reduction of Port Hudson and Vicksburg and the clear
ing of the river between these two points.
Those measures had been strenuously urged by the
authorities at Washington, General Halleck being
especially emphatic in the expression of his desire to
have the two armies operate in conjunction. But owing
to the detention of our troops at Opelousas, and also in
consequence of a lack of definiteness in some of the
verbal dispatches and by reason of delays in the trans
mission of some of the written ones, the proposed scheme
fell through and Grant kept all his troops at Vicksburg
and Banks was left to manoeuvre his as best he could.

CHAPTER VIII.

CAPTURE OF FORT BURTON, AT BUTTE A LA ROSE.
THE territory lying west of the Mississippi and south
of Opelousas, called the "paradise of the south,"
sometimes "the garden of the south" together
with its numerous waterways, had been looked upon as
valuable fields of conquest for the Union Army.
As early as October of the previous year, 1862, Gen
eral Butler fitted out an expedition to secure control, if
possible, of that part of Louisiana.
A fleet of five vessels sailed from New Orleans, entered
Atchafalaya Bay, followed up the bayou or river bearing
the same name, and entered Bayou Teche.
For the purpose of co-operating with this fleet, General
Weitzel with five regiments at the same time crossed
the Mississippi atDonaldsonville, and after two or three
battles with the Confederates reached Brashear.
But the country was found to be so well defended and-
there were so many obstacles preventing the navigation
of Bayous Teche and Atchafalaya that those under
takings for the subjugation of the Confederates in that
section of the state were for the time abandoned.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 151
General Butler a few weeks later was superseded by
General Banks who after taking command of the army
was equally impressed with the desirableness, if not
necessity, of occupying that important territory ; accord
ingly late in the month of January he organized two
expeditions, one under General Weitzel with four thous
and men, which was to move up the Teche country from
Berwick, and the other under General Emory with three
thousand men to move up the Atchafalaya from the
same place. They were ordered to operate in conjunc
tion, and capture Fort Burton at Butte a la Pose and
destroy its fortifications.
But owing to difficulties in securing suitable transpor
tation, and owing to the supposed strength of the forti
fications at Butte a, la Rose and the number of the
garrison, that expedition likewise was abandoned.
But now that our troops were advancing up the Teche
country it became necessary to undertake again the
project that had. been twice abandoned, namely, the
clearing of the Atchafalaya of all Confederates and if
possible the capturing of Butte a la Rose ; for while the
enemy held that point not only was our advancing army
imperilled, but there would be uninterrupted naviga
tion for the Confederates between Red river and Brashear
City, which if possible should be prevented.
In the adjutant's journal is this note, dated April
fifteenth : "The intermations are that our regiment will
garrison this place [Brashear] until our term of enlist
ment expires."
But on the morning of April eighteenth, three days

152 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
later, we received orders to put the regiment in readi
ness for marching at a moment's notice. Accordingly,
at noon we were relieved by the Fourth Massachusetts.
Our regiment without delay was organized into a
battalion of six companies.
Company officers who were able to report for duty-
were assigned command according to their rank, in this
new organization.
Meantime, the boys were busy preparing their outfit.
They were ordered to supply themselves with one
day's rations and one hundred rounds of ammunition.
When the order came to "fall in" they were ready
and marched to the pier, whence they were to depart on
an important, and what was considered perilous mis
sion. The other four companies, being on detached
duty, from which they could not then be relieved, were
to follow a few days later.
We were distributed on four gunboats that had
received orders "to proceed up Bayou Atchafalaya to
clear it of obstructions and of Confederate gunboats,
and to make an attack on Butte ;i la Rose." If the at
tack proved successful, the Sixteenth was to be left to
garrison and defend it.
The fleet, consisting of the gunboats Clifton, Arizona,
Calhoun, and Estrella, was under the command of A.
P. Cook. The major and adjutant were assigned duty
on the Arizona, the courage and brilliancy of whose
commander already were well known; the lieutenant-
colonel was with Commander Cook on the Estrella.
It should be borne in mind that the whole country for

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NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 155
fifty miles west of the Mississippi, including, therefore,
the territory of which we are now speaking, is covered
with countless bayous, lakes, rivers, and swamps that
cross and connect with one another, many of them
during the season of high water being easily navigable
for boats of considerable draught.
At the time of which we are writing, the Atchafalaya
was navigable from the gulf of Mexico to Red river,
and as suggested, Butte a la Rose was the key to those
various connecting bodies of water and to the entire
country lying between Opelousas and Port Hudson on
the north, to the Gulf of Mexico on the south, to the
Mississippi on the east, and to the Teche country on the
west. The accompanying map gives an idea of the number
of the larger and navigable bayous in the part of Louisi
ana of which we are speaking ; but aside from those
there were numberless smaller ones.
In sailing up the Atchafalaya and across its chain of
lakes and connecting bayous, nothing eventful happened
during the first day, which was April eighteenth. Just
before dark on the evening of that day, near the head
of Grand Lake, the flag boat, Estrella, signalled the
others that they were to tie up for the night. She alone
cast anchor, the others as a precautionary and utility
measure were moored to her by hemp hawsers. Should
there be, as was somewhat expected, a night attack from
the Confederate gunboats, which were just above us,
the hawsers easily could be slipped and the boats
quickly brought into position for action.

156 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
At nine o'clock, as an additional precaution, every
light on the boats was extinguished or shaded ; but the
night passed without anything of importance transpiring.
At daybreak we were moving and early passed through
Chene bayou into a lake of the same name. The country
was found everywhere flooded, in consequence of un
usual high water, caused, it was said, by cuts in the Miss
issippi that Grant had made in his effort to capture
Vicksburg. The scenery along the margin of that bayou, as had
been that along the shores of Grand Lake and other
bayous the day before, was monotonous and uninspiring.
The heavy foliage of the trees, the immense growth of
moss, the dense undergrowth of vines, brushwood and
saplings afforded the fittest place in the world for "the
slimy pathway" of moccasin and rattle snakes and for
the stealthy creeping of numberless alligators, turtles
and other reptiles, but was a miserable enough place for
men whose birthplace had been on the shores of the
transparent streams and lakes and among the granite
mountains of New Hampshire.
The vaporous atmosphere and tropical cloud-drapery
of that section of Louisiana, apart from their novelty,
were after the first few hours quite destitute of interest.
In the advance the gunboat Clifton was in the lead,
but at nine o'clock she met with an accident by running
into a tree and dropped back for repairs. The Arizona
meanwhile took the lead. Near noon, being within two
miles of Butte a la Rose, she was made fast to a tree and
we waited anxiously for the coming of the rest of the

A GLIMPSE OF GRAND LAKE,

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 159
fleet that had been detained by reason of the accident to
the Clifton.
Commander Upton was desirous of making an attack
on Butte a la Rose alone, and most of our men were
willing if not over-anxious that he should do this. But
his orders from the cautious yet generous-hearted Cap
tain Cook were explicit ; he must, therefore, await the
coming of the other boats. As they did not put in an
appearance, the Arizona, late in the afternoon, dropped
down the bayou, but in doing so became unmanageable ;
a strong current swung her against a tree and smashed
the wheel-house.
At length, in a somewhat dilapidated condition, she
reached the remainder of the fleet at the head of Lake
Chene. Here the boats were moored for the night in a
manner similar to that of the night before.
The chief matters of interest during the day were the
difficulties of navigating the tortuous bayous, the shoot
ing of two of our gunners by Confederate guerrillas, who
were concealed somewhere in the swamp and behind the
trees, and the taking of two prisoners who were in
citizen's dress, rather poor at that, and who were ques
tioned and cross-questioned, but the information gained
was of no material value.
One of the men, who claimed to be a Unionist (of this,
however, there was some doubt), after assuring Captain
Upton of his perfect loyalty and thorough acquaintance
with the entire country, was taken into the wheel-house
to assist in piloting the boat.
At daybreak, April twentieth, the boats were again

160 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
freed from their moorings and started up the narrow
bayou, the Arizona this time being in the lead.
Coming within sight of the fort at Butte a la Rose,
she dropped back by order of Captain Cook, and the
Clifton, under command of Captain Frederic Crocker,
having by far the heavier armament, led the fleet.
Everybody then was in a state of expectancy. The
guns of the fort and those of the two Confederate boats
were trained on our slowly advancing fleet. We
moved cautiously for no one knew but the Confederates
had placed in the bayou dangerous obstructions and
explosives. We were in danger, also, or at least felt
we were, of being picked off by sharpshooters concealed
among the trees skirting both sides of the bayou, who
had wounded one and killed another of our gunners the
day before.
At ten o'clock the "ball opened" with a hundred
pounder from a Parrott gun on the bows of the Clifton.
From that moment the work was lively on both sides.
The reverberations of the larger guns among those dense
forests skirting the narrow channel were deafening. The
rapid discharge of muskets, too, showed that our boys
were doing in earnest their part in the assault on the
enemy's works.
The Clifton concentrated her fire upon the Confederate
gunboats, while the Arizona brought her guns to bear
on the fort. Captain Crocker, hearing the port guns of
the Arizona and knowing that she would take care of
the fort without his help, began a chase up the
bayou after the retiring Confederates, Meantime, both

Near Butte a la Rose ; Bushwhackers Firing on Federal Transports.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 161
the Clifton and Arizona sent their broadsides of grape
from the starboard guns into the forests to keep in check
any lurking guerrillas that might be concealed there.
Shell, grape, and spherical case were flying in every
direction where an enemy was likely to be concealed,
though the fort and Confederate gunboats received far
the larger part of our attention.
While in close quarters with the enemy, a well-aimed
solid shot from the fort struck the walking beam of the
Clifton. She was thought at first to be completely dis
abled, but fortunately this was not the case. That was
the last shot of the enemy. Under our rapid and close
firing, the Confederates could not reload their heavier
guns, and soon we saw their flag pulled down and a
white flag, or rather rag, raised in its place.
The Calhoun and the Estrella next came into position ;
but all that was left for them to do was to take formal
possession of the fort.
The Clifton and Arizona, without waiting for orders,
started in pursuit of the two Confederate boats, the
Webb and Mary T., which soon after the attack began,
had taken flight. But within twenty minutes they mys
teriously were lost from view, excepting the smoke they
left behind. Our shells were sent after them and an
occasional broadside was discharged into the forests in
reply to the sharpshooters who now and then sent us
their greetings in the shape of Minie balls without, how
ever, doing our boat much damage.
Those concealed enemies were especially dreaded by
both our boys and the marines. Even the fearless Upton

162 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
was seen involuntarily to duck his head as the crack of
the rifle was heard and the bullets went whistling past
him. Those "swamp devils," as the boys called them,
took their stand behind some huge log or tree or among
its branches, fired their deadly rifles and the next
moment were in perfect hiding.
The Clifton, being somewhat disabled, soon gave up
the chase, but the Arizona continued until we were
twelve miles up the bayou, beyond Butte a la Rose, and
still nothing but the smoke of the Confederate boats
could be seen, which were then sailing well to the west
of us.
Soon it dawned upon Captain Upton that we had been
fooled by that tall, lank Louisiana (Yankee) whom we
had taken on board the day before, who pretended to be
a Unionist, who appeared to be honest as the days were
long, who claimed to know thoroughly every waterway
in the state, who was allowed to pilot us, and who con
fessed at length, that a bad mistake had been made, but
that he was entirely innocent.
We believe, however, what he did was a very clever
scheme attempted and carried out to prevent the
capture of the Confederate boats. This man had
allowed himself to be taken prisoner the day before
by the foremost boat of the fleet, judging, no doubt,
that it would also lead in the pursuit of the Con
federate boats if they were compelled to take flight
during the fight at Fort Burton. In this he had judged
correctly. The Arizona was the fastest boat in the fleet
and had taken the lead. As the Webb and Mary T.

THE CAPTURE OF BUTTE A LA ROSE.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 165
sailed up the bayou under cover of smoke they passed
into a narrow channel that turned sharply to the left,
while the Arizona, which quickly followed, kept on in
what appeared to be the main channel, but really was
not. The channel taken by the Confederates was the
main one, while the one taken by us was Bayou Ala
bama, an unimportant stream, which after meandering
for several miles and becoming unnavigable, reaches
again Bayou Atchafalaya.
At last the Rebel reported to the captain that owing to
shoal water he could go no further. This was true,
though the other things said by him we think were lies.
We now had lost so much time that we could not return
to the point of departure and renew the pursuit of the
Confederate boats, which already were miles away.
After putting our lately self -constituted pilot under
arrest, Captain Upton regretfully headed his boat for
Butte a la Rose. On the way down we landed on a
plantation belonging to a Confederate, Davis by name,
who had been a banker in New Orleans, but was then
serving in the treasury department of the Confederacy
in Richmond. His estate, one of the few then out of
water, furnished excellent foraging ground. There were
fowl, sheep, small cattle, swine, articles of household
furniture, guns, and other useful articles that were ap
propriated without restrictions, for Banks' headquarters
were now far away, and his staff officers could no longer
forbid the execution of international military foraging
laws. On reaching Fort Burton we landed and took possession

166 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMES*
of better barracks than we had seen since our enlistment.
They were more roomy and more substantially built
than those at Concord, or than those in New York.
There were sixty Confederates, including five com
missioned officers, who were made prisoners. Under
guard of men detailed from Company A, Lieutenant
Cooper commanding, those prisoners were sent to
Algiers. Had it not been for the stupidity or perfidy of our
pilot, we certainly should have overtaken and captured
the two Confederate gunboats, that afterwards caused us
no little annoyance ; and also we should have taken a
much larger number of prisoners, for according to the
reports of contrabands who had witnessed the flight, the
two boats were crowded with those who had garrisoned
Butte a la Rose, the larger part of whom were youug
business and professional men from New Orleans — "the
flower of the city" it was said.
We ought, however, to have been satisfied. We had
lost but two men killed and two wounded, and those
were gunners, and we had captured Fort Burton, the
most strategic point north of Berwick Bay and south of
Red river. But for our boys it was to be an expensive
capture. Its Confederate commander, as we stepped
upon the parapet, made a significant remark to one of
our officers :
" You are doubtless glad to get here, but you will be
gladder when you leave."
No prophet of early or late times ever has offered a
truer prediction.

Missing Page

Missing Page

CHAPTER IX.
DETACHED SERVICE.
I. SERVICE RENDERED BY COMPANY C.
THE captain of the Arizona, of whom we already
have spoken, D. P. Upton, the son of one of
the "royal merchants" of Boston, Mass., is en
titled to more words of praise than we have space here
to give, but we cannot refrain from saying that he had
a heart brave as that of a lion, and yet was at all times
a courteous gentleman except to cowards, and in the
thickest of a fight was always conspicuously present and
at all times perfectly composed.
He had studied our boys on the way up the Atchafa
laya, saw their metal when under fire during the fight
and capture of Fort Burton, and asked for a detachment
of the Sixteenth to accompany him while opening the
Atchafalaya to the Mississippi. Accordingly, a part of
Company C, under command of Lieutenant Edward J.
O'Donnell, was detailed to go with this expedition.
The' Arizona sailed up the bayou on the forenoon of
April twenty-eight, and three days later, May first,
joined Farragut's fleet on the Mississippi, above Port

170 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Hudson. May third, a part of the fleet, including the
Arizona, started up Red river to Alexandria, but on
account of obstructions at De Russie and because of an
attack from masked batteries, the senior commander,
the captain of the Atistralia, ordered the fleet to with
draw. It turned out afterwards that the Confederates had
ordered an evacuation of their works and under cover of
smoke, at the very time our boats withdrew, were spik
ing their heavier guns and rolling the smaller ones into
the river. The Confederate gunboat Mary T., loaded
with cotton, had been set on fire, and the Webb in the
fight had been disabled. A little more perseverance or
persistence would have secured a notable victory, instead
of one that is hardly worth the mention.
Re-enforced by some of Admiral Porter's rams, which
had run the fortifications at Vicksburg, the fleet returned
the next day to De Russie, meeting, however, no
opposition. The Arizona, then proceeded to Alexandria, reaching
there nearly twenty-four hours in advance of the other
boats, and our men of the Sixteenth had the satisfaction-
and honor of raising the United States flag in that city,
in the face and eyes of Confederate citizens and within
sight of a company of Confederate cavalry, who were
too many for our few men to capture.
A few days later the Arizona sailed for Harrisburgh
which is on Bceuff river, one of the Tributaries of Red
river, and for two days, May tenth and eleventh, our
men were under fire at Fort Beauregard. But that fort

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 171
was so well defended and admirably located that it could
not be taken, except by a land force of considerable
numbers, and therefore the fleet returned to Alexandria
May twelfth.
They were those detached men of our regiment, too,
who formed an escort for General Dwight, May sixteenth
to twenty-second, at the time he went to Grand Gulf,
Miss., to carry despatches and to hold a conference with
General Grant.
After their return, they were assigned provost guard
duty at St. Francisville. A little later important des
patches between the staff officers of General Grant and
those of General Banks were carried under the escort of
our men.
It will be conceded that this detachment of Company
C, during its brief absence from the regiment, performed
a great variety of important services and from all reports
it is evident that those services were rendered in a
thoroughly satisfactory manner. The detachment left
the regiment April twenty-eighth, and returned June
fourteenth. '
II. SERVICE RENDERED BY COMPANY G.
As already stated, the country surrounding Fort Bur
ton and up and down the Atchafalaya was occupied and
scoured by Rebel guerrillas who were ready at all times
to fall upon any lone detachments of the Union army,
and who were constantly firing upon unarmed trans
ports passing up or down the river.
1 The author is indebted for these facts largely to Comrade Holt, who
was with the detachment.

172 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Not many days after our arrival at Butte a la Rose,
the steamer Louisiana Belle on the way down the river,
having on board a large number of siok and wounded
soldiers who were being taken to the hospitals of New
Orleans, called at Fort Burton for assistance, having
been fired upon a few miles above. The captain of the
boat was mortally wounded.
This act of the Confederates that seemed to our men
dastardly and cowardly roused their indignation, and the
captain of Company G, George W. Bosworth, anticipating
that the next boat coming up the Atchafalaya would call
at Fort Burton for a detachment of soldiers to assist in de
fending the boat, went immediately to regimental head
quarters and asked the privilege of performing such serv
ice if it were required. On May thirtieth, the anticipated
requisition was made, and Captain Bosworth received
orders to go on board the steamer Union with all the
available men of his company. Quite a number of the
company had been sent to the hospital and several were
on picket duty, so that there were but twenty -eight who
could respond to the call. The remainder of the account
of this expedition will be given in the words of Captain
Bosworth :
"There was a large quantity of bags of oats at Fort
Burton, which were taken on board the steamer and
utilized as a breastwork on the lower deck in the
rear of the boat.
"The pilot house was protected by seven-inch square
timbers, and sheets of boiler iron with portholes cut
through them. We were ready to start at half past

GUERRILLAS FIRING ON THE LOUISIANA BELLE.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 173
twelve o'clock, Sunday morning, May twenty-fourth,
and proceeded up the river or bayou, intending to go as
far as Simmesport. Here we expected to disembark and
return to the regiment on the next boat down river.
"When we arrived at Simmesport about dark Sunday
night, the place which had been held by a detachment
from Banks' army, we found to our great disappoint
ment to have been abandoned on that very day, the
troops having proceeded to join the main body of the
army in the investment of Port Hudson.
"The Rebels who were in the immediate vicinity of
Simmesport we expected would enter the place probably
by daylight the next morning. We took in the situation,
and not caring to see the inside of Rebel prisons, we
pursued the only safe course left for us, which was to
stay on board the steamer that night.
" But the next day the boat was ordered to proceed up
the Atchafalaya, into the mouth of Red river, thence down
Old river to Bayou Sara, twelve miles above Port Hud
son. There was nothing for us to do except to go with
her. "A portion of the main army already had crossed over
and proceeded down to invest Port Hudson.
"The first duty of the commander of Company G was
to report to the ranking officer in the place, how many
men he had, how he came to be there, etc. The officer
in command was Colonel Hollabird of General Banks'
staff. The first question he asked, was this : ' What
kind of men have you ? Will they get drunk ? ' My
answer was prompt : 'As good men as were ever born

174 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
and brought up in the old Granite State. They will
neither steal nor get drunk.' 'You and your men are
just what I want here now. This is a terrible rebellious
place and is full of Rebel women, who convey all infor
mation possible to our enemies. The business portion
of the town on the river has been burned, as you will
see. There are dwelling-houses a little farther back
from the river ; go and select any house you want that is
not occupied. Make yTour requisition for rations and I
will approve it. Make your men as comfortable as you
can and I will give you plenty of work to do, keeping
order.' " The first thing we attended to was to find a house
that was fairly well supplied with water. We found one
that had two huge cisterns, half or two-thirds full of
rain-water, which came off the house ; they stood be
tween the main house and the cook-house. This was a
big find for our boys, for we had not known for weeks
what it was to have a drink of pure water. Here we
made ourselves as comfortable as we could under the
circumstances. We made our requisitions and drew
rations, or what rations we could draw from the quarter
master. It must be borne in mind that the Mississippi
was completely blockaded at that time, which will ac
count for the shortness of our rations. We drew pork,
coffee, hardtack, and a few candles.
" The quartermaster said : ' If you want any beef, get
it yourselves.' We proceeded to do the same to our
entire satisfaction. We then began to improve the ap
pearance of our headquarters, by cleaning up the

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 175
grounds, straightening the posts and fences, and leaving
the marks of Yankee thrift and ingenuity about our
quarters. " On the evening of the second day, a squad of twenty-
eight Rebel prisoners, taken from opposite Port Hudson
on the west side of the river, were sent to us for safe
keeping. One who appeared to be a leader among
them, bright, smart, and intelligent, said to me : ' Cap
tain, we are hungry ; we have not had a mouthful to eat
since morning.'
"I replied, 'It is impossible for me to draw any
rations for you to-night, and all the rations I have are
already issued to my men. The food is theirs, and no
officer can take it from them, but I will suggest to them
that they lend you of their rations, enough, at least, for
your supper, and to-morrow I will draw rations and you
may pay them back.'
"I made the suggestion, and to their credit be it said
that every member of Company G responded and said
they would divide.
" They sat down, prisoners on one side and our men on
the other, and we counted out our hardtack, measured
out our coffee and a portion of all the food we had,
sufficient to give the Rebs, as good a supper as we our
selves had.
"The next day I drew rations for the prisoners, and
they at once paid back with exactness the food they had
borrowed. "After keeping these prisoners under guard several
days, we became weary of performing so much guard

176 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
duty, day and night, the prisoners numbering as many
as ourselves, and besides we had many other duties
assigned us, and therefore we concluded to place our
prisoners under lock and key in a jail at St. Francisville,
a mile and a half distant ; and they quite surprised and
disgusted us by making requisition for ' a nigger ' to cook
their rations. They were told to cook their rations
themselves or eat them raw, just as they pleased, but
they could have ' no nigger' to do that service for them.
" While we were at Bayou Sara, we were visited by a
wealthy lady, who begged us to go out to her plantation
about three miles distant. She said that it was very
humiliating to her to come to a Northerner for help.
Of course we rendered her all the assistance she needed,
and when we left she urged us, as long as we remained
in that vicinity, to come to her plantation if we needed
anything in the form of food and we would be welcome
to anything we desired, and added ' you must always get
the best.'
" One day, a large transport steamer landed near us a
load of contrabands just out of bondage ; she was literally
black with human beings, and we took them in charge.
" It will be remembered that the land is very flat, and a
little noise can, therefore, be heard a great way. It be
ing one of our duties to keep order and quiet, and hear
ing a good deal of noise and loud talking, I took Ser
geant Jones with me, and we soon learned that a prayer-
meeting was in progress in the open air. We found
about three hundred contrabands gathered, holding a
most fervent prayer-meeting and returning thanks to

CONTRABANDS COMING WITHIN FEDERAL LINES.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 179
God that they had been delivered from bondage.
"Knowing that they had a hard march before them
the next day, I ordered them to keep quiet, lie down,
and rest. Early the next morning many of them came
to us for food. They numbered in all about twenty-three
hundred. I do not believe there was food enough among
them all to give a comfortable meal to twenty-five. They
were started off early in the morning for Contraband camp
at Baton Rouge, where they arrived after a long, hungry
and wearisome march, escorted by a squadron of cavalry.
"In about a week we received orders to pack up and
be ready to start for New Orleans, taking the prisoners
with us. We embarked on the steamer Union, where
we remained for several days, waiting orders, there being
several other small steamers going with us. The water
in the bayous we were to pass through, fell so rapidly
that it was apparent, owing to this delay, that we could
not reach New Orleans by water. We were, therefore,
ordered to disembark and proceed to Port Hudson by
land. A force of cavalry was sent to protect the teams
and property which we took with us from Bayou Sara.
" This move was made at night, and we arrived at Port
Hudson the following morning. We reported to Colonel
Hollabird, who immediately took us to General Banks'
headquarters. We were rigidly questioned, and gave
General Banks all the information possible respecting
the people and their condition, stating among many
other things, that we had not seen an able-bodied Rebel
since we left Fort Burton, all such being in the Con
federate army.

180 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
"He ordered us to proceed to Springfield Landing in
the afternoon, thence by boat to New Orleans. This we
did, and delivered over our prisoners to the provost
marshal and reported to the commanding officer, General
Emory. This was Saturday morning ; we remained
until Sunday, then returned to Springfield Landing.
" Lieutenant Ballon, who was in command of the
balance of our company, was to get together the men
left behind and to proceed to Springfield Landing. I
was ordered to return and take command of that post.
" Several of our men, by reason of remaining at Fort
Burton, and being thoroughly poisoned by malaria, were
sent to the hospital, and quite a number of them died
there. Several of those who returned from Bayou Sara,
by reason of the hardships of that expedition, were
prostrated with malarial fever, the commander of the
company being. among the number."

The historian already has spoken of the service that
the men of Company C rendered in carrying important
despatches between Generals Banks and Grant. As an
illustration of what that kind of service involved, we
insert at this point a report of one of the bearers of des
patches, who belonged to Captain Bosworth's company.
" It being necessary," says Captain Bosworth, " that
Admiral Farragut should get despatches through to
General Banks, who was then before Port Hudson, one
of his staff came to us and asked if we had one or two
trusty, energetic, and strictly reliable young men who
could be trusted to take important despatches through

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 181
in the night to Banks' headquarters. Sergeants Andy
Holt and Charles J. Wright immediately volunteered
for that undertaking." The following is Sergeant Holt's
account "of carrying those despatches from Bayou Sara
to General Banks' headquarters in the rear of Port
Hudson." " We were on board the steamer Union, at the village
of Bayou Sara, when Captain Bosworth asked for
volunteers to go with despatches from Admiral Farragut
to General Banks' headquarters, about fifteen miles
distant. Sergeant-Major Charles J. Wright and myself
volunteered for this service.
"We left Bayou Sara about nine o'clock p. m., with
one horse, and procured another (in the ordinary way)
at St. Francisville about one mile from Bayou Sara.
" It was then near ten o'clock p. m. After a lonely
ride, without any particular or startling adventure, we
approached what proved to be the Union outpost pickets,
and inquired for headquarters. These pickets were
unable to give us any information as to how we could
get there ; we, therefore, cautiously felt our way as best
we could, and soon discovered that we were on the
extreme right of Port' Hudson. We found some Union
troops encamped there, and again made inquiries. ¦ An
officer of a New York regiment told us the only way to
reach headquarters was to go back about three miles and
then take a road which would lead down to the east part
of Port Hudson, and that somewhere in that vicinity
were Banks' headquarters.
"Back we started, but while passing a piece of woods,

182 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
before we reached the road, the flash of a gun and the
whistle of a Minie ball near our heads convinced us that
all in that vicinity were not friends. Putting spurs to
our horses, we made our flight through woods and across
fields until we reached the main road, where we found
some Union pickets.
"We were soon directed to General Banks' head
quarters, reaching there very early the next morning.
Without further adventure, we delivered the despatches
to an orderly, who awoke General Banks. Our horses
were completely exhausted, and so were we. We spent
the remainder of the night on a pile of oats for a bed,
and reported to Adjutant-General Irwin at sunrise.
"The following day General Martindale sent a train
and a cavalry escort to Bayou Sara, to bring down Cap
tain Bosworth and all of Company G who were with him,
together with the prisoners. On reaching headquarters,
we joined them and went to New Orleans. I did not
rejoin the regiment again until it was inside of Port
Hudson, as I was detailed at Springfield Landing to do
vidette duty and to carry despatches to General Banks.
I made five trips with important despatches from this
place to his headquarters. About the twentieth of July
I rejoined the regiment." TWO OTHER EXPEDITIONS.
There were two expeditions which in this connection
may be mentioned briefly that we may fulfil to the letter
the requirements enjoined upon an impartial and faith
ful historian,

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 183
Though in order of time those expeditions should have
been given an earlier place in our history, and though
in magnitude they may not greatly affect the destiny of
nations, still they really may have amounted to quite as
much as some of the more famed military exploits of
our army that cost, as these did not, much treasure and
many lives.
The first of the expeditions took place in February
and the second in March, 1863. We give the account of
each in nearly the words employed by an army corres
pondent, Comrade R. W. Allen, who was one of the
heroic survivors in those undertakings.
According to Comrade Allen's story, it was about the
middle of February that orders were received to march
two or three companies of the Sixteenth regiment on
board the steamer Sally List. The orders, as might be
expected, were unhesitatingly obeyed, and the troops
were landed at Plaquamine, which was between Donald-
sonville and Baton Rouge, a little nearer the latter place.
The object of this expedition was to subjugate that
part of the country and open the bayou bearing the
same name. The troops engaged with ours were the
Thirty-eighth Massachusetts, One Hundred Eighth
New York, Fifteenth New Hampshire, and a Rhode
Island battery.
Not finding the enemy in force and being bent on
serving the country in some way, those troops " bor
rowed all the molasses they could" and the movement
was converted into what was known as " the molasses
candy expedition." "Although it rained just as it did

184 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
in the days of Noah, only a little harder," says our
comrade, "yet over every camp-fire was a kettle of
molasses, and soon the boys were busily engaged, doing
three things at once, swearing, pulling candy, and trying
to pull their brogans out of the Southern soil, which
was knee-deep in spots."
Within a day or two "the object of the expedition
was accomplished," and the victorious troops returned
to their several regiments.
The second expedition of the class now under consid
eration was undertaken a month later. For the facts we
depend, as in the former instance, upon our Comrade
Allen, whose statements are substantially the following :
"Two detachments, one from the Fifteenth and the
other from the Sixteenth New Hampshire regiments,
were detailed on board a small sternwheeled steamer to
go up rather a swift-flowing stream, which empties into
Lake Pontchartrain which was some seven miles from.
our camp at the Parapet ; the object of that expedition
was to capture Confederate commissary stores which
were thought to be there. We made little progress, as
our boat was ill adapted to stem a stream having any
noticeable current. We puffed and crawled along at a
snail-like pace, hugging well all the time to the shore.
Night came on ; the weather was misty, and the night
dark. We ran out of wood and went ashore for a
supply. Having loaded up, we cast off and swung into
the stream.
"After some hours of steaming, we ran short of wood
the second time, and seeing a light on shore, hailed it

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 185
and asked if we could get wood there. The reply being
in the affirmative, we landed and renewed our stock.
Again we cast off and went on our way.
" Towards morning, but while it was still dark, we were
again in need of fuel, and hailed as we supposed, another
light, in order to get a supply.
" ' Can we get wood here ? ' we asked, ' and what is your
price per cord % ' The owner replied, ' I guess you can
have it at three dollars bein' as you fellers have got
wood here twice before tonight.'
" The fact was we had not been over half a mile from
that wood pile all night long.
"When it was light enough to make observations, it
was apparent that our vessel could not make any
progress ; we therefore turned and regretfully went back
to the point from which we had started the afternoon
before, and ' the object of the expedition was accom
plished.'"

CHAPTER X.
THE GARRISON OF DISEASE AND DEATH.
IN OUR Narrative we now return to Fort Burton, at
Butte a la Rose. It will be seen by the accompany
ing diagram that Butte a la Rose is a slight eleva
tion, which is said to have been artificially constructed
by the Indians, before the appearance there of white
men and was resorted to as a place of refuge when the
surrounding country was flooded during the spring over
flows. Early in the war Butte a la Rose was occupied by the
Confederates, made into a fortification, and, as already
suggested, was one of the most strategic points in the
Southwest. Southern Texas and southwestern Louisiana, when
seeking the water-ways to the upper Mississippi, or to
the Red river country, could best do so by entering the
Atchafalaya. But as Fort Burton effectually comman
ded that great bayou, the Confederates had determined
to hold it as long as possible. All the more anxious
were they to do this because at that time the Mississippi
was blockaded by our fleet both above and below Port
Hudson.

O Opelousas

Bayous and
Swam

Barracks

Bayous AND
Swamps

New Iberia O

BUTTE A LA ROSE
/A r>4 d
FORT BURTON Water

•">«,!

VVater Trench
AND
Bri d &e
Water

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 189
When we took possession, Butte a la Rose was essen
tially a little island surrounded for miles with water,
excepting on the west, where land could be reached
through a swamp at a distance of five or six miles.
At the north, also, there were two or three plantations
on the shores of the Atchafalaya that were not entirely
under water ; but at the south, as far as Brashear City,
and east, as far as Port Hudson, even the arable land
was covered with water in many places to the depth of
from seven to ten feet, so that the small, flat-bottomed
stern-wheel steamers that ply in those waters were sail
ing at that time through dooryards and over corn and
cane fields. Nearly all fencing was out of sight under
water. Butte a la Rose, aside from being a very strategic po
sition from a military point of view, proved also to be
such from several other points of view. It was the grand
rendezvous of mosquitoes, fleas, wood-ticks, lice, lizards,
frogs, snakes, alligators, fever bacteria, dysentery mi
crobes, and every conceivable type of malarial poison.
From about sunset till daylight, the mosquitoes came
upon us in dense battalions. Had it not been for the
mosquito bars, that were issued to us when we were
being devoured by those pests at Brashear City, not a
man of us, seemingly, could have lived at Butte a la
Rose for a fortnight.
One of our correspondents in writing home thus speaks
of those tormentors :
"Let me pay my respects to those little winged co-
habitues with ourselves of those detestable surround-

190 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
ings. These little rascals are comparatively civil and
respectful during the day, but at the approach of night
their scattered forces are heard returning from all
quarters, and can be seen ' massing ' their columns in
the immediate vicinity of their intended point of attack,
and piping up their accursed strains as a kind of prelude
to combined assaults upon those whose blood they seek.
"Denuding ourselves of hat, blouse, vest, and pants,
after a careful and most wary tucking of the folds of our
net under the edge of the blankets and performing
sundry imposing flourishes around our heads with some
outspread Northern paper, we slyly but quickly raise a
portion of the gauze aforesaid and make a plunge within
its generous recess. Readjusting the net and straighten
ing out our pedal limbs, we compose our thoughts and
listen with complacency to the gathering of wrath and
baffled malice from those infuriated bloodsuckers.
"And as we rest from the heated labors of the day
within the mazy fortress, and listen to the continuous
hum and buzz of those disappointed inhabitants of the
swamps and marshes, secure in our assurance against
their stinging lances, and think of the blood that would
flow should they succeed in breaking down our frail
barrier, we thank nature and art for gauze and muslin."
For miles on still nights the croaking of frogs and
hooting of owls could be heard, and were at first amus
ing but afterwards distressing. The moccasin snakes,
whose bite is deadly, were so bold and numerous that
they sometimes had to be shot out of our pathway while
we were passing between the barracks.

PICKET DUTY AT BUTTE A LA ROSE,

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 193
Alligators, too, at night while hunting and killing
their prey kept up an almost continuous splashing, which
was doleful enough in those desolate regions, and Tncrre
than once those treacherous and ravenous creatures com
pelled our pickets, who at night were not allowed to fire
upon them, to move in near to our barracks for safety.
We must not forget in this enumeration of pests that
we had, nevertheless, some friends among the insect or
rather reptile family, which often warned us against the
approach of snakes and other venomous creatures.
We mean the bright-eyed and sociable little lizards that
at times seemed almost as numerous as house-flies in our
Northern homes in summer time. They would run over
our barracks and clothing, and in many ways appeared
to be desirous of making our acquaintance and courting
our friendship. At times when we were asleep they
would drop into our hands and play at circus over our
faces if we did not wake, or if we would allow them to
do so- The only trouble was that their touch seemed a
little too cold and slimy for solid comfort.
Almost from the date of taking possession of that fort
we seemed at singular disadvantage. We had no sutler
and scarcely any sutler's supplies. Our sutler had gone
North with the body of his son, who was killed April
thirteenth by falling from the cars on the passage from
New Orleans to Brashear City. The afflicted father, who
by his genial nature had won our esteem, had the
heartiest sympathy of our men when the death of this
promising lad was announced.
As the days wore on, we found ourselves without

194 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
lemons, oranges, or fruit of any kind, for which we had an
intense craving in consequence of the different kinds of
fever that had begun to prey upon us.
The discomfort of those who were deprived of tobacco
was especially noticeable, and any of our readers who
have used tobacco for years and then suddenly have
been deprived of it know how keen is the distress.
The quids that had been chewed and even re-chewed
were not thrown away, but were dried and then smoked.
We do not vouch for the statement, but recently we
were told by one of our comrades that some of our tobacco
users during those days when no fresh supplies could
be had, would secrete the second-hand quids under the
flooring or among the timbers of their barracks and then
stand guard over them with a musket.
It became manifest after a time that an effort ought to
be made to furnish the men in some measure with what
are known as sutler's supplies. Accordingly, for that
purpose the adjutant, with full powers but without funds
though having some credit, was despatched to New
Orleans. At this point a confession that we promised to pub
lish must be made. On inquiry as to what articles
would be of special usefulness to the men, we were told
that among other provisions a quantity of Hosteter's
Bitters should be provided, as they would prove a most
excellent prescription for such of our men as were suffer
ing from chills.
A stack of recommendations extolling their merits and
enumerating the remarkable cures wrought by them was

¦SfPB

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 195
furnished, and accordingly two or three cases of Hos-
teter's Bitters were put on the invoice.
Those bitters with other goods reached Butte a la Rose
in safety, and were sold to those who could pay for them
and given to those who were without funds. But
some of the men, who probably were more chilly than
the others, took overdoses, and in consequence became
staggering drunk.
The adjutant therefore, had the mortification of dis
covering that though he was president of the temperance
society of the regiment, he had furnished almost pure
whiskey to the men under the label Hosteter's Bitters.
But as no ill had been intended he was not deposed
from office.
We not only were without a sutler at that time
but our chaplain in consequence of sickness had gone
North on leave of absence and our quartermaster was
not with us, and most of the time during our stay at
Butte a la Rose we were without a surgeon.
Dr. Campbell had died ; Dr. Sanborn was North on a
furlough ; Dr. Fisk, besides being overworked, had been
assigned duty, if we remember correctly, at Brashear City,
and Dr. Sleeper, was late in reporting though as we recall
the facts, it was without fault on his part.
Meanwhile our men were sickening rapidly and dying
almost daily. Had it not been that occasionally a negro
or poor white would come to the garrison with a row-
boat load of fresh vegetables, together with a few berries,
and eggs, and a small quantity of poultry, which were
exchanged for coffee and tea, we must have famished in

196 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT.
our sick and nauseated, condition, on such rations as the
government then supplied.
Soon after we took possession of Butte a la Rose,
"bank of the rose", an exceedingly attractive and
poetic but as misfitting a name as well can be imagined,
the waters in the bayous and pools surrounding us com
menced to fall, thus uncovering to a tropical sun the
decayed and decaying vegetable matter that for weeks
had been submerged.
The atmosphere a little after sunfall and on through
the night was almost insufferable, and our sick men
when breathing it were conscious that every breath was
so much more poison added to their blood.
There must have been on our rolls at one time or an
other while we were at Butte a la Rose, not fewer than
six or seven hundred men. But under date of May
twenty-six the regiment could muster only one hundred
and fifty for duty.
It should be borne in mind, too, that many of our
number, in consequence of previous exposures and hard
ships, were sick and debilitated when they reached that
place. As would be expected, a more pitiful sight than
our regiment presented during the last two weeks of our
stay at Butte a la Rose hardly can be imagined.
Wasted away by various forms of disease, men who
had weighed two hundred pounds or more were reduced
to half that weight. One of our company officers, Cap
tain Sanborn, Company E, whose ordinary weight was
considerably above two hundred pounds, could not tip
the scales at ninety.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 197
Some of our men were covered with burning and pain
ful eruptions, others were yellow as saffron, others were
shaking with ague, others were bloated with dropsy,
and all were sallow and emaciated.
In person and by letters we had pleaded repeatedly
with the military officers who bad charge of that west
ern department, to transfer us from our deadly encamp
ment ; but this reply came back as often as the request
was made ; "You know the locality; there is not an
available regiment we can send to relieve you. You
must stay until our army retires down the Teche or crosses
the Mississippi, which we hope will be at an early date."
They ought truthfully to have added, — " We will re
lieve you when we are through shipping cotton, sugar,
and molasses to New Orleans." No one can deny that
the lives of New Hampshire men were imperilled for a
few bales of cotton and hogsheads of molasses.
And so we remained there at Butte a la Rose until we
came perilously near not being relieved at all, except by
death or the Confederate troops.
At this point we introduce an episode that at least has
a measure of importance by way of suggestion.
April twenty-sixth, General Banks and some members
of his staff came down the Atchafalaya on the transport
Laurel Hill, reaching Butte a la Rose early in the day.
After a brief consultation with our officers, during which
we again pleaded for removal from that fatal garrison,
the boat proceeded down the bayou for Brashear City.
As various supplies were needed by the regiment, the
adjutant, who at that time was expected to have general

198 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
supervision of sutlers, quartermasters, ordnance officers
and even medical supplies and who already had made
six trips between Butte a la Rose and Brashear City,
again was despatched on the Laurel Hill with General
Banks for New Orleans.
Not many miles from Butte a la Rose the adjutant
noticed that a bayou new to him had been entered. At
first he thought that this course had been taken to
secure deeper water, but it soon became apparent that
this could not have been the case, and remembering our
misdirection during the mud march, and the probable
misdirection that had deceived General Grover at Bayou
Bceuff, and the trick played on the captain of the
Arizona on the day we captured Fort Burton, he became
uneasy and asked to see General Banks on an important
matter. The interview was granted.
"You will excuse me, General," said the adjutant,
" but I notice that this boat is not on the course usually
taken by boats going clown the river."
"Are you sure," asked the general, " that we are not
on the right course % "
"I am sure," replied the adjutant, " that we are not
on the course usually taken."
The captain of the boat was called, and the general
said to him, "Captain, this adjutant, who has passed
between Butte a la Rose and Brashear City several
times, says you are off your course."
"Not quite that," interrupted the adjutant; "I said
' this is not the course usually taken.' "
The captain replied, " I know nothing of these waters

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 199
myself, but am trusting to the pilot and a stranger we
have taken aboard to aid him."
Already we were in among logs and snags, and the
water appeared to be shoaling. A consultation was held
in the wheel-house. The stranger, who pretended to be
a pilot in those waters, insisted upon going ahead, say
ing that the water would soon deepen. But every indi
cation pointed otherwise. After further consultation,
the boat, whose engine already had been stopped, was
backed slowly and cautiously until breadth of water was
found sufficient for turning. The boat then put back to
Fort Burton and tied up for the night.
There is very little room for doubt in the adjutant's
mind, at least, that that, pilot intended mischief. Had
the transport been snagged, and it is a great wonder
that she was not, for that probably was the purpose of
our Louisiana guerrilla pilot, she easily could have been
fired during the night, and in that wilderness of woods
and waters, with no clearing anywhere in sight, twenty-
five or fifty armed Confederates in their skiffs without
much difficulty could have gobbled up the general com
manding the Nineteenth Army Corps, together with all
the staff accompanying him.
If we remember correctly, that tricky assistant pilot
was the next day placed in irons and taken to New
Orleans. More than once after the close of the war General
Banks and the adjutant rehearsed the scenes of that day
and speculated on what might have followed had the
Laurel Hill run on to a stump or had been mud-stuck

200 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
in that out-of-the-way place, with Confederate scouts
scattered all through the adjacent forests.
We return again to the perils that confronted our
garrison at Butte a la Rose.
Opelousas which was nearly northwest of us, and
about'fifty miles distant, was taken and occupied by the
main body of the Federal troops April twentieth.
After remaining there for two weeks, waiting, as was
alleged afterwards, to hear from General Grant, though
our troops were busy all the time in forwarding cotton,
sugar, and molasses to New Orleans, General Banks
moved on to Alexandria, which already had been cap
tured by our fleet of gunboats. That was a difficult and
wearisome march for the troops, and why it was made
was an unanswered question then and is so still.
Admiral Porter, who had captured the city, writing of
that campaign says : "General Banks marched a large
portion of his army to Alexandria * * * for what
purpose nobody knows."
So overrun was that part of Louisiana at that time
with scattered Confederates, many of whom were "a
nondescript class, neither soldiers nor guerrillas, but a
sort of highwaymen mounted on mustangs, and armed
with shot-guns," and so difficult in consequence of those
roving bands was it for couriers to carry despatches that
it had taken forty days, from March twenty-third,
to May second, for Grant and Banks to exchange com
munications. In consequence of those delays and the lateness of
Banks in reaching Alexandria, and perhaps for other

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 201
reasons known better to General Grant than to any one
else, all intention on his part of securing a co-operation
between the Thirteenth and Nineteenth Army Corps was
abandoned, and General Banks was left single handed to
lay siege once more to Port Hudson.
Accordingly, on May fourteenth, Grover's division
marched from Alexandria to Simmesport, which in direct
line is about fifty miles north of Butte a la Rose, and
there crossed the Atchafalaya.
Two days later, Emory's division, then under com
mand of Gen. H. E. Paine, followed and a little later
Weitzel's division did the same. The entire force under
those three generals then moved across the country to
the Mississippi river, and down its west bank, about
twenty-five miles to Bayou Sara. Here a crossing was
effected, and on May twenty-fourth, the troops under
Generals Grover, Paine, and Weitzel joined those under
General Auger, who during the campaign up the Teche
country had remained in the vicinity of Port Hudson.
It will be seen, therefore, that from May sixteenth,
until our regiment left Butte a la Rose, we were not
only in the valley and shadow of disease and death, but
were also in' the midst of the enemy's country without
any military support whatever.
No sooner had Alexandria been evacuated by the
Union troops than the Confederate, Major-General
"Dick" Taylor took possession of the city and began
the reorganization of his forces. Very soon between
three and four thousand men were in readiness, and
Taylor, together with Generals Mouton and Green,

202 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
moved down and repossessed the Teche country. Those
forces were in our rear and still no move had been
made either for our release or protection.
At that time, in our weakened condition, a small
detachment from Taylor's troops, say one or two hundred
men, easily could have captured us. But perhaps he
thought we were safely cooped up where we were and
that he would leave us there till some other day.
In the meantime the waters of the Atchafalaya were
constantly and rapidly falling, and the river would not
be navigable much longer. The enemy's scouts were
seen by our pickets almost daily and heard almost
nightly. Every available man in our regiment was as
signed to picket duty. We made in that way all the
show possible, though dress parading, battalion drilling
and even formal guard mounting long since had been
dispensed with.
Deaths and funerals were distressingly on the increase,
and pieces of pine board with lead-pencil marks upon
them were the only headstones and inscriptions that
could be used.
We had received occasional assurances from transport
boats that came up the bayou that we were soon to be
taken off. But we waited day after day and still no
definite arrangements for our departure appear to have
been made. AVe were at times almost maddened by
those disappointments and delays. Had an opportunity
presented itself, the writer has no doubt that the officers
of the regiment would have done what they did once
before, — they would have taken matters into their own

W'-NW.Mu^iv.^

Keeping up Appearances at Butte a la Rose.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 203
hands and without orders from any one would have
moved the regiment out of that detestable hole, whatever
the consequences might have been. But escape by land
was impossible. We had no guides, and though the
water was receding, the mud, many feet in depth, re
mained. May twenty-seventh, the small gunboat Estrella, the
last of the fleet of gunboats to descend the bayou, called
at the fort on her way from Alexandria to Brashear City.
That, seemingly, was our last chance, and the adjutant
once more was despatched to Brashear City to ascertain
if anything possibly could be done to relieve our regi
ment from its increasingly perilous situation. On the
way to Brashear City, the captain of the Estrella was
made fully aware of the helpless condition of the regi
ment, but of course could do nothing without orders.
His heart, however, had been touched.
The staff quartermaster at Brashear City could have
relieved us had he chosen to do so, but he declined to
act without specific orders from headquarters, and ap
parently he was not at all desirous of receiving such
orders. All this was aggravating almost beyond endur
ance. In fact, the adjutant was nearly wild with anxiety
lest, after repeated efforts, he should fail in his mission.
The recollection of those hours even now while writing
these pages makes him start to his feet as if in a night
mare. The peril of the regiment, owing to the rapid falling
of the waters in all the streams and bayous, was increas
ing with every hour's delay. In making the late pass-

204 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
ages, each of the larger transports, while crossing the
chain of shallow lakes connected by the Atchafalaya
dragged bottom, and had they attempted to sail a few
feet either side of the channel they would have grounded
or have been snagged. The transport George A. Shel
don already had struck a snag, and sank close by Fort
Burton. When all the facts are taken into account, it seems
like a most manifest providential interposition that there
was a young division staff officer from Massachusetts,
who, at the same time the adjutant was pleading with
those in authority to save our regiment from capture and
death, reached Brashear City by order of General Emory,
and began to interest himself in our behalf.
This officer was Captain Alpheus Hyatt. He was not-
long in coming into full sympathy with our situation
and almost commanded an expedition to be sent to
relieve us. It goes, perhaps, without saying, that
one of the gladdest moments of the historian's life
was when on board the Estrella, in company with Cap
tain Hyatt, he shook himself and found he was not
dreaming and that the Estrella and two transports were
really starting for those imperiled comrades.
At this point we introduce a letter from Captain Hyatt
which will make it clear that the historian has not over
estimated the perilous position we were in at the time
of which we are speaking, or overdrawn the distress
ing, almost appalling, condition of our regiment when
Butte a la Rose was evacuated :

new hampshire volunteers. 205
Cambridge, Mass.,
June 21, 1893.
"Adjutant of the Sixteenth Regiment,
" New Hampshire Volunteers.
" Dear Sir : — My memory of the evacuation of Butte
a la Rose and the events attending it has been kept
clear by repetition, but of course many of the details
have faded from my mind, because I have not yet met
any one who had been an actor in the same scenes.
" I was at that time a captain in the Forty-seventh
Massachusetts Volunteers and acting aide-de-camp upon
the staff of General Emory, who was in command of the
city and district of New Orleans and of the troops on
the west banks of the Mississippi opposite that district.
"His adjutant-general gave me an order to proceed to
Brashear City and then to Butte a la Rose with three
steamers to be procured at the last named port, and to
bring off the garrison at the port of Butte a la Rose, if,
as was significantly but verbally added, they are still
there. It was understood in New Orleans that this
expedition might miscarry, since it was known that the
Confederates were then pushing forward from Texas
with the intention, if practicable, of reaching the banks
of the Mississippi, and annoying, if not capturing, the
weak garrison of New Orleans.
"I found at Brashear City that the expedition was
looked upon as more risky than it was at headquarters
in New Orleans. The Confederate pickets had possess
ion of the opposite bank of the Atchafalaya and would

206 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
be certain to note the departure of the steamers. The
quartermaster at that place [Brashear City], in conse
quence of this opposed the execution of my orders,
denying that Emory had any rights in that locality,
which he asserted was directly under General Banks.
When this was pushed aside after some hard talk and
some words, which I do not remember, he still opposed
the sending of steamers, on the ground that it was use
less ; there were no well-protected boats ; it would be
delivering the crews and the steamers into the hands of
the enemy, and so on. I finally interviewed some of the
captains of the boats and by proper representations
enlisted the sympathy of one of them and got him to go
with me to the quartermaster and volunteer his services
for the attempt. He represented that the greatest
danger was the possible lowness of the water which
might prevent the return of the boats when loaded, but
as he also admitted it would be easy to judge of this on
the way up and possibly provide against it in the load
ing ; this induced the quartermaster to grant the detail
of steamers. We left Brashear City, I think, on the
third day after my arrival there, and this delay made
me very anxious for the safety of the garrison we were
to take away.
"Although in full sight of the enemy at starting, we
were not disturbed on the way, and arrived without
accident at the fort. This fact and the welcome nature
of the news we brought are events probably better
remembered by the surviving soldiers of the Sixteenth
New Hampshire than by myself. Although young, and

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 207
a rather reckless young man at the time, I can never
forget the interior of that fort, the tents set upon the
sides of the dyke or road in the interior, to keep them
out of the swamp. I had never seen before this an
undisguised swamp in the parade-ground of a fort, and
the terrible discomfort and danger of this to the troops
were obvious.
" That any large proportion of your regiment lived to
see civilization again, after such prolonged seclusion in
this black hole of swamp sickness, shows how tough
New Hampshire constitutions are. The larger number
of your men were sick, and if I remember right there
were only one hundred and twenty-five capable of help
ing the crews of the steamers to remove the sick, the
baggage, and the guns. The emaciation and pallor of
those men working at night alongside of the sunburnt
crews of the steamers was very noticeable. Their weak
ness was noticed by me in the fact that, although doing
their best, they moved about with extreme difficulty ;
the entire one hundred and twenty-five, though doing
their best, were not able to do one-fourth the work done
by the crews of the steamers, who numbered fewer than
one-half as many as your men. I ought to say here that
I cannot recall whether I brought up three boats or two,
but I feel quite sure about the number of men. I do not
remember whether we got away before morning, but I
have a picture in my mind of a long procession of men
carrying the sick on stretchers and spreading them out
over the decks of the boats, and I distinctly recall going
up to the pilot-house and looking down upon decks with

208 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
solid piles of motionless, blanketed men stretched out
straight on their backs, quiet as the dead that they so
closely resembled. It was the most pitiful and impress
ive picture of suffering that can be imagined.
" The uneventful return to Brashear City is, of course,
familiar to you. "Yours respectfully, "Alpheus Hyatt."
Yes, we, too, remember that night scene ; few recol
lections of a lifetime are more vivid. And no troops in
greater misery and distress, ever placed health and life
upon their country's altar than did the men of the Six
teenth during the time they garrisoned that dreadful
"black hole" of disease and death.
The debt of gratitude we owe to Captain Alpheus
Hyatt we never can repay. Had it not been for his persis-
tent and resolute efforts in our behalf, and for the
humane offices of the captain of the Estrella, we do not
believe one of the sick men of our regiment ever would
have left Fort Burton, and the fate of the most of those
who were still able to do duty after having been cut off
from communication with our army and almost from the
outside world, would have been more deplorable than
any one can dream who is not familiar with that doleful
place. There we were, imprisoned, and without supplies.
An escape through the swamps was impossible. It was
then the last of May. The last of July General Taylor
returned up the Teche country. At that time we should

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 209
have been taken prisoners, if any of us had remained
alive. Again and again we offer our thanks to the captain of
the Estrella for volunteering his services, and to Captain
Hyatt for his earnest intercessions in our behalf.

<M/^V\ty/W>

CHAPTER XI.
EVACUATION OF BUTTE A LA ROSE AND RETURN TO
PORT HUDSON.
IT was two o'clock on the afternoon of May twenty-
eighth that the gunboat Estrella and the transports
Come and Keppe started up the Atchafalaya on
their mission of rescue. We reached Butte a la Rose at
ten o'clock on the morning of May twenty-ninth.
The letters written home at that time by our men
attest their well-nigh inexpressible joy "when," as one
of our correspondents in a communication to a news
paper says, "we were permitted to see, before our
delighted eyes laying across the bayou, the gunboat
and transports that had come to save us." No wonder
the men were filled with joy, for the fate of prisoners of
war in the hands of Texas rangers, or certain death from
diseases then preying upon them, had seemed to be their
inevitable doom.
The dismantling of Fort Burton began immediately.
But the work was prosecuted with quietness during the
day in order to attract as little as possible the attention
of the Confederate scouts who had surrounded us and

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 211
who, within a few days past, had greatly increased in
numbers, boldness and activity. Indeed, we feared an
attack at daybreak the next morning from those of
Taylor's forces who had been left to prevent our escape
into the Teche country and who appeared to be making a
move to prevent, if possible, our departure on the trans
ports that they must have known had come to take us
away. As darkness fell upon us the work of destroying the
fortifications was pushed with as much vigor as the
enfeebled strength of our men would permit. In the
meantime the gunboat Estrella had taken a position
from which she could send her grape and shells down
the roadway had the enemy appeared in force. Doubt
less they were those precautionary measures of the
Estrella, or at least her presence there, that prevented a
raid upon us that very night ; for those Confederates
who were surrounding us had learned from experience
what speedy havoc a broadside of grape and canister
could make when sent among them.
The scenes of that night, the loading of the transports,
the painful efforts of our sick and enfeebled men to help
on in the work, the carrying of the sick and dying men
on board, already have been so well described by Cap
tain Hyatt that they need not in this connection be
repeated. At midnight we set fire to all the barracks and made
preparations to blow up the magazine which still held a
large quantity of powder. At that hour, too, we came
near meeting with a serious accident. As already men-

212 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
tioned, the transport George A. Sheldon, had struck a
snag and had been run in close to the fort where she lay
partly submerged.
During the day a small transport called the Union,
the last of her class to descend the bayou, reached the
fort, coming, if we mistake not, from Simmesport, hav
ing on board a quantity of cotton. She was hailed by
the Estrella, and in spite of the protests and oaths of her
captain, was pressed into service. Some of her cargo
was thrown overboard to make room for our sick men,
against which her captain offered additional protests.
But the guns of the Estrella at that time commanded
those waters and the captain of the Union had to obey.
Accordingly his boat had been made fast to the partly
submerged Sheldon and was being loaded across her
bows, which were the only part of her deck not under
water. Without a moment's warning, the Sheldon,
owing probably to the strain that came from the ropes
with which she was fastened to the Union, partly turned
over and slid into deep water.
As she sank, the Union began to sink with her; the
lines were so taut they could not be cast off and before
they could even be cut, the decks of the Union were
well under water. She was fearfully near being cap
sized with many of our sick men on board. But fortu
nately the ropes parted just in time to save this
threatened catastrophe in which the drowning of several
of our almost utterly helpless men would have been
inevitable. At length all the men and their belongings were on

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 213
board, together with the armament of the fort, and the
Estrella with the three transports swung clear of the
fort and slowly dropped down the bayou.
Two of our men, one of whom was our lieutenant-
colonel, remained for the purpose of lighting the fuse
communicating with the powder in the magazine. A few
moments later they were seen in the early grey of the
morning rowing rapidly towards the transports and were
taken on board. They had fired the fuse and we watched
for the explosion, but nothing of the kind followed. In
the light of the burning barracks, however, we plainly
saw the Confederates moving up the causeway and along
the embankments of the fort. They evidently had been
watching all our movements, and probably extinguished
the fuse within a few seconds after it had been lighted.
Indeed we can do more than say that they probably
did this, for during our regimental reunion at the Weirs,
August, 1896, one of our comrades, Corporal Rand,
stated that he had met a Confederate soldier who was
with those who had followed us up that night, intending
if possible our capture, and was among those who saved
the magazine from explosion, by extinguishing the fuse.
Our movements down the bayou were at first very
slow, at least till full daylight, and then all possible
speed was made. It became evident, especially while
passing through both Mud and Chicot Lakes and even
through the upper part of Grand Lake, that our depart
ure from Butte a la Rose had been none too soon. There
were miles through which the rather heavily laden boats
ploughed mud and at some points they dragged so

214 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
heavily that for a time, fears were entertained that we
could not proceed. Five, perhaps three days la.er the
passage through those waters would have been im
possible. When the sun rose we were well beyond the sight of a
spot we then presumed Federal troops never again would
be sent to garrison ; a spot that had more than a local,
it had at least a state reputation.
The reader doubtless will recall what the Confederate
commander said to us on taking possession of that place.
We now introduce another bit of testimony.
Soon after its capture, an announcement appeared in
a St. Martinsville paper which was quoted in a New
Orleans daily, reading thus :
"The Yanks have taken from us that Hole of Hell,
Butte a la Rose, and we wish them great joy in its pos
session." After entering Grand Lake, navigation was easy. We
began to feel that we were now on the way to some des
tination, though we knew not where, nor had we much
concern. Indeed, does any reader suppose had the
choice been left us on the one hand either to go into the
trenches before Port Hudson, to storm that stronghold of
the enemy, or to make any other bloody advance, and on
the other hand to return to Butte a la Rose that it would
have taken us one moment to decide*
Let us draw a picture or two ; the first one involves
patrol duty. The relief is ready and begins i-ts march
a half mile or more towards the enemy. The territory
is deserted and lonely. The outer vedette station is

0/iL.w

THE SENTRY IN A THUNDER STORM.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 217
reached. Two or three vedettes who had been on guard
the first half of the night are relieved ; the relief patrol
turns back, leaving two, possibly three soldiers out
there alone, but within hearing of the enemy's lines.
They pull their rubber blankets about them to keep the
pelting rain off ; they stand ready with thumb on the
hammer to cock their muskets ; they peer into the dark
ness from which may come a blaze of fire the next min
ute sending a bullet crashing through the brain. Those
are perilous and lonesome hours. But does any one
suppose that they inspire half the dread that came to us
while helplessly we did patrol duty in that " black hole"
with disease stalking among us and picking off our men
day and nigh t ?
On the "mud march" and at other times as skir
mishers we had deployed under great difficulties. When
rendering such service each man in the line expects in a
few brief moments to be the mark for, perhaps a score
of the enemy's rifles. Advancing in line they hear the
bullets whistling thick about them and are left to
wonder that they hear so many without feeling a slight
stinging sensation somewhere in the body, followed with
the consciousness that suddenly it is growing dark
about them ; then it is that a soldier's courage is
thoroughly tested. But we have no hesitation in saying
that if the men of our regiment any time after the first
ten days of their life at Butte a la Rose could have pur
chased their release from that place by being ordered to
make an advance in skirmish line every day in the week,
there would not have been a moment's hesitation.

218 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
It is a trying experience, too, when soldiers are called
upon to hold an important position with heavy odds
against them until reinforcements can be brought to
their support. But though the carnage is sometimes
fearful, yet because it cannot last very long, it is far less
dreadful than a defense continued through weeks of
delay and suffering while the angels or fiends of disease
and death are hovering over a smitten and suffering
garrison. Butte a la Rose ! Bank of Roses! with your swamp
devils, monster alligators, venomous snakes, disease and
death, it was you who tested the fortitude of the sturdy
men from the granite hills of New Hampshire as the
fortitude of men seldom is tested !
But now horrible place — farewell I— forever. Such
were our thoughts as Butte a la Rose was hidden from
view by a belt of trees on the morning we left it. Those
experiences now come to us in memory not as a reality,
but as a dream too strange and wTeird to be believed.
It was Sunday^ forenoon, May thirty-first, just forty-
two days after our leaving for that henceforth unmen
tionable place, that we again landed on the wharf at
Brashear City, and our men were as thankful as mortals
could be that once more they were in the midst of at
least some evidences of civilization.
Among the first rations issued to the regiment after
reaching Brashear City was a large quantity of pickled
cabbage. The craving of the men for something acid
was so intense that they hardly could restrain them
selves, or be restrained. Leaving all other food un-

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 219
touched they seized that cabbage by the handfuls and
gorged themselves ; and what seems singular, they did
it, apparently without injury.
As soon as a train could be made up we were ordered
onboard. Algiers was our destination. That place was
reached at four o'clock in the afternoon. Owing to
recent orders to forward all available troops as rapidly
as possible to Port Hudson, we were allowed no time for
rest, though many of our men were too weak to stand
without support, and some of them could not stand at
all but were carried on board the Sally Robinson which
had been ordered up the river to Springfield Landing, a
short distance south' of Port Hudson.
The adjutant was detained in New Orleans for a few
hours, to report to General Emory the condition of the
regiment, get the regimental mail and to notify any con
valescents belonging to our command to report at Port
Hudson. A few hours after the sailing of the Sally
Robinson, the adjutant and a few convalescents took
passage on the steamship Fulton, and near sunfall, June
first, reached the landing where the larger part of the
survivors of the Sixteenth were bivouacked awaiting
orders,

<§\<§Xi)\@

CHAPTER XII.

THE INVESTMENT OF PORT HUDSON.
IT had been clearly demonstrated in the naval engage
ment, March fourteenth, that Port Hudson could not
be captured, on the river side. There remained,
therefore, three possible ways of gaining possession of it,
which were these : — First, there could be instituted a
siege that would starve the garrison into a surrender.
Second, assaults upon the works could be made, that
might result in forcing a surrender. Third, General
Banks, any time after May twenty-third, could have
withdrawn his forces a short distance and the enemy
would have made a quick and voluntary escape.
This last statement is made thus positively for as early
as that date General Gardner had received orders from
General Johnson to abandon Port Hudson, if possible.
Among the Confederate records we found in the Con
gressional library the following letter written, under
date of May twenty-ninth, 1863, by Colonel Logan to
General Johnson :
" I have had no communication from General Gardner
since the twenty-fourth. On that night he intended, if
possible, to come out and ordered me to place my forces

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 221
so as to assist him, which I did. I think he found it
impossible to cut his way out. I am at this place [Clin
ton, La. J with a command of cavalry and mounted infan
try, twelve hundred men, doing all I can to aid Gardner,
by dashing upon the enemy's lines, destroying his wagon
trains, etc. I am determined to do all I can with the
means at my command."
It thus appears that Gardner was watching for an op
portunity to escape. And to have allowed him to escape,
as will appear further on, would have been on the whole,
a wiser course to pursue than to fight, though under
ordinary circumstances and from a strictly military
point of view such a course at that time doubtless
would have been open to criticism.
But the method adopted by our forces was that of mak
ing assaults upon the enemy which proved, as a matter
of fact, the most unwise and unfortunate course con
ceivable. Our regiment had reached Springfield Landing, as we
have said, June first, but the investment of Port Hudson
had been completed six clays earlier, May twenty-fifth.
The disposition of our forces at that time was as follows:
General Weitzel occupied the extreme right ; then came
Generals Grover, Paine, Auger and Dwight, in the order
named, Dwight occupying the extreme left.
Farragut was stationed above Port Hudson with the
gunboats Hartford, Albatross and a few smaller ones,
and just below were the gunboats Monongahela, Essex,
Gennesee and Richmond, together with several mortar
boats under the command of C. H. Caldwell.

222 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Banks wrote to Grant under date of May eighth that
as early as May twenty-fifth he should have fifteen thous
and effective men before Port Hudson ; presumably that
was about the number engaged in the siege at the date
of which we are writing.
General Frank Gardner, then commanding Port Hud
son, had asked General Johnson for reinforcements, but
they could not be furnished, and hence Johnson's order
for Gardner to escape with his forces if possible. But
this Gardner felt he could not do, nor could he commu
nicate any longer with Johnson or the outside world.
And further, he had no means by land or water for ob
taining commissary or ordnance supplies.
It was commonly reported, too, at the time, that his
troops had been reduced to "mule meat" and "fricasseed
rats," which probably was a much exaggerated statement
of the facts in the case ; still that Gardner was in great
straits never has been questioned. He was surrounded.
Nearly three hundred of our heavy siege guns had been
brought into position to bombard his fortifications. His
men were deserting daily, and some of them came within
our lines in a half-starved condition. All, therefore,
that Banks need to have done was to be patient, wait a
little, and the garrison would have been starved into an
unconditional surrender.
That such should have been the method of conquest is
apparent enough from our present point of view and
seemingly it ought to have been equally apparent at the
time of which we are speaking.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 223
In a letter of May twenty-eighth to General Grant,
General Banks writes thus :
"The garrison of the enemy is five or six thousand
men. [This appears to be an under estimate.] The
works are what ordinarily would be styled impregnable.
They are surrounded by ravines, woods, valleys and
bayous of the most intricate and labyrinthic character
that make the works themselves almost inaccessible. It
requires time even to understand the geography of the
position. * * * If it be possible I beg you to send
me at least one brigade of four thousand or five thousand
men. This will be of vital importance to us. We may
have to abandon these operations without it."
In his Personal Memoirs General Grant gives the fol
lowing reasons for not complying with Banks' request.
" In May I received a letter from General Banks asking
me to reinforce him with ten thousand men. [There is
a discrepancy between Grant's and Banks' account of
the number of men asked for.J Of course I did not com
ply with his request, nor did I think he needed them.
He was in no danger of an attack by the garrison in his
front, and there was no army organizing in his rear to
raise the siege."
Now in view of these facts and especially in view of
the confessions of General Banks, we cannot help asking
this question :
Why should an assault have been made on " impreg
nable works" and on "almost inaccessible" fortifications,
especially when there was "no danger of an attack by
the garrison in front," when "there was no army or-

224 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
ganized in the rear to raise the siege and when Gardner
was already suffering for lack of supplies ? "
General Grant, with, certainly no stronger reasons, had
adopted a more sensible and an equally military course
at Vicksburg. That is, after making one assault, May
twenty-second, he says, in his Personal Memoirs: "I
now determined upon a regular siege to out-camp the
enemy, as it were, and to incur no more losses."
This plan was carried out and by regular " siege work "
General Grant brought about the surrender of Vicksburg
July fourth, the siege lasting forty-six days which was
one day fewer than the time of Banks' investment of Port
Hudson. And if any good reasons can be given why the method
employed by Grant should not have been adopted by
Banks, we cannot imagine what they can be.
The resolution of Grant not to imperil the lives of his
men by storming the strong fortifications of the enemy
was not only sensible and humane, but under the cir
cumstances was eminently soldierly. On the other hand
the method adopted by our troops we cannot characterize
by any other sentence than one we use with great reluc
tance, namely, that the method of Banks, under the cir
cumstances, was unsoldierly and seemingly inhuman.
In this history it is not for us to go fully into the
details of the first attack upon Port Hudson, for our
regiment had not yet reached there. We merely say
that an assault was made on the enemy's " impregnable"
and "almost inaccessible" fortifications, Sunday morn
ing, May twenty-seventh. In evidence of the accuracy of

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 225
Banks' description of the strength of those fortifications
we recount the slaughter that befel the Eighth regiment
of our own state, a regiment whose brilliant record, we
shall be pardoned for saying, is surpassed by that of no
other regiment from any of the states during the war ; a
regiment of whose fortitude and courage our state always
should be proud.
It will be remembered by those who are familiar with
the history of the Nineteenth Army Corps, that they
were the Eighth New Hampshire and Fourth Wisconsin
which led off in almost every perilous engagement and
expedition everywhere in the department of the gulf.
This is the sanguinary record of the Eighth during that
first Sunday's fighting :
Lieutenant-Colonel Lull fell, mortally wounded, by a
Minie ball, early in the charge, while cheering on his
men. Captain Flanders and Lieutenants Jones and Lang-
ley were also wounded. All of the color guard, except
ing a single corporal, were killed or wounded ; "but the
gallant survivor kept fast hold of his flag, and planted
it triumphantly on the outer slope of the works, where
it remained till night, riddled with grape, canister and
bullets." The number that went into the fight was two
hundred and ninety-eight, and of those one hundred and
twenty-four were killed or wounded.
Such was the fatality of that one regiment in that dis
astrous assault, and the losses of some of the others were
scarcely less. Our army lost in all that day nineteen
hundred and ninety-five men, killed, wounded and miss
ing, while the enemy's loss was hardly worthy of mention.

226 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Those melancholy results of an attempt to carry "im
pregnable" fortifications should have been as one would
think a salutary lesson to our commanders.
Such was the state of affairs when the Sixteenth arrived
at Springfield Landing June first. On the evening of our
arrival Colonel Pike then in command, ordered the men
into line, and it was found that sick and well, rank and
file, we numbered two hundred and three, though we
ought to say that there was scarcely a well man among
them. Some of the number were so emaciated that
friends of a lifetime scarcely would have recognized them.
The following statements will furnish some idea of the
shattered condition of the regiment : The original color
guard were all gone and the three that stood in line that
afternoon were volunteers.
It became necessary to reorganize the regiment before
attempting an advance. The members of companies G
and K, were placed under the command of Captain Buffum
and Lieutenant Webber ; the members of companies A,
B and G, were placed under command of Captain Hersey
and Lieutenants Cooper and Colburn ; the members of
companies F and H, were assigned to the command of
Lieutenants Adams and Ward ; and the members of com
panies C, D and E, were assigned to Captain Clarke and
Lieutenant Porter. It appeared on inspection that com
pany K was the fullest of all the companies and yet its
condition was nothing to boast of . It had no commissioned
officer present and there were but two sergeants, three
corporals and twenty privates who could report for duty.
Our men after the reorganization, were found by the

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 227
inspecting officers and surgeons to be fitter for cots in
the hospital than for service on the field, yet in the words
of one of our officers, "Those sick men almost refused
to be taken to the hospitals, so eager were they for any
death except death by disease which threatened them."
At Springfield Landing we bivouacked for the night
with blankets for beds and trees for tents. Though burn
ing with fevers and shaking with ague we had our orders
to start for the front to engage with the other troops in
an assault on Port Hudson early the next morning.
Accordingly at two o'clock in the morning, with a cup
of coffee and hardtack for rations, the regiment was
formed in line and soon after began its languid and un
steady march through solitary woods whose silence was
broken by the occasional hooting of owls and booming of
the "big guns" of our batteries that were trying to
silence those of the enemy.
In a few hours we expected to be in the fight and in
front of works that already had proved too strong for our
troops to carry. At nine o'clock we were within the
outer rifle pits of the enemy that previously had been
stormed and carried by General Auger.
While still moving cautiously towards the enemy's
lines we were halted and received orders from General
Banks to report immediately at headquarters. This
change in the disposition of our regiment was made, we
presumed, at the time, because of some threatened danger
at that point. This, however, proved not to be the case
and the reason of the order soon after was fully explained
in this way :

228 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
General Emory, who was then on duty in New Orleans,
after receiving our regimental report and after listening
to Captain Hyatt's account of our condition, forwarded
despatches to General Banks that the Sixteenth New
Hampshire must not be sent to the front ; that it had
suffered enough already and "at best could muster for
service only a few skeletons.''''
We shall be pardoned for expressing at this point our ad
miration for the soldierly and merciful character of Gene
ral W. H. Emory and our sense of gratitude for his thought
ful consideration on two occasions for our regiment.
We were in his division most of the time during our
campaign. He was a West Point graduate (1831) and
was first captain, then major in the war with Mexico.
He took part as brigadier-general in the Peninsula cam
paign in 1862. He was absolutely fearless, staunchly
loyal, a strict disciplinarian in important matters but
not a stickler for trivial things. More than once he re
ceived the adjutant in person when regimental represen
tatives and requests should have gone to him only
through the regular channels.
Though having great interests to look after in New
Orleans, sufficient one would think to have absorbed his
entire thought, still he had his eyes upon our imperilled
regiment at Butte a la Rose and sent Captain Hyatt to
our rescue. And no sooner had he received a detailed
statement of our condition than he sent his report and
request to General Banks not to put us in the trenches.
This tribute to that noble officer is tardy, but is de
served and most gratefully rendered.

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NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 231
General Banks, acting upon this leport from General
Emory and probably recalling what had been our experi
ences as seen to some extent by himself when passing
down the bayou at Butte a la Rose, countermanded the
order that was sending us to the front and ordered us to
report at headquarters where we were assigned the duty
of issuing and guarding ammunition.
The representations of Captain Hyatt respecting our
regiment, and the report of General Emory to General
Banks, we may add, receive striking confirmation in the
fact that on the morning of June seventh, one week after
our arrival at Springfield Lauding we could muster from
the entire regiment only seventy-five men fit for duty.
There were daily deaths and in a single day while there
at Port Hudson we carried to the grave six of the few
comrades who were left. Some of the men attempting to
walk to the surgeon's tent fell dead in their tracks, and
others died in their tents, unattended and without utter
ing a moan. We quote in confirmation of what we are
saying a few words from one of our most efficient officers,
Captain John L. Rice : —
"At last we were permitted to come out of those terri
ble swamps upon a fair field, and with an enthusiasm
which I never have seen equalled, our boys took their
place in line and fairly courted a soldier's death.
"But it was too late. The fatal poison had done its
work. Daily and hourly our boys sickened and died.
Every morning they "were found dead in their blank
ets. At loll-call while answering feebly to their names
thev would fall down and die in their tracks. Time

232 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
and again I saw them all accoutred for battle, with
eyes to the front and musket in hand, stagger, sink to
the ground where they had been standing, as dead as if
shot in their tracks. Once when a funeral squad had
fired the last volley over the grave of a comrade, one of
the squad moved forward, sank upon the fresh mound
of his dead comrade and breathed his last. Another
grave was hastily dug, another volley fired and that
comrade was covered from sight."
Sunday, June thirteenth, brings us to the second
unfortunate and unjustifiable assault on Port Hudson.
It was at best a reckless Sunday adventure which many
of our New England men engaged in without heart, or
enthusiasm. The general plan of that assault, as is supposed, was
formulated by General Banks, though General Grover
appears to have arranged the particulars. Grover and
Weitzel were to make the main attack upon the extreme
northeasterly angle of the enemy's works, and at the
same time Generals Auger and Dwight were to make an
attack on the left. General Weitzel's troops were to
make a vigorous assault and if possible gain a position
inside the enemy's works, and when this was done
General Paine' s division was to move to their immediate
support at an angle of the fortifications not far distant.
At early dawn Weitzel's column, through a covered
way that had been excavated to within one hundred
yards of the outer works of the Confederates, began its
march. But as it emerged from its concealment it was
met by an unexpected and murderous fire from the

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 233
enemy. It appears that General Gardner, the Confed
erate commander, had been fully informed of Banks'
intentions and accordingly his troops were massed at
that very point to meet our attack.
Weitzel's troops were thus repulsed and appear to
have been quite demoralized before Paine' s division had
fairly gotten under way. This failure of co operation of
Weitzel and Paine was a fatal mistake. For when Paine
had reached the point where he was to make his assault,
Gardner was there before him. He had reinforced the
troops already there with those that had just repulsed
Weitzel and thus was able to confront Paine with a
force that staggered and then drove him back. The
facts are that Gardner had completely out-generaled
our troops.
Dwight' s attack on the left which should have been
made simultaneously with that of Weitzel on the right,
came too late, owing it is said, to the misdirection of the
guides and hence proved an utter failure.
The late afternoon and night hours of the day of that
bloody defeat overtook a body of Union troops that
"were discouraged, worn out, almost dazed with grief
and disappointment and perhaps hardened somewhat
with the scenes through which they had passed." And
no one familiar with the events of that and the previous
Sunday assaults, can blame the disheartened men.
The historian of the Sixteenth, having received per
mission to be absent from headquarters for the day, spent
the afternoon and evening among our defeated troops
and a part of the time on the ground that had witnessed

234 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
the repulse of Weitzel's division and therefore from per
sonal observation knows of what he is speaking.
We must again compliment the regiment already re
ferred to, the Eighth New Hampshire, and we employ its
losses as before by way of illustration. The general
order for that day was the following :
Headquarters Third Division,
Before Port Hudson, June 12th, 1863.
General Orders : No. 64.
COLUMN OF ATTACK.
Eighth New Hampshire, Fourth Wisconsin, as skirm
ishers, intervals two paces.
Five companies, Fourth Massachusetts and One Hun
dred Tenth New York, etc., etc., etc.
The Eighth New Hampshire entered that fight with two
hundred and seventeen men and lost one hundred and
twenty-two out of the number.
We cannot help feeling intense indignation that our
New Hampshire men, as true and noble soldiers as
ever walked the earth, were sacrificed so needlessly
and uselessly before Port Hudson. Brave men ! and we
include our heroic comrades of the Fifteenth New
Hampshire as well, who participated in those assaults,
you did as commanded and deserve all praise, but your
slaughter with nothing of advantage to show for it
constitutes one of the deplorable pages of the military
history of the United States of America.
And we shall be pardoned in passing for speaking a
word in commendation of the colored troops who fought

THE NEGRO COLOR SERGEANT.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 237
with us and to whom the nation owes a debt of gratitude
not yet paid. Colonel Stafford, of the first regiment of
the Black Brigade, while encamped, the historian is
proud to say, near our own regiment at Baton Rouge,
handed the regimental colors to the sergeant, who was
as black as a negro could be, closing his speech with
these words :—" Color bearer, guard, defend, protect,
die for, but do not surrender these colors." To which
the sergeant replied :— " Colonel, I'll return this flag to
you, in honor, or I'll report to God the reason why."
The negro sergeant, in that desperate charge on Port
Hudson, fell mortally wounded. But his ebony face
was to the enemy ; and those colors in his clenched
hands were pressed upon his breast, and the God above
knew the reason why he did not return the flag to his
colonel. The total loss to our forces in that second Sunday's at-
attack was eighteen hundred and five men, and as in
the former assault, scarcely any damage was done to
the enemy.
Those two disastrous defeats and the general con
dition of our troops, as might be expected, greatly
emboldened the Confederate forces that were then hov
ering about us. The wonder is that Gardner and Green
after those defeats and in our crippled condition did
not attempt to entrap, if not to crush our army between
their forces, which we think easily could have been done.
This manifestly was Logan's conviction. For under
date of June twenty-ninth he wrote thus to General
Johnson :

238 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
"As I have already stated, a small reinforcement
sent here will not only raise the siege of Port Hudson
but drive the enemy from the country, and I believe
from Baton Rouge."
The issuing and guarding of ammunition at head
quarters constituted the service of our regiment outside
of Port Hudson from June second to July tenth and
inside of Port Hudson from that date to July twentieth.
Day after day and night after night during the time
preceding the fall of Port Hudson rifles were cracking
and cannon booming and occasional shots came into our
camp, though no one of our men was struck. We felt
the importance of the service assigned, and were so
faithful in the discharge of our duties and had the confi
dence of General Banks to such extent that there
appeared to be no inclination on his part to transfer us
to other service, though at our best, while before Port
Hudson, we could muster scarcely a hundred men for
duty. During a period of, perhaps, two weeks before the
surrender of Port Hudson wTe were ordered out morning
after morning, at 3.30 o'clock and stood under arms
until daylight to repel a possible and what at times
seemed, a probable attack on headquarters by forces
under Logan that were closing in about us and con
stantly testing the strength of our position.
Confederate cavalrymen and mounted infantry, not in
very large numbers, however, were annoying our lines
all the way from Springfield Landing to Port Hudson.
Indeed there were detachments of the enemy at different

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 239
points down the river as far as Donaldsonville where
there was a force under General Green of from fifteen
hundred to two thousand men.
And we repeat that if the condition of our troops
after the two attacks on Port Hudson had been fully
known, and had Green crossed the river and concentrated
his forces in our rear, had " Dick" Taylor made a little
more show in his demonstration against New Orleans,
when he moved east from Brashear City, and had Gard
ner assumed the offensive aided by Logan, seemingly the
capitulation of Banks' army inevitably must have fol
lowed.

CHAPTER XIII.

THREE AFFAIRS OF INDEPENDENT AND
IMPORTANT INTEREST.

I. "THE STORMING COLUMN" OR "FORLORN HOPE."
THE day after the last assault on Port Hudson, June
fourteenth, was a gloomy one and was passed by
the troops in burying such of their dead as had
been brought off the field, in caring for the wounded and
in estimating the various losses and casualties that had
befallen our army.
It was during that day, too, that General Banks
issued his famous order, number forty-nine, calling for
volunteers to constitute a "Storming Column," or
"Forlorn Hope" as it was called. Those volunteers
were to assault Port Hudson, as was expected at the
point of the bayonet, and the place for the attack was
to be not far from the extreme right of our army. The
following was the order issued ;—

new hampshire volunteers. 241
Headquarters Dept. of the Gulf,
19th Army Corps,
Before Port Hudson, La., June 15, 1863.
General Order No. 49.
"The Commanding General congratulates the troops before
Port Hudson, upon the steady advance made upon the enemy's
works, and is confident of an immediate and triumphant issue of
the contest. We are at all points upon the threshold of his forti
fications. One more advance and they are ours.
"For the last duty that victory imposes, the Commanding
General summons the bold men of the Corps to the organization
of a Storming Column of a thousand men, to vindicate the Flag
of the Union and the memory of its defenders who have fallen !
L,et them come forward !
"Officers who led the Column of Victor}- in the last assault
may be assured of a just recognition of their services by promo
tion, and every Officer and Soldier who shares its perils and its
glories shall receive a medal fit to commemorate the first grand
success of the campaign of 1863 for the freedom of the Mississippi.
His name shall be placed in General Orders on the roll of Honor.
"Division Commanders will at once report the names of the
Officers and Men who may volunteer for this service, in order that
the organization of the Column may be completed without dela}r.
" By command of
"Mat. Gen. Banks.
"Richard B. Irwin, Asst Ajt. Gen."

Colonel Henry W. Bridge was assigned command of
the Storming Column, having for his staff Captain Duncan
S. Walker, assistant adjutant-general, and Lieutenant
Edmund H. Russell of the ninth Pennsylvania Reserves,

acting signal officer.

The hearts of some of the bravest and most patriotic
of our men were moved, as might be expected, by the
reading of this order, but the hearts of others equally

242 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
brave and patriotic, who had been taking into account
the entire situation of affairs, so far as it could be taken
into account by them, were not moved. Indeed the
order failed utterly to awaken any enthusiasm in the
hearts of the majority of the army. On the contrary it
elicited much unfavorable comment, and in some in
stances, severe criticism.
Two months earlier, five thousand men at least, would
have volunteered unhesitatingly for that service. But
the outlook had changed. And who will say there were
not the best of reasons for taking a different view of
affairs ?
Certainly from our present point of view an attempt to
carry out the order of General Banks would have been
unwise and even foolhardy. Not one good reason can be
advanced for supposing that the assault contemplated
by the "Forlorn Hope" would have brought results
different from those that followed the attacks of Maj
twenty-seventh and of June fourteenth. Our ranks had
been depleted and our men were more debilitated than
they were at those earlier dates. And besides we were
feeling the discouragement and chagrin of a double
defeat. And further if that proposed assault had been made
and had resulted disastrously, there is every likelihood
that Gardner would have been emboldened to attack us
in front while Logan, and possibly Green after crossing
the river, would have made an assault upon us in the
rear. If that had been done the chances were many fold
that Gardner, as we have suggested, would have dictated

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 243
terms of surrender to Banks instead of Banks dictating
them to Gardner.
We are fully" aware of the fact that efforts have been
made to excuse the two assaults that had been made and
the third one that was proposed, on the ground that a
large number of the troops in the Nineteenth Army
Corps were nine-months' men whose time of enlistment
already had expired or was about to expire, and that
their withdrawal would so weaken the army that the
troops remaining would be forced to raise the siege and
return to New Orleans.
But the great majority of those nine-months' men
never would have left General Banks in such distress,
and he must have known it. There were some of those
men who without complaint already had over-served
their time, and some of them, including those of the Six
teenth, had signified their intention, without regard to
their term of enlistment, to remain until the peril then
threatening our army was passed.
We ought in all fairness to add that doubtless the
peril threatening New Orleans which was at that time
very great also may have influenced Banks in making the
assault on Port Hudson.
Under date of July fourth, 1863, General Emory wrote
thus to Banks : —
" I respectfully suggest that, unless Port Hudson be
already taken you can save this city (New Orleans) only
by sending me reinforcements immediately and at any
cost. It is a choice between Port Hudson and New
Orleans."

244 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
But the risk of a third assault we insist was too great
notwithstanding the peril threatening both Port Hudson
and New Orleans, for in case of failure, the then, exist
ing peril would have been multiplied many fold.
General Banks doubtless was gratified that his appeal
met a noble response, nearly nine hundred men immedi
ately enlisting for the perilous undertaking.
Soon after its enrolment that volunteer company, " The
Storming Column," went into camp at the north of Port
Hudson. June thirteenth, General Banks in expectation that
the assault was about to be made, addressed in the
following words quite a company of the officers and men
of the Storming Column who had assembled for that pur
pose near headquarters : —
" Soldiers! As I look in your faces, I read suffering; I see
marks of trial ; and yet I see determination — patience ! No
soldiers ever had a nobler record than those who compose the Army
of the Gulf. Beginning with nothing, it has created itself, until
it is far superior in power to any army of its size in the United
States. "You have actually marched more than five hundred miles,
scattered the enemy to the winds wherever you have found him ;
utterly destroyed his army and navy, and now you hold him
captive for the last and greatest triumph. Never were you called
to nobler duty than that now resting upon you.
" Open the Mississippi river, give joy to the country and recede
shouts of joy such as have never been borne to any branch
of the Union army, and the reward God ever gives to those who
go forth to defend the country's rights.
"A little more than a month ago you found the enemy in the
open country far away from these scenes. Now he is hemmed in
and surrounded. A few days ago we could neither Fee bastion,
parapet or citadel.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 245
" Now alt is changed ! Our guns range all over the works. We
stand here and look over at the enemy face to face. It was when
we were at a distance, when we had to cover the labyrinth of
ravine, hill and bayou that our brothers fell in large numbers.
' 'Our position is one now of perfect safety in cqntrast. Look about
you ; right, left, front and rear, our flag is on the threshold of his
works. What remains is, to close upon him and secure him
within our grasp. We want the close hug ! When you get an
enemy's head under your arm, you can pound him at your will.
Let us go in then and he can never beat us back. The hug he
will never recover from, until the Devil, the arch Rebel, gives him
his own !
"All about me I see written determination — will — courage —
that will conquer ! and who doesn't know that our cause is the
best under the sun?
" Whenever the tidings of our triumph goes forth, you will hear
a shout such as you never heard. We hear that the Rebel army
is moving North from Virginia, spreading out into the borders of
the states beyond the Potomac. This will necessarily depress
those at home.
' ' But how will their hearts be cheered and how will they
shower their blessings upon you when they hear the news of your
triumph. Your names will be entered upon the archives of your
country — art will perpetuate your struggles.
"This siege — the coming struggle and victory — all will be
carried down to posterity. Their pride will be that their friends
were present at the conflict that results in the opening of the
Mississippi, " You deserve rest ! You have earned it ; but I must ask you
with power and force to finish the work you commenced April first
at Berwick, Make a record for yourselves and children, and then
take the rest you have earned. I have come to ask you to prepare
yourself for the last great struggle.
"Go forward with ordinary exhibition of spirit and strength,
and victory is yours. The enemy of your country will be your
captive. Your flag will wave over the battlements of Port
Hudson. Open the Mississippi river, and the rebellion is at an
end. Your fathers, mothers, sisters, all will hail the news with

246 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
delight and bless you forever. You have suffered deprivations,
you have made great sacrifices; but after it, comes glory, and after
glory, rest ! Buckle on the armor then, make this one more great
exertion. "I assure you, in the name of the President of the United
States, that you can confer a favor no greater upon your country
than this ! no appeal that I can make can express the importance
of this movement. Give us one more effort and we will whip the
enemy until desolation shall leave him as naked as the vulgar air."
In this address as it must be confessed Banks, as the
saying goes, put his best foot forward and made out a
case quite as strong as the facts would warrant ; indeed
stronger, in some respects, as every soldier who was there
before Port Hudson and who had been a careful observer,
must have felt.
The fourth of July, 1863, was decided upon for that
final assault. Accordingly on the third of July Generals
Banks, Weitzel, Grover, Granger, Emory and several of
their staff officers, and the officers of many of the regi
ments, visited the camp of the "Forlorn Hope" and
received messages from the boys for the "dear ones at
home." Good-byes and farewells were sorrowfully ex
changed, for no one could reasonably expect that any of
those volunteers if the attack were made would escape
death, wounds, or Confederate prisons.
General Banks on that occasion addressed the volun
teers, saying suggestively among other things "that
when their ranks were broken they would better go to
their several tents, write letters to their friends and
loved ones at home, and then rest in preparation for the
duties of the morrow."

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 247
The assault was to be made at daybreak and they,
poor men, were promised that they "should eat break
fast inside the rebel works."
The long roll was sounded at half past two in the
morning, and each member of the "Storming Column"
silently took his place in the line ready to meet the
bloody fate that surely awaited him if the attack were
made. General Banks and staff soon after appeared. He rode
down the line and back, then to a point near the center
where he halted. Hat in hand he then saluted the men.
He next deliberately drew from his breast pocket a
despatch from General Grant announcing the fall of
Vicksburg and in a most impressive manner read it to
the troops.
General Banks then said to the volunteers that in view
of the fall of Vicksburg, the contemplated assault would
be postponed until further orders. Fortunate provi
dence ! We had been spared another sacrifice.
The men retired again to their tents. Many of them
having passed a wakeful night quickly fell asleep, and
dreamed, and woke not to the horrid din and roar of
battle and scenes of carnage, but to honorable mention,
which they certainly deserved.
When at length the "Forlorn Hope" had the merited
honor of leading the other troops as they entered Port
Hudson to take possession after its surrender, no one
was inclined to raise an objection.
The Sixteenth regiment contributed to the "Forlorn
Hope" the following officers and men: Company A,

248 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Corporal Daniel C. Dacey ; Company B, Private Edward
J. Wiley ; Company C, Lieutenant Edward J. O'Don-
nell, Corporal Clinton Bohannon and Private Asa Bur
gess ; Company F, Lieutenant Edgar E. Adams; Com
pany H, Captain John L. Rice ; Company K, Corporal
William A. Rand and Private Rufus L. Jones. The
name of Corporal Rand appears first on that roll.
While according all praise to those brave men of our
own regiment and to their comrades from other regi
ments, we cast no reflections upon those who declined to
answer the call of General Banks. There was no lack
of courage but many of our men believed there would be
simply another waste of life with nothing gained by the
assault. If ordered to make an attack our troops would
have obeyed, but they did not care to volunteer in what
seemed to them to be a hopeless and useless undertaking.
As everybody who knew anything of the Department
of the Gulf will acknowledge, no more courageous men
ever stood in the ranks of an army than those who com
posed the Eighth New Hampshire and the Fourth Wis
consin regiments. Yet only three men from the former
and only one from the latter regiment, volunteered in
that last proposed venture against Port Hudson.
We may add that the months and years of delay in
giving to those brave and patriotic volunteers the memo
rial that was promised at the time, is a well-nigh unpar
donable neglect on the part of the United States govern
ment. What duty is more imperative than for a
government to fulfil its pledges to those who offered
themselves in sacrifice to preserve the Union !

SPRINGFIELD LANDING.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 249
I I. ATTACK AT SPRINGFIELD LANDING.
Springfield Landing is six or seven miles distant from
the nearest point to Port Hudson and was somewhat
further from General Banks' headquarters. It was the
landing place for the various supplies intended for our
troops who were then besieging Port Hudson.
At the time of which we are writing, early in July,
there were immense quantities of quartermasters and
commissary stores, ammunition and medical supplies
piled along the shore of that landing awaiting transpor
tation. For the purpose of protecting those supplies the men
of the Sixteenth, commanded by Captain Hersey, to
gether with the One Hundred Sixty-Second New York,
were detached from the main army, and Captain Hersey
was appointed provost marshal.
Confederate scouts, though appearing at no point in
large numbers, constantly had been hovering along the
road between the Landing and Port Hudson, which ran
for a larger part of the distance through a well-wooded
and deserted country. The Confederate colonel, J. L.
Logan, a bold and dashing officer, was raiding in our
rear and doing no little mischief. In his report to Gen
eral Johnson he said, " I will range around through the
country and whenever an opportunity offers, will strike
the enemy."
Still, an attack by Logan at Springfield Landing was
hardly expected, and certainly had not been provided
for. Accordingly, on July second, at nine o'clock in the

250 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
morning, our men were treated to a genuine surprise.
Indeed, for a few moments there was consternation among
them. A regiment of Texan rangers, sometimes called
"bushwhackers," under command of the Confederate,
Colonel Powers, numbering from two to four hundred,
though seeming to our startled men to number several
thousands, without a moment's warning dashed in among
our troops taking temporary possession of all supplies.
They came from the southwest and with such boldness
that the men on the picket line, belonging to the One
Hundred Sixty-Second New York, supposed at first that
they were our own cavalry.
Not a shot was fired by our men until they had been
surrounded. As soon as the mistake was discovered
the colonel of the One Hundred Sixty-Second New York
with a resolute effort attempted to rally his men, but all
to no purpose, at least so far as getting them into shape
to repel the attack was concerned.
But his courageous efforts and energetic commands
appear to have been of important service, for the Con
federates fearing that the New York men were being
ordered into position to cut off their retreat, and suffer
ing somewhat from the men of the Sixteenth who after
the first surprise had begun to fire upon them, escaped
almost as suddenly as they had come upon us.
In Colonel Irwin's report to General Banks we were
gratified to find this acknowledgment: "The provost
guard commanded by Captain A. J. Hersey, Sixteenth
New Hampshire made a fight from behind the levee and
drove the enemy off, killing three including a captain

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 251
and wounding five of their number. Captain Hersey' s
loss was three wounded, three prisoners and one missing."
The enemy remained within our lines scarcely more
than twenty minutes. They set fire to a large quantity
of clothing and garrison equippage, but the bulk of the
stores were saved. Colonel Logan's report sent to Rich
mond that he had "burned all the enemy's stores,
destroyed a hundred wagons and killed and wounded a
hundred and forty men," was of course a Confederate
falsehood. The facts were that they had taken but
twenty -five prisoners, only three belonging to the Six
teenth, and they were released within a few hours.
Only one of our men, Private Johnson of Company G,
was killed.
The audacity of that raid, the little damage done with
the opportunity of doing much, the firmness with which
our men (with two or three exceptions) stood their
ground, especially those of the Sixteenth, judging from
Irwin's report to Banks, and the precipitate flight of the
enemy are matters of congratulation.
We shall be justified, perhaps, in adding at this point
another complimentary announcement made to General
Banks by General Irwin. It came about in this way : —
A few days after that attack at Springfield Landing
a detachment of dust-covered Federal cavalry under a
dim light dashed into our lines. The contrabands under
our charge, of whom there were almost a multitude, be
gan the cry — " The Rebs — the Rebs — are coming." This
was echoed by hundreds of others and created a panic ;
there was a wild rush of negroes, teams, teamsters and

252 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
frightened soldiers. Speaking of that affair Colonel
Irwin in his report to Banks says : "At the bluff they
were stopped by the bayonets of the Sixteenth New
Hampshire which formed with great promptitude behind
the levee."
III. DEFENCE OF FORT BUTLER AT DONALDSONVILLE.
It will be remembered by the reader that at the time
the Sixteenth left Butte a la Rose, many of the men
being too enfeebled to proceed with the regiment to Port
Hudson were left, some at Brashear City, others at Al
giers, while the larger part were taken to New Orleans
and placed in a roomy but not very inviting building
that in former days had been used as a cotton press.
Still, the men having suitable food and fairly good.
nursing, and being protected from rain and malarial
poisons, had really no grounds for complaint and many
of them, owing to their life-long temperate habits and
their naturally vigorous constitutions, rallied, as they
had at other times, surprisingly quick and felt them
selves ready for service though really far less qualified
for it than they imagined themselves to be.
Not many days had passed after their arrival at New
Orleans when there came a most pressing call for our
men and other convalescents to go up the river to Don
aldsonville, which was then threatened by the enemy,
there being at the time no other available troops that
could be had for its defence. Eighty men of the Six
teenth, as Comrade J. P. Heath, Company B, who was
among the number, reports, answered the call.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 253
It ought to be said, however, that Comrade H. L.
Johnson of Company H, who also was among the num
ber, thinks there were fewer of our men than the esti
mate of Comrade Heath indicates, and we rather incline
to the opinion of Johnson. The exact number is per
haps of no material importance, though the number of
the volunteers from our regiment as compared with that
from others must have been large.
Unfortunately the roster made by Sergeant G. P. Cot
ton of the Sixteenth, to whom on leaving New Orleans
for Donaldsonville was given the command of all the
convalescents from the various regiments, cannot since
his death, be found, though every effort has been made
to secure it. Comrade Johnson, after these many inter
vening years is able to recall with certainty the follow
ing names : Sergeant, George P. Cotton,
Corporal, Lewis F. Davis,
PRIVATES.
Leonidas J. Avery, Ranson Handy,
Charles G. Davis, Joseph P. Heath,
James W. Cross, Ezra F. Johnson,
Nathaniel D. Farnsworth, Henry L. Johnson,
George P. Jones.
It is, perhaps, no matter of surprise but certainly is a
matter of regret, that only these names of the men of
the Sixteenth can be enrolled among those who defended
that fortification. The only full record as we have said
is lost and most of the men are long since dead.

254 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Donaldsonville is on the Mississippi river, at the
confluence of the La Fourche bayou, and is about
equidistant from Port Hudson and New Orleans. Owing
to its location it figured first and last during the
several campaigns in Louisiana as a place of considerable
strategic importance.
Quite early in the war it was determined by the Fed
eral authorities to fortify it, and accordingly a fort was
built and named Fort Butler in honor of General
Benjamin F. Butler whom the people of the southwest
hated more intensely than they did any other because
he was disposed, to handle well-known Confederates
without gloves.
The fortification was remarkably well built and com
manded the approaches on all sides. Fort Butler had
been garrisoned late in June, 1863, by portions only, of
two companies of the Twenty-Eighth Maine under com
mand of Major J. D. Bullen.
Our convalescent recruits of the Sixteenth had been at
Donaldsonville scarcely a week when the Confederate
General, Thomas- Green of Texas, a very clever leader
and fighter who had been raiding that part of Louisiana
since the re-occupation of Teche country by the Con
federates, appeared in the rear of Fort Butler with his
Texan troops who were rough clad, excepting those who
were dressed in the uniforms of Union soldiers, probably
taken in their raids on Brashear City, but though
roughly clad these Texans were brave and resolute
fighters. On the afternoon of June twenty -seventh, under a flag

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 255
of truce, General Green demanded an unconditional and
immediate surrender of the fort.
Major Bullen thereupon called together the garrison
and while they were standing about the flag-staff asked
whether the flag should be pulled down or left hanging.
" It was one of the boys of the Sixteenth," says Comrade
Heath "who speaking for the rest said, 'Never pull it
clown ; Let it hang ! ' The Major then replied ' It shall
hang there as long as there is a man of you left to defend
it.'" Fortunately at that juncture a transport steamer from
New Orleans having onboard a few officers and men who
were returning to their regiments at Port Hudson, called
at Donaldsonville. They were informed of the situation
and Major Bullen asked if there were any commissioned
officers on board who could be spared to assist in the
defence of the garrison against the expected attack (
Two lieutenants volunteered and the steamer departed.
A few moments later General Green was informed of
the decision of the garrison. He sent back word to
remove the non-combatants immediately, and added " no
prisoners will be taken."
Five hundred of his men meanwhile had volunteered
to take the fort by storming it. They made the attack
a little past one o'clock on the morning of the twenty-
eighth of June.
The first assault was on the stockade at our left, and
though we were exposed to the raking fire from the
enemy's sharp-shooters who were posted on the opposite
side of the bayou, still the stockades at that point were

256 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
gallantly and courageously defended by our men, the
larger number of whom were from the Sixteenth.
The second attack thirty minutes later, was on our
right. That assault was determined and fierce, but the
position was heroically defended, the larger number of
the defenders at that point being from the state of Maine.
It was in that attack that one of the lieutenants who, on
the way up the river the day before had volunteered to
stop over, was killed by a bullet through his neck, and
the other one a little later was mortally wounded by a
large shot that passed through his face nearly severing his
tongue ; he was removed to New Orleans that afternoon.
In the fight Sergeant Cotton was hit by a bullet just
over his heart but his roll book deadened the force.
The sergeant carried for some time the mark of the shot
where the bullet struck ; the bullet together with his
roll book, as evidence of his narrow escape, were fre
quently shown to his comrades and friends.
While the second attack was in progress, some of our
Sixteenth men who were almost too sick to keep their
feet, showed, nevertheless, their fighting qualities, for
without orders they crawled along the embankment to
the position held by the men from Maine, and helped to
defend that point from the enemy who were doing their
utmost to carry it. The firing continued until daylight
when it slacked for the most part, and the main body of
the enemy apparently withdrew.
During the fighting that night, as afterwards it was
ascertained, some of the Sixteenth men had used from
seventy to eighty rounds of ammunition,

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 257
The ill-fated Major Bullen before his death made the
following report of that first clay's fighting :
"At half-past one A. M., June twenty-eighth, our
pickets were fired on by those of the enemy and during
their retreat the guns of the fort and those of the gun
boat Princess Royal under command of Captain Wool-
sey, opened on the approaching enemy. But their forces
moved steadily forward and in a short time Captain E.
B. Niel, to whom I had entrusted the defence of the left
entrance to the fort, received a terrible fire from the
enemy, who came up on the opposite bank of the Bayou
La Fourche to a point where they could fire on his flank
which was wholly unprotected ; but the gallant captain
and his command endured the fire without wavering and
replied with vigor which, with the assistance of one of
the guns of the fort drove them back in disorder.
Almost simultaneously with the attack on our left, the
enemy made a vigorous assault in front of both entrances
of the fort with a large force. On the left they were
bravely repulsed by Captain Neil. Captain Thompson,
to whom I had given the defence of the right entrance,
after a severe engagement under great disadvantages and
with a number many times exceeding his own, was com
pelled to withdraw to the inner works, where the cap
tain and his command with the greatest desperation
fought the enemy who in large numbers had succeeded
in getting within the outer works.
" During the hot fire on the left Lieutenant Murch of
Captain Thompson's company, was in command of one
of the reserves and was ordered to support Captain.

258 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Thompson, which he did with the greatest energy, and
after an hour's struggle was killed. Here also Lieuten
ant Perry was severely wounded.
" My force was so small that the reserves had now to
support Captain Niel, and now Captain Thompson, as
the case demanded. After an engagement of three hours
and a half some twenty-five of the enemy at the left
surrendered and more than one hundred on the right.
A majority of those who succeeded in getting within our
outer works made their escape, leaving a little more
than one hundred.
" I cannot speak in terms of too high commendation of
my gallant officers and my brave men who. fought against
so great a superiority of numbers with unaccountable
energy and endurance.
"Of the enemy we have buried more than fifty that we
gathered up just without and within our outer works.
Twenty -five of their wounded we found where we
gathered up their dead. The remainder were borne away
by the retreating forces. The number must have been
large. Two deserters came in yesterday and stated1 that
the enemy acknowledged a loss of five hundred killed
and wounded."
Not long after completing this report the major who
had incurred the displeasure of some of the men, was
treacherously shot by one of our own soldiers, Private
Francis Scott of Company F, First Louisiana Regiment,
who at the time was somewhat under the influence of
liquor. Scott was at once arrested and sent to New
Orleans where he was tried and shot for his crime.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 259
General Green finding that his five hundred volunteers
were not sufficient to capture the fort, and enraged at his
losses massed his entire force numbering at that time
nearly fourteen hundred men and followed cautiously
down the banks of the river in confidence of making the
capture. But fortunately for us the very night on which that
attack was planned, one of the Federal gunboats, watch
ing for a movement of that kind, discovered the where
abouts of the Confederates and under cover of the fog
got in position and gave them a broadside that caused a
general stampede.
Those of the enemy who were still in position to fight
us, together with others who from time to time had
joined them finding that the main body of their com
rades had retired during the night, waved a white flag at
daylight. They were asked "What is wanted ? " and
replied "We wish to surrender." They were required
to lay down their arms where they were. They then
filed into the fort and gave their names. Though they did
not know the fact, and it is well for us that they did not
yet they numbered more effective men than those to
whom they had surrendered themselves prisoners.
After looking about for a few moments and seeing
scarcely any troops, they asked "Where are your men ?"
"Oh, they are at breakfast; some of them have gone
for water and others are secreted where they can' fix
Green if he makes another attack." Those were false
hoods but were told on the fallacious ground that in
war all things are fair.

260 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
There can be no doubt that if the weakness of the
garrison really had been known, those men would not
have surrendered. They had been completely fooled
during the day and night by fictitious commands like
these: — "Colonel Smith move your regiment to the
left and hold your fire till the enemy are in easy range."
" Colonel Littlejohn, keep a sharp outlook and be ready
with your command to make an assault." Many such
orders were given to regimental and company com
manders who had no existence except in the imagina
tion of the Yankees who held the fort and gave the
commands. Fortunately soon after the Confederates had surrend
ered, a small gunboat, No. 2, which formerly was the
blockade runner, " Princess Royal,'''1 came down the
river and relieved us of our prisoners. Then our boys
breathed easier for up to that time they had been in
mortal dread that those Texans discovering the weak
ness of the garrison would spring upon, and disarm the
guards and have the fort and its defenders in their own
hands. General Green's plans meantime were unknown. The
fear was that he would return at any hour with perhaps
an additional force, and if so our men, though slightly
reinforced, June twenty-ninth, by a few men from the
Twenty -Eighth Maine and the Louisiana First who com
pensated for the loss to our forces during the fighting of
the previous day and night, could not seemingly have
held out if there had been another assault. And what
made matters still worse for us was that the enemy had

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 261
planted batteries on the river both above and below Don
aldsonville which quite effectually cut off all transport
navigation unless attended by gunboats.
In that critical condition of affairs our men from June
twenty-eighth to July ninth were kept on duty almost
constantly, day and night. They slept behind the en
trenchments with muskets in their hands and even
cooked and ate their rations with their equipments on.
And yet strange and odd as it may seem, those more
than half-exhausted and almost imprisoned troops on the
morning of July fourth resolved to fire the national sa
lute. Accordingly they arranged a protection for the
gunners and began the firing.
With almost every discharge the Confederates, who
were lying right under the guns on the other side of the
embankment, would utter their oaths at the patriotism
of the "damned Yankees' ' who were suffocating them with
smoke and deafening them with the din of the cannon.
The entire salute, however, was fired, which doubtless
gave the impression to the enemy that we had an ample
supply of ammunition left and plenty of strength to use it.
It may well be questioned if the Confederate troops
ever met such a determined resistance, coupled with so
much out and out bluff as that which confronted them
at Donaldsonville.
It was some time during that fourth of July that the
officer who succeeded Major Bullen as commandant of
the fort, expressed in the presence of some of our Six
teenth boys a desire for certain information that in vain
he had sought to obtain.

262 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT.
One of the youngest of the number offered to make the
attempt to secure it. The commander in reply chaffed
the volunteer a bit owing, perhaps, to his extreme youth
ful appearance. " What can you do ? " was the question
of the commander. "Anything you say," was the quick
reply. " I wish then," said the officer, "you would find
where General Green is and what he is going to do," "I
will," replied the boy.
The commander scarcely expected that such a fool
hardy attempt would be made and dismissed the matter
from his mind. The next morning very early the youth
ful soldier visited the officer's tent with the information
that Green was in a certain farm house, giving the loca
tion, and that he was intending to attack the fort at one
o'clock that day. The officer laughed. The young
soldier remarked, " Would it not be well for you to get
ready \ "
The officer studied for a moment the face of the boy,
and became thoughtful. Shortly after the foregoing
conversation matters were put in readiness for an attack
and at one o'clock every available man was in position.
Hardly had that been done when Green, who doubtless
had reasoned that at that hour the garrison would be
easily surprised, suddenly appeared and began the
attack. To his astonishment and dismay he found that
our men were fully prepared as if expecting the attack
and so successfully met it that he fell back to consider
what next to do.
The facts were these ; that Sixteenth boy, of whom we
have spoken, soon after his conversation with the com-

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 263
manding officer, and after dark, passed through our
picket lines and by a "piece of good luck" as he says,
though evidently by sheer daring, discovered the farm
house where were stopping General Green and his staff.
He hung about and by creeping under fences, climb
ing trees and by other devices and adventures that seem
almost to incredulous for any one to believe, obtained
the desired information and actually overheard the
words of General Green while he was planning the
attack for the next day, sind among other things heard
him say, " I will enter that fort if I have to cut my way
with an axe." Green probably when using those words
had in mind the cutting of the upright timbers that
formed the stockade that greatly had bothered his men in
the previous assault. After getting this information
our young volunteer returned passing through the
enemy's and our own picket lines reaching the fort
some time before daylight.
We would be glad to give the name of that youthful
hero, now of course well on in years, but he has emphat
ically requested the historian to withhold for the present
its publication.
The close of the siege of Donaldsonville is described
in the following words by Comrade J. P. Heath : " One
morning when looking up the river we saw a large
quantity of smoke which we watched with much
interest. Soon three or four large river steamers came
in sight and swung in towards us. We could see
soldiers on board dressed in blue.
" One of the steamers came near and made fast just

264 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
above the fort and commenced rapidly to unload her
troops. They deployed and moved into the woods at
the north. They were just in time for Green was
approaching, his pickets already being in sight.
"We hailed the regiment nearest us and asked, 'Where
are you from ? ' ' Port Hudson, it has surrendered' they
replied. "We asked 'What regiment are you of?' They
replied ' The Eight New Hampshire.' They asked
' What regiment are you of ? ' Several of us replied ' We
are of the Sixteenth New Hampshire.' They then said,
'Dont fire again boys ; we will take care of you now.'
"We laughed and we cried, for deliverance had come.
The boys belonging to the gunboats soon landed and
came into the fort. They commenced to hug us and
danced about like children saying, ' Well, boys you did
make a grand fight.' "
The importance of holding Donaldsonville against the
enemy may be inferred from the fact that as soon as Port
Hudson surrendered, Banks sent the troops under both
Generals Gardner and Weitzel for its relief. General
Banks in making his report to General Halleck says :
"Upon the surrender of Port Hudson I found it neces
sary to move every available man to Donaldsonville to
dislodge the enemy."
General Emory in his report to General Banks says :
" Our victory at Donaldsonville was a brilliant affair."
In his report to Colonel Irwin, Emory uses the words
"An heroic and brilliant defence," "There were" he
says, "two reduced companies of the Twenty -Eighth

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 265
Maine and convalescents sent up from New Orleans to
meet the enemy." Those one hundred and eighty men
with the gunboats repelled the assault of the enemy,
taking one hundred and thirty prisoners, one lieutenant-
colonel, one major, two captains, five lieutenants ; kill
ing and wounding three hundred and fifty men among
whom were Colonel Phillips and others of high rank.
"By this repulse combined with that at La Fourche,
the enemy has been checked in his movement upon New
Orleans and the attempt to cut connection between Banks
and his supplies has been frustrated."
Says General Banks in a letter to General Emory :
"The behavior of Major Bullen and the troops under
his command at Donaldsonville was most creditable, and
has greatly encouraged the spirit of the army. It is a
compensation for the disgrace that rests upon Brashear."
[He refers to the capture of that place with all its stores
by the Confederates under General Taylor.]
The official report as given by General Stone to Gen
eral Banks is also highly complimentary. His words
are " The troops at Donaldsonville made one of the most
brave and gallant defences that has come within my ex
perience." General Stone also recommended for promo
tion every officer engaged in that defence.
The fighting is so well attested in the Confederate
records and has been so lightly touched upon by our
Federal historians, that we feel justified in introducing
nearly the full text of the following report of Brigadier-
General Thomas Green to Major Louis Bush, assistant
adjutant-general :

266 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

"Headquarters First Cavalry Brigade,
"July j, 1863.
"Major: — In accordance with the order of General Mouton
commanding me to take possession of the Federal fort at Donald
sonville, I took up the line of march from Thibodeaux about
eight o'clock at night with Hardeman's, Shannon's and Herbert's,
regiments of my brigade, and Lane's, Stone's and Phillips', regi
ments of Colonel Major's brigade and Semmes' battery.
" After marching the entire night I encamped within nine miles
of the fort about nine o'clock the next morning.
"During the twenty-<eventh I rested our jaded troops and
horses, getting all the information which could be procured relat
ing to the situation of the fort, its force, defences, etc., etc.
"I sent Stone's regiment to the east of the bayou [La Fourche]
and ordered him to advance towards Donaldsonville on the bank
and attract the attention of the enemy, and, if possible, attack
him on that side. With the balance of the command I advanced
during the night of the twenty-seventh to within a mile and a half
of the fort, where I dismounted my command.
" Having determined on the plan of attack, I called the officers
commanding the regiments together, and explained to them specifi
cally the position each one was to occupy in the assault.
"Major Shannon, with the Fifth Texas Mounted Volunteers,
was to perform a circuit around the fort, reach the Mississippi
above and advance down to the stockade of upright timbers set in
the ground between the levee and the water's edge and then make
an entrance.
"Colonel Hardeman, with the Fourth Texas Mounted Volun
teers, was to move up the Bayou road and as soon as he heard the
firing of Shannon, or of the enemy, he was to assault the fort at
the water's edge, along the stockade and simultaneously with
Shannon to make an entrance through the stockade and with
Shannon assault the garrison, hand to hand.
"Phillips, Lane and Herbert, with their regiments, were to
envelop the works, moving up around them to the brink of the
ditch, shooting down the cannoneers and their supporters from the
ramparts at a distance of only sixteen or eighteen feet.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 267
" Major Shannon encountered the pickets of the enemy and a
fire was opened upon him by the artillery of the fort.
"He advanced to the stockade driving the enemy from it and
firing upon them through their own port-holes. He pushed a part
of his men over their works, the men helping each other over ; the
balance of his men moved around the stockade through the shal
low water, into the fort.
"Hearing the small arms of Major Shannon amid the roar of
artillery, I ordered an advance of the whole line. The fight was
desperately contended on every part of the ground.
"Colonel Hardeman, with the Fourth Texas, being unable to
control his guide, was delayed in his attack on the La Fourche
side until nearly daylight, but his casualities show with what
determined courage that veteran regiment stood its ground after it
came into action.
" The attack on the fort was made before light, at two o'clock
in the morning, for the purpose of preventing the gunboats from
being in advance, We were not repulsed until we found after get-
ing into the stockade that there was yet a ditch to cross, running
in front of tind parallel with the river. At this ditch a most des
perate fight ensued between the commands of Shannon and
Phillips and the enemy.
"Our men here used brick-bats upon the heads of the enemy,
who returned the same. Captain Killough and Lieutenant Land
and other officers and men were wounded on their heads with
bricks thrown by the enemy, which had first been thrown by our
men. There never was more desperate courage displayed than
was shown by our men engaged in this assault. The enemy have
been shown an example of desperate courage which will not be
without its effect. [We wonder if the same cannot be said of the
brave defenders inside the fort ?]
" We fought from two o'clock a. m., until daylight without in
termission, and our dead and wounded show the desperation of
the assault. The garrison contained between five and six hundred
Federals. [Oh, no ; only one hundred and eighty]
"At daylight I sent a flag of truce, asking permission to pick
up our wounded and bury our dead, which was refused, as I
expected, my object in sending a flag so early was to get away a

268 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
great number of our men who had found a Hi tie shelter near the
enemy's works and who would undoubtedly be taken prisoners.
As it was I must have saved a hundred men by instructing my
flag of truce officer as he approached the fort to order our troops
still there, away.
"We mourn the fall of many of our bravest and best officers
and men, among them Major Shannon, Captain Ragsdale, Lieu
tenants Darby and Cole of the Fifth, Major Ridley of Phillips'
regiment and Lieutenant Cartwright of the Fourth, and others.
" Had the fort fallen into our hands, I am satisfied, with a little
work on it, we could have held it against all the gunboats below
Port Hudson.
" Its capture and occupation would doubtless have caused great
uneasiness and inconvenience to the Federal army besieging Port
Hudson. In this view much risk was justified in its attempted
capture." This report of Green was sent to Major-General Taylor,
who forwarded it to Richmond with these comments : —
"Personal observation satisfies me that no engage
ment during this war has illustrated more signally the
desperate valor of Confederate troops than the attack on
this position.
"Although the attack may have been in some respects
an unwise one, I am not disposed to attach the slightest
censure to s6 gallant a soldier as General Green, whose
disposition is to attack the enemy wherever he finds
him." These reports, taken from the official records of the
Confederacy, while recording the courage of their troops
equally, though indirectly, extol the courage of the
brave and resolute defenders of Donaldsonville. For
the desperate fighting of which the Confederates boast
must have been met by equally desperate fighting by the

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 271
few Federal troops who confronted them. The story of
that defence, unless fully confirmed by official reports
from both Federal and Confederate sources, could hardly
be believed.
Here were one hundred and eighty men, the majority
of whom had before this scarcely been under fire, the
majority of whom were just out of the hospitals of New
Orleans, confronted by six regiments and one battery
commanded by as brave officers as ever led Confederate
troops. Our men were so scantily officered that one of
the Sixteenth privates on the morning after the first
night's fighting was appointed acting sergeant and put
in command of the squad that defended the stockade
running from the fort to the river.
The fighting a part of the time was hand to hand ; the
men used brickbats when lying on opposite sides of the
embankment that separated them from the enemy. The
enemy tried foul means as well as fair. Near morning
of the first night's fight a squad of the enemy said, " We
wish to surrender." Several of our men mounted the
parapet to receive them and were instantly fired upon.
They did not forget this piece of cowardice and treach
ery, for when a flag of truce a little later appeared, the
bearer of it was shot, as were two others who appeared
on a similar mission. This was not right according to
the rules of war, but our men had been fooled ; they re
solved not to be fooled again, rules of war or no rules
of war.
There was still sounding in their ears, too, the words of
General Green, "No prisoners will be taken." It was a

272 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
fight for life, and those of the Sixteenth who were en
gaged in that defence certainly showed just as good fight
ing material as was ever shown by the " Gallant Second "
of New Hampshire, or by the "Fighting Fifth" of New
Hampshire, or by the "Unsurpassed Eighth" of New
Hampshire, or by any other regiment that ever fought in
an open field or in defence of a beleagured garrison,

<§\<lX|j\j>

CHAPTER XIV.
DARK HOURS PRECEDING THE FALL OF PORT HUDSON.
IN order to complete the story of the fall of Donald
sonville it was necessary to anticipate the fact that
Port Hudson capitulated just before the siege of
Donaldsonville was raised.
We must now return for a few moments and in doing
so will take a broad outlook of military affairs as they
appeared the last of June and first of July, 1863.
At no other time, perhaps, after the beginning of the
war had there been so great uneasiness throughout the
country. Multitudes of our people were discouraged.
Mourning for the dead was in the city mansion and
mountain hamlet. Great peace meetings under the
auspices of Fernando Wood and others were held in
Cooper Institute, New Yrork. In a few months the time
for which thousands of our troops had enlisted would
expire and apparently there were none to take their
place. In Indiana mobs were resisting the drafts, and Mr.
Lincoln confessed that it was doubtful if they could be
enforced in New York or Boston. The restoration of
McClellan was vehemently urged. Foreign powers were

274 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
on the point of interfering and that meant the recognition
and likely enough the success of the Confederacy. Pope
Pius IX sent his congratulations to Jefferson Davis,
December third, 1863 ; a photograph copy of that
original communication is now in the hands of the his
torian of the Sixteenth.
Desertions that had been increasing to an alarming
extent were multiplied, though in the interest of truth
and in justice to all it should be said that ninety-five
per cent, of the desertions were from among foreign-
born volunteers.
The month of May had brought the defeat at Chancel-
lorsville. Then followed the retreat of a dispirited army
across the Rappahannock. The ninteenth of June
found the enemy with a powerful army in the State of
Pennsylvania. The entire army of the Potomac and the
Capital at Washington were imperilled.
In the west and southwest the outlook was scarcely less
gloomy and disheartening. The naval attack on Charles
ton was a failure. Fort McAlister, held by the Confed
erates, had resisted all attempts to capture it. Burnside
had been outgeneraled and checked in his Tennessee
campaign. Rosecrans was making no progress against
the Confederates under General Bragg. The enemy,
crossing the Ohio river, triumphantly invaded the State
of Indiana, and there were no available troops to inter
cept them. Grant had surrounded Vicksburg, beginning
the siege in May, but on the first of July, thirty-one
thousand resolute men opposed, him, avowing their pur
pose to starve on mule meat sooner than surrender.

-NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 275
Galveston, Texas, had been recaptured by Magruder,
which gave the Confederates valuable stores and an
open seaport. The condition of the Department of the
Gulf during the month of June and the first of July at
other points was equally unpromising. Twice had our
troops been repulsed before Port Hudson with an aggre
gate loss of nearly four thousand men. Our ranks, too,
were rapidly depleting by sickness and death.
In our own regiment, as we have seen, not a day passed
without its death records. General Gardner in Port
Hudson seemed in no haste to surrender though twice
invited to do so. It is true that his communications with
the outside world were cut off and his supplies were
much reduced, but he was so strong in numbers that we
did not know how soon he might assume the aggressive,
and he was so very strongly entrenched, his fortifications
were so faultlessly constructed and the ground inside
was so admirably adapted for the movement and massing
of troops, that he had nothing or but little to fear from
assaults outside. It is pretty evident that on the first of
July Gardner had about as many effective men within
the fortifications as Banks could command outside.
Extending the view we find that after Green's first re
pulse at Donaldsonville he erected masked batteries at
different points on the river, menaced our navigation and
threatened to cut our base of supplies.
General "Dick" Taylor, General Mouton and Colonel
Major moved against Brashear City, which was but feebly
garrisoned, and with scarcely any resistance captured it
June twenty-second, together with all the personal and

276 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
general baggage of our troops that had been stored there.
In General Taylor's report to General Boggs he says,
"The quantity of quartermaster, commissary and ordi
nance stores captured exceeds belief." In another report
he says, "We have captured supplies enough to last
during the rest of the war." He also adds: — "In
money value my capture at Brashear City is worth to the
Confederacy two millions of dollars."
By what oversight this vast amount of property had
been left thus exposed has never yet been reported. For
tunately the Sixteenth on its return from Butte a la Rose
took along its baggage, some of which was at Brashear
City, though most of it had been stored at Algiers.
After the capture of Brashear City a detachment of
Taylor's troops moved along the Western Railroad to
ward New Orleans and reached a point within twenty-
five miles of that city. July fourth General Emory
wrote to General Banks, as we have stated, that he must
send him troops or the enemy, Green from the north and
Taylor, Mouton and Major from the west, would capture
the city in spite of any defence he could make. Such
was the condition of affairs in the southwest.
Thus after fighting with varied success for thirty
months, our national affairs seemed darker and more
discouraging than ever before.
Who that then lived having one spark of patriotism
in his bosom did not tremble for the American Republic 1
Defeat at one or two points apparently would have
changed at that juncture the entire results that followed.
But we must add that somehow our boys were not

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 277
altogether disheartened. Perhaps it was because they
did not know the worst.
The calculation as to the time of our enlistment that
had been made was that our regiment ought to have left
Louisiana for home June fifteenth. But all talk as to
the expiration of our term of service during those dark
hours was at an end.
We were there on the field and though dyiug daily
were to remain willingly, if not cheerfully, until
Port Hudson was taken, or until we were defeated. We
had not the remotest thought of leaving our comrades of
other regiments while the principle object for which
we had gone to the Department of the Gulf was not ac
complished.

About one hundred and fifty miles north of us at the
head of the forces besieging Vicksburg was one of the
least demonstrative but most remarkable military geni
uses this world has known. Fighting to him was no
pastime, but the discharge of a most solemn duty. He
fought that there might be peace- To him even the in
signia of war were distasteful. While visiting foreign
lands, though repeatedly urged, he uniformly refused
to witness military pageants. He was courageous, per
sistent, shrewd, skilled, and supremely patriotic. "He
had the patience of fate and the force of Thor." A
single saying that fell from his lips is a key to his mili
tary life:
" If a battle is inevitable be the first to strike and never
scare." " When in doubt move to the front," was an-

278 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
other of his maxims. In a letter to his father he wrote,
"I never expect to have an army whipped, unless it is
badly whipped and I can't help it."
His mind was as comprehensive as that of Napoleon,
but he was unlike Napoleon in that he had no selfish
purposes to subserve.
We have time to watch the ascendency of his star only
for a moment, and may do this because he it was who not
only conquered Vicksburg but relieved the Nineteenth
Army Corps from its perilous situation and rendered the
fall of Port Hudson not only possible but certain.
General Grant left New Carthage in April. In twenty
days he marched two hundred miles, fought five battles,
took ninety cannon and six thousand prisoners, destroyed
Pemberton's communication and then drove him to the
wall. Grant's loss in killed, wounded and missing was
only four thousand. No better campaign ever was
planned or executed ; the people for the first time in six
months were exultant. A military genius had come to
the rescue of the Republic.
Grant reached Vicksburg in May. To capture it was
his purpose. There were delays, obstacles and interfer
ences which to many men would have been insurmount
able. " When do you expect to take the city? " taunt
ingly asked a female secessionist. " I can't tell exactly,"
said Grant, "but I shall stay till I do, if it takes thirty
years." His invincible purpose was irresistible, and
July fourth, two months after the siege began, the Stars
and Stripes waved over this " Gibraltar of the Confed
eracy."

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 279
In its capitulation there were surrendered to Grant fif
teen generals, thirty-one thousand six hundred soldiers,
and one hundred and seventy-two cannon — " the greatest
capture of men and armament ever made at one time since
the invention of gunpowder, if not since the creation of
man." At the headquarters of General Banks on the morning
of July seventh despatches from General Grant an
nounced the surrender of Vicksburg. Soon the glad news
was communicated to every regiment and detachment in
our army. A continuous, ' ' surging volume of cheers and
exultations filled the air all along the lines around Port
Hudson, from the one wing to the other, from the river
below to the river above." And the paeans of loyal joy
and gladness rolled even over the Confedrate entrench
ments and warned those brave defenders that their watch
ful and tireless foes certainly had received glorious
news." A Massachusetts colonel thrust a stick through
his official bulletin, and by way of explanation sent it
over the lines to the wondering Confederates.
Upon receipt of General Grant's despatch, General
Banks issued a general order directing a salute of one
hundred shotted guns to be fired from each battery, or
dering- also all regimental bands to assemble at his head
quarters. At noon the stirring strains of our national
melodies, from about two hundred musicians, accompa
nied with the sub-bass of the thundering of hundreds of
cannon, filled the air.
Notwithstanding the solid shot and shell that were
falling among them, the Confederates hailed our men

280 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
asking the cause of " the jubilation." They were told
that Grant had captured Vicksburg. "That's another
damn Yankee lie," was the answer.
The reports, however, were carried to General Gardner,
who the next day, July eighth, sent a flag of truce to
ascertain if the reports he had heard were true. General
Banks then forwarded to Gardner a copy of the despatch
he had received from General Grant.
On receipt of this Gardner sent another flag of truce
asking upon what terms General Banks would receive his
surrender. During the continuance of the truce the men
on either side came out of their rifle-pits or "gopher-
holes," as they were called, laughed and joked as ami
cably as if they had been "engaged in some friendly
pastime, instead of in the fearful game of deadly war
fare." The terms of surrender were agreed upon and all
hostilities ceased.
The correspondence between Generals Banks and
Gardner may be of interest to the reader :
Headquarters Port Hudson, La.,
July 7, 1863.
General : — Having received information from your troops that
Vicksburg has been surrendered, I make this communication to ask
you to give me your official notice whether this is true or not ;
and if true, I ask for a cessation of hostilities with a view to the
consideration of terms for surrendering this position.
I am, General, very respectfully your obedient servant,
Frank Gardner,
Major- General Commanding Confederate State Forces.
To Major-General Banks,
Commanding United States Forces Near Port Hudson.

new hampshire volunteers. 281
Headquarters Department of the Gulf,
Before Port Hudson, July 8, 1863.
General : — In reply to your communication dated the seventh
instant, by flag of truce received a few moments since, I have the
honor to inform you that I received yesterday morning, July
seventh, at forty-five minutes past ten o'clock, by the gunboat
General Price, an official despatch from Major-General Ulysses S.
Grant, United States Army, whereof the following is a true
extract :
Headquarters Department of the Tennessee,
Near Vicksburg, July 4., 1863.
Major-General N. P. Banks,
Commanding Department of the Gulf.
General : — The garrison of Vicksburg surrendered this morn
ing. The number of prisoners as given by the officers is twenty-
seven thousand ; field artillery, one hundred and twenty-eight
pieces ; and a large number of siege guns, probably not less than
eighty. Your obedient servant,
U. S. Grant,
Major- General.
I regret to say that under present circumstances I cannot con
sistently with my duty consent to a cessation of hostilities for the
purpose you indicate. Very respectfully your obedient servant,
N. P. Banks,
Major- General Commanding.
To Major- General Frank Gardner,
Commanding Confederate States Forces, Port Hudson.

Port Hudson,
July 8, 1863.
General :— I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of
your communication of this date, giving a copy of an official
communication from Major-General U. S. Grant, United States
Army, announcing the surrender oj the garrison of Vicksburg.

282 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Having defended this position as long as I deem m,y duty requires
I am willing to surrender to you, and will appoint a commission of
three officers to meet a similar commission appointed by yourself,
at nine d* clock this morning, for the purpose of agreeing upon and
drawing up the terms of surrender ; and for that purpose I ask for
a cessation of hostilities.
Will you please designate a point, outside of my breastworks,
where the meeting shall be held for this purpose ?
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Frank Gardner,
Commanding Confederate States Forces.
To Major-General Banks,
Commanding United States Forces.

Headquarters United States Forces,
Before Port Hudson, fuly 8, 1863.
General : — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of
your communication of this date stating that you are willing to
surrender the garrison under your command to the forces under
my command, and that you will appoint a commission of three
officers to meet a similar commission appointed by me, at nine
o'clock this morning, for the purpose of agreeing upon and draw
ing up the terms of surrender.
In reply I have the honor to state that I have designated
Brigadier- General Charles P. Stone, Colonel Henry W. Birge and
Lieutenant-Colonel Richard B. Irwin as the officers to meet the
commission appointed by you.
They will meet your officers at the hour designated at a point
where the flag of truce was received this morning. I will direct
that active hostilities shall instantly cease on my part until further
notice for the purpose stated.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
N. P. Banks,
Major- General Commanding.
To Major-General Frank Gaicdner,
Commanding Confederate States Forces, Port Hudson.

-SWis.TjTittr-"

The Confederates Grounding Arms at Port Hudson,

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 285
At the early dawn of July ninth the whole Nineteenth
Army Corps was astir. There were some expressions of
joy, though it cannot be said that our men were hilarious
or even jubilant. Our sufferings and losses had been too
great for that kind of demonstration.
The bands were not silent, however, and the "Star
Spangled Banner," "Yankee Doodle" and "Dixie"
came borne upon the morning air-'-never to our ears
sounding sweeter.
At seven o'clock General Andrews, chief of staff of
General Banks, made his entrance into the Confederate
fortifications. Colonel Birge with his brave storming
column, whose services happily had been dispensed with,
was allowed the "post of honor" and led all the other
troops. Next came the heroic Eighth New Hampshire,
assigned to that position in recognition of its gallant ser
vices during the entire campaign and especially during
the siege. This regiment was further complimented,
after the surrender, by being assigned to a camping
ground on a high bluff midway the river front and di
rectly under the "Stars and Stripes" that it had suf
fered so much to defend.
Having obtained leave of absence from the Sixteenth
that morning, its historian entered Port Hudson among
the first of our troops that led the way. Everything
bore evidence of the havoc our artillery had wrought in
that " stronghold" of the enemy.
Scarcely a building of any kind, whether dwelling-
house, store-house or workshop, could be seen that had
not been leveled or riddled by the shot and shell of our

286 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
artillerists, whom the Confederates themselves acknowl
edged to be "unequalled in their deadly aim " and their
" skill in handling their guns."
On every hand there were to be seen or smelt carcasses
of horses and mules which had been killed by sharp
shooters and shells. The graves, too, of the dead Con
federates were many. Some of their number had been
buried in single graves though the new-turned earth
showed plainly enough that "heaps of their slain were
crowded into platooned graves" that were left unmarked.
Soon we reached the part of the enclosure where the
Confederates were drawn up in line, their officers in front
of them, their backs to the river. General Gardner
then advanced towTard General Andrews, and, in a few
words, offered to surrender his sword with Port Hudson.
But General Andrews told him, in appreciation of his
bravery that he was at liberty to retain his sword.
The Federal troops were drawn up in two lines on the
side of the road opposite the Confederates, our officers
placing themselves in front of their men.
At nine-thirty, a. m. after a brief consultation between
the Confederate, General Beals, second in command at
Port Hudson and General Andrews, chief of staff under
General Banks, General Beals turning to the thousands
of his command in clear tones said, "Attention ! Ground
Arms!" and" the motley line of the late belligerents stood
defenceless before us."
By many of the Confederates that command seemed
to be obeyed reluctantly. And their words betrayed
the same feeling:—" We shall meet you again. This is

RAISING STARS AND STRIPES AT PORT HUDSON.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 289
not the last of us," and a few other similar expressions
escaped their lips as we moved among them.
And the expression of their faces and glances from
their eyes also disclosed the fact that hatred of the North
had not surrendered its throne in their hearts, although
they now were prisoners of war.
When the formalities of the surrender were over, the
flag bearing the stars and stripes was unfolded to the
breeze from one of the highest bluffs facing the river,
while a battery manned by sailors from the man-of-war
Richmond thundered its salute, announcing to all within
hearing that the mighty Mississippi was now free to the
commerce of the nation.
The headquarters and the ammunition that the Six
teenth had been guarding wTere not moved into Port
Hudson until July tenth. The Sixteenth remaining in
charge during the removal and, consequently, was among
the last of our troops to pass within the fortifications.
We were assigned to a bluff, a sort of promontory,
next the river on the north side of the fort, partly shaded
and giving an excellent view of the river south and of its
bend west.
And here ended our active service and we were given
a few days for reflection and rest.

CHAPTER XV.
RETROSPECTIVE.
THE days that remained before our departure north
from Port Hudson were not joyous, though our
active campaigning was over. We began to realize
more keenly than before the losses that had come to us.
The faces of comrades who had enlisted with us, who
had stood side by side with us, but who no longer ans
wered the roll-call, haunted us. Others of our comrades
who still lingered, with languid and almost beseeching
eyes, seemed to be asking of every passerby, and of the
clouds in the sky by day and of the stars by night,
whether they could live long enough to see their homes
again '( Poor men, it seemed a pity that that boon could
not be granted !
During those few days of waiting other reflections came
to us which we can better formulate and express now
than we could then.
In arranging our official papers for their final disposi
tion we found that we had been attached first and last to
the following different divisions and brigades: From
January third to the fourteenth we were in the third di-

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 291
vision, first brigade. From January fourteenth to July
eleventh we were in the third division, first brigade.
From July eleventh to July eighteenth we were in the
third division, second brigade. After July eighteenth
we were in the regular army, second brigade, and there
remained until August twentieth, the date of our final
muster out.
During our term of service we had seen far less fight
ing on the field and had lost fewer men in battle than
perhaps the majority of the nine months' regiments. Of
this, however, we are not sure. But even if this was so,
it was no fault of ours. It was rather one of the inci
dents belonging to military service. We certainly shrank
from no duty and never turned our backs upon the enemy
when he was in sight.
We should have been fighting with General Weitzel
in the early Brashear campaign if the muskets issued to
us had been suitable for such service.
In the first advance on Port Hudson no regiment was
in a more exposed position than ours. We did not fight
then, simply because no enemy appeared to contest the
field with us.
At the beginning of the Teche campaign we were among
the advance troops at Brashear City, and it was no fault
of ours that we did not move north with General Emory
or that the enemy did not attack us when we were left to
defend Brashear City against expected raids.
From that place we were sent to take and garrison
one of the most important points, in all that section,
Butte a la Rose. We aided the gunboats in its reduc-

292 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
tior., and then took possession and held it in the face of
Confederates who were constantly hovering about us.
This was the only duty during our service that we pled
to be relieved from. But even this plea was not made
that we might escape from Confederate troops, but from
a poisoned atmosphere, foul water and certain death by
disease. We held that place after all the other troops west of
the Mississippi had been withdrawn except a few at,
Brashear City.
Though our ranks had been depleted, and though
there was scarcely a well man among us, we were at all
times in readiness, and while there we never asked for
reinforcements. There was not a day while we garri
soned Butte a la Rose that we were not ready to fight
Taylor's Texan rangers had they attacked us. And it
was no fault of ours that they did not do this.
It was no fault of ours that we had been ordered from
Brashear City to Port Hudson only a short time before
the Confederates captured that place with all its stores.
It was no fault of ours that we had been reduced to a
"few skeletons" and were, therefore, at the last moment
ordered out of the rifle pits before Port Hudson which
we had entered expecting to fight while a man of us had
strength to load and sight his musket.
It was no fault of ours that from June second to July
tenth, Colonel Logan did not attack our regiment while
we were guarding the ammunition and headquarters of
the commanding General. During that time we were in
line every morning at a few minutes past three o'clock

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 293
prepared to meet a foe that had claimed he "would
do us all the damage he could."
Whenever and wherever our men had a chance at the
enemy their skill and their courage were commended.
On the gunboats at Fort Burton, our rifles did all that
rifles could do, was the acknowledgement of the naval
officers who commanded that expedition.
At Donaldsonville from June twenty-eighth to July
ninth, our men fought like veterans and contributed in
no small measure to one of the most desperate and
brilliant defences of the war.
And in the fight at Springfield Landing our men were
the only ones especially commended in the reports made
by staff officers to General Banks.
Throughout the campaign if the losses we had suffered
by disease had been incurred on the field, our record
certainly would have seemed more heroic. But are gun
shot wounds worse than those diseases that brought to
hundreds of our men certain and often sodden death ''.
Such the retrospect as to our regiment.
But in our review we must not be too circumscribi-d.
Let us, therefore, take into account for a moment the
entire field on which the Nineteenth Army Corps had
figured. We already have passed a few criticisms. But
it would be unjust if we failed to state that the poor cam
paigning of our army had been at no time offset by that
which was commendable. The feint, for instance, on
Port Hudson in March and then the sudden transference
of the army to Brashear City was a remarkably successful
piece of military maneuvring.

294 his'tory of the sixteenth regiment
The triumphant movement of our troops up the Teche
country to Alexandria, also the march across the country
from that point to the Mississippi river, together with
the complete investment of Port Hudson and, in the
meantime, the holding of New Orleans as a base of sup
plies, taken altogether show both comprehensive plan
ning and very brilliant execution. So much truthfully
can be said by way of commendation.
And it would please the historian if this praise could
be continued to the end of the chapter. But if this were
clone it would make for a blow against the design and
usefulness of history. History is of no value as history
unless it is a truthful story containing what is unfavor
able as well as that to which is accorded our praises.
Hence we must call attention to the uncommendable
parts of the record. And we ought to say that there is
almost always an uncommendable side in all great army
movements. It is clear, upon a moment's reflection, that the first
advance of our army on Port Hudson accomplished noth
ing. The plan had been to reach a point on the night of
the fourteenth of March where our artillery could be
used to annoy the enemy and divert his attention. But
we had not a single piece of artillery in position that
night except by way of defence, nor were we near enough
to throw a solitary shell into the enemy's fortifications.
Farragut could have passed Port Hudson just as well as
he did if our troops had been one hundred miles away or
had been quietly restiug at Baton Rouge.
It was also a great mistake to move up into the Teche

Soldiers Laying Aside the Implements of War and Returning to the Arts of Peace.

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NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 307
Rice, speaking of the condition of the regiment and of
the deaths that occurred on the way home says :
" Our dead lie buried from Port Hudson to Cairo ;
nay, in the soil of every state from Louisiana to New
Hampshire they sleep their last sleep."
It was August ninth, when our steamboat trip ended
and we were transferred at Cairo to cattle and freight
cars. The accommodations in the stiffled and contracted
steamboat quarters had been none too good. During a
part of the time up the river the days had been hot and
the nights oppressive. Our men meanwhile were bunk
ing on the hard floors, the rough decks, on piles and
boxes of freight and among baggage and coffins.
All this had been hard enough to endure but it was
unspeakably worse in those comfortless and unkept cat
tle and freight cars. The continual jar and jolting were
distressingly painful to our sick men and no doubt hast
ened the death of not a few of them.
Perhaps, however, these were the best accommodations
the government at the time could provide. We hope,
however, that this was not a part of the murderous con-
tract business that cost scores of valuable lives while it
enriched a few scoundrels.
Two days and nights later we were transferred to a
train of emigrant, and at length to comfortable passenger
cars. Our journey took us through Centralia and Mattoon,
Terra Haute and Indianapolis, Union, Bellefontaine,
Buffalo, Albany and Worcester to Concord. " At all
those and at other places" as Comrade Gilman says, " a

308 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
heartfelt, gushing sympathy for our suffering regiment
was manifested, loyal men and tender loving women,
pressed upon us edibles, cordials, and delicacies in pro
fusion." On the morning of August fourteenth the train bear
ing our regiment entered slowly the station at Concord
whence we had left November twenty-fifth the year be
fore. Our regiment had enlisted for nine months but some
of our men dating from the time of enrolment were in
service from twelve to thirteen months and a large num
ber of them had served only a month less than a year.
The final muster out did not take place until August
twentieth. But we are anticipating a little, For several hours, in
some instances for days, before reaching Concord our
men had been dusting and washing themselves, putting
on their cleanest cloths and rubbing the dirt and rust
from their accoutrements in order to make, in presence
of their friends, as respectable appearance as possible.
And we measurably must have succeeded in this for
the regiment, it was said, did not present quite such a
pitiable and deplorable spectacle as was expected from
reports that had reached the north, as to our condition
when leaving Fort Burton for Port Hudson. And yet
some of our comrades were so changed that fathers look
ing into the faces of their own sons did not. know them.
As we stepped from the cars there was a repetition of
scenes that never can be forgotten by those who wit
nessed them. Husbands and wives, mothers and sons,

The Wife Whose Husband did not Return with the Regiment,

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 811
brothers and sisters, young men and those to whom
they were betrothed were quickly and firmly clasped in
one another's arms. There were, even among the lookers
on, but few cheeks not bathed in tears. But there was
joy in those tears.
There were, however, other groupings here and there
composed of those who had come to greet us, fully con
fident of meeting dear ones of whose death they had not
heard. Eagerly they were peering through the car win
dows to get a glimpse of faces they longed to see. Fail
ing in this they crowded among us as we filed out of the
train and pressed upon us their questions : — " AVhere is
Edward, or John, or Lawrence?" was asked by those
anxious ones of those whom they recognized as former
friends. We hesitated to answer. " What has hap
pened? Did he not come, is he dead?" were the ex
clamations that followed and that had to be answered
thus : — " He died just as we were leaving Port Hudson,"
or " he was left and buried at Natchez, or Vicksburg, or
Cairo." Dear Souls ! God alone knew the anguish on that
morning of those bereaved and disappointed hearts.
Sad messages, too, were soon on their way to anxious
and agonized homes in the busy city, in the quiet vil
lage, and to the lowly hamlet that stood in the hush of
the valley, or in the quiet among the beautiful hills.
During the next day or two the kind-hearted neighbors
entered the home of more than one of our soldiers where
the wife or mother was in waiting for the coming of the
dear one. There was no mistaking the expression on the

312 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
face of the messenger, even before the words were spoken
from his trembling lips.
Agony ! Is there not some word in our tongue that
can more fittingly tell the world of the sacrifices that
were made by those whose lives were saddened and
shortened, and who with broken hearts long since were
laid to rest !

Such is the story of the Sixteenth New Hampshire
Regiment. And we repeat once more that while our
deaths on the battle field were not many, yet it becomes
our mournful duty to say that from the time we went
into active service to the time of our muster out, our
death record is almost unparalleled by that of any other
regiment from our or any other state.
Including those who died within only a few weeks
after their return, and who never rallied from the diseases
contracted at Fort Burton, our roll of death, by the most
careful estimates of our adjutant-general, reached from
forty to forty-five per cent, of the men originally
enlisted. Only a few of us are left. The most of these, as the
years go by, are feeling more and more the effects of our
fatal campaign.
After a few years are added to our national history, it
will be left for our children and our children's children
to rehearse the story of how their fathers fought and
suffered and died to preserve the union of states — " one
and inseparable."

CHAPTER XVII.

PRESENT POINT OF VIEW, 1897.

IT is the province of the historian after telling his
story of the past to reduce it to a philosophy for
guidance in the future.
In doing this we may be allowed to say a few things
in this closing chapter that we hope the not large but
none the less renowned state that sent us in to the army,
whose principle products are said to be " ice and gran
ite and men," will not regard on our part as ill-timed
or ill-advised.
First of all, however, and with no special reference to
duties incumbent upon our state authorities, we may
express the judgment that no soldier of the Union Army
should keep alive, and we believe no real soldier cares
to keep alive, the animosities and prejudices of the past.
Nor should our northern people ask southern people
to withhold on decoration or other days, tributes of love
and respect from their dead even though they were
engaged in a lost and mistaken cause.

314 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
When we of the Federal army meet men who fought
in the Confederate ranks we heartily may give them a
soldier's salutation. For though their valor was misdi
rected, still they are of our blood and their courage and
fortitude on the battle field were such as entitle them to
that much recognition.
But we are not called upon to go further, or to be in
the least unmindful of the principles for which the
soldiers in the northern army enlisted and fought.
And more than this, we owe it to the past, we owe it
to our dead, we owe it to ourselves and we owe it to the
future to keep alive the conviction that the cause for
which the Federal army fought, was just and right.
This faith we must teach to our children and they must
be told to teach it to their children ; and no reasonable
man in the south would think well of us if we did less
than this.
Indeed the conviction and faith that we were right, must
constitute the fuel of the real camp fires that are to be kept
burning while life remains and comrades meet. Our pat
riotism and our conscientious defence of the Union were
the most sacred gifts we could place upon the altar of Am
erican liberty. And having done this we may glory in it.
May we not also remind our people of this, that
the safety of the republic, in a measure at least, rests
upon their frank acknowledgement of the services of the
soldier? If patriotism and personal sacrifice for the
country's good have no recognition above that accorded
to selfishness, then the body politic already has within
itself the seeds of decay and death.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 315
And if the time ever comes when the public heart
feels no indignation at the unqualified announcement,
for instance, that "army pensioners are only looters of
the United States Treasury, "spoken by men who cow
ardly remained at home when others were in the field,
then we may well begin to feel solicitude for the welfare
of the Federal union.
We trust all patriotic people will resent such reflec
tions when cast upon our worthy pensioners. The men
who composed our own regiment we know did not enlist
for pensions or money. Some of them received a bounty,
it is true but it was taken. to supply their families with
food and clothing while they were in the field. But the
bounty scarcely entered into the motives that led our
comrades to leave their comfortable firesides for the
sufferings and perils of army life. Many of our men
made no calculations at all of what they were to receive
for their services. They sprang to the nation's defence,
not asking for money or honor or even gratitude but
because the country was in peril and was pleading for
men to come to her rescue. And now that some of those
defenders need help, shall the country withhold it ?
The words of one who often has spoken in the soldiers'
behalf may well be quoted and repeated : —
" The state and the nation must not forget that it still
owes an undischarged obligation to the survivors of that
terrible war. The promise made to those men in the
hour of the nation's deadly peril must be religiously
kept, for the nation may want soldiers again. Many of
those men are suffering from wounds and disabilities

316 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
contracted in the service, and from the increasing in
firmities of years. The little flags in the cemeteries are
increasing, and with them the widows and orphans of
our fallen comrades.
"Men of large means, and patriotic men in the day of
the nation's need, came to her relief with their money,
and took the nation's bonds for security. The soldiers
of the nation always have insisted that those men should
be paid principal and interest in gold, and to the utter
most farthing, and they have been so paid.
"The defenders of the flag took their pay at thirteen
dollars per month in depreciated currency, some of the
time worth thirty-three cents on a dollar ; and will the
bondholders and property owners now begrudge to those
men who were disabled the little sum allowed them by
the pension law of the United States."
Such ingratitude to the men who stood between Lee's
army at Gettysburg and our northern cities during the
terrible days of the rebellion, and to the men who guarded
and defended the entire range of western states, and to
the men who opened the Mississippi river to the com
merce of the nation, from Cairo to its mouth, would be
as base a return for suffering and sacrifice as one can
imagine. Another thought that carries with it an important
lesson to our state administration, is that we should be in
constant readiness for war. If our state is wise, its
action as to the future will be modified by what has
taken place in the past. When, therefore, we recall how
illy prepared our northern troops were to cope with the

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 31?
south at the beginning of the war, and when we recall
what our losses were in consequence, the conviction can
not fail to make itself felt that such an unmilitary spirit
and condition never again should be allowed to exist in
New Hampshire or in New England. We had to pay
too dearly for thirty years of military indifference and
carelessness to justify at any time the sheathing of the
sword. We are not unmindful, while saying this, that there
is rather a popular sentiment which contends that there
need be, and are to be no more wars ; that the mission
of the sword has ended ; that all armies, therefore, may
be disbanded ; that nations are to settle their disputes
by peaceful arbitration ; and that our Republic no
longer needs government troops, state militia, or power
ful navies.
The fact is rather, that while wheat and tares grow to
gether on the same soil, and on the same soil they will
grow until Christ comes, conflict with arms must be pro
vided for. Peace measures in which the sword is dis
honored or forgotten more than once have been tried,
but with results strikingly uniform. Carlyle, speaking
of such an effort in Great Britain, says : —
"The English nation, having flung its old Puritan
sword and Bible faith into the cesspool, or, rather, hav
ing set its old Bible faith, minus any sword, well up in
the organ-loft, with plenty of revenue, there to preach
and organ at discretion, on condition always of med
dling with nobody's practice, thought the same a mighty
pretty arrangement, but found a hitch before long."

318 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
We have every reason to believe in the Puritan Bible,
at least in that part of it containing the Sermon on the
Mount. But to lose faith in the Puritan sword and to
fling it now, as Carlyle would say, " into the cesspool,"
or in other words not to provide adequate military
defences, and not faithfully to cultivate the military
spirit, is the absurdest and supremest of follies.
Men may talk of the needlessness of war until hoarse,
and dream of millenniums without number but, rather
the world should be looked at as it is and men should be
regarded as they are, and not as we can imagine them
to be.
The fact cannot be ignored that the day upon which
moral evil entered this world, and corrupted human
hearts, was the day the sword began to have its use,
even at the gates of Paradise, and in the hands of
angels, and it will continue to have its dreaded use
until moral evil no longer curses the earth. The man of
war must have his place whenever and wherever isfound
the man of sin.
Suppose Europe were not now armed (June 1897), and
suppose she had not the military spirit, and could do
nothing except to cry, "peace, peace?" Does any one
imagine that there would be an escape from an Asiatic
religious war, or that the Turk, whose thirst for blood
is insatiable, would be restrained from devastating
Europe, with sword and firebrand, north and south, east
and west? The Turk in fewer than twenty days would
deluge Europe in blood, if Europe were defenceless.
In common with all our readers we deplore the evils

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 319
and devastations of war when playing " the game of
sovereigns," and needlessly baptizing the earth in sorrow
and blood. Still we hold the theory now, precisely as
we did when we entered the United States service in
1862, that while the sword is an evil, it is in this world
a necessary evil; while it is a scourge it may also be a
balm .
" War is hell " are the energetic words of one of our
greatest generals; but our older theologians have taught
us that hell, in a universe where sin seeks the mastery,
is a necessity.
" While to engage in war without a clear necessity is
a crime," as Southey says, "still when the necessity is
clear, it then becomes a crime to shrink from it."
The soldier therefore is not to be regarded as the au
thor of war, nor is he armed to encourage war. He is
rather a minister of righteousness authorized to maintain
peace. The losses of war are to be deplored; but the
crushing of tyrants, the salvation of societies, the pre
servation of states and of good governments, are not to
be deplored.
Few sublimer sights on this earth could be witnessed
than the leaping of a million swords from their scabbards
to end a disreputable peace that has been purchased at
the expense of an endangered republic, or at tlie loss of
those inalienable rights that belong to a true and noble
manhood. The destruction of life is bad, says Dr. Hedge " but it
is not the worst of evils. The waste of property, the
desolation of cities and villages, the ruin of families, the

320 History of the sixteenth regiment
tears of widows and orphans, are bad ; but the sacrifice of
justice, the abandonment of principle, the loss of a
nation's rights, are worse, unquestionably worse, infi
nitely worse than bloodshed."
It is true that under certain conditions one may allow
oneself to be smitten on the right cheek and then may
turn the other to receive the second blow. But for a
man to permit an assassin unresisted to enter his neigh
bor's house when he could prevent it, is base, and that
man, morally, is a criminal. And, too, when the public,
or when our brother man, or any woman of any nation
ality in Christendom is in peril and looks to a fellow
man for protection, then the beautiful plea of non-
resistance is neither safe, sound, manly, philanthropic,
nor religious.
The fact is that the day for melting our cannon into
church bells will be when men do as they would be done
by, loving philanthrophy better than plunder. The
time for beating our swords into ploughshares and
spears into pruning hooks will be when ploughshares
can turn the furrow, and when all other industries can
be pursued without fear from either the bludgeon in the
hands of a fellow workman, who by striking has lost his
place, or from the rich man's "trust" by which one
dares to take advantage of the necessities of the poor,
and when tyrants have ceased to oppress and rob their-
subjects beyond endurance. And that day has not yet
dawned. But more specifically we may say that there
are conditions and contingencies in our country today
that should be provided for.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 321
Said General Garfield, in a speech delivered during
the labor troubles of 1877 : "lam for the reign of law
in this Republic, and for an army large enough to make
it sure."
That sentiment, " I am for the reign of law in this
Republic, and for an army large enough to make it sure,"
should meet with the approval of every loyal citizen and
should be written in letters of flame where they will con
front the flood tide of immigrants as they land on these
American shores.
That is, we should have an army large enough to de
fend the rights of every native born and loyal citizen
against all new comers who are not equally loyal.
Perhaps on these pages we ought not to be any more
explicit than we have been, though our convictions are
clear as to certain perils, civil and ecclesiastical, that are
threatening our national existence.
But in passing we may utter this word of warning that
if the day ever comes when the mass of our people cry
and sue for peace ; saying in words and conduct, any
thing under heaven for peace ; give us peace without any
fighting for it; whatever demands are made upon us and
whatever perils threaten, civil or ecclesiastical give us
peace ; though our brothers are betrayed and murdered,
though our sisters are outraged, though our fathers and
mothers are crushed under the heels of tyrants, no
matter for this, if we only can have peace — when that
day comes then the day has also come when God will turn
his face from us and say as he did of old, " Cursed is he
who holdeth back the sword from blood."

322 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Manhood is worth more than peace, and the state will
not get manhood without a union of both the religious
and the heroic spirit.
We are not unmindful of the objection sometimes
urged that the military spirit and military education
have a tendency to demoralize the citizen. In the name
of our dead and living cpmrades we say that is not true.
The sword, acquaintance with it, and the use of it,
may be, on the other hand, eminently humanizing and
ennobling. The cause for which the sword is drawn, and
the motives with which it is wielded, decide the moral
effects of that handling.
In the royal gallery at Versailles may be seen an
equestrian portrait of Gosias, Conte de Rautza, Marshal
of France in 1645. He is represented as sitting upon his
horse, with one wooden leg in the stirrup. One sleeve
of his coat is empty. Over one eye is a painted patch to
conceal its loss. Only one ear remains. His face is
scarred and war-worn, yet it wears a high and noble
expression. Over the painting is an inscription, containing the
name of the soldier, and these memorable words : "He
scattered, everywhere, his limbs and his glory ; his blood
was, in a hundred places, the price of his victory ; and
the warfare in which he engaged left nothing sound about
him but his heart."
Of multitudes of our soldiers battling at the call of the
state in a righteous cause whatever their losses, it may be
said that their hearts like that of the French Marshal
remain the very throne of honor and purity. Scenes of

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 323
slaughter, even the most terrible, need not harden any
soldier, nor need the freedom and relaxation of camp and
garrison life, of necessity, produce " criminal license."
Joshua and Nehemiah, among the Jews ; Xenophon,
one of the noblest generals among the Greeks ; Scipio,
equally eminent among the Romans ; Cornelius, one of
the first Gentile converts of the christian religion ;
Turenne, Marlborough. Miles Standish, Grant, Farragut,
and others of the most distinguished military and naval
heroes of history, have united with the martial spirit
absolute uprightness and untainted moral purity.
While Moses was at prayer among the mountains,
Joshua was wielding the sword on the plains ; and,
Joshua not Moses was thought to be the fitter to enter
the Land of Promise. And the Master the most noble
and tender of men was the one who said? " I am come
not to send peace on earth but a sword."
At the time when ancient Israel was utterly Godless,
was the time, too, when there was not a shield, nor a spear
to be seen among the forty thousand of her degraded
people. Florence Nightengale, writing of herself in a letter to
a brigade of British volunteers says, I have seen more
than any man, what a horrid thing war is, yet I feel more
than any man that the military spirit in a good cause, is
a matchless leaven for the National character."
And when our war ended the world had one of the
most striking illustrations possible of what we are say
ing. Our soldiers did not return as a mob of desperadoes

324 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
and bandits ; but in a few days three mighty armies at
the word of command grounded their arms, disbanded
their organizations and quietly disappeared from fields
of carnage.
" One day those soldiers stood the mightiest force on
earth ; the next day they were our peaceful fellow
citizens. As a summer storm darkens the whole heavens,
shakes the ground with its thunder and empties its
quiver of lightning and is gone in an hour, as if it. had
never been, so was it with our armies."
More than thirty years have passed since the muster out
of our own regiment. The president of our regimental
association has been making for three years a most
exhaustive inquiry into the life and whereabouts of our
men. The following bearing on the point before us is
what he reported two years ago and reiterates today :
"The Sixteenth Regiment has had no representatives
in penal institutions, reformatories or charitable institu
tions. One comrade was in our state home at Tilton,
which was no discredit to him or to us. A liberal per
centage are men of prominence in their chosen trades
and professions."
Facts, therefore, warrant us in saying that amid all
the horrors of clashing arms, and of garments rolled in
blood, the true and heroic soldier, instead of losing, may
add immensely to his personal righteousness and
nobility. In this country, it is the selfish, cowardly spirit that
insists on sheathing the sword, which, is most to be
feared.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 325
" What constitutes a State i
Not high-raised battlements, or labored mound,
Thick wall or moled gate ;
Not cities proud, with spires and tunnels crowned,
Not bays and broad-armed ports,
Where, laughing at the storm, rich navies ride ;
Nor starred and spangled courts,
Where low-browed baseness wafts perfume to pride.
No. Men, high-minded men,
With powers as far above dull brutes endued
In forest, brake, or den,
As beasts excel cold rocks and brambles rude —
Men who their duties know,
But know their rights, and, knowing, dare maintain,
Prevent the long-armed blow,
And crush the tyrant while they rend the chain, —
These constitute a State."
It is as clear as daylight that if our country, in her
schools and among her people, will cultivate the military
spirit as she ought, if the citizenship of the several
states is properly enrolled and drilled, and if the timid,
selfish and unchristian cry for " peace at any cost" is no
longer heard within our borders, then, so far as war with
any foreign nation on earth is concerned, we have noth
ing to fear and the clay of our peace has come. In
safety our republic thus prepared could dictate, on any
righteous measure, terms of peace to the whole world.
Have we forgotten what happened even when the
Federal government had its hands full, fighting the re
bellion ? Secretary Seward at that critical time dared to
say to Napoleon III, you would better withdraw your
troops from Mexican soil with as little delay as pos-

326 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
sible. And Napoleon, though backed by the entire
French empire, by Austria and the Vatican, did not de
lay an hour.
When we said to the British Empire the other day that
we must have a hand in settling the Venezuelan diffi
culty, our demand though questionable, was granted
with as great dispatch as could be expected.
The way for our nation to prevent war is to be pre
pared for it, and the way for her to check the wrongs
and tyrannies of the whole world is to be courageous
and speak out.
If, therefore, in view of what has been said, it is clear
that the heroic and military spirit is of service and that
it should not be allowed to slumber as it did in our
northern states during the years preceding the late war ;
if it is clear that our nation among the nations of the
earth has a larger mission than as yet has been claimed
for her ; and if it is true that the day of universal peace
has not yet dawned, then we may offer a single additional
plea, namely, that military weapons must not be left
exclusively in the hands of what are called government
and mercenary troops, but also and largely should be in
the hands of an organized and disciplined state militia.
" It is certain," said Madison, "that liberty cannot
be safe with powerful standing armies, and that, with
out an effective militia, the danger of such armies can
not be precluded." The history and fate of the repub
lics of Greece and Rome, of Genoa and Venice, are a
standing warning against the transfer of the sword from
the militia to a mercenary soldiery.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 327
i
We do not say that what is termed the " regular army,"
in a nation of considerable magnitude like ours, is use
less. Often it is serviceable in the exercise of the bal
ance of power in sudden emergencies. It is available,
as a sort of moveable police force, in presenting a speedy
check to slight, local uprisings and it everywhere in
spires respect, being the representative of the national
government. But what we insist on is that in the midst of great
perils the state militia is the surest bulwark of a nation's
rights. "It is the wall, behind which a free people
may pursue their honest toil unharmed." ft was the state
militia of New England under the old Provincial flag of
Massachusetts Bay which made the Indian tremble as
"he saw them pass along in martial order." It was the
state militia of New England which stood the first shock
of the Revolutionary war in 1775. It was the state
militia of New Hampshire that protected its legislature
during the disturbances and disaffections in 1782. It
was the state militia of Massachusetts that quelled the
Shay's insurrection in 1786. It was the state militia of
Pennsylvania which enforced the law and maintained
order during the insurrections of 1794-'98.
During the war of 1812 when the enemy was hovering
along our coast and the national forces were withdrawn,
they were the organized and officered New England
militia companies which, with twenty-four hours' notice,
garrisoned and protected all our posts and seaboard
cities. It was the state militia that in several different
commonwealths quelled the riots of 1877.

328 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
And in 1861, when our country's capital was besieged,
when our national archives were threatened, when our
way to Washington was blocked in the streets of Balti
more, the first troops that fought their way to the protec
tion and rescue of the city of Washington were the state
militia of Massachusetts.
These instances are convincing illustrations of the
efficiency and necessity of the sword in the hands of a
state militia under state orders.
Our conviction is, therefore, that every boy of twelve
or fifteen years of age in the state of New Hampshire
should learn to go through the manual of arms. And
it would be a health giving and heroic discipline if all our
boys were taught to draw and poise the sword on horse
back and to ram the cartridge in a field piece of any
calibre. Every large public school in our state like the schools of
Germany, should have its military battalion and its
drill-master in military science. Our public schools
should be called together and dismissed, not with the
bell, but with the drum and fife.
And no argument is needed to show that if the youth
of our land had been thus properly schooled and drilled
prior to 1861 the Confederacy never would have reached
the magnitude it assumed, and we should not have been
called upon to write this history of the Sixteenth Regi
ment of New Hampshire Volunteers.

ROSTER OF OUR DEAD AND LIVING COMRADES,
AND
PERSONAL SKETCHES,
SIXTEENTH REGIMENT NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.
WITHOUT hesitation and without any immodesty
or impropriety the historian may say that no
volunteer regiment has a more complete roster
than ours. But the credit of it belongs in scarcely any
measure to the historian, but first of all to Adjutant-
General A. D. Ayling.
The historian may be allowed also to say that he has
examined many war reports, but in the matter of full
ness, in evidences of untiring research and in downright
faithfulness General Ayling' s Revised Register of the
Soldiers and Sailors of 1861-66, surpasses all other
registers and reports that we have examined. His
register we hereby acknowledge has been of inestimable
service in completing our work.
To the untiring labors of Comrade Henry L. Johnson,

332 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
the historian also is indebted. Indeed he is indebted to
such extent that he may almost say that the roster and
sketches are not his work at all, but literally is that
of Comrade Johnson.
As several of our regiment may know, Comrade John
son has spent much of his time during the past three
years in correcting former records and in searching for
the unreported members of our regiment. In some
instances his labors have been like those of a detective
after fugitives.
Since entering upon this work he has sent out more
than four thousand circulars and letters, sparing him
self, in other respects, neither labor nor expense. At
times, he has wrought in the work as if under an inspira
tion and the result is a perfect roster so far as a work of
the kind can be perfect.
In the highest degree our earnest and laborious presi
dent of the association, Henry L. Johnson, is, therefore,
deserving of the congratulations and gratitude of every
person interested in the Sixteenth New Hampshire
Regiment. The materials for the following sketches in the main
have been obtained from the surviving members, from
the kindred and friends of those who are deceased, from
the roster compiled in 1895 by Comrade Johnson, and
from personal recollections.
That cuts and sketches of every member of the regi
ment do not appear in the roster is a regret to us but
certainly is no fault of ours as will be seen from the fol
lowing communications sent to the nearest living kin-

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 333
dred of our dead comrades and to all comrades known
to be living.
Early in the year 1896, a circular was sent to every
person supposed to have a personal interest in our regi
ment, containing the following announcement: —
"A history of the personal and military service of our
regiment is being written. It is desired that the work
shall have the likenesses and life sketches of all now
living who desire it, and of those of our honored dead
whose friends or kindred will provide the material and
means to accomplish it. It will be necessary for us to be
provided with a photograph and sketch, subject to revi
sion by the author. The cost of each cut and insertion
will be three dollars. Those comrades who paid for cuts
for the roster can have them used with personal history
for one dollar each. Each comrade is earnestly re
quested to make this matter known to the friends and
kindred of deceased comrades that they may avail them
selves of this opportunity to have the pictures and life-
sketches of their loved ones in a work of history that
will be an enduring monument to their patriotism."
A year later the following circular was likewise sent
to all living comrades and to the friends of those who
are deceased : — Washington, D. C, fanuary i, i8gy.
Dear Comrade :
Excepting some work on the revision, the history of our regi
ment is now completed. It is first to be published in The Granite
Monthly, Concord, N. H. Will you favor the author by sending
to him any matters of personal interest relating to our army life
that you may like to have introduced iu'Q the history when issue' I

334 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
in book form ; also a photograph of yourself if one is not already
in our possession. We will have a cut made from the photograph
for use in the history if you will bear the expense of having it
made and the expense of setting up a personal sketch of your life,
which will be about three dollars, two for the plate and one for
the sketch. In case of those whose plates already are in the hands of
the association, there will be the charge of one dollar only for the
sketch. All subject-matter of this class should be in the hands
of the historian on or before March r, 1897.
If while reading the history as published in The Granite Monthly
any mistakes are noticed, or if any matters of interest have been
omitted that occur to the mind you will please notify the historian.
This class of subject-matter will be received as late as June 1, 1897.
Yours in F. C. and L,-,
Luther T. Townsend, Henry L. Johnson,
Regimental Historian. President Association.

(S\©^\9

REGIMENTAL AND STAFF OFFICERS.

Colonel James Pike, was born in Salisbury, Mass.,
November 10, 1818, and was the son of Caleb and
Mary Pike. Early in life he became a pupil in the once
flourishing academy at Newfields, N. H., then under the
patronage of New England Methodists, but afterward
was removed to Wilbraham, Mass., where it is still in
successful operation.
His collegiate education was obtained at the Wesleyan
University, Middletown, Conn. That institution in 1873,
conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity
In 1841 at Portsmouth, N. H., he was licensed to preach,

336 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
joining the New Hampshire Conference. He was
ordained deacon in 1843 and elder in 1845. His fields of
ministerial labor were Hooksett, N. II., 1841-42 ; Pem
broke, N. H., 1843-'44 ; Nashua, N. H., 1845-'46 ; New
market, 1847-48 ; Lawrence, Mass., 1849 ; Great Falls,
N. H., 1850-'51, and Haverhill, Mass., 1852. He was
presiding elder of Dover District, 1853-54. He preached
at Fisherville N. H., 1859. He was presiding elder of
Concord District, 1860-62. He supplied Walnut Street,
Chelsea, Mass., during the Winter of 1863. He was
agent for the New Hampshire Conference Seminary,
1864, and preached at Portsmouth, 1865-'66. He was
presiding elder of Dover District, 1867-'70, and of Clare-
mont District, 1871-'72. He preached at Manchester,
N. H., St. Paul's, 1873-74. He was presiding elder of
Concord District, 1875-'76, and of Dover District, 1877-
'80. He held a supernumerary relation, 1881 ; preached
in Bristol, N. H., 1882-83 ; was supernumerary in 1884,
and preached in Epping, N. H., 1885.
In the latter pastorate he closed his active, long and
useful ministry, with which he permitted his congres
sional and military service but slightly to interfere. He
was elected to represent the first New Hampshire district
in the memorable thirty-fourth Congress, and was re
elected to the thirty-fifth Congress.
He enlisted October 28, 1862, as a private and was
commissioned colonel November 1, 1862, and served until
mustered out with the regiment.
In 1871, Colonel Pike was the Republican candidate
for Governor of New Hampshire, receiving 33,892 votes

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 337
against 34,700 cast for James A. Weston the Democratic
nominee, and 1,137 for the other candidates. There be
ing no election by popular vote, the legislature elected
James A. Weston, Governor.
Colonel Pike died at Newfields, N. TL, July 26, 1895, age
seventy-seven years. His mortal remains were followed
to their last resting place by some who had served under
him, and in that service had learned that there is more
in military service than the gratification of a vain ambi
tion, or the cultivation of a violent spirit.
Colonel Pike was educated for the ministry, and while
not an ideal military man, was just and humane, apply
ing the principles of his religion to all his acts. Those
who were the recipients of his oft-bestowed personal
attentions, remember him as a kind, just and loving
regimental commander.

338 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

u/ZeGutcnat-Cofonct Jtenrj/ 1l/. Suitor,
Lieutenant- Colonel Henry W. Fuller, was born in
Hooksett, N. H., July 30, 1839, and was the son of David
Gordon Fuller and Jane Converse Fuller. He fitted for
college in Pembroke Academy, N. H.
His subsequent career is so well set forth in the tribute
paid him by the Loyal Legion, Massachusetts Com-
mandery, that we introduce it in full : —
"Whereas, by dispensation of that supreme power
which creates and upholds the universe and is sovereign
over every human life, directing its course and ordaining
its close, over companion and comrade, General Henry

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 389
W. Fuller has been taken from us to return no more, we,
his companions of the Loyal Legion, proud of his brave
and honorable life, rejoicing in his good fame, and sorrow
ing most of all that we shall see his face no more, hereby
express our deep sense of personal bereavement in his
death, our high appreciation of his chivalrous and noble
nature, and our just pride in his career, which, though,
finished ere it touched the meridian, might well be the
envy of three score years and ten.
"The simplest and briefest summary of General
Fuller's life, is, in itself a eulogy and nothing more is
needed to satisfy the warmest friendship. He graduated
from Dartmouth College in 1857, the youngest member of
his class. Immediately upon leaving college he entered
upon the study of the law at the Harvard law school and
graduated from that institution in 1859 with the highest
honors, winning the first prize in the competition of
essays presented for examination. He subsequently
read law in the office of the late Hon. A. S. Marshall,
Concord, N. H.
" Then came the Civil War. He forthwith enlisted as
a private on April 29, 1861, and was rapidly and success
ively promoted first lieutenant in the first, captain in the
fifth, major and then lieutenant-colonel in the Sixteenth
New Hampshire Volunteers. Later on, November 23,
1863, he was made colonel of the Seventy-Fifth United
States Colored Infantry and finally, March 13, 1865, was
promoted brevet brigadier-general of United States Vol
unteers. He served through the war. He was a true
soldier. The Legion will proudly remember and trans-

340 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
mit the record. At the close of the war he became a citi
zen of Louisiana and engaged in cotton planting. He
soon grew very popular with the best people of the com
munity in which he lived and was unanimously selected
to represent them in the Constitutional Convention at New-
Orleans to frame a constitution for the state.
"He was one of the principal figures in that Conven
tion and had he chosen to remain in Louisiana there can be
no question that higher honors would have sought his
acceptance. But in 1867, he returned to Massachusetts,
to Roxbury, to resume the practice of the law. He
soon acquired and held a constantly increasing clientage;
troops of friends thronged around him eager to do him
service ; public official honors were pressed upon him.
"He was elected for one year to the Common Council of
Boston and declined a re-election. He served the State
for four years in the House of Representatives and two
in the Senate.
"In each of these positions he naturally and easily took
a leader's part. He served with distinction upon the
most important committees, notably the judiciary, and
was conspicuous in all the important debates of House
and Senate.
" The last honor which it gratified his friends so much
to see conferred upon him, was his appointment as Judge
of the Municipal Court of Roxbury. All who knew him
felt that in this new sphere of professional service, he
would develop and demonstrate powers and acquirements
that would lead to higher promotions in wider fields of
judicial and legislative duty.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 341
" But it was not to be. He had just assumed the duties
of his new office when death called him and closed the
record. To the eye of grief and friendship and desolated
love it seems an rtnfinished record, prematurely ended.
But what is written is well written and needs no revision.
No line or word to be erased or forgotten but all fair and
noble, worthy of the light of day and of everlasting
remembrance. The Legion will enter upon its archives
this truthful transcript of an honorable and patriotic
life and cherish it as one of its treasures.
" It also begs to present to the family of our deceased
brother this sincere tribute of love and honor to his
memory." We may add that he was a strict disciplinarian, a
remarkably cool headed officer, a patriotic and cour
ageous soldier who never shrank from the performance
of his whole duty at any time or in any place.

342 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH BEGIMENT

27/a/or Sctmue/ tZ)ai>/s.
Major Samuel Davis, was born in Bradford, N. H.,
March 7, 1828. His early education was obtained in
the schools of his native town, and at the academy at
Hancock, N. H. In 1849 he entered the military academy
at West Point, where he took the full five year course.
The last fourteen mouths of that time he was with the
North Pacific Railroad Exploration Survey, under Gen
eral Isaac I. Stevens.
Major Davis was connected with the Scientific Corps
and had charge of the barometrical Survey and Meteoro
logical Department for some fifteen hundred miles to the

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 343
Dalles of the Columbia. The route lay through the
lands of some twenty different Indian tribes and the
experiences of the expedition were romantic and advent
urous. Returning to New Hampshire, Major Davis entered
upon the study of the law, in the office of the late Hon.
Herman Foster, of Manchester, and was admitted
to the Bar in February, 1858. He opened an office in
Enfield Center, N. H., where he practiced until 1860,
and then he removed to Warner. Since that time he
has been a resident of that town.
When the Civil War broke out, Major Davis was in
the active practice of his profession and with a young
and promising family. He left all at the call of his
country, upon the formation of the Sixteenth Regiment
New Hampshire Volunteers. He enlisted as a private
and was elected captain of Company H, but before the
regiment left the state he was commissioned major, in
which capacity he served until the regiment was
mustered out.
Major Davis was on board the Steamer Arizona at the
attack on Fort Burton, at the evacuation of which place
he received an injury, from the effects of which he never
has fully recovered. After his regiment was mustered
out, Major Davis spent a few months at home with his
family then returned to Washington, and passed an
examination before General Casey's board and received
a provisional commission as major, but was never given
a command. In 1866 he was elected a member of the New Hamp-

344 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
shire legislature from Warner and was re-elected in 1867.
While a member of the legislature he served on the
Judiciary Committee and was active and influential in
shaping legislation. He is said to have been the first
Democrat in the state to make a speech in the Legis
lature in favor of the so-called Floage Act, which was
adopted largely through his influence.
Major Davis has always been active irj. furthering the
interests of his adopted town, and has served his fellow
citizens in almost every capacity. He was a member of
the school board for more than twenty years, and for a
number of years superintendent of the Simonds' High
School. He was one of the original trustees of the
Pillsbury Free Library and is at present president of
the board. Some four years ago he gave up the active
practice of law, but is often called upon to give advice
in legal matters.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

345

Jxctfuiawit tjOutJiar- O. Clowns end.

Adjutant Luther T. Townsend, D. D., historian of
the Sixteenth Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteers,
was born in Orono, Penobscot county, Maine, September
27, 1838. His early education was received in the public
schools of Bristol, Manchester, Franklin, and Lake
Village, New Hampshire. By the death of his father
he was thrown upon his own resources, and at the age
of twelve found employment on a railroad. Four years
later he was engaged as a fireman on a locomotive, and
while at that Work he determined to obtain an education.
He fitted for college at the New Hampshire Conference

346 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT.
Seminary, Tilton, N. H., and entered Dartmouth Col
lege in 1855, where he supported himself by teaching
during vacations, graduating with honor in 1859, being
a member of the Phi Beta Kappa society.
From Dartmouth he went to the Andover Theological
Seminary, and finished a three years' course in 1862.
From Andover Theological Seminary he enlisted as a
private in the Sixteenth Regiment, was commissioned
adjutant, and served until mustered out with the regi
ment. He was not off duty a clay during the entire campaign
and was with the regiment in every move it made. He
declined a proffered colonelcy just before leaving Louis
iana, the reason for this declination was that he felt that
the war was nearly over and that he ought to return to his
professional work. He was ordained to the ministry in
1864, and in 1866 the Wesleyan University conferred
the degree of A. M., and Dartmouth honored him with
the degree of D. D., in 1871. When the Concord Theo
logical School was removed to Boston in 1868, he was
chosen to fill the chairs of the Hebrew and Greek lan
guages. In 1870 he was, at his own request, transferred to
the chair of historic theology, and in 1872 to that of sacred
rhetoric. He was appointed delegate to the Ecumenical
M. E. Conference, London, England, in 1881, and the
dean of the Chatauqua School of Theology 1882-85.
He is the author of twenty-five books and treatises,
among them being "Credo," "Sword and Garment,"
"Lost Forever," ''The Arena and the Throne," "Fate
of Republics." etc., etc. He has been editorially con-

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 347
nected with various daily, weekly and monthly publica
tions. After completing twenty-five years as professor
in Boston University, he resigned in 1893 for the purpose
of pursuing literary work, in connection with which he
has been pastor of the Mount Vernon Place Church in
Baltimore, Md. His residence at present is Washington
D. C, where he is associate pastor of Metropolitan M.
E. Church giving most of his time however at present
(1897) to literary work. "Evolution or Creation,"
" The story of Jonah in the Light of Higher Criticism,"
and this regimental history, are the work of the past
year.

•#-,.

348 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

CAaplain ttav. &a/za 97?. 9/^an/ejf.
Chaplain Rev. Raima M. Manley was born, Jan
uary 16, 1822, in Dorset, Bennington County, Vt.
He fitted for college at Troy Conference Academy,
Poultney, Vt., and graduated from Wesleyan Univer
sity, 1848. He was principal of Grammar School in
Randolph, Vt., from 1848-'52. He was editor of the Ver
mont Christian Messenger, 1853-57, and teacher of Nat
ural Science and Latin in Newbury Seminary, 1857-'58.
He was principal of Troy Conference Academy, 1858-60,
and principal of New Hampshire Conference Seminary,
I860-' 62. He was chaplain of the Sixteenth N^w Hamp-

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 349
shire Volunteers, 1862-63, and chaplain of First United
States Colored Cavalry from January, 1864, to end of
the War. May, 1865, he was appointed by the War
Department superintendent of schools for the State of
Virginia in the Freedmen's Bureau and served in that-
capacity five years until the dissolution of the Bureau in
1870. In 1867, he founded the Richmond, Va., Normal
School for colored youth and had charge of the same
until 1884. During most of that period he was a mem
ber of the board of aldermen of Richmond, and also of
the city board of education. He was influential in
shaping the public school system of that city and of the
State of Virginia. In all, he gave twenty years to
education in the south.
In 1885, he was instructor in Wellesley College, Wel
lesley, Mass. He held the chair of Rhetoric and English
Composition and remained in Wellesley until 1892, when,
on account of impaired health, he resigned and sought
recuperation in Northern Georgia. The experiment was
unsuccessful. In 1895, he went to San Diego, California.
There he regained his health and is at present engaged
in educational work, as a member of the board of
education of the City of San Diego. His present address
is 635 Grant Avenue? San Diego, California.

350 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

H)r. TjJioTnas Oandorn.

Dr. Thomas Sanborn was born in Sanbornton, N.
II., September 26, 1811 ; appointed surgeon of the
Sixteenth Regiment November 4, 1862 ; resigned June
13, 1863. He was the son of Christopher Sanborn and a
grandson of Dr. Benaiah Sanborn, an eminent physician
held in high esteem in that part of the state, and a
lineal descendant in the fifth generation of Daniel San
born, one of the first settlers of the town. His early life
was passed at- home attending the district school, with
an occasional term at the village academy. At the age
of sixteen he was bereft of his father, whose life was lost

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 351
by drowning, but he remained with his mother upon the
farm four or five years, assuming its labors and aiding in
providing for the family.
Early in life he turned his thoughts to medicine, the
profession of his grandsire, who had often expressed the
wish that one of his grandsons might choose for his life-
work his own calling, and in the Spring of 1833, he
entered the office of Dr. Thomas P. Hill, with whom he
studied three months, and attended a course of lectures
at Brunswick, Me. The succeeding five or six years were
devoted to other affairs ; but in 1839, he resumed his
medical studies under the direction of his brother-in-law
Dr. W. H. Hosmer of New London (now of Penacook),
with whom he remained two years, in the meantime
attending two courses of lectures at the Dartmouth
Medical College. He was subsequently, for some time
under the patronage and instruction of Dr. Gilman Kim
ball of Lowell, Mass. He received his medical degree
from Dartmouth in 1841, and commenced practice in
Goshen, where he remained until August, 1843, when he
moved to Newport. After locating in this town Dr. San
born availed himself of lectures and hospital practice at
the Bellvue Medical Institution in New York City. A
successful understanding and management of the cases
that came under his care and his conspicuous skill as a
surgeon in due time won for him an extended and profit
able patronage and a wide celebrity. In view of greater
proficiency in many of the details of his professional
work, Dr. Sanborn, in 1853, crossed the Atlantic and
traveled extensively in England, Scotland, France and

352 HISTORY OF TPIE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Belgium. Visiting their medical schools, hospitals and
museums, returning to his home and friends in Newport (
with an increased intelligence, professionally for the
benefit of his patrons and that enlarged view of men and
thought derived from foreign travel.
Aside from his professional standing, he was a public-
spirited and leading citizen of the town which he twice
represented — 1857-58 — in the state legislature. Dr.
Sanborn took a decided stand in favor of the Union of
States, and manifested his patriotism in deeds, as well as
words. In 1863, he was appointed surgeon of the Six
teenth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers, and served
with distinction in the Nineteenth Army Corps in Louis
iana. After his return he was appointed United States
Army Surgeon of this military department. He was a
member of the New Hampshire Medical Society, the
National Medical Association and the Connecticut
Medical Society. He was also a past master of the Mount
Vernon Lodge of Masons.
Dr. Sanborn, married November 14, 1844, Harriet, a
daughter of Hon. David Allen of Newport, N. H. Their
children were Harriet E., born October 30, 1845, died
August 16, 1864. Mary J., born March 16, 1847; died
January 26, 1875 ; graduated at South Hadley, Mass. ;
(married to Rev. George Ide of Hopkinton, Mass. ;
children, Carrie S., born June 2, 1872 ; Charles E., born
January 22, 1874.) Thomas B., born July 9, 1852 ; died
June 30, 1894. Christopher Allen, born April 5, 1855; mar
ried in 1885, Mary Braman daughter of Hon. Augustus
Mudge of Danvers, Mass. Kate A., born March 18, 1867.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 353
Dr. Sanborn was a thorough scholar, a man of the
strictest integrity and possessed a remarkably kind and
genial disposition. He sought no place or preferment,
-the place and preferment sought him. His great
experience, general reading and good judgment made
him a safe practitioner in all departments of his pro
fession, and a wise counselor professionally and in
general affairs. His life in Newport covered a period of
more than sixty years. His death occurred July 23, 1875.

354

HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

^irst J&sst. OurgrffGT? Cyrus *???• J*/sA:.

First Assistant Surgeon Cyrus M. Fisk was the
eldest son of Ephraim, and Margaret Dow Fisk, and
was born in Chichester N. H., January 9, 1825.
He studied medicine in Contoocook, N. H., with the
late Charles A. Savory, M. D., and took his degree at
Dartmouth College in 1847. At twenty-two years of age
he began the practice of his profession. In 1848 he
married Amanda M. Putnam, and removed to Bradford,
N. H., where he practiced medicine twenty-four years.
Here his fine professional skill was appreciated, and his
high personal character placed him among the leading

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 355
men of the town. He was appointed First Assistant
Surgeon of the Sixteenth Regiment New Hampshire
Volunteers, November 4, 1862, and was promoted to
the rank of Surgeon, June 13, 1863. He was mustered
out of the service with the regiment, August 20, 1863,
returned to Bradford, and resumed his practice.
' In 1872 he removed to Lowell, Mass., where he formed
a partnership with his early instructor Dr. Savory who
had located in Lowell, several years earlier. A few
years later Dr. Savory retired, and Dr. Fisk continued
the practice alone, until the summer of 1894. He then
returned to Bradford and to the scenes of his early suc
cess, to pass the remainder of his life in a well-earned
retirement. He directed the construction and decoration
of a new home, and had occupied it but a short time,
when his long anticipated peaceful rest among those he
loved, was terminated by death from apoplexy on
January 21, 1895. The seventieth milestone on life's
journey was celebrated by visits and loving expressions
from kindred and friends all expecting that he would be
permitted to enjoy for many years, the new home and
new life of rest so happily begun.
While residing in Lowell, Mass., Dr. Fisk's superior
professional skill was recognized by preferment in the
Massachusetts Medical Society, Middlesex North Dis
trict Medical Society, and as a member of the Staff of
Saint John's Hospital, and Advisory Physician of the
Lowell General Hospital. He was an active member
of Ladd and Whitney Post No. 185, Department of
Massachusetts G. A. R.

356 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Second Assistant Surgeon Sylvester Campbell,
son of Horace and Sally Grant Campbell, was born in
Acworth, N. H., February 9, 1834.
He had his home at different times in Newport, N. H.,
New York City, and Sanbornton Bridge, now Tilton,
N. H. He fitted for college at New London, N. H.,
graduated at Dartmouth and at the New York University.
He was appointed second assistant surgeon of the
Sixteenth Regiment, on November 6, 1862, and died at
Carrollton, La., February 6, 1863. [See page 66.]
Second Assistant Surgeon Hubert Sleeper, born in
Grantham N. H. ; appointed March 18, 1863 ; age, 28 ;
taken prisoner June 28, 1863; parolled ; discharged
to date August 20, 1H63 ; P. O. address Meriden, N. H.
Quartermaster Albert H. Drown, born, Rehoboth,
Mass. ; appointed October 8, 1862 ; age, 38 ; discharged
to date August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Newtonville,
Mass. Sergeant- Major Frank B. Modica was born in
Boston, Mass. ; May 30, 1843 ; he left Dartmouth Col
lege and enlisted in Company K, Sixteenth Regiment
New Hampshire Volunteers, September 3, 1862. He
was appointed sergeant-major November 22, 1862, and
second lieutenant of Company F, March 18, 1863. Was
discharged to date August 20, 1863. After he had suffi
ciently recovered his health to resume his studies he
returned to Dartmouth College graduating in the class
of 1865. He located in Chicago, 111., where he was
engaged in business until 1871, when he went to South
America. He constructed the Canca Valley Railroad.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

357

During his stay in Popayan, the capital of the state of
Cauca, United States of Colombia, he became acquainted
with the Senorita Delfina Fernandes Diago, whom he
afterwards married in Bogota, the capital city. After
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Modica returned to the United
States, locating in Henniker, N. H. During their resi
dence in Henniker, Mr. Modica made several business
trips to South America. Eleven years ago he returned
to Chicago, where they now reside. They have five
children, Francis B., Isabel, Beatris, Leonard and Ralph.
P. O. address 1442 Cornelia Avenue, Chicago, 111.

358

HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

Quartermaster-Sergeant George M. Wilkins, born,
Henniker, N. H. ; enlisted October 13, 1862 ; age, 29 ;
appointed second lieutenant of Company K April 25,
1863; not mustered ; died August 26, 1863, Bellefon-
taine, Ohio.
Commissary-Sergeant David D. Smith, born, New
York ; enlisted September 15, 1862 ; age, 23 ; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address 1629 Walnut street,
Philadelphia, Pa.
Hospital Steward Paul S. Adams, born, Berwick,
Maine ; enlisted September 3, 1862 ; age, 44 ; discharged
July 24, 1863; died October 21, 1886, Newport, N. H.
Sutler E. A. Crawford ; P. O. address Dover, N. H.
BAND.
(See Company Roster. )
Director Marcine H. Whitcomb, Co. C.
Drum Major Edward Nettleton, Co. H.
Dexter W. Allen, Comp. IT. Moses Hoyt, Comp. F.
Richard W. Allen,
Henry W. Badger,
Clinton Bohonan,
Truman C. Cutting,
Wm .R. Dimond,
Wm. H. Flanders,
Nath'l S. Gardner,
J. AVood Hastings, Henry E. Young, Co. G.

" 1).

Wm. S. Moses,

u

A.

" H.

Arthur H. Ingram,

t<

B.

" C.

Freeman W. Nourse

(I

F.

" E.

Wallace L. Reed,

u

I.

" E.

Alfred D. Stark,

u

A.

" D.

Charles C. Webber,

u

E.

" G.

Richard A. Webber

I £

B.

" C.

Chas. D. Worcester,

( I

F.

ROSTER OF COMPANY A.

Captain £//as &. Smi't/i.
Captain Flias F. Smith was born in Plainfield, N. H.,
and was twenty-six years of age when he was commis
sioned captain of Company A, Sixteenth Regiment. He
prepared for college at Kimball Union Academy and New
London, and entered Norwich University. While in his
fourth year at that institution September 18, 1862, he
enlisted serving as captain of Company A, until mustered
out August 20, 1863.
He raised Company B, Eighteenth Regiment in one
week, was commissioned its captain serving until the

360 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
close of the war. He has in his possession a commission
as colonel of the Eighteenth Regiment but was not
mustered. Captain Smith was measurably serving the country in
military matters from the beginning of the war until its
close. He was recruiting officer and drillmaster for one
company each, of the Fifth, Seventh, Ninth and Four
teenth, going into camp with each. After the war Cap
tain Smith returned to Lebanon where he was largely
engaged in real estate transactions, and still owns con
siderable property there. A fter quite extensive travels,
he located, in Rochester, N. H., and assumed an interest
in a manufacturing establishment, afterwards becoming
sole proprietor. Captain Smith was loved by those who
served with him, and is held in high esteem by all who
know him.
First Lieutenant Bela Sawyer, born, Orford, N. H.;
enlisted September 1, 1862 ; age, 38 ; appointed first
lieutenant, November 4, 1862 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Lyme, N. H.
Second Lieutenant Charles S. Cooper, born, Barre,
Mass.; enlisted September, 1862; age, 22; appointed
second lieutenant, November 4, 1862 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

361

First Sergeant Luman F. Brooks was born in Han
over, N. H., November 2, 1830. His father was Jere
miah Brooks and of Scotch descent. His mother
was Oris Miner, of English descent, and in direct
line from Henry Bullman, who armed and tendered
to King Edward III, one hundred men on his fourth ex
pedition into France. For this he was Knighted and
given the name of Sir Henry Miner, with a coat-of-arms.
At the age of eleven our comrade found himself at
Enfield, N. II., with that seclusive, peculiar and intensely
religious people known as the Shakers where he became

362 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
disciplined to good habits and was taught his first lessons
in theology.
He taught the District school there for six years, and
at the age of twenty cancelled his connection with the
society and was jjaid for his nine years service the sum
of fifty dollars. For three years following he was con
nected with several railroads in Massachusetts, sub
sequently making his home in Lebanon, N. H., where he
now resides.
On the call for troops in 1862 he was instrumental in
filling the quota allotted to Lebanon, and was mustered
in as first sergeant. Following the fortunes of the regi
ment, he participated in the early advance on Port Hud
son and was in that malarial death trap at Butte a la
Rose. He was present July 2, 1862, and took an
active part in the fight at Springfield Landing. He was
one of several men who claimed the exclusive honor of
shooting the Confederate officer, Stone, who seemed to be
killed outright "but who afterwards jumped up and
ran away."
As soon as discharged from the Sixteenth in August,
1863, he was commissioned captain and was mustered in
to the Third Regiment Corps de Afrique (later Seventy-
Fifth United States Colored Troops) at Port Hudson, La.
He was in the Red River Campaign and returned to
Morgansia Bend in the summer of 1864, where he was
commissioned major and afterwards had charge of build
ing the winter quarters inside the fort at that place. In
the summer of 1865 his regiment protected the railroad
from New Orleans to Brashear City. He was for several

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 363
weeks on courts martial at Thibadeau, Louisiana.
Being the ranking officer present, he was in command of
the regiment at Milliken's Bend in September, 1865, and
at other places, and was mustered out at New Orleans with
the regiment in November. Since the close of the war,
as he writes, " my life has been uneventful."
Second Sergeant Fred. B. Palmer, born, Orford, N.
H. ; enlisted September 15, 1862 ; age, 35 ; mustered out-
August 20, 1863 ; died May 14, 1895, Lyme, N. H.
Third Sergeant Horace B. Wellman, born, Cornish,
N. IT.; enlisted August 30, 1862 ; age, 21 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address 333 Eighth avenue, New
York, N. Y.

364 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

^ourtA Sergeant Oscar l£/. ttafdu/i'n.
Fourth Sergeant Oscar W. Baldwin was born, June
5, 1840, in Jamaica, Vt. When ten years of age his
parents moved to Chester, Vt. Young Baldwin entered
Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, N. H.. September,
1861, with the intention of fitting for college. While
a student there he enlisted September 10, 1862 ; joined
the Sixteenth and was with it in all its service. He was
appointed fourth sergeant in Company A, and served
in that capacity until mustered out, He was a faithful
and brave soldier, perfectly reliable in every position.
assigned him,

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 365
After his return he resumed, for awhile his studies,
but found that his health had been too much shattered
to enter successfully at that time upon a professional
course of study. He has been engaged in a profitable
mercantile business for about twenty -five years. He is
at present chairman of the board of selectmen in Leba
non. He has been for many years a devoted worker in
the Grand Army of the Republic and was chairman of
the building committee of our regiment, through whose
labors the Sixteenth now has free from debt their beau
tifully located and commodious regimental home at the
" Weirs," New Hampshire.
In acknowledgment of his services he was presented
by his comrades, at one of their annual gatherings, a
solid ebony, gold-headed cane.

366

HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

S>t'fih Sergeant Cnartes C Seai/ey.

Fifth Sergeant Charles C. Seavey, of Company
A, was born in Moores, Clinton County, New York,
February 10, 1839, and moved to Lebanon, N. H., in
1856. He enlisted April 24, 1861, in Company K,
First Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteers and served
until mustered out August 9, 1861. He enlisted Sep
tember 8, 1862, in Company A, Sixteenth Regiment and
was appointed fifth sergeant. He served with Company
A until discharged, August 20, 1863. He married Miss
Nettie L. DeAVitt of Hanover, N. H., August 29, 1866,
and removed to his native state. He is a cabinet maker

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 367
by trade but abandoned it because of ill health. He
now lives on a farm at St. Regis Falls, Franklin County,
New York.
First Corporal John H. Derby, born, Lyme, N. II.,
enlisted September 15, 1862; age, 30; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Lyme Center, N. H.
Second Corporal George L. Worthington, born,
Tecumseh, Mich. ; enlisted September 9, 1862; age, 25;
mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Brooklyn,
Mich. Third Corporal Ransom Griggs, born, Rutland, Vt. ;
enlisted September 5, 1862 ; age, 31 ; discharged to date
August 20, 1863 ; dead ; date and place unknown.
Fourth Corporal Daniel C. Dacey, [spelled Dasey in
Adj. Gen's report] born, Bandon, Ireland ; enlisted Sep
tember 8, 1862 ; age, 26 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
volunteered in " storming party " at Port Hudson, La.,
under General Order No. 49.
Fifth Corporal Lewis K. Davison, born, Lyme, N.H.;
enlisted September 15, 1862 ; age, 39 ; discharged to date
August 20, 1863 ; died November 12, 1895, at Perkins-
ville, Vt.
Sixth Corporal Ransom Brocklebank, [Brottlebank
on muster-in roster] born, Plainfield, N. II.; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 43 ; died June 14, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Seventh Corporal Edwin Chandler, born, Lebanon,
N. H.; enlisted September 6, 1862; age, 29; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Lebanon, N. H.

368 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Eighth Corporal Harvey B. Kimball, born, Leba
non, N. H. ; enlisted September 2, 1862 ; age, 20 ; mus
tered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address 50 Moore street,
West Somerville, Mass.
Musician Benjamin W. Chapman, born, Plainfield,
N. H. ; enlisted September 11, 1862 ; age, 41 ; died
August 5, 1863, near Vicksburg, Miss.
Musician Alonzo Stark, born, Ellsworth, Me.; enlisted
October 27, 1862 ; age, 27 ; died June 16, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Wagoner George H. Emerson, born, Chelsea, Vt. ;
enlisted September 10, 1862 ; age, 23 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; died August 25, 1886, Concord N. H.
PRIVATES.
Charles J. Allen, born, Albany, Vt. ; enlisted Septem
ber 15, 1862 ; age, 23 ; died June 7, 1863, at New Orleans,
La. Charles M. Avery, born, Vershire, Vt. ; enlisted Sep
tember 5, 1862 ; age, 19 ; transferred from Company K,
January 1, 1863 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O.
address Corinth, Vt.
Charles Baker, born, Morris town, Vt. ; enlisted Sep
tember 13, 1862 ; age, 36 ; died June 17, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Francis E. Baker, born, Lyme, N. H. ; enlisted Sep,
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 27 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died May 25, 1882, at Lebanon, N. H.
Orvil Barker, born AVindsor, Vt. ; enlisted Septem
ber 1, 1862; age, 38; mustered out August 20, 1863;
died July 11, 1893, at Meriden, N. H.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 369
Samuel E. Barnard [Bernard in Adj. Gen's report]
born, Barnard, Vt., enlisted September 10, 1862 ; age, 23 ;
mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. 0. address AVind-
sor, Vt.
Elbridge G. Beers, born Hartland, Vt. ; enlisted Sep:
tember 9, 1862 ; age, 34 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. 0. Address Meriden, N. H.
Lewis Biathrow, Jr., born, Bradford, Vt. ; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 23 ; died June 5, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
George F. Chase, born, Lyme, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 19 ; discharged January 10, 1863,
New Orleans, La. ; died, January 4, 1864, at Lyme, N. H.
Byron O. Cheney, [Byron Chene y on muster-in roster]
born, Plainfield, N. H. ; enlisted September 11, 1862;
age, 19 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; died in Wor
cester, Mass., date not known.
George W. Clark, born, Lyme, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 25 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Springfield, N. H.
Benjamin Cline, born, Lyme, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 25 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Lyme, N. H.
Freeman J. Converse, born, Lyme, N. H. ; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 22 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died December 23, 1863, at Lyme, N. H.
Norman D. Comings, born, Cornish, N. H. ; enlisted
September 29, 1862 ; age, 20 ; died August 14, 1863,
Mound City, 111.

370 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Joseph B. Cutler, born, Plainfield, N. H. ; enlisted
September 13, 1862 ; age, 39 ; died June 21, 1863, at
New Orleans, La.
Phylander C. Cutting, born, Lyme, N. H. ; enlisted
September 13, 1862 ; age, 26 ; mustered out August 20,
1863. Dead ; date and place unknown.
Charles C. Daniels, born, Plainfield, N. H. ; enlisted
September 12, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Deer Isle, Maine.
George W- Ellis, born, Brandon, Vt. ; enlisted Sep
tember 3, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died, December 26, 1878, South Adams, Mass.
Seneca Ellis, born at sea ; enlisted September 2, 1862 ;
age, 45 ; musterd out August 20, 1863; died, August 26,
1863, at Cornish, N. H.
Charles H. Emerson, born, Chelsea, Vt. ; enlisted
September 10, 1862 ; age, 23 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address West Lebanon, N. H.
George W. French, born, Plainfield, N. H.; enlisted
September 13, 1862 ; age, 23 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Meriden, N. H.
Story W. Gates, [Story H. Gates in Adj. Gen's re
port] born, Lebanon, N. H. ; enlisted September 10, 1862;
age, 18; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address
Portsmouth, N. H.
, Phineas P Gilbert, born, Lyme, N. H. ; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 33 ; discharged to date August
2.0, 1863 ; died August 29, 1863, at Lyme, N. H.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 371
Asa F. Gordon, born, Dorchester, N. H. ; enlisted
September 13, 1862 ; age, 21 ; died May 25, 1863, at
Brashear City, La.
Truman N. Gray, [Grey in Adj. Gen's report] born,
Sheffield, Vt. ; enlisted September 12, 1862 ; age, 33 ;
discharged April 23, 1863, New York, N. Y.
Roswell P Griffin, [Roswell Griffin in Adj. Gen's re
port] born, Lebanon, N. H. ; enlisted September 10,
1862 ; age, 22 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O ad
dress Fryeburg, Me.
Alanson Hadley, born, Columbia, N. H. ; enlisted
September 13, 1862 ; age, 38 ; transferred from Company
K January 1, 1863 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; died
August 27, 1863, Plainfield, N. H.
Charles Harrington, born, Plainfield, N. H.; enlisted
September 9, 1862 ; age, 35 ; discharged to date August
20. 1863 ; died June 6, 1897, at East Plainfield, N. H.
William H. Horton, born, Barnard, Vt. ; enlisted
September 5, 1862 ; age, 21 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address, Piermont N. H.
Edwin R. Houston, born, Bath, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 8, 1862 ; age, 31 ; died May 5, 1863, at Brashear
City, La.
John L. Howard, born, Orford, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 21 ; discharged to date August 20,
1863 ; died August 24, 1863, at Orford, N. H.
Hazen K. Hutchins, born, Andover, Maine ; enlisted
September 3, 1862 ; age, 42 ; mustered out August 20,
1863; P. O. address Hanover, N. H.

372 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Hazen P. Hutchins, born, Sutton, N. H. ; enlisted
September 3, 1862 ; age, 18 ; discharged to date August
20, 1863 ; died January 28, 1»67, at Hanover, N. H.
Ira A. Johnson, born, Grantham, N. H. ; enlisted
September 9, 1862 ; age, 39 ; died August 4, 1863, near
Vicksburg, Miss.
Jason F. Johnston, born, Lebanon, N. H. ; enlisted
September 10, 1862 ; age, 18 ; discharged to date August
20, 1863 ; P. O. address East Plainfield, N. H.
John S. Jordan, born, Manchester, N. H. ; enlisted
September 9, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Plainfield, N. H.
George W. Kelley, born, Newport, N. H. ; enlisted
September 6, 1862 ; age, 27 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Lebanon, N. H.
John M. Kelley, born, Rumney, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 21 ; discharged to date August 20,
1863 ; P O. address Minneapolis, Minn.
Henry Leavitt, born, Cornish, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 2, 1862 ; age. 22 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address Ayer, Mass.
Thomas Manchester, born, Charleston, Vt. ; enlisted
September 4, 1862 ; age, 33 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Lebanon, N. IT.
George P. Martin, born, Underlain, Vt.; enlisted Sep
tember 5, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address 31 George Street, Burlington, Vt.
Webster J. Martin, born, Hanover, N. H. ; enlisted
September 11, 1862 ; age, 19 ; discharged to date August
20, 1863 ; P. O. address Enfield, N. H.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 373
, Albert Miller, born, Sharon, Vt. ; enlisted September
10, 1862 ; age, 20 ; mustered out August 20, 18.63 ; P. 0.
address Lebanon, N. H.
Carlos H. Miller, born, Sharon, Vt.; enlisted Septem
ber 12, 1862 ; age, 22 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died November 18, 1876, Ballardvale, Mass.
Henry Miller, born, New York ; enlisted September
10, 1862 ; age, 25 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; died
May 19, 1886 at Northwood, N. H.
Joseph Moore, born, Concord, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 24 ; discharged to date August 20,
1863 ; died August 21, 1863 at Concord, N. H.
Elias S. Moores, born, Plainfield, N. II.; enlisted
September 10, 1862 ; age, 27 ; transferred from Co. K
January 1, 1863 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; died
in Philadelphia, Pa., since the war.
William S. Moses, born, Alexandria, N. H. ; enlisted
September 6, 1862 ; age, 24 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address 176 Broadway, New York, N. Y.
- Joseph S. Newell, born, Ripton, Vt. ; enlisted Sep
tember.^, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address Torrington, Conn.
Frank Norton, born, Strafford, Vt.; enlisted September
6,1862 ; age, 28 ; died August 18, 1863, at Mound City, 111.
Alphonzo Palmer, born, Orford, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 13, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died August 9, 1863, near
Vicksburg, Miss.
Josiah C.Pelton, born, Plymouth, Vt. ; enlisted Sep
tember, 15, 1862 ; age, 31 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Lyme Center, N. H.

374 history of The sixteenth regiment
Sumner T. Pierce, born, Plainfield, N. H. ; enlisted
September 9, 1862; age, 29; mustered out August 20,'
1863 ; P. O. address Windsor, Vt.
John Poole, born, Plainfield, N. H.; enlisted Septem
ber 10, 1862 ; age, 35 ; transferred from Company K
January 1, 1863; discharged to date August 20, 1863;
died Plainfield, N. H., 1896.
Frank B. Porter, born, Canaan, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 19; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died September 13, 1863, at Lyme, N. H.
Austin C. Ramsey, born, Piermont, N. H. ; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 27 ; died August- 18, 1863, at
Concord, N. H.
James Richardson, born, Corinth, Vt. ; enlisted Sep
tember 6, 1862 ; age, 39 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address 513 Chestuut Street, Manchester, N. H.
John F. Rush, born, Piermont, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 5, 1862 ; age, 24 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address Enfield, N. H.
Orlando Sargent, born, Woodstock, Vt. ; enlisted
September 17, 1862 ; age, 28 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Hillsborough Bridge, N. H.
David S. Shattuck, born, Dorchester, N. H.; enlisted
September 3, 1862 ; age, 19 ; transferred from Company
K, January 1, 1863 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; died
July 12, 1864, at Lyme, N. H.
Enoch P. Smith, born, Raymond, N. H. ; enlisted
September 5, 1862 ; age, 33 ; transferred from Company
K, January 1, 1863 ; died July 26, 1863, at New Orleans,
La.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 375
John H. Smith, born, Lyme, N. H. ; enlisted Septem
ber 13, 1862; age, 44; mustered out August 20, 1863;
P. O. address Oregon, 111.
Lucien L- Spaulding, born, Cornish, N. H. ; enlisted
August 13, 1862; age, 18; discharged to date August
20, 1863 ; P. O. address Cornish, N. H.
Silas S. Spaulding, [Silas Spaulding in Adj. Gen's
report] born, Peru, Mass.; enlisted September 2, 1862;
age, 38 ; discharged to date August 20, 1863 ; died Sep
tember 20, 1863, at Cornish, N. H.
Alfred D. Stark, born, Hopkinfon, N. Y. ; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 34; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Manchester, N. H.
Alonzo Stark, born, Ellsworth, Maine ; enlisted Oct
ober 27, 1862; aged, 27; died June 16, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Irenus Stark born Hanover, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 186'i ; age, 21 ; died June 3, 1863, at Brashear
City, La.
Duty C. Stickney, born Plainfield, N. H. ; enlisted
September 13, 1862 ; age, 24 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Enfield, N. H.
Lucius C. Stone, born, Plainfield, N. H. ; enlisted
September 13, 1862 ; age, 21 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died March 25, 1895, at Plainfield, N. H.
Luther S. Stone, born, Plainfield, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 13, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died July 7, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
George Sweet, born, Columbia, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 9, 1862 ; age, 32 ; transferred from Company K

376 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
January 1, 1863 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O.
address Cornish Flat, N. H.
Kendall H. Thomas, born, Medford, Mass. ; enlisted
September 2, 1862 ; age, 19 ; transferred from Co. K
January 1, 1863 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O.
address Lebanon, N. H.
John M. Vinton, born, Cornish, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 10, 1862 ; age, 23 ; died June 16, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Frank G. Warren, born, Lyme, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862; age, 29 ; discharged for disability July
18, 1863, Concord, N. H. ; died August 2, 1887, Lyme,
N. H.
John H. White, born, Thetford, Vt. ; enlisted Sep
tember 6, 1862 ; age, 23 ; died August 12, 1863, at Mound
City, 111.
Edward C. Whittaker, born, Northfield, Vt,; enlisted
September 8, 1862 ; age, 26 ; died July 25, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
William W. Williams, born, Orford, N. H.; enlisted
September, 10, 1862 ; age, 18 ; discharged to date August
20, 1863 ; died August 26, 1863, at Buffalo, N. Y.

ROSTER OF COMPANY B.

Oaptat'n Jxibart ^y. ^farsey.

Captain Albert J. Hersey, was a native of New Hamp
shire and graduated from Dartmouth College in the class
of 1859. He was in Texas teaching school when the war
began. He was forced into the Confederate army, but
after a year's service he escaped and found his way into
the Union lines. He was commissioned captain of Com
pany B, Sixteenth Regiment, and served with the regi
ment until mustered out. He, with his company, was in
the fight at Springfield Landing. He is at present a
resident of Manchester, Iowa,

378 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

^t'rst vC/cut. Oramus l£/. tturnJiam.
First Lieutenant Oramus W Burnham was born in
Antrim, N. H., May 25, 1827. He moved to Hills
borough early in the year 1837. At nineteen years of
age he was first lieutenant in the Twenty-Sixth Regi
ment New Hampshire Militia, and captain in the same
regiment at twenty. Served twelve years as clerk in the
office of Register of Deeds, for Hillsborough County,
N. H.
He enlisted August 30, 1862, as a private in Company
B, Sixteenth Regiment and claims to be the first in the
state to respond to the call of the President for troops
August 30, 1862. He was promoted to a first lieuten-

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 379
ancy and went to Louisiana with the regiment. He
was taken ill with erysipelas, and the attending surgeons
pronounced his disease incurable and advised him to
return home at once. Acting on this advice he resigned
his commission and returned to New Hampshire.
He removed to Nashua, N. H., in 1868, where he was
employed as clerk and salesman for manufacturing and
commercial houses. He moved to Mount Vernon in 1888
where he now resides.
He has served as Justice of the Peace nearly twenty
years, and is by occupation a fruit and berry grower.

380

HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT.

Second ^Cioitt. J^tdart ?4S. ?£/ifffftn.

Second Lieutenant Albert W. Wiggin was born in
Tuftonborough, N. H. He enlisted October 6, 1862, as a
private in Company B. He was appointed second lieu
tenant November 4, 1862, and first lieutenant February
5, 1863. He served the full period of enlistment, and
was mustered out with the regiment August 20, 1863.
He is one of the leading business men of AVolfboro, N.
H., a man of sterling worth, and is highly esteemed by
all who know him,

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

381

^i'rst Sergeant jtf/vaA S. *£/66cj/.
First Sergeant Alvah S. Libbey was born in Parson-
field, Me., and at thirty-two years of age enlisted in the
Sixteenth Regiment September 20, 1862. He was mus
tered in as first sergeant of Company B, and appointed
second lieutenant of the same company February 5, 1863.
He was mustered out August 20, 1863. He was commis
sioned first lieutenant and then captain of Company G,
First New Hampshire Heavy Artillery. He was mus
tered out June 15, 1865. Captain Libbey returned to
Wolfboro, N. H., and was senior member of the firm of
Libbey & Varney, lumber dealers and manufacturers.
He died September 6, 1895, at Wolfboro, N. H,

382

HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

Second Sergeant UZuctus S2. I&fr/gnt.
Second Sergeant Lucius B. Wright was born in
Washington, N. H., November 25, 1836 ; educated in the
district school and Tubbs' Union Academy. Like most
other boys of his age, he "left the farm for the city,"
being eighteen years of age. After a year or two in the
city he returned to his native state and went to work in
a small machine shop. In 1859, he joined the Second
Vermont Infantry and was a member of the regiment
when the war began. He waited until 1862 before going
into active service. He spent the Summer and Fall of
that year in Concord in military work and joined the

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 383
Sixteenth Regiment at its organization, with the rank of
second sergeant.
On his return he again commenced work as a machinist
and mechanical engineer, which occupation he has
followed most of the time until now.
For the past sixteen years he has made a specialty of
engineering in connection with electrical lighting, and
power, having had charge of the construction of some of
the first of these enterprises.
Sergeant Wright lives in Everett, Mass., where he has
had his home for over twenty years, having for a family
a wife and daughter. His only son died while our regi
ment was at Butte a la Rose. He has been twice
married. Third Sergeant George P. Cotton, born, AVolfboro,
N. H. ; enlisted September 20, 1862 ; age, 39 ; glistered
out August 20, 1863 ; died August 19, 1895, at Wolfboro,
N. H. Sergeant Cotton was in the several engagements
at Donaldsonville, La., June 28 to July 9, 1863.
Fourth Sergeant Obadiah F. Rumrill, born Hills-
boro, N. H. ; enlisted September 3, 1862; age, 24;
reduced to the ranks at his own request May 20, 1863 ;
reappointed sergeant July 17, 1863 ; discharged August
20, 1863 ; died September 10, 1863, Cleveland, O.
Fifth Sergeant James Winston, born, Gal way, Ire
land ; enlisted September 9, 1862 ; age, 39; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; died January 21, 1889, at Boston, Mass.
First Corporal Nathaniel R. Scribner, born, Byfield,
Mass.; enlisted September 16, 1862 ; age, 33 ; died June
20, 1863, at New Orleans, La.

384 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Second Corporal George H. Mitchell, born, Deering,
N. H. ; enlisted September 5, 1862; age, 22; died August
5, 1863, near Vicksburg, Miss.
Third Corporal Reuel Huntoon, born, Newport,
enlisted October 4, 1862 ; age, 30 ; reduced- to ranks
June 10, 1863 ; appointed first sergeant July 7, 1863 ;
mustered out August 20, 1863 ; died September 17, 1863,
at Unity, N. H.
Fourth Corporal Lewis F. Davis, born, Alton, N. H.;
enlisted October 13, 1862 ; age 23 ; mustered out August
20, 1863 ; P. O. address Janesville, Wis.
Fifth Corporal Henry W. Watson, born, Hills
borough, N. H. ; enlisted September 4, 1862 ; age, 32 ;
appointed Sergeant, April 16, 1863 ; mustered out August
20, 1863 ; P. O. address Hillsborough Bridge, N. H.
Sixth Corporal Harlin P. Crane, born, Lowell, Mass.;
enlisted September 29, 1862 ; age, 28 ; mustered out-
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Whitehall, Mont.
Seventh Corporal Charles McClintock, born, Hills
borough, N. H. ; enlisted September 16, 1862 ; age, 20 ;
died July 17, 1863, at New Orleans, La.
Eighth Corporal George (E.) Goodhue, born, Brook-
field, N. H.; enlisted October 6, 1862 ; age, 19 ; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Wakefield, N. H.
Musician Charles O. Randall, born, Lee, N. H. ;
enlisted September 29, 1862 ; age, 41 ; died July 3, 1863,
at New Orleans, La.
Musician Peter C. Seavey, born, Pittsfield, N. H. ;
enlisted October 17, 1862 ; age, 44 ; mustered out August
20, 1863 ; died April 14, 1895, at Lennoxville, Canada.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 385
Wagoner Hollis P. Chapman, born, Dover, N. H. ;
enlisted September 22, 1862 ; age, 29 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Seymour, Mo.
PRIVATES.
Leonidas J. Avery, born, Wolfboro, N. H., -enlisted
September 23, 1862 ; age, 23 ; died July 26, 1863, at Port
Hudson, La.
Charles H. Bickford, born, Wolfboro, N. II.; enlisted
September 20, 1862 ; age, 21 ; mustered out August 20,
1863; died August 22, 1863, at Wolfboro, N. H.
Nathaniel D. Blazo, born, Bartlett, N. H. ; enlisted
October 10, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died August 7, 1863, near
Vicksburg, Miss.
Amos P. H. Brown, born, Bristol, N. H. ; enlisted
October 21, 1862 ; age, 38 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Pelham, N. H.
Luke O. Carpenter, born, Alexandria, N. H. ; enlisted
September 13, 1862 ; age, 26 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Hillsborough Bridge, N. H.
John C. Caryl, born, Stockbridge,Vt.; enlisted Septem
ber 29, 1862; age, 43; mustered out August 20, 1863; P.O.
address Barracks No. 6, National Military Home, Ohio.
Joseph W. Chamberlin, born, AVolfboro, N. H.,
enlisted October 7, 1862 ; age, 19 ; mustered out August
20, 1863 ; P. O. address Centerville, N. H.
James Chase, born, Bedford, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 3, 1862 ; age, 40 ; appointed corporal July 17,
1863 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address
Melvin Mills, N. H.

386 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Thomas Chase, born, Wolfboro, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 18, 1862 ; age, 44 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died December 9, 1888, at Wolfboro, N. H.
Charles G. Colbey, born, Deering, N. H. ; enlisted
September 13, 1862; age, 39; died June 20, 1863, at
Marine Hospital, New Orleans, La.
Joel E. Cook, born, Wolfboro, N. H. ; enlisted October
8, 1862; age, 31; deserted Oct. 29, 1862, at Concord,N. H.
Cyrus Cooledge, born, Hillsborough, N. H. ; enlisted
September 13, 1862 ; age, 20 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address 24 AVhitney Avenue, Cambridge-
port, Mass.
William Corson, born, New Durham, N. H. ; enlisted
September 20, 1862 ; age, 35 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address South Wolfboro, N. H.
James W. Cross, born, Canada ; enlisted November
10, 1862 ; age, 30 ; appointed corporal July 17, 1863 ;
mustered out August 20, 1863 ; died April 21, 1870, at
Wolfboro, N. H.
John O. Dinsmore, born, Francestown, N. H. ; enlisted
September 5, 1862 ; age, 45 ; died June 20, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

387

£&ore?e ZT. tZ^un/ter/a*.

George T. Dun&eld was born in Washington, N. H.,
June 3, 1840. He enlisted in Company B, Sixteenth
Regiment, on September 2, 1862, and served until mus
tered out at Concord, August 20, 1863. He was at the
taking of Fort Burton, Butte a la Rose, was in the fight
at Springfield Landing and at the siege of Port Hudson.
He was company cook during the last three months of
his service.

388 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
James C Dwight, born, Canada; enlisted October 16,
1862; age, 28; deserted October 29, 1862, at Concord, N.H.
Leander H. Eaton, born, Hillsborough, N. H. ; en
listed September 19, 1862 ; age 18 ; mustered out August
20, 1863 ; died September 24, 1863.
Albert Emery, born, Bartlett, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 33 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
Moses Emery, born, Canada ; enlisted September 22,
1862 ; age, 37 ; died August IS, 1S63, at Wolfboro, N. H.
Othnall D. Fairbanks, born, Deering, N. II.; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 31 ; discharged to date August
20, 1863 ; died September 26, 1883, at Deering, N. H.
Nathaniel D. Farnsworth, born, Haverhill, N. H. ;
enlisted October 10, 1862 ; age, 43 ; mustered out August
20, 1863 ; died September 12, 1888, at Wakefield, N. H.
George B. Fogg, born, Wolfboro, N. H.; enlisted Oc
tober 6, 1862 ; age, 23 ; deserted October 29, 1862, Con
cord,. N. H.
Bartholomew Folau, born, Ireland ; enlisted Septem
ber 19, 1862 ; age, 25 ; died June 7, 1863, at New Orleans,
La.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

389

Sau/res ^orsaetA.

Squires Forsaith was born, Deering, N. H., June 9,
1839. He lived on a farm until the Spring of 1861, when
he went to Hillsboro to learn the tin-smith's trade.
September 9, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Six
teenth Regiment as a private. While at Camp Parapet
he was detailed as orderly bugler at brigade headquarters
commanded by General Andrews. In June, 1863, he was
ordered to report at corps headquarters where he was
bugler until his term of service expired. He re-enlisted
January, 1865, as musician, joined the Army of the

390 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Potomac and served until the close of the war. Since
the war he has been in the stove and hardware business
in Antrim, N. H., which is now his P. O. address.
George W. Frost, born, Wolfboro, N. IT. ; enlisted
October 7, 1862 ; age, 21 ; died April 28, 1863, at Baton
Rouge, La.
Francis A. Gale, born, Guildhall, Vt.; enlisted October
25, 1862 ; age, 18 ; discharged to date August 20, 1863 ;
died several years since in South Dakota.
Benjamin C. Garland, born, Bartlett, N. H. ; enlisted
November 4, 1862; age, 18;' mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Whitefield, N. H.
Charles F. Gould, born, Greenfield, N. H. ; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 26 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Kee'ne, N. H.
Enoch I. Gould, born, Greenfield, N. H. ; enlisted
October 2, 1862 ; age, 42 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died September 1, 1863.
Alpha M. Hall, born, Bartlett, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 17, 1862; age, 21 ; appointed corporal July 17,
1863 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address
Bartlett, N. H.
Charles C Hall, born, Bartlett, N. H. ; enlisted
November 4, 1862 ; age, 28 ; died June 22, 1863. at New
Orleans, La.
Elias M. Hall, born, Bartlett, N. H. ; enlisted October
13, 1862 ; age, 43 ; deserted November 13, 1862, at Con
cord, N. H.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

391

*CutAor TT. Jfrast/ngs,
Luther T. Hastings was born in Deering, N. H. He
enlisted in the Sixteenth Regiment September 13, 1862 ;
age 23. He served with the regiment during its full
term, and was mustered out August 20, 1863. He re-en
listed as private in the First New Hampshire Regiment
Heavy Artillery, September 1, 1864, and was mustered
out June 25, 1865. He died in Everett, Mass., Novem
ber 15, 1870, and was buried in South Antrim, N. H.
His wife was Melinda Bussell. His son Willie Hastings
is still living, but the other son, Archibald, is dead.

392

HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

yoscpA SP. JfeatA.
Joseph P. Heath of Wolfboro, N. H., was born in
Dover, N. H., January 18, 1835. He enlisted in Com
pany B, Sixteenth Regiment, October, 1862, and served
with the regiment except while at Donaldsonville, La.
He was one of the heroic defenders during the siege of
Fort Butler at Donaldsonville and was also in the engage
ment on Bayou La Fourche. He was mustered out at
Concord, N. IT., with the regiment. He again enlisted
in September, 1864, in Company G, First New Hamp
shire Heavy Artillery, serving until mustered out at the
close of the war. He has been one of the leading mer-

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 393
chants of Wolfboro for twenty years. Since 1890, he has
been superintendent of Wolfboro Water Works.
George W. Hayes, born, Jackson, N. H. ; enlisted
October 8, 1862 ; age, 28 ; died April 13, 1863, at Baton
Rouge, La.
Albert M. Heath, born, Hillsboro, N. H.; enlisted
September 3, 1862 ; age, 24 ; died July 26, 1863, at Port
Hudson, La.
Charles C. Hoyt, born, Hillsboro, N. II.; enlisted
September 19, 1862; age, 29; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address 28 Lake Street, AArorcester, Mass.

394 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

J%rt/tur ^fami'iton Ingram,

Arthur Hamilton Ingram was born in Newport, N.
H., June 16, 1839. He enlisted at Newport September
13, 1862, in Company B, and was mustered in November
1, 1862, and detailed as member of the band. He was
discharged with the regiment at Concord August 20,
1863. He was clerk in the West Indies Goods business
for ten years in Newport, N. H. He was elected for
three terms as register of deeds for Sullivan County, N.
IT. In July, 1878, he was appointed station agent at
Antrim, N. H., which position he now holds.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 395
Charles E. Johnson, born, New Durham, N. H. ;
enlisted September 19, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; died March 10, 1893, at Wolfboro, N.H.
Ezra F. Johnson, born, New Durham, N. H. ; enlisted
September 19, 1862 ; age, 29 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died February 14, 1889, at Wolfboro, N. II.
John S. Kenison, born, Bartlett, N. H. ; enlisted
November 4, 1862 ; age, 22 ; died June 7, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Ezra H. Keniston, (2) born, Warren, N. H . ; enlisted
September 24, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Dover, N. IT.
David S. Kimball, born, Alton, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 20, 1862 ; age, 44 ; died April 29, 1863, Brashear
City, La.
Woodbury L. Leavitt, born, Tuftonboro, N. H. ;
enlisted September 20, 1862; age, 34; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; died October 18, 1863, at Tuftonboro,
N. IT.
John W. Lee, born, Highgate, Vt. ; enlisted October
16, 1862 ; age, 27 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; died
January 15, 1878, at Highgate, Vt.
John H. Loud, born, AVolfboro, N. H. ; enlisled
October 6, 1862 ; age, 23 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address AVolfboro, N. H.
Sumner C. McAdams, born, Hillsboro, N. H.; enlisted
September 13, 1862; age, 28; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died September 24, 1863.
Richard McAllister, born, Antrim, N. H. ; enlisted
September 15, 1862; age, 44; mustered out August 20,1863,

396 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Henry R. Martin, born, Boscomen, N. H. ; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 22 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Hillsboro Bridge, N. H.
Jonathan Mead, born, Bartlett, N. H ; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 22 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address Nelson street, Manchester, N. H.
Leonard Morse, born, Francestown, N. H. ; enlisted
September 27, 1862; age, 44; discharged February 26,
1863. Levi Moulton, born, Hart's Location; enlisted Septem
ber 20, 1862 ; age, 23 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
James J. Murdaugh, born, Hillsboro, N. H. ; enlisted
September 6, 1862 ; age, 33 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address De AVitt, 111.
Francis H. Newman, born, Brighton, Mass. ; enlisted
September 19, T862; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died August 17, 1887.
William Norise, Jr., born, Deering, N. H. ; enlisted
September 5, 1862 ; age, 33 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address AArest Deering, N. H.
Cyrus F. Noyes, born, Plaistow, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 18, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20 ;
1863 ; P. O. address Westville, N, H,

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

397

iSciiuard •Z5-. 9?oj/gs,

Edward F. Noyes, born, Plaistow, N. H. ; enlisted
September 25, 1862 ; age, 20 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address AA'estville, N. H.
Leander Nute, born, Bartlett, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 16, 1862 ; age, 30 ; deserted October 19, 1862 ;
(gd from des.) discharged April 9; 1863, at Concord, N.II.
Andrew T. Parker, born, Bartlett, N. H.; enlisted
October 10, 1862 ; age, 35 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 j P, 0, .address Bartlett, N, H,

398 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
John C. Parker, born, Bartlett, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 20, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died July 29, 1863, at Port
Hudson, La.
Phineas Parker, born, Bartlett, N. H.; enlisted Octo
ber 13, 1862 ; age, 33 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address Newton Upper Falls, Mass.
William A. Parker, born, Bartlett, N. H. ; enlisted
November 5, 1862 ; age, 31 ; appointed corporal April
16, 1863 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address
Lowell, Mass.
Joseph H Ricker, born, Brookfield, N. H. ; enlisted
October 9, 1862 ; age, 23 ; died July 24, 1863, at Port
Hudson, La.
Francis W. Robbins, born, Hillsboro, N. H.; enlisted
September 19, 1862 ; age, 27 ; died August 9, 1863, at
Cairo, 111.
George H. Robertson, born, Boston, Mass. ; enlisted
August 30, 1862 ; age, 20 ; died August 22, 1863, at
Mound City, 111.
Daniel Rollins, born, Brookfield, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 19, 1862; age, 44; mustered out August 20, 1863;
P. O. address East Wolfboro, N. H.
Charles G. Sherwood, born, Poole, England ; enlisted
September 19, 1862 ; age, 43 ; died June 14, 1863, at
New Orleans, La.
Cyrus F. Stanton, born, Bartlett, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 26 ; discharged to. date August 20,
1863.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 399
Walter P. Straw, born, Hillsboro, N. H. ; enlisted
September 20, 1862; age, 44; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died April 28, 1887.
Benjamin F. Trickey, born, Brookfield, N. H. ;
enlisted September 23, 1862; age, 30; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Mulvane, Kans.
Edward Turner, born, England ; enlisted September
22, 1862 ; age, 29 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; died
January 19, 1870, at South Groveland, Mass.
Richard A. Webber, born, Goshen, N. H. ; enlisted
September 12, 1862 ; age, 33 ; mustered out August 20,
1863; died  1896.
Joseph J. Whitten, born, Wolfboro, N. H. ; enlisted
September 22, 1862 ; age, 28 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Lakeport, N. H.
Edward J. Wiley, born, Francistown, N. H. ; enlisted
September 13, 186 2; age, 44. He was mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; volunteered for storming party at Port
Hudson, La. , under General Order 49. He was mustered
out with the regiment.

ROSTER OF COMPANY C.

Captain J^aron -?£ Ctar/c.
Captain Aaron A. Clark was born in Topsfield, Mass.,
October 19, 1834. In 1850, he removed to Wilton, N. H.,
where he has since resided. He assisted in recruiting
Company C, Sixteenth Regiment, and was commissioned
captain. He served with the regiment until it was mus
tered out August 20, 1863. The survivors of his com
pany hold him in high esteem and meet in annual
encampment in one of the towns from which the company
was recruited. His P. O. address is AATilton, N. H.
First Lieutenant Henry M. Mills, born, Grafton, Vt.;
enlisted October 10, 1862 ; age, 24 ; mustered out August
20, 1863 ; P. O. address Lowell, Mass.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 401

Second ^Cieut. Sdtuard l>y. O'&onneit,
Second Lieutenant Edward J. O'Donnell was born in
Lyndeboro, Hillsboro County, N. H., May 11, 1835, and
was residing in Mason, N. II., at the breaking out of the
war. In September, 1862, he was given recruiting papers
and enlisted a squad of volunteers, which joining with
others from Wilton and Milforcl, united to form Com
pany C of the Sixteenth Regiment, of which A. A. Clark
was commissioned captain. In April, 1863, the regiment
then being at Fort Burton, Butte a la Rose, La., Lieut.
O'Donnell was ordered on board the United States Gun
boat Arizona, in command of a squad of sharpshooters

402 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
and remained in that capacity while she made the
famous trip as the pioneer gunboat through Grand Lake,
Atchafalaya, Bayou and Old river, making communica
tion with the Upper Fleet then lying at the mouth of
Old river. "This" he says "was an interesting and
romantic, as well as dangerous, cruise. The tropical
foliage sweeping our decks from the towering trees
growing to the water's edge more than once tore out our
wheel houses. At any moment some Confederate scout
was liable to fire on us from the shore, sending some one
to his last roll call."
Subsequently the Arizona was ordered up Red river
and had engagements with Fort de Rusa and with the
rebel gunboats Webb and Mary T, and with the fort
on Little Washita. Later the Arizona captured Alex
andria on Red river and the lieutenant was placed on
shore in charge of the city.
About the middle of May, 1863, he was ordered on
shore as provost marshall at Bayou Sara, where he
remained until June 15, 1863. Soon after returning to
his regiment, at Port Hudson, General Banks called for
a thousand men to act as a storming party to lead a
charge on the enemy's works, called the Forlorn Hope.
Lieutenant O'Donnell joined these volunteers and re
mained until the surrender of Port Hudson July 8, 1863.
After being mustered out he took his degree as M. D.,
at Dartmouth College, was mustered into the Thirteenth
Maryland Infantry as first assistant surgeon and served
until the close of the war. He is now a practicing phy
sician at Auburn, Kans.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 403
First Sergeant Lewis P. Ray, born, Hopkinton, N.H.;
enlisted September 1, 1862 ; age, 22 ; mustered out Aug
ust 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Bloomington, 111.
Second Sergeant Henry H. Stevens, born, AVilton,
N. H.; enlisted September 22. 1862; age, 22; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address 130 West Randolph
street, Chicago, 111.
Third Sergeant Josiah D. Crosby, born, Milford, N.
H. ; enlisted September 1, 1862 ; age, 44 ; died May 12,
1863, at New Orleans, La.
Fourth Sergeant John E. Sterns, born, New Ipswich,
N. H.; enlisted September 15, 1862; age, 25; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; deceased.
Fifth Sergeant Augustus I. Sawtelle, born, Brook-
line, N. H.; enlisted September 15, 1862 ; age, 41 ; died
July 6, 1863, at Algiers, La.
First Corporal Harrison M. Livingston, born, New
Ipswich, N. H.; enlisted September 2, 1862; age, 22;
appointed sergeant June 30, 1863 ; mustered out Aug
ust 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Greenville, N. H.

404

HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

Second Corporal Tlfi/its Jf. J?66ott.
Second Corporal Willis H. Abbott, born, Wilton, N.
H.; enlisted September 1, 1862 ; age, 23 ; appointed ser
geant July 7, 1883 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P.
O. address AVilton, N. H.
Third Corporal James Davis, born Shirley, Mass.;
enlisted September 13, 1862 ; age, 43 ; died August 10,
1863, at Cairo, 111.
Fourth Corporal Clinton Bohanon, born, Brookline,
N. IT.; enlisted September 4, 1862; age, 20; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; volunteered in storming party at

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 405
Port Hudson, La., under General Order 49 ; P. O. address
Petersham, Mass.
Fifth Corporal Charles E. French, born, Pepperell,
Mass. ; enlisted September 2, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered
out August 20, 1863; died July 10, 1864, at Wilton, N.H.
Sixth Corporal George F. Stone, born, Watertown,
Mass., enlisted September 1, 1862; age, 24; mustered
out August 20, 1863.
Seventh Corporal Alanson W. Peabody, born, Mid-
dleton, Vt.; enlisted September 1, 1862; age, 20; mus
tered out August 20, 1863.
Eighth Corporal Charles Blanchard, born, Milford,
N. H.; enlisted September 27, 1862 ; age, 37 ; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; died September 20, 1863, at Wil
ton, N. H.
Musician William J. Gray, born, Scotland ; enlisted
October 22, 1862 ; age, 21 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died July 15, 1889, at Enfield, N. H.
PRIVATES.
Amos W. Abbott, born, Ahmednuggur, India; enlisted
September 2, 1862 ; age, 19 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O address Minneapolis, Minn.
William Abbott, born, Jackson, Me. ; enlisted Sep
tember 3, 1862 ; age, 23 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died August 24, 1863, at Milford, N. H.
Chauncey A. Adams, born, Mason, N. H. ; enlisted
September 16, 1862 ; age, 19 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Milford, N. H.

406 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
George L. Adams, born, Mason, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 38 ; died August 19, 1863, at
Mason, N. H.
Nathan Adams, born, Mason, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 16, 1862 ; age, 46 ; mustered out August 20, 1863;
died January 21, 1892, at Fitzwilliam, N. H.
John P. Alexander, born, Mount Vernon, N. H. ;
enlisted September 13, 1862 ; age, 22 ; discharged to date
August 20, 1863; died September 20, 1863, atMattoon, 111.
Albert T. Austin, born, New Ipswich, N. H. ; enlisted
September 27, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died August 1, 1863, at
Port Hudson, La.
Charles R. Bacon, born, Nashua, N. H. ; enlisted
September 13, 1862 ; age, 20 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address 1193 Broadway, New York City.
Charles P. Baldwin, born, Hillsboro, N. H. ; enlisted
September 2, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died June 21, 1863, at Port
Hudson, La.
Sydney A. Barrett, born, Washington, N. H.; enlisted
October 6, 1862 ; age, 37 ; discharged December 17, 1862,
at New York City ; P. O. address Gibbon, Neb.
Charles C. Bartlett, born, Lowell, Mass. ; enlisted
September 1, 1862; age, 23; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Milford, N. H.
George Blanchard, born, Milford, N. H. ; enlisted
September 27, 1862 ; age, 39 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Wilton, N. H.
John Blanchard, born, Milford, N. H. ; enlisted
October 6, 1862 ; age, 36 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P O. address AVilton, N. H.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 407
William M. Blanchard, born, Milford, N. H. ; f-nlisted
September 13, 1862 ; age, 18 ; discharged to date August
20, 1863 ; died September 2, 1863, at AVilton, N. H.
John Bohanon, born, Brookline, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 4, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. 0. address Pepperell, Mass.
Ramsey C. Boutwell, born, Leech Lake, Minn. ;
enlisted September 11, 1862; age, 25; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; P. 0. address Nashua, N. H.
William C. Boutwell, born, Lyndeboro, N. H. ; en
listed September 22, 1862 ; age, 3') ; died June 21, 1863,
at New Orleans, La.
Francis V. Bradford, born, AVilton, N. H. ; enlisted
September 27, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20,
1863. Asa Burgess, born, Brookline, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 4, 1862 ; age, 19 ; mustered out August 20, 1863;
volunteered in storming party at Port Hudson, La.,
under General Order 49, June 15, 1863 ; P. O. address
Townsend, Mass.
George H. Carter, born, Troy, Vt. ; enlisted October
25, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20, 1853 ; fe-
enlisted in Company F, Thirteenth Regiment V. R. C.
Alvan B. Chase, [Alvun B. Chase in Adj. Gen's report]
born, Millbury, Mass. ; enlisted September 5, 1862 ; age,
40 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
Frank B. Clark, born, Milford, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 1, 1862 ; age, 23 ; died June 22, 1863, at Baton
Rouge, La.

408

HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

Saorgc *jC, Cret'gAton.

George L. Creighton was born in Mason, N. H., in
1843. He worked on the farm summers and attended
public schools in the winter. He enlisted September 9,
1862, as a private in Company C, and was discharged at
New Orleans, La., on the seventeenth of July, 1863, on
surgeon's certificate of disability.
He took passage for New York on the mail steamer
Morning Star, which was wrecked on the New Jersey
coast, the passengers and crew, however, reaching shore
in the life boats. After remaining near the wreck for
ten days, he secured transportation to New York, thence

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 409
home to Mason, N. H., arriving August 19. He is a
member of E. V. Sumner Post. No. 19, Department of
Massachusetts, G. A. R. Resides in Natick, Mass., and
is by occupation a grocer.
Joseph S. Conrey, born, Methuen, Mass. ; enlisted
September 3, 1862 ; age, 20 ; mustered out August 20,
1863. William P. Conrey, born, Goshen, N. H. ; enlisted
September 8, 1562 ; age, 44 ; died May 10, 1863, at
Brashear City, La.
Allen T. Crosby, born, Milford, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 18, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died August 20, 1863, at Mil
ford, N. H.
Charles H. Crosby, born, Milford, N. H. ; enlisted
November 17, 1862 ; age, 19 ; mustered out August 20,
1863; P. O. address Manchester, N. H.
/. Frank Crosby, born, Milford, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 3, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address Manchester, N. H.
Joseph Cushing, born, Canada ; enlisted September 1,
1862 ; age, 43 ; mustered out August 20, 1863; died April
12, 1879, at Milford, N. H.
James R. Dascombe, born, AVilton, N. H. ; enlisted
September 27, 1 862 ; age, 32 ; appointed corporal June
30, 1863 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; died December
19, 1892, at Wilton, N. H.
Lucian A. Duncklce, born, Milford, N. H. ; enlisted
September 1, 1862 ; age, 18 ; discharged to date August
20, 1863 ; died August 23, 1863, at Mattoon, 111.

410 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Dexter J. Farley, born, Hollis, N. H. ; enlisted
August 29, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died June 10, 1875, at Hollis, N. H.
Elbridge C. Frye, born, Wilton, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 28, 1862; age, 19; died July 16, 1863, New
Orleans, La.
James G. Fuller, born, Goshen, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 3, 1862; age, 18; died June 6, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
William Garvin, born, Ireland ; enlisted September
29, 1862 ; age, 35 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
Edward Gerald, born, Boscowen, N. H. ; enlisted
October 14, 1862 ; age, 44 ; discharged May 6, 1863, at
New York City.
Charles B. Gorham, born, Mason, N. H. ; enlisted
September 2, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Turner, 111.
George R. Hartshorn, born, Mason, N. H. ; enlisted
September 1 , 1862 ; age, 21 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Milford, N. H.
J. Wood Hastings, born, Newbury, N. H. ; enlisted
September 12, 1862 ; age, 29 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. Address Minneapolis, Minn.
Amos Herrick, born, AVeston, Vt. ; enlisted Septem
ber 26, 1862; age, 43; died June 17, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Allen R. Hood, born, Deering, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 19, 1862 ; age, 20 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address East Lempster, N. H.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 411
Edwin B. Howard, born, Milford, N. H. ; enlisted
September 12, 1862 ; age, 22 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P O. address Reno, Nev.
Justin E. Hutchinson, [name Justin Hutchinson in
Adjt. Gen's report] born, Milford, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 6, 1862 ; age, 25 ; mustered out August 20,
1863; P. O. address Milford, N. H.
Sylvanus Hutchinson, born, Wilton, N. H. ; enlisted
October 2, 1862 ; age, 30 ; discharged June 25, 1863, at
Concord, N. H. ; P. O. address AVilton, N. H.
Thomas Jackson, born, Pennsylvania ; enlisted Sep
tember 12, 1862 ; age, 27 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address Mason, N. H.
Alvin A. Jewell, born, Groton, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 19 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address Woonsocket, R. I.
Elbridge K. Jewett, born, Temple, N. H. ; enlisted
September 1, 1862; age, 25; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Milford, N. H.
Daniel Kendall, born, Mason, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 35 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address Brookline, N. H.
Nathan E. Kendall, born, Mount Vernon, N. H. ;
enlisted September 15, 1862 ; age, 21 ; died August 15,
1863, at Concord, N. H.
Orvan B. Keyes, born, Hancock, N. H. ; enlisted Sept.
17, 1862; age, 18; died August 21, 1863, at Mound City, 111.
Corydon D. Keyes, born, Hancock, N. H. ; enlisted
September 20, 1862; age, 37; died June 27, 1863, at
Baton Rouge, La.

412 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Marshall Kimball, born. Mason, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 9, 1862 ; age, 30 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address Greenville, N. H.
James Landers, born Ireland ; enlisted September 1,
1862 ; age, 31 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; died Jan
uary 15, 1893, at AVilton, N. H.
Benjamin G. Livingston, born, Sharon, Mass. ; en
listed September 13, 1862 ; age, 32 ; mustered out Aug
ust 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Greenville, N. H.
Noah Lund, born, Hollis, N. H. ; enlisted September
1, 1862 ; age 21 ; died June 5, 1863, at Baton Rouge, La.
James A. Merrill, born, Corinth, Vt.; enlisted Sep
tember 3, 1862 ; age, 26 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address 20 Stark street, Nashua, N. H.
Charles W. Mills, born, Milford, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 2, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20, 1863;
died August 23, 1863, at Milford, N. H.
Charles H Osgood, born, Milford, N. H.; enlisted
September 1, 1862 ; age, 19 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address 408 Boyleston street, Fitchburg,
Mass. Milton L. Osgood, born, Milford, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 1, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20. 1863.
Samuel A. Putnam, [S. Abbott Putnam in Adj. Gen's
report] born AVilton, N. H.; enlisted September 2, 1862;
age, 22 ; discharged to date August 20, 1863 ; P. O. ad
dress 87 Elm Street, Charlestown, Mass.
Samuel S. Reed, born, Acton, Mass. ; enlisted Septem
ber 9, 1862 ; age 28; discharged December 15, 1862 at
New York City ; P. O. address Littleton. Common, M^ss,

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 413
David Robbins, born, Mason, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 13, 1863 ; age, 44 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died March 8, 1896.
Granville Robbins, born, Mason, N. H. ; enlisted
November 17, 1862 ; age, 40 ; discharged June 27, 1863,
at New Orleans, La.
Horace W. Robbins, born, Nelson, N. H. ; enlisted
September 1, 1862 ; age, 19 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address 84 Valley street, Keene, N. IT.
Lyman L. Saunders, born, Mason, N. H. ; enlisted
September 16, 1862; age, 18; died May 4, 1863, at
Brashear City, La.
Daniel W. Smith, born Brookline, N. H. ; enlisted
November 18, 1862 ; age, 22 ; discharged May 5, 1863 ;
died May 11, 1863, at sea.
Nathaniel Smith, born, Nelson, N. II. ; enlisted Sep
tember 13, 1862; age, 44; died June 21, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Henry C. Stimson, born, Milford, N. H. ; enlisted
September 1, 1862 ; age, 31 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died August 27, 1863, at Milford, N. H.
Samuel H. Wheeler, born, Mason, N. H. ; enlisted
September 17, 1862 ; age, 44 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died March 15, 1889, at Mason, N. H.
Marcine H. Whitcomb, born, Reading, Vt. ; enlisted
September 12, 1862 ; age, 24; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Holyoke, Mass.
Stillman C. White, born, Mount Vernon, N. H. ;
enlisted September 1, 1862; age, 23; mustered out
August 20, 1863; died February 28, 1868, at Lowell, Mass.

414 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
George B. Wright, born, Milford, N. H. ; enlisted
September 2, 1862 ; age, 29 ; died August 2, 1863, at
Natchez, Miss
John Wright, born, Boston, Mass. ; enlisted Septem
ber 1, 1862 ; age, 43 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died Columbia, N. H., within a few years.
Albion Wyman, born, Chatham, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 16, 1862 ; age, 33 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address North Fryeburg, Me.

ROSTER OF COMPANY D.

Captat'n IDanic/ <£*. ^toward.
Captain Daniel E. Howard, born, Grantham, N. H. ;
enlisted October 13, 1862 ; age, 27 ; mustered out August
20, 1863 ; P. O. address Concord, N. H.
First Lieutenant Charles H. Herbert, born, Concord,
N. H. ; enlisted October 13, 1862 ; age, 35. He had pre
viously served as a member of the New Hampshire legis
lature in the years 1860 and 1861. Immediately after
the session of sixty-one had adjourned he opened, a
recruiting office for several different regiments.
When the Sixteenth Regiment was called for he raised
almost a full company, and was chosen captain by its

416 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

^irst aC/eut. CAar/es Jif. ^feroert.

members, but declined the honor, and Captain Howard
took command of the company. He then accepted a
commission as first lieutenant and acted as commissary
of the regiment while in Concord. On the arrival of the
resnment in New York, he was detailed to receive com-

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 417
Department of the Gulf, receiving a promotion to A. C.
S., with the rank of captain United States Volunteers.
He never rejoined his regiment but continued to serve
the army until May 1, 1865. His commission was signed
by President Lincoln. His P. O. address is Concord,
N. H.
Second Lieutenant Robert S. Davis, born, Concord,
N. H.; enlisted October 13, 1862 ; age, 24 ; promoted to
first lieutenant January 20, 1863, but was not mustered
in ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; died October 24,
1876, at AVest Concord, N. H.
First Sergeant Charles T. Summers, born, Norfolk,
Va. ; enlisted September 27, 1862; age, 27; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Concord, N. H.
Second Sergeant Frank P. Hall, born, Concord, N.
H.; enlisted September 15, 1862 ; age, 22; promoted to
second lieutenant January 20, 1863 ; was not mustered
in ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Pleas-
anton, Kans.
Third Sergeant Nathan M. Dow, born, Concord, N.
H.; enlisted September 3, 1862 ; age, 23 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; died October 27, 1863, at AArest Con
cord, N. H.
Fourth Sergeant Augustus Barnard, born, Haverhill,
Mass., enlisted October 15, 1862 ; age, 29 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; died December 16, 1863, at Hopkin-
ton, N. H.
Fifth Sergeant Andrew J. Holmes, born, Hopkinton,
N. H. ; enlisted September 14, 1862 ; age, 36 ; transferred
to Company B, Seventeenth New Hampshire Volunteers,

418 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
November 15, 1862 ; transferred to Company C ; must
ered out April 16, 1863.
First Corporal Moses T. Stone, born, Grantham, N;
H ; enlisted October 4, 1862 ; age, 27 ; promoted to ser
geant ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
Second Corporal William H. Orne, born, Orange
Vt. ; enlisted September 4, 1862 ; age, 32 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; died January 5, 1874, at AATest Con
cord, N. H.

W&.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

419

(jA/rci Gor/3orai fflpaiitand C ^Oamprtrj/.

Third Corporal Maitland C. Lamprey at the break
ing out of the war was pursuing his studies at Dartmouth
College. As it was generally supposed at the time that
the war would be over, if not in sixty days, certainly
within a year at the farthest. He hesitated long before
giving up his college course. One Saturday morning at
the breakfast table (this was near the close of his Junior
Year) there was shown him a copy of the Boston Journal,
which contained the name of his brother Horace among
the mortally wounded. We quote at this point from
his own account of what followed :

420 HISTORY OF THE, SIXTEENTH' REGIMENT
"I could hesitate no longer, but went to my room,
packed my trunk and then waited upon President Lord
to notify him of my intention to take up the fallen
musket and fill out my brother's term of enlistment in
Company B, of the Second New Hampshire Regiment, in
fighting Joe Hooker's brigade.
" Before noon I was at home in Concord and informed
my family of my intention. For weeks it was impossi
ble to learn whether my brother was dead or a prisoner,
and when there was no longer any doubt of his fate, I
decided to enlist in one of the nine months' regiments,
though I had no thought of quitting the army until the
war was over. I fully intended to earn promotion if
possible and opportunity was offered, but how differently
things turned out. Instead of an opportunity of earning
promotion, we were located in the swamp and compelled
to breathe the malaria, which proved more fatal than
rebel bullets. Until after our sojourn at Butte a la Rose,
I never lost a day from sickness, but was never well
afterwards. Fever and ague, swamp or malarial fever
and dysentery followed until I had little hope of seeing
home again. I have never doubted, that another week
there would have proved my last. AVhen hope was
nearly gone, word came that we were to start the next
day and this gave me courage to undertake the long voy
age home. For weeks it seemed a losing fight, but a
naturally strong constitution brought me through.
"After recovering sufficiently to undertake any serious
occupation, I decided to adopt teaching as a profession
and have spent my life in the schoolroom, with the

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 421
exception of one year during which I rested. I taught
first at Marshalltown, then Knoxville and Bloomfield,
Iowa, in the state normal school Emporia, Kans., in the
South Berwick Academy, South Berwick, Me., in Ells
worth, Me., Rochester, N. H., high schools, and the last
twenty years in North Easton, Mass., as principal of the
Easton High School.
"My journey home from Port Hudson has always
seemed to me like a dream. I had been suffering in
tensely for eight days with intlamation of the bowels and
had made up my mind that I could not live more than
forty -eight hours, when the news came that we were to
start for home at nine o'clock the next day. Those
twelve days seemed ages and when I reached Concord, I
could not remember of having closed my eyes in sleep
during the entire journey.
"I was selected as unable to travel after reaching
Vicksburg and ordered to be left at the floating hospital,
but begged off, as I knew that my only hope was in get
ting home and having careful nursing. The doctor
urged me to apply for a pension, after I had recovered,
telling me that there were adhesions which would
trouble me, but I have never received any pension as yet.
Fourth Corporal George Noyes, born, Atkinson, N.
H. ; enlisted September 15, 1862; age, 44; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Manchester, N. H.
Fifth Corp'l Thos. Keniston, born, AVoodbury, Vt. ;
enlisted Oct. 4, 1862; age, 42; appointed acting chaplain
June 7, 1863, to serve in absence of Chaplain Manley; mus
tered out Aug. 20,1863; P.O:address New Hampton, N,H.

422

HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

nil

*

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Wmi:.- . ?.<£ *%,
^B ^fc ^
*
\
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lr
iSi'xt/t Oorporai Si/man ^£, IDttnond.
Sixth Corporal Gilman H. Dimond was born in
West Concord, N. H., March 31, 1844. He enlisted Sep-
rember 5, 1862, as a private in Company D, Sixteenth
Regiment, and was appointed corporal, serving the full
period of his enlistment. He re-enlisted August 29,
1864, in a company of unattached Heavy Artillery, after
wards Company E, First Regiment, New Hampshire
Heavy Artillery, serving in the Twenty-second Army
Corps until the close of the war. He has served four
terms as deputy sheriff for Merrimack County, also two
years as a member of the city government, and has held
NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 423
other local offices. He is a member of Horace Chase
Lodge No. 72, F. and A. M. ; also a member of Contoo-
cook Lodge No. 26, I. O. O. F., at Penacook, and is
master of Penacook Park Grange No. 184, at West Con
cord. He is past commander of Donis Post No. 44,
Department of New Hampshire G. A. R. ; is a farmer,
and resides at West Concord, N. H.
Seventh Corporal George W. Mills, born, Hopkin-
ton, H. H. ; enlisted October 9, 1862; age, 23; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Hopkinton, N. H.
Eighth Corporal Joel Gushing, [Joel A. Cushon is
the name given in Adj. Gen's report] born, Lyman, N.
H. ; enlisted October 21, 1862 ; age, 39 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863; P. O. address Marlow, N. H.
Musician Otis M. Brown, born, Hopkinton, N. H. ;
enlisted October 3, 1862- ; age, 33 ; mustered out August
20 ; 1863 ; P. O. address Manchester, N. H.
Musician Jacob Whittier, born, Danville, N. H.; en
listed October 14, 1862 ; age, 42 ; died August 18, 1863,
at Hopkinton, N. H.
Wagoner Newlon G. McAlpine, born, Hopkinton, N.
H.; enlisted October 13, 1862 ; age, 26 ; discharged to
date August 20, 1863.

PRIVATES.
Levi C. Abbott, born, Concord, N. IT.; enlisted Sep
tember 13, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died April 28, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.

424 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT.

tticAard ?&. bitten.
Richard W. Allen was born in Woburn, Mass., in
the year 1841. In his letter to the historian he reports
that he aided in recruiting the Fourteenth, Fifteenth
and Sixteenth regiments ; he, enlisting October 3, 1862,
at Newport, N. H., as a member of the band. He served
the entire period of enlistment and was mustered out
with the regiment at Concord, N. H. He was engaged
in commercial pursuits in Rochester, N. Y., until 1868,
when he removed to Detroit, Mich., engaging in real es
tate and brokerage business in which he has met with
success. Mr. Allen is the author of quite an entertaining story
of his service with the Sixteenth Regiment, recently
published in the Indianapolis Tribune from which we
have quoted an account of two expeditions giving him
credit for the same. He now resides at Detroit, Mich.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 425
William P. Ames, born, Tamworth, N. H. ; enlisted
September 16, 1862 ; age, 32 ; mustered out August 20,
1863. Charles E. Ash, born, Hopkinton, N. H. ; enlisted
October 10, 1862; age, 18; died February 15, 1863, at
New Orleans, La.
Alvah Atwood, born, Wilmot, N. IT.; enlisted October
18, 1S62 ; age, 25 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O.
address East Concord, N. H.
Charles E. Austin, born, Concord, N. H. ; enlisted
September 16, 1862; age, 22; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Lowell, Mass.
Josiah M. Bailey, [Josiah L. Bailey is the name given
in Adjt. Gen's report] born, Stanstead, Canada ; enlisted
October 29, 1862 ; age, 44 ; died January 7, 1863.
James A. Baker, born, Dimbarton, N. H. ; enlisted
October 14, 1862 ; age 25 ; died April 14, 1863, at Bra
shear City, La.
Jefferson Barnes, born, Royalton, Vt. ; enlisted Sep
tember 13, 1863 ;.age, 43 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
Joseph R. Boucher, born, Montreal, Canada; enlisted
October 9, 1862 ; age, 19 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address Tilton, N. H.
James C. Breed, born, Sharon, Vt. ; enlisted Septem
ber 15, 1862 ; age, 21 ; discharged to date August 20,
1863 ; deceased.

426 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

Samuel N. Brown, son of John S., and Sophie C.
[Drown] Brown, was born at Boscawen, N. H., July 17,
1844. Graduated from the New London Literary and
Scientific Institution in 1862. Subsequent to his service
in the Sixteenth Regiment, he enlisted as a private in
Company B, Eighteenth New Hampshire, September 9,
1864, and was mustered in September 14, 1864. He was
promoted to quartermaster sergeant November 1, 1864,
and was mustered out June 10, 1865. He resides at
Penacook, N. H., and is at present register of deeds for
Merrimack County, having filled that office since April
1, 1893. He married Lucy P. Kilburn December 3, 1867,
and has one daughter, Alice Frances.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 427
Bradford M. Burnham, [Bradford Burnham 2d is
name given in Adj.. Gen's report] born, New Gloucester,
Me. ; enlisted September 3, 1862 ; age, 21 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Dunbarton, N. H.
Reuben D. Buswell, born, Concord, N. H. ; enlisted
September 10, 1862; age, 37 ; died June 22, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Orrin Chase, born, Hopkinton, N. H.; enlisted Octo
ber 14, 1862; age, 19 [20 in Adj. Gen's report]; dis
charged to date August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Contoo-
cook, N. H.
Dennis Coakley, born Walpole, N. H. ; enlisted No
vember 4, 1862 ; age, 21 ; deserted November 4, 1862.

428

HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

&Gore?a O. Croiueii.
George E. Crowell was born at Manchester (by the Sea)
Mass., September 29, 1834, and at the age of two years
was taken by his parents to Hopkinton, N. H. He
enlisted in Company D, Sixteenth Regiment, and served
with his company until mustered out. Soon afterwards
he removed to Brattleboro,Vt., and engaged in journalism
becoming the owner of The Homestead. He has been
closely identified with all matters of public interest in
his adopted home, and has by liberality and business
capacity become one of Vermont's foremost men. He is
now engaged in several business enterprises, and. is presi-

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 429
dent of the E. P. Carpenter Company. P. O. address
Brattleboro, Vt.
George E. Crummett, born, Concord, N. H. ; enlisted
September 17, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address 228 Michigan avenue, Chicago, 111.
George A. Currier, born, Hopkinton, N. H.; enlisted
October 3, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died August 20, 1863.
George H. Cushing, [George H. Cushon, in Adj. Gen's
report] born Boscawen, N. II.; enlisted October 21, 1862;
age, 18; discharged for disabilities December 26, 1862,
at New York City ; P. O. address, Manchester, N. H.
Nathaniel W. Davis, born, Loudon, N. H.; enlisted
September 12, 1862 ; age, 19 ; discharged December 5,
1862, at New York City.
Charles W. Dimond, born, Concord, N. H. ; enlisted
October 28, 1862 ; age, 20 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
IraK. Dimond, born Concord, N. H.; enlisted October
13, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20. 1863.
Ebin H. Dustin, born, Hopkinton, N. H.; enlisted
October 10, 1862 ; age, 44 ; died May 6, 1863, at Baton
Rouge, La.
Alfred Elliott, born, Boscawen, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 27 ; mustered out August 20, 1868 ;
died July 20, 1893, at Penacook, N. H.
George B. Elliott, born, Concord, N. H.; enlisted
November 13, 1862 ; age, 18 ; discharged to date August
20, 1863 ; P.O. address, Penacook, N. H.
Hall F.Elliott, born, Concord, N. H.; enlisted October
24, 1862 ; age, 44 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; died
August 30, 1863, at Concord, N. H,

430 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
James C. Elliott, Jr., born, Concord, N. H.; enlisted
November 3, 1862 ; age, 21 ; died July 27, 1863, at Port
Hudson, La.
John H. Elliott, born, Concord, N. H. ; enlisted
October 24, 1862; age, 18; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died August 22, 1863, at Concord, N. H.
Lewis B. Elliott, born, Concord, N. H. ; enlisted
October 30, 1862 ; age, 28 ; died August 19, 1863, at New
York City.
Hanson D. Emerson, born, Hopkinton, N. H.; enlisted
October 13, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20,
1S63 ; P. O. address Contoocook, N. H.
Asa Emery, born, Concord, N. H. ; enlisted October
24, 1862 ; age, 19 ; discharged to date August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address Taunton, Mass.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

431

J&ndrew S. jfiarni*

Andrew S. Earnum was born in West Concord, N. H.,
May 6, 1843, and was reared on a farm. He enlisted
September 22, 1862, in Company D, Sixteenth Regiment,
and served the full period of enlistment. He removed
to East Concord in 1878 to the farm on which he now
lives. He is past commander of Davis Post No. 44,
Department of New Hampshire G. A. R. P. 0. address
East Concord, N. H.
Jonathan Flanders, Jr., born,AATeare, N. H. ; enlisted
September 5, 1862 ; age, 25 ; discharged to date August
20, 1863 ; died November 10, 1864, at Henniker, N. H.

432 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
William H. Elanders, born, Concord, N. H.; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 27 ; mustered out August
20, 1863.
Charles I. Hall, born, Concord, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 18, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died July 29, 1863, at Port
Hudson, La.
Joseph F. Healey, born, Dunbar ton, N. H. ; enlisted
October 20, 1862; age, 24; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Concord, N. II.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

433

Samuel S. j&otdcn.

Samuel E. Holden, of Company D, was born in West
Concord, N. H., February 3, 1845. He left his studies
at the New Hampshire Conference Seminary to enlist in
the Sixteenth, and served its full term. After the muster-
out he resumed his educational course, graduating at
Wesleyan University in 1869. He studied law with
Minot, Tappan & Mugridge, of Concord, and was ad
mitted to the bar in Grafton county in 1872. He formed
a law partnership with Hon. S. K. Mason, of Bristol ;
was also treasurer of Bristol Savings Bank and a member
of the manufacturing firm of Holden & Co.

434 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
He went to Napa, Cal., in 1875, where he has since
been extensively engaged in manufacturing and tanning,
being president of the Sawyer Tanning Company and of
the Napa W00ien Mill. He also retained an interest in
and is a director of the Concord Manufacturing Com
pany, of Penacook, N. H. He is a member of the City
Council in his adopted home.
His family consists of a wife.and three "native sons of
the Golden West," in his beautiful Napa home, "the
land of sunshine, fruit and flowers."
Irving A. Hurd, born, Claremont, N. H. ; enlisted
September 13, 1862 ; age, 21 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Claremont, N. H.
Vilas E. Irish, born, Colton, N. Y. ; enlisted Novem
ber 15, 1862 ; age, 18 ; discharged December 10, 1862, at
New York City.
Benjamin F. Johnson, born, Concord, N. H.; enlisted
November 13, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Los Angeles, Cal.
Joseph G. Johnson, born, Concord, N. H. ; enlisted
November 13, 1862 ; age, 19 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Manchester, N. H.
Byron E. Kempton, born, Croydon, N. H. ; enlisted
October 3, 1862 ; age, 18 ; discharged for disabilities
April 22, 1863, at Concord, N. H ; P. O. address West
Concord, N. H.
Charles N. Kezer, born, Hopkinton, N. H. ; enlisted
October 8, 1862 ; age, 20 ; discharged to date August 20,
1863 ; died November 7, 1891, at Hopkinton, N. H.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 435
Nelson D. Knight, born, Chester, Vt/; enlisted
October 23, 1882; age, 29; mustered out August 20, 1863;
Charles W. Lang, born, Concord, N. II. ; enlisted
September 2, 1862; age, 18; mustered out August 20, 1863.
William D. Lock, born, Concord, N. H. ; enlisted
November 13, 1862; age, 24; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Loudon, N. H.
Patrick McCarthy, born, Ireland ; enlisted November
4, 1862 ; age, 24 ; deserted Nov. 6, 1862, at Concord, N. H.
George McKenzie, born, Glasgow, Scotland ; enlisted
October 20, 1862 ; age, 30 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address, Minneapolis, Kans.
James O. Merrill, born, Canterbury, N. H.; enlisted
November 3, 1862 ; age, 40 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address, Chichester, N. H.
James F. Mills, born, Hopkinton, N. H.; enlisted
October 9, 1862 ; age, 21 ; deserted November 20, 1862 ;
apprehended ; transfered to Company D, 14th N. H. V.,
to serve unexpired term of enlistment; died June 29,
1864, at Natchez, Miss.
Jacob M. Morrill, born, Hopkinton, N. H; enlisted
October 6 1862 ; age, 43 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died October 19, 1896, at Hopkinton, N. H.
Henry E. Moulton, born, Hopkinton, N. H. ; enlisted
October 3, 1862 ; age, 21 ; died May 14, 1863, at Butte a
la Rose, La.
Gerald Perkins, [Jerauld Perkins is the name given
in Adj. Gen's report] born Framingham, Mass. ; enlisted
September 19, 1862 ; age, 39 ; deserted November 1, 1862,
at Concord, N. H.

436

HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

jrftvin C. SPoivotl.

Alvin C. Powell was born in Concord, N. H., July 1,
1839. He enlisted September 15, 1862, in Company D,
Sixteenth Regiment, and served the full term of enlist
ment. He was with that portion of the regiment detailed
for duty on the gunboats, and participated in the attack
on and capture of Fort Burton at Butte a la Rose, La.
Since the war he has been actively engaged in business
as a builder and painter. Is Past Commander of Davis
Post No. 44, Department of New Hampshire, G. A. R.,
and resides at AVest Concord, N. I-T.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

437

Sylvester ^f. Lowell.

Sylvester H. Powell was born in Concord, N. H.,
December 4, 1845. He enlisted September 13, 1862,
in Company D, Sixteenth Regiment, and served the
full period of enlistment. He weighed but ninety-six
pounds when mustered out August 20, 1863. He was
on the gunboat Calhoun, and participated in the attack
on and capture of Fort Burton, Butte a la Rose, La.,
being one of the first to enter the Fort after its surrender.
He is a member of Fred. Smith Post, No. 10, Depart
ment of New Hampshire G. A. R. He has resided in
Sunapee, N. H., since 1864.

438 HISTORY Of THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Parkhurst D. Quimby, [Parchust D. Quimby is the
name in Adj. Gen's report] born, Concord, N. H.; enlis
ted October 29, 1862 ; age, 22 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died March 21, 1877, in California.
Edward G. Runnells, born, Boscawen, N. H.; enlis
ted October 6, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Hopkinton, N. H.
David W. Sargent, born, Thornton, N. H. ; enlisted
September 15, 1862; age, 44; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died September 11, 1863, at Concord, N. H.
Francis B. Scribner, born, Salisbury, N. H. ; enlisted
October 13, 1862; age, 27; mustered out August 20, 1863.
Joseph I. Shallies, [Shallis is name given in Adj.
Gen's Report] born, Lebanon, N. H. ; enlisted October
18, 1862 ; age, 19 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
George W. Shepard, born, New Boston, N. H. ;
enlisted September 26, 1862 ; age, 30 ; died June 2, 1863,
at New Orleans, La.
Albert H. Smart, born, Concord, N. H. ; enlisted
August 6, 1862 ; age, 21 ; appointed corporal ; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address 103 E. Maumee
street, Adrian, Mich.
David Stevens, born, Loudon, N. H.; enlisted Novem
ber 1, 1862; age, 44; died May 13, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Hiram Stevens, born, Loudon, N. H. ; enlisted
November 5, 1862 ; age, 28 ; deserted March 13, 1863, at
New York City.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

439

ttufus 9?. Uitton.

Rufus N. Tilton, son of Rev. Ruf us Tilton, was born
in Sandown, N. H., January 18, 1840. He enlisted at
Northfield, N. H., while a student in the New Hampshire
Conference Seminary, joined Company D, Sixteenth
New Hampshire Volunteers by transfer from the Fif
teenth Regiment and was assigned to duty as ward-
master in the regimental hospital. He was prostrated
with fever three months in Louisiana, but so far
recovered as to rejoin his regiment en route to Port Hud
son and serve with it until mustered out, taking charge
of and caring for the sick during the journey home.

440 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
He was appointed a clerk of Class 1, in the office of
the Second Comptroller of the Treasury, Washington, D.
C, in July, 1865, where he remained until October 1,
1894, when the office was abolished by the Act of July
31, 1894, having risen through the various grades to the
highest in the classified service.
He graduated at the National Universy Law School
and was admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of
the District of Columbia May 22, 1872.
AVhen the office of Second Comptroller was abolished,
he was assigned to duty in the office of the Comptroller
of the Treasury, where he is now employed preparing
decisions in cases of appeal, construction of new laws,
etc., in matters relating to claims and accounts for pay,
bounty and other allowances of the army. His P. O.
address is 220 Second street northeast, AVashington, D. C.
William H. Upton, born, New Boston, N. H. ; en
listed September 20, 1862 ; age, 20 ; died February 18,
1863, at Carrollton, La.
Daniel B. Webster, born, Weston, Vt. ; enlisted No
vember 13, 1862 ; age, 44 ; died April 27, 1863, at Brashear
City, La.
Brackett B. Weeks, born, Hopkinton, N. H. ; enlisted
October 9, 1862 ; age, 25 ; died June 10, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Cogswell N Weeks, [N. Cogswell Weeks is the name
given in Aclj. Gen's report] born, Hopkinton, N. H. ; en
listed October 13, 1862; age, 24; mustered out August
20, 1863 ; P. 0. address, Concord, N. H.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

441

1&r, tout's jtfueyustus ll/ooddury.
Louis Augustus Woodbury, M. D., Groveland, Mass.,
was born October 1, 1844, at Salem, N H. ; He is the
son of AVashington and Dolly Head (Jones) Woodbury
and a grandson of Luke WToodbury, who was a lieuten
ant in the Continental Army and a descendant of John
AVoodbury, the Old Planter, who was one of the first
settlers of Salem, Mass. He is the great grandson of
Gen. Nathaniel Head of Pembroke, N. H., who was a
captain in the war of the Revolution. He is descended
on his mother's side from Arthur Head, who settled in
New Castle, N. H., before 1670.

442 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
The subject of this sketch was educated in the public
schools of Concord, the family having moved there in
1845. At the age of eighteen he enlisted in Company
D, Sixteenth Regiment, and served until the muster out.
After his discharge at Concord he went to Washington,
D. C, and for a time was employed by the Government
as Forage Master.
After returning home he began the study of medicine
and graduated from the Harvard University Medical
School February 14, 1872, and soon after settled in Grove-
land, beginning the practice of his profession i in which
he is still actively engaged.
Dr. AVoodbury is a member of the Massachusetts
Medical Society and of the Haverhill Massachusetts
Medical Club and is Post Surgeon, Grand Army of the
Republic. He is U. S. Examining Surgeon for Pensions,
a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, pres
ident of the Village Improvement Society, a trustee of
the Public Library and a Justice of the Peace. He is a
member of the New England Historic Genealogical
Society and of the Essex Institute. He is also a mem
ber of the Doric Lodge F. and A. M., Tilton, N. H.; has
been a member of Union Chapter, Royal Arch Masons
of Laconia for thirty years and a Knight Templar of
Haverhill Commandery of which he has been Prelate and
Generalissimo. Dr. Woodbury has contributed several papers to the
Medical Societies of which he is a member and has done
considerable historical and genealogical work. Among
his papers and published works are, "A Contribution to

/
/
/
NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEER'S. 443
the Early History of Medicine in Haverhill, Mass.,"
"Inscriptions from 'the Old Cemetery in Groveland,"
"Early Ministers of Bradford," "An Historical Sketch
of Bradford in the Revolution."
Dr. AVoodbury has been twice married, first to Alice
C. Stanwood, who died in 1889, second to Helen Ney
Robinson of Portsmouth, N. H.
William H. Weeks, born, Hopkinton, N. H. ; en
listed October 9, 1862 ; age, 21 ; discharged to date
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address, Goffstown; N. H.
Charles Wilson, born, Barnet, Vt. ; enlisted August
6, 1862 ; age, 19 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.

ROSTER OF COMPANY E,

Captain ^onatAan SP. Sanborn.
Captain Jonathan P. Sanborn, born, Sanborton, N.
H. ; enlisted October 10, 1862 ; age, 48 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; died June 1, 1880, at Franklin Falls,
N. H.
First Lieutenant David E. Burbank, son of Abraham
and Polly M. Burbank, was born in Boscawen, N. H.,
May 16, 1822. He lived with his parents on the old
homestead, engaged in the farming and lumbering busi
ness until twenty-three years of age, when he married
Mary M. Elliott, of Canterbury, N. H., daughter of Jer-

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

445

^irst jCiout. *Z)av/d S. ^urban/c.

emiah C. Elliott. He continued in the lumber business
for his father until 1851, when he was seized with a vio:
lent attack of the gold fever, which was raging in those
parts, and left for California in January of that year.
He returned home in December, 1852. Soon after he
bought out a country store at Sweatt's Mills, a village in
the westerly part of Boscawen, and commenced business
in the mercantile line.
He was a prominent member of the Boscawen Light
Infantry from eighteen years of age up to 1850, at which
time the militia system was disbanded,

446 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
He was chosen town clerk in 1858, and served in that
capacity until the division of the town in 1860, the west
X>art, in which he lived, taking the name of Webster.
He was chosen town clerk of AVebster at its first meet
ing for organization, and continued in that office until
the fall of 1862, when he resigned the office to enter the
Army of the Union.
He enlisted AVebster' s quota of seventeen men under
the call of the President for 300,000 men for nine months.
He took his men into camp at Concord and with them
helped to form Company E, Sixteenth Regiment. He
was commissioned first lieutenant of Company E, Novem
ber 4, 1862. He commanded Company I at the invest
ment and capture of Fort Burton. He, with nearly all
the regiment, was prostrated by sickness at that place.
Being physically unable to perform the arduous duties
required at the fort, he was detailed by Lieutenant-
Colonel Fuller commanding, to return to Berwick's Bay
and take charge of the convalescent camp at that place.
He remained there until the camp was broken up, those
who were able returned to the regiment, while the re
mainder were sent to the hospitals at New Orleans. In
a few days he followed the sick to New Orleans. He
Avent into a hospital, but not liking the looks of things
left, and with the assistance of Lieutenant Modica found
accommodations in a private family. Stayed there for
a few weeks and then went with others to a Mrs. Horner's,
where he remained until he resigned.
The post physician could give him no hope of recovery
in that climate and advised his early return north as. his

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 447
only chance for recovery. He accordingly resigned his
commission July 18, 1863, and took steamer for New
York and thence by rail home. He arrived home a mere
wreck of his former self. From a sturdy man of two
hundred pounds when leaving for the front, he returned
a mere skeleton. Was many months in recovering his
health sufficiently to perform manual labor.
In 1867 he moved to Norwich, Vt., where he engaged
in milling. He was a charter member of Post 56, G. A.
R., at Hanover, N. H., and was elected S. V. Com. at its
first meeting. He was afterwards chosen post commander,
which position he held for ten consecutive years, with a
single exception. He still remains an honored member
in good standing.
He was active in the formation of the Sixteenth Regi
ment New Hampshire Volunteer Association, and always
made it a point to attend its annual gatherings at The
Weirs, unless ill health has prevented. He gave liberally
towards the erection of regimental headquarters.
In 1894 he removed to Boston, Mass., where he is con
nected officially with a school-publishing house. He
still lives in Boston, a well-preserved, " old young man"
of seventy-five years, and none of us will challenge the
assertion that his heart is as patriotic, his love for the
comrades of the Sixteenth, and the Old Flag as fervent
and strong as in the days of the great rebellion.
Second Lieutenant Prescott Jones, born,AVilmot, N.
H. ; enlisted September 2, 1862 ; age, 22 ; died January
11, 1863, at Carrollfon, La.

First Sergeant Calvin Sanborn, born, Andover, N.
H. ; enlisted September 18, 1862 ; age, 22 ; discharged
to date August 20, 1863; died September 2, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Second Sergeant John B. Chase, born, Henniker, N.
H. ; enlisted September 15, 1862 ; age, 33 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Webster, N. H.
Third Sergeant Benjamin Gale, born, Fairfax, Vt. ;
enlisted September 2, 1862; age, 29; mustered out
August '20, 1863 ; P. O. address Northfield, N. H.
Fourth Sergeant Moses K. Smith, born, Sanbornton,
N. H. ; enlisted September 16, 1862; age, 26; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Belmont, N.. H.
Fifth Sergeant William A. Gile, born, Northfield,
N. H. ; enlisted September 13, 1862 ; age, 19 ; mustered
out August 20, 1863, as private ; P. O. address Worces
ter, Mass.
First Corporal Alonzo D. Davenport, born, Chelsea,
Vt.; enlisted September, 3, 1862; age 26; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Franklin Falls, N. H.
Second Corporal Joseph B. Thurber, born, Hopkin
ton, N. H. ; enlisted September 11, 1862; age 28 ; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Webster, N. H.
Third Corporal Minot Stearns, born, Wilmot, N. H.;
enlisted September 8, 1862; age, 29; mustered out August
20, 1863, as a private; P. O. address Wilmot,. N. H.
Fourth Corporal Hiram Colby, born, Franklin, N.
H. ; enlisted September 13, 1862 ; age, 30 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Franklin, N. H.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 449
Fifth Corporal George F. Smith, born, Salisbury,
N. H. ; enlisted September 2, 1862 ; age, 20 ; mustered
out August 20, 1863; died July 14, 1890, at Minneapolis,
Minn. Sixth Corporal Enoch B. Hancock, born, Franklin,
N. H. ; enlisted September 12, 1862 ; age, 22 ; appointed
sergeant ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address
Reno, Nev.
Seventh Corporal William P. Kinsman, born, Frank
lin, Vt.; enlisted August 28, 1862; age, 18; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Myrtle Point, Oreg.

450 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

Eighth Corporal Lueien M. Kilburn, of Company E,
Sixteenth Regiment, was born in Boscawen [now AVeb
ster], N. H., January 20, 1842. He was descended from
revolutionary stock, his paternal grandfather, Eliphalet
Kilburn, having been a Newburyport minuteman, who
took part in the battle of Bunker Hill, as well as in sev
eral other engagements of the war, including the battles
of Saratoga and Stillwater.
His maternal grandsire, Colonel Asa Foster, at that
time a lad of fifteen, was also in the patriot army in its
darkest days. Corporal Kilburn left his studies at Elm-

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 451
wood Institute, Boscawen, to enlist in Company E, and
was elected corporal, as were the rest of the officers, by
vote of the company. His health was much impaired by
the service, from which he did not recover for some time.
He removed to Massachusetts in 1866 and to Iowa in
1868, where he has since resided. He has seen his
adopted state, he says, "develop from a wild prairie,
sparsely settled, to a magnificent commonwealth, with
all the advantages incident to the civilization of the
times, and whose future destiny is but dimly fore
shadowed by the wonderful progress of the last quarter
of a century."
In this progress he has taken such part as a sturdy
Yankee, born on the rocky soil of New Hampshire and
reared amid the scenes where economy might be ex
pected to have taken. "The New England Yankee
rarely fails to impress his individuality to some extent
upon the plastic material out of which new states are
moulded, and Iowa has largely been shaped in regard to
its laws, customs and beliefs by the best influence New
England could impart."
Corporal Kilburn has held different positions of pub
lic trust, and in 1893 was elected to the Iowa State Sen
ate and re-elected in 1895. He is now serving his second
term. He married Lizzie H. Peet, daughter of Rev. J.
R. Peet, formerly of Massachusetts, and has three
children living, Charles W., George G. and Mary L. Kib
burn. His place of residence is Fontanelle, Adair
County, Iowa.

452 HISTORY OP THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Musician Frederick W. Ballou, born, Alexandria,
N. H. ; enlisted August 28, 1862 ; age, 27 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; died February 20, 1892, at Salisbury,
N. H.
Musician John W. Piper, born, Franklin, N. H. ;
enlisted September 1, 1862; age 39; mustered out August
20, 1863 ; died October 29, 1885, in Florida.
Wagoner George Green, born, Franklin, N. H. ;
enlisted September 12, 1862 ; age, 29 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Lawrence, Mass.
Privates.
Paul S. Adams, born, Berwick, Maine; enlisted Sep
tember 3, 1862 ; age, 44 ; appointed Hospital Steward
November 22, 1862 ; discharged for disabilities July 2,
1863 ; died October 21, 1886, at Newport N. H.
George E. Allen, born, Westbrook, Maine ; enlisted
September 23, 1862 ; age, 32 ; deserted December 6, 1862,
at New York City.
Edmund W. Atkinson, born, Boscawen, N. H. ;
enlisted September 2, 1862 ; age, 19 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Boscawen, N.'h.
Jesse H. Bennett, born, Hill, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 13, 1862 ; age, 30 ; died August 19, 1863, at
Memphis, Tenn.
Meshach W. Blaisdell, born, Salisbury, N. H. ;
enlisted September 4, 1862 ; age, 19 ; died August 20,
1863, at Mound City, 111.
James L. Boyce, born, New Ipswich, N. H. ; enlisted
November 21, 1862; age, 22; mustered out Aug. 20, 1863.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 453
Ezekiel W. Burbank, born, Boscawen, N. H.; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 33 ; died May 27, 1863, at Bra
shear City, La.
Harvey H. Carter, born, Lebanon, N. H. ; enlisted
September 8, 1862 ; age, 19 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address 25 Main street, Holyoke, Mass.
Amnion T. Cate, born, Cambridge, Mass.; enlisted
September 12, 1862; age, 36; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died August 2, 1879, at Franklin, N. H.
Daniel T. Cate, born, Franklin, N. H. ; enlisted
August 28, 1862; age, 31; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Laconia, N. H.
George C. Chase, born, Hopkinton, N. H. ; enlisted
September 13, 1862; age, 27; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Webster, N. H.
George Coffin, born, Boscawen, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 2, 1862 ; age, 24 ; died July 27, 1863, at Port
Hudson, La.
Charles Colby, born, Solon, Me. ; enlisted September
8, 1862; age, 18; died July 20, 1863, at Baton Rouge, La.
Moses Colby, born, Solon, Me. ; enlisted September
24, 1862 ; age, 29 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O.
address West Salisbury, N. H.
Edward D. Comings, born, Norwich, Vt. ; enlisted
September8, 1862; age, 20; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P O. address 644 Rialto Building, Chicago, 111.
Solomon Cook, born, Ireland; enlisted September 12,
1862 ; age, 36 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; died
March 14, 1886, at Concord, N. H.

454 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
George H. Corliss, born, Manchester, N. H. ; enlisted
September 11, 1862; age, 18; died August 15, 1863, at
Mound City, 111.
Truman Cutting, born, Newport, N. H.; enlisted
September 12, 1862; age, 21; mustered out Aug. 20, 1863.
Ferdinand N. Dagsberg, born, Boston, Mass.; en
listed November 3, 1862 ; age, 21 ; mustered out August
20, 1863 ; P. O. address East Pepperell, Mass.
Lewis M. Davis, born, Franklin, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 13, 1862 ; age, 29 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
William R. Dimond, born, Salisbury, N. H. ; enlisted
September 2, 1862 ; age, 23 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Newton Lower Falls, Mass.
James H Dowse, born, Columbia, N. 1L; enlisted
November 12, 1862; age, 28; died August 15, 1863', at
Buffalo, N. Y.
Spencer S. Dowse, born, Thetford, Vt.; enlisted Sep
tember 2, 1862 ; age, 37 ; died June 7, 1863, at New Or
leans, La.
Elden Eastman, born, Conway, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
Isaac C. Evans, born, Fryeburgh, Maine ; enlisted
September 2, 1862; age, 19; mustered out August- 20,
1863 ; died December 31, 1888, at Boston, Mass.
Hollis W. Fairbanks, Jr., born, Andover, Mass. ; en
listed September 13, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August
20, 1863.
Daniel F. Flanders, born, AVarner, N. H.; enlisted
September 15, 1862; age, 44 ; died June 14, 1863, at
Brashear City, La.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 455
Benjamin L. Erazier, [Ben. L. Frasuer is the name
given in Adjt. Gen's report] born, Salisbury, N. H. ;
enlisted November 11, 1862 ; age, 21 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863; P. O. address Salisbury, N. H.
Albert A. G. French, born, Bristol, N. H. ; enlisted
September 11, 1862; age, 18; died July 1, 1863, at
AVhite's Plantation, near Port Hudson, La.
Henry F. Gardner, born, Bradford, N. H. ; enlisted
September 13, 1862; age,23; mustered out August 20,1863.
Henry C. George, born, Canaan, N. IT.; enlisted Sep
tember 9, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died July 29, 1863, at Port
Hudson, La.

456

HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

s«

<£. &<?rres/i.

J. L. Gerrish, of Webster, New Hampshire, is of
Revolutionary stock, as his great-grandfather was lieu
tenant-colonel of Stickney's Brigade and was present at
the surrender of Burgoyne. He was born on the farm,
where he now resides, May 11, 1838. He attended
school at Hopkinton, Reed's Ferry and Boscawen.
Enlisted as private in Company E, Sixteenth Regiment,
and was promoted as corporal. He was present at the
taking of Fort Burton, and at the feint on Port Hudson

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 457
the night of March 14, 1863. He was broken down on
that muddy march and spent the remainder of his time
in different hospitals, until the regiment was ordered
home. Since his discharge he has been on the farm. He has
traveled in this and other New England States writing
up farms and reporting agricultural fairs and institutes.
He is on the Board of Agriculture and a member of the
Dairymen's Association, being secretary of the latter for
the past eleven years. He is Justice of the Peace, a
member of the Congregational Church, a Sabbath School
teacher, having led the choir for several years. He has
taken all the degrees in the Grange and has served as
lecturer in Dan'l Webster Grange No. 100, and in Merri
mack County Pomona Grange. He is a member of Wm.
I. Brown Post G. A. R., and has held various offices in
town, having been selectman three years, and represen
tative in 1883.
He has been twice married, first to Sarah B. Chandler
of Penacook, by whom he has two children living; She
died June 8, 1892. January 9, 1894, he married Mrs.
Mary S. Kenevel of Fort Scott, Kans.

458 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Frank A. Gile, born, Franklin, N. H. ; enlisted
November 8, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address East Orange, N. J.
Albeon G. Goodrich, born, Bartlett, N. H. ; enlisted
October 23, 1862; age, 18; mustered out August 20, 1863.
Charles E. Heath, born, Westboro, Mass. ; enlisted
September 13, 1862 ; age, 25 ; died August 19, 1863, at
Salisbury, N. H.
Evan M. Heath, born, Grafton, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 3, 1862 ; age, 31 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address West Salisbury, N. H.
Harrison V. Heath, born, Salisbury, N. H.; enlisted
September 13, 1862 ; age, 24 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Salisbury Heights, N. H.
Harrison A. Jack, born, Chester, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 10, 1862; age, 22; mustered out August 20> 1863 ;
Jesse M. Jackman, born, Boscawen, N. H. ; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 40 ; died April 25, 1863, at
Brashear City, La.
Willard W. Tones, born, Boscawen, N. H. ; enlisted
September 10, 1862; age, 39; died August 3, 1863, en
route to New Hampshire, between Natchez and Vicks
burg, Miss.
William H. Keyser, born, Franklin, N. H.; enlisted
September 2, 1862 ; age, 22 ; mustered out August 20,
1863. William C. Marden, born, Northfield, N. H. ; enlisted
September 2, 1862 ; age, 28 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Boscawen, N. H.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 459
Elijah R. Messer, born, Vermont ; enlisted September
8, 1862 ; age, 24 ; discharged to date August 20, 1863 ;
died September 1, 1863, at Memphis, Tenn.
Jeremiah P. Morey, born, Wilmot, N. TL; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 39 ;- discharged to date August
20, 1863 ; died August 30, 1863, at Buffalo, N. Y.
Charles C. Morrison, born, Franklin, N. H. ; enlisted
August 29, 1862 ; age, 20 ; died May 27, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Tristram S. Page, born, Boscawen, N. H. ; enlisted
September 13, 1862; age, 38; mustered out August 20,
1863; died June 6, 1885.
Frank Perkins, born, Wilmot, N. H.; enlisted October
13, 1862 ; age, 19 ; died July 24, 1863, at Port Hudson, La.
David W. Pervare, born, Vershire, Vt. ; enlisted Sep
tember 2, 1862 ; age, 27 ; died August 13, 1863, at Mat-
toon, 111.
John W. Philbrick, born, Bartlett, N. H.; enlisted
October 2, 1862 ; age, 19 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
killed July 4, 1864, at Petersburg, Va.
James T. Pike, born, South Newmarket, N. H.; en
listed November 12, 1862 ; age 21 ; mustered out August
20, 1863 ; P. O. address, Newfields, N. H.
Thomas B. Russell, born, [place not given] ; enlisted
November 12, 1862 ; age, 36 ; died August 20, 1863, at
Memphis, Tenn.
Russell Sanborn, born, [place not given] ; enlisted
November 10, 1862 ; age not known ; deserted November
10, J862, at Concord, N. H.

460 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Frank Santy, born, Canada ; enlisted November 6,
1862 ; age, 18 ; died July 7, 1863, at Port Hudson, La.
Isaac P. Sargent, born, Henniker, N. H. ; enlisted
September 9, 1862 ; age, 35 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died February 10, 1889, at Penacook, N. H.
Peter R. Shepard, born, Canterbury, N. H.; enlisted
November 4, 1862 ; age, 24 ; appointed corporal ; mus
tered out August 20, 1863 ; died September 5, 1863, at
Boscawen, N. H.
George W. Smart, born, .Hopkinton, N. H. ; enlisted
October 4, 1862 ; age, 44 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
Horace Smart, born, Concord, N. H. ; enlisted October
4, 1862 ; age, 28 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O.
address West Concord, N. H.
David D. Smith, born, New York ; enlisted Septem
ber 15, 1862; age, 23; appointed commissary sergeant ;
mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address 1629 Wal
nut street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Warren A. Story, born, Boscawen, N. H. ; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 29 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died August 21, 1863, at Concord N. H.
Joseph Thompson, born Franklin, N. H. ; enlisted
September 12, 1862 ; age, 43 ; mustered out August 20,
1863. Luther C. Titcomb, born, Boscawen, N. H.; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 32 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O., address, Webster, N. H.
Lucien E. Upton, born, Boston, Mass. ; enlisted Octo
ber 11, 1862 ; age, 24 ; died June 15, 1863, at New Or
leans, La.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 461
Samuel W. Walden, born, [place not known] enlisted
October 22, 1862 ; age, 31 ; transfered to Company K
November 22, 1862 ; discharged to date August 20, 1863 ;
died August 23, 1863, at Memphis. Tenn.
Charles C. Webber, born, Hopkinton, N. H.; enlisted
September 12, 1862 ; age, 24 ; mustered out August 20,
1863. David J. Whittier, born, Boscawen, N. H.; enlisted-
September 10, 1862 ; age, 32 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Concord, N. H.
True P. Whittier, born, Concord, N. H.; enlisted
August 28, 1862 ; age, 40 ; discharged to date August 20,
1863. John E. Woodsum, born, Saco, Maine ; enlisted Sep
tember 23, 1862 ; age, 20 ; transfered to Comjkny K
November 22, 1862 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
Daniel R. Woodward, born, Salisbury, N. H.; en
listed Serjtember 12, 1862 ; age, 29.; discharged for dis
abilities April 27, 1863 ; P. 0- address Franklin, N. H.

ROSTER OF COMPANY F.

Captain CAarles Jf. Woods.
Captain Charles H. Woods, son of Rev. John AVoods,
of Newport, N. H., was born October 8, 1836. His edu
cation was academic, graduating at "Kimball Union"
in the class of '56. He studied law with Burke & Wait,
and was admitted to the bar February, 1862. He mar
ried Carrie C. Rice, of Brookfield, Vt., September 22,
1862. He was commissioned captain of Company F,
Sixteenth Regiment, and commanded his company until
mustered oat, August 20, 1803. Subsequently he was a
clerk in the paymaster general's office and special agent
of the United States Treasury Department, op duty in

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 463
North Carolina. In July, 1866, he settled in Minneap
olis, Minn., where he has won honorable distinction in
the practice of his profession. Captain AAToods has
always refused to x'articipate in either prosecution or
defense of any person accused of crime. He is senior
member of the well-known law firm of AAToods, Kingman
& Wallace.

464 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

&irst lieutenant Sdgar S. J^tdams.

First Lieutenant Edgar E. Adams was born in Bruns
wick, Maine, February 6, 1843. He was the son of Rev.
Paul S. Adams, of Newport, N. H., who was the hos
pital steward of the Sixteenth New Hampshire Regiment.
The subject of this sketch enlisted as a private in Com
pany C, Second Vermont Infantry, in Brattleboro, Vt.,
May 1, 1861, at the age of eighteen. He was in the first
Bull Run fight, at the siege of Yorktown, and in the
Seven days' fight. He was captured at Savage Station,
Va., June 30, 1862. He was paroled from Belle Isle
August 3, 1862, and discharged at Point Lookout, Md.,

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS 465
October 30, 1862. He was commissioned first lieutenant
Company F, Sixteenth Regiment, November 14, 1862, to
August 20, 1863 ; carjtain of the Seventy-fifth U. S. C.
Infantry September 23, 1863, to November 10, 1864, and
major of the Seventy-third U. S. C. Infantry, November
11, 1864. He was wounded at Mobile, Ala., April 2, 1865.
He was brevetted lieutenant-colonel United States volun
teers from that date and was honorably discharged
October 24, 1865, at New Orleans, La., and has since re
sided there.
He is a member of Post No. 10, G. A. R., Newport,
N. H.
Second Lieutenant John S. Baker, enlisted October
9, 1862 ; age, 24 ; died March 17, 1863, at Carrollton, La.

466

HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

^t'rst Sergeant ^ames ttigctow &*orrg.

First Sergeant James Bigelow Perry was born at
Rindge, N. H., August 13, 1837. His father, Colonel
Jason B. Perry, was prominent in all public affairs.
His mother, Sally Wilson, was a descendant of Supply
AVilson, who was in the battle of Bunker Hill. Ser
geant Perry attended the common schools of his native
town ; also the Appleton Academy, New Ipswich, N. H.
Prior to his enlistment he was a successful teacher in
Rindge, Jaffrey and Mason Village, N. H.; also in Town-
send and Shirley, Mass. He resigned his position as
principal of the school at Mason Village to enlist in the

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 467
Sixteenth Regiment. He served with the regiment until
its muster out. He then went to McHenry, 111., and took
charge of the public school there for a year, and then
embarked in the mercantile business, which he profitably
followed for more than twenty-five years. He is now
engaged in the banking business. In jwlitics Mr. Perry
is a radical Republican, but lives in a town which, until
recently, has been in the habit of giving a large Demo
cratic majority. As an evidence of the regard in which
he is held by his fellow townsmen, it can be said that
having been elected to fill a vacancy in the office of jus
tice of the peace (a responsible office in Illinois) he was
re-elected by a vote of four or five hundred, with but one
vote against him. Mr. Perry served four years as county
treasurer of McHenry County, 111.
He married, August 25, 1867, Arlette Tuttle, a native
of Illinois. They have four children, Howard Rand,
who graduated at West Point, in the class of 1893, and
is now a lieutenant in the Seventeenth Regiment,»U. S.
A. His youngest son is a student at the Northwestern
College of Law. His two daughters are pursuing a
course of liberal education.
Second Sergeant Thomas A. Gilmore, born, Goshen,
N. H. ; enlisted September 12, 1862; age, 39; mustered
out August 20, 1863.
Third Sergeant Edward P. Philips, born, Fitzwil-
liam, N. H. ; enlisted September 1, 1862 ; age, 25 ; mus
tered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Ogdensburg,
N. Y.

468 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Fourth Sergeant Charles F. Emery, born, Jaffrey,
N. H. ; enlisted September 15, 1862 ; age, 26 ; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Orange, Mass.
Fifth Sergeant Edward S. Chatterton, [Edwin S.
Chatterton in Adj. Gen's report] born Acworth, N. H.;
enlisted September 15, 1862 ; age, 31 ; discharged to date
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Acworth, N. H.
First Corporal Jeremiah W. Ladd, born, Saint Lam
bert, Canada ; enlisted November 1, 1862 ; age, 33 ; mus
tered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Newport, N. H.
Second Corporal George H. Sears, born, Leroy, N.
Y. ; enlisted September 13, 1862 ; age, 21 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Hillsboro Upper Village,
N. H.
Third Corporal Thomas J. Rogers, born, Goshen, N.
H. ; enlisted September 15, 1862 ; age, 25 ; discharged
January 6, 1863, at New Orleans, La. ; died January 24,
1863, at sea, wTiile en route to New York.
Fourth Corporal Alaric A. Boyce, born, Richmond,
N. H. ; enlisted September 18, 1862 ; age, 28 ; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address E. River St., Orange,
Mass. Fifth Corporal Jonas C. Rice, born, Jaffrey, N. H. ;
enlisted September 22, 1862 ; age, 30 ; mustered out Au
gust 20, 1863 ; P. O. address 257 1st Avenue, Minne
apolis, Minn.
Sixth Corporal Marrion W. Converse, born, Rindge,
N. H. ; enlisted September 8, 1862 ; age, 24 ; died June
4, 1863, at New Orleans, La.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS 469
Seventh Corporal Charles H. Cooper, born, Langdon,
N. H. ; enlisted September 15, 1862 ; age, 20 ; discharged
to date August 20, 1863.
Eighth Corporal Charles H. Parker, born Amesbury,
Mass.; enlisted September 1, 1862; age, 29; died May
16, 1863, at Butte a la Rose, La.
Musician Bela Nettleton, born, Newport, N. H.; en
listed September 16, 1862 ; age, 25 ; he was taken pris
oner March 17, 1863, at Port Hudson, La.; paroled April
4, 1863 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address
Newport, N. IT.
Musician John M. Scott, born, Deerfield, N. H.; en
listed October 3, 1862 ; age, 44 ; died August 15, 1863,
while en route to New York by transport.
Wagoner Hazen Barnard, born, Bradford, N. H. ; en
listed Serjtember 4, 1862 ; age, 44 ; mustered out August
20, 1863 ; died November 16, 1888, at Fox Lake, Wis.
PRIVATES.
John S. Adams, born, Fitzwilliam, N. H.; enlisted
September 3, 1862 ; age, 20 ; died August 16, 1863, at
Cairo, 111.
Harlan P. Allen, born, Acworth, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 18C2 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address Apijleton, Minn.
Almon W. Bailey, born, Jaffrey. N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 13, 1862; a.ge, 19 ; died June 27, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Levi S. Bailey, born, Unity, N. H.; enlisted October
18, 1862 ; age, 25 ; discharged to date August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address Unity, N. H.

470 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Henry Baker, born, Goshen, N. H.; enlisted Septem
ber 15, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died August 15, 1863, at Buffalo,
N. Y.
Joseph Barrett, born, Ashburnham, Mass.; enlisted
September, 9, 1862 ; age, 43 ; discharged to date August
20, 1863 ; P. O. address Lunenburg, Mass.
Charles R. Bingham, born, Lempster, N. H.; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 28 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address, Marlow, N. H.
Charles S. Blodgett, born, Fitzwilliam, N. H.; en
listed November 13, 1862 ; age, 19 ; mustered out August
20, 1863 ; P. O. address Kimball, S. Dak.
Nathaniel Bright, born, Watertown, Mass.; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 30 ; mustered out Aug. 20, 1863.
Martin V. Brown, born, Newport, N. H.; enlisted
November 1, 1862; age, 22; discharged to date August
20, 1863.
Henry Buckwald, born, Germany ; enlisted Septem
ber 20, 1862; age, 30; mustered out August 20, 1863;
died August 29, 1864, at Jaffrey, N. H.
Horace Buswell, born, Acworth, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 37 ; discharged April 23, 1863 ;
P. O. address Acworth, N. H.
John M. Chase, born, Grantham, N. H.; enlisted Octo
ber 4, 1862; age, 21 ; discharged to date August 20,
1863 ; died September 5, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Barzillai H. Cofren, [name not on muster-in-roster]
born, Goshen, N. H.; enlisted October 21, 1862 ; age, 21 ;
discharged to date August- 20, 1863 ; died January 26,
1877, at Goshen, N. H.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS 471
Hial Comstock, born, Newport, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 11, 1862; age, 44; died May 16, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Lysander J. Cowdrey, born, Ashby, Mass.; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 38 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address 4 Chestnut street, Clinton, Mass.
John C. Cummings, born Rindge, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 10, 1862 ; age, 19 ; died August 11, 1863, at Mound
City, 111.
Benjamin Cutts, born, Goshen, N. H. ; enlisted No
vember 11, 1862 ; age, 26 ; discharged to date August 20,
1863 ; P O. address Plainfield, N. H.
John W. Darling, born Jaffrey, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 13, 1862 ; age, 20 ; died May 19, 1863, at Butte
a la Rose, La.
Hall W. Davis, born, AVarner, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 13, 1862 ; age, 22 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
Elliot F. Ellis, born, Fitzwilliam, N. H. ; enlisted
September 6, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died June 9, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
OrenE. Farr, born, Marlow, N. H.; enlisted Sejjtem-
ber 15, 1862 ; age 23 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address Mill Village, N. H.
Levi A. Forristall, [Foristall is the name given in
Adj. Gen's report] born, Fitzwilliam, N. H.; enlisted
September 22, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died June 17, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Hezekiah French, born, Plainfield, N. H.; enlisted
October 30, 1862 ; age, 44 ; discharged February 9, 1863,
at Long Bridge, Va; died Sept. 2, 1877, at Unity, N. H,

472 HISTORY OF TnE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Robert D. Gleason, born, Winchendon, Mass.; en
listed September 15, 1862 ; age, 25 ; mustered out August
20, 1863.
Hiram A. Gregg, born, Goshen, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 15,- 1862 ; age, 18 ; discharged January 24, 1863,
at New Orleans, La.; P. 0. address Swanton, Vt.
Amos Harding, born, Acworth, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 37 ; [15 is the age given in Adj.
Gen's report] died June 21, 1863, at New Orleans, La.
Ransom Hardy, [Ransom Handy is the name given in
Adj. Gen's report] born, Fitzwilliam, N. TL; enlisted
September 6, 1862; age, 21; died August 1, 1863, at
Port Hudson, La.
Elisha Harkness, born, Richmond, N. H.; enlisted
September 13, 1862 ;. age, 41 ; died May 31, 1863, at Bra
shear City, La.
Frederick II. Haskell, [Frederic is the spelling in
Adj. Gen's report] born, Fitzwilliam, N. H. ; enlisted
September 13, 1862 ; age, 20 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Marshalltown, Iowa.
Andrew J. Hastings, born, Grantham, N. H.; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 26 ; discharged June 23, 1863,
at Concord, N. TL; P. O. address Bradford, N. IT.
Charles T. Haywood, [Charles T. Heywood in Adjt.
Gen's report] born, Fitzwilliam, N. IT.; enlisted Septem
ber 13, 1862 ; age, 22; died July 31, 1863, at Port Hud
son, La.
Henry S. Howard, born, Dorset, Vt.; enlisted October
7, 1862 ; age, 32 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 473
Elroy S. Howe, born, Ludlow, Vt.; enlisted Septem
ber 15, 1862 ; age, 19 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
Mitchell W. Howe, born, Whitefield, N. H.; enlisted
Sepjtember 16, 1862; age, 43; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died January 12, 1886, at Newport, N. H.
Moses Hoyt, born, Warner, N. H.; enlisted Septem
ber 13, 1862; age, 29; mustered out August 20, 1863;
P. O. address 92 Charles street, Fitchburg, Mass.
James M. Ingalls, born, Jaffrey, N. H.; enlisted Octo-
ber 4, 1862 ; age, 43 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died December 6, 1894, at Marlboro, Mass.
Charles D. Kimball, born, Rindge, N. IT.; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 30 ; discharged April 29, 1863,
at Corncord, N. H.
Dexter B. Knowlton, born, Southbridge, Mass.; en
listed September 15, 1862 ; age, 44 ; mustered out August
20, 1863 ; died October 21, 1894, at Jeffrey, N. H.
Andrew Lindsay, born, Paisley, Scotland ; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 32 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address box 131, East Jeffrey, N. TL
John E. Messer, born, Goshen, N. H.; enlisted Septem
ber 15, 1862 ; age, 25 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P.
O. address Mill Village, N. H.
Charles R. Munroe, [Monroe is the name given in Aclj.
Gen's report] born, Fitzwilliam, N. H; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 24 ; mustered out August 20, 1863;
died February 16, 1865, at Chicago, 111.
Jacob Newell, born, Jaffrey, N. H.; enlisted Septem
ber 15, 1862 ; age, 39 ; died April 5, 1863, at Baton
Rouge, La.

474 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Charles Newton, born, Fitzwilliam, N. H.; enlisted
September 13, 1862 ; age, 30 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died January 15, 1893, at Fitzwilliam, N. H.
Willard A. Newton, born, Fitzwilliam, N. H.; en
listed September 13, 1862 ; age, 20 ; mustered out August
20, 1863 ; P. O. address 37 Lunnenburg street, Fitch
burg, Mass.
Ereeman W. Nourse, born, Acworth, N. H. ; enlisted
September 12, 1862; age, 24; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Redding, Cal.
Edward A. Nutting, born, Jaffrey, N. H.; enlisted
September 16, 1862; age, 18; mustered out August 20,
1863; P. O. address Fitzwilliam, N. H.
Arthur E. Parker, born, Goshen, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 20 ; died August 10, 1863, at Vicks
burg, Miss.
Elias W. Pike, born, Goshen, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 24 ; mustered out August 20, 1863;
P. O. address Mill Village, N. H.
Samuel L. Pike, born, Goshen, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 3, 1862 ; age, 39 ; died July 25, 1863, at Port
Hudson, La.
Robert T. M. Prentiss, born, Acworth, N. H.; en
listed September 15, 1862 ; age, 20 ; mustered out August
20, 1863 ; P. O. address Holyoke, Mass.
Henry D. Putnam, [Henry Putnam is the name in
Adjt. Gen's, report] born, Charlestown, N. H.; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 29 ; died July 28, 1863, at Baton
Rouge, La.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 475
Daniel Henry Reed, born, Fitzwilliam, N. H.; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 23 ; appointed corporal ; must
ered out August 20, 1863 ; died January 7, 1867, at Fitz
william, N. H.
Jefferson Richardson, born, Royal ston, Mass. ; enlisted
September 13, 1862; age, 35; appointed sergeant; dis
charged June 6, 1863, at New Orleans, La.; died June 24,
1863, at New Orleans, La.
Leander Richardson, born, Royalston, Mass.; enlisted
September 23, 1862 ; age, 23 ; discharged February 12,
1863 ;. died June 12, 1890, at Minneapolis, Minn.
Jonas W. Ross, born, Jaffrey, N. H. ; enlisted Septem
ber 15, 1862 ; age, 27 ; discharged May 21, 1863 ; died at
AVorcester, Mass.
James M. Russell, born, Rutland, Vt.; enlisted Novem
ber 1, 1862 ; age, 28 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P.
0, address box 29, Sunapee, N. H.

476

HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

*7tari>Gt/ Oetrgrant.

Harvey Sargent was born in Marlboro, N. H., Febru
ary 17, 1839. In the year 1853 he moved to East Swan-
zey, N. H., where he received a common school educa
tion. After leaving school he worked in the wooden-
ware shops of the town until the breaking out of the
war. In the fall of 1861 with others in that town he en
listed to go in the band of the Sixth Regiment, but- sub
sequently received word that no band would be enlisted
in that regiment.
When, in 1862, the call for nine-months' men came he
responded, and September 16 again enlisted and was

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 477
mustered into Company F, Sixteenth Regiment. He
was with the company until they arrived at Camp Par
apet, La., January 2d, at which time he was suffering
from an attack of pneumonia, the result of a cold con
tracted in the Franklin street Barracks, at New York.
On January 7 he was sent to the general hospital, at
Carrollton, where he remained until March 30, when he
was transferred, with other j)atients, to the University
Hospital, New Orleans. A\Then he had so far recovered
as to be able, he was detailed from the list of convales
cent patients to help care for the sick and wounded in
the hospital, and was retained in that cajiacity until
nearly time for the regiment to be discharged.
While in the hospital he had an opportunity to see
some of the sad results of war. He had under his care
a certain number of patients, among whom were two
from the Sixteenth Regiment, Corporal Goodhue, of
Company B, and Comrade Comstock, of Company F,
the latter of whom it was his privilege to care for during
his sickness and death. On July 20 he reached Port
Hudson to join his regiment. Here he was again taken
sick and was unable to proceed with his regiment further
than Vicksburg on their journey homeward.
He remained here ten days before he was able to pro
ceed. He arrived at Concord, N. H., August 22 and re
ceived his discharge. His army life was uneventful, as
his prolonged illness kept him from doing duty with the
regiment. After he had sufficiently regained his health
and strength he returned again to the wooden-ware shops.
This business he followed as long as his health permitted,

478 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
For the last few years he has lived on a small farm in
East Swanzey and keeps a small dairy. He was married
June 12, 1867, and has one child, a son, who is clerk in
a store in East Greenwich, R. I.
Alvah A. Smith, born, Goshen, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 44 ; died June 6, 1863, at Baton
Rouge, La.
Oliver E. Stearns, born, Amherst, N.H.; enlisted Sep
tember 13, 1862 ; age, 37 ; discharged to date August 20,
1863 ; died April 2, 1878, at Newport, N. H.
Josiah Stebbins, born, Winchester, N. H.; enlisted
September 18, 1862 ; age, 39 ; discharged March 5, 1863,
at Fort Columbus, N. Y.; died November 9, 1894, at
Jaffrey, N. IT.
Joseph E. Stone, born, Fitzwilliam, N. H. ; enlisted
September 13, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died June 5, 1863, at
Brashear City, La.
Amos T. Towne, born, Ludlow, Mass. ; enlisted Sep
tember 13, 1862 ; age, 31 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died April 3, 1887, at Dana, Mass.
Loammi B. Underwood, born, Rindge, N. H.; en
listed September 15, 1862 ; age, 32 ; discharged January
2, 1863, at Boston, Mass.; P. O. address AVinchendon,
Mass. Joseph Welch, born, Canada ; enlisted October 4,
1862 ; age, 43 ; discharged May 21 , 1863, at New Orleans,
La.; died July 2, 1863, Unity, N. H.
Edwin F. Wheeler, born, Ashby, Mass.; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 42 ; died August 6, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 479
John F. Wheeler, born, Voluntown, Conn.; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 18 ; discharged to date August
20, 1863 ; P. O. address East Jaffrey, N. H.
Edwin D. Whipple, born, Malone, N. Y.; enlisted
September 4, 1862 ; age, 31 ; discharge to date August
20, 1863 ; last known address, Newport, N. H.
Charles D. Worcester, born, Fitchburg, Mass.; en
listed September 12, 1862 ; age, 30 ; [age given at 29 in
Adjt. Gen's report] taken prisoner March 17, 1863 ;
paroled April 4, 1863 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
Nathan Young, born, Sunapee, N. TL; enlisted Nov
ember 12, 1862 ; age, 26 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address Sunapee, N. H.

ROSTER OF COMPANY G.

Captain Seorge *2£S. S/3osu/ortA.

Captain George W. Bosworth, son of Bela and Joanna
Harlow Bosworth, was born September 5, 1823, in Plymp-
ton, formerly a jjart of Plymouth, Mass., his parents be
ing residents there for many years. They were deeply
imbued with Pilgrim principles and early instilled them
into the minds of their four children. At the age of eigh
teen George W. united with the Congregational church.
Soon after he went into an iron foundry at North Chelms
ford, where he served an apprenticeship, thus choosing
the same avocation in which his father was a skilled
workman.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS, 481
In 1847 he married Any Cram, of Lyndeboro, N. H., a
lady of superior ability, and who has proven a tower of
strength to him during the fifty years of their married
life. In 1848 he removed to Manchester, N. H., where
he entered the foundry of the Amoskeag Manufacturing
Co. Here he xrarsued his trade as moulder, his work be
ing confined to machinery castings. He was largely en
gaged in making the castings for the celebrated Begelow
Carpet Looms, and during the fall and winter of 1848-49
he worked upon the castings for the first two locomotives
built in New Hampshire.
In the summer of 1849 he moved to Milford, N. H.,
where he resided nearly eight years. He and his partner,
William Pratt, were the originators and manufacturers
of the celebrated North Star Cook Stove. From this
place he removed to Lyndeboro to care for his wife's aged
mother. In 1862 he enlisted as a volunteer and was im
mediately appointed as recruiting officer to fill the quota
of the town. In the fall of 1862 he was mustered in as
captain of Company G, Sixteenth Regiment, and served
with it until it was mustered out of service. In 1864 he
enlisted again as a private in the Eighteenth New Hamp
shire Volunteers, but before the regiment left the state
he was mustered in as captain of Company F, serving in
that capacity until the close of the war. Was on active
duty front of Petersburg, when Lee's army was driven out.
He remained with the regiment until it was mustered out
in 1865. In 1866 he moved to Amherst- and entered the
employ of Hon. Hanson Eaton, but* in consequence of
impaired health, caused by army service, was compelled

482 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
to abandon the business, Partially regaining his health,
he engaged in business as commercial traveler. Was for
two years the representative of the town of Amhust in
the State Legislature and for twelve consecutive years
was superintendent of the Congregational Sunday school.
The fiftieth anniversary of his marriage was celebrated
March 2, 1897.
Of their nine children four are living — three daughters,
who are successful teachers, a son, George N., who for
several years was a commercial traveler, but is now en
gaged in mercantile business in Boston.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

483

*&irst *£ fautanant barton J?//an 3&cz//ois.

First Lieutenant Barton Allan Ballon was born in
Woonsocket, R. I. He enlisted as a private in Company
G September 22, 1862, and was appointed first lieuten
ant November 4, 1862. He served with his company and
was mustered out August 20, 1863. He is the senior
member of the firm of B. A. Ballou & Co., manufacturing
jewelers, 61 Peck street. Providence, R. I.
Second Lieutenant Martin L. Colburn, born, New
Boston, N. IT. ; enlisted September 12, 1862 ; age, 23 ;
mustered out August 20, 1863; P. O. address Frances-
town, N. H.

484 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
First Sergeant Alden S. Wood, born, Hancock, N.
H.; enlisted September 5, 1862; age, 22; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Hancock, N. H.
Second Sergeant Augustus Spinney, born, Elliott,
Maine ; enlisted October 4, 1862 ; age, 34 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863.
Third Sergeant George T.Jones, born, Lyndeboro, N.
H.; enlisted September 6, 1862; age, 21 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address South Fitchburg, Mass.
Fourth Sergeant Jacob Langdell, born, New Boston,
N. II.; enlisted Sejitember 13, 1862; age, 25; mustered
out August 20, 1863; P. O. address New Boston, N. H.

new Hampshire volunteers.

485

^if~tA Sergeant CAartes ^. *2£SrigAt.

Fifth Sergeant Charles J. Wright enlisted as a pri
vate in the Sixteenth New Hampshire Volunteers and
was promoted to fifth sergeant of Company G, sergeant-
major, and commissioned second lieutenant of Company
K for gallant and meritorious service. He was commis
sioned lieutenant-colonel, # Thirty-ninth United States
Colored Troops, April 19, 1864, and commanded the
Twenty-seventh United States Colored Troops in the
campaign of the AATilderness. He was wounded in the
assault on the fortifications around Petersburg, and
again quite seriously at Fort Fisher. He was present at

486 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
the surrender of Johnson's army, at Raleigh, N. C. On
March 13, 1865, he was commisssoned by the President
brevet-colonel, United States Volunteers, for gallant and
meritorious service during the war. Colonel Wright is
vice-president of the Society of the Army of the Potomac
and president of the New York Military Academy, at
Cornwall-on-the-Hudson, N. Y.
The historian is not surprised at the military success
of Colonel AVright, for he was a rjerfect gentleman and
a fearless soldier during our Louisiana campaign. As
sergeant-major he was almost constantly with the adju
tant, and discharged with marked ability every duty
assigned him.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

487

First Corporal Andy Holt, born, Lyndeboro, N. H.;
enlisted, September 15, 1862; age, 21; mustered in as
corporal, appointed sergeant, mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address South Lyndeboro, N. H.
Second Corporal William C. Wood, born, Hancock,
N. H.; enlisted September 17, 1862; age, 32; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Ayer, Mass.
Third Corporal John L- Brooks, born, Hancock, N.
H-; enlisted October 9, 1862; age, 28; discharged to date
August 20, 1863 ; died September 20, 1578, at Man
chester, N. H.

488 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Fourth Corporal George Marden, born, New Bos
ton, N. H.; enlisted September 18, 1862; age, 23; mus
tered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address New Boston,
N. IT.
Fifth Corporal Frank B. Hardy, born, Nelson, N.
H.; enlisted October 9, 1862; age, 33; mustered out
August 20, 1863; P. O. address Munsonville, N. H.
Sixth Corporal Eben J. Palmer, born, Lyndeboro,
N. H.; enlisted September 11, 1862 ; age, 21 ; died June
30, 1863, at Baton Rouge, La.
Seventh Corporal Sumner Beard, born, Reading,
Mass.; enlisted September 15, 1862; age, 34; mustered
out August 20, 1863, as a private.
Eighth Corporal Robert H. French, born, Bedford,
N. H.; enlisted September 19, 1862; age 19; discharged
to date August 20, 1863 ; died August 22, 1S63, at Mem-
phis, Tenn.
Wagoner Nathan S. Harris, born, Francestown, N.
TL; enlisted September 13, 1862 ; age, 26 ; lost overboard
from transport Sallie List August 6, 1863, while enroute
for home. PRIVATES.
Calvin L. Andrews, born, New Boston, N. H.; en
listed September 3, 1862; age, 19; mustered out August
20, 1863 ; P. O. address 16 Gillis street, Nashua, N. H.
George C. Andrews, born, New Boston, N. TL; en
listed September 17, 1862 ; age, 18 ; discharged to date
August 20, 1863 ; died September 6, 1863, at New Bos
ton, N. H.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 489
Washington Bancroft, born, Nelson, N. H. ; enlisted
October 9, 1862 ; age, 28 ; died August 9, 1863, near
Vicksburg, Miss.
Richard Batten, Jr., born, Salem, Mass.; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 18 : mustered out August 20.
1863 ; Post Office address New Boston, N. H.
Daniel O. Beverstock, [Oscar D. Beverstock is the
name given in Adjt. Gen's report] born. Marlow. N. H.:
enlisted September 13, 1862; age, 20: mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Keene, X. II.
Abram Boutwell, born, Amherst, N. II.; enlisted
September 6. 1862; age, 40; mustered out August 20,
1863. James Boutwell, born, Amherst, X. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 6, 1862 : age. 43 ; died August 15, 18r;3. at Lynde
boro. X. H.
George W. Boynton, born, Bedford, X. H.: enlisted
September 19, 1862: age, 18; died August 13, 1863, at
Vicksburg, Miss.
Erank Bush, born, Canada ; enlisted September 13,
1862 : age, 24 : deserted Xovember 6, 1862, at Concord.
X. H.
John R. Butler, born, Antrim, X. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 6, 1862 ; age, 23 ; died June -2S, 1863, at Xew Or
leans, La.
Albert A. Buxton, born, Xelson, X. H.; enlisted Xo
vember 11, 1862 ; age, 18 : mustered out August 2<i, 1863 :
P. O. address 209 Main street. Fitchburg, Mass.
Levy Caldwell, [Levi Caldwell] born, Xew Boston. X.
H.: enlisted October 22, 1862; age, 28; discharged for

490 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
disabilities December 26, 1862, at New York city ; P. 0.
address Manchester, N. H.
Walter Chamberlin, born, Lyndeboro, N. IT. ; enlisted
November 11, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died May 7, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Fred W. Chase, born, Weare, N. IT. ; enlisted Sept. 8,
1862 ; age, 22 ; died! April 30, 1863, at Baton Rouge, La.
Benjamin J. Clark, born, Lyndeboro, N. TL; enlisted
September 6, 1862; age, 37; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Lyndeboro, N. H.
Henry Clement, born, Hillsboro, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 18, 1862; age, 24 ; promoted to corporal; died
August 12, 1863, at Mound City, 111.
David Colby, born, Deering, N. IT. ; enlisted Septem
ber 20, 1862 ; age, 42 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died August 13, 1885, at AVeare, N. IT.
Stephen P- Colby, born, Deering, N. IT. ; enlisted Sep
tember 12, 1862 ; age, 21 ; discharged to date August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Weare, N. IT.
Joseph Cram, born, AVeare, N. IT.; enlisted September
16, 1862 ; age, 43 ; discharged to date August 20, 1863 ;
died April 23, 1895, Clinton Grove, N. IT.
N. Edwin Cram, [Edwin N. Cram is the name given
in Adjt. Gen's report] born, AA^eare, N. TL; enlisted Sep
tember 17, 1862 ; age, 18 ; discharged to date August 20,
1863 ; died November 1, 1863, at Weare, N. H.
Moses C. Crombie, [Moses B. Crombie is the name
given in Adjt. Gen's report] born, New Boston, N. H.;
enlisted September 2, 1862 ; age, 22 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address New Boston, N. IT.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 491
Edward J. Cudworth, born, Greenfield, N. TL'; en
listed September 4, 1862 ; age, 19 ; died April 7, 1863, at
Algiers, La.
Elbridge H. Dearborn, born, Weare, N. IT.; enlisted
September 20, 1862; age, 26; died August 15, 1863, at
Concord, N. H.

$f&

492

HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

J. Harvey Dearborn was born in South AA^eare, N. H.,
March 15, 1831, and was one of three brothers who en
listed in the late war. His boyhood was spent with his
uncle, John Dearborn, who was landlord of Dearborn
Tavern. When seventeen years of age he commenced
driving the mail stage from Henniker to Keene, remain
ing on that route two years. For four years he was
stage driver between Henniker and Amherst. In 1856 he
went to Minnesota, and was the first town clerk of Elba,
when that territory became a state. He returned to New
Hampshire in the fall of 1858, taking up his residence

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 493
in Provincetown (Cape Cod), Mass. May, 1859, he en
tered upon the duties of clerk in the post-office. He
married, April, 1860, Emily T. Cook, of Provincetown.
He drove mail stage between Provincetown and Well-
fleet, Mass., until September 1, 1862. He then enlisted
in Company G, Sixteenth Regiment. On expiration of
his term of service he returned to Provincetown, and
has followed the occupation of paperhanger for seven
teen years. During the past fifteen years he has been
clerk in a fancy goods, jewelry, uewspaper and j)eriocli-
cal store.
David D. Dennison, born Francestown, N. H.; en
listed September 11, 1862 ; age, 29 ; mustered out August
20, 1863 ; P. O. address New Boston, N. IT.
Edward P. Dodge, [E. Porter Dodge is the name given
in Adjt. Gen's report] born Danvers. Mass.; enlisted
September 2, 1862 ; age, 21 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Stoneham, Mass.
Almon Dow, born Weare, N. H. ; enlisted September
15, 1862 ; age, 21 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
Elverton G. W. Dunklee, [E. George AV. Dunklee is
the name given in Adjt. Gen's report] born Amherst, N.
H.; enlisted September 29, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Conklinville, N. Y.
Horace Ear rar, born Grafton, N. H.; enlisted Septem
ber 15, 1862 ; age, 25 ; died June 23, 1863, at Baton
Rouge, La.
George W. Feltch, born Weare, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 8, 1862 ; age, 19 ; died May 1, 1863, at New Or
leans, La,

494 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Alonzo Foot, born, Goffstown, N. IT. ; enlisted October
2, 1862 ; age, 32 ; died June 7, 1863, at New Orleans, La.
Michael Ford, born Ireland ; enlisted September 20,
1863 ; age, 18 ; discharged for disabilities June 17. 1863,
at New Orleans, La.
Jeremiah Foster, born, Roxbury, Mass.; enlisted Sep
tember 12, 1862 ; age, 44 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
John A. Franklin, born, Hartsville, N. Y.; enlisted
September 16, 1862 ; age, 26 ; mustered out August 20,
1863. John Gage, born, Lyndeboro, N. H.; enlisted Septem
ber 13, 1862 ; age, 25 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P.
O. address Henniker, N. H.
Alden S. Gardner, born, Bedford, N. H. ; enlisted Oc
tober 16, 1862 ; age, 42 ; discharged for disabilities April
16, 1863, at Brashear City, La.
Nathaniel S. Gardner was born in Sunapee, N. H.,
August 15, 1820, and lived on the farm now known as
Prospect Hill, near the west shore of Suna]pee Lake.
He attended the district school until fifteen years of age,
when he was apprenticed to John T. Chase, of Newport,
N. TL, to learn the trade of shoe making, serving the
required three years. After graduating as a journey
man he worked at his trade in Newx>ort, N. II.; AA7oburn,
Mass.; Methuen, Mass., and Claremont, N. H., lqntil
1845, when he engaged in manufacturing at Sunapee and
has enjoyed success and prosijerity. He enlisted Sej)-
tember, 1862, to eonrplete the bass section of the New
port Cornet Band ; that became the regimental band, of

NEw Hampshire volunteers.

495

9?atAariiet S. Sardnor.

the Sixteenth Regiment. He served as a member of the
band until mustered out with the regiment at Concord,
N. H., August 20, 1863. He returned to Sunapee, where
he resided until 1884, when he removed to Springfield,
Mass., his present residence. He is a member of Fred
Smith Post No. 10 G. A. R., and is the local corres]pond-
ent for several newspapers.
George P- Griswold, born, Deerfield, N. Y.; enlisted
September 17, 1862 ; age, 22 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died April 11, 1894, at Bennington, N. H.

496 HISTORY of the sixteenth regiment
George G. Hardy, born, Nelson, N. H.; enlisted
October 9, 1862; age, 44; died June 21, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Otis N. Holt, born, Temple, N. H.; enlisted Septem
ber 29, 1862 ; age, 19 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died February 1, 1892, at Francestown, N. H.
James W. Johnson, born, Hancock, N. H. ; enlisted
October 23, 1862; age, 18; drowned July 2, 1863, at
Springfield Landing, La.
John H. Karr, born, Lyndeboro, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 16, 1862 ; age, 24; died August 10, 1863, at Vicks
burg, Miss.
Charles Kent, Jr., born, Pelham, N. H.; enlisted Octo
ber 27, 1862 ; age, 22 ; discharged June 25, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.; P. O. address, Pelham, N. H.
John Kelley, born, Ireland ; enlisted October 8, 1862 ;
age, 18 ; discharged to date August 20, 1863 ; last heard
from at Streator, 111., in 1893.
William Kelso, Jr., born, New Boston, N. H. ; en
listed September 17, 1862 ; age, 36 ; died June 9, 1863,
at Brashear City, La.
Edwin P. Kimball, born, Hancock, N. H.; enlisted
September 11, 1862 ; age, 20 ; discharged to date August
20, 1863 ; died August 26, 1863, at Memrjhis, Tenn.
George F. Lamson, born, New Boston, N. H.; en
listed October 15, 1862 ; age, 25; died July 12, 1863, at
Baton Rouge, La.
Horace Langdell, born, New Boston, N. H.; enlisted
September 12, 1862 ; age, 37 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Eau Claire, Wis.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 497
Jonathan S. Lock, born, Warner, N. TL; enlisted Sep
tember 18, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
Abner H. Lull, born, New Boston, N. H.; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died June 5, 1863, at Bra
shear City, La.
Samuel F. McQuestion, born, Bedford, N. H. ; enlisted
September 25, 1862 ; age, 23 ; died June 13, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Joseph Mason, born, Bowdoinham, Maine ; enlisted
September 5, 1862 ; age, 33 ; mustered out August 20.
1863 ; P. O. address Unity, Me.
Alexander Melville, born, Portsmouth, N. H.; en
listed October 9, 1862 ; age, 35 ; deserted November 10,
1862, at Concord, N. H.
William P. Mudge, born, East Wallingford, Vt. ; en
listed September 20, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out Aug
ust 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Antrim, N. H.
Charles H. Murphy, born, New Boston, N. H.; en
listed September 4, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August
20, 1863.
Jesse W. Peabody, born, New Boston, N. H. ; en
listed September 13, 1862 ; age, 21 ; mustered out Aug
ust 20, 1863.

498 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

foAn .5P. ZPerAins.

John R. Perkins was born in New Boston, N. H., re
moved to AVeare, N. H., where he enlisted September 19,
1862, at the age of 17 as a private in Company G, Six
teenth Regiment.
He served the full term of his enlistment, and was dis
charged to date August 20, 1863. He located in Milford,
N. H., where he married Mary C. AA^etherbee and estab
lished a home and business. He has devoted his best
talent to his profession, and is known as Milford' s popular
artist.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 499
George S. Petts, born, Nelson, N. H.; enlisted Octo
ber 9, 1862 ; age, 30 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P.
O. address Munsonville, N. H.
George B. Raymond, born, Lyndeboro, N: II.; en
listed October 8, 1862; age, 18; mustered out August
20, 1863 ; died December 5, 1876, at Lyndeboro, N. H.
Joseph M. Richardson, born, Nelson, N. H. ; enlisted
September 14, 1862; age, 23; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Keene, N. H.
Horace K. Rugg, born, Sullivan, N. H.; enlisted
September 8, 1862; age, 31; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Acworth, N. H.
Hartwell H. Shepard, born, Amherst, N. II.; enlisted
November 3, 1862; age, 21 ; died August 16, 1863, at
Mound City, 111.
Horace Shirley, born, Goffstown, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862; age, 21; drowned April 18, 1863, at
Vermillion Bayou, La.
Gideon Silver, born, Bow, N. H.; enlisted September
29, 1862 ; age, 33 ; deserted November 7, 1862, at Con
cord, N. H.
William P. Steele, born, Sebec, Maine ; enlisted Octo
ber 4, 1862 ; age, 33 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address South Lyndeboro, N; H.
Charles A. Tarbox, born, Nelson, N. H.; enlisted
September 12, 1862 ; age, 28 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address East Sullivan, N. H.
William Thorp, born, Derby, England ;" enlisted Sep
tember 10, 1862; age, 39; died August 14, 1863, at Mound
City, 111.

500 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Orson C. Tolman, born, Nelson, N. H.; enlisted Octo
ber 9, 1862 ; age, 20 ; discharged for disabilities July
13, 1863, at New Orleans, La.; P. 0. address Nelson,
N. H.
Jacob Towns, born, Pembroke, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 16, 1862 ; age, 31 ; discharged to date August
20, 1863 ; died December — , 1890, at New Boston, N. H.
Lewis Towns, born, New Boston, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 20, 1862 ; age, 29 ; discharged to date August 20,
1863 ; died September 14, 1863, at Memphis, Tenn.
William A. White, born, Deering, N. H.; enlisted
September 16, 1862 ; age, 37 ; died June 30, 1863, at
Baton Rouge, La.
David L. Wood, born, Hancock, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 26, 1862 ; age, 33 ; died July 19, 1863, at Baton
Rouge, La,
Henry E. Young, born, Sunapee, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 13, 1862 ; age, 32 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.

ROSTER OF COMPANY H.

Captain ^jro/in *£. ¦ffii'co.

Captain John L. Rice was born in Weathersfield, Vt.,
February 1, 1840. He is a lineal descendant in the ninth
generation from Edmund Rice, who came from Berkhamp-
stead, England, and settled in Sudbury, Mass., in 1638.
He was educated in the common schools of his native
town and at Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, N. H.
He enlisted at the age of twenty-one from Cornish, N. H.,
for three months, April 28, 1861. He was not mustered.
He re-enlisted as private May 21, 1861, in Comx>any A,
Second New Hampshire Infantry, and was mustered May
31, 1861. He was shot through the lungs at the battle

502 History oF the sixteenth regiment
of Bull Run, Va., July 21, 1861, and left on the field for
dead. Funeral services were held at his Vermont home.
He was confined in Libby Prison, Richmond, Va., until
January 2, 1862, when he rejoined his regiment. He
participated in the siege of Yorktown and in the battles
of AVilliamsburg, Fair Oaks, Savage Station, Glendale
and Malvern Hill, in the Peninsular campaign of 1862,
and in the battles of Bristoe Station and Second Bull
Run, in Pope's Arirginia camx>aign of 1862. He was ap
pointed captain in Company H, Sixteenth Regiment, in
1862, and was discharged from Second Regiment Novem
ber 18, 1862, to accept promotion". He was commissioned
lieutenant-colonel of the Third Louisiana Native Guards,
afterwards known as Seventy-fifth United States Colored
Infantry, one of the first colored regiments recruited. He
participated with that regiment in Banks' Red River
campaign of 1864. He assisted General Bailey in the
construction of the famous Red River Dam at Alexandria,
that was designed to float Admiral Porter's gunboat fleet,
which had become grounded. He held an independent
command in Southwestern Louisiana in 1865, and assisted
in the earlier reconstruction measures at the close of
hostilities. He was mustered out November 26, 1865, at
New Orleans. He engaged in cotton culture in Louisiana
in 1866, and returned north and settled in Springfield,
Mass., in 1867, subsequently studying law and continu
ing in the practice of his profession in Springfield until
the j)resent time. He was commander of E. K. Wilcox
Post, G. A. R., at Springfield, in 1870, and judge advo
cate of Massachusetts Department, G. A. R., 1878.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 503
He has been prominent- in the politics of Massachusetts
for the last twenty years. He was inspector of customs
at port of Boston '74-' 75, and was elected member
of Massachusetts House of Rej)resentatives from Spring
field in 1881. He was chief of police in Springfield in
1882, postmaster at Springfield '86-90, and chief of
police in the same city 1892-'93-'94.
He is now Commissioner of United' States Circuit Court
for the District of Massachusetts, member of Massachu
setts Commandry Military Order Loyal Legion, member
of Connecticut Valley Historical Society, and member of
American Economic Association. His P. O. address is
Springfield, Mass. His thorough soldierly bearing is re
membered not only by his company, but by the entire
regiment.

W

504 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

ttrst lieutenant SProetor 2>. Ward.
First Lieutenant Proctor D. Ward, born, Bradford,
N. H.; enlisted September 13, 1862; age, 41 ; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; died April 23, 1884, at Bradford,
N. H.
Second Lieutenant Philip C. Bean, the eldest son of
William Henry and Mary (Colby) Bean, was born in
Warner, N. H., April 24, 1836.
He attended the public and private schools of that
town until the age of fifteen, when he took charge of
his father's saw and grist mills, located in the village of
Waterloo.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

505

Second ^Cioutenant ZPAitip C. S/3ectn.

Upon reaching his majority he went to Charlestown,
Mass., and was engaged in similar business for two years,
and then returned to Warner to establish himself in
manufacturing and mechanical pursuits.
August, 1862, under President Lincoln's call for nine-
months' men, he enlisted as a private, and was appointed
recruiting officer, to raise the balance of the town's
quota, which was no easy task, as Warner had only re
cently furnished a company for the Eleventh Regiment.
After a thorough canvass the required number was
obtained, and going into camp at Concord early in Octo-

506 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
ber was assigned to Company H, Sixteenth Regiment.
On the 4th of November Mr. Bean received a commission
from Governor Berry as second- lieutenant of that com
pany. He left Concord with the regiment and remained with
it until its return from the famous "mud march" to
camp at Baton Rouge.
The exposure and hardships experienced on that march
resulted in malarial fever and injuries, which confined
him in the hospitals at Baton Rouge and New Orleans
until early in July, 1863, when, at his own request, he
was assigned to special duty in connection with the
paroled prisoners' camp at Ship Island.
A few weeks later he was ordered to turn over such of
these men whose term of service had expired, to their re
spective regiments at Port Hudson.
He rejoined his regiment at that place, and upon the
termination of its term of enlistment returned with it to
Concord, and was mustered out of the service August 20,
1863. He was then employed for a time as a bridge builder
for the Concord railroad. Since 1870 he has been en
gaged in the hardware business in Concord, until a recent
severe illness, traceable to his trying experiences in the
swamps of Louisiana, compelled his retirement.
Just before entering the army he was married to Miss
Mary L., daughter of the Rev. Lemuel Willis, of AVarner,
who died in 1869, leaving one son. He was again mar
ried, in 1879, to Miss Hannah M. Eastman, of Concord.
Mr. Bean is a member of E. E. Sturtevant Post No. 6,

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 507
G. A. R., of Concord (in which he has held various
offices), and of the Sixteenth Regiment, New Hampshire
Volunteers Association, having served two years as pres
ident of the latter organization, in which he takes great
interest. First Sergeant Reuben B. Porter, born, Sutton, N.
H.; enlisted October 6, 1862; age, 22; appointed second
lieutenant, Company E, January 19, 1863; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; died since muster out.
Second Sergeant Perley F. Dodge, born, New Bos
ton, N. II.; enlisted September 12, 1862; age, 24; ap
pointed first sergeant January 19, 1863 ; died June 13,
1863, at New Orleans, La.
Third Sergeant Levi Ward, born, Bradford, N. TL;
enlisted September 24, 1862 ; age, 32 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; died February, 1896, at Laconia, N. H.
Fourth Sergeant Moses C. Harriman, born, AVar-
ner, N. H. ; enlisted September 20, 1862; age, 28; mus
tered out August 20, 1863, as a private ; P. O. address
Warner, N. H.
Fifth Sergeant John W. Moore, born, Sutton, N. TL;
enlisted September 5, 1862; age, 28; appointed first
sergeant June 13, 1862 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
First Corporal Robert Wadleigh, born, Sutton, N.
H.; enlisted September 9, 1862; age, 30; died May 8,
1863, at Brashear City, La.
Second Corporal Olney M. Kimball, born, Turner,
Maine; enlisted September 16, 1862; age, 31 ; discharged
June 27, 1863, at New Orleans, La-; died Charlestown,
Mfiss,, January 6, 1896.

508 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Third Corporal George C. Sargent, born, Warner,
N. H.; enlisted September 30, 1862; age, 34; mustered
out August 20, 1863; P. 0. address Bradford, N. H.
Fourth Corporal James Bean, Jr., was born in AVar
ner, N. H., June 18, 1840. He was a son of James Bean
and Marinda Stewart-Bean, and a grandson of Nathaniel
Bean, one of the early settlers of AVarner. He enlisted
September 22, 1862, in Company H, Sixteenth Regiment,
and was appointed corporal. He served the full term of
enlistment and was mustered out August 20, 1863. He
married Apphia Flanders December, 1865, and resided
in AVarner until his death, November 9, 1884, leaving a
wife and three daughters.
Fifth Corporal John Eaton, born, Bradford, N. H.;
enlisted August 30, 1862; age, 19; appointed sergeant;
died July 24, 1863, at Port Hudson, La.
Sixth Corporal Gilman M. Blake, born, Moulto.n-
boro, N. H. ; enlisted September 22, 1862 ; age, 29 ;
died June 17, 1863, at New Orleans, La.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

509

SeventA Corporal J7?ar/c %£/. CAaney.

Seventh Corporal Mark W. Cheney was born in
Bradford, N. H., October 24, 1838. He removed to
South Newbury, N. H., with his parents when one year
and a half old, where his residence has since been, living
on the same farm nearly all the time for fifty-six years.
He enlisted at Newbury, September, 1862 ; was enrolled
for duty at Concord, October 13, 1862 ; apfjointed cor
poral in Company H at Concord, N. H., and was pro
moted to the rank of sergeant at Port Hudson, La. He
served with the regiment throughout all its service,
being absent from duty only some eight or ten days when

510 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
sick with malarial fever in the regimental field hospital
at Port Hudson.
On the celebrated " mud march " he was detailed for
picket duty just before the regiment retreated back
through the swamp near Port Hudson, and threw away
nearly all his rations, except coffee, that he might help
his brother Luke Cheney, who was weak from sickness,
having just been discharged from the hospital.
The next night, after a hard day's inarch, he was again
detailed for guard duty, the only one from Comrjany H.
He walked his beat all night, not being relieved until be
tween seven and eight the next morning. They were
lonely hours, made especially so from the fact that a
terrible thunderstorm raged nearly all night. It became
necessary for him, without rest or suitable rations, to
march back to camp with the regiment, being on the
march and guard duty for nearly sixty hours, continu
ously in mud and water anywhere from three inches to
three feet deep. After the regiment got back to camp
he was one of the few that was able to be in line to
answer to his name at roll-call. On account of the ex
treme hardship Sergeant Cheney endured at that time,
Captain Rice excused him from all duty for two weeks.
Since the war his time has been divided between farm
ing and teaching vocal music, being very successful as
teacher of music and only relinquishing it because of
lung difficulty. He has also been much interested in
church and Sunday-school work and is a member of the
Free Baptist Church at South Newbury, X, H,

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS

511

Gig At A Corporal Seorge J£. Jfyolvin.

Eighth Corporal George H. Melvin was born in AVar
ner, N. H-, November 10, 1833. At the age of nineteen
he went West, and was employed in the construction of
the first railroad in Iowa. He enlisted as a private in
Company H, Sixteenth Regiment, and was x>romoted to
the ranks of corporal and sergeant for efficient service and
was mustered out with the regiment. Since the war he
has been employed by the Old Colony Railroad, and is
now superintendent of coal docks of the consolidated N.
Y., N. H. & Hartford R. R. Co., at Somerset, Mass.,
where he resides.

512 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Musician Edwin R. Hardy, born, Hopkinton, N. H.;
enlisted September 19, 1862 ; age, 30 ; discharged to date
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Manchester, N. H.
Musician John M. Palmer, born, Sutton, N. H.; en
listed November 3, 1862 ; age, 44 ; discharged to date
August 20, 1863; died December 22, 1888, at Sutton, N. H.
Wagoner Zenas A. Bartlett, born, Hopkinton, N. H.;
enlisted September 19, 1862 ; age, 42 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; died March 23, 1887, Warner, N. H.
PRIVATES.
Henry G. Adams, born, Bradford, N. H.; enlisted
August 29, 1862 ; age, 21 ; a]xpointed corporal June 17.
1863 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; died August 9,
1877, at Newbury, N. TL
Israel Adams, born, Newbury, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 29, 1862 ; age, 30 ; discharged to date August 20,
1863 ; died April 3, 1890, at Sutton, N. H.
Dexter W. Allen, born, Newport, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 12, 1862 ; age, 20 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address Chicago, 111.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

513

Jfenry W. SSadger.

Henry William Badger was born in Newport, N. H.,
May 4, 1842. Responded to the first call of President
Lincoln by enlisting as private in the First New Hamp
shire Regiment, serving the full term. He re-enlisted
October 9, 1862, in the Sixteenth Regiment as a member
of the Regimental Band, being at that time a member of
the Newport Cornet Band. He was mustered in Com
pany H, and served with the regiment. He returned to
New Hampshire in a very weakened condition, having
been ordered to enter the hospitals at Port Hudson,
Natchez, Vicksburg, Memphis, and Cairo, but through

514 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
the kindness of stronger comrades and a determination
not to be left behind was enabled to reach Concord and
his home the same day. A severe illness of three
months followed, at the end of which time he obtained
his discharge papers. From 1864 to 1882 he was engaged
in building operations in his native town and in Man
chester, N. H. From 1882 to the present time has had
charge of the wood manufacturing department, and is
also instructor to the students in their wood practice, at
the Washburn shops of the Worcester Polytechnic In
stitute, Worcester, Mass.
Stephen R. Bailey, born, Bath, Vt. ; enlisted Sep
tember 8, 1862 ; age, 44 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died August 24, 1863, at Concord, N. H.
Levi W. Barnes, born, Bradford, N. H.; enlisted
August 29, 1862 ; age, 38 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. 0. address Bradford, N. H.
Hollis C. Brockway, born, Bradford, N. H.; enlisted
August 30, 1862 ; age, 32 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address Warner, N. H.
John C. Carkin, born, Lyndeboro, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 4, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address South Lyndeboro, N. H.
Charles D. Cheney, born, Hillsboro, N. H.; enlisted
September 17, 1862; age, 18; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died February 20, 1897, at Charlestown, Mass.
Daniel Cheney, born, Sutton, N. H.; enlisted Septem
ber 17, 1862 ; age, 43 ; discharged June 27, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.; died since mustered out.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 515
Luke Cheney, born, Newbury, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 29, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died August 3, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Alphonso Colby, born, AVarner, N. H.; enlisted Sept,
17, 1862; age, 19; died May 11, 1863, at Brashear City, La.
Charles G. Davis, born, Warner, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 30, 1862 ; age, 18. He participated in the defense
of Fort Butler, Donaldsonville, La., June 28 to July 9,
1863. He was mustered out August 20, 1863; P. O. ad
dress Punta Gorda, Fla.
Curtis L. Davis, born, Bradford, N. H.; enlisted
August 29, 1862 ; age, 21 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died November 17, 1866, at Bradford, N. H.
Dustin W.Davis, born, Sutton, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 2, 1862 ; age, 27 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died since mustered out.
Charles H. Dickey, [Charles H. Dibbey is the name
given in Adjt. Gen. 's report] born, Manchester, N. H. ;
enlisted September 17, 1862 ; age, 28 ; discharged to date
August 20, 1863.
Justus A. Dunbar, born, Weare, N. H. ; enlisted
August 20, 1862; age, 20 ; died February 10, 1863, at
Carrollton, La.
William N. Dunfield, born, Bradford, N. H.; enlisted
September 11, 1862 ; age, 24 ; died June 27, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Henry M. Fairfield, born, New Boston, N. H. ; enlisted
September 12, 1862; age, 23; discharged February 17,
1863, at Concord, N. TL; P. O. address 11 Arlington
street, Nashua, N. H.

516 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

Cdmund SP. ^o.

Edmund P. Fox, of Company H, Sixteenth Regiment
New Hampshire Volunteers, was born in New Boston,
N. H., June 18, 1839. He enlisted April 27, 1861, in the
First Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers; re-enlisted
in the Sixteenth Regiment October 10, 1862, and served
until mustered out. He re-enlisted in the Eighteenth
Regiment, New Hanrpshire Volunteers, on September 20,
1864, and served until the close of the war. He was
elected town clerk of New Boston, N. H., in 1883, and
has held the office since by re-election. He is engaged
in business in his native town.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 5l7
Charles H. Flanders, born, Warner, N. H. ; enlisted
Sept. 17, 1862 ; age, 24; died Aug. 9, 1863, at Cairo, 111.
Alfred C. Frazier, born, New York ; enlisted October
31, 1862 ; age, 21 ; deserted November 4, 1862, at Con
cord, N. H.
Edward H. Gibbs, born, Sudbury, Mass.; enlisted Oc
tober 20, 1862 ; age, 43 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died since mustered out.
Gardner Gove, born, AAreare, N. H.; enlisted Septem
ber 12, 1862; age, 43 ; died August 19, 1863, at Memphis,
Tenn. Lorriman G. Gove, born, Lowell, Mass.; enlisted No
vember 15, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address Freetown, Mass.
Blanchard A. Hardy, born, AVarner, N. 11. ; enlisted
September 18, 1862; age, 23; died August 11, 1863, at
Mound City, 111.
Justice C. Harrim an, born, Warner, N. H. ; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 19 ; died May 4, 1863, at Baton
Rouge, La.
David Harvey, born, Boston, Mass; enlisted October
31, 1862 ; age, 23 ; deserted November 4, 1862, at Con
cord, N. H.
Andrew Harwood, born, Warner, N. H.; enlisted
September 5, 1862 ; age, 25 ; died August 12, 1863, near
Vicksburg, Miss.
John M. Hemphill, born, Warner, N. H. ; enlisted
September 16, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died April 30, 1863, at
New Orleans, La.

518 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Micah C. Howe, born, Newbury, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 11, 1862 ; age, 25 ; transfered from Company A ;
mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Henniker,
N. H.
Henry Hoyt, born, Bradford, N. H.; enlisted Septem
ber 30, 1862 ; age, 22 ; died July 18, 1863, at Port Hud
son, La.
James M. Hoyt, born, Hillsboro, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 13, 1862; age,28; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P.. O. address East AVashington, N. H.

NEAV HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

519

Jifcnry .jC. ^oAnson.

Henry L. Johnson was born in Springfield, N. H.,
March 16, 1845. He enlisted at Warner September 15,
1862, as a private in Company H, Sixteenth Regiment.
He served with the regiment until May, 1863, He was
in the brilliant defense of Fort Butler, at Donaldson
ville, La., and in other active service at the front until
ordered to return to the regiment. He was mustered out
August 20, 1863. His home, noted for its good cheer
and abounding hospitality, [the historian inserts this
without Comrade Johnson's request] has been in Wash
ington, D. C, since 1875. He was elected president of

520 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
the Regimental Association at the August, 1894, encamp
ment, and was unanimously re-elected in '95 and '96.
George P. Jones, born, Warner, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 22, 1862; age, 18. He was at Fort Butler, Don
aldsonville, La., during the attack of the Confederates
under General Green. He was discharged to date Aug
ust 20, 1863 ; died September 12, 1863, at Warner, N. H.
Joseph Kesar, [Joseph Kezar] born, Sutton, N. H.,
enlisted October 30, 1862; age, 44; discharged May 10,
1863, at New Orleans, La.; died since the war at Sutton,
N. H.
Henry B. Kimball, born, Hillsboro, N. H. ; enlisted
August 29, 1862; age, 21; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died April 17, 1867, at Bradford, N. H.
Albert F. Marstins, [Albert F. Mastins is the name
given in Adjt. Gen's report] born, Sutton, N. H.; en
listed September 6, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died April 29, 1863,
at Brashear City, La.
Charles H. Melvin, born, Warner, N. H.; enlisted
September 15, 1862; age, 27; discharged to date Aug
ust 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Bradford, N. H.
Drum Major Edward Nettleton, born, Newport, N.
H.; enlisted September 15, 1862 ; age, 23 ; taken prisoner
March 17, 1863 ; paroled Ar>ril 4, 1863 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address San Francisco, Cal.
John C. Ordway, born, Lyndeboro, N. H.; enlisted
September 25, 1862 ; age, 28 ; appointed corporal June
13, 1863 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address
Milford, N. H.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

521

JoAn 9??. yoAnson.

John M. Johnson was born in Henniker, N. TL, July
29, 1843. He enlisted at AVarner September 15, 1862, as
a private in Company H, Sixteenth Regiment ; served
the full period of enlistment and was mustered out Au
gust 20, 1863. Resided at Warner, N. H., where he
died, April 8, 1896, aged 52 years 9 months and 10 days.
William H. Ordway, born, Lyndeboro, N. H.; en
listed October 31, 1862 ; age, 25 ; discharged to date
August 20, 1863 ; P. 0. address Manchester, N. H.
Horace Osgood, born, Francestown, N. H.; enlisted
October 28, 1862 ; age, 23 ; appointed corporal May 8,

522 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
1863 ; discharged to date August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address
Lowell, Mass.
Amos Parker, born, Sutton, N. H.; enlisted Septem
ber, 16, 1862; age, 35; died April 21, 1863, at New
Orleans, La,
Horace Peabody, born, New Boston, N. H. ; enlisted
September 17, 1862 , age, 23 ; died June 8, 1863, at Baton
•Rouge, La.
Luther S. Peabody, born, New Boston, N. H.; en
listed September 17, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died July 6, 1863,
at New Orleans, La.
John Pearson, born, Lyndeboro, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 18, 1862 ; age, 29 ; died June 17, 1863, at Baton
Rouge, La.
Robert B. Roby, born, Sutton, N. H.; enlisted Novem
ber 1, 1862; age, 33; deserted November 22, 1862, at
Concord, N. H.; P. O. address South Sutton, N. H.
William D. Roby, born, Sutton, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 2, 1862 ; age, 29 ; appointed corporal ; discharged
to date August 20, 1863 ; died August 22, 1863, at Sutton,
N. H.
Leonard Rogers, born, Norwich, Conn.; enlisted Sep
tember 2, 1862 ; age, 27 ; deserted November 10, 1862, at
Concord, N. H.
James C. Rowe, born, Boscawen, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 16, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address Hopkinton, N. IT.
George W. Russell, born, Mason, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 22, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 523
David F. Sargent, born, AVarner, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 20, 1862 ; age, 21 ; died July 16, 1863, at Port
Hudson, La.
Frank B. Sargent, born, New London, N. H.; enlisted
November 10, 1862 ; age, 18 ; appointed corpora] June
19, 1863; mustered out August 20, 1863; P. O. address
AVarner, N. H.
Hamilton P. Sargent, born, Warner, N. H.; enlisted
September 17, 1862 ; age, 24 ; died June 10, 1863, at Bra
shear City, La.
Leonard E. Sargent, born, AVarner, N. H.; enlisted
September 19, 1862 ; age, 29 discharged to date August
20, 1863 ; died November 14, 1865, at Warner, N. H.
Moses D. Sargent, born, Warner, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 22, 1862 ; age, 28 ; deserted November 10, 1862,
at Concord, N. H.
Moses J. Seavey, born, Henniker, N. H.; enlisted
August 29, 1862 ; age, 21 ; died August 3, 1863, near
Vicksburg, Miss.
George Frederick Smith, born, Bradford, N. H.; en
listed August 30, 1862 ; age, 26 ; appointed corporal ; died
June 19, 1863, at New Orleans, La.
Chester Spaulding, born, Washington, N. H.; enlisted
September8, 1862 ; age, 44 ; mustered out August 20, 1863;
died since the war.
Edward Stevens, born, Bradford, N. TL; enlisted
August 29, 1862 ; age, 19 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address West Concord, N. H. '
Charles E. Thompson, born, Boston, Mass.; enlisted
September 13, 1.862 ; age, 18 ; discharged to date August

524 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
20, 1863 ; P. O. address 17 New street, East Boston, Mass.
George L. Ward, born, Henniker, N. H.; enlisted
August 29, 1862 ; age, 20 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address Bradford, N. H.
Leonard H. Wheeler, born, New London, N. H.; en
listed September 15, 1862; age, 39; discharged to date
August 20, 1863 ; died August 14, 1877, at Sutton, N. H.
Benjamin K. Whitcornb, born, Sutton, N. H.; enlisted
September 16, 1862 ; age, 25 ; died July 22, 1863, at Port
Hudson, La.
Clarence L. Wilkins, born, AArarner, N. II.; enlisted
September 19, 1862 ; age, 28 ; appointed hospital steward
July 2, 1863 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; died since
the war.
Benjamin B. Wilson, born, New Boston, N. TL; en
listed October 2, 1862 ; age, 44 ; died March 25, 1863, at
Baton Rouge, La.

ROSTER OF COMPANY I.

0 crp/ain ^Zsavid ^JuffuTn.
Captain David Buffum, 2d, enlisted October 15, 1862;
age, 41 ; died June 19, 1863, at New Orleans, La.
First Lieutenant Judson Wilkins, son of Abram
and Sarah Emmons AATilkins, was born in Peterboro,
N. H., March 4, 1809. His early advantages were very
meagre, and the education of his youth was the result
of observation rather than that of school privileges. At
the early age of sixteen years he enlisted in the State
Militia, and gradually rose through the different ranks
from first lieutenant to captain, major, lie utenent colonel
and colonel of the Twenty-second Regiment New Hamp
shire Sfafe Militia, which he commanded three years,

526

HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

^erst *£/ t?it tenant ^udson Y£/ii/ct'nSm
He was extensively engaged in manufacturing and in
hotel business and staging in Amherst, Wilton, Milford
and Lowell, Mass. After the survey of the Wilton rail
road he opened the Pine Valley House in Milford, board
ing and having charge of help until the completion of
the road. In 1851 he moved to Washington, N. H.,
where he soon after bought the Lovell House and ran it
as a hotel until August, 1862, when he enlisted as a pri
vate in Company I, Sixteenth Regiment. He was com
missioned first lieu tenent of his company in November.
Lieutenant Wilkins passed the voyage from New York
City to New Orleans in joyful anticipation of meeting

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 527
his son Hamilton, a member of the Eighth New Hamp
shire Volunteers, but upon his arrival he received the
sad intelligence that his son had died with swamp fever
on the fifteenth of December, five days previous to his
arrival. This seemed a cruel blow by which he was left
childless. June 20, 1863, he received his commission as captain,
and was discharged as such with the regiment August
20, 1868, his term of service having expired. He served
faithfully with the regiment in all its movements at Bra
shear City, Fort Burton and the siege about and in Port
Hudson after its surrender. He died July 14, 1887.

528 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

Second *,£ teuton ant brooks *J%f. %£/e?66<?r.

Second Lieutenant Brooks K Webber was born in
Boscawen, N. H., August 17, 1837. He was admitted to
the New Hamj>shire bar in 1859, and enlisted in the fall
of 1862, from Antrim, N. H. Before the regiment left the
state he was commissioned second lieutenant of Com
pany I. In the summer of 1863, he was commissioned
first lieutenant, but never mustered in. On returning
home he resumed his profession at Antrim and was mar
ried in 1863. In 1865 he moved to Hillsboro, N. H.,
where he has since lived, and practiced his profession.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 529
First Sergeant Charles W. Scott, born, Richmond,
N. TL; enlisted September 6, 1862; age,- 24; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Winchester, N. H.
Second Sergeant Rufus Freeman, born, Sharon,
Mass.; enlisted September 5, 1862; age, 30; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; P. 0. address Keene, N. H.
Third Sergeant George W. Carr, born, Washington,
N. H.; enlisted September 8, 1862; age, 35; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address East Washington,
N. H.
Fourth Sergeant Joseph H. Hill, born, Royalston.
Mass.; enlisted October 9, 1862; age, 21; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address 31 Carroll street, AVor-
cester. Mass.
Fifth Sergeant Stephen W. Williams, born, AVar-
wick, Mass.; enlisted September 12, 1862 ; age, 33 ; must
ered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address 44 Cottage street,
Cambridgeport, Mass.
First Corporal Oscar C. Stiles, born, Greenfield, N.
H.; enlisted September 13, 1862 ; age, 41 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; died Greenfield, N. H., May 27, 1896,
aged 75.
Second Corporal Julius M. Whipple, born, Rich
mond, N. H.; enlisted September 5, 1862 ; age, 28 ; must
ered out August 20, 1863 ; died in 1894.

fcito

HISTORY OF ^HE SIXTEENTH REGIMEN*

UAird Corporal ^osepA S. ^rooArs.
Third Corporal Joseph S. Brooks was born in Unity,
Maine, and enlisted September 15, 1862 ; age, 41. He
moved to Antrim, N. H., about 1848 and enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862. He was appointed corporal in Company
I. He died of dysentery on his way home August 27,
1863, at Memphis, Tenn. Experienced religion during
his army life, so it was said of him, "He lost life but
gained Heaven."
Fourth Corporal Daniel E. Woodward, born, Troy,
N. H.; enlisted September 6, 1862 ; age, 25 ; mustered out

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 531
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address care Bonsfield Wooden
Ware Co., Minneapolis, Minn.
Fifth Corporal Lucius H. Wilson, born, Washington,
N. TL; enlisted September 2, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; died at East Washington, N. H., since
the war.
Sixth Corporal Leonard Lyman, born, Troy, N. H.;
enlisted September 13, 1862 ; age, 26 ; mustered out
.August 20, 1863; died October 26, 1894, at Saginaw,
Mich.

532

HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

SeuentA Corporal %)avid ItS. J£itt.

Seventh Corporal David W. Hill, Company I, Six
teenth Regiment, was born in West Swanzey, N. H.,
April 4, 1838, and came of a patriotic race. His father
was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his grandfather was
in the Revolutionary AArar and fought at the battle of
Bunker Hill.
The subject of this sketch left home in 1859 and went
to Cambridge, Mass., to learn the brass-finisher trade
with the J. J.Walworth Manufacturing Company. When
the Avar broke out he left the shop and went to his native
town and enlisted September 6, 1862, under David

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 533
Buffum, who afterwards was captain. He enlisted as a
private, but was promoted to a corporal while in camp
at Concord.
AVhile in the swamps of Louisiana he contracted rheu
matism, chills and fever, and has suffered a great deal in
consequence. He was on board the gunboat Clifton in
the engagement with the Confederate gunboat Mary T.,
at Fort Burton, Butte a la Rose, La., April 20, 1863.
The Clifton carried seven guns, two nine-inch Dahl-
grens, four smooth-bore forty-two pounders and one
thirty pounder Parrot, and a crew of good, brave fellows
as ever walked a deck.
He was mustered out with his regiment at Concord, N.
H., August 20, 1863. He returned to Cambridge and
learned his trade, remaining with theWalworth Company,
eight years. He then went to the city of New York for
two years, and Newport, R. L, for about five years, then
to Haydenville, Mass., about eighteen years ago, and has
worked for the Haydenville Manufacturing Company
ever since. AVas on the board of engineers several years
and was chief engineer of the fire department. He has
been a member of Amicable Lodge of F and A Masons,
of Cambridge, for thirty years and of Washington Com-
mandery No. 4, Knights Templar, of Newport, R. I., for
nearly twenty years. He is also a member of W. L.
Baker Post 86. G. A. R., of Northampton, Mass. He
resides on South Main street, Haydenville, Mass.
Eighth Corporal Cyrus H. Simonds, born, Antrim,
N. H.; enlisted September 15, 1862; age, 35; mustered
out Aug. 20, 1863 ; died March 30, 1892, at Antrim, N. H.

534 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Musician William J. Bradford, born, Hudson, Maine;
enlisted October 13, 1862 : a.ge, 23 ; discharged to date
August 20, 1863; P. O. address 69 Main street, Saco,
Maine. Musician Harrison H. Hardy, born, Francestown,
t N. H. ; enlisted September 1, 1862; age, 32 ; mustered
out August 20, 1863; P. O. address 1158 Harrison avenue
Boston, Mass.
Wagoner Nahum Putney, born, Fitzwilliam, N. H.,
enlisted September 5, 1862 ; age, 44 ; died June 12, 1863,
at Algiers, La. PRIVATES.
Roswell C. Aldrich, [Roswell O. Aldrich in Adjt. Gen's
report] born, Marlboro, Vt.; enlisted September 6, 1862;
age, 24; mustered out August 20, 1863; P. O. address
Westport, N. H.
Andrew S. Arnold, born, AVinchester, N. H.; en
listed September 13, 1862 ; age, 33 ; mustered out Aug
ust 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Tolland, Conn.
Alden F. Ballou, born, Richmond, N. H.; enlisted
September 5, 1862 ; age, 20 ; discharged to date August
20, 1863 ; died September 2, 1863, at Chicago, 111.
Gilman L. Beckwith, born, Lempster, N. H.; enlisted
September 2, 1862 ; age, 33 ; died June 18, 1863, at Car
rollton, La.
Leonard O. Bixby, born, Acworth, N. H.; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died January 27, 1863, at
Carrollton, La.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS 535
Albert W. Bolles, born, Richmond, N. TL; enlisted
September 5, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died at Philadelphia, Pa,, since the war.
San ford Bowles, born, Lisbon, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 6, 1862 ; age, 37; died June 7, 1863, at Brashear
City, La.
Henry R. Bowen, born, Richmond, N. H.; enlisted
September 5, 1862; age, 22; mustered out August 20,
1863; died at Swanzey, 1890.
Smith H. Brockway, born, AATashington, N. IT; en
listed September 15, 1862; age, 27; discharged for dis
ability December 4, 1862, at Concord, N. H.; P. O. ad
dress Mario w, N. H.
James H. Buff um, born, Richmond, N. TL; enlisted
September 5, 1862; age, 23; mustered out August 20,
1863; P O. address Spofford, N. H.
Jarvis Cass, born, Richmond, N. H.; enlisted Nov. 1,
1862; age, 44; died June 20, 1863, at New Orleans, La.
Albert Cram, born Dublin, N. H.; enlisted September
1, 1862 ; age, 26 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O.
address Antrim, N. H.
Henry Crane, born, AVashington, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 2, 1863 ; age, 43 ; died May 24, 1863, at Butte a la
Rose, La.
Levi M. Curtis, born, Antrim, N. H.; enlisted Septem
ber 15, 1862 ; age, 27 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P.
O. address Antrim, N. H.
Gilman S. Danforth, born, Acworth, N. H.; enlisted
September 19, 1862 ; age, 18 ; discharged for disabilities
May 30, 1863, at New Orleans, La.; died 1875.

536 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Lorenzo Dexter, born, Boston, Mass.; enlisted Sep
tember 5, 1862 ; age, 33 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died September 21, 1892, at Troy, N. Y.
John G. Dingman, born, Canajoharie, N. Y.; enlisted
September 5, 1862 ; age, 43 ; mustered out August £0,
1863 ; died 1892 at Winchester, N. H.
Gilman Dunlap, born, Antrim, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 41 ; mustered out August 20, 1863;
was appointed sergeant, but reduced to the ranks for
some trivial excuse to promote another man ; died 1875.
Horatio A. Eaton, born, AVashington, N. H.; enlisted
September 22, 1862 ; age, 33 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address 48 Factory street, Nashua, N. H.
Stephen S. French, born, Winchester, N. H.; enlisted
November 13, 1862; age, 18; mustered out August 20, 1863;
re-enlisted in Company I, Ninth New Hampshire Volun
teers ; lost a leg before Petersburg, Va,, June, 1864 ; P.
O. address 1451 West Third street, Dayton, Ohio.
Charles E. Gray, born, Lebanon, N. H.; enlisted Oc
tober 20, 1862 ; age, 21 ; deserted November 1, 1862, at
Concord, N. H.
Reuben S. Green, born, Stoddard, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 29, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died June 21, 1863, at New Or
leans, La.
William Wallace Hall, son of Captain Ebenezer Hall,
was born at Washington, N. H., May 8, 1838. At the
age of eight he wras apprenticed to an uncle on a farm
during his minority. His education was received in a
district school of from ten to fourteen weeks schooling a
year, with one term at Tubbs' Union Academy at Wash-

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

537

William Wallace Jfatt.
ington. On arriving at his majority he returned home
to care for an invalid father and mother, and continued
farming until Serjtember 13, 1862, when he enlisted in
Company I, Sixteenth Regiment. He participated with
the regiment in all its movements, being absent only
eleven clays, when sick with the measles in hospital at
Carrollton, La. He returned home and was mustered out
with the regiment August 20, 1863. In consequence of
his army exposures and experiences, he was on his re-
tarn " a mere walking skeleton." He-regained his health
sufficiently, however, to permit him to engage again in
farming. Since 1876, he has resided in Unity, N. H.

538 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

C/tartas Jifart.

Charles Hart, the subject of this sketch, the young
est son of Charles and Ruth (Day) Hart, was born
in Stoddard, N. H., February 23, 1834. He attended
the village school until twelve years of age and then en
gaged in farming. When nineteen years of age he mar
ried Lois Due, of Hancock, N. H. He then moved to
Antrim, N. H., where he engaged in farming, until 1862,
when he laid aside all home ties and enlisted in Co. I,
Sixteenth Regiment, serving nine months, when he
was honorably discharged by expiration of service.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 539
In 1864 he re-enlisted in Company E, Heavy Artillery,
First New Hampshire Volunteers, and serving until the
close of the war. On returning home he purchased a
farm, in Hancock, N. TL, where he lived for several
years, and since that time he has made farming his occu
pation. He now owns and lives on his farm, in Hills
boro, N. H., where he and his dear wife enjoy a delight
ful and hapx>y home.
Justus Heath, born, Stoddard, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 29, 1862 ; age, 44 ; died June 27, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Dennis Herlahy, born, Ireland ; enlisted September
11, 1862 ; age, 31 ; mustered out August 20, 1863; died
1881 on the Hudson river.
George L. Herrick, born, Milford, N. H.; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 25 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Bennington, N. H.
Sylvester Hovey, born, Swanzey, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 8, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died 1864 at Swanzey, N. H.
Theodore Hovey, born, Swanzey, N. H. ; enlisted
October 13, 1862 ; age, 20 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died 1864 at Swanzey, N. H.
Lemuel O. Hunt, born, Swanzey, X. H., enlisted No
vember 13, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address Omaha, Neb.
George Johnson, born, Hartford, Conn.; enlisted No
vember 18, 1862 ; age, 24 ; deserted November 24, 1862,
New York City.

540 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Joseph Johnson, born, Hartford, Conn.; enlisted No
vember 18, 1862 ; age, 22 ; deserted November 24, 1862,
New York City.
David W. Lacey, [David W. Lucy is the name given
in Adjt. Gen.'s report] born, Jaffrey, N. H.; enlisted
September 18, 1862 ; age, 33 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died September 22, 1885, at East Jaffrey, N. H.
John F. Lang, born, Wurtemburg, Germany ; enlisted
September 19, 1862 ; age, 45 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Troy, N. H.
Joseph Leeds, born, Franklin, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 9, 1862 ; age, 24 ; died June 16, 1863, at New Or
leans, La.
Patrick Mahoney, born, Ireland ; enlisted September
20, 1862 ; age, 39 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
John C. Millen, born, Washington, N. H.; enlisted
September 8, 1862 ; age, 23 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died November 6, 1896, at Washington, N. H.
Moses P. Millen, born, Washington, N. H.; enlisted
September 2, 1862 ; age, 23 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address East Andover, N. H.
Addison C. Messinger, born, Stoddard, N. H.; enlisted
September 29, 1862 ; age, 25 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; killed at Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864.
John A. Morse, born, Douglass, Mass.; enlisted Sep
tember 5, 1862 ; age, 20 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died February 24, 1882, at Winchester, N. H,

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

541

TTre'siram *ff?. SPat'tpe.
Tristram M. Paige was born in Antrim, N. H., April
.25, 1836. He was a descendant of John Paige, who was
born in Dedham, England, and came to this country in
1586, in Governor Winthrop's company, and was one of
the founders of Boston in 1630.
The subject of this sketch married Lizzie M. Whit-
more November, 1868. He was in the bedstead business
until his factory was burned, February 8, 1876. Since
then he has worked for his brother, E- C Paige. He
has no children,

542 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
He enlisted September 15, 1862, aged 26, and was mus
tered out August 20, 1863. His post-office address is
Antrim, N. H.
While in the army he believed in the right of confis
cation rather than starvation, and several amusing stories
are told of his fearless and open appropriation of food
and useful articles, not for his own use, but for that of
his company.
John A. Paine, born, Smithfield, R. L; enlisted No
vember 1, 1862 ; age, 44 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died  , 1863.
Dexter Palmer, born, Richmond, N. H.; enlisted No
vember 1, 1862 ; age, 39 ; mustered out August 20, 1863;
died August 23, 1863, at Concord, N. H.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

543

CAarles S^rencA parmenter.
Charles French Parmenter was the son of George
F. and Lucinda (Green) Parmenter and grandson of
Deacon Amos and Tryphena (Bannister) Parmenter. He
was born in Dover, N. H., August 23, 1838. He was
educated in the common schools of Antrim. He enlisted
September 15, 1862. Died at Carrollton, La., February
11, 1863. His body was brought home and lies in Maple-
wood Cemetery, Antrim.
Francis S. Piper, born, Sterling, Mass. ; enlisted
October 8, 1862 ; age, 18 ; died August 18, 1863, at Mem
phis, Tenn.

544 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

Wallace UZ. &eed.

Wallace L- Reed was born in Newport N. H., July
22, 1842. Left school to enlist in Company I, Sixteenth
New Hampshire Volunteers. Was with his regiment at
Carrollton, Butte a la Rose, Port Hudson and other
"summer resorts." Was discharged at Concord after
serving full time. Is now (March 1, 1897) a well known
citizen of his native town.
Richard R. Ramsdell, born, Richmond, N. H ; en
listed September 13, 1862 ; age, 31 ; mustered out Aug
ust 20, 1863 ; died 1894 at Swanzey, N. H.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 545
Darius Ritchie, born, Jaffrey, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 26 ; discharged to date August
20, 1863 ; died August 27, 1863, at Buffalo, N. Y.
George C. Ritchie, born, Peterboro, N. H.; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 31 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address East Jaffrey, N. H.
Edward W. Severance, born, Washington, N. H.; en
listed September 2, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August
20, 1863 ; P. O. address East Washington, N. H.
Patrick Sheehan, born, Ireland ; enlisted September
11, 1862 ; age, 28 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O.
address West Gardiner, Mass.
Stilman F. Simons, born, Dunstable, Mass.; enlisted
September 22, 1862 ; age, 33 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Soldiers' Home, Tilton, N. H.

546

HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

Soorge %tJ. SmitA.

George Wilkins Smith, son of Captain Leander
Smith, was born in Mount Vernon, N. H., April 19, 1835.
He came to Antrim with his father in 1860, and enlisted
September 15, 1862, as x>rivate in Company I, Sixteenth
Regiment. He was mustered out August 20, 1863, and
died October 15 of the same year in consequence of his
severe army exposures, at Antrim, N. H. He was the
last of three brothers who gave their lives in the patriotic
defence of the Union.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 547
Ira C. Smith, [Ira Smith is the name given in Adjt,
Gen.'s report] born, Hubbardston, Mass.; enlisted Sep
tember 15, 1862 ; age, 44 ; mustered out August 20, 1863;
died March 20, 1880, at East Rindge, N. H.
Samuel P- Stephenson, born, Swanzey, N. H. ; enlisted
October 14, 1862 ; age, 18 ; discharged for disabilities
March 9, 1863, at New Orleans, La.; P. O. address South
Glens Falls, N. Y.
Demerit W. Stone, [Demerit Stone is the name given
in Adjt. Gen.'s report] born, Swanzey, N. H.; enlisted
October 13, 1862; age, 18; died June 18, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Henry S. Strickland, born', Lempster, N. H. ; enlisted
September 22, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out xAugust 20,
1863 ; died March 16, 1893, at Newport, N. H.
Alfred A. Tolman, born, Troy, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 5, 1862 ; age, 21 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died November 23, 1864, at Keene, N. H.
Henry E. Tolman, born, Troy, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 5, 1862 ; age, 19 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
P. O. address Richmond, N. H.
John Trainor, [John Tranor is name given in Adjt.
Gen's report] born, Boston, Mass.; enlisted November
14, 1862 ; age, 19 ; deserted November 14, 1862, at Con
cord, N. H.
E. Dwight Twitchell, [Edward D. Twitchell is the
name given in Adjt. Gen's report] born, Ontario, N. Y.;
enlisted September 15, 1862 ; age, 21 ; mustered out- Aug
ust 20, 1863 ; P. O. address 58 Hudson street, Rochester,
N. Y.

548 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Tolford R. Twitchell, born, Webster, N. Y.; en
listed September 15, 1862 ; age, 33 ; mustered out Aug
ust 20, 1863 ; P. O. address East Washington, N. H.
Oratus J. Vary, [Oratus J. Verry is the name given
in Adjt. Gen's report] born, Calais, Maine; enlisted
October 4, 1862 ; age, 20 ; mustered out August 20, 1863;
P. O. address West Swanzey, N. H.
Noyes G. Wheeler, born, Troy, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 8, 1862 ; age, 18 ; discharged for disabilities June
2, 1863, at New Orleans, La.; P. O. address Orange,
Mass. Vibbert C. Whipple, born, Warwick, Mass.; enlisted
September 5, 1862 ; age, 21 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Readsboro, Vt.
William (W.) Whipple, (2d) born, Warwick, Mass.,
enlisted September 5, 1862 ; age, 33 ; mustered out Aug
ust 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Rindge, N. H.
Sanford S, Wilber, born, Amherst, Mass.; enlisted
September 9, 1862 ; age, 41 ; died July 21, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
John Williams, born, Manchester, N. H.; enlisted
November 14, 1862 ; age, 22 ; deserted November 14,
1862, at Concord, X. H,
Thomas Nelson Woodward, born, Hubbardston,
Mass.; enlisted October 8, 1862; age, 18; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Keene, N. H.

ROSTER OF COMPANY K.

Captain ^osop/t *Ji, TjSiacAar.
Captain Joseph K. Thacher, born, Biddeford, Maine;
appointed captain Nov. 4, 1862; age, 37; mustered out
Aug. 20, 1863 ; died Jan. 5, 1892, at Portsmouth, N. H.
First Lieutenant George T. Wildes, born, Massa
chusetts ; enlisted October 21, 1862 ; age, 29 ; died April
20, 1863, at New. Orleans, La. See page 66.
Second Lieutenant William A. Haven, born, Ports
mouth, N. TL; enlisted October 21, 1862; age, 31; ap
pointed second lieutenant November 4, 1862 ; appointed
first lieutenant April 25, 1863 ; not mustered ; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Buffalo, N. Y.

550

HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

¦J't'rst lieutenant ^oorgro ZT. Il/tides.

First Sergeant James H. Emery, born, Portsmouth,
N. H.; enlisted Seiitember 1, 1862 ; age, 23 ; reduced to
ranks May 16, 1863 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died August 5, 1870.
Second Sergeant John H. Morrill, born, Chelmsford,
Mass.; enlisted September 17, 1862; age, 27; appointed
first sergeant May 16, 1863 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died July 17, 1873.
Third Sergeant Howard M. Chase, born, Stratham,
N. H.; enlisted September 12, 1862 ; age, 22; died Au
gust 17, 1863, at Memphis, Tenn.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 551
Fourth Sergeant Edwin J. Hobbs, born, Hampton,
N. H. ; enlisted September 16, 1862; age, 35; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Hampton, N. H.
Fifth Sergeant Israel S. Fletcher, born, Phippsburg,
Maine ; enlisted September 22, 1862 ; age, 20 ; mustered
out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address 12 Pickering street,
Portsmouth, N. H.
First Corporal Eleazor O. Additon, born, Hermon,
Maine ; enlisted October 13, 1862 ; age, 22 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address Saco, Maine.
Second Corporal Nathaniel Spinney, born, Eliot,
Maine ; enlisted October 8, 1862 ; age, 21 ; discharged
March 12, 1863, at Baton Rouge, La.
Third Corporal James A. Waterhouse, born, Port
land, Maine ; enlisted September 18, 1862 ; age, 27 ; must-
tered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address 2 Autumn
street, Portsmouth, N. H.
Fourth Corporal Daniel (D.) Danielson, born, Ports
mouth, N. TL ; enlisted October 3, 1862 ; age, 33 ; must
ered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. address 24 Hanover
street, Portsmouth, N. H.
Fifth Corporal William A. Rand, born, Portsmouth,
N. H.; enlisted September 2, 1862 ; age, 20 ; mustered out
August 20, 1863 ; volunteered for storming party at Port
Hudson, La., under General Order 49 ; P. O. address
South Seabrook, N. H.
Sixth Corporal Jacob Haddock, born, Saint Andrews,
N. B.; enlisted September 16, 1862; age, 40; mustered
out August 20,^1863.

552 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Seventh Corporal John B. Le Bosquet, born, Notting
ham, N. H.; enlisted September 15, 1862 ; age, 22 ; must
ered out August 20, 1863.
Eighth Corporal John L. Chase, born, Stratham, N.
H. ; enlisted September 12, 1862; age, 20 ; died August
20, 1863, at Memphis, Tenn.
Musician Charles H. Edny, born, Greenland, N. H.;
enlisted September 4, 1862 ; age, 17 ; mustered out Au
gust 20, 1863 ; died August 24, 1863.
Musician Samuel Ruvill, born, Topsham, Maine ; en
listed November 5, 1862 ; age, 18 ; deserted December
4, 1862, at New York City.
Wagoner Henry O. Ellingwood, born, Bethel, Maine;
enlisted September 1, 1862 ; age, 30 ; died March 1, 1863,
at Carrollton, La. PRIVATES.
Henry B. Adams, born, Farmington, N. H.; enlisted
October 31, 1862 ; age, 27 ; deserted November 1, 1862,
at Concord, N. H.
James Anderson, born, Albany, N. Y.; enlisted No
vember 5, 1862 ; age, 44 ; mustered out August 20, 1863;
died June 28, 1876.
Samuel G. Armour, born, Scotland ; enlisted October
13, 1862 ; age, 31 ; deserted November 3, 1862, at Con
cord, N. H.
Charles M. Avery, born, Vershire, Vt. ; enlisted Sep
tember 5, 1862; age, 19; transferred to Company A Jan
uary 1, 1863 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. ad
dress, Corinth, Vt.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 553
Samuel Blatchford, born, Eastport, Maine ; enlisted
September 15, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Portsmouth, N. H.
Thomas Brackett, born, Portsmouth, N. H.; enlisted
September 2, 1862 ; age, 28 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died July 29, 1895, at Portsmouth, N. TL
Henry M. Carter, born, Dublin; enlisted October 27,
1862 ; age, 44 ; died June 24, 1863, at New Orleans, La.
George E. Chapman, born, Stratham, N. H.; enlisted
September 12, 1862 ; age, 18 ; discharged to date August
20, 1863 ; died March 15, 1864, at Stratham, N. H.
James Cunningham, born, New York City ; enlisted
September 19, 1862 ; age, 44 ; appointed sergeant June
1, 1863 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; died June 25,
1890, at Portsmouth, N. H.
Franklin Dow, born, Kennebunkport, Maine ; en
listed September 20, 1862; age, 26; mustered out Aug
ust 20, 1863.
Isaac C. Drew, born, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; enlisted
September 2, 1862 : age, 22 ; discharged to date August
20, 1863 ; died September 1, 1863, in hospital at Albany,
N. Y.
William Dutton, born, Philadelphia, Pa,; enlisted
September 2, 1862 ; age, 30 : died August 17, 1863, at
New Orleans, La,
Hollis W. Fairbanks, born, Milford, Mass.; enlisted
October 7, 1862 ; age, 43 ; deserted December 3, 1862,
at New York City ; apprehended June 7, 1864 ; dis
charged with loss of pay and allowances July 7, 1865,
at Concord,*N. H.

554 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Theodore Fisher, born, Stoughton, Mass. ; enlisted
September 27, 1S62 ; age, 27 ; died June 15, 1863, at
New Orleans, La,
John Flynn, born, Portsmouth, N. H.; enlisted Octo
ber 6, 1862 ; age, 21 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
Otto Franck, born, Prussia ; enlisted November 1,
1862 ; age, 28 ; deserted November 3, 1862, at Concord,
N. H.
Frederick Franz, born, Austria; enlisted October 17,
1862 ; age, 28 : deserted December 1, 1862, at New York
City. George H Glawson, born, Boston, Mass. ; enlisted
November 21, 1862 ; age, 21 ; discharged July 24, 1863,
at Port Hudson, La.; P. O. address Hawk's Park, Fla.
Charles F. Goodwin, born, Acton, Maine ; enlisted
September 22, 1862 ; age, 21 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Portsmouth, N. H.
Thomas Goodwin, born, Boston, Mass.; enlisted Oc
tober 28, 1862 ; age, 30 ; deserted November 19, 1862, at
Concord, N. H.
Thomas J. Goodwin, born, Portsmouth, N. H.; en
listed September 16, 1862 ; age, 21 ; deserted January 6,
1863, at Carrollton, La.
Charles A. C. Gray, born, Portsmouth, N. H.; enlisted
October 27, 1862 ; age, 22 ; mustered out August 20, 1863;
P. O. address Portsmouth, N. H.
Alanson Hadley, born, Columbia, N. H. ; enlisted Sep
tember 13, 1862 ; age, 38 ; transferred to Company A Jan
uary 1, 1863 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; died August
27, 1863.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 555
Otis F. Haley, born, Gosport (?) ; enlisted September
18, 1862 ; age, 21 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O.
address Portsmouth, N. H.
Charles W. Hall, born, Barrington, N. TL; enlisted Oc
tober 13, 1862; age, 28; deserted November 1, 1862, :it
Concord, N. H.
John Hallisey, born, Ireland ; enlisted November 7,
1862 ; age, 21 ; deserted November 7, 1862, at Concord,
N. H.
John Higgins, born, York, Maine ; enlisted October 15,
1862 ; age, 28 ; discharged to date August 20, 1863.
George W. Hill, born, AA'akefielcl, N. II.; enlisted No
vember 12, 1862 ; age, 21 ; deserted November 13, 186.'. at
Concord, N. H.
Joseph G Holmes, born, York, Maine ; enlisted Oc
tober 29, 1862 ; age, 32 ; died April 13, 1863, at New Or
leans, La.
Rufus L. Jones, born, Randolph, N. H.; enlisted
August 26, 1862 ; age, 19 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
volunteered for storming party at Port Hudson, La.,
under General Order 49; died February 10, 1864, at
Warrenton, Va.
Christopher Kelenberk, born, Germany ; enlisted No
vember 10, 1862 ; age, 32 ; discharged March 17, 1863, at
New Orleans, La, died September 9, 1888.
Jacob F. Knight, born, Portland, Maine ; enlisted No
vember 8, 1862 ; age, 28 ; died August 3, 1863, at New
Orleans, La.
Philipp Krause, born, Prussia ; enlisted November 5,
1862 ; age, 24 ; deserted Not, 5, 1862, at Concord, N. II,

556 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

C/iarJGS us. v£eciL>/'tt.
Charles W. Leavitt enlisted as a private in Company
K, Sixteenth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers, and
was detailed as orderly for Generals Andrews and Ingra
ham during March, 1863, Port Hudson expedition. He
was afterwards detailed for special duty at General
Banks' headquarters, at New Orleans, La., and had
charge of prisoners of war, sent to Key AVest and Dry
Tortugas. He was relieved to accompany his regiment
home. His residence is 79 E. 10th street, New York, N. Y.
Bennett Laighton, born, Stratham, N. H.; enlisted
September 2, 1862 ; age, 19 ; appointed corporal ; died
August 20, 1863, at Buffalo, N. Y.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 557
John Leary, born, Ireland ; enlisted October 1, 1862 ;
age, 34 ; died June 10, 1863, at New Orleans, La.
Patrick Mahoney, born, Ireland ; enlisted November
7, 1862 ; age, 26 ; deserted Nov. 7, 1862, at Concord, N.II.
William Mason, born, Cambridge, Mass.; enlisted
November 11, 1862 ; age, 21 ; deserted November 20,
1862, at New York City.
Angus McAntire, born, Scotland ; enlisted October 17,
1862 ; age, 25 ; deserted October 25, 1862, at Concord,
N. H.
Daniel McCormick, Jr., born, Ireland; enlisted No
vember 10, 1862 ; age, 30 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
John Mcintosh, born, New York ; enlisted November
13, 1862; age, 23; deserted November 19, 1862, at Con
cord, N. H.
William J. Mills, born, Gorham, Maine ; enlisted No
vember 14, 1862 ; age, 42 ; mustered out August 20, 1863;
died April 15, 1889, at Portsmouth, N. H.
James Mitchell, born, England ; enlisted September
6, 1862 , age, 19 ; died August 9, 1863, near Vicksburg,
Miss. Elias S. Moores, born, Plainfield, N. IT. ; enlisted
September 10, 1862; age, 27 ; transferred to Company
A January 1, 1863 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
John Murphy, born, Cork County, Ireland ; enlisted
August 28, '1862 ; age, 36 ; mustered out August 20,
1863. Joseph E. Nash, born, Boston, Mass.; enlisted Sep
tember 11, 1862 ; age, 30 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; dred JVJay 30, 1884.

558 HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Franklin W. Neal, born, New Castle, N. H. ; enlisted
September 22, 1862 ; age, 35 ; discharged to date Aug-
20, 1863.
Timothy O'Leary, born, Ireland ; enlisted Septem
ber 17, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ;
died June 22, 1889.
Ephraim H. Packer, born, Greenland, N. H.; en
listed, October 17, 1862 ; age, 21 ; mustered out August
20, 1863 ; P. O. address 28 Chestnut street, Cambridge-
port, Mass.
Albert L. Payne, born, Springfield, N. H.; enlisted
September 6, 1862 ; age, 20 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died July 8, 1886.
Charles A. Pay son, born, Medford, Mass.; enlisted
October 14, 1862 ; age, 21 ; deserted October 25, 1862,
at Concord, N. H.
John H. Pearson, born Portsmouth, N. H.; enlisted
October 6, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; died August 22, 1863.
Charles M. Perkins, born, Hampton, N. H. ; enlisted
September 16, 1862 ; age, 35 ; mustered out August 20,
1863. Josiah D. Perkins, born, Hampton, N. H. ; enlisted
November 11, 1.862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20,
1863 ; P. O. address Hillsboro, New Mexico.
John Poole, born, Plainfield, N. IT.; enlisted Septem.
ber 10, 1862 ; age, 35 ; transferred to Company A Janu
ary 1, 1863 ; discharged to date August ?0, 1863 • died
1896.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 559
Orin Seavey, born, Saco, Maine ; enlisted October 18,
1862 ; age, 20 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. ad
dress 62 Essex street, Haverhill, Mass.
David S. Shattuck, born, Dorchester, N. H.; enlisted
September 3, 1862 ; age, 19 ; transferred to Company A
January 1. 1863 ; died July 12, 1864, at Lyme, N. 11.
James Shaw, Jr., born, England; enlisted September
2, 1862; age, 22; mustered out August 20, 1863; P. O.
address Aurora, 111.
John Shaw, born, England ; enlisted November 10,
1862 ; age, 32 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.
Robert Smart, born, Portsmouth, N. TL ; enlisted Oc
tober 11, 1862 ; age, 27 ; died June 11, 1863, at New Or
leans, La.
Enoch P. Smith, born, Raymond, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 5, 1862 ; age, 33 ; transferred to Company A Jan
uary 1. 1863 ; died July 26, 1863, at New Orleans, La,
James L. Smith, born, Portsmouth, N. H.; enlisted
October 16, 1862 ; age, 31 ; died June 8, 1863, at New Or
leans, La.
Charles Stewart, born, Scotland ; enlisted October 29,
1862 ; age, 28 ; deserted February 12, 1863, at Carrollton,
La. ; apprehended ; assigned to Company G, Eighth Regi
ment, New Hampshire Volunteers ; discharged October
25, 1864, at Natchez, Miss.; P. O. address Portsmouth,
N. H.
John Sullivan, born, Lowell, Mass.; enlisted Novem
ber 4, 1862 ; age, 31 ; deserted November 7, 1862, at
Concord, N. H.

660 HISTORV OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
George Sweet, born, Columbia, N. H.; enlisted Sep
tember 9, 1862; age, 32; transferred to Company A Jan
uary 1, 1863 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O. ad
dress Cornish Flat, N. H.
John Taylor, born, New York City ; enlisted October
29, 1862 ; age, 26 ; deserted October 31, 1862, at Concord,
N. H.
Isaac Thomas, born, England ; enlisted September 2,
1862 ; age, 46 ; died August 1, 1863, at Port Hudson, La,
Kendall H. Thomas, born, Medford, Mass.; enlisted
September 2, 1862; age, 19; transferred to Company A
January 1, 1863 ; mustered out August 20, 1863 ; P. O.
address Lebanon, N. H.
Mark W. Tucker, born, Portsmouth, N. H.; enlisted
October 27, 1862 ; age, 26 ; died February 8, 1863, at
Carrollton, La.
Charles Wagner, born, Germany ; enlisted November
1, 1862 ; age, 28 ; deserted November 3, 1862, at Con
cord, N. H.
Samuel W. Walden, [birthplace unknown] enlisted
October 22, 1862; age, 31; transferred from Company E
November 22, 1862 ; discharged to date August 20, 1863;
died August 28, 1863, at Memphis, Tenn.
James E. Walker, born, Portsmouth, N. H. ; enlisted
October 27, 1862 ; age, 23 ; died August 12, 1863, near
A^icksburg, Miss.
Benjamin F. Watkins, born, Portsmouth, N. H.; en
listed October 27, 1862 ; age, 22 ; died February 4, 1863,
at Carrollton, La.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS 561
Daniel Watkins, born, Portsmouth, N. TL; enlisted
November 3, 1862 ; age, 22 ; died August 13, 1863, at
Memphis, Tenn.
James Webester, born, London, England ; enlisted
November 13, 1862 ; age, 26 ; deserted November 19,
1862, at Concord, N. H.
John F. Whidden, born, Portsmouth, N. TL; enlisted
September 12, 1862 ; age, 36 ; died August 16, 1863, at
Memphis, Tenn,
George M. Wilkins, born, Henniker, N. IT. ; enlisted
October 13, 1862 ; age, 29 ; appointed quartermaster-
sergeant November 22, 1862 ; second lieutenant Com
pany K April 25, 1863 ; not mustered ; died August 26,
18G3, at Bellefontaine, Ohio.
Charles B. Woodman, born, Portland, Maine ; en
listed November 4, 1862 ; age, 21 ; deserted November
5, 1862, at Concord, N. H.
George A. Woodsum, born, Saco, Maine ; enlisted
September 23, 1862 ; age, 18 ; mustered out August 20,
1863. John F. Woodsum, born, Saco, Maine ; enlisted Sep
tember 23, 1862 ; age, 20 ; transferred from Company E
November 22, 1862 ; mustered out August 20, 1863.

It appears from the roster that the first enlistments in
Sixteenth New Hampshire Volunteers were Albert TL
Smart, Company D, August 6, 1862, and Charles AArilson,
Company D, August 6, 1862.

562 history of tiIe sixteenth regiment
SUMMARY.
Sixteenth New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry.
Original Number of Officers  39
Enlisted Men  875
Total  914
Died of Disease.
Officers  '5
Enlisted Men  205
Drowned, Enlisted Men  3
Total  213
Mustered Out or Discharged to Date August 20, 1863.
Officers  30
Enlisted Men  572
Total  602
Discharged on Other Dates.
Officers  4
Enlisted Men  48
Lost by Transfer  3
Deserted  44  99
Total  914
Died of Disease  210 23 percent.
Total Deaths From All Causes  213 23.3 " "
We have record of 52 deaths, August 1st to 19th, and
31 from August 20th to 31st, and 18 during the month
of September, 1863. Place of Birth.
United States  857 Germany  5
Ireland  17 Austria  ]
Canada  10 India  1
England  8 New Brunswick  1
Scotland  6 Unknown  8

A CAMP FIRE AT THE WEIRS.

SKETCH OF ORIGIN OF THE ASSOCIATION AND OF THE
CONSTRUCTION OF THE HEADQUARTERS BUILDING
OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT AT THE WEIRS.
By Comrades Oscar W. Baldwin and Henry L. Johnson.

^^?^^

BESIDE a large granite boulder, near the shore of
Lake AVinnipiseogee, at The AAreirs, N. H., the
Sixteenth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers
Association was organized in August, 1878. Captain
Elias F. Smith, of Company A, was elected President,
and was re-elected annually until 1882, when he declined
a re-election. We pitched our tents, 1880-'81, near where the Hotel
AAreirs now stands. During the year 1881 the State
authorities procured the construction of several barracks
for use of the State Association, and the Sixteenth Regi
ment Association was assigned quarters in No. 3, where
meetings were held annually until our cottage was ready
for occupancy in 1887.

566 HISTORY OP THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
Captain Aaron A. Clark, of Company C, was elected
President at the 1882 encampment and served two years.
Sergeant Oscar W. Baldwin, of Company A, was elected
President in 1884 and served until 1890.
There had been efforts made at the 1886 meeting, to
raise by personal subscriptions sufficient money to pay
for the construction of a cottage as a home for the
association when an expression of views was called for
by the President of the association. Henry L. Johnson
the present President being called upon responded that
"substantial means were more necessary than talk."
He placed a substantial contribution in the hands of the
President, and was followed in this by others, so that in
a few moments the association had about $700 in money
and pledges.
It was voted that Comrades Oscar W. Baldwin, George
E. Crowell and Albert W. Wiggin be appointed a com
mittee with full power to solicit contributions, make col
lections, and contract for the construction of a cottage,
the selection of plans being left to their good judgment.
The work was begun on the Association Home in the fall
of 1886 and the building was dedicated at our August,
1887, encampment, Captain John L. Rice, of Company
H, delivering the formal address. AATe were honored at
our 1887 encampment by a visit from General John C.
Fremont and other distinguished men of military fame.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

567

XTAe WaugAtor of t/ie Sfrotpemewit,

At our encampment, in August, 1888, the association
was presented with a flag by Mrs. Florence Johnson, a
native of Louisiana, and the wife of Comrade Henry L.
Johnson. She was unanimously elected "Daughter of
the Regiment." At our encampment in 1890 the last of
our indebtedness was paid and the building committee
was relieved from further duty.
Dr. Elbridge G. Beers, of Company A, was elected
President at our August, 1890, encampment, and served
two years. Lieutenant Philip C. Bean, of Company H,
was elected President at the August, 1892, meeting, and

568 HISTORY OE THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
was succeeded in 1894 by Henry L. Johnson, of Com
pany H, the present incumbent.
Immediately after our 1894 encampment an effort was
begun to discover the address of every living comrade.
This work involved great labor and patience, and the
data secured was published in 1895 as a souvenir roster,
containing 371 names, most of whom had responded to
communications. To Comrade Oscar W. Baldwin, chairman of- the build
ing committee, belongs much of the credit and honor of
providing our beautiful home. Comrades George E.
Crowell and Albert W. Wiggin ably seconded his efforts
and have our sincere appreciation for their generous
labor for the cause. The cottage was paid for by sub
scriptions contributed by members of the association and
prominent citizens, for which stock was issued in shares
of five dollars each. Since 1890 additions and improve
ments have been made, all of which will contribute to
the happiness and comfort of our comrades and friends
when visiting The Weirs.
Total number shares issued  219
The five largest stockholders are : SHARES.
Henry L. Johnson and wife  21
George E. Crowell  20
Samuel E. Holdin  10
Charles H. Woods  10
Oscar W. Baldwin  ,  9

OUR HEADQUARTERS.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.

571

The following comrades own shares, numbering from
one to six each :

AATilliam H. Abbott,
Edgar E. Adams,
Richard AAr. Allen,
Edward W. Atkinson,
Charles E. Austin,
Barton A- Ballou,
Philip C. Bean,
Elbridge G. Beers,
George AAr. Bosworth,
A. Boutwell,
William J. Bradford,
Hollis C. Brockway,
David E. Burbank,
John C. Caskin,
Harvey H. Carter,
Josejjh AAr. Chamberlin,
Edwin Chandler,
George C. Chase,
John B. Chase,
Thomas Chase,
Benjamin Cline,
Stephen P. Colby,
Martin L. Colburn,
George Cook,
Albert Cram,
Moses Crombie,
Levi M. Curtis,

Alonzo D. Davenx>ort,
AATilliam R. Dimond,
E. Porter Dodge,
Albert H. Drown,
George T. Dunfield,
George B. Elliott,
Charles TL Emerson,
Andrew S. Farnum,
Cyrus M. Fisk,
Squires Forsaith,
Benjamin C. Garland,
James L. Gerrish,
Francis A. Gile,
William A. Gile,
George E. Goodhue,
William AAr. Hall,
Joseph P. Heath,
Charles H. Herbert,
Andy Holt,
Daniel E. Howard,
Charles C. Hoyt,
Moses Hoyt,
Elbridge K. Jewett,
Joseph G. Johnson,
Nellie M. Johnson,
George T. Jones,
David Kendall,

572

HISTORY of the sixteenth regiment

Lucien M. Kilburn,
Marshall Kimball,
Alvah S. Libbey,
John IT. Loud,
Henry R. Martin,
Webster J. Martin,
Moses P. Millen,
George TL Melvin,
James A. Merrill,
William Norris,
George Noyes,
James B. Perry,
Sylvester H. Powell,
AATilliam A. Rand,
John L. Rice,
John F. Rush,

Charles W. Scott,
Hubert Sleeper,
David D. Smith,
Elias F. Smith,
Moses R. Smith.
Edward Stevens,
Joseph B. Thurber,
Rufus N. Tilton,
Luther C. Titcomb,
Luther T. Townsend,
Albert W. Wiggin,
Alden S. AVood,
Ellen R. Wood,
AATilliam C. AVood,
Daniel R. AAToodward,
Lucius B. AVright.

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. 573
AN active participation in the production of the work
and an intimate knowledge of the circumstances
attending the writing of our regimental history, impels
me toadd a tribute of sincere appreciation for the earnest
labor of* our historian, in preparing an accurate record
of our service, and in giving our regiment the place it
deserves in the history of New Hampshire.
Much difficulty attended the collecting of materials,
and great labor was required to arrange the subject-
matter in a manner that would preserve accurately the
facts and give no needless offense to anyone.
It is several years, as is well known, since Prof.
Townsend accepted the x>osition of regimental historian,
but other duties, and especially ihe failure of our asso
ciation to jirovide " ways and means " for the publica
tion of the work, caused him to hesitate in its preparation.
But when we were assured that the State of New
Hampshire would at least partly protect us against
financial loss, and feeling confident that our comrades
would secure the sale of the few extra copies not taken
by the state, he began the labor, applying his talent and
energy with the utmost faithfulness to the discharge of
the duty assigned him.
In doing this work our historian has spared himself
no labor, and has devoted more time — time that could
have been given to remunerative literary service — than
our comrades can realize.
He has manifested the same spirit of devotion to duty
that characterized his military service as adjutant and

574

HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT

ordinance officer, with the oft-assumed duties of physi
cian, commissary, nurse and chaplain.
His closing work therefore is but a continuation of
his efforts in 1862, 1863, to provide for us comforts to
supply our wants whenever in his power to do so, often
dividing his own rations with the humblest of our com
rades, walking that a sick or enfeebled man might ride
his horse, and frequently giving christian burial to our
fallen comrades when no other clergyman was able to
render this service.
His persistent efforts under most discouraging condi
tions, secured our removal from that death spot — Fort
Burton, Butte a la Rose, Louisiana, and saved the lives
of many of our comrades, who by reason of that success
ful effort will be permitted to read this record of their
service. Henry L. Johnson, President,
Sixteenth Regiment Association.